Serving the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas Volume XXXVI, No. 1 JANUARY 2016

DIOCESE OF SAN ANGELO NONPROFIT ORG. PO BOX 1829 US POSTAGE PAID SAN ANGELO TX 76902-1829 SAN ANGELO, TX PERMIT NO. 44 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Consecrated Life Pastor dies As the Year of Consecrated Fr. Romanus Akamike, Life winds down, Sister pastor of Sacred Heart Malachy Griffin, vicar of Church in Coleman, died women religious in the unexpectedly December Diocese of San Angelo, 12, 2015. He was 61 and says committing to the celebrated his 25th year in consecrated life is focus- the priesthood in Nov. ing your commitment on 2014. Obituary, Pg. 2 Christ, Pg. 6

Photo of Fr. Hilary Ihedioha, St. Mary’s Odessa, by Alan P. Torre / aptorre.com. More Doors of Mercy photos, Pg. 12-13. Page 2 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus The Inside Front Fr. Romanus, Coleman’s ‘dancing, singing priest,’ dies at 61 By Jimmy Patterson military. That call to serve ran Cathedral in San Angelo, his close Fr. Romanus was known as “the Editor / West Texas Angelus simultaneous to Nigeria’s Biafran friend and spiritual son Fr. Francis dancing, singing priest,” with a Civil War from 1967-1970, a partic- Onyekozuru told mourners that it greeting of “God is good, all the SAN ANGELO — When ularly dangerous time for those was after Fr. Romanus was freed time” at every Mass and to many Romanus Arinze Akamike was a called up. from his military recruitment that he people he met on the street. He cel- small boy in the Biafran region of One problem for the Biafran mili- chose to become a priest and to ebrated his 25th anniversary in the Nigeria, he suffered an accident that tary: With no bone in his right index devote his life to Jesus Christ and priesthood November 15, 2014. would render his right index finger finger, firing a weapon was impos- the Catholic Church. His congregation also turned out in nearly useless. Ultimately, he would sible. When Akamike proved that Fr. Romanus Akamike, pastor of full force for a Mass of Thanksgiving lose the first digit of the finger. disability, he was passed over for Sacred Heart Church in Coleman, several months after Fr. Romanus sur- Fr. Romanus service in the armed forces. died December 12, 2015, of natural vived a serious single-car rollover Akamike Years later, when he was a young man, it was his time to fulfill the At Fr. Romanus’ funeral Mass, causes. He had just returned from a (See Pg. 24 for December 23, 2015, at Sacred Heart visit to his homeland a day earlier. (Please See FR. ROMANUS/19) additional photos) commitment to serve his country’s Ecumenical retreat center progresses; groundbreaking set for summer of 2016 By Jimmy Patterson Editor / West Texas Angelus

MIDLAND — Organizers and volunteers are optimistic about achieving a groundbreaking date of June 2016 on an ecumenical retreat cen- ter in Midland. The Way Retreat Center will sit atop a rise of land on 20 acres adjacent to the intersection of East Loop 250 and Todd Road in northeast Midland. The retreat center will be the first of its kind in the area and organizers say their objective is to attract not only people of all faiths but busi- nesses and corporations, as well. “We want The Way to be a place where people in Midland-Odessa know they can turn for a retreat experience that will be spiritually enrich- ing for all Christians,” said board president Husband and wife Marc Ntibandetse and Mia Gatoni, standing, are Burundi natives who are members of Holy Family Catholic Church in Abilene. Although they are not refugees themselves, they work with refugees, like those shown here, Brian Fralin. “We also we want our local busi- who attend the church. (Photo by Loretta Fulton) ness community to know corporate boards or staffs of businesses, non-profits and churches Editor’s Note: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 Democratic Republic of the Congo, goes are also welcome to stay with us for an after- is Migrant and Refugee Jubilee Day as desig- to work every day at a cookie bakery in nated by Pope Francis. noon, a day or a weekend where their profes- Abilene Abilene. She doesn't have to worry about sional lives can also be nourished by the unique child care for her four children. Her Holy environment that we offer at The Way.” By Loretta Fulton Family brothers and sisters take care of Special to the West Texas Angelus One plus of the retreat center, organizer Mike Catholics that. LaMonica said, is its proximity to Midland-Odessa. "When I go to work," she said, "I leave The Way will eliminate the 30-60 minute drive to A simple remark by a refugee who has my babies with them." found a home at Abilene's Holy Family Stanton, the nearest retreat center. Such conven- care for The bond between the refugees and ience makes it possible for businesses, churches Catholic Church tells the story of just how church members is so strong that Nabinto well the church embraces newcomers, no and other organizations to utilize the center while and her husband, Cyprien, don't think knowing both work and family are nearby. refugees matter their background or status. twice about leaving their most precious Riziki Nabinto, who came to Abilene “This has been a longtime dream of many five years ago as a refugee from the people,” LaMonica said. “And this is God at (Please See REFUGEES/21) work in our community and through our church (Please See THE WAY/19) The Angelus JANUARY 2016 Page 3 CALENDARS From The Bishop’s Desk

BISHOP SIS’ SCHEDULE Sepulchre JANUARY 2016 14 — SAN ANGELO, Sacred Plentiful opportunities for indulgences 10 — SAN ANGELO, Christ Heart Cathedral, Rite of the King Retreat Center, Mass Election at 3:00 p.m. By Most Rev. Michael J. Sis a lifelong process of continuous undergo a process of purification with Deacon Candidates, 11 am 16-17 — SAN ANGELO, Bishop of San Angelo conversion and ongoing rehabilita- and restore those disrupted relation- 12 — SAN ANGELO, Christ Christ the King Retreat Center, tion of our human heart. ships. This process of purification the King Retreat Center, Mass Diocesan Spring Priests’ for seminary retreat, 4:30 p.m. Conference We are in a Jubilee Holy Year, Through the Sacrament of can take place either in this life or 15 — SAN ANGELO, V 18 — SAN ANGELO, Staff and any time a Jubilee comes Baptism, we receive forgiveness for in Purgatory. Whatever part of the Encuentro Team meeting at Lenten Day of Recollection at around, it is a great opportunity to our sins, and all punishment is process remains unfinished upon 6:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. renew our remitted, or canceled. Through the the death of our body must be com- 16 — BIG LAKE, St. Margaret 20 — SAN ANGELO, understanding Sacrament of Penance (Confession), of Cortona, Mass at 7:00 p.m. Diocesan Catholic Schools pleted in Purgatory, before entering 17 — RANKIN, St. Thomas, Commission at 9:00 a.m. of the Catholic sins are forgiven, and the eternal the full presence of God in Heaven. Mass at 8:00 a.m. 21 — Midland, St. Stephen, teaching on penalty that is due to sin is taken By God’s grace, an indulgence 17 — IRAAN, St. Francis of Rite of Election at 2:30 p.m. indulgences. away, but there remain conse- brings about the necessary purifica- Assisi, Mass at 9:30 a.m 22 — Houston, Holy Name Indulgences quences for sins that those who tion without the suffering that 17 — BIG LAKE, St. Margaret Retreat Center, Region X of Cortona, Mass at 11:30 a.m. Vocation Directors Meeting are often misun- have committed them must bear. would normally accompany it. By 19 — SAN ANGELO, 22 — Houston, St. Mary’s derstood. They These negative consequences of sin the gift of the grace of Jesus Christ Pastoral Center, Liturgical Seminary, Mass at 5:00 p.m. are not some are traditionally called the temporal and the prayers of the saints, the Commission meeting at 1p.m. 29 –March 2 — SAN ANGE- sort of discount punishment for sin. painful aspect of punishment is mit- 19 — SAN ANGELO, Holy LO, Christ the King Retreat Bishop Sis Angels, RCIA at 6:30 p.m. Center, Tex-Mex Border into Heaven, Our sin leaves marks on the soul igated or canceled by fostering its 20 — SAN ANGELO, Bishops’ Spring Meeting and they are not a mechanical ritual which do not automatically disap- medicinal aspect through other Pastoral Center, Priestly Life that automatically confers forgive- pear with Confession. We need to channels of grace. (St. John Paul II, and Formation Committee CHRIST THE KING ness. They inspire us to live more be progressively cleansed of these General Audience, Sept. 29, 1999) Meeting at 1:30 p.m. RETREAT CENTER 20 — WALL, St. Ambrose, JANUARY 2016 fruitful and holy lives, and thereby “residues” of sin and that is what an An indulgence is the remission of RCIA at 7:00 p.m. 10-15 Holy Trinity Seminary lead us to a more intimate union indulgence is about. It is a healing the temporal punishment that is due 21 — SAN ANGELO, Silent Retreat with God. medicine for the spiritual wounds for sin whose guilt has already been Pastoral Center, Catholic 17 First Holy Communion The greatest indulgence of all is that result from our sin. forgiven. Through an indulgence, Charitable Foundation Board Retreat-St. Ambrose Wall Jesus Christ, who was crucified for Every sin inevitably causes suf- Meeting at 1:30 p.m. 18 Heart of Mercy Prayer God grants that, through the prayer 22 — SAN ANGELO, Sacred Group our sins. We accept his forgiveness fering for the one who has commit- of the Church, the temporal punish- Heart Cathedral, Diocesan Pro- 22-24 Engaged Encounter when we make a sacramental ted it. Every sin creates disorder ment for sin is either reduced or Life Mass at 5:30 p.m. 24 Natural Family Planning Confession, and then we need to within our human soul. Sin also dis- eliminated. An indulgence is either 23-24 — CORPUS CHRISTI, 25 Deacon Quarterly follow the road of purification by rupts our relationships with God partial or plenary, according to NCDVD Hispanic Vocations 25 Heart of Mercy Prayer Workshop Group making changes in our action. An and others. Even after we have whether it removes either part or all 26 — SAN ANGELO, 29-30 First Methodist Midland indulgence should be seen as part of received forgiveness, we still must (Please See BISHOP/19) Pastoral Center, Presbyteral 31 CKRC Confirmation Retreat Council Meeting at 11:00 a.m. 26 — SAN ANGELO, FEBRUARY 2016 Newman Center, Theology on 1 Heart of Mercy Prayer Oportunidades abundantes para las indulgencias Tap at 7:00 p.m. Group Obispo Michael J. Sis emos que seguir el camino de la tan de nuestro pecado. 27 — SAN ANGELO, Newman 8 Heart of Mercy Prayer Center, Mass at 12:00 noon Group purificación por medio de hacer cam- Inevitablemente, todo pecado 27 — SAN ANGELO, 10 Ash Wednesday Estamos en un Año Santo de bios en nuestra acción. La indulgencia provoca sufrimiento a quien lo ha Pastoral Center, Vocation Team 12-14 Deacon Formation Jubileo. Cada vez que ocurre un debe ser vista como parte de un proce- cometido. Todo pecado crea desorden Meeting at 2:00 p.m. 15 Heart of Mercy Prayer Jubileo, es una gran oportunidad para so por vida de conversión continua y dentro de nuestra alma humana. El 27 — SAN ANGELO, Feast Group renovar nuestro rehabilitación en curso de nuestro pecado también perturba nuestras rela- of Santa Angela Event, evening 16-17 DOSA Priests Spring entendimiento de la corazón humano. ciones con Dios y los demás. Incluso, 28 — MIDLAND, St. Convocation Stephen, Knights of Columbus 19-21 Engaged Encounter doctrina católica A través del Sacramento del después de haber recibido el perdón, Appreciation Dinner at 6 p.m. 21 Natural Family Planning sobre las indulgen- Bautismo, recibimos el perdón por todavía tenemos que pasar por un pro- 22 Heart of Mercy Prayer cias. nuestros pecados, y todo tipo de casti- ceso de purificación y restaurar esas FEBRUARY 2016 Group Las indulgencias go es remitido, o cancelado. A través relaciones quebradas. Este proceso de 7 — SAN ANGELO, St. 24 DOSA Staff Mass & Lunch son a menudo mal del Sacramento de la Penitencia purificación puede llevarse a cabo ya Joseph Parish, Adult Diocesan 25-28 Small Town ACTS entendidas. No son (Confesión), los pecados son perdona- sea en esta vida o en el Purgatorio. Confirmation Mass at 3:00 p.m. 28 CKRC Confirmation 9 — Midland, Prayer Breakfast Retreat algún tipo de des- dos, y la pena eterna que es debido por Cualquier parte del proceso que per- 10 — Midland, Ash 29-Mar-3 Tex-Mex Border cuento para llegar el pecado es quitado, pero permanecen manece pendiente al tiempo de la Wednesday, Mass at Midland Bishops al Cielo, y tampoco consecuencias, las cuales han de ser muerte de nuestro cuerpo debe ser College at 12:00 Noon son un ritual Obispo Sis soportadas por quienes los han cometi- completado en el Purgatorio, antes de 10 — Odessa, Ash NECROLOGY mecánico que con- do. Estas consecuencias negativas del entrar en la presencia plena de Dios en Wednesday, Mass at Odessa FEBRUARY College at 5:30 p.m. 5-Deacon David King (2006) fiere automáticamente perdón. Las pecado son tradicionalmente llamadas el Cielo. 11 — Dallas, Ordination of 9-Rev. Albert Fuytinck, indulgencias nos inspiran a vivir vidas pena temporal por los pecados. Por la gracia de Dios, una indulgen- Bishop Greg Kelly at 2:00 p.m. C.SS.R.(1997) más fructíferas y santas, y así mismo Nuestro pecado deja marcas en el cia produce la purificación necesaria 13 — SAN ANGELO, Holy 10-Rev. Leo E. Lavoie (1978) nos llevan a una unión más íntima con alma las cuales no desaparecen sin el sufrimiento que normalmente lo Angels, Diocesan Pastoral 15-Rev. Frank Colacicco Dios. automáticamente con la Confesión. acompañaría. Por el don de la gracia Musicians Event at 9:00 a.m. (2006) La mayor indulgencia de todo es Tenemos que ser limpiados progresi- de Jesucristo y las oraciones de los 13 — SAN ANGELO, Sacred 20-Deacon Mark Reeh (2005) Heart Cathedral, Mass at 5:00 21-Rev. Tom Kelley (2005) Jesucristo, que fue crucificado por vamente de estos "residuos" del peca- santos, el aspecto doloroso de la pena p.m. followed by Annual 22-Rev. Francisco Lopez nuestros pecados. Aceptamos su do. Eso es lo que se trata con una se mitiga o se cancela por medio de 13 — Section Meeting of the (1994) perdón cuando hacemos una indulgencia. Es una medicina curativa Equestrian Order of the Holy Confesión sacramental, y luego ten- para las heridas espirituales que resul- (Mira OBISPO/18) Page 4 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus

DIOCESAN BRIEFS Ordination Day: Anthony Franco Author’s Note From Fr. Knick and Sandie Knickerbocker: Fr. Knick and Sandie regret that we inadver- tently submitted a preliminary draft of the December article rather than the final edited copy. Please excuse the omissions and errors. Bread of Life Retreat Holy Angels will once again be hosting the Bread of Life Retreat January 29-31, 2016. The retreat is Eucharistic centered and will be led by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The retreat is for youth in grades 7-12 and all youth attending must be with a parish youth group. Packets have been mailed to every parish/mission. If you have not received the information or have questions, please call Lori Hines at 325-942-8192 or email her at [email protected] Deadline to register is January 22. Deadline to order t- shirts is January 11.

Spiritual Warfare: A Woman’s Retreat All women are invited to “Spiritual Warfare: A Women’s Retreat” led by Dr. Margarett Schlientz and Sally Robb. It is hosted by the St. Stephen’s Women’s Organization and will be held at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church on Saturday, February 6, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost of the retreat is $20 by pre-registration only and includes lunch. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more infor- mation, call Mary at (432)978-9311 or Gladys at (432)520-7394. Reservations may be made at St. Stephen’s Parish Office.

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat forthcoming If you feel like you are being crushed by the weight of abortion pain, consider a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat, a safe place to share your Anthony Franco, left, a native of Colorado City and longtime parishioner at St. Ann in Colorado City, was ordained a transi- story and find healing. The next retreat scheduled in the area will be in Lubbock, tional deacon at his home parish, December 19, 2015. Bishop Michael J. Sis, right, is shown following the Promise of the April 15-17, 2016. For more information,c all Elect, in which the candidate, Franco, responds to a series of questions regarding fulfilling his role as a deacon and making Kathy Krile, 806-577-5912. a choice to remain celibate for the sake of the Kingdom in lifelong service to God and the Church. (Photo by Jimmy Patterson) Concert for Life Good Shepherd Anglican Church will host a Concert for Life, Saturday, January 23, 2016, with proceeds going to benefit the San Angelo Pregnancy Help Center. The concert Texas bishops issue statement on refugees will showcase local musicians of all ages, as well as feature a chili snackbar and silent Catholic leaders in state call for service to those in need — from all auction. Texas Catholic Conference maintain security at home while also existing agreements and federal law. All Spring pilgrimage to welcoming refugees. The Bible abounds cases will be handled in the same manner The Texas Catholic Bishops encourage with calls for us to demonstrate hospital- in which they have been handled in the Holy Land, Italy all parties—including governmental lead- ity to those in need. In Romans 12:13, past, and in agreement with established Travel with Fr. Arockia Raj Chinnappa Gali from St. Lawrence Catholic Church on a pil- ers, political officials, and advocates—to we are told that Christians should guidelines, which include sharing infor- grimage, March 28-April 10, 2016. Stops avoid impulsive judgments in setting “extend hospitality to strangers.” Christ mation with state and local stakeholders. include Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, public policies regarding the placement himself expressed praise and apprecia- At the same time, we remain open to Capernaum, Rome, Assisi, Tuscany, of Syrian refugees. The horrors of mod- tion to those who expressed compassion, working with government agencies to Florence, and Venice. Cost for the 14-day trip ern terrorism are frightening, but they for “…I was a stranger and you wel- ensure strenuous measures that assure will be $4,799 (Airfare included from any- demand from us a strong renewal of our comed me” (Matthew 25:31-46). public safety and security to legitimate where in the U.S.). For more information call Proximo Travel at 1-855-842-8001. faith and our commitment to Christian Our Catholic refugee agencies will refugees needing assistance, but in a way www.proximotravel.com. teachings and the common good. continue to resettle refugees in the that balances our concerns and commit- We firmly believe that it is possible to United States in accordance with our ments to mercy and compassion. The Angelus JANUARY 2016 Page 5

Catholic Schools Week: January 31-February 6, 2016 Catholic high school board tackling necessary pre-construction steps By Jimmy Patterson five-year plan while awaiting the arrival Christ at work.” said. “The benefits will not just be for my Editor / West Texas Angelus of a donation deed from Fasken Oil & Holland said that with a Catholic high kids but for the entire area. It is time con- Ranch, which donated the land needed school in Midland — physically situated suming, arduous and not an easy task, but MIDLAND — With a target ground- for the high school. The as-yet unnamed where it can also serve students in Andrews I am committed to see this through.” breaking date of the spring of 2017, school will be located at the intersection and Odessa — it will help the Church to Other board members are Bishop board members overseeing the develop- of Texas Highway 349 (Tom & Nadine offer the complete package, from preschool Michael J. Sis, Fr. Michael Rodriguez, ment of a Catholic High School in the Craddick Highway) and Holiday Hill and elementary Catholic educations to Sister Elizabeth Swartz, Albert Casias, Permian Basin continue to remain opti- Road, in far northwest Midland. Catholic ministries available at local col- Jim Cox, Mary Jaramillo, Jaime Ramos, mistic at the incremental steps being “We’re also working on funding our leges and universities. Elias Reyes, and Gorge Salinas. taken — steps that are necessary, even start-up expenses,” Holland said. “We Midlander Roy Ramirez, a parishioner For more information or to make a vital, to the process. need money to operate and so are devel- at Our Lady of Guadalupe, says the work financial contribution, visit the web site Board president Wendy Holland said oping a core group of people who share of bringing a Catholic school to the area at permianbasincatholic.org. volunteers are currently working on a our ideals and have a love for Catholic is not easy, but needed. education and a desire to see the Body of “It will be well worth the sacrifice,” he Catholic schools need 'strong priestly presence,' says foundation head By Beth Griffin Catholic News Service

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. — A Catholic school needs "a St. Ann’s students, left strong priestly presence" or it "is going to move in a to right, Vanessa problematic direction," said Father Peter M.J. Rodriguez (7th), Wilana Stravinskas, executive director of the Catholic Gamero (7th), Emilee Education Foundation. Jones (6th), Jodeci "The school effort rises and falls with the priest. If Carabajal (6th), Aly he's engaged, it thrives," he explained. "If he's indiffer- Diaz (6th), Isabella ent, the best efforts get undermined." Valles (6th), Terra Bentley (House The priest led a seminar at the Immaculate Leader), Simon Conception Seminary in Huntington, N.Y., August 18- Matchus (7th) and 19 for priests from 13 dioceses. The program combined Caitlinn Gamero (St. history and church teaching about Catholic education Ann's alumni). with practical advice on how priests can be valuable witnesses to the faith by their presence in the schools. Priests should build time into their schedules to be Being the Change: Unifying students, with students on the playground, in the cafeteria, at sporting events and in the classroom. "You don't have to be a theologian to teach high school religion. If you can meeting community needs, instilling values teach hormone-raging juniors and seniors, you can do anything," Father Stravinskas said. "But you have to be By Janis Harrington and our middle school students to look tem are many: unifying students, authentic, or they can smell it a mile away." Katherine Jones more closely at their faith, connect developing a feeling of pride for St. He added, "My greatest joy is being able to drop into St. Ann’s School students both within and across Ann’s School, recognizing the gifts a first- or second-grade class." grade levels, and better serve their and strengths of each other, expos- The priest is an important resource for the faculty and MIDLAND — In the spring of school and the greater community. ing students to needs within the administration for pastoral input, theological advice, 2010, St. Ann’s middle school Five years later, not only has this school, parish, and greater commu- counseling, outreach to parents and grandparents, and teacher Chelsea Frederickson and program enhanced the middle nity, supporting academic achieve- welcoming new families. "We never enrolled children in Principal Joan Wilmes, attended a school experience for our students, ment, and promoting teamwork and our school, we enrolled families, to make the point that National Catholic Educational but it has instilled the core values cooperation. Quoting Henry Ford, parents are the first educators of their children," he said. Association (NCEA) breakout ses- of leadership, friendship, charity, “Coming together is a beginning, The bishop sets the tone for Catholic education in a sion introducing the Middle School and academic diligence in those keeping together is progress, work- diocese and can influence vocations by his placement of House System. This fortuitous ses- students who have since left for ing together is success.” priests, Father Stravinskas said. Most seminarians are sion inspired them both to create higher education. In the fall of 2010, St. Ann’s graduates of Catholic high schools, he said, adding that our own system that would invite The objectives of our house sys- (Please See CHANGE/21) (Please See SCHOOLS/21) Page 6 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus The Year of Consecrated Life Focused commitment to Christ cornerstone of the consecrated life

Editor’s Note: The Year of Consecrated Life draws to a close in February 2016.

By Sister Marie Malachy Griffin, OP

Dear God, please, no!! I beg you: listen, hear me. Thank you for thinking of me, but do give another Catholic girl this gift of a religious voca- tion. I found myself praying this many times during high school and my early college years. Mt. Carmel “‘Roses, roses, roses’ will be your secret Hermitage, code. Realize that all incoming and outgo- Christoval ing mail is read. Use this code in a letter S. Griffin home if you decide that being a Sister is Photo by not for you. Your Mother and I will arrive at the Alan P. Torre Motherhouse to claim you, our beloved daughter, and bring you home,” my Father told me as he and my family took me to Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, to begin the process of becoming a Religious, orders in the Diocese of San Angelo woman religious. How did I get from “Dear God, please, no … to roses?” Sisters and Where They Serve Heart Parish, Abilene) Sr. Guadalupe Ibanez Santos, ICAS Sr. Frances Alonzo, OSF (retired) Sr. Delia Herrera, MCDP (CCA Eden (Our Lady of Guadalupe, Ft. Stockton). During a retreat as a college sophomore, the director said Sr. Leonila Torres Bermudez, ICAS Detention Center) Sr. Mary Joseph Solis, O.CARM he believed a minimum of 10 percent of the retreat attendees (Our Lady of Guadalupe, Ft. Stockton) Sr. Tita Iglesias, OND (Holy Spirit (Our Lady of Grace Monastery) were being called by God but were not answering. Oops! I Sr. Rita Campos, OSF (St. Mary’s Parish, Sweetwater) Sr. Mary Theodore Therese could name one! Then and there I said, “Okay. I’ll go.” School, Odessa) Sr. Imelda Kensinger, O.CARM (Our Sridhanyata, O.CARM (Our Lady of On September 8, 1959, after completing two years of col- Sr. Mary Grace Erl, O.CARM (Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Christoval) Grace Monastery) lege, I joined 94 other women who began the Novitiate as Lady of Grace Carmelite Monastery, Sr. Kathy Kudlac, OSF (Director, Sr. Elizabeth Swartz, SSND Christoval) Newman Center, Angelo State Univ.) (Superintendent of San Angelo Sinsinawa Dominicans. A year later, 70 of us received the Sr. Kate Fitzgerald, CDP (St. Ann’s Sr. Hilda Marotta, OSF (Director, Diocese Catholic Schools, El Paso). habit. In 1961, at the first Profession of the vows we were School, Midland) Office of Evangelization and Sr. Virginia Isabel Tadeo, OND (Holy asked by the Superior, “What do you ask?” Our response Sr. Adelina Garcia, OSF (Associate Catechesis, San Angelo) Redeemer Parish, Odessa). was, “The mercy of God and yours.” We were asking to Director, Office of Evangelization and Sr. Gertrudis Munoz Mendieta, ICAS Sr. Elizabeth Villegas, OND (St. have the sentiments of the heart of Jesus so as to seriously Catechesis, San Angelo) (Our Lady of Guadalupe, Ft. Stockton) Joseph’s Parish, Odessa). follow Him. All life is gift, all is mercy. God’s mercy to us Sr. Elsa Garcia, CDP (St. Ann’s Sr. Deborah Mumaw, OSF (St. Midland) Mary’s School, Odessa) Hermitages and Monasteries is immeasurable. And we were called to be merciful to all. Sr. Marie Malachy Griffin, OP Sr. Mary Michael Nerlinger, O.CARM Hermitage of Cherith, Rev. John What is consecrated life? It is a way of being a Christian, (Director, Office of Religious, San (Our Lady of Grace Monastery) Kuehner of the Holy Spirit recognized by the Church, whereby women (or men who Angelo) Sr. Alicia Realino, OND (St. Mary’s Mt. Carmel Hermitage, Hermits of choose membership in religious congregations) commit Sr. Jyothi Gumpula, CSA (Sacred School, Odessa). (Please See ORDERS/20) themselves to follow Jesus Christ in a very focused or exact- ing way. For the love of God they promise to observe the binding counsels (vows) of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Sisters’ numbers shrinking yet becoming more diverse After 800 years, Dominican spirituality remains true to the WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A new report on U.S. the presence of international women religious in the vision of Saint Dominic de Guzman (1170-1221). The four women religious said that religious life is becoming United States and their evolving ministries in response pillars or core principles and goals are: prayer, study, not only more multiethnic but more international as to church and societal needs. preaching, and community. well. The report, released Dec. 9, was commissioned by Prayer opens us to the Spirit of God within and helps us to The report, "Understanding U.S. Catholic Sisters FADICA, Foundations and Donors Interested in seek and follow God’s will for us. Dominicans contemplate Today," said that of all women who entered religious Catholic Activities, which represents about 50 philan- and give to others the fruit of their contemplation. Prayer life in the past 10 years, only 57 percent were white, thropic organizations. was both familiar and new. The form prayers took changed while 17 percent were Hispanic, 16 percent were It highlights the major findings of the latest socio- with maturity, life events, learning, studying, and retreat Asian, and 8 percent were black -- including both logical studies of U.S. women religious. The report experiences. During a sabbatical from my teaching ministry, African-American women and those born in Africa. was written by Kathleen Sprows Cummings, director I was given the unusual opportunity to be a long-term guest Because of the growing numbers of foreign-born of the Cushwa Center for the Study of American at Our Lady of Mississippi Abbey, where we gathered for women religious, the report noted, Trinity Washington (Please See CONSECRATED/20) University recently received a grant to study and map (Please See NUMBERS/20) The Angelus JANUARY 2016 Page 7 Procedural changes for annulment cases announced By Fr. Tom Barley, JCL forms, the time it takes to complete the annul- riage at the time of consent; both parties and the Judicial Vicar ment process may be much briefer, depending Defender of the Bond are in agreement that the Diocese of San Angelo on how long it takes to get witness-effective tes- marriage was invalid at the time of consent; and timonies. The automatic appeal to the appellate if all of the proofs can be gathered and the On August 15, 2015, Pope Francis issued two court in San Antonio is no longer in effect. This investigation process of the Tribunal can be apostolic letters that have a significant effect on will shorten the process by six months to a year completed within a thirty day period from the the annulment process. The first was Mitis et after the tribunal’s decision of the case in San time the case was received by the Tribunal. misericors Iesus by which the canons of the Angelo. Now in the ordinary process after the When these three factors are in place, the case Code of Canons of the Eastern Catholic case has been decided at the level of the can be presented to the Bishop as the judge of Churches regarding the nullity of marriage are Tribunal in San Angelo and no appeal has taken the case. After hearing from all parties in the reformed. The second, which pertains to the place within the allowed 15 days after notifica- case and having reviewed the proofs, the Bishop Fr. Tom Barley, JCL Roman Catholic Church, was Mitis Iudix tion, then the case is completed. can make the decision concerning the nullity of Dominus Iesus by which the canons of the Code In addition to the ordinary process, which has the case. If the Bishop decides the case in favor of Canon Law pertaining to cases regarding the been how cases have been decided in the past, of nullity of the marriage, there is no appeal of nullity of marriage were reformed. These two there is a new abbreviated process. The follow- his decision. The entire process must be com- reforms took place on December 8, 2015 on the ing factors must be present: a case is deemed by pleted within 45 days of the reception of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. While the the Judicial Vicar to be an obvious case of inva- process is not easier, as in the mere filling out of lidity due to certain circumstances in the mar- (Please See ANNULMENTS/23)

Greg & Lisa Popcak Speaking of Saints Nones are on the rise: Does Through perseverence, St. Hilary divorce cause unbelief? purges heresy from entire country Dr. Greg Popcak perpetual samplers, cobbling together By Mary Lou Gibson orator, married, and had a daughter, Abra their own hybrid spiritualities from the (or Afra). He was born into a wealthy I recently gave a radio interview about religious buffet. This difference in the History has given us many examples of pagan family in 315 and it was only the latest Pew Center finding that character of contemporary "nones" speaks the problems that result when theology through his studies when he came in con- "nones" (unchurched/"spiritual not reli- to a deep sense of spiritual ambivalence. and politics are joined together. In the tact with the scriptures, that he was con- gious") are the fourth century, it verted and baptized. Writing later of his fastest growing The Root of Spiritual Ambivalence was the controver- conversion when he was about 35, he demographic on the Ken Pargament, professor of religion sy over Arianism, wrote, “I said to myself that if the pres- religious scene. The and psychology at Bowling Green the heresy that ent life is not given us to set us on the interviewer asked University has conducted ground-break- denied the divinity road to eternal life, than it is not a bene- me if I thought the ing research into what might be consid- of Jesus, and fit from God.” increasingly secular ered spiritual disorders; that is, unhealthy embroiled reli- According to Burns, the Christian peo- culture was respon- approaches to the natural human drive gious leaders and ple of Poitiers chose Hilary as their bish- sible for both the for meaning-making and significance. many rulers and op while he was possibly still a layman loss of faith and the He found that spiritual ambivalence threatened to split because sometimes the people chose a breakdown of the tends to be rooted in too-early disillu- the empire. layman of good repute to be their bishop. family. I surprised him by saying that the sionment in one's parents. While healthy Paul Burns writes in “Butler’s Lives of Hilary accepted and was immediately research suggests it just might be the development requires that every child the Saints” that Arius taught “that the drawn into a period of theological con- other way around — that the rise in both eventually realize his or her parents Son was created out of non-being, that troversy resulting from Arius’ teaching. nones and a more secular culture can be aren't perfect, when this disillusionment there was a time when he did not exist, When Constantine’s son Constantius more directly tied to the high divorce happens too early, children become spiri- that his nature was capable of good and became sole emperor, he promoted rate. Here's why: tually self-protective. Part of a parent's evil, that he is a creature and created.” Arianism against the pope. Bishop Hilary jobs is to help children make sense of the Constantine summoned a council in 325 soon became the outspoken champion of Seekers vs. Samplers world. Premature disillusionment tends at Nicaea in Phrygia to settle the ques- orthodoxy against the Arians. Today's Millennial "nones" are different to cause children to distrust any authority tion. Burns writes that the Council The Emperor called a synod in Milan than nones of the past. Previously, the figure's role in helping them find mean- defined the doctrine that the Son was “of in 355 to further the spread of Arianism unchurched were seekers. While they ing and significance in life. These chil- one being” with the Father, and excom- in the West. Hilary wrote his First Book often spent some part of young adulthood dren tend to believe that they and they municated Arius. This did not solve the to Constantius begging him to restore unaffiliated with any denomination, they alone have the right to decide what is problem, however, because Arius’ views peace to the Church. Burns writes that almost always landed somewhere — usu- and isn't true. Letting anyone else help continued to be promulgated in the East. Hilary did not attend two synods con- ally the church of their childhood. By them in this role can make them feel too In 350, Hilary of Poitiers (an area in voked in Gaul by the emperor to get the contrast, today's nones are resistant to vulnerable and even violated. They southwestern France) was a recently landing. Rather than seekers, they are (Please See POPCAK/22) elected bishop. At the time he was an (Please See SAINTS/22) Page 8 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus

Audit shows San Pope for a Day Angelo Diocese in full compliance SAN ANGELO — During the month of September 2015, the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo completed an audit of its Safe Environment Programs with auditors from Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York, an independent firm commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), to insure compliance with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. In a letter dated November 25, 2015, Stonebridge Business Partners advised that “the Diocese of San Angelo is in compliance with the data collection requirements for the 2014/2015 Charter audit period.” The Charter, originally adopted by the USCCB in November 2002, sets forth specific requirements which enable dioceses across the country to establish safe environment programs to protect children and youth from sexual abuse as wells as other forms of abuse. During this audit, Diocesan Safe Environment Policies; Safe Environment Programs for church personnel, par- ents, and children; as well as procedures for assisting victims of sexual abuse were examined. “As Bishop, I am happy to report that Stonebridge has informed us that, based on the analysis of the audit, Students in Rachel Vega’s religious education class at St. Mary in San Angelo show off their papal miters, which the Diocese of San Angelo will continue its status of the class made September 27, 2015, during Pope Francis’ visit to the United States. In celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the class later made and wore Juan Diego’s tilmas. being in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” said Most Rev. Michael J. Sis, bishop of the diocese. “Since implemen- tation of the Charter, and the first compliance audit in 2003, the diocese has been found to be in full compli- ance with all articles of the Charter in each audit period. Our Lady of Guadalupe I am pleased with the results of this audit and grateful for the hard work of hundreds of people throughout our diocese in 29 counties — pastors, deacons, women reli- gious, and lay leaders — who provide a safe and sacred environment for all of our children and youth in the many programs and ministries we provide for them. Once again, this audit has given us a great opportunity to step back and see what we have accomplished, and explore areas where we can make adjustments or improvements.” Since 2002 the Diocese of San Angelo has conducted background checks and Safe Environment Training for over 10,000 individuals who work with children and youth throughout the Diocese. In addition, over 14,000 parents and other interested parties have attended semi- nars that the diocese has presented on Preventing Child Sexual Abuse. “The diocese will continue to move forward, continu- ing efforts, not only to provide a safe environment for our children and youth in our church programs, but also to raise the awareness of child sexual abuse and steps that everyone can take to help protect our children,” Bishop Sis said. “In accord with the Charter, I, along Bishop Michael J. Sis, second from right, with Fort Stockton Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioners at the completion with the other Bishops of the U.S., invite all churches of a skit about Our Lady of Guadalupe. From left to right, Renee Ibarra, Bishop Sis, Katie Salmon, Uber Granado, and agencies of society to join hands in efforts to prevent Sophia Franco, Isaac Franco and Jared Lujan. The skit focused on the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe to San sexual abuse, especially of children.” -- The Angelus Juan Diego, instructing him to tell the bishop to build a church there. The Angelus JANUARY 2016 Page 9

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Images from the Mass celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Fort Stockton. (Courtesy photos) Page 10 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus

2015: The Diocesan Year in Pictures

Many thanks to the parishes of the Diocese of San Angelo. Pastors, asso- ciate pastors, women religious, deacons, staff members, church secre- taries and parishioners from throughout the diocese consistently provided the West Texas Angelus with photos and stories of their parish in action in 2015. We are grateful and honored to help share your stories and events.

On this page, a selection of memorable images from 2015, including four priestly ordinations (at right in photo above, Fr. Bala Anthony Govindu, currently serving at St. Stephen’s in Midland, was ordained January 3, 2015 at Sacred Heart Church in Abilene; at right, three priests were ordained May 30, 2015. Previously pub- Below, Bishop Michael J. Sis greets a young parishioner after a confirma- lished photos by tion Mass at St. Ann’s in Midland; Below center, Bishop Sis stops for a Jimmy Patterson, quick bite following a long day during the papal visit to Philadelphia in Karen Patterson September. and Alan P. Torre.

The young adult group from St. Mary’s in San Angelo joined Bishop Sis for a photo on the steps of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, and, lower right, Bishop Sis speaks to young people at Grandparents’ Day at St. Mary in Odessa. The Angelus JANUARY 2016 Page 11 Year in Review Francis in ‘15: Ecology, refugees and mercy ... lots of mercy

By Cindy Wooten Pope Francis greets Catholic News Service prisoners at the Curran- Fromhold Correctional VATICAN CITY— At the Vatican and on five conti- Facility in Philadelphia nents in 2015, Pope Francis continued to encourage and Sept. 27. "The bishops demonstrate a style of evangelization that emphasizes welcome the modest walking with people, listening to them and showing bipartisan effort to them God's mercy. reform our criminal jus- tice system," said From the heart of the universal church to the heart of Archbishop Thomas G. Africa, the pope showed how Christians with a joyful, Wenski of Miami, chair- living faith take calculated risks, engage in discernment man of the U.S. bish- and even debate, and resist the natural temptation to ops' Committee on stay safe and cozy at home, letting everything move Domestic Justice and along like it always has. Human Development. On the 1,000th day of his pontificate, which began (CNS photo/Paul March 13, 2013, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in Haring) St. Peter's Basilica and inaugurated the Year of Mercy to help Catholics "rediscover the infinite mercy of the Father, who welcomes everyone and goes out personally to encounter each of them," he said at Mass Dec. 8. With his gestures, homilies and speeches, the first 33 months of his pontificate led toward that door in a way hurl at others." In the document department, the highlight of the year very much like the early years of St. John Paul II's ener- The pope and synod affirmed repeatedly that God's was the release in June of his much-anticipated encycli- getic papacy prepared him to lead the church into the ideal for the family is based on the marriage of one man cal on the environment, "Laudato Si'." new millennium, calling Catholics to throw open the and one woman, united for life and open to having chil- Although forcefully insisting on a need to mitigate cli- doors of their hearts to Christ. dren. Without acting as if every form of modern family mate change and clean up polluted land, air and water, Pope Francis' call, building on St. John Paul's, is for life was equally valid, but also without "demonizing Pope Francis' encyclical took a broader view of ecology those who have experienced Christ's love to throw open others," the pope said at the end of the gathering, the and called people to treat all of creation -- including the doors of their churches and their hearts to others, synod wanted "to embrace fully and courageously the poor people -- with respect and concern because a lack welcoming them in with gestures of tenderness. goodness and mercy of God, who surpasses our human of respect for creation is a lack of respect for God who He showed a willingness to take risks to spread the calculations and wants nothing other than that 'all would created all that exists. message when he decided to anticipate the Holy Year be saved.'" "The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and far from the Vatican. Ten days before the jubilee began Pope Francis, who was to celebrate his 79th birthday more like an immense pile of filth," the pope wrote in at St. Peter's, he opened the Holy Door at the cathedral Dec. 17, said from the beginning of his pontificate that the document. in violence-torn Bangui, Central African Republic, Nov. he would not be a globetrotter and did not particularly At the United Nations in New York, at U.N. offices in 29. Despite security concerns, the Vatican newspaper like to travel. In 2015, like previous years, his summer Nairobi and in speeches at the Vatican, Pope Francis reported, he told the pilot flying him to Africa that if a break was a "staycation" inside the Vatican and not the urged world leaders meeting at the Paris Climate landing in Bangui was not possible, "give me a para- change of scenery in Castel Gandolfo his predecessors Conference in December to put the needs of the earth chute." enjoyed. and its inhabitants -- both present and future -- before Mercy, the family and the environment topped the list Other than enjoying a restful August, though, he desires for political or financial gain. The world is fac- of topics repeatedly and insistently discussed by Pope added more than 50,000 miles to his frequent-flyer ing a clear choice, he said: "either to improve or to Francis and Catholic leaders across the globe in 2015. account. He visited Sri Lanka and the Philippines in destroy the environment." None of the topics was treated just on the level of the- January; Bosnia-Herzegovina in June; Ecuador, Bolivia Pope Francis also drew attention to internal church ory. Discussing concrete situations, though, set off a and Paraguay in July; Cuba and the United States in matters, though he always said the priority was on a seemingly endless series of debates, including: Are September; and Kenya, Uganda and the Central African lean, limber and listening church busy ministering to the there situations where justice and truth prevent some Republic in late November. world rather than preoccupied with shoring up its own expressions of mercy and forgiveness? How far can the Each trip featured visits to prisons, hospitals and soup structures. With his international Council of Cardinals, church go in acknowledging and welcoming families kitchens or other places where Christian charity and work continued toward reorganizing the Roman Curia who do not fully live up to the church's ideal? Is climate mercy take their most concrete forms. He spoke in the and revamping spending and budgeting procedures to change as real and as dangerous as most scientists say? halls of power, including at the United Nations and at ensure responsibility and transparency. Pope Francis kept saying he welcomed the discussion the U.S. Congress, where he was the first pope to But the process hit a major bump in the road with the and debate, that it was important and a sign that the address a joint meeting of the Senate and House of leak of confidential documents on Vatican finances; the church is alive. However, there also were times, particu- Representatives. Whether soaked repeatedly by rain like Vatican court ordered the arrest and trial of five people larly at the Synod of Bishops on the family in October, he was in the Philippines or baked by the sun like in in the case, including the two Italian journalists who when he indicated that some of the rhetoric had crossed Cuba, he called on governments to put the needs and wrote books based on the leaked documents. the line. He cautioned synod members against reading rights of their people first, and he called on Catholics to And if mercy must be at the heart of the church's mes- their differences of opinion in a "hermeneutic of con- bend down with love and care to help society's most spiracy" and against using church teaching as "stones to needy and defenseless members. (Please See FRANCIS/20) Page 12 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus The Angelus JANUARY 2016 Page 13

‘Mercy is the ‘God continually knocks at the door of our hearts’

path uniting God Editor: Below is Bishop Michael J. Sis’ homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, December 13, 2015, given at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, San Angelo, and on Saturday, December with man, for it 12, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and Shrine, Midland, on the occasion of the opening of the Holy opens the heart Doors of Mercy at the two locations. Today you have the privilege of seeing something that to the hope of an most people never see – the opening of a Holy Door for a Jubilee Year. All of us use doors every day. I invite you to think of eternal love.’ the image of a door, where God is on one side, and you are on the other. Some people live their whole life with a completely mistaken understanding of that door. They -- Pope Francis Tweet imagine themselves knocking on the door to God, hoping God will answer. They fear that God has locked the door on them. But the lock on that door is only on one side. It’s on your side. The only one who can lock that door between you and God is you. From God’s side, it’s not locked. Mercy: Opening the heart You have the freedom to lock it, temporarily or perma- nently, and God will respect your freedom. God continually knocks at the door of our hearts. Sometimes he knocks very loudly, and sometimes very subtly and quietly. He wants us to open up to his love. to the hope of eternal love Much work has gone into the preparation of our beauti- ful Jubilee Holy Doors, and we are all very appreciative of those who worked so hard on them. But for all of us, the first Jubilee door we are called to prepare is the door to our heart. First, we need to open ourselves to the mercy of God. Then, we must share mercy with others. We also need to open the door to the Church. This includes making the Church a welcoming place. Every one of our churches should be an oasis of mercy. Instead of putting obstacles in people’s way, we must all seek to find opportunities to break down the obstacles that keep people away from God. Jesus Christ told us that he is the door to the Kingdom of Heaven. He is the door to the Father. In the Gospel of John, chapter 10, he said, “I am the gate for the sheep ... Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture ... I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” In this Holy Year of Mercy, let’s all take advantage of this tremendous spiritual opportunity to open ourselves to the mercy of God, to let go of all our personal attachment to sins that block us from letting God in, and to pass along the gift of mercy to other people. They should be able to see the mercy of God in the way we treat them. As we begin our observance of this Jubilee Year, it is good to let the words of the readings in today’s Mass echo in our hearts. In today’s second reading, from Top photo, parishioners from Sacred Heart Church in Abilene, with Msgr. Bob Bush, center, process to the Sacred Heart Eucharistic Doors of Mercy in the Diocese of San Angelo Philippians, Chapter 4, St. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord Chapel for the opening of Abilene’s Doors of Mercy. Above left, Fr. Hilary Ihedioha, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Odessa, blesses the always! … The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all … doors at his church as parishioners pray. Above center, Bishop Michael J. Sis, with Fr. Lorenzo Hatch, prepares to lead the congrega- Your kindness should be known to all.” tion at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in San Angelo, through San Angelo’s Doors of Mercy. Above right, Bishop Sis processes 4San Angelo: Sacred Heart Cathedral, 19 S. Oakes St. In the first reading, from the prophet Zephaniah, he into the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with concelebrants Fr. Felix Archibong, and Fr. David Herrera, pastor. Following are 4Midland: Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, 1401 E. Garden Lane declares in chapter 3, “Do not be discouraged. The Lord Deacons Ignacio Villa, and Jesse Guajardo. At far left, the inscription on the Doors of Mercy at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in 4Abilene: Sacred Heart Church, 837 Jeanette your God is in your midst, a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his Midland. Photos: Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Mary’s Odessa by Alan P. Torre, aptorre.com; Sacred Heart Cathedral in San Angelo 4Odessa: St. Mary Church 612 E. 18th. by Rose Pelzel, and Sacred Heart Church in Abilene by Denise Wolfe. love.” Page 14 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus Using ‘Common Era’ instead of A.D. / Switching religions By Fr. Kenneth Doyle Christians. People of all faiths have taken to using it sim- the Methodist Church of my childhood. I don't know Catholic News Service ply as a matter of convenience. There is so much interac- that I really want to rejoin that church after all these tion between people of all faiths and cultures -- different years; I think it's more just wanting to go to their Q. To mark dates, why are people now using C.E. civilizations, if you like -- that some shared way of reck- services a few times. (I have friends who belong to (the Common Era) and B.C.E. in place of A.D. and oning time is a necessity. And so the Christian Era has our local Methodist parish, and they would be happy B.C., which have been in use for become the Common Era." to have me accompany them.) hundreds of years? I was told by a In 2011, an op-ed piece in the Vatican newspaper What do you think of this? Am I just longing for Catholic teacher in our area that L'Osservatore Romano blasted the British Broadcasting the past, or is it a sign that I am not completely satis- this change is intended to foster Corporation for abandoning the traditional A.D. in favor fied with the Catholic Church? I don't know that I better relations with non- of C.E. "To deny the historically revolutionary function will act on this wish (my kids would be shocked if I Christians. This is too "politically of the coming of Christ on the earth, accepted even by did) but the thought is very often on my mind. (Iowa) correct" for me to accept without those who do not recognize him as Son of God," wrote further explanation. Please help. the author, "is enormous nonsense." A. To be a Catholic is to be committed to certain core (Somerville, New Jersey) Some critics of the change point out that many com- principles of faith. Among them are the centrality of the monly accepted designations have a basis in religious Eucharist and the conviction that Jesus has entrusted to A. The teacher you spoke to is Doyle beliefs. (They note, for example, that "January" comes Peter and his successors the task of guiding the church, right. The reason some have adopted from Janus, who was the Roman god of gates and of with the guarantee of doctrinal purity. the use of C.E. rather than A.D. ("In the year of Our doorways.) Since you have pledged allegiance to those principles Lord" or "Anno Domini") is to ease the minds of non- To me, there is a certain silliness to the entire discus- of faith for 60 years, I would find it surprising if you Christians who might object to this implicit acknowledge- sion. Even those who opt for the new designation as an were ready to forsake them now. In my mind it's more ment of Jesus as Lord. ideological protest still adopt the traditional date of the likely — as happens when each of us age — that you are Depending on one's perspective, the new terminology birth of Christ as the basis for numbering the years. (If experiencing a nostalgic longing for some of the experi- has been viewed as an attack on Christianity or simply as you really wanted a secular calendar, why not use the ences and surroundings of the past. an assertion of religious neutrality. founding of Rome as the focal point of human history -- I don't see any harm in your accompanying your friends In 2000, the Southern Baptist Convention called it the which is what the Roman Empire did for centuries.) to an occasional Methodist service and perhaps be result of "secularization, anti-supernaturalism … and reminded of the religious enthusiasm you felt in your political correctness" and encouraged its members to Q. The older I get, the more this is on my mind. I youth. But I would think it wise — perhaps even before "retain the traditional method of dating and avoid the grew up in the Methodist Church but became a you do that — to talk with a sympathetic priest who revisionism." Catholic when I married my husband more than 60 might help you to sort out your feelings. On the other hand, former UN Secretary-General Kofi years ago. We raised our children in the Catholic Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at ask- Annan (who was himself a Protestant) has said: "The Church, and my husband passed away in 2006. [email protected] and 40 Hopewell St. Albany, N.Y. Christian calendar no longer belongs exclusively to Now, at the age of 84, I feel a strong desire to attend 12208. Giving the gift of time to the lonely, isolated By Moises Sandoval during the year that we got together. But Catholic News Service that gathering gave us a sense of belong- ing that stayed with us throughout the El regalo de tiempo para Christmas is a season of longing, when year. thoughts turn to home and family, often Just as the feast is the realization of the the images of a time past. Some of us, ages-old longing for a savior to redeem los que se sieten solos when we were in col- the world, in our dreams at least, as the lege, away at work, or carol about going home for Christmas Moises Sandoval Misa en la víspera de Navidad celebra- in the U.S. armed ends, it perhaps touches in some way our da por un amigo sacerdote. Invitaban a forces, longed to longing for an eternal destiny. La Navidad es temporada de anhelo, unas 15 o 20 familias, incluso la nues- come home to the Of course, Christmas is also a time cuando reflexionamos sobre la familia tra. Era la única vez al año que nos loving embrace of when we think of family in larger terms. y el hogar. Algunos de nosotros, cuan- reuníamos, pero esa reunión nos daba parents and siblings. We think of the homeless, of those who do éramos jóvenes y estábamos en la un fuerte sentido de que perteneci- But Christmas also live alone, of people in nursing homes, universidad, en las fuerzas armadas o amos. has traditions, like the immigrants here without documents who trabajando lejos de nuestros familiares, La anticipación navideña refleja el posadas, of visiting cannot go home for Christmas, and this anticipábamos el abrazo de bienvenida anhelo más profundo en nuestro families who may be Sandoval year of the hundreds of thousands of de nuestros padres y hermanos. corazón -- de algún día llegar a nuestro as close as next door refugees from war-torn Syria trekking La Navidad también trae recuerdos destino eterno. but far removed from our concern and across Europe. de tradiciones, como la de las posadas, Sin embargo, la Navidad también attention. This is when our tradition of gift-giving cuando visitábamos a vecinos a nos urge a preocuparnos por familia en For many years, in our former home in to loved ones expands to those near and quienes a veces escaso saludábamos un sentido global. Tomamos conciencia Croton, New York, our friends Gaynell far who are most in need. The beatitudes durante el año en la prisa de nuestros de los desamparados, los que viven and Jim had a priest friend celebrate a point the way, among the sick, the impris- quehaceres. solos, los internados en hogares de Mass on Christmas Eve in their home to oned, the hungry, the victims of injustice. Por muchos años en nuestra antigua ancianos, los inmigrantes sin documen which they invited perhaps 15 or 20 fami- aldea der Croton, Nueva York, nuestros lies, ours included. It was the only time (Please See MOISES/23) amigos Gaynell y Jim organizaban una (Mira SANDOVAL/22) The Angelus JANUARY 2016 Page 15 Family Life Faith in a work of fiction fit for the Year of Mercy

By Carolyn Woo "Jesus: A Pilgrimage" already to his credit, you wouldn't raised. Her tenant, Mark, who works at the abbey, lives a Catholic News Service have to go far to finish making the case. couple of houses down the block. A good place to start would be his latest published The opening scene, where a baseball crashes through That Jesuit Father Jim Martin is one of the most popu- work, a novel called "The Abbey" that I read over Mark's window, was straight out of Father Martin's lar and prolific Catholic writers around is no secret. He Thanksgiving weekend. The first fictional work in the dream. The priest awoke with a start, saying to himself, has for many years been editor-at- Jesuit's repertoire stacks up very well, indeed. Though "Hey, that's a pretty good story," and started to write it large of the Jesuit weekly magazine definitely not autobiographical, it combines some famil- all down. At first, he thought he might have an e-book in America, whose West 56th Street iar themes and landmarks from Father Martin's real life the making. Then his publishers at HarperOne said offices are located directly across in a well-written, engaging story that had its beginnings they'd be delighted to publish a hardcover version, town from Catholic New York's in a dream. which they did in October. offices in the New York Catholic "The Abbey" of the book's title is the fictional SS. The story centers on Anne, who grieves the loss of her Center. Philip and James Trappist Monastery outside teenage son, Jeremiah, killed three years earlier when he During a recent phone conversa- Philadelphia, which happens to be where Father Martin was hit by a car while riding his bike with friends. tion, I told him he is probably the grew up. He has also spent a good deal of time over the You'll have to read the 212-page book for the details, hardest-working writer in the years at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts, but when I suggested to Father Martin that his treatment Catholic press, a remark he kiddingly Woo which he conceded was a basis for its fictional counter- of religious life as experienced by Trappist monks made offered to use as a future book blurb. part. this a perfect book for the Year of Consecrated Life, he With nonfiction books such as "The Jesuit Guide to The street where Anne, the main character, lives is (Almost) Everything," "Between Heaven and Mirth" and modeled after the one where Father Martin, now 54, was (Please See WOO/23) Inspiration for the New Year Cartoon Corner By Fr. John Catoir He died in 1890 and was beatified by Catholic News Service Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Another mira- cle is needed before he will be numbered Another year is at our doorstep. When you among the canonized saints. begin to think about the new adventures Cardinal Newman wrote the following you'll embark on during this New Year, try prayer. It is one of various versions. But it is to make Jesus Christ the a beautiful expression of his total depend- centerpiece. To accomplish ence on Jesus. Perhaps it will inspire you in this, I'd like to share some making some New Year's resolutions, as it thoughts with you. did for me. Cardinal John Henry "Teach me, my Lord, to be sweet and gen- Newman comes to mind. tle in all the events of life -- in disappoint- Cardinal Newman was ments, in the thoughtlessness of others, in born in England, and the insincerity of those whom I trusted, in became an Episcopal priest the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied. in 1825. In 1841, Newman Catoir "Let me put myself aside to think of the began having doubts about happiness of others, to hide my little pains the Anglican Church, and eventually and heartaches, so that I may be the only resigned his post. In 1845, he was received one to suffer from them. into the Roman Catholic Church and was "Teach me to profit by the suffering that ordained by the Catholic Church in 1847. comes across my path. Let me so use it that This was a courageous move, one that it may mellow me, not harden and embitter brought him a great deal of grief, but he me; that it may make me patient, not irrita- attributed his strength through it all to Jesus, ble; that it may make me broad in my for- whom he proclaimed as his lord and master. giveness, not haughty and overbearing. One of Cardinal Newman's main contribu- "May no one be less good for having tions was in the field of psychological self- come within my influence, no one less pure, analysis, rather than in theology. He saw less kind, less noble for having been a fel- doctrine as a living thing and compared it to low traveler in our journey toward Eternal the idea of human development. It's very Life. important to understand him in the context "As I go my rounds from one distraction of his devotion to the historical Jesus. to another, let me whisper from time to time Cardinal Newman believed that the incarna- a word of love to Thee. tion, or what we understand as God becom- "May my life be spent in the supernatural ing man, was the central truth of full of power for good, strong in its purpose Christianity, and that Jesus constitutes the of sanctity. Amen." source of all spiritual power. Page 16 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus Making Sense of Bioethics Finding connections Argument that we euthanize cats, dogs with others online By Eric Rommel but not those who suffer is not valid Catholic News Service By Fr. Tad Pacholczyk another, encounter suffering along the trajectory of life, and human maturity is partially measured Sometimes we swing between constant feelings of inse- Sometimes people will point out: “We euthanize by how we deal with that suffering. curity about our place in the world. We tell ourselves, "No our pets when they suffer, and they are clearly Those who live with serious disabilities, through one knows what it's like to feel the way I creatures of God, so why can’t we euthanize a their determined and beauty-filled lives and exam- do right now." Then we hear that everyone sick and suffering person who ple, remind us every day of the good that can be feels that way sometimes. wants it? It seems like we treat drawn from suffering. The way they deal with These two statements look like they our dogs and cats better than we their struggles manifests the depths of what it is to belong in different worlds, but we know treat our suffering family mem- be authentically human. It is precisely disability, both to be completely true. We see the pain bers.” with its disfigurement, impairment, vulnerability others feel and comfort them and tell them The way we treat animals, how- and dependence, that challenges us to grasp the they are not alone. But when we encounter ever, should not be the measure of outlines of our human journey in a less superficial Rommel how we treat fellow human way, and to value human life and protect human similar situations in our lives, we feel as if beings. We keep animals as pets, dignity in sickness as well as in health. Victoria we're alone in that pain. but we don’t do the same with Kennedy spoke to this same point when describ- Emily Trunko, a 15-year-old from Ohio, is using the humans. We use animals to make Pacholczyk ing Senator Kennedy’s final months: Internet to end that isolation. Earlier this year, she created clothing and food, but we don’t "When my husband was first diagnosed with "Dear My Blank" on Tumblr to give people a place to do the same with humans. For all our similarities cancer, he was told that he had only two to four anonymously post letters that they never intend to send. to the rest of the animal kingdom, we are aware of months to live. … But that prognosis was wrong. Some messages are simple: "Dear J, Your laugh is like a fundamental difference in kind between our- Teddy lived 15 more productive months.… the sun shining on my face." Other messages are full of selves and our furry friends. We are not meant to Because that first dire prediction of life expectan- hope: "When we make eye contact and you smile that die just as animals do, or be euthanized as they cy was wrong, I have 15 months of cherished amazing, lovable smile it stops my heart. I hope one day I are. The death of a human is a more complex memories. … When the end finally did come— will stop your heart as well." A few are heartbreaking: "I event that has other important realities associated natural death with dignity—my husband was wish you lived closer, but at the same time I'm glad you with it. home, attended by his doctor, surrounded by fami- don't. If we were together, I'd just ruin it anyway." In euthanizing a cat or dog, an assessment about ly and our priest.” It takes courage to talk about feelings. We're at our most the nature of the creature is rolled up into our As human beings, we reach beyond the limits vulnerable when we reveal the person we are inside. decision to proceed. Our pets seem to process the that suffering imposes by a conscious decision to world around them mostly in terms of pleasure accept and grow through it, like the athlete or the Risking that pain is sometimes necessary to discover great- and pain, oscillating between these two poles as Navy seal who pushes through the limits of his ness and joy beyond your imagination. they instinctively gravitate towards pleasurable exhaustion during training. We enter into an As you read the messages on the "Dear My Blank" experiences, and engage in “mechanisms of awareness of something greater behind the veil of Tumblr, you begin feeling a closeness and kinship with avoidance” when they come up against pain or our suffering when we come to accept it as an people you've never met. Their feelings are universal, and discomfort. Animals lack that uniquely human integral component of our human condition. We so is the desire to keep those feelings hidden. By giving in power to reason about, resign themselves to, and also give positive example, strength and encour- to those urges, we do ourselves harm and cause pain in the allow good to be drawn out of pain. Animals can’t agement to the younger generation as they witness process. do much else in the face of their suffering apart our response to, and acceptance of, our own suf- What would be wrong with telling someone you love their from trying to skirt around it, escape the situation, fering. Our trials and tribulations also teach us laugh, or their smile melts your heart? How much could or passively endure it. Because of our strong about our reliance on God and the illusions of you be lost (or gained) by being together with someone you sense of empathy, humans find it more emotional- self-reliance. like and seeing that misery isn't the only outcome? Keeping ly acceptable to "put the animal to sleep," rather On the other hand, if our fear of suffering drives feelings inside and telling others they're not alone are two than watch it suffer a long and agonizing death. us to constant circumlocution and relentless sides of the same coin. When you tell others they're not But it would be false empathy, and a false com- avoidance, even to the point of short-circuiting alone, you're speaking to yourself as well. passion, to promote the killing or suicide of suf- life itself through euthanasia or physician-assisted fering family members. As human beings, we suicide, we can miss those mysterious but privi- Trunko has dealt with teens online who are struggling have real moral duties, and better options, in the leged moments that invite us to become more with depression, eating disorders, loneliness, and a variety face of our own pain and tribulations. On an resplendently human, with all the messiness, awk- of other problems. She understands that it's impossible to instinctual level, we tend to recoil and do our best wardness and agonies that are invariably part of feel alone when you're supporting someone else facing the to avoid suffering, just like animals. But we are that process. same challenges. able to respond in a way that animals cannot, and --- She has tapped into a depth of human emotion previously even willingly accept our suffering, which is Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doc- left hidden. When we see just how similar we are, it's hard unavoidably part of the fabric of our human exis- torate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doc- to feel isolated. You start seeing words typed by someone tence. None of us can completely avoid suffering, toral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the dio- else that you could have easily written. even if it may be purely internal, like the agony cese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the Director One message from "Dear My Blank," demonstrates that that comes from loneliness, isolation, depression, of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics universal connection perfectly. "Even though we're in dif- or rejection. Every person must, in one way or Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org ferent worlds, I hope our orbits cross, at least for a little while." The Angelus JANUARY 2016 Page 17 Catholic Voices Demonizing others a poison unlike few others By Fr. Ron Rolheiser pains, families and children. We were people we have killed are faceless, “col- kill each other. hating a faceless monster, without eyes. lateral damage.” When·is enough enough? When will Virginia Woolf once said that life is One wonders, as Jim Wallis is fond of But this isn’t just true for war and that we see the destructiveness and evil of what we see in each other’s eyes. Today, asking, whether we would have had the is my real point here, it is just as true this? When will we realize what this is sadly, we rarely see each other’s eyes same feelings back then had we been within our church and civil circles: Here really doing to us? When will we look at and we rarely see life shown, regularly, pictures of Soviet fami- we disrespect, justify paranoia, and ourselves—and this congenital propensi- either because we lies—mothers nursing children, grand- rationalize lack of elementary charity ty to label, impersonalize and demo- impersonalize and parents playing with their grandchildren, because we are, in the end, not dealing nize—with some courage and honesty? demonize each other husbands and wives agonizing over with real persons, but with faceless liber- Despite loud protests to the contrary, through labels. unpaid bills, lonely young children with als, conservatives, feminists, male chau- despite our professed sensitivities, It is a terrible innocent trusting eyes staring out at us. vinists, reactionaries, old fogies, New despite our politically correct indigna- scourge, a moral failure, Had we seen the Soviets in those Agers, good-for-nothings on welfare, tions, and despite our growing belief that this labelling. A label terms, with faces, and not as godless valueless yuppies, out-of-date patriarchal we are morally coming of age, especially renders another face- insentient monsters, we might have had bullies, fanatical pro-lifers, family value- in our championing of the poor and the less, an amorphous cat- less appetite to build all those nuclear destroying radicals and up-tight funda- misunderstood, we haven’t, I believe, egory and usually, a Fr. Rolheiser weapons. How do you plan for nuclear mentalists, not even to mention a whole moved a moral inch beyond previous hated one as well. war when you are actually looking at other category—geeks, nerds, slobs, neu- generations that we look upon for Through labels we set up faceless human faces? But, having never seen rotics and people with an attitude. labelling and demonizing certain ethnic demons through which we can give full their faces, we could rationalize every We need not give these persons the and political groups. vent to paranoia. kind of paranoia. love and understanding the Gospel asks The labels have changed and grown A generation ago, we did this with All wars, ultimately, come about for because, thanks to the labels we have more sophisticated, but the charity and communism and its corollary labels: because we no longer look at persons, already given them, they are not persons respect haven’t increased an iota. Godless Russia, leftist, Marxist, Soviet but rather at ideology and then create the at all but demons to be exorcised. It is time to say, enough! and so on. In the face of those labels we appropriate labels by which to demonize We live in a time of paranoia and hys- could discharge every kind of paranoia people. Many soldiers, for instance, have teria, both of the right and of the left, Ronald Rolheiser, a Roman Catholic priest and suspicion and we could scapegoat to commented that they find it almost within society at large. Simply put, there and member of the Missionary Oblates of our hearts’ content. impossible to kill someone if they are is a lot of hatred, disrespect, slander of Mary Immaculate, is president of the Thus, for example, we could justify close enough to see that person’s face. others and distortion of the truth around. Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, building nuclear bombs and could hate in Killing is more easily done from a dis- Moreover, on all sides, it is rational- Texas. He is a community-builder, lecturer the name of God. (“We need to be pro- tance—with mortar shells, bombings and ized on the highest moral grounds. How and writer. His books are popular through- tected from this godless monster!”) long-range weapons that strike a faceless is this done? Through labels we demo- out the English-speaking world and his Why? Because we were not hating actual “enemy” who is not actually seen. It is nize each other, strip the faces off of weekly column is carried by more than sev- persons, with faces, feelings, dreams, easier to live with ourselves when the each other and, figuratively and literally, enty newspapers worldwide. The challenge of Our Lady of Guadalupe By Most Rev. Robert Barron mouth to sweep the mother and child away. false gods in the name of the true God. Christianity. La Morena had proved a In the wake of the child's birth, moreover, a To be clear, in condemning the gods more effective evangelist than Peter, Paul, How wonderful that Our Lady of war breaks out in heaven between the drag- worshipped by the Aztecs I am by no St. Patrick, and St. Francis Xavier com- Guadalupe appears as a pregnant woman on and Michael and his angels. means exonerating the Spaniards, who bined! And with that great national con- clothed in the sun! In The Lady of Tepeyac is a warrior as committed numerous atrocities and visited version, human sacrifice came to an end. the book of Revelation, well. To Juan Diego she said, "I am the tremendous suffering upon the native peo- She had done battle with fallen spirits and Mary is described in ever Virgin Mary, Mother of the True ples of the New World. Read the impas- had won a culture-changing victory for just this manner (Rev God." In so saying, she was actively de- sioned writings of the Dominican Friar the God of love. 12:1). But we should throning and de-legitimizing any false Bartolomé de Las Casas for the terrible The challenge for us who honor her not approach this sym- claimant to that title. Standing in front of details. Far too rare were Spaniards who today is to join the same fight. We do not bolism in a superficial the sun and upon the moon, with the stars were actually faithful to the God whom sufficiently engage this great feast if we or merely sentimental of heaven arrayed on her cloak, the Lady Christianity authentically proclaimed. simply wonder at a marvelous event from way. The woman was showing her superiority to the cosmic What followed the apparition at long ago. We must announce to our culture clothed in the sun and elements worshipped by the Aztecs. The Tepeyac is, of course, one of the most today the truth of the God of Israel, the with the moon at her gods in question were blood-thirsty astounding chapters in the history of God of Jesus Christ, the God of non-vio- feet is portrayed in Bishop Barron divinities, sanctioning imperialistic war Christian evangelism. Though Franciscan lence and forgiving love. And we ought, Revelation precisely as a and demanding human sacrifice. Mary missionaries had been laboring in Mexico like La Morena, to be bearers of Jesus to a warrior. Confronting her is a terrible dragon announced herself as the mother of a God for twenty years, they had made little world that needs him more than ever. intent upon devouring her child as soon as it who demanded no violence, and who progress. But within ten years of the is born. Through God's grace, the child is in instead took upon himself, as an act of appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Bishop Robert Barron is an auxiliary bish- fact delivered from danger, but the dragon is love, all of the violence of the world. She practically the entire Mexican people, op of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the furious, sending a torrent of water from its was thereby effectively calling out the nine million strong, converted to founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries. Page 18 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus

The Installation of Fr. Prem Thumma

Bishop Michael J. Sis, left, installs Fr. Prem Thumma as pastor of St. Margaret of Cortona Parish in Big Lake, December 20, 2015. At right, Bishop Sis and Fr. Prem with Deacon Alex Perez. (Courtesy photos)

OBISPO (Para 3) lleven a cabo dentro de varios días antes o después de la Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón en Abilene. La designación acción indulgenciada. de estas cuatro Puertas Santas y la habilidad de recibir la fomentar su aspecto medicinal a través de otros canales de la Si una persona realiza una acción que se ha dado en la indulgencia plenaria en sus locales terminarán el 20 de gracia. (San Juan Pablo II, Audiencia General, 29 de sep- Confesión como una penitencia sacramental, y que también noviembre de 2016, a la conclusión del Año Jubilar de la tiembre, 1999) es una acción indulgenciada, se puede, al mismo tiempo, Misericordia. La indulgencia es la remisión de la pena temporal que se tanto satisfacer la penitencia como también ganar la indul- El Papa Francisco dijo que es importante que nuestras debe por el pecado cuya culpabilidad ya ha sido perdonado. gencia. visitas a la Puerta Santa se vinculen al Sacramento de la A través de una indulgencia, Dios concede que, a través de En Misericordiae Vultus, 22, el Papa Francisco explica las Reconciliación y de la celebración de la Santa Eucaristía con la oración de la Iglesia, la pena temporal por los pecados se indulgencias maravillosamente. Él dice: “el perdón de Dios una reflexión sobre la misericordia. También es necesario reduce o se elimina. La indulgencia es parcial o plenaria, no conoce límites... Dios está siempre disponible al perdón y orar por las intenciones del Papa rezando la Profesión de Fe. según si se elimina una parte o la totalidad de la pena tem- nunca se cansa de ofrecerlo…No obstante el perdón, lleva- Otra forma en que la indulgencia puede ser obtenida en el poral debida por los pecados. mos en nuestra vida las contradicciones que son consecuen- Año de la Misericordia es en el caso de los ancianos y los De acuerdo con la enseñanza de la Iglesia, las cuatro cia de nuestros pecados. En el sacramento de la que no pueden salir de sus casas. Ellos podrán obtener la condiciones normales para recibir la indulgencia plenaria Reconciliación Dios perdona los pecados, que realmente indulgencia jubilar al vivir su enfermedad y el sufrimiento son los siguientes: (1) verdaderamente arrepentirnos de nue- quedan cancelados; y sin embargo, la huella negativa que los con fe y esperanza gozosa, o por medio de recibir la stros pecados con la exclusión de todo afecto a cualquier pecados dejan en nuestros comportamientos y en nuestros Comunión, o por medio de asistir a Misa en cualquier lugar, pecado; (2) Confesión sacramental; (3) la recepción de la pensamientos permanece... la misericordia de Dios... se incluso a través de la televisión u otros medios de comuni- Eucaristía; y (4) la oración por las intenciones del Papa. Un transforma en indulgencia del Padre que a través de la cación. miembro de la Iglesia que ha cumplido esas condiciones Esposa de Cristo, su Iglesia, alcanza al pecador perdonado y El Santo Padre también dice que el encarcelado puede puede adquirir una indulgencia plenaria mediante la real- lo libera de todo residuo, consecuencia del pecado.” recibir la indulgencia jubilar ya sea visitando la capilla de su ización de cualquiera de las diversas acciones particulares ¿Cómo se relacionan las indulgencias a un Año Jubilar? prisión o dirigiendo sus pensamientos y oraciones a Dios que la Iglesia ha designado para la indulgencia plenaria. Hay un montón de indulgencias plenarias y parciales las Padre cuando cruza el umbral de su celda, el cual es simbóli- La indulgencia se puede obtener para uno mismo o para cuales se pueden ganar en cualquier año, sea un Jubileo o co de pasar por una Puerta Santa. alguien que ha fallecido, pero no se puede aplicar a otras no. Sin embargo, en cada Año Jubilar, el Papa declara En la misma carta del 1 de septiembre, el Papa Francisco personas que viven en la tierra. Para poder obtener una acciones particulares las cuales pueden transmitir una indul- continúa diciendo que cada vez que un miembro de la indulgencia, uno debe estar en estado de gracia por lo menos gencia plenaria, cuando se llevan a cabo junto con las cuatro Iglesia lleva a cabo personalmente una o más de las obras al final de las obras prescritas. condiciones normales antes mencionadas. corporales y espirituales de misericordia en este Año Jubilar Una indulgencia plenaria puede adquirirse varias veces En una carta que escribió el 1 de septiembre de 2015, el de la Misericordia, él o ella seguramente obtendrá la indul- durante el año, pero no más de una vez en el transcurso de Papa Francisco dijo que la indulgencia jubilar puede ser gencia jubilar. un día. Una sola Confesión sacramental es suficiente para recibida en este Año Jubilar de la Misericordia en una var- En recibir las indulgencias, no debemos tener la idea de ganar varias indulgencias plenarias. Con una sola Comunión iedad de maneras. La forma más común es hacer una pere- que las hayamos merecido. Las acciones que tomamos son Eucarística y una oración por las intenciones del Papa sólo grinación a una de las Puertas Santas como una señal de un una expresión de nuestra disponibilidad para recibir el don se gana una indulgencia plenaria. fuerte deseo de conversión interior. inmerecido de la gracia de Dios. El poder de la gracia de Es apropiado, pero no necesario, que la recepción de la En la Diócesis de San Ángelo, yo he designado cuatro Dios es infinitamente más grande que todos nuestros esfuer- Comunión y la oración por las intenciones del Papa se lleven Puertas Santas del Jubileo. Son en la Catedral del Sagrado zos. El propósito de la enseñanza sobre la indulgencia jubilar a cabo en el mismo día de la acción indulgenciada. Es sufi- Corazón en San Ángelo, el Santuario de Nuestra Señora de es el de permitir que nuestra celebración del Año Santo sea ciente que la Confesión sacramental, la recepción de la Guadalupe en Midland, la Parroquia de Santa María en un momento poderoso de encuentro personal con la infinita Comunión, y la oración por las intenciones del Papa se Odessa, y la Capilla de Adoración Eucarística en la misericordia de Dios. The Angelus JANUARY 2016 Page 19 FR. ROMANUS BISHOP (From 2) (From 3) the penance and gain the indulgence. conclusion of the Jubilee Year of In Misericordiae Vultus, 22, Pope Mercy. accident in January 2010. The accident occurred when the gas of the temporal punishment due for sin. Francis explains indulgences beautiful- Pope Francis stated that it is impor- pedal on his vehicle became stuck, causing him to accelerate, leave According to Church teaching, the ly. He says, “God’s forgiveness knows tant that our visits to a Holy Door be the road and roll several times. Initially treated and released, Fr. four normal conditions for receiving a no bounds…God is always ready to linked to the Sacrament of Romanus was later rushed to a hospital in San Angelo where doc- plenary indulgence are the following: forgive, and he never tires of forgiving Reconciliation and the celebration of tors performed surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. (1) truly repenting of our sin and letting … Despite being forgiven, the conflict- the Holy Eucharist with a reflection on Fr. Romanus’ love of life and his faith were contagious. go of our attachment to sin; (2) sacra- ing consequences of sin remain. In the mercy. It is also necessary to pray for Fr. Onyekozuru said. “Fr. Romanus and my dad were buddies, they mental Confession; (3) reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God for- the intention of the Pope by praying the grew up together and sang in the same church choir. He was a mem- Eucharist; and (4) praying for the inten- gives our sins, which he truly blots out; Profession of Faith. ber of my family before I was even born. He has been instrumental tions of the Pope. A member of the and yet sin leaves a negative effect on Another way the indulgence may be in guiding me in many ways. His sincere, contagious laughter could Church who has fulfilled those condi- the way we think and act … the mercy obtained in the Year of Mercy is by the tions may acquire a plenary indulgence of God … becomes indulgence on the elderly and homebound. They may wake up a gloomy heart. I could not have asked for a better spiritual by carrying out any one of the various part of the Father who, through the obtain the jubilee indulgence by living father, mentor, big brother and friend in my vocation’s journey.” particular actions which the Church has Bride of Christ, his Church, reaches the their sickness and suffering with faith Fr. Romanus’ death is the third passing of a Diocese of San designated for the plenary indulgence. pardoned sinner and frees him from and joyful hope, or by receiving Angelo priest in 2015. Msgr. James Plagens, who served St. Ann’s- An indulgence can be obtained for every residue left by the consequences Communion, or by attending Mass Midland on senior status, died April 17, 2015, after 49 years in the oneself or for someone who is of sin.” anywhere, even through the television priesthood. James S. Kaston, who served the diocese from 1977 to deceased, but it cannot be applied to How do indulgences relate to a or other means of communication. 1990 at churches in Junction, McCamey, Brady, and Melvin, died other persons living on earth. In order Jubilee Year? There are plenty of ple- The Holy Father also says that the Monday, December 14, 2015. He left active priestly ministry in to gain an indulgence, one must be in nary and partial indulgences which can incarcerated may receive the jubilee 1990 and was living in San Antonio. the state of grace at least at the time the be gained in any year, whether it is a indulgence either by visiting the chapel Although he was incardinated in the Diocese of San Angelo, Fr. indulgenced action is completed. Jubilee or not. However, in every of their prison or by directing their Romanus never forgot his homeland. He returned often to visit A plenary indulgence can be acquired Jubilee Year, the Pope declares particu- thoughts and prayers to God the Father family and friends. multiple times throughout the year, but lar actions which can convey a plenary when they cross the threshold of their “Fr. Romanus requested that his body be returned to his home no more than once in the course of a indulgence, when carried out along cell, which is symbolic of passing day. A single sacramental Confession with the above-mentioned four normal through a Holy Door. Diocese of Okigwe for burial, and we will honor that request,” said is sufficient for gaining several plenary conditions. In the same letter of September 1, San Angelo Bishop Michael J. Sis. “In his early years, he knew the indulgences. A separate reception of In a letter he wrote on September 1, Pope Francis goes on to say that each tremendous hardships of the Biafran War in Nigeria. He and his Holy Communion and a separate 2015, Pope Francis said that the jubilee time any member of the Church per- only brother, Dominic, were orphans. Despite the many challenges prayer for the Pope’s intentions are indulgence can be received in this sonally performs one or more of the of life in this world, Fr. Romanus lived with a joyful spirit. It was a required for each plenary indulgence. Jubilee Year of Mercy in a variety of corporal or spiritual works of mercy in blessing to be able to take part in his 25th anniversary of priestly It is appropriate, but not necessary, ways. The most common way is to this Jubilee Year of Mercy, he or she ordination in November 2014 in Coleman. that the reception of Communion and make a pilgrimage to one of the Holy will surely obtain the jubilee indul- “While his untimely death by natural causes brings us the pain of the prayer for the Pope’s intentions Doors as a sign of deep desire for inner gence. loss, I am very grateful for his years of dedicated service to the take place on the same day as the conversion. In receiving indulgences, we should people of God in the Diocese of San Angelo in Abilene, Clyde, indulgenced action. It is sufficient that In the Diocese of San Angelo, I have not get the idea that we have earned Eden, Eola, Millersview, Coleman, and Winters. We will never for- the sacramental Confession, reception designated four Jubilee Holy Doors. them. The actions we take are an get this enthusiastic and uplifting priest.” of Communion, and the prayer for the They are at Sacred Heart Cathedral in expression of our openness to receive Fr. Romanus was born to Lucy and Joshua Akamike in Ibeme, Pope’s intentions be carried out within San Angelo, the Shrine of Our Lady of the unmerited gift of God’s grace. The several days before or after the indul- Guadalupe in Midland, St. Mary Parish power of God’s grace is infinitely Imo State, Nigeria, on October 30, 1954. He is survived by his genced action. in Odessa, and the Eucharistic greater than all our efforts. The pur- brother and sister-in-law, Dominic and Blessing Akamike, and their If a person performs an action which Adoration Chapel at Sacred Heart pose behind the teaching on the jubilee six children. has been given in Confession as a Parish in Abilene. The designation of indulgence is to enable our celebration He was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest for the Diocese of sacramental penance, and which also these four Holy Doors and the ability of the Holy Year to be a powerful Okigwe in Nigeria on July 8, 1989, at St. Ita’s Catholic Church in happens to be an indulgenced action, to receive a plenary indulgence there moment of personal encounter with the Ibeme. Following his ordination he served at the following parish- one can at the same time both satisfy will end on November 20, 2016, at the infinite mercy of God. es: St. Columbus Catholic Church, Nsu; All Saints Church, Avutu, Obowu; and St. Ignatius Church, Umunumo, all in Imo State, THE WAY Nigeria. Outside the shores of Nigeria, he served at Holy Spirit Parish in Brisbane, Australia and Good Shepherd Parish in (From 2) Midland, expressed her eagerness rooms; Auckland, New Zealand. with the opening of the center. 4 a chapel, which will seat 150; In July 2000, he entered the Diocese of San Angelo. In 2008, he community. The response and support "This retreat center will be a 4 a commercial kitchen with seat- was incardinated in the Diocese of San Angelo and served at the has been phenomenal. There is a defi- tremendous benefit to the communi- ing for 150. following parishes: Sacred Heart Church in Abilene, Sts. Joachim nite need for this type facility.” ty of Midland and West Texas. I’ve Organizers’ research shows The & Ann Church in Clyde; St. Charles Church in Eden; St. Phillip More than $7 million — roughly had to travel great distances to both Way will host 3,500 visitors in just Church in Eola; Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Millersview; half of the needed start-up expenses attend and help lead retreats. It will its first year of operation, and even- Sacred Heart Church in Coleman; and Our Lady of Mount Carmel — has been raised through founda- be wonderful to utilize such a nice tually 8,000 per year. Church in Winters. tions and private donors through facility right here -- to be at home in “With other retreat centers in the In addition to his parish assignments he served on various coun- 2015. Midland and yet afforded an escape area, there has been an advance cils and boards including the Diocesan Presbyteral Council. He The Way will also be a go-to site to a beautiful oasis in the desert to scheduling requirement of 8-12 earned a Masters Degree in Counseling and Psychology from for couples who may not have a meet with God." months,” Fralin said. “With 150 Angelo State University. He studied Social and Behavioral church home but who want to marry The Way will feature: churches and 200 businesses in the Sciences in Capella University, Minnesota, and earned a PhD in in a church setting. Kara Harris, 4 seven casitas, accommodating up area, we will certainly fill a need of General Psychology. who serves on The Way’s advisory to 80 overnight guests our faith-based and business com- board and is the Coordinator of The 4 The Hacienda will feature a spa- munities.” Relationship Center and Weddings cious living room, modern kitchen, Organizers have targeted Fall at First United Methodist Church in indoor/outdoor dining, and five bed- 2017 for the opening of The Way. Page 20 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus

The West Texas Angelus ORDERS NUMBERS Official Newspaper of the (From 6) (From 6) ing conclusion drawn from recent studies Diocese of San Angelo, Texas the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel of U.S. Catholic sisters is that ... many POSTMASTER: Send all address Rev. Fabian Maria of Jesus Crucified, O.CARM, Prior. Catholicism at the University of Notre U.S. Catholic women are still drawn to changes to: Rev. Martin Mary of the Blessed Sacrament, O.CARM. Dame. The findings "help illuminate religious life," the report said. Research WEST TEXAS ANGELUS Brother Alan Tuan Le, Bro. Augustine Mary of the present realities of U.S. women's reli- shows that "while there is a great deal of P.O. Box 1829 Mother of God, O.CARM.; Bro John David of the Holy gious life," the report said, "and point concern about the future of individual Cross, O.CARM.; Bro. Joseph Mary of the Holy Rosary, toward priorities that will help ensure a communities and ministries, the majority SAN ANGELO, TX 76902-1829 O.CARM. ______vibrant future." of sisters remain optimistic about reli- Our Lady of Graces Carmelite Monastery, Rev. Anthony Two aspects of U.S. religious life gious life," it added. Bishop Michael J. Sis Sloan, chaplain (Sisters listed above). today, according to the report, have not The report placed the figure of women Publisher changed: the increasing average age of religious in the United States today at Religious Orders Serving in the Diocese of San women religious and their declining roughly 50,000 -- about the same num- Angelo numbers. ber as there had been in 1939, when U.S. Jimmy Patterson PRIESTS Media Relations Director C.PP.S. -- Precious Blood Fathers "Only 9 percent of religious sisters are population numbers were lower but Editor O.CARM. -- The Carmelites younger than 60; more than two-thirds of vocations were on an upswing. Crowded CMI -- Carmelites of Mary Immaculate women and men vowed religious are novitiates "and overflowing convents" in MSP -- Missionary Servants of the Word older than 65," the report said. the mid-20th century were an "anomaly," Member CONGREGATIONS OF WOMEN Catholic News Service "Women's religious life is presently it noted. ICAS -- Institute of the Coadjutors of the Social completing a fifth consecutive decade of "Decreased contact with sisters not Catholic Press Association Apostolate Texas Catholic News O.CARM. -- The Carmelites decline," it added. "The number of U.S. only reduces the number of women sisters has decreased by 72.5 percent in entering religious life, but also may Published the first Monday follow- CSA -- Catechetical Sisters of the Arogyamatha CDP -- Congregation of Divine Providence the last 49 years, and while there are make adjusting to religious life more dif- ing the 1st Saturday of each month MCDP -- Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence recent signs that the pace of decline has ficult for those who do enter. Increasing and delivered to all registered OP -- Sinsinawa Dominicans slowed, there is nothing suggesting that sisters' contact with nonmembers should parishioners in the San Angelo OND -- Oblates of Notre Dame is likely to be reversed." be a priority," the report said. Diocese. OSF -- School Sisters of St. Francis At the same time, "the most encourag- Subscription rate for all others: OSF -- St. Francis Mission Community $10 per year THIRD CLASS POSTAGE PAID CONSECRATED AT SAN ANGELO, TEXAS (From 6) daily. We live the gospel through service to God, our Sisters, families, with those with Printed by the others. Dominicans preach in a variety of whom and to whom we minister, and with the San Angelo Standard Times communal prayer seven times each day. ways – in campus and parish ministry and world family. The author of the Acts of the A Scripps-Howard Company Private prayer times were determined by social work and health care, as well as Apostles says, “And all who shared the faith each Sister’s work schedule. through teaching and as writers, artists, and owned everything in common. They sold For Dominicans, the purpose of study is spiritual directors. Whatever method the their goods and possessions and distributed Submissions: to seek the truth through dialog, questions, preaching employs, the goal is to model the proceeds among themselves according to Story suggestions, calendar items, and consultation, as well as through reading God’s love and justice. what each one needed.” (Acts 2:44-45) parish briefs and all other and learning from others. The Sinsinawa The fourth pillar, community, is an invita- Dear God, there are no words to adequately submissions should be emailed to Dominicans provided many opportunities tion to communion as it awakens us to our thank you for the incredible gift of your call Jpatterson@ for enrichment study and degree study. The solidarity with all our brothers and sisters. to consecrated life. It has been a challenge, sanangelodiocese.org community made sure I was well-prepared Today community can mean Sisters living but also beautiful and fulfilling. Your Grace COPY, PHOTO DEADLINE: for ministry. in large groups, such as at the Motherhouse, has sustained me. Never once have I ever Third Friday of every month. The founder of the Sinsinawa congrega- or in the Critical Care Villa. In these days of considered writing the secret code in a letter. Photos should be in jpeg format. tion was an Italian Dominican, Father shrinking numbers, it can also mean forming For those interested in learning more about Samuel Charles Mazzuchelli, OP. He expect- a regional community with Sisters who live religious life, especially Sinsinawa Letters to the editor are welcome, ed the Sisters to go where the work was in the same city or same state, but different Dominican life, I invite you to visit and should be emailed to great and difficult. San Angelo qualified. homes. We create community wherever we www.sinsinawa.org. Jpatterson@ Members of the Order are committed to serve. Sister Malachy Griffin is the Director of sanangelodiocese.org. preaching the Word of God, living it, and by In the final analysis, relationship is at the the Office of Religious in the Diocese of San Letters to the editor are printed at encouraging others to live gospel values heart of everything: relationship with our Angelo. the discretion of the editor and identities of the writer are subject FRANCIS to verification. Please include name, address and phone number (From 11) marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod is not about power, but about service. "We when submitting letters. of Bishops. must never forget: for the disciples of Jesus sage, "synodality" — walking together — "The journey of synodality is the journey — yesterday, today and forever — the only must mark its internal relationships, he said. that God wants from his church in the third authority is the authority of service; the only The themes of synodality and collegiality millennium," the pope said Oct. 17. "A syn- power is the power of the cross," he said. have been present since the beginning of odal church is a listening church, aware that And the cross, he said opening the Year of Pope Francis' pontificate and featured in his listening is more than hearing. It is a recipro- Mercy, is the clearest sign of God's mercy, exhortation, "Evangelii Gaudium," published cal listening in which each one has some- love and willingness to forgive sinners. in November 2013. But he developed the thing to learn." notions further this year, particularly when In a synodal church, he insisted, leadership The Angelus JANUARY 2016 Page 21 REFUGEES

(From 2) Abilene and offer other support as needed. dren, Mirore, 3, and Muco, 4, immediate- Just listening to the refugees' stories is "We try to get them involved in church" ly fit right in with the other children at the an inspiration, Doug said. By definition, gifts with their church friends. as quickly as possible, Ughanze said. church. Even though Mia isn't a refugee, refugees fled their homeland and cannot It's been that way since 2003 when the On a Sunday afternoon in December, she understands how difficult it can be for return due to threat of violence and even International Rescue Committee opened a about two dozen of the 100 or so refugees someone from a different country and cul- death. Doug told of one woman and her satellite office in Abilene. Since 2003, the at Holy Family Catholic Church gathered ture to assimilate. She and her husband four children who attend Holy Family. IRC has resettled about 100 refugees a after Mass for activities. The children col- and children found a community to fit Her husband was killed in front of the year, mostly from African nations, in ored on sheets of paper provided. into at Holy Family. youngest child, Doug said. Abilene. Many have found welcoming Children and parents alike enjoyed the "That's something that makes me feel Their experiences are so horrific that it places to worship, particularly those who refreshments. very good," Mia said. is easy to see why they are grateful to live grew up in the Catholic tradition. Two couples who currently help the When refugees first began arriving in in a peaceful place and want to be a part Abilene is home to four Catholic parish- refugees at the church feel part of the Abilene 12 years ago, Holy Family of that. es and all of them, along with the St. family are Judie and Doug Eichorst and Deacon Gary Rhodes and his wife, "They so value the freedoms we have," Vincent de Paul Society, reach out to Marc Ntibandetse and Mia Gatoni. Marc Suzanne, took notice and realized they Doug said. refugees. In fact, the Rev. Bob Bush at and Mia, both from Burundi, are not should welcome the strangers to the Refugees have settled into life in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Abilene refugees but assist refugees who attend church. Later, Terry and Mary Kossbiel Abilene's Catholic churches to the extent says his church has earned the reputation Holy Family. They were living in the began helping. And now, Doug and Judie that they now are viewed as a part of the as "the most multi-cultural of any parish Dallas-Fort Worth area when they decided Eichorst and Marc Ntibandetse and Mia family. The stories of their struggles in in the diocese," thanks in part to the it was too big. Gatoni are assisting. their home country and in refugee camps refugees who attend. "That's how we came to Abilene," Mia "It's been a real joy working with before making their way to Abilene are so One woman at Sacred Heart, Ngozika said. them," Judie said. inspiring that people naturally want to help. Ughanze, is not a refugee but a native of When they arrived, they found hundreds Their involvement began by offering Maybe Mia Gatoni, a member of Holy Nigeria. She is a teacher at Lee of refugees, many from Burundi, living in rides to church, Doug said, and then tak- Family Catholic Church, said it best. Elementary School in Abilene and also the city. They joined Holy Family ing refugees to job interviews, school, and Rather than feeling it is a burden to offer volunteers as an English as a Second Catholic Church and one day noticed a other places. Now, they jump in whenever help, people at the church want to assist Language instructor to help African sign-up sheet for people who wanted to they can be of assistance in any way. the refugees in any way possible. refugees. She and other church members help refugees attending the church. They "It's been really a positive experience," "We have a feeling," she said, "we don't provide transportation for refugees in signed up and now both assist. Their chil- Doug said. do enough for them." SCHOOLS (From 5) only during Catholic Schools Week." pope talks about his experience, he gets he said. Seminar participant Father Christopher almost rhapsodic," Father Stravinskas Vera Hough, a married mother of four priestly vocations are robust in dioceses Phillips, pastor of Our Lady of the said. The pope's habits of a lifetime were children from Little Silver, New Jersey, such as Lincoln, Nebraska, and Wichita, Atonement in San Antonio, said he situat- instilled as a sixth-grader with the urged participants to be 'unexpected Kansas, where newly ordained priests ed his office adjacent to the school lobby Salesians, he said. priests' in the daily lives of schoolchild- serve their first assignment as high school and keeps the door open to encourage "Pope Francis obviously doesn't buy ren. Such a priest inspires by being pres- teachers. student drop-ins. He also said the church the argument that Catholic schools are a ent and sincere. "It was short-sighted on the part of and the school are connected by internal distraction from the periphery," Father "You may never know the fruits of your many bishops to remove priests from hallways. Stravinskas said. Educators must be labors as an unexpected priest. You will schools. The vocation crisis was exacer- "Give everyone an opportunity to use mature, well-balanced, passionate, inspire others by your integrity," she said. bated by their removal," Father the school," for meetings and functions, prayerful purveyors of values and cus- "Be faithful to the magisterium. Be your- Stravinskas said. and keep the parish informed of school toms, as well as content, and consider self. Be ecumenical, but always faithful. Parishioners must see the school as an activities through the bulletin, Father their craft a vocation, rather than a pro- You will nourish hearts, lighten heavy integral part of the parish, not a separate Stravinskas recommended. fession. According to Pope Francis, con- loads and foster healthy, Christian fami- entity, Father Stravinskas said. "We ought He cited the commitment of Pope sistency and witness are indispensable lies." not to be talking about Catholic schools Francis to Catholic education. "When the factors in the education of young people, CHANGE (From 5) opportunity to mentor and lead within received to serve others, faithfully admin- with Keep Midland Beautiful, High Sky each house. Each house is supervised, istering God’s grace in its various forms.” Children’s Ranch, and honor our commu- sixth, seventh and eighth grade students not led, by a middle school teacher. Our They have served willingly and humbly, nity’s veterans on Veterans Day. were divided into four houses named for student house members elect officers, knowing their personal abilities and tal- Our students have found our house sys- patron saints: House of St. Bernadette, brainstorm the house activities, organize ents are gifts from God meant to be used tem to be both fun and rewarding. Their House of St. Blaise, House of St. Cecilia, service projects, create prayer services, in His name. Our students continue to enthusiasm to work and pray with and and House of St. Jude. In the fall of 2014, and schedule competitions and celebra- serve our school as kindergarten reading for one another, and to lead the school’s the blessing of increased middle school tions. Over the past five years, our tutors and Mass buddies. They serve our younger students with care shows our enrollment precipitated the creation of a house members have volunteered hun- parish by supporting the St. Vincent De house system is preparing each middle fifth house, House of St. Michael. The dreds of hours when needed in our own Paul food pantry, leading the Feast of St. school student to continue God’s work mixing of grade levels within houses is to school, in our parish, and in the Midland Francis pet blessing, and volunteering at once they leave St. Ann’s, and to treasure create a sense of camaraderie and owner- community. 1 Peter 4:10 teaches, “Each the St. Ann’s Family Fair. They serve our the friendships created in the name of ship, and to give the upperclassmen the one should use whatever gift he has community through their involvement Jesus Christ and their House patron saint. Page 22 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus POPCAK

(From 7) study of over 1700 adult children of universe, and everything? After all, children of divorce appear in America divorce points to an answer. She found they've already been doing it for them- Magazine opposing easy solutions for become, not sincere spiritual seekers, but that even in the best of circumstances, selves their entire lives. readmitting the divorced and remarried rather perpetual spiritual samplers — divorce causes children to live between Likewise, in an intact family, religious back into communion on the grounds that happy to taste from the religious buffet but two worlds — Mom's World and Dad's rituals help bind the family together. But "children need...the church to stand with eternally afraid to commit. A perfect World. When living in Mom's World, in a divorced family they often become them and to speak the truth about what example of this is Reba Riley's book, Post- kids don't talk about life in Dad's World one more point of conflict between their parent or parents have done." Traumatic Church Syndrome: A Memoir for fear of upsetting mom. Vice-versa Mom's World and Dad's World. In this The bottom line is that a Church that of Humor and Healing where she describes when living in Dad's World. The only scenario, religion actually becomes a bur- wants to transform the culture and open sampling 30 religions before her 30th place these two all-important worlds den--just one more difference between hearts to Christ can never be soft on birthday; a spiritual quest set off by her come together is inside the child's own mom and dad that a child has to sort out divorce. And the people who subscribe to religious parents' divorce which caused her head. No matter how much they love for him or herself. such a faith could do much to save the to discount and even resent the spiritual their children, the divorced mom and dad world by turning their attention home- security she trusted in her early years. can do very little to give their children a Doomed? ward and saving their marriages. narrative that helps their life make sense. Does this mean that all children of Dr. Greg Popcak is the author of many Between Two Worlds The child must learn to do this for him or divorce are doomed to be spiritual wan- books including the new, revised and But why would divorce — especially if herself. Having taken on this incredibly derers? Of course not. But there is no expanded 2nd edition of For Better ... it is a so-called "good divorce" (charac- difficult role traditionally reserved for question that divorce places an unappre- FOREVER! A Catholic Guide to Lifelong terized by low conflict and relatively adults, is it any wonder that these chil- ciated spiritual burden on children. Seen Marriage. To learn more about his good parent-child rapport) cause such dren are loathe to let anyone besides in this light, it is not at all surprising to books, radio program and telecounseling disillusionment? Elizabeth Marquardt's themselves makes sense out of life, the see an article written by a group of adult services,visit CatholicCounselors.com SAINTS

(From 7) would have in the East and pressured In his battle against Arianism, Hilary remains were laid to rest there but some Constantius to return him to his see. turned against the heresy one of its own were later burned by the Huguenots. A final French bishops to support Arius. He did On his return to Poitiers in 360, Hilary innovations and strengths – that of hymns resting place is at the abbey at St. Denys. have to attend a third, but he refused to traveled through Illyricum and Italy and he wrote some of his own. Englebert John Delaney writes in the “Dictionary sign a pro-Arian document and was exiled preaching against Arianism and making also notes that honor is given to Hilary of Saints” that Hilary was one of the lead- to Phrygia (now modern Turkey). In 358, many converts. He received a hero’s wel- for having softened Latin, making it more ing and most respected theologians of his Pope Liberius capitulated to the emperor’s come from the people in Poitiers. Guiley readily adaptable to Greek thought, and times. He was declared a Doctor of the views leaving Hilary the virtually sole reports that the Arian persecution ended for the exact definition of the mysteries Church by Pope Pius IX in 1851. He has champion of orthodox belief in the West. with Constantius’ death in 361 although of our faith. also been described as the “Athanasius of Rosemary Guiley writes in the the heresy remained strong. In character, Hilary was gentle, courte- the West” based on his defense of ortho- “Encyclopedia of Saints” that Hilary used Hilary then summoned all the bishops ous and friendly, although his writings doxy at the Synod of Bitterae in 356. St. his time in exile to study and write. One of Gaul to a synod in Paris and had them could be sometimes severe in tone. Along Jerome called Hilary “the trumpet of the of his most celebrated works is “De sign allegiance to the Nicene Creed, the with “De Trinitate,” he wrote many other Latins against the Arians.” Trinitate,” a series of 12 books arguing doctrine issued by the Council of Nicaea works including “Dy Synodis” and His feast day on January 13 traditional- that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have in 325 in response to the Arian heresy. Commentaries on the Psalms and on ly marks the beginning of the “Hilary” the same essential substance or nature. Omer Englebert writes in “Lives of the Matthew’s Gospel. term (spring semester) at Oxford and After a few years the Arian bishops Saints” that Hilary’s perseverance and Hilary died in Poitiers in 367 worn out Cambridge Universities and in the British feared the influence that Hilary’s writings moderation purged all Gaul of heresy. by his travels, exile, and struggles. His law courts. SANDOVAL

(Para 16) en vías de desarrollo. solo y quien sufrió una apoplejía. Aunque Recientemente, mi hermano Antonio y Tristemente, nuestra generosidad todavía trabaja, ella va a la casa de su yo visitamos a una tía internada en una tos quienes jamás pueden regresar a sus desvanece. No obstante, a veces vemos amigo por una hora o dos cada día para casa de ancianos. La imagen más viva tierras, y, este año, a los cientos de miles lindos ejemplos. Recientemente, mientras cocinar y limpiar. Lo lleva a hacer com- que nos quedó fue de personas en silen- de refugiados de Siria peregrinando por esperaba dentro de un taller, conocí a una pras, a la iglesia y a reuniones con su cio, en sillas de ruedas en los pasillos ais- toda Europa. mujer que me dijo que a menudo va a la familia. "Siempre llevo una silla de lados. Viven un soledad fuerte, ellos con Así es como nuestra tradición de dar cárcel del condado. Le tiene cariño espe- ruedas en mi auto", me dijo. Gracias a sus pensamientos. Un hombre me dijo: regalos va más allá de ayudar a los más cial a un joven abandonado por toda su ella, ese hombre puede sentir que tiene "No envejezca". necesitados. Las beatitudes nos dirigen a familia. Aunque ella es pobre, dijo que de familia. Mi tía, por supuesto, mostro un gran los enfermos, los presos, los hambrientos vez en cuando puede darle al preso Recientemente nuestro gobernador, gusto de vernos, especialmente a mi her- y a las víctimas de injusticia, entre otros. algunos dólares para comprar algunos Dannel Malloy, aceptó a una familia de mano, a quien no había visto por 25 años. Quizás nos damos cuenta de que por el accesorios. refugiados de Siria, quienes el gobernador Se nos hizo dificil despedirnos de ella. precio de un regalo de unos pocos cen- En mi vecindario en Connecticut, la de Indiana había rechazado. Indicó que Me hizo pensar que estas son las personas tavos podemos comprar una vacuna que agente de propiedad quien nos ayudó a no debemos temer de que un terrorista que tenemos que tener en cuenta durante puede salvar la vida de un niño en un país buscar casa, cuida a un hombre que vive entre al país en medio de los refugiados. nuestro viaje de Navidad. The Angelus JANUARY 2016 Page 23 ANNULMENTS

(From 7) trying an annulment should not be a bar- other problems in our lives and relation- rier to anyone. While the requested fee ships. It is through delving into the sore case at the tribunal. This process is not is minimal, if a person cannot afford this spots of the past relationship in prayer expected to be the normal process of fee, please discuss the matter with your and offering the past to God while seek- most cases and will probably be used on pastor. The inability to pay the fee has ing healing and peace that many people rare occasions. never been a barrier to the tribunal who have found tremendous relief, Another significant change is in what accepting any case that is submitted to it. healing, and peace while completing the is called the “competent forum.” This While this is the Year of Mercy in the annulment process. When people treat refers to which tribunal a case may be Church, the same standards of investi- this as a merely administrative process tried in to determine validity. Now, a gation of the case are applied to uphold that is what they get. When they treat tribunal where the wedding was cele- the sanctity and the dignity of marriage this as an opportunity to ‘face their brated or where either the petitioner or as the Tribunal always seeks truth and demons’ while seeking the grace of God the respondent lives or where the most justice for all parties – the petitioner, they find the reality of God’s love for proofs can be collected can claim com- the respondent, and the marriage. them and his eternal offering of mercy petence in a case. One significant In the beginning of this article it was and peace. change here is that now cases where the noted that the process is not easier. The To begin the annulment process, wedding took place in another country most difficult part of the process is the begin with prayer. Ask for the guidance and where the respondent lives in writing of the story of the personal of the Holy Spirit and for the strength to another country can now be tried in the development of the parties and the story take each step in the process wrapped in Tribunal of San Angelo Diocese if the of the courtship and marriage. This is the grace of God. Then contact your petitioner lives within the diocese. If difficult because this often involves the priest, deacon or parish office and ask you are aware of any cases that could opening of old wounds that people for their help to begin the annulment. not be tried in San Angelo in the past thought they had buried in the past. You may also wish to call the tribunal because of this factor, please help to However, burying our hurts from the for advice or to answer questions you have the case resubmitted here. past never brings healing and peace. It may have. Call us at 325-651-7500. Pope Francis also asked that cost of only leaves us unsettled and causes MOISES

(From 16) can sometimes give him a few dollars to need not give in to the fear that some purchase incidentals. terrorist will enter the country among Christmas therefore is the time when In my neighborhood in Connecticut, the refugees. we are most likely to realize that a gift the real estate agent who helped us find Recently, my brother Antonio and I costing us a pittance can buy a vaccina- our home cares for a man who lives visited an aunt in a nursing home. The tion that can save a life in the develop- alone and was incapacitated by a stroke. dominant visual image I took away was ing world. Though she works, she goes to his house of people sitting in their wheelchairs Sadly, our concern for the needy often every day, spending an hour or two listlessly, alone with their thoughts. And wanes in a short time. But there are peo- cooking and cleaning, takes him shop- one man said to me: "Don't get old." ple who set an inspiring example for us. ping, to church and to family gatherings. We live at a time of excruciating lone- Recently while I was waiting at an "I carry a wheelchair in my car all the liness. My aunt, of course, was delighted auto repair shop, a middle-aged woman time," she told me. Thanks to her, that to see my brother, whom she had not confided that she regularly goes to the man can truly say he has a family. seen in 25 years. We had difficulty tear- county jail. There she always stops to Recently, too, Connecticut's governor, ing ourselves away. It made me think visit a young man whose family has Dannel Malloy, accepted a Syrian that these are the people we need to rejected him. Though poor, as every- refugee family after the governor of keep in mind the most in our Christmas thing about her proclaimed, she said she Indiana rejected them. He indicated we journey. WOO (From 15) their lives" as the monks did. He loss of her son, are experiences based believed that mothers and fathers, and on real life. "I tried to incorporate some did me one better by saying that it doctors and lawyers, and teachers and of the struggles a lot of readers would would be just as appropriate for the janitors, a lot of them anyway, were have," he said. just-beginning Year of Mercy convoked holier than monks. "They had to make Setting out to write a book that would by Pope Francis, because of the com- room for God in a world that often help people feel more comfortable passionate spiritual counseling Anne crowded out God," Father Paul thought. about their relationship with God, receives from Father Paul, the abbot of By the time he had finished writing, Father Martin found that telling the sto- the monastery. Father Martin said he loved the charac- ries of his characters' lives was an effec- I told Father Martin that I really liked ters he had created. He said Anne's tive way to accomplish that. "I had a the passage when Father Paul explained questions about the spiritual life, and great time doing that, being with these that he "liked helping people who didn't her relationship with God, which was three characters, given to me by God in have as many invitations to see God in affected by the anger she felt over the a dream," he said. Page 24 JANUARY 2016 The Angelus The Funeral Mass of Father Romanus Akamike, December 23, 2015

Images from the Funeral Mass of Fr. Romanus Akamike

December 23, 2015