March 15, 2019 In This Issue ESSEESSENGERNGER M Serving the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky since 1926 2 Ash Wednesday Drawstrength fromGod 2 Curia enrichment day andcommunity,Bishop 2 Bishop blesses server awards FoyssaysatRiteofElection Laura Keener Editor 3 Holy Cross District High In two ceremonies at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, School March 10, 66 catechumens and 120 candidates from 31 parishes were Mass with Bishop Foys presented to Bishop Roger Foys at the Rite of Election. The Rite of Election is held every year on the first Sunday of Lent. These catechu- mens (unbaptized) — now the elect — and candidates (already bap- 3 ‘Rally for Life’ in Frankfort tized) will receive the sacraments of initiation — baptism (catechu- mens) and first Communion and confirmation — at this year’s Easter 3 Deanery penance services vigil becoming full, participating members of the Catholic Church. In his homily Bishop Foys recounted an article he had read when 3 CRS Rice Bowl — stories he was a young priest. In the middle of the night a fire had broke out and enveloped the home of a young family. The mother escaped safely of hope but the fire prevented her from reaching her four-year-old daughter Encounter Annet who was trapped in her bedroom. Firefighters with safety nets plead- ed with the young girl to jump from her window, but all the little girl 8 ‘We Choose Life’ could do was cry. The girl’s father, who had been working the third- shift at a local company, arrived at the scene and called to his daugh- 9 Stan and Rita Bond ter. “I will not let you get hurt.” Seeing her father, the girl stopped cry- ing and hearing his words of assurance, she jumped to safety. Years Honored with Presidential later, now a young woman, a reporter asked her to recount what she (top) As an indication of their Volunteer Service Award was feeling and why she didn’t jump for the firefighters. intent to receive the catechumen The woman told the reporter: I’ve thought about this every day of into their care, godparents place 15 Obituary my life. I knew there was fire on the other side of that door but being their hand on the shoulder of in the confines of my room at that moment and at that age, I felt safe. Edward L. Comer the catechumen at the Rite of The prospect of throwing myself out the window was not something Election, March 10. I was able to do until I heard my father’s voice and I saw his extended 17 Obituary (above, right and left) Each arms. candidate and catechumen is Benedictine Sister Justina “We are called to trust in a God who loves us, who cares for us, who called by name and presented to monitors our every breath, who knows our every thought, who feels Franxman Bishop Roger Foys as they are our every pain — a God who does not want us to be hurt,” Bishop Foys offered for enrollment. said. “And, we don’t have to do it alone. Not only is God there but — (left) Following enrollment, just like all those firemen that were there for that little girl — we also Bishop’s Schedule ...... 3 Father Eric Boelscher, parochial have our community. Commentary ...... 4 administrator, St. Charles “Jesus founded the Church as a community of believers. We are People and Events ...... 10 Borromeo, Flemingsburg, not alone; we don’t have to do this by ourselves. We draw strength from our trust in God and from those around us. Saint Snippet ...... 11 presents the parish Book of Elect to Bishop Foys for his “To the candidates and catechumens I say ‘thank you’ for being a Classifieds ...... 16 signature. witness to your trust in God and for your willingness to join this com- VIRTUS ...... 17 munity of believers.” Entertainment ...... 18 Keener photos Cooley photos Shopper’s Guide ...... 18 News Briefs ...... 19

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Bishop Roger Foys, Matthew Zeck, DPAA general chair, and Mary Paula Schuh, leadership gifts chair, address the guests at the Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal (DPAA) kick-off dinner, March 7, at Receptions, Erlanger. At the dinner Mrs. Schuh announced that during the leadership gifts phase 36 solicitors raised $327,995 from 73 donors. The goal for the 2019 DPAA is $2.55 million and the theme is “Our Citizenship is in Heaven…” (Philippians 3:20). Next up is Commitment Weekend, which will be March 23 and 24. At DPAA dinner ministries introduce donorstothe people served Laura Keener ty to visit with 32 ministries — 16 Curia offices Editor and 16 community social service agencies — who The second of two Diocesan Parish Annual benefit from the DPAA, to learn more about its Appeal kick-off dinners was held March 7 at ministry and the people they serve. Receptions, Erlanger. Bishop Roger Foys, Faith Community Pharmacy is one of the com- Matthew Zeck, general chair, and Mary Paula munity non-profits with a booth at the dinner that Schuh, leadership gifts chair, welcomed over 425 received a grant last year. Jill Hilgefort, executive people. director, for the pharmacy said that she likes Before the dinner, attendees had the opportuni- (Continued on page 17) 2 March 15, 2019 Messenger

(left) Bishop Roger Foys celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass, March 6, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington. Ash Wednesday begins the 40 days of Lent — a season of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. (above and left) Deacon Conor Kunath, seminarian; Father Ryan Maher, rector; and Father Joey Shelton, episcopal master of ceremonies; assist with the distribution of ashes.

Cooley photos AshWednesday and external signsofLent remindusthis lifeisfinite centuries the Catholic Church has begun the season of and helpusprepare for the lifetocome Lent by imposing ashes. … I often wonder, what is the David Cooley Lent. draw? People throughout Christendom will pack churches Associate Editor “First of all, the ministers of the Church dress in pur- today, people who — for whatever reason, no judgment on The Lenten season began, March 6, with Bishop Roger ple — violet — which is a penitential color. You will see the them — may not darken a church door any other time of Foys celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass and the distribu- church is without any flowers or decorations. You will not the year, will pack churches to receive ashes and to be told, tion of ashes at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, hear an ‘alleluia’ in any of the prayers or in any of the ‘You are dust and into dust you will return.’ One wouldn’t Covington. In addition to the Curia staff and students from songs. Today, we will bless ashes and we will be signed with think that would be a draw, to have your head dirtied with Covington Latin School, many guests and Cathedral ashes on our foreheads,” said Bishop Foys. “While all these ashes and be reminded you are going to die.” parishioners attended the solemn ceremony, ushering in are external manifestations of the season, the season of Bishop Foys said that he ponders why Ash Wednesday, the season of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Lent is meant for us to have the opportunity to work on our which is not a holy day of obligation and has such a Bishop Foys began his homily by drawing attention to interior life, our spiritual life. somber message, draws so many people to church. the outward signs of Ash Wednesday and the season of “External manifestations are important,” he said. “For (Continued on page 16) Keener photos

Server award blessing Bishop Roger Foys blesses, March 12, the server awards that will be distributed at the parishes to seventh-grade servers. The forecast of a winter storm caused the cancel- Curia staff enrichment day Cooley photos lation of the server awards vespers The diocesan Curia staff congregated, March 11, for a staff enrichment day in Bishop Howard Memorial Auditorium, Covington. this year and necessitated the Twice a year — once in the fall and once in the spring — Bishop Roger Foys requests that his entire staff come together to reflect on change in the way this year’s awards will be distributed. The and study a particular topic that will help them in their ministry, as they strive to be in service of others. server awards are sponsored by the Serra Club for Vocations Following up on the previous enrichment day, Father Stef Bankemper, pastor, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Ft. Thomas, continued his of Northern Kentucky as a way to encourage servers in presentation on and walked the staff through different forms of prayer that exist in the Church. The day began with Mass celebrated Church ministry. For information contact Michael Murray, by Bishop Foys at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, with Father Bankemper as the homilist. The day ended with president, Serra Club for Vocations, Northern Kentucky, at mid-day prayer. Following mid-day prayer the staff returned to their regularly scheduled day. (859) 392-1500. Messenger March 15, 2019 3

Cooley photos

Mass with Holy Cross District High School Bishop Roger Foys celebrated Mass, March 12, for the students and faculty of Holy Cross District High School at Holy Cross Church, Latonia. Concelebrants were the school’s chaplain, Father Thomas Robbins, and faculty member, Father Jeffrey VonLehmen, as well as Father Daniel Schomaker, pastor, St. Augustine Parish, Covington, which is one of Holy Cross’ feeder parishes. Deacon Hudson Henry assisted. Following Mass, principal Michael Holtz thanked Bishop Foys on behalf of Holy Cross District High School for coming to celebrate Mass and Deanery Lenten for his leadership in and support of Catholic education. Bishop Foys, in response, thanked the school for the invitation. In his closing Confessions/Adoration comments, Bishop Foys spoke to the students about the importance of Catholic education, and, as it is his custom, he asked them to thank Covington Deanery their parents, not only on his behalf but also on their own behalf, for sending them to a Catholic school. Confessions and adoration 12 a.m.–12 p.m. Friday, March 22: Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington and Divine Mercy InKentucky,momentum has shiftedinbattle Parish, Bellevue Friday, March 29: St. Augustine Parish, to support lifeatall stages Covington and Holy Spirit Parish, Newport Laura Keener healthcare procedures, most people accept that informed Editor consent is conversation between the patient and his or her Campbell County Deanery Kentucky Right to Life Association (KRLA) sponsored, healthcare provider. But when it came to women seeking Penance Service: Monday, April 8, 7 p.m., March 7, a “Rally for Life” at the Kentucky State Capitol, an abortion, Mr. Hall said, it had taken years to clarify that St. Joseph Parish, Cold Spring Frankfort. State leaders gathered with pro-life supporters women had the right to informed consent — to have a con- from around the state to rally in support of pro-life legisla- versation about the truth and consequences of an abortion Northern Kenton County Deanery tion being considered in the General Assembly and to lend procedure — and that informed consent does not occur by Penance service: Thursday, April 11, 7 p.m., their voice in support of those who have no voice. a patient listening to a recording over the phone. St. Pius X Parish, Edgewood Faye Roch, director, diocesan Pro-Life Office, Peggy “Thankfully over the past few years we’ve seen the pas- Piccola, administrative assistant, diocesan, Pro-Life sage of not only the informed consent bill but also a ban on Office, and Dr. William Wehrman, president, Sts. Teresa of late term abortions and an ultrasound requirement,” he

Bishop’s Schedule

March 15-16 March 21 (continued) Monthly day of recollection, Annual Pro-Life Essay Contest, St. Gertrude Priory, Madeira Bishop Howard Memorial March 16 Auditorium, Covington, 6 p.m. Wedding, St. Joseph Parish, March 22 Cold Spring, 1 p.m. Mass and dinner, Equestrian Life Learning Center reception, Order of the Holy Sepulchre, (from left) Peggy Piccola, administrative assistant, diocesan Pro-Life Office; Dr. William Wehrman, president, Sts. Teresa of Calcutta and Faustina Catholic Drees Pavilion, 6 p.m. Christ the King Church, Cincinnati, 5:30 p.m. Medical Association Guild; Faye Roch, director, diocesan Pro-Life Office; and Linda Schuchter, parishioner, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Ft. Thomas, at the March 17 “Life Rally,” March 7, in Frankfort, Ky. (right) Jason Hall, executive director, Catholic Conference of Kentucky, was one of the speakers at the rally. Mass, Cathedral Basilica of March 23-24 DPAA commitment weekend Calcutta and Faustina Catholic Medical Association said to applause. the Assumption, Covington, 10 a.m. March 24 Guild, were among the pro-life supporters attending the In addition to legislation aimed at protecting the child Mass, Cathedral Basilica, rally. Governor Matt Bevin was also in attendance. in the womb, Mr. Hall said there have also been “positive March 18-20 10 a.m. “I feel encouraged and have much hope in listening to things happening to support pregnant women and young Seminary visit and Board of Governor Bevin and so many of our state leaders stand up families in vulnerable situations.” Regents meeting, St. Vincent March 24-27 for life at all stages,” said Mrs. Roch. “As the sign says, ‘Love Them Both,’” he said referring Seminary, Latrobe Seminary visit, Pontifical Jason Hall, executive director, Catholic Conference of to a poster depicting a young pregnant woman. March 21 College Josephinum, Columbus Kentucky (CCK), was one of the presenters. Mr. Hall talked One of those bills this year, Senate Bill 18, which had Women religious superiors about how momentum has shifted in Kentucky in support already passed the Senate and was one its way to the House meeting, 10 a.m. of life at the time of this writing, would require that businesses Deans’ meeting, 1:30 p.m. Not long ago, “It was a Herculean effort to pass even the provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant women Monthly Holy Hour for victims most modest prolife bills,” Mr. Hall told the crowd of pro- in the workplace. of abuse, Cathedral Basilica, life supporters gathered in the rotunda. “In these final days lets push SB 18 and all these pro-life 3 p.m. When making decisions on whether to undergo most bills across the finish line,” he said. 4 March 15, 2019 Messenger COMMENTARY ‘The Beatitudesofthepoor’inthe Gospelof Luke The Gospel according to Luke reverberates with several (Mt 5: 3-12) and Luke’s Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6: 20-26) Again, in “Lifting the Burden: Reading Matthew’s distinctive motifs, among which that of “the good news of narrate the New Testament Beatitudes of Jesus. Gospel in the Church Today,” Jesuit Father Brendan salvation for sinners and outcasts and for the poor and Whereas Matthew’s version sums up eight Beatitudes, Byrne explains that Matthew’s wording of “poor in spirit” lowly” is singularly prominent. Luke numbers four Beatitudes paralleled with four stems from the biblical tradition — “an honorific name for The introduction to the Gospel according to Luke in “Woes.” the faithful in Israel who, conscious of lack of resources “The Catholic Study Bible” (NAB) points out that the evan- Within that litany of formulations, biblical exegetes on their own part, look to YHWH alone for salvation …” gelist enjoins Christian commonly view the specific spelling out of the Beatitudes In short, the biblical notion of the anawim encompass- disciples “to identify es those who know their need for God. Hence, the concept COMMENTARY with the master, Jesus, of the anawim designates all who fall outside the circle of who is caring and ten- “… ‘The Spirit of the Lord care and concern; its meaning cannot be restricted to the der toward the poor and (Luke 4:18) materially impoverished exclusively. the lowly, the outcast, is upon me …’ . Jesuit Father Dennis Hamm constructs a plausible case the sinner, and the for establishing Isaiah 61 as “the home of the beatitudes.” afflicted, toward all He [The Savior] assured those burdened (“The Beatitudes in Context,” 1990)) Working on the those who recognize assumption of a common source the “Q’ beatitudes, Father their dependence on by sorrow and crushed by poverty Hamm concludes that Matthew and Luke were familiar God.” that God has a special place for them with the Isaian text. He writes: “Matthew does it by At the Visitation of retrieving (or constructing) five other beatitudes and align- Mary and Elizabeth in his heart: ing them with the primary base, Isaiah, chapter 61; Luke (Luke 1:46-55) in the ‘Blessed are you poor, does it by introducing an extensive quotation of Isa 61 infancy narrative, the (with 58:6) in his version of Jesus’ inaugural sermon at opening line of Mary’s yours is the kingdom of God’ (Luke 6: 20) …” Nazareth (Luke 4: 18-19).” “Magnificat,” echoes In “Jesus the Christ” (1976) a major work in Father Ronald Ketteler that of the prayer of (Pope Francis, “Evangelii Gaudium,” n. 197)1 Christology, Cardinal Walter Kasper, summed up a main- Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1: stream interpretation of the biblical concept of “the poor” “My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted by my which stands as the foundation of the Beatitudes in God.” Her canticle also resounds with Isaiah 61:1: “The in Matthew and Luke as commentaries on the first Matthew and Luke. He writes that in the preaching of spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; he has sent me to bring Beatitude — “Blessed are the poor in Spirit” (Matthew 5:3) Jesus “the helpless, those without resources, the good news to the afflicted …” and “Blessed are you poor” (Luke 6-20). oppressed, those in despair, the despised, the ill-treated, the Throughout the Magnificat’s narrative the spirituality In his “The Hospitality of God: A Reading of Luke’s abused” fall into the New Testament category of “the of “the poor of Yahweh” resonates with passages from the Gospel,” Jesuit Father Brendan Byrne comments that the poor” broadly understood. Jesus’ preferential love for the Psalms. For example, Psalm 113: 7-8 declares: “He (the Lukan first beatitude “declares a blessing on those who are poor is akin to the Old Testament orientation found in “the LORD) raises the needy from the dust, lifts the poor from literally poor — ‘Blessed are you poor, for yours is the prophet Amos’s criticism of social injustice and oppres- the ash heap …” kingdom of God.’ (Luke 6:20) Contrasted with Matthew’s sion (Amos 2:7; 4:1; 5:11), or the way the Psalms invoke or In the preparation for the Holy Year 2000 the reading of “poor in spirit” (third person), Luke the evan- celebrate Yahweh as the protector and helper of all who Theological-Historical Commission for the Great Jubilee gelist addresses the de facto condition of the disciples of are persecuted and powerless.” published “Jesus Christ, Word of the Father: Savior of the Jesus (second person). In reality, the disciples of Jesus are Yet, be that as it may, many biblical scholars disallow World” (1997). That Jubilee catechesis incorporated numbered among the poor. reducing Luke’s use of “the poor” to designate the social Marian doctrine and theology in Chapter 10, “Mary, the The “Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the class of the economically or materially impoverished Mother of Jesus.” Church” refers to the origins of the Church’s love for the exclusively. The Book of Isaiah provides the context for On the threshold of the New Millennium, “Jesus poor as being “inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, by Luke’s pronouncement. In particular, the prophetic under- Christ, Word of the Father” interpreted the Magnificat in the poverty of Jesus and by his attention to the poor.” standing of the Hebrew term anawim has a broader con- the light of contemporary biblical exegesis and insights Within the context of the preferential option for the poor, notation in the biblical tradition. In its roots it encompass- into the Church’s mission for justice. It states: solidarity in that love for the poor not only entails the cor- es men and women who know their need for God’s help. “Contemporary readings of this canticle underscore not poral and spiritual works of mercy but has implications Moreover, the condition of the biblical anawim is iden- only the humility of the handmaid toward God, but also for “addressing the social and political dimensions of the tified with the plight of the Israelites in the post-exile era Mary’s prophetic role in announcing the work of justice, problem of poverty.” (CSDC, n. 184) who hoped for the coming of a final saving intervention of even human justice, that the advent of the kingdom of God Pope St. John Paul II’s 1990 encyclical “Redemptoris God. Thus, in this context the biblical focus centers on the will establish on earth.” Missio” discussed the Beatitudes of Christ in the Church’s awareness of the need for salvation as a gift from God. In Luke’s Gospel, the prophetic oracle from Isaiah 61:1-2 role as the “Church of the Poor.” St. John Paul II enjoined In this sense, then, the disciples of Jesus must be sets the stage for Jesus’ inaugural sermon in his home- the Church to “draw all the truth contained in the “poor” because discipleship demands unconditional trust town synagogue at Nazareth. Here Jesus dramatically Beatitudes of Christ, especially in the first one: ‘Blessed in God. In spite of differences, Luke’s version of the first announces that he is the anointed Isaian prophet whose are the poor in spirit’ …” Therefore, the Church must beatitude stands in substantial harmony with Matthew’s prophetic task is “to bring glad tidings to the poor...” (Luke become the advocate for the poor in the young churches of rendition of “poor in spirit.” 4:18) That defining moment at the initiation of his public the world since their peoples “suffer from widespread As the Third Gospel unfolds, “the poor’ will become ministry records the programmatic vision of Jesus’ mes- poverty.” On account of fidelity to “the spirit of the linked to other conditions that mark men and women in sianic role of preaching the definitive in breaking of the Beatitudes,” the Church must hear the call “to be on the Jesus’ milieu as social and religious outcasts — sinners kingdom of God. The prophetic announcement of “good side of those who are the poor and the oppressed in any and the socially marginalized segments of society. news to the poor,” as a sign of the coming of the reign of way …” (RM, n. 60) In his commentary on Luke, Franciscan Father Robert God, will establish God’s justice. Jesus is God’s prophet of From a biblical standpoint, Luke’s “Sermon on the Karris observes that Luke’s gospel is sometimes referred justice. Plain” formulates the first beatitude as a declaration of to as the “Gospel of the Poor.” Nonetheless, since the Third In their pastoral letter “Economic Justice for All” blessing on the actual poor — “Blessed are you poor, for Gospel was written for a Christian community which was (1986), the then National Conference of Catholic Bishops yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20) In contrast to rapidly adding numbers of urban and wealthy Gentile applied Church social teaching to the economy of the Matthew’s reading of “poor in spirit,” Luke the Evangelist Christians, a correlative Lukan theme also arises., namely, United States. Within the survey of biblical perspectives addresses the actual condition of the disciples of Jesus. the proper use of wealth. A convincing case could be made on justice, the pastoral highlights that first public utter- In spite of textual differences, however, the Beatitudes that Luke be called “the conscience and evangelist of the ance of Jesus in Luke on his messianic mission — “the in Luke and Matthew are in substantial harmony. After all, rich.” Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me both versions are derived from the age-old prophetic tradi- In the last analysis, the categories of rich and poor to preach good news to the poor.” (EJ, n.48) tion where the concept of “the poor” (the anawim) con- more aptly describe dispositions of hearts that are open or That theme — “preaching the good news to the poor” notes a broader meaning than material poverty. And, by closed to the message of Jesus and the summons to conver- (Luke 4:18) — is woven as a golden thread, throughout the the same token, the Beatitudes in Matthew and in Luke are sion. narrative of the third Gospel — from its opening lines to rooted in the context of Jesus’ inaugural sermon in the Father Ronald Ketteler is director of ecumenism, episco- its ending and then spilling over into the Acts of the synagogue at Nazareth where Jesus announces that he is pal liaison to the Messenger and professor of theology at Apostles, Luke’s sequel to the Gospel. the anointed Isaian prophet whose task is “to bring glad Thomas More University. Both the Gospel of Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount tidings to the poor.” (Luke 4:18; cf. Isa 61:1)

(UPS-403-650) Published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington, Ky.; 44 issues a year Bishop Roger J. Foys...... Publisher VOL. 89 NO. 10 (weekly except from June 1 to mid-August, when published every other week; not Rev. Ronald M. Ketteler ...... Episcopal Liaison MESSENGER published the week after Easter and two weeks at Christmas/New Year’s). Subscription rate: Laura Keener ...... Editor, General Manager $19 per year; $40 foreign. Periodical Postage paid at Covington, KY 41012 and additional David Cooley ...... Associate Editor Official newspaper of the Diocese of Covington mailing office Cincinnati, Ohio 45203. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MESSENGER, Monica Yeamans...... Editorial Assistant 1125 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011-3115. Kim Holocher...... Advertising Manager 1125 Madison Ave. • Covington, Ky. 41011-3115 Advertising deadline: Wednesday noon, 9 days prior to publication date. Laura Gillespie...... Production Coordinator/Designer Telephone: (859) 392-1500 E-mail: [email protected] Editorial deadline: Friday noon, 7 days prior to date. www.covdio.org Subscriptions, address changes: Contact Circulation Dept. at above address. Messenger March 15, 2019 5 COMMENTARY Lent: Timetomake the Homecoming In the mid-1980s, my wife and I were invited to a bap- gathered around him a host of first-class scholars and Lord our‘blood brother’ tism and to the post-christening reception at the home of teachers, some of whom were veterans of the Soviet The readings for the second Sunday of Lent — the newborn’s parents. During the latter festivities, I was prison camp system. Cycle “C” are: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Philippians introduced to a young man In 2012, Father Gudziak was ordained a bishop and 3:17-4:1; and Luke 9:28-36. THE CATHOLIC who was working on a doc- given responsibility for the Ukrainian Greek Catholics of Sometime early in my youth, I and the other boys of DIFFERENCE torate in Church history at France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and the neighborhood gang became fascinated with the con- Harvard. We fell into con- Switzerland. As with the university in L’viv, he had to cept of becoming “blood brothers.” I’m not sure where versation and after 20 min- start from scratch: few clergy, few churches, no money, we ever learned about it. It probably came from watching utes or so I had had one of inadequate records. But with his remarkable capacity for too many cowboy and Indian shows on television. those rare experiences that work, which is driven by a deep faith and nourished by Nevertheless, the ritual for becoming blood brothers are so precious in life: I prayer, he rebuilt the life of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic was quite clear. We knew our mothers would never approve knew, instinctively, that Church in Western Europe — now composed primarily of of this rite, so it always Borys Gudziak and I were undocumented immigrants — and set in place the foun- took place in secrecy. going to be close friends for dations for its future growth. And Bishop Gudziak did all EIGHTH DAY My soon-to-be blood a very long time. this from his base in Paris while maintaining a major brother and I would each I had no idea, then, what role at the Ukrainian Catholic University and serving as take a thorn from one of a singular life Borys had a kind of “foreign minister” for the Greek Catholic my father’s well-cultivated already lived, nor what Church in Ukraine as the country was invaded by rose bushes. We would George Weigel drama the future held in Russian forces after the Maidan revolution of dignity in each use the thorn to store for him. The son of 2013-14. prick one of our fingers. Ukrainian immigrants who had come to America after So while he may not have developed Steph Curry’s (We never considered World War II to escape communist persecution in their lethal long-range jump shot, Borys Gudziak’s extraordi- what kind of deadly insec- homeland, he had grown up in Syracuse, New York, nary ministry has displayed some of that NBA super- ticides had been sprayed thinking himself a future star in the National Basketball star’s graceful talent, electric energy and ability to make on the roses.) We would Association. After recognizing that slightly built, six-foot everyone around him do (and be) better. then each squeeze our tall Ukrainian-Americans were not avidly sought by NBA On Feb. 18, it was announced that Pope Francis had punctured fingers until a teams, he adjusted his career plans and undertook both accepted the nomination of the Synod of the UGCC and an advanced degree in history and a theological educa- was naming Bishop Gudziak the head of the Greek Father Daniel Vogelpohl drop of blood appeared. Next, a drop of blood from tion. The latter came, in part, by personal instruction in Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia. Something of the each finger was mixed together, thus creating a common Rome from the great Cardinal Josyf Slipyj, the exiled quality of the man can be gleaned from an interview blood. It was precisely this common blood that made us leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church [UGCC], Archbishop-Elect Gudziak released that day: “blood brothers.” (Of course, this was all in the days who had been pried out of the Gulag by Pope John XXIII “As I — hopefully — mature as a human being, I am before we knew of AIDS or had any concern about blood — and who was the model for the “pope from the East” in increasingly drawn by the mystery of our God in Three borne pathogens.) Morris West’s novel, “The Shoes of the Fisherman.” Persons. This may be daring, but I want to be in the pres- As I now reflect on it, we children were doing basical- Slipyj was the successor of the even greater ence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit … My central ly the same thing that often occurred in events recorded Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky (d. 1944), one of the sin- belief is that the Son came into this breathtaking yet in the Old Testament. Covenants were often formed gular figures of 20th-century Catholicism (and a man often frail human race to be with me and you, even in between two parties by taking the blood of a sacrificed whose beatification is long overdue). Sheptytsky’s dreams death, to bring us home to the Father … I feel the protec- animal and sharing it equally, thus creating a common for the future of Ukrainian Greek Catholicism included tion of the Mother of God and the solidarity of the com- bond of blood. We can find, for example, instances in the creation of a great university. That university now munion of saints, especially the martyrs. Life in the which half the blood of the sacrificial animal is poured exists, in L’viv in western Ukraine, and is widely recog- Lord, who served and suffered, invites me to suffer with on the altar (symbolizing God’s sharing in the bond) and nized as the finest center of higher learning in the coun- and serve gladly those to whom I am called. … ” the other half is poured or sprinkled upon the assembled try. The development of the Ukrainian Catholic Welcome home, my friend. We are blessed to have you people (symbolizing their equal part in the covenant). University is one of Catholicism’s great accomplishments back among us. Thus God and the people literally shared the same life- of recent decades. And the university exists, and thrives, George Weigel is a senior fellow of the Ethics and Public blood of this new life together — their covenant. because of the extraordinary work of its first rector, Policy Center in Washington, D.C. In today’s first reading, we find a similar ritual of Father Borys Gudziak (ordained a priest in 1998), who covenant between God and Abram. We are told that Abram took the animals, “split them in two, and placed each half opposite the other.” The ancient practice was SymposiumonChurch and sport challengesus that the two parties to the covenant would walk between the two halves indicating their own willingness to under- go the same fate should they break the agreement. In to provide pastoral care through sport other words, the animal became a symbol of the common This past June I wrote an article summarizing “Giving Throughout the dialogue during the symposium, I life and blood they now shared. It would now be impossi- the Best of Yourself,” the Vatican’s original document on recalled some statistics on Catholic school students I came ble to kill that same life without also killing oneself. the Christian perspective of sport and the human person across: 70 percent of Catholic school students participate Thus, today’s first reading provides us with the exam- published on June 1. I was fortunate to participate in the in sports. Twenty-five percent of those students attend ple of Abram, “our father in faith,” as Eucharistic Prayer Symposium on the Church Mass regularly. Only 10 percent of them participate in a I calls him. At the age of about 75, the Lord, of whom he & Sport on March 7 hosted youth group activity. had little or no knowledge, called him to literally uproot VIEWPOINT by The University of Notre As educators and sport administrators of Catholic his whole life from his homeland and go elsewhere. I’m Dame and the Play Like A schools, we have a responsibility to evangelize by meeting sure it made no sense at all to Abram just as Christ’s Champion Today program. our young people where they are. And where are they? telling Peter of the necessity to die on the cross made no The symposium brought They are on playing fields, in gyms, in pools and on tracks. sense either. together about 60 educators, In Pope Francis’s letter in response to “Giving the Best In order to assure Abram of his faithfulness to the sport administrators, and of Yourself,” our Holy Father called sports a “formative promise of possessing the land, God, symbolized by the sports and spirituality vehicle” and “a means for mission and sanctification.” “smoking brazier and flaming torch” passed between the scholars to discuss the con- Many Catholic schools and parishes embrace this aspect of two halves of the carcass. Similarly, in order to assure tents of the document and our mission. However, it has been my observation that we Peter, James and John that his passion was indeed going produce recommendations are missing out on enhancing this aspect of our mission. to lead to glory — a glory in which they would be called for United States bishops to As Catholic educators, sport administrators and coaches, to share — Jesus allows these chosen disciples to experi- implement the Church’s one of the first questions we must be asking ourselves is, ence his transfiguration. We are even told that Moses and Rich Hoyt perspectives on sport. “Where are the opportunities in our sports programs to Elijah also “appeared in glory and spoke of his [Jesus’] Most Rev. Donald Hying, evangelize?” passage which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem.” Bishop of Gary, Indiana, “Giving the Best of Yourself” suggests the idea of All of this talk of blood and covenant and passage is, called the document “One of the greatest things to come “Sport for All” for pastoral planning through sport. of course, at the heart of our own Lenten journey. In this out of the Vatican in years.” While “Giving the Best of During the course of the symposium, our group had rich season we are seeking to be joined more closely to the Yourself” provides its own set of recommendations to discussions on how we are called to make sports more Lord just as the catechumens are seeking to become one enhance the sport experience, I came away from the meet- inclusive by providing opportunities for, as Pope Francis with Christ through baptism. We are all seeking to make ing recollecting three themes — the importance of mis- calls, the “marginalized.” In our world full of sin — or to renew our covenant with God through our relation- sion in our Catholic sports programs; making sports an racism, sexism, religious and political intolerance — ship with Jesus Christ. Indeed, we are striving to make equal-opportunity, all-inclusive proposition; and promot- sports provide an empathic way to bring people with dif- him our “blood brother.” ing the document so those involved in sports have an ferences together for a common bond. Sports should bring Father Daniel Vogelpohl is pastor of Blessed Sacrament understanding on the Church’s perspective. Parish, Ft. Mitchell. (Continued on page 18) 6 March 15, 2019 Messenger

South Sudan one day, for now she knows that Bidi Bidi is CRS Rice Bowl—astoryofhope from Uganda the safer option. In the meantime, she encourages her sib- lings to go to school and does all she can to ensure they’ll Option for the Poor and Vulnerable and her siblings have been living in Bidi Bidi, one of the have a bright future. Catholic social teaching inspires and guides how we are world’s largest refugee settlements. Formed in 2015, Bidi “My hope is to raise my siblings,” she said. “And I know to live and work in the world. In this principle, Option for the Bidi is home to nearly 300,000 people — many South I can do it with the help of CRS and my Catholic faith.” Poor and Vulnerable, Jesus tells us to give special care to Sudanese who, like Annet, fled for their lives to Uganda. those who are most in need. He reminds us of our Christian While Annet is happy to be away from the violence, life Share the journey: Shelter is necessary for a digni- duty to listen closely to those who often go unheard and to in Bidi Bidi is hard — especially for a young woman trying fied life—when families are forced to migrate, finding help those most vulnerable. to raise her siblings. That’s why CRS is building houses for safe shelter becomes uncertain. Encounter Annet families like Annet’s. A place to call Annet’s youngest sister calls her Mom — and for good home means Annet can rest a little reason. Since their parents’ deaths 4 years ago, 16-year-old easier at night knowing her family is Annet has been caring for her three siblings: Gladys, 6, safe. Irene, 8, and Emmanuel, 10. But that’s not all. CRS is also help- It hasn’t been easy. Ongoing vio- ing people like lence in their home country, South Annet learn to Sudan, forced Annet to take her sib- farm and is giving lings and flee south to neighboring them the tools Uganda. It was a dangerous journey, they need to suc- but Annet kept them safe despite ceed. Annet was threats from rebel soldiers. given her own plot For more than 2 years now, Annet of land to plant on so she will be able to continue pro- viding for her sib- lings. For her, that’s the most impor- tant thing. While she wants her family to return to

Photos by Philip Laubner/Catholic Relief Services Annet Konga and her family enjoy the playground at the A Lenten recipe: local child friendly Bamia Okra stew — Uganda space.

2 T fair trade olive oil Heat olive oil in 1 large onion, chopped large pot. 1 16 oz bag frozen cut okra Sauté onions 2 garlic cloves, chopped until brown. 2 t ground cumin Add okra, garlic 1 t ground cinnamon and spices. ½ t ground allspice Once okra is lightly 1 can diced tomatoes browned, 2 c vegetable stock add tomatoes and vegetable stock. Simmer, uncovered, for 40 minutes or until okra is soft and stew thickens. Makes 4–6 servings

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Pope announces access to wartime documents inVatican Secret Archives Carol Glatz Archives, which holds the bulk of the doc- without doubt, also moments of serious difficulties, tor- Catholic News Service uments related to the wartime pope, have mented decisions, of human and Christian prudence, VATICAN CITY — Declaring been working for the past 13 years to get which to some could look like reticence.” that the Catholic Church is the material organized, cataloged and Instead those moments of prudence were attempts — at unafraid of history, Pope Francis accessible to researchers. times tormented attempts — to keep, “during periods of the announced that documents in the Bishop Sergio Pagano, prefect of the greatest darkness and cruelty, the small flame lit of human- Vatican Secret Archives relating archives, said the years of work were nec- itarian initiatives, of hidden but active diplomacy, of the to the wartime pontificate of Pope essary to pull together and catalog materi- hopes of the possible positive opening of hearts,” he said. Pius XII will be open to scholars in al previously held in a variety of Vatican The pope thanked the staff for their work, their assis- 2020. offices; this includes documents from the tance to the world’s researchers and for the future publica- Researchers, particularly Vatican Secretariat of State, the tion of important sources related to the late pope. those interested in Catholic- Congregation for the Doctrine of the The normal Vatican practice is to catalog and open all Jewish relations, have pressed the Faith, records from Vatican nunciatures the archival material from an entire pontificate at the same Vatican to open the archives and around the world and thousands of notes time. In 2006 Pope Benedict XVI authorized the archives to allow a full study of Pope Pius’ regarding Pope Pius’ charitable activity in make available to researchers all the documentation from actions during the war, including Italy and abroad. the pre-World War II pontificate of Pope Pius XI up until what he did or failed to do for Jews Pope Pius, who guided the universal 1939. during the Holocaust. Church during World War II, already has In 1965 St. Paul VI ordered the scholars to search the “The Church is not afraid of been a subject of intense study and discus- archives for evidence to rebut claims about his predeces- history, on the contrary, she loves sion, “even criticized — one could say with sor’s allegedly negligent conduct during the war. The it and would like to love it more some bias or exaggeration,” Pope Francis claims were made by Rolf Hochhuth, a German and author and better, just as she loves God. said. of a 1963 play called “The Deputy,” in which Pope Pius was Therefore, with the same confi- While a small portion of some material depicted as a coward who did not stand up to Adolf Hitler. dence as my predecessors, I open produced during the pontificate of Pope The scholars, working from 1965 to 1981, gathered docu- and entrust to researchers” this Pius has been made available, all docu- ments that were published in 12 volumes under the title wealth of documents, Pope ments in the archives from his election in “Acts and Documents of the Holy See Relating to the Francis said. 1939 to his death in 1958 will be made avail- Second World War.” The pope met March 4 with CNS photo/Vatican Media able to researchers starting March 2, 2020. The volumes were digitized with the help of the Pave the supervisors, staff members and Pope Pius XII, who led the Catholic Church Pope Francis said he made the decision Way Foundation, whose president, Gary Krupp, seeks to assistants working at the Vatican from 1939 to 1958, is pictured in this undated in consultation with trusted advisers and redress what he says are serious misunderstandings about Secret Archives during an audi- photo at the Vatican. Pope Francis was confident that “serious and objective Pope Pius’ role during the war. Krupp says the documents ence to mark the 80th anniversary announced March 4 that all the documents historical research will know how to eval- show that the pope did much to help Jews, acting often qui- of Pope Pius XII’s election March on Pope Pius in the Vatican Secret Archives uate in the right light, with suitable criti- etly behind the scenes to avoid reprisals by the Nazis 2, 1939. would be made available to researchers start- cism, moments of praise of that pope and, against Jews. Staff at the Vatican Secret ing March 2, 2020. U.S. Jewish groups react toVatican decision to release Pius XII archives Jacob Comello ship right now,” Rabbi Herzfeld said, though he pointed move, with the museum director, Sara J. Bloomfield, say- Catholic News Service out that generally good Catholic-Jewish relations in the ing in a news release that “it is long overdue for specula- WASHINGTON — By next year, Jewish people every- modern day don’t satisfy lingering questions many Jews tion to be replaced by rigorous scholarship. ... This is where will know what World War II-era Pope Pius XII did have about the Catholic reaction to the Holocaust. important for the sake of historical truth, but there is — and didn’t — do to save Jewish lives during the worst The rabbi also noted there “is still a local parish church moral urgency too: we owe this to the survivor generation, ethnic cleansing in human history. on the grounds of Auschwitz.” He was referring to which is rapidly diminishing.” As Catholic News Service reported March 4, Pope Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which is part of the huge The Vatican does seem to have expedited the release of Francis announced that records in the Vatican Secret Auschwitz complex in Poland and where a Catholic church Pope Pius XII’s archives in recognition of Holocaust sur- Archives on the 260th pope would be opened to scholars and school occupy former headquarters of the SS. “That’s vivors, as there is usually a 70-year gap between a pontiff’s next year, commenting that the Church “isn’t afraid of his- not acceptable,” he told CNS. tenure and the publicizing of records. tory.” Rabbi Herzfeld also declared it is “a very serious ques- The release also noted that “for more than a decade, the In Washington, Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of Ohev tion ... to what extent (Pope Pius XII) was aware of the hor- museum has enjoyed a cooperative relationship with the Sholom, also referred to as The National Synagogue, rible crimes committed against the Jewish people,” claim- Vatican Archives, thanks in particular to the decision of praised the decision in a phone interview with CNS, relat- ing that it is “possible” that undesirable things will be St. Pope John Paul II to open to researchers some archival ing that the “honesty” of the Vatican’s move would revealed by the newly available archives. collections relating to the rise of Nazism in Germany.” strengthen the dialogue between Jews and Catholics. But overall, he was laudatory of the Vatican, awaiting Pope Pius has historically been the subject of contro- “(I feel) like the Catholic Church has very strong leader- the “greater clarity and detail” the archive release would versy between Jews and Catholics, as Catholics often tout bring to the conversation. his “secret diplomacy” and ties to the German resistance The U.S. Holocaust as signs that the pope was covertly attempting to under- Memorial Museum in mine the Holocaust, while some Jews claim the under- Washington also com- ground nature of his work was more a sign of apathy than mended the Vatican’s action. 8 March 15, 2019 Messenger We Grieving lost children: You are not alone Choose Faye Roch Catholics who shared the same loss of miscarriage and hope of eternity! Messenger Contributor Also in attendance at this Mass are people who have lost family mem- Life A few years ago, while planning the first diocesan Memorial Mass for bers due to illness, tragic accidents, suicide, addiction and abortion. All of the Loss of a Child, I realized that my own heart felt heavy. I had been us came together as one at this beautiful celebration of the Eucharist to thinking about parents and loved ones who grieve lost children and pon- pray for our loved ones. Having a Mass dedicated to our missing children dering precious lives cut short through illness, tragic accidents, suicide, is a powerful and consoling recognition of our grief, and it taught me Pro-Life addiction, even abortion. Suddenly it dawned on me that the Mass was what a powerful healer the Church can be for families mourning the also for people like me — those who have lost children to miscarriage. untimely death of a child. Office From the moment I knew I I saw healing right after the of the Diocese of Covington was pregnant, I felt a bond with first memorial Mass, when an this child growing in me. My older woman approached me Mission Statement husband and I had hopes and with tears in her eyes carrying The Pro-Life Office of the Roman Catholic dreams for this life God and we one of the roses that had been Diocese of Covington, guided by our bishop, had started, and we could hard- blessed during Mass. She said promotes the sanctity and legal protection of ly wait to reach the “safe” point quietly and gratefully, “I have human life from conception to natural death through prayer, pastoral care, public policy in our pregnancy to share the waited 60 years to have some- and education. news with family and friends. It’s thing to hold. I never had any- a simple fact that long, long thing to hold before.” For her, before the due date that was God is near to the broken-hearted; this Mass was the funeral service Respect life never to be, this precious baby the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart. her child never received, and (Psalm 34:18a) “What is urgently called for is a general changed our lives. she felt overwhelmed with mobilization of consciences and a The estimate that one in five thankfulness and relief. united ethical effort to activate a great pregnancies will end in miscarriage is certainly low, for it ignores unrecog- In the last few years I have seen this memorial Mass bring people into campaign in support of life. All nized miscarriages that occur before a woman realizes she has conceived. the Church. Non-Catholics in particular find the respect shown to their together, we must build a new culture Even a known miscarriage, however, is frequently brushed aside as if the babies and children to be deeply touching. In discovering the hope that of life.” unseen child never quite existed. Just a generation ago, mourning the their loved one rejoices in heaven with the angels and saints, their hearts – John Paul II, “The Gospel of Life” loss was generally discouraged as morbid, and still today a woman may and minds begin to yearn for the full truth of salvation. Actively promoting respect for human be told, “Oh, well, you can try again,” as if hope for the future could erase Each year at the Mass I see familiar faces, grateful to know their loss is life is the responsibility of every Catholic. In response to the “Pastoral today’s pain. not insignificant and not forgotten. I also see new faces, for which I offer a Plan for Pro-Life Activities” established In truth, a child lost to miscarriage is never forgotten. He or she always special prayer. How many around us are suffering the great loss of a child by the U. S. bishops in 1975, each holds a place in someone’s heart. No matter how early a miscarriage in a thousand different circumstances? Each one deserves to find reassur- parish is invited to form a parish occurs, mom and dad need to acknowledge their child, they deserve to ance, consolation, rest and, someday, peace. Pro-Life Committee to organize grieve and we should never ignore or minimize this suffering and loss. One parent told me, “I felt a solidarity with everyone here.” That feeling respect-life activities that raise awareness and educate on behalf of At the Memorial Mass for the Loss of a Child, a remembrance book is came from both the people all around her and the spirituality that life issues within the parish. placed near the entrance of church so parents and loved ones can write embraced them. “I was comforted by the celebration, but I was sad, too,” down the names of children who have died. Among these entries I have she said. “It reminded me of the void in our family, but also that God is seen many losses — sometimes multiples losses by one woman — with us every step of the way. This child was a gift no matter how long we through miscarriage. had her in our life.” Before Mass starts, those in attendance may light a small candle in A priest offered the same insight many years ago. At the funeral of a memory of a child who has died and join the procession, placing the can- child he said, “Although a child dying before a parent seems out of order, dle around a statue of the Pieta, Mary our Blessed Mother, who cradles in we must consider the mysterious will of God. He has given to us the life of her arms the body of her own beloved Son. These candles glow through- a child, and from the moment of conception she was an abundant grace. out Mass as a remembrance of our children lost too soon. Through this child we have seen the goodness of God. May his face shine The first time I carried my own candle to the statue of Mary grieving upon us all, now and forever.” for her lost child, my eyes filled with tears. For the first time I was openly Faye Roch is director of the Pro-Life Office and parishioner, Immaculate acknowledging our baby’s life. How comforted I felt surrounded by fellow Heart of Mary Parish, Burlington.

Memorial Mass for the Loss of a Child Blessed be the God and A memorial Mass for anyone grieving the loss of a child will be Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, held Wednesday, March 28, 7 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Burlington. the Father of mercies All are invited — parents, family or friends — and whether the child was lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, early infant and God of all comfort, death, illness, suicide, accident or any other reason. Non-Catholics are welcome. No reservation required. who comforts us This event has a two-fold purpose: in all our tribulation, First, through prayer and community support we seek God’s healing embrace. that we may be able to comfort Second, we ask God to relieve the burden of grief for those who are suffering. those who are in any trouble, Information on local support groups will be available at a reception following Mass. The Pro-Life Office of the Diocese of Covington with the comfort with which sponsors the evening. For information, call -+*,. ),(-'*&&. we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Cor 1:3-4)

For more information about the Pro-Life Office or to be added to our e-mail newsgroups, visit us online at www.covdio.org/prolife/ or call (859) 392-1500. Messenger March 15, 2019 9

Couple who dedicated muchoftheir lives serving others honored with Presidential Volunteer Service Award Laura Keener month later they called and told me I was the new treasurer. just something we felt we had to do. We felt we had to do what Editor Then two months later the president’s wife called and said he the good Lord was telling us to do.” The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Northern couldn’t do it anymore, and that now I was in charge,” he said. Providing material help for people in their time of need is Kentucky honored, Feb. 6, longtime dedicated Vincentians, Just a few short months after that he was answering only part of what Mr. and Mrs. Bond love about being Stan and Rita Bond, with the Presidential Volunteer Service phones at the salvage bureau when the director approached Vincentians. What they like most is “bringing the Lord to peo- Award. David Diehl, president, Western him about being on the board and ple” by praying with them. District Council, presented a letter and cer- that he was the new board president. “It’s important for me to bring the Lord to them,” said Mr. tificate signed by President Donald Trump Mr. Bond’s quick rise through the Bond. “I can help with food and electric and stuff like that but along with presidential label pins to the cou- ranks actually demonstrates how in I want to bring the Lord to them, too. We plant the seed and ple at the February council meeting. demand Vincentians were and still the good Lord takes it from there.” The Presidential Lifetime Service Award are. Mr. Bond said that when he start- “We invite them to put their trust in the Lord and to pray is a national civic award that recognizes vol- ed at the St. Paul Conference there to the Lord,” said Mrs. Bond. “When there are tears in their unteers who have served more than 4,000 were only two active members. The eyes, the Lord is there. Their tears show that he has touched hours. After Mr. Bond’s retirement in 1999 conference did not receive many their heart and you know he’s helped you to bring the Lord to from Procter and Gamble where he helped calls for home visits because there them.” make Ivory soap, Mr. and Mrs. Bond began wasn’t anyone to go out to make the The Bonds are retiring from their volunteer work with the volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul as part home visits. Now, he said, the confer- Society of St. Vincent de Paul but will be forever grateful for of the St. Paul Parish Conference, Florence. ence gets about 100 calls a month and the relationships they have developed. The Bonds say that Their service extended from their home there are enough members to make being Vincentians has helped them grow closer as a couple visit conference duties to central call intake, the house calls. More members are and has helped them grow closer to their Vincentian family. answering phones for those seeking assis- always needed and welcome. “We love being a part of the conference, people are very tance and then doing pick-ups and deliveries “We put an article in the parish nice, they are very caring and they want to do the Lord’s for the stores. Soon after, Mr. Bond was asked newsletter every quarter, that work,” said Mrs. Bond. “You love all of them because they are to serve as chairman of the then St. Vincent encourages parishioners to know special people, trying to do what Christ asked us to do on de Paul Salvage Bureau, running the St. that there are people who are in need earth and St. Vincent de Paul led us to do that.” The Society echoes their sentiment. Vincent de Paul stores on a volunteer basis. Stan and Rita Bond, longtime dedicated out there,” said Mrs. Bond. “It’s hard “Our community is truly blessed to have Stan and Rita in Mrs. Bond served as treasurer for the St. Paul members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, to take that first step (to become a our midst,” said Karen Zengel, executive director, Society of Conference while also doing home visits and were honored, Feb. 6, with the Presidential Vincentian), it was hard for us.” St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky. “They are a wonder- volunteering in the call center. Volunteer Service Award. Mrs. Bond said that they took that In an interview at their home, March 7, first step because they felt “blessed.” ful couple who have dedicated so much of their lives to serv- Mr. Bond laughs at how quickly he went from new volunteer “We’ve been married 56 years and we started off poor,” she ing others. Their lives are an example of seeing the face of to president of his local council and then board member of said. “We both grew up very, very poor. I lived in Covington Christ in everyone.” the salvage bureau. and our neighbors helped our family. We are very blessed in For information on the Society of St. Vincent de Paul “I went up to church and said I want to join St. Vincent de what we’ve worked for and it was our time to give back.” Council of Northern Kentucky visit www.svdpnky.org or call Paul. They said, ‘Okay, we’ll call you when we need you.’ A “I love helping people, I really do,” said Mr. Bond. “It was (859) 341-3212. 10 March 15, 2019 Messenger PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Newsworthy Happy birthday to Father Trinity Knight, parochial vicar, St. Paul Parish, Florence, March 24; Father Jeffrey VonLehmen, pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Taylor Mill, March 26; Deacon Eugene Norris, retired, March 27; Msgr. William Neuhaus, retired, March 29; and Father James Schaeper, parochial vicar, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Burlington, March 30.

The evangelization prayer intention for March, as recom- mended by Pope Francis, is that Christian communities, especially those who are persecuted, feel that they are close to Christ and have their rights respected.

The weekly TV Mass from the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption will be broadcast on Sunday, 5–6 p.m. on station Me TV WLWT, on channels: over the air 5-2; Spectrum 188 in Kentucky and Cincinnati Bell 23 or 291. Wacky for a reason Enjoying historical fiction Have something to list in “People and Events”? The dead- It is not every day that wackiness roams the halls of St. Joseph Fourth-grade students at St. Agnes School, Ft. Wright, have line for event notices is nine days prior to the desired publi- School, Cold Spring, but when it happens, there is a good reason been reading the novel, “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry. cation date. E-mail [email protected] no later than the for it. The Student Council sponsored ‘Wacky Wednesday,’ to raise They have been learning about the history of World War II Wednesday before the week you would like the information funds for a parish family that was experiencing a rough time. To and the country of Denmark. to appear. be sure, the students enjoyed the special day, but what was just as evident was that the students were engaged in the spirit of giving. Hall of Fame Members: Joe Guidugli ‘97, Missy Planning an event featuring a speaker or minister from Munninghoff Hickman ‘91, John Kuper ‘86, Katie Neiser ‘09, outside the diocese? In the Diocese of Covington, before Mustard Seed Catholic Charismatic Community of N.Ky., Brenda Simon Niehaus ’83 and Willie Schlarman. The Tom contracting the services of a priest or deacon, man or woman Third Tuesday prayer and praise gathering, March 19, 7– Seither Service Award will go to Tom Munninghoff and the religious, or lay person a request for verification in good 8:45 p.m., Blessed Sacrament Parish Center, Ft. Mitchell. A “Team of Distinction” is the 1999 All A State Champion girls’ standing must be submitted to the Chancery office no later talk entitled “Pray the Mass like Never Before” will follow basketball team. Banquet is March 23, social hour, 6 p.m., than four weeks before the desired date of service. Screening the praise music. All are invited. with dinner and induction ceremony to follow. Reservations applications and instructions can be found at are $25 per person at [email protected] or 448-9434. www.covdio.org/chancery/. Newport Central Catholic High School, “Concert On The Hill” (talent show), March 22 and 23, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:15 Divine Providence Sister Alice Gerdeman, provincial There will be a Holy Hour on the third Thursday of every p.m.), Blackbox Theater. $5 tickets available in the school superior, will present “Lent: A Justice and Peace Journey month, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, office. Toward New Life,” March 23, 9:30 a.m.–noon, at St. Walburg Covington, 3–4 p.m., to pray for victims of sexual abuse by Monastery. $20 fee includes snacks and materials. Call 331- clergy and to pray for the Church. All priests of the diocese Sisters of Notre Dame Charis Young Adult Seekers’ 6771 or e-mail [email protected] for reservations. will be in attendance; the lay faithful are invited to join. The Retreat, March 22–24, SND provincial center, Park Hills For Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, concluding with the young adults in their 20s and 30s seeking a down-to-earth Father Michael Hennigen will present “Echoing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and benediction. The sacrament of approach to their spirituality. Mysteries of God in Song,” St. Catherine of Siena Parish, reconciliation will be available during the Holy Hour. The Ft. Thomas, March 24, 7 p.m. Jump-start your Lent with next Holy Hour will be held Thursday, March 21. Happy birthday Johann! The Cathedral Concert Series musical meditations that will have you listening with spiritu- concludes its 43rd Season with a musical celebration of J.S. al ears — fun for the entire family. A free-will offering will be Bishop Brossart High School, Believe, a powerful evening of Bach’s 334th birthday, March 24, 3 p.m. The Bach Ensemble of accepted. praise, worship and adoration, March 17, 7–8:30 p.m., St. Thomas (Cincinnati) will return with a program featuring Munninghoff Family Performing Arts Center. masterworks by Bach. Members of the Cincinnati Symphony Newport Central Catholic High School volleyball informa- Orchestra will be the special guest instrumentalists. Free and tional meeting for those interested in trying out, March 27, 6 “Come Watch with Me: the Perfect Storm,” a special open to the public. Visit cathedralconcertseries.org/bach. p.m. Contact Coach Reckers, 866-2371. 2019 Lenten concert, March 19, 7 p.m., at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Burlington. Popular singer and Catholic Come to a “Women’s Night Out” with author Laura There will be rosary, Mass, Eucharistic adoration and a evangelist Mike Davis will present an evening of prayer, med- Phelps, as she demonstrates how to win everyday battles healing prayer service, March 27, beginning at 6:45 p.m. itation and music. Free and open to the public. with the spiritual armor the Lord provides, March 23, 6 p.m., (Mass at 7:15), at the Holy Spirit Center, Norwood, Ohio. St. Pius X Parish, Milligan Hall, Edgewood. RSVP to Ali “Navigating the Journey of Dementia” presented by Teepa Reeves at 547-7283. Memorial Mass for the Loss of a Child, March 28, 6:30 p.m., Snow, dementia practitioner, Adelaide Center, Madonna at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Burlington, for all those suffer- Manor, Villa Hills, March 19, 8:30 a.m. Must RSVP to 426-6400. Bishop Brossart High School announces the Class of 2019 ing the loss of a child (from conception to adulthood). A

Seeking forgiveness Recently the second-grade students from Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Burlington, and the IHM PREP program came together to celebrate their first reconciliation. Following in the footsteps of the prodigal son, the students pre- sented themselves to our heavenly Father seeking forgiveness for their sins and after receiving the sacrament, each child was presented with a beautiful vest 2019 Diocesan Tournament champions from his or her parent. They chose a ring for their finger and gathered together Coach Larry Hutson and the Blessed Sacrament, Ft. Mitchell, seventh-grade boys’ basketball team won the in celebration around a “fattened calf” cake. Diocesan Basketball Tournament, prevailing in a tough final game against St. Pius X School, Edgewood, 45–41. Messenger March 15, 2019 11 PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Fish frys 2019

St. Agnes Parish, Knights of Columbus, Ft. Wright, March 15, 22 Father Bealer Council, and 29, 5–8 p.m., in Fridays, March 8–April 19, Murphy Hall. lunch: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; dinner 4:30 p.m.–8 p.m., St. Augustine Parish, K of C Hall, Elsmere Covington, Fridays, Call 342-6643. March 8–April 19, 4–7 p.m., 431-3943. Knights of Columbus, Father Kehoe Council, St. Barbara Parish, March 8–April 19, Erlanger, Fridays, 4:30–7:30 p.m., K of C Hall, March 8–April 12, Ludlow. Call 261-2704. 4:30–8 p.m. Call 371-3100. St. Mary Parish, St. Bernard Parish, Alexandria, March 15 and Dayton, Fridays, 22. Call 635-4188. Bishop Brossart High School, Class of 2019, presents “Back St. Thomas Travelers, Ft. Thomas, are planning the follow- March 8–April 12, 5–7 p.m. to the 80s — The Totally Awesome Musical!” March 29, 30 ing trip: LaComedia, “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Call 261-8506. Mary, Queen of Heaven and 31, Munninghoff Family Performing Arts Center. Friday Dreamcoat,” April 11. Cost is $67. Call Shirley Murray 441- Parish, Erlanger, Fridays, Blessed Sacrament and Saturday performances, 7 p.m.; Sunday matinee, 2p.m. 8567. March 8–April 12, 4–8 p.m., Parish, Ft. Mitchell, $10 Tickets may be reserved by e-mailing t call 371-2622. March 22 and 29, 5–9 p.m. [email protected]. Holy Cross District High School, annual mulch sale, selling E-mail bssfi[email protected]. St. Matthew Parish, three kinds of mulch in 2 cubic ft. bags for $4.25 per bag and Kenton, March 15 and 22, Blood drive sponsored by St. Pius X Parish, Edgewood, and pine straw for $8 per bale, which are approximately 12” x 12” St. Catherine of Siena 4:30–7:30 p.m. the City of Edgewood-Fire/EMS, March 30, 9–11:15 a.m. and x 23”. All prices include free delivery and sales tax. HCHS Parish, Ft. Thomas, Fridays, Call 356-6530. 12:30–3 p.m. at the St. Pius X Parish Activity Center. To sched- students will deliver and place the mulch anywhere on your March 8–April 12, ule an appointment, visit www.hoxworth.org/groups/stpiusx property, beginning April 12. Visit www.hcmulch.com or call 4:30–7:30 p.m. Our Savior Parish, or contact Hoxworth at (513) 451-0910. 291-8588. Covington, April 12, St. Cecilia Parish, noon–6 p.m. St. Anthony Parish, Taylor Mill, Ladies’ Spring Tea, March Knights of Columbus Father Kehoe Council, trivia night, Independence, Fridays, 30, 2–4:30 p.m., Fleming Hall. Presale tickets $8; $10 at the benefiting Sts. Boniface and James Parish, Ludlow, and the March 8–April 12, 5–8 p.m. St. Patrick Parish, door. Visit www.saintanthonytaylormill.org. local council, April 26, doors open at 7 p.m.; trivia (five Taylor Mill, Fridays, March St. Francis Xavier Parish, rounds) starts at 8 p.m. Register a team of four by e-mailing 8–April 12, 4:30–7:30 p.m. Falmouth, Fridays, March Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of the Cincinnati Archdiocese [email protected]. Call 356-5151. 8–April 12, 4–7:30 p.m. will celebrant Mass and lead the prayer vigil, March 30, 8 St. Paul Parish, Florence, a.m., Holy Name Church, Cincinnati, for Life’s 5th Quarter. Veterans appreciation day, Newport Central Catholic Holy Cross District High Fridays, March 8–April 12, Consider giving two hours once each quarter of the year to High School, April 30, 8:30 a.m., at the school. Newport School, Latonia, Fridays, 5–8 p.m. Call 371-8051. pray for the end to abortion and for a Culture of Life. Follow Central Catholic will honor veterans with a ceremony and March 8–April 12, 5–8 p.m. lifes5thquarter on Facebook or e-mail invites veterans, both alumni and non-alumni, to be recog- Call 431-1335. Prince of Peace [email protected]. nized in front of the student body for their service. To RSVP Montessori, Covington, yourself or a loved one for the event, visit ncchs.com under St. Joseph Academy, Fridays, March 8–April 12, St. Timothy Challenge Girls Club, tea party, March 31, 2– NEWS. Walton, Fridays, 5–8 p.m. 4:30 p.m., St Timothy Parish, Brodnick Hall, Union. Ladies, March 8–April 12, young and old, are invited to an afternoon of tea, desserts, The Sisters of Notre Dame are in need of new and gently 4:30 p.m.–8 p.m. St. Therese Parish, entertainment, a Pure Fashion show, crafts and more. Tickets used items for their 97th annual 4th of July Festival. Call 485-6444. Southgate, March 15 and $10, benefit the Challenge Girls. For registration form, e-mail They are looking for services, sports items, jewelry, gift cer- 22, 4:30–7:30 p.m. St. Joseph Parish, [email protected] by March 25. tificates, antiques, anything you can think of. To donate call Call 441-5187. Camp Springs, Fridays, 392-8229 or e-mail [email protected]. Items can be St. Mary’s Ladies Society, rummage and bake sale, April dropped off during the day at 1601 Dixie Hwy, Park Hills, or March 8–April 12, St. Thomas Parish, 6, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., St. Joseph Parish, Cold Spring, Memorial arrangements can be made for pickup. 4–7:30 p.m., Call 635-2491. Ft. Thomas, March 15, 22 Hall. Donations of baked goods, household items (no clothes and 29, 4–8 p.m. or TVs), etc. are needed and can be dropped off April 5, 8 Cross the Bridge for Life, June 2, Festival Grounds, a.m.–5 p.m. Information, 635-2051. Newport (behind Newport on the Levee). Join hundreds of participants for this peaceful, prayerful presence to advocate remembrance book will be available for families to write Free class, “NeighborWorks, Realizing the American for the sanctity of human life. This is a collaborative family- their child’s name if they wish to do so. This book will be Dream,” at Catholic Charities, Latonia. Learn how to buy a friendly event sponsored by the Diocese of Covington, brought forward at the beginning of Mass. Mass will be home with certified housing counselors taking you through Archdiocese of Cincinnati, and other Greater Cincinnati and offered for all these children and the children held in our the process, answering your questions and giving you the Northern Kentucky life affirming organizations. hearts. Please share this event with family and friends. All information you need to realize the dream of homeowner- Information, 392-1500. are welcome. ship. Next class: April 6 and May 4.

Special award D.E.A.R. Students of the Month at Holy Cross Elementary School, Latonia, enjoy lunch and special treats with Students at St. Pius X School, Edgewood, brought in their favorite books and principal Lisa Timmerding. a cozy blanket for Drop Everything and Read Time. 12 March 15, 2019 Messenger

God’s kingdom comes through gentleness, not violence, pope says Junno Arocho Esteves “Jesus does not want to push people to convert by sow- still marked by sin and populated by so many people who Catholic News Service ing fear of God’s impending judgment or guilt for the evil suffer, by people who do not reconcile and do not forgive, by VATICAN CITY — The kingdom of God is being estab- done. Jesus doesn’t proselytize, he simply announces” the wars and so many forms of exploitation.” lished slowly in the world through patience and gentleness good news of salvation, he said. The fact that men and women still live “with their and not by violence or force, Pope Francis said. Continuing his series of talks on the Lord’s Prayer, the hearts closed” is proof that Jesus’ victory has not been ful- Jesus’ petition for his father’s kingdom to come “is not pope reflected on the phrase “thy kingdom come,” which filled completely, the pope said. a threat at all; on the contrary, it is a happy announcement, heralds a time of conversion for all men and women. “It is especially in these situations that the second invo- a message of joy,” the pope said March 6 during his weekly Although Jesus came into the world and conquered sin cation of the Our Father emerges on the lips of Christians: general audience. and death through the cross, the pope noted, the “world is ‘Thy kingdom come,’” the pope said. “That is like saying: ‘Father, we need you. Jesus, we need you; we need you everywhere and forever to be Lord among us! Thy kingdom come; may you be among us.’” By comparing the kingdom of God to a grain of wheat that must “die” in order to bear fruit, Jesus uses the “eloquent” symbol of a seed to teach men and women that the joyful coming of the Lord is not the work of human effort but an act of love by God alone, he said. “A seed that sprouts is more a work of God than that of the person who sowed it,” the pope explained. “God always precedes us, God always surprises us. Thanks to him, after the night of Good Friday, there is a dawn of Resurrection capable of illuminating the whole world with hope.” Pope Francis called on Christians to pray for the coming of the kingdom and to use those words to give hope to “those who have been defeated and bent by life, to those who have tast- ed more hatred than love.” “Let us trust this” prayer, the pope said. “And when we pray the Our Father, we always say, ‘Thy kingdom come’ so that we can hear the Lord’s response in our hearts: ‘Yes, yes. I am coming soon.’”

CNS photo/Paul Haring Pope Francis greets a group of children during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican March 6, 2019. Messenger March 15, 2019 13

Possibility Maryland will legalize assisted suicide adds urgencytomarch Emily Rosenthal run medical system.” children, Casimir, 12, and Veronica, 10, “so they’ll always Catholic News Service Those issues, Archbishop Lori said, are not “a matter of understand how precious life is,” she told the Catholic ANNAPOLIS, Md. — As crowds gathered outside of St. Christian doctrine, but rather a matter of sound reasoning Review, the Baltimore Archdiocese’s media outlet. Mary’s Church in Annapolis for the Maryland March for about the bad consequences of the legislation now under Marchers moved from St. Mary’s campus to the area Life, Roger Donnelly handed out hundreds of pro-life consideration.” near the Statehouse, filling up part of the street for the signs. “It is also the case, however, that many people of faith, rally, which Archbishop Lori opened in prayer. Ryan Donnelly, the life activities director for the Knights of like ourselves, oppose this bill,” Archbishop Lori said. “As Bomberger, who was conceived in rape but was given the Columbus Maryland State Council, was attending the you know, religious proponents of legislation are some- gift of adoption by his biological mother, was the keynote Maryland march for the first time. A parishioner of Our times accused of trying to impose their faith on others and speaker. Lady of the Fields in Millersville, he has an issue when on society at large; they are accused of trying to make He compared abortion to a modern slavery. any vulnerable people are not protected — from preborn church doctrine the law of the land.” “But guess what happened to slavery?” Bomberger said. children, to those with disabilities, to the elderly. This, the archbishop said, is not true. “It got abolished.” “In the state that pioneered the legal recognition of the God-given right of reli- gious freedom,” he contin- ued, “you and I have the right — and we have the duty — not only to bring the truths and values made true by faith into the public forum, but also to shape a society where God’s gift of life is respected from the moment of conception until natural death.” Before the Mass, Students for Life hosted a youth rally outside in a tent. Speakers addressed the organization’s pillars: CNS photo/Kevin J. Parks, Catholic Review Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore welcomes education, supportive serv- pro-lifers in Annapolis, Md., March 4, 2019, during his ices, industry impact, pub- opening prayer for the Maryland March for Life. lic policy and rapid responses; and shared He was among hundreds who turned out to make their their outreach efforts. presence felt in the streets of the state capital for the Mount de Sales march, in its 40th year and in the midst of a politicized cli- Academy brought one of mate in general and in particular, a heated Maryland the largest groups to the General Assembly session. march, all in blue and An increased urgency accompanied the annual event, white hats. held the evening of March 4. Just three days before two Senior Carleigh Stokes committees of the Maryland House — Health and said this year she had Government Operations and Judiciary — passed a meas- attended the national ure to legalize physician-assisted suicide with a 24-20 vote. March for Life on the Mall Three days after the march, the House of Delegates in January and the approved it, 74-66. The bill, called the “End-of-Life Option Maryland march for the Act,” now goes to the state Senate. In reaction, Jennifer first time. Education, she Briemann, executive director of the Maryland Catholic said, is key in keeping the Conference, said March 7 it was a “dangerously flawed pro-life movement alive for bill.” future generations. As Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori celebrated “I became pro-life Mass at St. Mary’s immediately preceding the march, he because I was educated addressed the issue with the congregation, which packed through my Catholic the church beyond standing room. school,” said Stokes, who “As citizens, we should be very alarmed by the possibil- worships at the Catholic ity that physician-assisted suicide could become legal in Community of Ascension our state,” the archbishop said in his homily. “The bill and St. Augustine in under consideration is regarded by many as a ‘Death With Elkridge and St. Philip Dignity’ bill, but the death which this bill would allow for Neri in Linthicum Heights. is anything but dignified.” “I think (education is) the Archbishop Lori said the bill would “further under- best thing you can do.” mine the dignity of human life.” Many area parishes The bill would allow lethal medication in pill form to be sponsored buses to the taken home. Those receiving the prescription would not be Annapolis march, and required to take the pills in the presence of a medical pro- many individuals came on fessional or family member — or to take them at all. their own. The march drew “In an already drug-ridden society, lethal pills are sud- Catholics and non- denly on the loose,” Archbishop Lori said. “In the face of Catholics alike. Maryland’s epic opioid crisis, this is not good public poli- Danielle Goodman, a cy.” parishioner of Christ the That, he said, is just the beginning of the dangers: With King in Towson, was rising health care costs, it might mean the government attending for the first time and insurance companies using physician-assisted suicide this year. as a cost-effective alternative to life-saving measures or “With everything hap- palliative care. pening ... this year we said “This has already happened in states where physician- we’ve just gotta go,” she assisted suicide is legal,” Archbishop Lori said, acknowl- said. “During the day (lead- edging those who support legalization would dispute that ing up to the march), we assertion. “In European countries where euthanasia has were just praying we could been legal for decades, it is no longer a question of a right be a voice for those who are to die, but it is now an obligation to die when one’s condi- unheard.” tion has become burdensome to the family or to the state- Goodman brought her 14 March 15, 2019 Messenger

USCCB publishes revised translationof rite for blessing holy oils Catholic News Service ing the holy oils was March 6 this year, this text became the required WASHINGTON — The preparation, blessing and distri- that the Vatican English translation for use in the United States. It will be bution of oils are central to the Catholic Church’s sacra- approved in 2017. necessary for dioceses’ celebration of the chrism Mass. ments and rites — and are among some of the church’s Beginning on Ash “USCCB Publications has produced an attractive book most ancient traditions and rituals witnessed during Holy Wednesday, which that is worthy of a ceremony as important as the chrism

Week. CNS Mass. The use of the holy oils is a striking part of the The oils include the oil of the sick, used in the anoint- This is the cover of church’s prayer in various moments of a person’s life and ing of the sick; the oil of catechumens, which is for those “The Order of in important moments in the life of a parish,” Father preparing to be baptized, and the chrism oil, which is con- Blessing the Oil of Andrew Menke, executive director of the USCCB’s secrated and used for baptism, confirmation and holy Catechumens and of Secretariat of Divine Worship, said in a statement. orders. the Sick and of “All of these ceremonies throughout the diocese are Ahead of this annual blessing ritual — which takes Consecrating the linked together through those oils blessed by the bishop,” place at a special liturgy called the chrism Mass usually Chrism.” This ritual he added. celebrated on Holy Thursday — comes the publication of a book includes the This ritual book is intended primarily for U.S. bishops new book titled “The Order of Blessing the Oil of rite of blessing of and their diocesan worship offices, but also will be useful Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the oils central to the for seminaries, theological libraries and “those who are Chrism” by the publishing division of the U.S. Conference Catholic Church’s interested in this important moment in the liturgical life of of Catholic Bishops. sacraments and the Catholic Church,” the USCCB said. The book is the revised translation of the rite for bless- rites. N.Y. congregation’s concern leads banktoend private prison financing Dennis Sadowski JPMorgan Chase announcing March 5 that it would cease “We’re thrilled,” Sister Mahoney told Catholic News Catholic News Service financing two of the leading private prison corporations, Geo Service a day after the bank’s announcement. “It’s a step and WASHINGTON — A campaign by faith-based investors Group Inc. and CoreCivic. it gives you a sense of momentum too. If you can work with and investment networks, spearheaded by a New York congre- The corporations’ role in the detention of immigrants in (Chase CEO) Jamie Dimon, maybe you can work with other gation of women religious, led the nation’s largest consumer facilities along the U.S.-Mexico border, pose a concern for peo- places that need to take a careful look at where they’re going.” bank to announce it intended to stop investing in private ple such as Sister Pat Mahoney, a member of the Sisters of St. Sister Mahoney’s letter included the names of dozens of prison firms. Joseph of Brentwood, New York, whose signature was at the religious congregations, investment groups and regional Starting with an October 2017 letter, the effort resulted in bottom of the letter. shareholder networks concerned about the bank’s investment practices. They raised questions about human rights abuses in the companies’ prisons that were uncovered by investigations and identified in lawsuits. They also cited “inmate deaths, poor medical care, allegations of physical and sexual abuse of detainees, and violence” as reason for concern. A wide network of organizations not affiliated with the investors also have been pressuring Chase to stop financing the companies. Mary Beth Gallagher, executive director of the Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment in Montclair, New Jersey, helped pull together the group that supported the let- ter and offered technical advice to the congregation. Gallagher and others also worked with Chase executives to make clear how providing financial capital “to those compa- nies was facilitating detention and more human rights abus- es.” “It’s a really important and positive step,” she said of Chase’s announcement. “We welcome it and it’s what we’ve CNS photo/Bahram Mark Sobhani been encouraging them to do.” Children play in a double-fenced playground area outside the T. Don Hutto Family Residential Facility in Taylor, Texas, Geo Group and CoreCivic disagreed with Chase’s decision, June 20, 2009. The center is operated by CoreCivic, one of the companies that JPMorgan Chase announced it would no saying the charges against them were “politically motivated.” longer support financially. In statements emailed to CNS, the companies offered sim- ilar reactions. Both said the bank’s decision was based on false information and they denied holding children who are not under parental supervision. Both corporations said their work is helping solve the challenges stemming from the arrival of thousands of people at the U.S. border with Mexico. Geo Group added that it would “welcome the opportunity to have an open dialogue with all financial institutions to address the common mischaracterizations of our company’s role and record as a government services provider.” Chase declined additional comment beyond its original two-sentence statement announcing that “we will no longer bank the private prison industry.” As campaigns go, the effort initiated with Chase by the Sisters of St. Joseph was short. More often, engagements by faith-based shareholders with company executives can take years to realize even incremental progress toward a specific goal meant to change corporate practices. Sister Mahoney said the letter emerged from her congre- gation’s long-term commitment to minister to immigrants on Long Island. As she and other sisters continued to hear Residential • Commercial • Industrial reports of unsatisfactory conditions in the detention centers Municipal • Excavating • Trucking at the border, she felt her congregation could join with other Sewer & Water Services investors to make a difference. Certified Septic Installer • Fully Insured “We (as a congregation) are at the stage of our life that we’ve come to appreciate that we have a voice with our (stock) John J. Kremer, Owner portfolios,” Sister Mahoney explained. “This is one way we 12091 Flatwoods Road can keep Gospel and mission out front.” California, KY 41007 Messenger March 15, 2019 15

Father Comer remembers fatherashard working, faithful Catholic withaheart for family and basketball David Cooley able to take care of us. My mom was a full-time mom and take care of my mom, and he really did a magnificent job,” Associate Editor housewife. They worked hard together to raise us, to pass on Father Comer said. Edward L. Comer of Lewisburg, Ky., father of Father the faith to us and to make sure we all got a good education. “He was very much at peace as he was dying. For a long Michael Comer, pastor, Mother of God Parish, Covington, Because of that everyone in the family is doing very well and time he said that he wasn’t afraid of dying. He had a strong died March 1, at the age of 88. successful.” and deep faith. He was very trusting as he came to the end. Mr. Comer was Father Comer said his parents were surprised but support- His faith was rock solid.” born March 29, 1930, ive and proud when their oldest child decided to become a Besides Father Comer, Mr. Comer is survived by his 9 in Lewisburg, to the priest. He quickly added that his parents were proud of all of other children, Mark Comer, Kathleen (Mark) Tubbesing, late Frank and Ellen his siblings, the things that they have done and the families Suellen (Al) Faris, Frank (Debby) Comer, Ann (LeRoy) Kreitz Comer. He grad- that they have raised. Gallenstein, Mary Lee (Ken) Glore, Maureen Thelen, Chuck uated from St. Patrick “I remember something my dad said to me just a few days (Amy) Comer and Melissa (Bill) Reynolds. He is also leaves 19 High School and was a before he died. I was with him at the hospice and several grandchildren, Rick and Sarah Tubbesing, Laura (Carlos) parishioner of St. members of the family had been there, including some of the Armenteros, Colin Faris, Katy Comer, Richard, Wesley and Patrick Parish, grandchildren, and I was a little worried that it was all too Bethany Wentworth, Erin (Tanner) Ball, Alex and Taylor Maysville. He was a much for him. However, he really enjoyed it, and as they left Glore, Erica and Kit Thelen, Joseph, Jackson, Charlie and lifelong farmer and a he said to me, ‘Michael, I can’t believe how blessed I am to Julia Comer, Naomi and Jude Reynolds; and four great-grand- longtime member of have such a wonderful family.’ He told me, ‘A big family is a lot children. the Knights of of fun!’ and I laughed at that and said, ‘Well, did you think it He was preceded in death by his parents and three sib- Columbus. was fun when you were trying to raise all of us and trying to lings, Mary Comer, Nancy Comer and Tommy (Margaret Father Comer said feed, clothe and house us all?’ And the truth is he really did. Ann) Comer; as well as his wife of 64 years, Noreen O’Neill that his dad was a He really enjoyed his family; he was really social and outgo- Comer. hard worker and a ing and enjoyed having people around. In those last several Mass of Christian Burial was held March 5 at Patrick faithful Catholic for all years of his life his family brought him a lot of joy.” Church, Maysville, celebrated by Father Comer. Burial fol- of his life. Before she passed away almost three years ago, Father lowed at St. Patrick Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. “Dad was a Comer’s mother suffered from dementia and got increasingly Patrick School, 318 Limestone Street, Maysville, Ky., 41056. Edward L. Comer farmer,” said Father worse in the last few years. Comer. “I knew at a young age that was not where I was going Father Comer was really to spend the rest of my life. Growing up on the farm, we came impressed with how his home every day and there were chores and things to do. Dad father stepped up to take kept us busy and out of trouble.” care of her. NORTHERN KENTUCKY MONUMENT When he was in high school at St. Patrick, Mr. Comer “When we were growing Guaranteed Lowest Prices with written estimate played basketball and he developed a lifelong passion for up my dad was not the nur- watching high school basketball. turer, he was not the care- 3701 Winston Avenue • Covington, KY “Really he enjoyed watching any sports, but especially bas- taker — that was my mom. (Ritte’s Corner in Latonia) ketball,” Father Comer said. “That was a big thing for him, he Daddy was the one who was went to the state tournament every year up until just a few out on the farm working Customized/Personalized Service years ago; that was his big vacation every year, the state tour- hard. But, one of the things • Cemetery Lettering, Vases nament.” that really strikes me is that, •Bronze and Granite Markers Father Comer is the oldest of 10 children and he said that in his senior years, he had to growing up they didn’t have much, but they were well taken step up and learn how to www. schott-monument-company.com care of. shop for groceries and how “The first 20 years of my life dad was a tenant farmer, he to fix dinner and how to do (859) 291-6657 Evening Appointments Available didn’t have his own farm until later on, and that was a hard laundry. He had to learn way to make a living,” Father Comer said. “He was somehow how to do all that as well as 16 March 15, 2019 Messenger

“ … We must use this Lenten season to go into the out from Lent the same person, then this is yet another AshWednesday desert, as did Jesus for 40 days. We are called to go into the Lent we have wasted. Anything we do during this season (Continued from page 2) desert of our hearts, to spend time in prayer as we heard of Lent is not meant to make us miserable, but to make us “When we present ourselves on Ash Wednesday and the in the Gospel, to spend time in fasting and in almsgiving. It better. We spend these 40 days reflecting on our life and ashes are imposed and we hear those sobering words, per- is a time to come to the Lord — not for his sake, but for our reflecting on the life to come. We are dust and we will haps there is something in each of us that knows that we sake. … We have these externals to remind us of the real return to dust. It doesn’t have to be frightening — actually, are not here forever, that our life here on earth is just pass- importance of Lent, and that is to look at what’s in our if we really truly meditate on that, reflect on it, in the end ing through to something greater. … Maybe that truth heart, as only God and we can see. it will make us better. It is the Lord who begins the good touches our hearts and our intellect every once in a while, “And whatever penance we impose upon ourselves dur- work in all of us. May the Lord bring the good work he has and we understand that there is another life beyond this. ing this Lenten season — whatever we give up or whatever begun in us to completion.” That life, if lived in Jesus, will never end. That is a comfort- extra we do — is meant, at the end of these 40 days of Lent, ing thought. That thought should make us feel secure in to make us a better person and to prepare ourselves more our faith,” he said. fully for the life that is to come. If we go into Lent and come

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The Cathedral Bishop’s Choir has openings for a few experienced and dedicated singers. One soprano, one alto, and one tenor NOVENA position are open at this time. Ability to read music, and a foundation in ensemble singing are preferred. Responsibilities include singing for SACRED HEART PRAYER. Dear Heart of Jesus — In the Sunday morning 10 a.m. Masses as well as diocesan and pontifical past I have asked for favors. This time I ask you for this very celebrations throughout the liturgical year. Those who are interested in special one (mention favor). Take it, dear Jesus, and place it auditioning may send an e-mail to Dr. Gregory Schaffer at [email protected]. within your own heart where your Father sees it, then in your merciful eyes it will become your favor, not mine. Amen. B.W.

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approval to use their face to share our story.” DPAA “Everyone gets sick,” she said. “We all know what its (Continued from page 2) like to go to the pharmacy and get sticker shock, but not being at the DPAA dinner because it is an opportunity to everyone knows what its like to go to the pharmacy, get Obituary introduce donors to the clients who are served. sticker shock and have to say, ‘Keep that because I can’t “These are people in our own community,” Ms. afford it.’ The DPAA is instrumental in helping the phar- Hilgefort said. Through the pharmacy, part of the money macy meet that need.” Benedictine Sister Justina Franxman raised by the DPAA “touches 30 clients in Kenton County About the DPAA dinner, Jamie Schroeder, diocesan was born on April and 51 in Pendleton County — I know their names,” she chancellor, said “This event is important because it brings 23, 1928 and adopted by J. Herman and Elizabeth Gripshover said as she pointed to the photographs of people on her dis- members of the diocese from all over together. It’s impor- Franxman in October of 1929. Mary Louise gained three play. “These are real people that have given me their tant for us to get together as one family. It’s important for brothers upon her adoption. She cherished the years she everyone to see all of the ministries the dio- worked in the family grocery with her parents and brothers. cese provides, and they can go back and Mary entered St. share that information with their fellow Walburg Monastery in parishioners.” 1948. She became a In his comments, Mr. Zeck said that novice in 1949 and through his involvement this year and last received the name year with the DPAA he has a greater under- Sister Justina. First standing of the ministries supported and profession followed in the difference these ministries and the 1950 and perpetual DPAA make in the lives of people. profession in 1953. “It really has been a humbling experi- Sister Justina cele- ence for me,” he said. brated her silver Through the work of leadership gifts jubilee in 1975, golden solicitors, the DPAA is well underway of in 2000 and diamond reaching its goal of $2.55 million. At the din- in 2010. ner Mrs. Schuh announced that during the Between 1950 and 1963 Sister Justina Cooley photos taught elementary grades at St. John’s Orphanage and at Sister Justina Franxman, O.S.B. Villa Madonna Academy (VMA), and served as principal. By 1962 she completed work for her BA in Prior to the DPAA kick-off dinner, attendees had elementary education at Villa Madonna College. In the next the opportunity to visit with 32 ministries — 16 year her teaching took a different course when she was Curia offices and 16 community social service appointed Novice Director. For the next 15 years Sister agencies — who benefit from the DPAA. Justina taught and mentored the newest members of the (above) Ron Bertsch, director of therapeutic foster community, postulants, novices and scholastics, as part of the care/adoption services, Diocesan Catholic Formation Team. During this time she finished her work for Children’s Home (DCCH Center for Children and an MA in theology from St. John’s in Collegeville, Minn. She Families), greets two guests at the ministry fair. continued to teach at VMA and served as subprioress before (right) Bishop Roger Foys stops at the Chancery her election as prioress of St. Walburg Monastery in 1978. booth as he makes his way through the ministry Sister Justina brought her own unique gifts to the office of fair at the DPAA kick-off dinner. prioress. She knew how to lead, to laugh, to worry and to wel- come. After two terms she went to Oregon to study spiritual leadership gifts phase 36 solicitors raised $327,995 from 73 direction and served in that ministry (and in others) at home donors. until her retirement and move to the infirmary in 2014. Protecting God’s Children for Adults The next step of the DPAA — Commitment Weekend — One of the joys of Justina’s life was her discovery of her is March 23 and 24. The DPAA video will be shown at birth family in 2006. She learned that she was the daughter of For all employees and per year. You will receive e- Masses in all parishes so that parishioners can hear direct- Margaret Wiesman, and that she had living relatives nearby. volunteers of the Diocese of mail notices at ly from Bishop Foys and from some of the people served by This reunion was a source of warmth and wonder for her. Covington who in any way [email protected] the DPAA. Parishioners will also have the opportunity to The sharing of stories and photos enhanced her experience provide a safe environment unless your computer make their pledge on Commitment Weekend at their of family. She was welcomed, and she welcomed in return. for children. program blocks them. parish. Sister Justina’s death was unexpected and peaceful in the Step 1: Meet with Bulletin At the dinner, focusing on the this year’s DPAA theme wee hours of March 4, 2019. She is survived by her sisters-in- parish/school institution n March bulletin: posted “Our Citizenship is in Heaven,” Bishop Foys said, “I do law Marilyn Franxman, Patricia Jung, several generations of leader to review the Policies Sunday, March 3; due believe that what causes people in our diocese to be as gen- numerous nieces and nephews, friends and her Benedictine and Procedures and fill out Tuesday, April 2. erous as they are is that they realize that his life isn’t the community. Vigil service was held Sunday evening, March 10, the Application and Virtus Trainings be-all and end-all. No matter what we do in this life … 2019 and Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 11, 2019. Acceptance Forms. n Catholic Charities, Diocese what’s really going to matter is the good we’ve done, the Interment followed in St. Walburg Cemetery. Step 2: Go to of Covington, Latonia hearts and lives we’ve touched, the difference we’ve made www.virtus.org and click (Mary Moser Room) (No in people’s lives.” on Registration. Follow the parking at Holy Cross prompts to create an account School lot. Parking is avail- and to request a background able in Latonia Baptist’s check. Selection.com is a lot.) secure site; the background Wednesday, April 10, • Air-Conditioned ST. CECILIA check is posted on your 1:30 –5 p.m. account and you receive a • Capacity 400 copy if you request it during n St. Francis Xavier Parish, CHURCH HALL the registration process. You Falmouth (parish hall) • Beer License 5313 Madison Pike, Independence will also sign up for a VIRTUS Wednesday, March 20, • Non-Smoking 6:30–10 p.m. Receptions, Dances, Parties class during the registration. • Open to all Step 3: Attend the Virtus Note: If your Training Tab is session you chose. missing or you cannot access Call 363-4311 for details No children, please. your account, contact your parish/school/institution. Step 4: Your account becomes active when your For other difficulties, background check, VIRTUS contact Marylu Steffen at session and Acceptance Form (859) 392-1500 or are posted on your account. [email protected]. Moving? Wrong address? Call the circulation desk, (859) 392-1570 You will receive 12 bulletins 18 March 15, 2019 Messenger ENTERTAINMENT

“Captain Marvel” (Disney) Lavish origin story finds film is possibly acceptable for mature teens. Much combat drug use, some sexual humor, fleeting crude banter, three the superhero of the title faithfully serving the alien civi- violence, most of it stylized but some of it harsh, fleeting racial slurs. CNS: A-III; MPAA: PG-13. lization that trained her as a warrior in its struggle against anatomical humor, a few mild oaths, at least one rough the encroachments of a race of shape-shifting enemies. term, a handful of crude and crass expressions. CNS: A-III; But when she joins MPAA: PG-13. her military mentor For full reviews of each of these films — go to catholic- Movie on a mission to 1995 “Tyler Perry’s A Madea Family Funeral” Earth, persistent (Lionsgate) Writer-director and star Tyler Perry has given news.com and click on “Extras,” then choose “Movies.” Capsule flashbacks to a previ- his alter ego Mabel “Madea” Simmons a sweet and funny Catholic News Service (CNS) classifications are: ous life become ever valedictory as she organizes a family funeral and dispens- • A-I — general patronage; more troubling and es relationship wisdom to younger family members • A-II — adults and adolescents; confusing for her, especially after she joins forces with a caught in the pain of infidelity. It’s an immensely satisfy- • A-III — adults; SHIELD officer and the two go in search of the scientist ing story that returns to the formula of Perry’s successful who seems to be crucial both to the intergalactic conflict stage plays. Madea spends most of the movie seated and • L — limited adult audience (films whose and to her missing past. Wit and positive messages about firing off blunt ripostes, as if Perry — who, in addition to problematic content many adults working for peace and the resilience of the human spirit Madea, also plays her brother Joe, Joe’s son Brian, and a would find troubling); buoy co-writers and directors Anna Boden and Ryan new character, legless throat-cancer victim Cousin • O — morally offensive. Fleck’s Marvel Comics adaptation. While the inclusion of Heathrow — is reluctant to let her go without allowing her an invisible being called the Supreme Intelligence might to share everything she has on her mind. An adultery confuse youngsters still being formed in their faith, the theme, mature references, including to sexual activity and

while attending a football game, “Touchdown Jesus” isn’t age all of those who coach in and administer Catholic Pastoral care through sport the only way to identify Notre Dame as Catholic. The ath- sports programs to, first, read “Giving the Best of (Continued from page 5) letic department has embraced “Giving the Best of Yourself” and share it with those associated with the pro- people together and provide opportunities for everyone to Yourself” and found ways to promote it. In his symposium grams. It can be easily accessed on the Vatican’s website. play, not just the best athletes. We must provide opportuni- welcome, Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame director of athlet- Then I challenge you to find people in your community ties for those with financial and physical limitations. ics, said that at each home athletic contest the Irish post a who can “champion” ways to form our young people not Breaking down these limitations help build our communi- banner with the following excerpt from Pope Francis’s only as athletes but also as holistic people. ties. If you have ever been to the campus of the University response to the document: Finally, I urge you to promote the document and the of Notre Dame you have probably sensed the presence of “Sport is a very rich source of values and virtues that Church’s perspective on sports. Spread the mission of our the Holy Spirit and the Catholic identity that resonates help us to become better people. Like the athlete during Church and evangelize on the playing fields, in the gyms, throughout the campus and visibly through their athletic training, practicing sport helps us to give our best, to dis- in the pools and on the tracks. programs. After all, there is a 14-story mural of Jesus on cover our limit without fear, and to struggle daily to Rich Hoyt is principal, St. Agnes School, Ft. Wright and the Hesburgh Library overlooking the campus and, most improve.” lead trainer of the Play Like A Champion Today program notably, Notre Dame Stadium It was my observation that Like the University of Notre Dame, I strongly encour- for the Diocese of Covington, Ky. SHOPPER’S GUIDE

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National/World Pittsburgh bishop details action plan plate possible next steps.” in ‘The Church Healing’ pastoral Four British doctors ask court to Pope: World in need of ‘ecological PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik has released a five-point action plan in his pastoral letter, “The Church review survey on assisted suicide conversion’ to advance sustainability Healing,” responding to what he heard from Catholics and non- MANCHESTER, England — Four British doctors are attempting VATICAN CITY — Sustainable development cannot be achieved Catholics in the diocese during listening sessions. The sessions to take their professional body to the High Court over an assisted without the voices of those effected by the exploitation of the have been held since the August 2018 release of the Pennsylvania suicide survey they believe is illegal. The doctors, two of whom are earth’s resources, especially the poor, migrants, indigenous people grand jury report on alleged child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy Catholic, say they believe the Royal College of Physicians has acted and young men and women, Pope Francis told participants at a and other Church workers in six dioceses in the state. The bishop’s “unfairly and unlawfully” by setting a supermajority of 60 percent Vatican conference on sustainable development. Without a change letter goes beyond issues directly related to sexual abuse, address- of votes to retain the college’s existing opposition to assisted sui- of attitude that focuses on the well-being of the planet and its ing accountability and transparency in Church governance, spiri- cide. The college has said it will adopt a policy of neutrality if the inhabitants, efforts to achieve the U.N.’s sustainable development tual and human formation for clergy and seminarians, and promis- 60 percent threshold is not met. But the four doctors said in a state- goals will not be “sufficient for a fair and sustainable world order,” ing additional channels for parishioners to bring their concerns to ment — sent by email to Catholic News Service March 6 — that the the pope said March 8. “Already, St. John Paul II spoke about the the bishop. Some steps continue and strengthen long-standing prac- threshold would be impossible to meet because there were three need to ‘encourage and support the ecological conversion,’” he tices, while others are new initiatives, Bishop Zubik wrote in the questions in the survey instead of two. The last survey on assisted said. “Religions have a key role to play in this,” the pope said. “For pastoral, issued in early March. The full text was published in the suicide that was conducted by the college — carried out in 2014 a correct shift toward a sustainable future, we must recognize our March 8 issue of the Pittsburgh Catholic, the diocesan newspaper. using two questions — found that 58 percent of members opposed errors, sins, faults and failures, which leads to a heartfelt repen- “Victims/survivors and their loved ones have been instrumental in the practice. The four doctors applied for a judicial review March 4 tance and desire to change; in this way, we will be reconciled with helping me to define these steps. Victims/survivors will continue on the grounds of “irrationality” and a “breach of legitimate others, with creation and with the Creator.” The three-day interna- to shape our diocesan response to assist those who have been expectation” in the way the poll had been conducted. One of the tional conference, titled “Religions and the Sustainable abused, to strengthen our efforts to prevent future abuse by any four, Dr. David Randall, a London-based renal medicine specialist, Development Goals: Listening to the cry of the earth and of the representative of the Church, and to restore whatever is broken in said, “The public has a right to know what doctors think about this poor,” looked at how religions can help the world reach the goals by the body of Christ.” important issue. 2030. Four CRS staffers, humanitarian work- New location found for migrant States, District of Columbia sue to ers aboard Ethiopian jet that crashed respite center in Brownsville Diocese stop new rule for Title X funding WASHINGTON — Four Catholic Relief Service staff members MCALLEN, Texas — A popular Catholic-administered respite SAN FRANCISCO — California Attorney General Xavier on their way to a training session in Nairobi, Kenya, were among center for migrants run by Sister Norma Pimentel, executive direc- Becerra filed suit March 4 in U.S. District Court in San Francisco the passengers aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed tor of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in the to block the Trump administration’s “Protect Life Rule,” which moments after takeoff in the east African nation. The accident Brownsville Diocese, has found a new location. McAllen city com- prevents funds provided under the Title X Family Planning March 10 claimed the lives of 157 people on board, many of them missioners had voted Feb. 11 to give the center 90 days to vacate the Program from being used in services that include abortion as a from humanitarian agencies. Others on the jetliner included a building it was using to provide temporary shelter for immigrants method of family planning or that make abortion referrals. He Georgetown University law school student who was serving as a who cross from Mexico into the United States but who have been filed suit the day the rule was published in the Federal Register. It campus minister and 19 staff members of U.N. agencies.Two released by federal authorities. The Valley Catholic, Brownsville’s goes into effect 60 days after its publication. Twenty states and the Kenyan religious, Mariannhill Father George Kageche Mukua and diocesan newspaper, reported that Sister Pimentel announced Feb. District of Columbia were filing a joint suit against the new rule an unidentified nun, were also among those killed in the crash. 26 she had found a new home for the respite center. Plans had March 5 in U.S. District Court in Eugene, Oregon. Becerra’s suit Pope Francis offered prayers for the passengers from 35 countries called for construction of a new facility, but Catholic Charities is and the multistate suit both seek a court injunction to stop the rule in a telegram March 11. “Having learned with sadness of the “taking a new direction,” the paper reported. The agency is close to from taking effect. “Contrary to pro-abortion misinformation, the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash, His Holiness Pope Francis offers finalizing a plan “with the cooperation of the city for a building in ‘Protect Life Rule’ does not cut Title X funding by a single dime — prayers for the deceased from various countries and commends downtown McAllen closer to the bus station,” where many it simply enforces the existing statute that draws a bright line of their souls to the mercy of almighty God. Pope Francis sends migrants first arrive to the area. Sister Pimentel, who has been separation between abortion and family planning,” Marjorie heartfelt condolences to their families, and upon all who mourn praised by Pope Francis and has won national and international Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List pro-life this tragic loss he invokes the divine blessings of consolation and praise for the type of work that takes place at the center, stated organization, said in a March 4 statement. The Office of Population strength,” said the telegram from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican after the city commissioners’ vote that she was disappointed but Affairs, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human secretary of state. In a statement March 11, Catholic Relief would continue to work with the city of McAllen “in efforts to treat Services and oversees Title X, published the draft final rule the Services shared the news of the tragedy involving its staffers, all immigrant families in a just and humane way and ensure that they afternoon of Feb. 22. Ethiopian nationals. The dead include Getnet Alemayehu, are in compliance with existing immigration laws.” Mulusew Alemu, Sintayehu Aymeku and Sara Chalachew. They Venezuela detains, deports U.S. worked in various administrative positions for CRS. At National People’s Congress, China journalist, after military raid New York court rules prelate’s remains recommits to molding religions WASHINGTON — A Catholic News Service contributor in should be transferred to Peoria SYDNEY — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has reiterated the Caracas, Venezuela, was taken by military counterintelligence offi- Communist Party’s commitment to make religion more culturally cials after his home was raided early March 6. Cody Weddle, 29, PEORIA, Ill. — Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria announced Chinese, underscoring what many see are problems with the secret best known for reporting for Miami ABC affiliate WPLG and The “with great joy” March 5 that the New York Appellate Court ruled agreement on the appointment of bishops, signed in September Miami Herald, was held more than 12 hours before Venezuelan 5-0 that the remains of Archbishop Fulton Sheen should be trans- between the Vatican and Beijing. “We must fully implement the authorities escorted him to the airport to return to the U.S. His ferred from New York to the Peoria Diocese. Bishop Jenky is pro- (Communist) Party’s fundamental policy on religious affairs and assistant, Carlos Camacho, also was held but was later released. moter of the canonization cause of Archbishop Sheen, a Peoria uphold the Sinicization of religion in China,” Li, the ruling Weddle had reported on air March 5 about Venezuelan opposition diocesan priest, who gained fame in the 1950s with a prime-time Communist Party’s No. 2 leader, said while delivering his annual leader Juan Guaido’s return to the country. The Venezuelan jour- television series called “Life Is Worth Living.” He died in New York “work report” March 5. His message was delivered at China’s nalists union first posted about Weddle’s arrest on Twitter early Dec. 9, 1979, at age 84, and was entombed in the crypt at St. National People’s Congress in Beijing, part of the annual “two ses- March 6. WPLG announced later that attempts to reach Weddle had Patrick’s Cathedral. In 2016, Joan Sheen Cunningham, who is sions” that started March 3 and were expected to run for up to 10 been unsuccessful, but said his housekeeper reported he was Archbishop Sheen’s oldest living relative, filed a petition with the days. The congress is widely seen as the effective rubber stamp par- arrested “with his passport, other documents, money and a large courts in New York asking that his body be moved to the Peoria liament in the one-party state. Ucanews.com reported that Chinese suitcase.” A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy to Venezuela told cathedral. She said her uncle would not have objected to his bishops who attended the concurrent Chinese People’s Political Catholic News Service the embassy was aware of the arrest but remains being transferred to his home diocese from St. Patrick’s Consultative Conference, the self-described government advisory could not share information. In Washington, Greg Erlandson, Cathedral. The unanimous decision from the New York State body, gave their backing to the Vatican-China agreement. Bishop Catholic News Service director and editor-in-chief, expressed deep Supreme Court, Appellate Division, was the third time the New Vincent Zhan Silu of Mindong, a member of the consultative con- concern about Weddle’s disappearance. “We ask Venezuelan gov’t York court system has ruled in Cunningham’s favor, the diocese ference and vice chairman of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic to release him and Carlos Camacho immediately,” Erlandson said noted in a statement, urging an end to the appeals. In response to Association, told Hong Kong’s Sing Tao Daily March 3 that the deal in a tweet March 6. “We urge the U.S. government to advocate on the ruling, Joseph Zwilling, spokesman for the New York was a win-win agreement that would promote the unity of the Cody’s behalf and ask for prayers for his safety.” Archdiocese, told Catholic News Service in an email March 8: “The Chinese Church and its healthy development, ucanews.com report- trustees of St. Patrick’s Cathedral disagreed with the court’s deci- ed. sion, and their attorneys are reviewing the ruling as they contem-

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