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Holy Week has not come to its fruitful end. We must watch our Savior’s beating and humiliation, anticipate the promise of his long awaited Read about Resurrection. Bishop Steve Berg’s ordination as Bishop of Pueblo, English p. 26; Español p. 40 In This Issue... 8 INSIGHTS FROM VATICAN INSIDER Catholic journalist John Allen will speak at TCU April 22, sponsored in part by JOSEPH PEARCE, RACIST AGITATOR 18 the TCU Catholic Community and part TO CHRISTIAN BIOGRAPHER of their response to Pope Francis’s Many people know the name of 8 challenge to serve the poor. Joseph Pearce as a noted Christian biographer of great Christian authors 9 AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION ranging from G.K. Chesterton and J.R.R. 9 Catholic Charities volunteer driver Tolkien to Alexsandr Solzhenitsen, but Victoria Cook poses by the van she few know his background as a racist uses to help folks get to work, school, propagandist, the lurid past he details doctor’s appointments, or the hospital. in his book Race with the Devil. Affordable transport can make the difference between being able to keep a job and not. FROM CHRIST BEFORE PILATE, 30 THROUGH THE PASSION, EASTER, AND DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY, TO 20 SUPPORT FOR SEMINARIANS LIFE BEYOND THIS ONE 20 Our diocese is blessed with 31 men who This year's Easter package extends from are in formation to become priests. It takes Jesus’ betrayal and torture all the way a great commitment to serving God and to the life beyond death his sufferings his people to enter this path, and it takes and Resurrection brought us. a great deal of financial support to pay for their studies. We need each other.

22 OUR MSGR. BERG BECOMES PUEBLO’S BISHOP BERG How often does one's uncle bless the symbols of offi ce for a new bishop, as a bishop himself? How often do that many family members get to be present for their brother, uncle, or son's ordination as a bishop? Bishop Berg's ordination in Pueblo was a 22 family affair, one that involved us all.

26 ‘DEAR POPE FRANCIS’ 26 Little did the inmates who take part 23 in Catholic prison ministry at the James Allred Unit outside Wichita Falls COVER PHOTO: think they would hear back from Pope A crucifix hangs before a mural depicting the Resurrection in the Francis when their chaplain, Deacon sanctuary at St. Timothy Parish in Russell Detweiler sent a portrait of the Mesa, Arizona. (CNS photo/J.D. Long- pope by Terry Watkins. But they did. Garcia, CATHOLIC SUN)

PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 A humble priest rises to the rank of bishop, a humble pope inspires

hen you look at the contents of this issue, it’s hard to not come to the conclusion that it’s all about the priesthood PUBLISHER: Editorial Offi ce: 800 West W Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, and the hierarchical personages of the Church in general. Bishop Michael Olson Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300; From outlining the motivations of our seminarians and the FAX (817) 244-8839. COMMUNICATIONS Circulation Offi ce: Rita cost of preparing them for their priestly ministries, to the driving DIRECTOR: Pat Svacina Garber, 800 West Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108, urge of our oldest living priest, Father George Curtsinger, to EDITOR: Jeff Hensley (817) 560-3300. continue to respond to the needs of others with compassion. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC From coverage of the elevation of our former diocesan ad- ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Newsmagazine (USPS ministrator, now Bishop Steve Berg, to the ranks of the hierarchy, Tony Gutiérrez 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is published bi-monthly plus as he was recently installed as the Bishop of Pueblo, Colorado (a one special issue in January EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: by the Most Rev. Michael F. diocese only slightly smaller than the the state of Arkansas), to Judy Russeau Olson, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 W. Loop the honoring of our (still) new and saintly Pope Francis by the WEB DESIGNER: 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas TCU Catholic Community. 76108. For those who are Chris Kastner not registered parishioners And, of course, we have the tremendous event that will take in the Diocese of Fort Worth, place at the Vatican, the canonization of two popes who have CIRCULATION: Rita Garber subscription rates are $18 for one year, $35 for two years, shaped the Church, as it knows itself and makes itself known in CONTRIBUTORS: $50 for three years. Periodical the modern world — the soon to be St. John XXIII and St. John Michele Baker postage paid at Fort Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send ad- Paul II. Jenara Kocks Burgess dress changes to North Texas All these examples point us to the great high priest, Jesus. Jaqueline Burkepile Catholic, 800 W. Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108. Were it not for his glorious example of total giving of self for God, Jerry Circelli Deadline for information for his Father and ours, and others, we would have no reason for a Juan Guajardo the North Texas Catholic is Kathy Cribari Hamer noon of the Wednesday two priesthood at all. weeks before the paper is Were it not for the wonder of a God willing to come down, Joan Kurkowski-Gillen published. The NTC is pub- Michael McGee lished bi-monthly, the third forsaking all his heavenly power to live among us, to take on hu- Friday of the month, with man flesh, to endure human suffering, to give his very life, there Wendy Pandolfo the following two months as Donna Ryckaert the date of each issue. would be no Church to serve. To access current news and Holy Week is upon us. We are about to face the harsh reali- TRANSLATORS: information, fi nd us at www. María Elizalde-Honaman northtexascatholic.org ties of the betrayal of Jesus, Jesus before Pilate, Jesus tortured Pedro Moreno The appearance of advertis- by the soldiers, Jesus on the Way of the Cross, Jesus lifted up, ing in these pages does not imply endorsement of busi- mocked by all who saw him, having been abandoned by all who REGULAR COLUMNISTS: nesses, services, or products. followed Him. Only by entering fully into the mystery of these Denise Bossert Readers must exercise days of suffering, can we be fully prepared to share in the glory Jean Denton prudence in responding to advertising in all media. and the joy of his Resurrection. Kathy Cribari Hamer But by his stripes we are made whole and risen from the Jeff Hedglen Jeff Hensley dead, He draws us all to Himself. All of us, ordained and lay, Fr. Carmen Mele, OP are called to live in his Kingdom as prophets, priests, and kings, David Mills formed in the pattern of his life. Mary Regina Morrell Jeff Hensley Sharon K. Perkins Editor Father Jonathon Wallis

PAGE 3 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 Annual Vocation Day teaches DIOCESAN, LOCAL & STATE Speaker exhorts women to fifth-graders to be open to NEWSBRIEFS give thanks to God at second God’s will annual DCCW Day of Reflection

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen By Michele Baker 100 women from throughout the dio- Correspondent Correspondent cese attended. FORT WORTH — Giving Catho- Dr. William Thierfelder related the Thierfelder, who is currently presi- lic school fifth-graders the chance to story of driving through an unfamiliar dent of Belmont Abbey College in North meet priests, seminarians, and women city with an open bottle of water in the Carolina, is a father of 10 who makes religious in a casual setting is the idea cup holder of the car. When he made time to pray the Rosary with his family behind the annual diocesan Fifth Grade a sudden stop and the water bottle each night despite an extraordinarily

Vo c at ion D ay, ob s er ve d t h i s ye a r M a rc h Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC sprayed water all over him and his car, busy schedule. 26 at Holy Family Church. Sister Rosalyn Nguyen, CSFN, a teacher his response was not what most people “Mary’s ‘fiat!’ was extraordinary,” The Offices of Vocations and at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in would have expected. he said, paraphrasing the words of Ven. Catholic Schools sponsor the day-long Keller, shares her vocation story. “Thank you, Jesus!” he exclaimed. Archbishop Fulton Sheen. “It reversed program to encourage young people to After years of training himself to Eden and made Mary into the new Ark start thinking about the future — par- single vocation,” the speaker added. receive all things — good and bad of the Covenant.” ticularly service to God and his Church. In closing, Fr. Wallis advised his — as coming from God, Thierfelder In an address that was at times During his homily, and later while listeners to turn to Jesus for guidance. was able to make a soggy profession of funny, personal, even startlingly aca- answering questions, diocesan Voca- In a world that tells people they can faith even in the midst of an everyday demic but always accessible, Thierfelder tions Director Father Jonathan Wallis have everything, the true road to hap- inconvenience. That attitude of grati- engaged the women with stories of faith asked the 450 fifth-graders seated inside piness is through sacrifice and service. tude was one of the ideas he imparted rooted in a spirit of thanksgiving. the church to consider what God wants “Jesus will take us down that road,” to the women gathered for the Diocesan “He brought so much to the women them to do with their lives. he a s su re d . “B e g i n a s k i n g G o d w h at He Council of Catholic Women’s second at our gathering,” said DCCW President “Jesus Christ is calling each and wants you to do. Ask Him how you can annual Women’s Day of Reflection. Margaret Adams. “He gave us lots of every one of you to a vocation. Maybe serve Him and your neighbor each and The event, which began with Mass books to read and lots to think about He wants you to get married, or be- every day of your life.” and Morning Prayer, took place at St. because of the kind of person he is. He come a priest, sister, or single person,” The word “vocation” is new to the Patrick Cathedral and its Pastoral Cen- brings Christ into everything in his he explained. vocabulary of Jacob Schacter, a student ter in Fort Worth on Feb. 27. Nearly career and his home life.” Every person has goals and desires, at Not re Da me S c hool i n Wic h it a Fa l l s. he told the youngsters. “I know now it’s something God “But sometimes Jesus asks us to fol- and Jesus is calling you to do,” he said. Director of Human Resources low Him and that’s at the heart of every “It got me thinking.” The Diocese of Fort Worth Texas seeks a full-time Director of Human Resources. Main duties include supervise and manage Former Episcopalian priest personnel, employee benefits and safe environment offices serving the diocesan offices, parishes and schools. This position has responsibil- Fr. Jonathan Duncan completes ity for policy development and implementation regarding personnel, benefits and safe environment. path to Catholic priesthood A qualified candidate is a Roman Catholic, in good standing, actively participating in a parish; has a Degree (Master’s preferred) Editor’s note: This is adapted from a Catholic priest on March 29 by in Human Resource Administration or equivalent; can read, write an online feature. Read the full Bishop Michael Olson at St. Mary and converse fluently in English and Spanish; has a minimum of story on the web at www.northtex- the Virgin Parish in Arlington. three years’ professional experience; is proficient in Microsoft Of- ascatholic.org. Following the lead of other fice; possesses excellent administrative skills; is able to collaborate former Anglicans, Fr. Duncan and effectively with lay persons and clergy, and works independently, After years of prayerful dis- some members of his flock decided exercises good judgment, and handles confidential information. cernment, Jonathan Duncan, 31, to joi n t he C at hol ic C hu rc h i n 2 013 For a full job description and application, visit www.fwdioc.org. a former Episcopalian priest, was and become part of the Personal The Diocese of Fort Worth offers excellent pay and benefits to received into the Catholic Church Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter. employees, including health insurance. If interested in this challeng- on All Saints Day 2013. It’s a deci- He currently serves as the pa- ing position, e-mail a résumé, a completed job application and cover sion that’s brought him peace and rochial administrator of St. John letter to [email protected] or fax to (817) 244-8839, to the atten- a renewed sense of mission. Within Vianney Ordinariate Community tion of, Peter Flynn, Vice Chancellor. Application due date is April five months, he would be ordained in Cleburne. 30, 2014. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.

PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 Local author earns DIOCESAN, LOCAL & STATE Thomas More top honor from NEWSBRIEFS Law Center chief Catholic historical Knights’ Fr. Donlon Vocations Dinner counsel discusses society for book passes $2 million cumulative total religious freedom By Jerry Circelli By Jerry Circelli Correspondent Correspondent SAN ANTONIO — Dr. Patrick FORT WORTH — Richard Thomp- Foley, a renowned Catholic historian son, president and chief counsel of the and writer, is the latest winner of the Thomas More Law Center, based in Ann Paul J. Foik Award, which is presented Arbor, Michigan, addressed members annually by the Texas Catholic His- of the local Legatus chapter March 6. torical Society to the author or editor Thompson heads up a team of law- of a recent publication with the most yers and 700 allied attorneys in every significant contribution to Catholic state offering pro-bono help on cases history in the Southwest. involving religious liberty issues. “I was really glad ‘he’ won it,” said To understand the erosion of moral Foley referring to Bishop Jean-Marie values and religious liberties in America, Photo by Bertha Salazar / North Texas Catholic Odin, the focus of his award-winning Knights of Columbus Council 1473 raised $138,000 for seminarians at this Thompson took a historical look at the book: Missionary Bishop: Jean-Marie year’s Father Aidan Donlon Vocations Dinner Feb. 15. Grand Knight Tony crisis by outlining the following: Odin in Galveston and New Orleans. The Smith presents Bishop Michael Olson the check during the dinner. “In 1962 the Supreme Court out- presentation was made in San Antonio. lawed school prayer. In 1963, the court “It’s not who wrote it that’s important, By Jenara Kocks Burgess to “do more for vocations.” declared pornography was a free-speech but who it’s written about.” Correspondent The bishop, who joined the Knights right. In 1963, the same year, they out- The society also honored Foley by WICHITA FALLS — By raising more while interning at Our Lady Queen of lawed Bible readings in public schools. naming an annual award after him for the than $2 million dollars in 23 years with Pe a c e , s a id t h at pa r t ic u l a r c ou nc i l hold s In 1973, as you know, they made abor- best article published in Catholic South- the Father Aidan Donlon Vocations a, “special place in my own heart, per- tion a Constitutional right.” west: A Journal of History and Culture. Dinner, Knights of Columbus Council sonally, and I thank you.” He continued, The erosions continue today, he Foley also received an official proc- 1473, based out of Our Lady Queen of saying it’s “always a personal pleasure said, including the HHS Mandate that lamation from the Texas State Senate Peace Parish in Wichita Falls, has played for me to come back here and celebrate requires employers to provide health recognizing him for his contributions an important role in the lives of many a ny t hing wit h a ll of you, but especia lly, insurance plans that include contracep- to his f ield. It also contains the Senate’s priests in the Diocese of Fort Worth, the Father Donlon Vocations Dinner.” tion, sterilization, and abortifacients. official seal and is signed by state Sena- including Bishop Michael Olson. The dinner’s chairman Mike Brown “The federal government is inten- tor Jane Nelson. In his homily at Sacred Heart also announced at the dinner that the tionally forcing its citizens to violate “The most important institution in Church Feb. 15, the day of the 23rd council had raised a total of $138,000 their God-given constitutionally guar- the world is the Catholic Church,” said annual dinner, Bishop Olson talked this year, surpassing the $136,000 raised anteed right to free exercise of religion Foley. “The Texas Catholic Historical about attending the first Fr. Donlon last year, and brought the total raised and conscience,” Thompson said. Society has really advocated the study d i n ner a s a s em i n a r i a n i n Wic h it a Fa l l s . over the 23 years to $2,088,000. It is important for American citizens of the truth in history. And we need “This evening, we’ll celebrate, Bishop Olson also thought it was to remember their basic freedoms come that. We need to discover more deeply again, the Father Donlon Vocations appropriate that the dinner was named not from the government, but from the truth and history of our Church.” Dinner and with gratitude in my own after Fr. Donlon who was known as a God, as stated in the Declaration of heart — and even more, a deeper grati- “people’s priest.” Independence, he said. tude in my own heart because now I “So many people have great memo- Then, referencing the Constitution, have to sign the checks for seminarian ries of Fr. Donlon,” Bishop Olson said. he said, “With all those elegant words education,” Bishop Olson said, to the “His warmth, his kindness, his sense of and guarantees of religious freedom and congregation’s laughter. “But also with humor, and his willingness to always free speech, they are meaningless unless the most sincere gratitude in my heart be available — be it for dinner; or be we take action to implement them and because I never could have imagined, as it for something more serious like a to enforce them in the public square.” a seminarian, some 23 years ago, here in confession; or a kind [ear] to listen to Taking action and ensuring that Wichita Falls, here at the first vocations the people. And so I ask you to continue those freedoms remain in place, said

Photo by Jerry Circelli / NTC dinner, that God would ask,” him to take now to encourage vocations to your Thompson, is the reason the Thomas Dr. Patrick Foley of Azle displays two on the role of bishop. “Never,” he said. sons and daughters that they can give More Law Center was founded. recent awards: the Paul J. Foik Award Bishop Olson thanked the Knights themselves willingly with confidence “There is no better time to be a (LEFT), and an official proclamation at the dinner, named for the late Pallot- to the Lord in discerning where it is Catholic than right now, and so there from the Texas State Senate (RIGHT). tine priest who had urged the Knights the Lord wants them to serve,” he said. is no better time to act,” he concluded.

PAGE 5 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 DIOCESE Bishop Olson appoints Very Rev. Karl Schilken as diocese’s new Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia

Bishop Michael Olson appoint- of 1980. When he returned to the the bishop has reserved to himself or ed the Ver y Rev. K arl Schilken as the diocese, he served as associate pas- which require a special mandate of new Vicar General and Moderator tor at St. Rita Parish in Fort Worth the bishop by law” (canon 479). As of the Curia for the Diocese of Fort (1980-81), St. Bartholomew Parish Moderator of the Curia, Fr. Schilken Worth on March 26 for a period of in southwest Fort Worth (1981-82), will also “coordinate those things six years. Fr. Schilken will also remain and Immaculate Conception Parish which pertain to the treatment of pastoral administrator of St. Paul the in Denton (1982-84). administrative affairs and to take care Apostle Parish in River Oaks. In 1984, Fr. Schilken was ap- that the other members of the curia Fr. Schilken was born Aug. 28, pointed pastor of Our Lady of Gua- properly fulfill the office entrusted 1954 in Dallas to Joseph and Mar- dalupe Parish in Wichita Falls. He to them” (canon 473). garet (Minor) Schilken. He entered then served as pastor of Immaculate Fr. S c h i l k en repl a c e s Bi s hop Ste - the Church on May 5, 1973 at St. Conception (1988-92), St. Joseph phen Berg, who had served as Vicar Thomas Aquinas Chapel at the Uni- Pa rish in Cleburne (1992-1997), a nd General and Moderator of the Curia NTC file photo / Chris Kastner versity of Dallas, where he was work- St. Jude Parish in Mansfield (1997- Very Rev. Karl Schilken under Bishop Vann, and as Diocesan ing on a bachelor’s degree in history. 2003). He then took a sabbatical for Administrator before Bishop Olson’s He entered Holy Trinity Seminary two years. Canon Law, the Vicar General of a ordination and his own appointment in 1975, and graduated with a BA in Returning from sabbatical in diocese must be at least 30 years old as Bishop of Pueblo, Colorado. Bish- history in 1976. He then attended St. 2005, he worked in the diocesan and hold a licentiate or doctorate in op Olson also appointed The Very Meinrad Seminary, in St. Meinrad, Tribunal while serving as a sac- canon law or sacred theology, and has Rev. Daniel Kelley and Monsignor Indiana, from 1976 to 1980, where ramental minister for parishes in “the executive power over the whole Jua n R ivero to continue in t heir roles he earned a Master of Divinity. Ranger, Eastland, Strawn, and Cisco. diocese … to place all administrative as diocesan Chancellor and Vicar for Fr. Schilken was ordained to the He served as pastor of St. John the acts except those, however, which Priests, respectively. diaconate on March 31, 1979 in St. Apostle Parish in North Richland Meinrad by the late Bishop Francis Hills from 2007 to 2012, when he Shea of Evansville, Indiana. He was went to Washington, D.C., to obtain ordained to the priesthood March 29, a Licentiate in Canon Law from the 1980, at St. William Parish in Mon- Catholic University of America. After tague by the late Bishop John Cassata, graduating, he returned to the diocese the first bishop of Fort Worth. in 2013 to serve at St. Paul. As a deacon, he assisted at St. “I am looking forward to serving Mary Parish in Henrietta in the the diocese in this capacity and as- summer of 1979 and spring of 1980. sisting Bishop Olson in his ministry,” After ordination, he served at Espíritu Fr. Schilken said in a statement to the Santo Parish in Monterrey, Nuevo North Texas Catholic. Leon, Mexico in May and June According to the Code of

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PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 School of Lay Ministry summer session to feature Franciscan priest discussing ‘Franciscan Spirituality’

The diocese’s Pope John Paul II Institute School of Lay Ministry will feature Father John Stowe, OFM Conv., as its summer cycle’s featured speaker June 23-26. The school’s summer cycle, which is being held at various loca- tions June 14-26, is an opportunity for students to continue their forma- tion, prospective students to check out the program, or others who may simply be interested in the topics. Fr. Stowe will give four lectures on “Franciscan Spirituality” from 7 to of St. Francis of Assisi in the 1200s 9 p.m. at St. Andrew Parish, located to it s a dopt ion by Pop e Fr a nc i s a s t he at 3312 Dryden Rd. in Fort Worth. contemporary face of the Church. Fr. Stowe is the vicar provincial of The summer session also the Conventual Franciscan of Our includes courses being offered at Lady of Consolation. Prior to that Nolan Catholic High School (4501 assignment, he served as Chancellor, Bridge St., Fort Worth), on Saturday, Moderator of the Curia, and Vicar June 14, and at the Diocesan Catho- General for the Diocese of El Paso lic Center (800 W. Loop 820 South, from 2002-2010. Fr. Stowe holds a li- Fort Worth), on Saturday, June 21. c ent i ate i n s a c re d t he olog y i n C hu rc h E a c h c ou r s e i s pr ic e d s epa r ate ly. history from the Jesuit School of To register for the summer sessions, Theology in Berkeley, California. or for a complete listing of courses or While in El Paso, Fr. Stowe more information, visit the school’s taught numerous courses at that website at www.fwdioc.org/pages/ diocese’s Tepeyac Institute and in john-paul-2-institute-about, or call the deacon formation programs Fr. Mele or Lucia Romo at 817-560- for El Paso and Las Cruces, New 3300, ext. 317. Fr. Mele can also be Mexico. His talks for the Summer reached by e-mail at cmele@fwdioc. Cycle will show the development of org, and Romo can be reached at Franciscan spirituality from the time [email protected].

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PAGE 7 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 YOUNG ADULT TCU Catholic Campus Ministry bringing journalist John Allen to discuss pope’s call to service April 22

By Nicki Prevou “When we started talking about Correspondent hosting a special event that would give the community a chance to learn Drew Curd, a 22 year-old math- more about the pope and his message, ematics major at Texas Christian everyone got pretty excited.” University in Fort Worth, came into Curd was already aware of the the Catholic Church at Easter of reputation that journalist John L. his sophomore year. Curd attended Allen, Jr., has as an expert on Pope Methodist, and later, Church of Francis and his leadership, and he and Christ services before coming from many of his friends were pleased, he his hometown of Lawrenceville, said, to learn that Allen will speak at Georgia, to attend college in Texas. TCU from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April He now serves as co-president of the 22, in TCU’s Brown-Lupton Univer- TCU Catholic Community Student Renowned journalist John L. Allen, Jr., meets Pope Francis on the papal airplane sity Union building. Allen will deliver Board. during World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro last year. Allen is the author of Against the inaugural Faith Acts Footsteps “I found such a loving, genuine, the Tide: The Radical Leadership of Pope Francis. (Photo courtesy of John Allen) Lecture, a new series co-sponsored and faith-filled Catholic community by the TCU Catholic Community at TCU, and Father Charlie (Cal- recalled. “And now, I really love my coverage of Pope Francis with inter- and the TCU Office of Religious and abrese, director of the university’s Catholic faith, and it’s an important est. “Students here at TCU, whether Spiritual Life. The event will be free C at hol ic c a mpu s m i n i s t r y) he lp e d me part of my life.” they are Catholic or not, are drawn and open to the public. every step of the way, as I looked into Like many young adults all to his message, his openness, and to The lecture, dubbed the “Pope what the Church is all about,” Curd over the world, Curd follows news his call to service,” Curd reflected. Rally 2014: A Call to Serve,” will

PAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 offer an opportunity to learn more Club, and Habitat for Humanity. CATHOLIC CHARITIES about Pope Francis and his emphasis Representatives of these agencies on service to the poor and marginal- will be present before and after the CCFW seeks volunteer drivers ized members of society, according lecture to provide information and to members of the TCU Catholic to offer opportunities for students to Community advisory board. sign up for volunteer service. “John Allen is a Vatican insider, During each of the Sunday highly respected for his balanced, un- Masses during the month of Febru- biased reporting,” said Father Charles ary, Fr. Calabrese connected the Sun- Calabrese, director of Catholic Cam- day readings to Christ’s call to serve. pus Ministry at TCU. “He will share A corresponding food drive yielded stories of his personal experiences over 3,000 pounds of donated items with Pope Francis. I think that his for the Tarrant Area Food Bank. insights and his personal anecdotes “We were so pleased to see the will serve as a catalyst to help our passion that our students have for Photo by Donna Ryckaert / North Texas Catholic students deepen their own commit- service, with an enthusiastic response CCFW volunteer driver Victoria Cook stands outside the bus she drives. ment to service.” to the idea of learning more about Prior to joining the Boston Globe, Pope Francis,” he said, noting that Just a few months ago, and reliable transportation is Allen covered three popes in his approximately 150 people partici- Yolanda (not her real name), one of the most critical needs 16 years as a correspondent for the pated in an interest survey and then having moved from Oklahoma our clients face, here in the National Catholic Reporter (NCR). in a “town hall meeting” after the to Arlington in search of employ- DFW area,” explains Tugman. His “All Things Catholic” column Feb. 9 Mass. Representatives from ment, was living in a homeless “Especially in Arlington and in appeared in the NCR weekly, and several area service organizations met shelter. Now, she says, her life has Northeast Tarrant County, we now continues to appear in the Globe. with interested potential volunteers changed dramatically, thanks to have a tremendous need, because He has authored nine books on the during the meeting. a new job, an apartment of her public transportation options are Vatican and Catholic Affairs and “Many of our students were al- own, and the services provided so limited in those areas.” serves as the Senior Vatican Analyst ready volunteering in various ways, by the Catholic Charities Fort In 2012, CCFW began for CNN. but now, even more have begun to Worth (CCFW) Transportation providing a variety of services The lecture corresponds with get involved … as a result of this Program. to meet mobility needs within a semester-long effort to engage semester’s focus.” “I was walking for miles ev- Tarrant County, after taking TCU students in service at several ery day to get to and from work over the transportation program community-serving agencies, includ- For more information about the event, during the really cold weather formerly offered through the ing Catholic Charities, the Tarrant contact Father Charlie Calabrese at that we had here this winter, American Red Cross, says Tug- Area Food Bank, the Presbyterian (817) 257-7380, or visit the “TCU and it was pretty tough,” says man. During 2013, a total of Night Shelter, the Boys and Girls Catholic Community” Facebook page. Yolanda. “But I was so happy 3,094 clients were served, with to get a good job with benefits, an average of 250 to 350 rides working in housekeeping at a offered each day. hospital, I just did what I had “We are in great need of vol- to do. Then I heard about this unteer drivers to assist in getting program with Catholic Chari- clients to and from work, medical ties, and I was able to get signed appointments, and school,” says up for rides [to and from the Tugman. “Right now, we have hospital]. I can’t believe how a long waiting list, and we’re good my life is now.” hoping that people will come Because she is paying just forward to help. It’s inspiring to $2 for each ride to and from think that many times, by pro- her home each day, Yolanda will viding a trip to people in need, soon have saved enough money you’re providing them with a trip to purchase a vehicle. According out of poverty.” to Kaycie Tugman, a transpor- tation volunteer specialist for Volunteers must be 21 years of age CCFW, Yolanda’s is just one of or older and must have a valid the many success stories that il- driver’s license. For more informa- lustrates the importance of the tion, visit the CCFW Website at Transportation Program. www.ccdofw.org or call (817) “Access to safe, affordable, 413-3936.

PAGE 9 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 LIGHTER & BRIGHTER

A girl reacts after greeting Pope Francis during his A young volunteer displays food prepared for general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican dinners served at a Friday evening Lenten fish fry at March 26. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit March 28. (CNS photo/Jim West) Musicians and St. Peter’s Basilica are reflected in a sousaphone as Pope Francis leads his general audience April 2. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Restorers work on the ceiling of the San Lorenzo Chapel adjacent to the Holy Stairs in Rome March 11. Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, pets Layers of grime on the chapel's’Renaissance frescoes a goat brought to St. Mary Church in Crivitz for a are being removed, bringing the original splendor of blessing of animals following the annual Rural Life the artwork back to life. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Day Mass March 27. (CNS photo/Sam Lucero, The Compass)

Cross-Words By Mark Simeroth Across & Down: www.sheepdotcom.com 1. Jesus’ ancestor 3. Goes by bus (Matthew 1:3) 4. Chosen 2. Banishment 5. Invigorating solution

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PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 GROWING AS A CHRISTIAN Mary's embrace of her son continues, enables our own

YEARS AGO I WAS BLESSED TO SEE NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL IN PAR- IS. There were so many beautiful Holding her son at the foot of a things to see there, but the image that has stayed with me more than 20 years was the Pietà by Nicholas cross could not have been in her Jeff Hedglen is the Campus Coustou that is behind the altar. Minister at UTA and associate I wanted to stay and stare at it plan, yet here she was fulfilling director of Young Adult Ministry for for hours, but my tour group was the diocese. He is also the primary moving on to other sites, and I convener of Camp Fort Worth’s had to leave this glorious statue of many editions. Mary holding her now dead son, another plan, a plan set in both being attended to by two angels. motion by her “Yes” to the angel. Mary is looking up to heaven with her arms outstretched with I embrace comes every time I a look that is at the same time receive the Eucharist, for in that anguish-filled and questioning. It Descent from the Cross by Nicolas Coustou; photo courtesy grace-filled Sacrament I hold Him is such a profoundly human mo- of Wikipedia Commons (Photo by Prajinadhyana) physically for a few moments in ment, yet at the same time, it is time. sublimely divine. Mary is holding his life on earth has just begun. that meant for them and the The Pietà is, certainly, a her son, the Son of God, while I wonder about all the other world, and then in the ensuing poignant scene, but it is not the looking up to her son’s Father. So times she held her son through- years as the Church was formed, culminating moment in the much is happening in this mo- out his life, certainly many times in all these moments, Mary was Paschal Mystery. The whole of ment captured in stone. as a child, maybe during stormy holding the Body of Christ, and Good Friday finds its meaning I can only imagine what is nights, or during times of prayer, thus, in a certain way she was in the dawn of Easter Sunday. So going through the mind and heart for sure after she and Joseph holding her Son. But these also when we meditate on the image of Mary. My guess is that the found him in the temple after were not the last time she held her of mother and son at the foot of answer is, not much. The violence three days of looking for him. Son. Her final embrace with Jesus the cross, we must not have our of the last few hours culminat- Mary holding Jesus must have is still happening in eternity. gaze end there, for the pain of the ing with watching her son take been a common occurrence, prob- Meditating on the Pietà also cross always calls us to the glory his last breath has to have left her ably less as he grew older, but not leads me to wonder about the of resurrection. numb and in a state of shock. Yes, one of those embraces prepared ways I too can hold Jesus. Colos- Because of the Resurrection, this moment had been predicted her for this embrace. sians 1:27 says that Jesus lives in- Mary’s last embrace of Jesus is not by Simeon when she and Joseph Holding her son at the foot of side me, so I certainly hold Him at the foot of the cross, and, down presented Jesus at the Temple a cross could not have been in her in a spiritual way, and each time through the centuries, we too all those years ago, but now that plan, yet here she was fulfilling I serve the poor I serve Jesus, and continue to be invited to embrace prophecy was fulfilled. There another plan, a plan set in motion thus I embrace Him then too. our Savior in a multitude of ways. was no comfort in it, just the raw by her “Yes” to the angel. When I read the Word of All leading up to the time when reality that her son is dead and in In a certain way this was God I hold Him in my mind and we too embrace death, only to her arms. not the last time she held Jesus. heart, and when I encounter the be born again into eternity with As I meditate on this image, Mary’s presence among the dis- Body of Christ here on earth, I Jesus awaiting us at the gates of my mind wanders back to another ciples in the frightful hours after am caught up in his arms once heaven, with arms open wide, moment when Mary held her son, Jesus died, and then discovering again. But the most intimate and ready to continue the embrace, but this one was in Nazareth and that Jesus was alive and all that overwhelming way that Jesus and forever.

PAGE 11 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 VOICE The bravest action ever? following Jesus (especially the first followers) By Kathy Cribari Hamer

“WHAT DO YOU THINK WAS THE BRAVEST AC- says, in greeting. When Tiberius hears those TION EVER?” MY HUSBAND ASKED AT BREAK- I took a tentative words, he points to an egg on his table and FAST LAST SUNDAY. announces, “Christ has no more risen than “I don’t know,” I said. “Maybe the first bite of the egg she that egg is red.” The egg, legend says, imme- rodeo clown who ever voluntarily jumped in diately turns blood red. a barrel and let a Brahma bull head-butt him had fried for me. It The first person to eat an egg was a across the arena?” I thought my guess was risk-taker indeed. But the apostles were even brilliant, but it wasn’t as simple as Larry’s was tasty, as brilliant braver, listening to Jesus when He asked conjecture. that they drop everything and follow Him, “Sorry,” Larry said, grinning like the as its color, rich and even though they would thus have absolutely guy ringing the gong-of-failure on a 1960s nothing left in this world. Bet on me, Jesus TV game show. “The actual bravest action delicious. said. was taken by the first person who ever ate an The apostles took the gamble, followed egg.” What?? brave — but also correct. I went ahead and Jesus to his cross, mourned for Him after Larry described an imaginary scene: asked Abby for a second helping. He died, and then rejoiced three days later, two people looking intensely at a chicken, As the 2014 Easter season begins, we when Mary Magdalene ran to them and an- wondering what elliptical object it had just enjoy the egg as a perfect food, one that has nounced, “I have seen the Lord” John 20:18. left on the ground. only 70 calories, but still raises our good The Easter egg is a perfect food, as “I don’t know what it is, do you?” cholesterol count. Additionally, though, it well as a perfect image of the everlasting “No, but I think I’ll eat it.” provides an ever-expanding source of tradi- life Jesus’ resurrection promised. The egg My daughter Abby and her husband tions for celebration. We especially enjoy tra- nourishes us, but also has the potential of Chad have just started farming, and on her ditions that involve chocolate eggs — which producing a chicken, in essence nourishing most recent visit, she proudly brought us unfortunately have more than 70 calories. us forever. two dozen farm-fresh eggs. Even though I But there are also jeweled Fabergé eggs But Jesus promised more. He said He like eggs, I admit to having been skeptical whose value is beyond delicious, traditional would feed us eternally with his own words, about those recently laid ones; still, I didn’t or sentimental; and Ukrainian eggs, painted and even better, He would do this while we want to hurt her feelings. so intricately one admires the technique live with Him in Heaven. A no-risk war- “Sure I’ll try one,” I said, internally gri- just slightly more than the generosity they ranty, for sure. macing. “They look delicious.” represent. Who’s braver: a rodeo clown? The guy Actually, they were all different sizes, Multiple legends, from Roman to Chi- who first decided to taste an egg? Or those from marbles to golf balls. I went into my nese, tell of the Phoenix, a mythological bird who followed Jesus? imaginary newsroom and playfully trans- that lives a legendary 500 years, then builds I choose to be brave enough to follow posed those facts into a twisted weather itself a twig nest that burns and reduces Jesus. report: “Today, in what appeared to be a itself and the Phoenix to ashes. A new Phoe- I am going to count on the power of normal Saturday morning homestyle break- nix egg arises, though, and is destined to live faith, the endurance of hope, and mostly, the fast,” I broadcast to my pretend audience, “a as long as its old self. This is a real story of labor of love. Texas mother found hailstone-sized eggs on resurrection. her kitchen counter.” On the Christian side, a traditional Eas- Kathy Cribari Hamer and Abby’s first farm eggs boasted extraordi- ter church legend tells of Mary Magdalene her husband are members narily bright orange-colored yolks, and I was bringing boiled eggs to the other women at of St. Andrew Parish. Her reluctant to taste them. But Abby was prais- the tomb of Jesus. When she sees the risen family life column has been ing the delicacy, so I took a tentative bite of Christ, the eggs in Mary’s basket miracu- recognized repeatedly by the the egg she had fried for me. It was tasty, as lously turn brilliant red. Catholic Press Association brilliant as its color, rich and delicious. Another story tells of Mary Magdalene of the United States and Canada.Contact: Sure enough, it turned out that ficti- as an evangelist, who visits the Emperor [email protected] or visit her tious guy who ate the first egg was indeed Tiberius in Rome. “Christ has risen,” Mary website www.somethingelseagain.com.

PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 VOICE

The soupiness of Atheism And they’re supposed to be the intellectuals?

By David Mills

THE NEW YORKER ENJOYS OVER A MILLION gan men found themselves becoming Chris- SUBSCRIBERS AND CLAIMS WELL OVER FOUR tians in order to marry Christian women. So MILLION READERS. the Church grew in part because it had more Nearly every famous writer you can The atheist argues that women, but it had more women because it think of has written for it, and its history is believed that God loved everyone. one of the grandest among American maga- these people just can’t Gopnik doesn’t spare his own side from zines. You can find it in nearly every public the same critical treatment. People who library in America. And its editors appar- break free of religion. The say they don’t believe in God find all sorts ently can’t find an atheist who has any idea of substitutes for God and for the feelings what he’s talking about. Catholic will ask: Why religion brings. He calls this “the soupiness In a long article in the Feb. 17 issue, of doubt.” They “search for transcendence Adam Gopnik reviewed two new histories can’t they? Maybe they see and epiphany, practice some ritual, live some of atheism and then set out his own ideas. rite. . . . They have some syncretic mixture Gopnik has written charming and witty or feel the reality of God of rituals: they polish menorahs or decorate books about France, cooking, children, and Christmas trees, meditate upon the great other subjects, as well as several children’s without knowing it and beyond, say a silent prayer, light candles to stories, and won several major awards for the darkness.” his writing. And he is an atheist who has no hold on to something. John Lennon, whose silly song “Imag- idea what he’s talking about when he talks ine” I keep hearing in the grocery store, tried about religion. atheism for just nine months, Gopnik says. The review begins promisingly. Gopnik (One of the song’s famous lines runs “Imag- notes that although the writers of the books ine there’s no heaven. It’s not hard if you he’s reviewing talk about the famous athe- Of course the Catholic could agree with try.”) “In truth Lennon was entirely captive ists’ ideas, “much of the argument against most of the argument. Christianity did have to whatever superstition had most recently God works less well as argument and thesis practical advantages over the alternatives. tickled his fancy, or his wife’s. Imagine than as atmosphere and tone.” But the question to be asked is: Why did there’s no Heaven — but pay attention to The eighteenth century English histo- it have those practical advantages? Gibbon the stars and throw the I Ching as necessary. rian Edward Gibbon accepted the truth of didn’t go nearly deep enough. Maybe, the The maker of the great atheist anthem was Christianity in his Rise and Fall of the Roman Catholic will want to say, it worked out so anything but an atheist.” Empire (or seemed to), but then described its well in practice because it told the truth The atheist argues that these people just early success as the product of human poli- about God and man. can’t break free of religion. The Catholic tics: The Christians were better organized We have some examples from history. will ask: Why can’t they? Maybe they see or and more energetic than their opponents. In a book called The Rise of Christianity, a feel the reality of God without knowing it That’s why Christianity’s still around today. sociologist named Rodney Stark — who and hold on to something. As with Gibbon, Treated this way, Gopnik explains, God “is was not any sort of believer himself — gave the problem’s deeper than it appears to the diminished without ever being officially a lot of examples of how Christian teaching atheist. doubted.” brought the Church worldly success. One The article gets worse, when Gopnik It’s a useful insight into the way the of them was the Christian understanding of shows he has no idea what he’s talking about faith’s most effective critics work. They the infinite value of human life. when he talks about religion. pretend to take it seriously but then explain Girls weren’t as useful as boys and many away its appeal and success. Whether or pagan families let their newborn girls die. not Christianity’s true, it works, and many The Christians said they’re just as important David Mills is a writer. He and his family people assume, completely illogically, that to God and wound up having a lot more attend St. Joseph’s Church in Coraopolis, just this means it’s not true. young women than the pagans. Young pa- north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

PAGE 13 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 VOICE

Let God’s light shine through you Let God’s image brightly show his presence

By Denise Bossert

I REMEMBER THE DAY I DISCOVERED THE JOY OF PLAYING WITH A PRISM AND THE POWER GENERATED BY A MAGNIFYING GLASS. I was sitting on the windowsill of our fifth grade classroom and chatting with AAndnd soso iitt iiss iinn mmattersatters ooff ffaith.aith. friends. We were looking at Mrs. Grace’s plants and goofing around with the mag- nifying glasses and prisms. I was fascinated LLetet tthehe llittleittle oones --nes -- thethe curiouscurious by the rainbows appearing on our notebook paper when we held a prism just so, between our fingers and thumb. What an amazing aandnd thethe apatheticapathetic oonesnes – gathergather thing, this ray of sunlight! I studied the spectrum, trying to figure out just where one color ended and another began. aaround.round. LetLet themthem seesee tthehe SSonon aass A friend was playing with the magnify- ing glass. She was fascinated by the pinpoint of bright light that she could generate by HHee ppassesasses throughthrough yyourour llife.ife. steadily holding the magnifying glass in one position and letting the sunlight pass through the glass. As we watched and laughed at the won- ders of science, her paper began to smoke, That day, on a windowsill in a fifth- little ones — the curious and the apathetic and the little spot of bright light turned grade classroom, a group of children were ones — gather around. Let them see the Son brown. The paper was on fire. There was stunned into silence for just a moment. We as he passes through your life, yielding the one collective intake of breath, and then ev- had been fascinated by the rainbows. But colors of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, eryone was silent. We had heard about that when we realized the power of the sun, and self-control. Watch, as He displays his power sort of thing happening, and now we had what we could do with a little magnifying in the middle of human suffering. Or sor- witnessed it for ourselves. glass, we made no sound at all. This was a row. Or death. Miracles happen right here. If you’ve ever played with rays of sun- power too great — something too important And everyone is stunned. They cannot help light, you understand how our lives can — to misuse. but ponder it all. And they will not forget. be a prism in the hand of God. Our works We looked at each other with big eyes It’s Mrs. Grace’s classroom all over become a rainbow of colors for all to see. and open mouths. And we quietly put the again. Beautiful. Drawing the eyes of others toward magnifying glasses away in a box. We had St. Catherine of Siena once said we will God, causing their souls to marvel and uncovered a secret about the sun that de- set the world ablaze, if we become what we wonder. manded maturity, awe, respect. When we were meant to become. And what is that? A Our souls can be a magnifying glass in opened our science books, we now under- magnifying glass in the hand of God. Come, the hand of God. We lift our hearts up, and stood as children who had experienced it let us magnify the Lord, together. Jesus Christ is magnified. Everyone in prox- personally. Hands-on education. The kind imity holds his breath in wonder, in awe. of learning that sticks around long after Denise Bossert has four children and is a Miracles happen. Lives are set ablaze. the test and the last day of class. The kind member of Immaculate Heart of Mary in New The divine light reveals our unique of learning that even the most apathetic Melle, Missouri. Her column “Catholic by gifts, like the colors in the rainbow. The student will abide. Yes, he will keep coming Grace” has run in 46 diocesan newspapers. divine light reveals God Himself. Power. back to discover more. Check out her blog at catholicbygrace.blogspot. Majesty. The consuming fire of God. And so it is in matters of faith. Let the com.

PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 VOICE Procrastination turns potential... into a field of thistles By Mary Morrell IT’S ABOUT THAT TIME OF YEAR FOR ONE OF loved-one’s shoulders. It affects us physi- OUR UNIQUE FAMILY TRADITIONS – THE EAS- cally and emotionally and, ultimately, is an TER MANGER. It [links] the humble obstacle to God’s plan for us. It’s an awesome visual reminder of the Obviously, God is well-aware of the connection between the humble birth of the birth of the Savior, potential harm to our good wrought by a Savior, God incarnate, and his eventual Res- lack of self-discipline, no matter the reasons, urrection and Ascension into Heaven, and is God incarnate, which is why Scripture is full of teachings easily transformed from an empty manger, about the dangers of this behavior. with only some remnants of straw remain- and his eventual At times when I have looked at the state ing, to the empty tomb. of our yard in the spring I have been re- It’s brilliant, it’s unique and it’s a fig- minded of a story in the book of Proverbs: “I ment of my imagination as I try to ex- Resurrection and passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vine- plain why we still have a large homemade, yard of one with no sense; It was all over- plywood manger on our front lawn at the Ascension .... grown with thistles; its surface was covered advent of Lent and a quickly approaching with nettles, and its stone wall broken down. Easter. And while we usually don’t have a It’s brilliant, it’s As I gazed at it, I reflected; I saw and learned fully outfitted Easter manger by the time a lesson: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little Holy Week rolls around, the presence of the unique and it’s folding of the arms to rest — then poverty manger in the spring has been a long-stand- will come upon you like a robber, and want ing tradition, one to which my neighbors like a brigand.” have, hopefully, become accustomed. a figment of my God forbid I should be a sluggard! But The obvious question would be, I will admit that I am often overwhelmed by “Why?” imagination... my to-do list, and lose sight of appropriate For many of us, such situations seem priorities. At those times, when I return to to be a matter of adhering to that age-old prayer, I am reminded that God has charged maxim, “Why do today what you can put control of our finances, our relationships, us with the responsibility to be stewards of off until tomorrow?” The choice applies our homes, and our futures because we’ve our blessings, which includes the blessing of particularly to chores that are seemingly un- adopted an “I’ll get to it later,” approach. It’s time. Not only is good stewardship an ex- important, uninteresting, or distasteful. all too easy to fall into the same trap with pression of gratitude but it is a path to free- Sadly, I am among those who some- our spiritual lives as well, leaving prayer, dom; an opportunity to build our physical times fail at good decisionmaking. While worship, and service for another day. and spiritual houses to serve the Lord, using my forays into procrastination do not always Psychologists explain that, for most, our time and responsibilities to become who take center stage on my front lawn, they procrastination is not a matter of laziness, we were meant to be. have their own deleterious effect on the which demonstrates a lack of desire. Instead, After years of experience, I realized that fruits of my life and, in that way, are a detri- for a variety of reasons, we delay putting procrastination is more than just a bad habit. ment to my faith life, as well. our intentions into action. We want to do It is, as Charles Dickens observed, “a thief It is one thing to be challenged by such something, but we don’t. We make a deci- of time.” things as a loss of income which means bills sion to do something else instead — usu- St. Augustine knew this, too, and his can’t be paid, a crisis of health or loss, serv- ally something that makes us feel better at words have a prominent place on my refrig- ing as caretaker for a loved one, or working the moment — and inevitably suffer the erator: “God has promised forgiveness to multiple jobs to make ends meet. In these consequences of this poor choice, including your repentance, but he has not promised cases, our responsibilities may be more than damage to our health. tomorrow to your procrastination.” we can reasonably handle, and we need to be The guilt and anxiety of procrastinat- forgiving of ourselves when we don’t accom- ing affects more than our finances when we Mary Morrell serves as managing editor of THE plish everything we set out to do. postpone doing our taxes, or our relation- MONITOR, Catholic newspaper of theDiocese of It is another thing when we abdicate ships when unmet responsibilities fall on a Trenton in New Jersey.

PAGE 15 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 REVIEW Book: Race with the Devil New book gives momentum to readers running their own race to outdistance sin By Jerry Circelli / Correspondent

IT MIGHT COME AS A SURPRISE THAT ONE OF National Front, a white supremacist organi- TODAY’S MOST PROLIFIC CATHOLIC AUTHORS, zation that demanded the removal of non- JOSEPH PEARCE, SPENT THE EARLY YEARS OF whites from the United Kingdom. As the HIS LIFE WRITING ARTICLES AND EDITING controversial magazine’s writer and editor, A MAGAZINE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF Pearce found himself in the national spot- INCITING A RACE WAR. light and became one of the most widely It probably doesn’t come as a sur- known members of the National Front. prise, however, that Pearce — author of 19 Within a year, Pearce’s aggressive Catholic titles — is not the first sinner to Bulldog grew from several hundred copies find redemption through Jesus Christ and per issue to several thousand, and he began Image courtesy of Saint Benedict Press PUBLISHED BY: Saint Benedict Press his Church. working full time for the National Front. PAGE COUNT: 264 St. Peter cracked three times in his Pearce’s quick ascension through the PRICE: $22.95 denial of Christ during the Passion before ranks of the organization gave him reason becoming the solid rock on which the to believe his life was moving in the right Pearce found himself fingering the rosary, Catholic Church was built; St. Paul the direction. though he had no idea of the prayers associ- Apostle went out of his way to persecute “I was now living every young radical’s ated with the beads. As best he could, he Christians before traveling thousands of dream of being a fully paid, full-time revo- began to mumble his own prayers. Pearce miles on foot to spread the Good News; lutionary, giving his life to the ‘Cause,’” said this was the first time in his life that and St. Mary Magdalene, once possessed by Pearce writes in his book. he had prayed. He also began attending demons and sin, faithfully stood by Jesus at By January 1982, at the age of 20, Mass in prison. the cross and was the first to see Him after Pearce was sentenced to six months in pris- Though still a long way from spiritual his resurrection. on for publishing material deemed likely conversion and being received into the With these Scriptural examples of to incite racial hatred under the United Catholic Church in 1989, these were the redemption in mind, a reader can navigate Kingdom’s Race Relations Act. Four years first steps Pearce took on his long road to with some degree of optimism through the later, Pearce again would be charged with redemption. troublesome early chapters of Pearce’s new that hate crime, and this time would spend In the latter chapters of Pearce’s book, book, Race with the Devil: My Journey from 12 months in prison, including six months we begin to witness the light of Christ Racial Hatred to Rational Love. In these in solitary confinement. through the author’s eyes. The reader is in passages of the book, Pearce recounts a During his second imprisonment, Pearce’s shoes when he truly begins to open childhood devoid of true faith. An empty Pearce describes what he perceived as his his eyes to witness God’s grandeur. We spiritual life eventually led him to become descent into a tunnel whose light was not can relate when he discovers the magnifi- an anti-Catholic, agnostic intent on incit- yet visible. He now sees it as his personal cence of uncountable stars in the sky or the ing racial hatred as a white supremacist. experience with the “dark night of the brilliance of a full moon that lights up the The talent for creating inspirational prose soul,” about which St. John of the Cross night. Like Pearce, we often become too that God bestowed upon him was certainly wrote in a poem and treatise by the same swept up in our hurried lifestyles to notice not used for good at the beginning of name 400 years earlier. In his works, St. God’s everyday miracles. As a reader, we Pearce’s life. John discusses confusion, fear, and doubts are also there with Pearce as he encounters In September 1977, at the age of 16, about his faith on a journey that ultimately special people who give witness to Christ Pearce launched a youth magazine titled leads him to a closer union with Christ. simply by the way they live their lives and Bulldog, a publication that he says now, During Pearce’s jury trial, someone offer help through love and compassion. had the ultimate purpose of inciting racial gave him a rosary, and he held onto it. hatred. The magazine was published by the During his first days of his imprisonment, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 SEEKING GOD’S PATH VOCATIONS With canonization, Popes John XXIII, John Paul II intercede for vocations

BY FATHER JONATHAN WALLIS Father Jonathan Wallis, STL, was ordained to the priesthood in 2007 and has served as the DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY WILL WITNESS THE of Christ’s call. Vocations Director for the Diocese of Fort Worth CANONIZATION OF BLESSEDS JOHN XXIII AND Mass with the pope was wonderful, and since June 2013. JOHN PAUL II. THIS IS AN AMAZING EVENT IN on the way home I read his speech to a group THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH. BOTH THESE MEN of youth, given on the previous day. I’ll never HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE LIFE OF THE forget his words: “To those of you who think Christ is faithful — He will help you to know CHURCH AND ON VOCATIONS. that Christ may be inviting you to follow him his will and He will give you the strength to The witness of joy in serving God and in the priesthood or the consecrated life, I follow Him. his Church is one of the best witnesses for the make this personal appeal: I ask you to open Pope John Paul II ended his talk, stating: priesthood. Both Popes John XXIII and John your hearts generously to Him; do not delay “Christ is calling you; the Church needs you; Paul II served with joy and dedication. your response. The Lord will help you to the pope believes in you and he expects great My own call to the priesthood was know his will; He will help you to follow your things of you!” strengthened by the witness of Pope John vocation courageously.” It will not be long before we can ask Pope Paul II. I had the honor of seeing him in St. I felt that the pope was speaking directly Saint John Paul II to intercede for us. I ask Louis in 1999. His health was not good, but to me. I felt I needed to move forward, and that he will intercede for us before God to he radiated hope and a deep love of Jesus through many twists and turns in the road, I inspire many young men to follow the call of Christ. entered the seminary and am now a priest. Jesus Christ into the priesthood and many I went to St. Louis wrestling with the I tell as many people as I can about the young men and women to follow Him into the idea of becoming a priest. I was certain that I words of John Paul II. The invitation is as consecrated life. May we all be witnesses of the was interested in the idea, but was not certain true today as it was when I first read it. Jesus hope and joy of Jesus Christ in the world.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE would become the most powerful influence that of Mary Magdalen. She and I were mis- (under grace) on my personal and intellectual erable sinners, forgiven by Christ, and invited The greatest inspiration of all from the development over the following years.” by Him to become his disciples.” book is that no matter the severity of our sins, After his conversion to Catholicism, Pearce tells us that even though he has if we truly are sorry for our past transgres- Pearce went on to write biographies of Ches- found God, his journey is not over. “I have sions and follow Christ, we can be forgiven. terton, another English writer J.R.R. Tolkien, my dragons to face and my sins to be forgiv- It is with both a sense of anger toward Pearce Irish writer Oscar Wilde, and Russian author en,” he writes. Again, what reader is without and sadness that we accompany him on his Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, along with many sin and cannot relate to the conscious deci- journey before Christ enters his life. Our feel- other titles that reveal the spirituality and sions we must all make on a regular basis to ings turn toward hope and admiration later souls of their subjects. He has also written avoid our demons and grow closer to God? when Pearce devotes himself to the Lord. The books exploring the affiliations of William “Although my reception into the Church transformation shows us the enormous power Shakespeare and C.S. Lewis with the Catho- was the end of the journey from racial hatred of God and his redemptive love. lic Church. He is currently writer-in-residence to rational love, it was not the end of my life’s In opening up his life to Christ, Pearce at The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts journey. I am still a miserable sinner, and began to read the works of Catholic writers in Merrimack, New Hampshire, and co- the race with the devil is anything but over,” and intellectuals, including G.K. Chesterton. editor of Saint Austin Review, an international Pearce tells us. He mentions Chesterton several times in his magazine dedicated to Catholic topics. The author leaves us not with a story- book and dedicates an entire chapter to the In his book’s postscript, Pearce writes, book about life that has a happy ending, Catholic theologian and apologist. In Chester- “My sinful life and the lessons it taught had but with a story about life that can have a ton, Pearce said, he found “a new friend who led me to the foot of the Cross. My path was renewed beginning through Jesus Christ.

PAGE 17 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the Photo by Donna Ryckaert / North Texas Catholic Seminarian Nghia Nguyen speaks to other seminarians of the Fort Worth Diocese right before Bishop Michael hired men and followed him. Olson’s episcopal ordination Mass Jan. 29. The seminarians from the diocese served as the primary altar — Mark :- servers during the Mass. Nguyen was one of the assistant masters of ceremonies for the Mass. Worth now includes 710,000 Catholics in 89 parishes and two missions throughout 28 North Texas counties. “I attribute the number of seminarians to Support for Seminarians the work of the Holy Spirit,” said Fr. Wallis, adding that God is listening to those who pray Parishioners, seminarians united in response to God’s call for vocations. And now that those prayers are being BY JERRY CIRCELLI / CORRESPONDENT answered, Fr. Wallis said, the faithful are chal- lenged to ensure that every man called to serve Now in his second year at the University Count 21-year-old Fernando Peralta among as a priest in the Diocese of Fort Worth has the of St. Thomas School of Theology at St. Mary’s the increasing number of young men in the dio- opportunity to follow God’s divine direction. Seminary in Houston, Stephen Hauck is on cese to receive the call. A student at St. Joseph Following through on God’s call to track to be ordained a Diocese of Fort Worth Seminary College in Saint Benedict, Louisiana, seminarians will require prayer and financial priest in 2017. A man dedicated to serving God Peralta is progressing toward a 2021 ordination support. The average annual cost of seminarian and the Church, Hauck said he never really to the priesthood. education — including tuition, books, room chose to be a priest. Instead, he explained, the Like Hauck, Peralta views himself as a and board, and health insurance — is estimated “the priestly vocation chose me first.” humble servant of God responding to a call. by the diocese to be about $47,300. “God is always reaching out to each of us,” “I see this priestly vocation as an invita- Considering that the average education for Hauck said. “The choice for us comes in how to tion from God to love. This invitation calls us a seminarian is nine years, including four years respond.” to love Him above all, but also his Church and of undergraduate work, four years of masters For the 33-year-old seminary student, his people.” level theological studies, and one year of intern- the response came in the midst of a successful Peralta, whose home parish is St. Michael ship, costs associated with the formation of a career as a computer programmer. “After much in Bedford, continued, “In my second year of priest can total nearly $426,000. prayer, I began to be able to quiet the inner seminary now, I have had some time to experi- The generosity of parishioners to meet noise from my daily life and hear the call God ence a little of this priestly vocation. In this those costs have come from several funding had been placing within my heart,” Hauck said. time, I have been filled with a lot of happiness sources administered by the diocese including “I have no doubt that right now, pursuing and joy. I really feel that I am where God wants the Good Shepherd Sunday collection, The the priestly vocation in seminary, I am doing me to be.” Bishop’s Guild, the Sharing in Ministry annual what God created me to do. I am right where I The story of an inner calling, a joy for appeal, the All Things Possible capital cam- am supposed to be. It is a great feeling to know the priestly vocation, and a desire to serve in paign, and special endowments as part of the that you are doing what God is calling you to Christ’s Church is a common theme in the lives Seminary Burse Fund. do.” of those currently called to priestly formation “I always tell our seminarians that they Hauck, whose home parish is St. Maria for the Diocese of Fort Worth, said Vocations are making a big sacrifice, but so are our pa- Goretti in Arlington, is one of 31 men called by Director Father Jonathan Wallis. rishioners,” Fr. Wallis said. “This is a mutual God to become seminarians in the Diocese of The record-high number of dedicated sacrifice.” Fort Worth. That number is nearly triple the 12 seminarians, Fr. Wallis said, is particularly en- To a man, each seminarian knows his jour- seminarians in formation to become diocesan couraging for a diocese that is one of the fastest- ney to serve God and his Church is a partnership priests in 2001. growing in the country. The Diocese of Fort with parishioners in the diocese, Fr. Wallis said.

PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 Support for Seminarians Faithful answer God’s call to support those who follow priestly vocation

BY JERRY CIRCELLI / CORRESPONDENT

THE LIFE OF A MAN CAN CHANGE approximately $47,000 per year. FOREVER ONCE HE DECIDES TO To meet those costs, the Dio- FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST AND cese of Fort Worth has implement- DEVOTE HIS TIME ON EARTH TO ed several programs that are striv- SERVING THE CHURCH. IN THE ing to support those who are called DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH, ON by God to serve the Church. AVER AGE IT REQUIRES A NINE-YEAR Following is an overview of COMMITMENT, INCLUDING FOUR those funding sources: YEARS OF UNDERGRADUATE WORK, FOUR YEARS OF MASTERS-LEVEL GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY THEOLOGICAL STUDIES, AND A ONE- (MAY 10-11, 2014) YEAR INTERNSHIP AT A PARISH. In The Diocese of Fort Worth addition, seminarians are expected has designated the fourth Sunday to be fluent in at least two of Easter as “Good Shepherd Sun- languages — English and Spanish. day.” Launched in 2010, the name The extensive education is was inspired by John 10:11. In that necessary for the responsibili- Scripture passage, the apostle tells ties associated with the job, said us that Jesus said, “I am the good Photo by Donna Ryckaert / North Texas Catholic Father Jonathan Wallis, director of shepherd. A good shepherd lays Transitional Deacon Gary Picou (left), and seminarian Joe Keating (right) go over Vocations for the Diocese of Fort down his life for the sheep.” a few details prior to Bishop Olson’s ordination Mass. The two served as assistant Worth. As Vocations director, Fr. A special collection on masters of ceremonies for the liturgy. Wallis also oversees seminarians Good Shepherd Sunday supports and currently helps guide 31 young seminarians, who are dedicating funding to keep pace with the Florida area at the end of January), men along their journey to become their lives to serve the faithful and growing number of seminarians explained that the faithful are priests. A 1996 TCU graduate who follow in the footsteps of Jesus in the Diocese of Fort Worth is stepping up in a big way to support was ordained to the priesthood for Christ. The Good Shepherd Sun- the “The Bishop’s Guild.” Started seminarians through the Guild. the Diocese of Fort Worth in 2007, day collection is designated for the in 2012 by former Bishop Kevin “It’s one of the central passions we Fr. Wallis can closely relate to the Seminary Formation Fund, which Vann, the Guild progressed under have as a diocese and something sacrifices each of the men must supports seminarians throughout the leadership of then Diocesan we’re very proud of,” Messano said. make to take up his call. their discernment, education, and Administrator Monsignor Stephen “It’s such a blessing.” “Personally,” said, Fr. Wallis, training. J. Berg (now the bishop of Pueblo, As part of their membership “I feel blessed and honored that Pat Miller, associate director Colorado), and carries on with in the Bishop’s Guild, members Jesus Christ would trust me with of advancement for the Diocese of Bishop Michael F. Olson. meet quarterly and often hear the obligation of priesthood.” Fort Worth, said that more than The Guild focuses its efforts first-hand from seminarians on Fr. Wallis said he also consid- $1 million has been raised since on supporting issues related to the their progress. In the past, Bishop ers it a blessing that an increasing the inception of the collection education and lives of priests in Vann was an active participant at number of men are studying at in 2010. According to financial the diocese. Specifically, two funds the Guild’s dinner meetings. The seminaries with the goal of becom- figures she supplied, the 2010 col- have been formed by the Guild. Guild looks forward to continued ing priests in the Diocese of Fort lection raised $215,944, in 2011 They include the “Support for involvement from Bishop Olson Worth. a total of $285,415 was collected, Seminarians” for men following and from the seminarians who are The increasing number of in 2012 the diocese saw $274,515 God’s call to the priesthood and studying hard to serve the diocese seminarians, which has nearly dou- in contributions, and in 2013 the the “Priests Care Fund,” for priests as priests in the near future. bled since 2001, is welcome news generosity of parishioners in the who are retired, disabled, or need Still a relatively new organiza- for the rapidly growing Diocese diocese totaled $275,204. healthcare assistance. tion, the group is looking at inno- of the Fort Worth, but presents its Michael Messano, diocesan vative ways to support seminarians, own set of challenges. The cost to THE BISHOP’S GUILD director of advancement (until educate each seminarian averages Another recent source of he returned to the St. Augustine, CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

PAGE 19 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 Average costs per seminarian during 9-year formation *

Total Room and Board $15,200 x 8 years = $121,600 Total Tuition and Books $23,500 x 8 years = $188,000 Total Annual Collegiate Stipend $1,800 x 4 years = $7,200 Total Annual Theologian Stipend $2,400 x 4 years = $9,600 One-year Pastoral Internship Costs $4,800 x 1 year = $4,800 Total Annual Insurance $10,500 x 9 years = $94,500

Photo by Donna Ryckaert / North Texas Catholic $425,700 = Total cost per seminarian during 9-year formation Seminarians (from left to right) Eugene Flynn, Rijo Philip, Maurice Moon, Michael Greco, and Stephen $47,300 = Average Annual Cost Per Seminarian Hauck process out of the arena at the end of Bishop ($425,700 Total Cost Per Seminarian ÷ 9 years = $47,300 per year) Olson’s ordination Mass. * Estimated annual costs and total cost for seminarian training. Tuition rates, room and board CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 and other costs vary, depending on the seminary attended, scholarships, and total years in educa- in addition to their financial contributions. tion. Costs listed are intended to give readers an estimate of financial resources necessary to fund To date, Messano said 34 married couples those called to follow priestly vocations in the Diocese of Fort Worth. and two single participants have made commit- ments of $2,500 for three years as part of their Bishop’s Guild membership. The total of 36 named “All Things Possible.” Launched in time, effort, and resources into supporting our current memberships, at $2,500 each, accounts 2009, on the 40th anniversary of the Diocese seminarians and their vocation,” said Messano. for $90,000 for men entering the priesthood of Fort Worth, the campaign seeks to meet “The expenses and the income are always and others who have served. the most critical needs of the local Church. changing,” Messano explained, with the grow- The $40 million campaign will conclude this ing number of seminarians and associated SHARING IN MINISTRY year, with a goal of raising $1.5 million for financial needs. “But the people in this diocese, An annual appeal tied to the operating seminarians. they have such a passion for vocations. It’s a real budget of the Diocese of Fort Worth, Sharing blessing.” in Ministry supports a wide-range of Church SEMINARY BURSE FUND Miller agreed. “We’re challenged in this programs and building and repair projects. In addition to other revenue sources, the office to meet expenses and raise revenue by Depending on the needs of the diocese, each diocese has also established a Seminary Burse sharing the goodness of what these seminarians year the appeal designates areas of support for Fund to assist in the education of seminarians. are doing. funding. A Seminary Burse Fund is a permanent fund set “It is such an important focus for the Parishioners in the diocese are asked to aside for educating and training future priests. diocese,” Miller continued. “We want to do all make pledges to the appeal, which lists a “Case The principal is not used for the funding, that we can do in the parishes and through our for Support” — specific areas of funding needed but instead dividends earned by investing the efforts in this office. We want to do all that we and how those funds will be used. People who money from the burses, contribute to the fund- can do to support all of their effort as seminar- donate can make a one-time gift to fulfill their ing stream. ians. And they respect the fact that people are pledge or make monthly contributions. Messano and Miller both said that through sacrificing to help support them.” For the 2013-2014 fiscal year, ending June the Seminary Burse Fund, funding streams can Miller called the shared sense of responsi- 30, the diocese set a $3 million Sharing in be established “in perpetuity,” or for a long time bility between seminarians and faithful Catho- Ministry goal, which included grants for par- for seminarian education, since they flow from lics who support them as the “tie that binds,” ishes and schools; educational programs serving invested capital. as they continue the work of Christ’s Church. children and adults; Catholic Charities; Parish Messano termed it “a partnership.” And Fr. Share; the Marriage Tribunal; and support for A PASSION FOR SUPPORTING VOCATIONS Wallis has referred to it as “a mutual sacrifice.” seminarians. Whether the source of funding for semi- No matter how you term it, the combined Of the $3 million goal, $475,000, or 16 narians is from annual appeals, a capital cam- effort of generous Catholics and dedicated semi- percent of the total, has been designated for sup- paign, special collections, the Bishop’s Guild, narians in formation, is necessary for the future porting seminarians. endowments through the Seminary Burse Fund, of the Church. or special donations from organizations and “The important thing is that every man ALL THINGS POSSIBLE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN individuals, the diocesan advancement office who is called by Jesus Christ to serve as a priest In addition to the Sharing in Ministry continues to witness the generosity of parishio- in the Diocese of Fort Worth has the opportu- annual appeal, the Diocese of Fort Worth has ners in the Diocese of Fort Worth. nity to do so,” Fr. Wallis said. “Seminarian sup- been conducting a multi-year capital campaign “People in this diocese really put a lot of port is just like investing for the future.”

PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 PAGE 21 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 Bishop Stephen Berg addresses Faithful priest and former vicar general the assembly at the end of the Ordination Mass, and diocesan administrator has left the acknowledging the people who formed and guided his Diocese of Fort Worth to become faith journey.

STORIES BY JOAN KURKOWSKI-GILLEN / CORRESPONDENT PHOTOS BY DONNA RYCKAERT

As his mother, nine siblings, and named the Miles City, Montana, native uncle, Bishop Emeritus Joseph L. Char- the next bishop of the Diocese of Pueblo ron of Des Moines, looked on, Stephen on Jan. 15. J. Berg was ordained the fifth bishop of Nine members of the Ingler family the Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado during traveled from rural North Texas to see a Feb. 27 Mass that celebrated faith and their former pastor become a bishop. family. “It was important for us to come The crowd filling the 1,600-seat and support him in his new journey with Pueblo Memorial Hall included a large Christ,” said Chance Ingler, a member of contingent from the Diocese of Fort St. Joseph Church in Nocona. “It was a Worth, where the new bishop was or- beautiful ceremony, and he is a beautiful dained a priest in 1999 and served as pas- man. Our loss is Pueblo’s gain.” tor and diocesan administrator until the Michelle Hoover of Aledo, Bishop ordination of Fort Worth’s new bishop, Berg’s first cousin, was one of 50 family Michael F. Olson Jan. 29. Pope Francis members who came to Colorado for the

PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 ordination. the words of Pope Francis, he said bishops and educating him. “I wanted to be part of this. I’m just so priests should be shepherds who take on the As a new chapter in his life began to un- proud of Steve,” said the Holy Redeemer smell of their sheep and become involved in fold in recent weeks, Bishop Berg said he pro- parishioner. “Getting to see other relatives is the lives of people under their care, especially cessed the changes by remembering the past. a wonderful part of this celebration. But I’m a the poor and those who do not know Christ. “But I’m here for the future, and I’m here little disappointed he’s leaving Fort Worth.” “Follow in the steps of Jesus and embrace for the people of Pueblo,” he asserted. Principal consecrator Archbishop Samuel the crosses that will be given to you,” the arch- Leaving no doubt he will approach his J. Aquila, metropolitan of the Denver Prov- bishop said in closing. “May you become the responsibilities with whole-hearted determina- ince, performed the sacred rite of laying on of icon of the Good Shepherd.” tion, the new bishop told parishioners in his hands and recitation of the prayer of ordina- Several friends and members of the Berg new diocese, “I belong to you.” tion, assisted by co-consecrators Bishop Char- family were invited to participate in the Ordi- Covering the southern and western parts ron and Bishop Michael Sheridan of Colo- nation Mass. Lucas Pollice, former director of of Colorado (nearly half of the state), the Dio- rado Springs, who had also served as Pueblo’s Catechesis for the Diocese of Fort Worth who cese of Pueblo is geographically huge, covering apostolic administrator. The anointing of now lives in Denver, read the second reading 48,100 square miles, but sparsely populated. the head with sacred chrism — symbolic of from 1 Timothy. Nieces and a nephew of the Parishes are separated by distance, with some the outpouring of the Holy Spirit — and the bishop presented the offertory gifts. quite isolated. Catholics comprise about 10 presentation of the Book of the Gospels and Sister Frances de la Cruz, a Capuchin percent the population. episcopal ring, miter, and crosier were com- Poor Clare of the Heavenly Father, read the The layout of his new diocese reminded pleted beneath a 15-foot crucifix constructed first reading from Isaiah in Spanish. The Pueb- Bishop Berg of his time as a rural pastor minis- specifically for the occasion by local carpenter lo religious order is a cloistered community, tering to the needs of four, widespread parishes Michael Cora. A 5 ½-foot corpus attached to but the sisters journeyed from their monastery in North Texas. the cross Cora had formed was borrowed from for the special occasion. “And I see some of you have six, seven, or St. Pius X Church in Pueblo. “We prayed a lot for the Lord to send a eight parishes and missions,” he said, address- Bishop Olson participated in the liturgy, new shepherd, and He answered the prayers of ing the throng of white-robed diocesan priests. along with 15 fellow bishops, 100 priests, many people,” the nun said. “We came out to “I just want to say I will get to know and listen and 60 deacons. More than a dozen members meet the new bishop.” to you. We are going to work together.” of the clergy were from the Diocese of Fort Addressing the congregation at the end of As he grows into his new role as bishop Worth. the Ordination Mass, Bishop Berg acknowl- of Pueblo, the former college music instructor One of the visiting priests was Father Kyle edged the people who formed and guided his and corporate executive of a nursery business, Walterscheid, pastor of Bl. John Paul II Uni- faith journey. asked for prayers. versity Parish in Denton, who studied for the “What you see in this section is much of “I was very surprised by your call last priesthood with the new bishop at Assumption my past life and the reasons for which I am December,” Bishop Berg said, speaking to Seminary in San Antonio. here,” he said, gesturing toward the center rows Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the apostolic “Our readings for Lent ask us to be of the auditorium crowded with people from nuncio to the United States, who delivered mindful of becoming a humble servant who is Montana, Texas, and California. news of Monsignor Berg’s appointment to compassionate and forgiving, and that’s who He called participating in the lives of so bishop of Pueblo from Pope Francis. Bishop Berg is. He identifies with what the many relatives and friends “a gift” and singled “I promise you, as I did then to our Holy pope is trying to bring into ministry,” said Fr. out for special recognition his 88-year-old Father, I will give it everything that I’ve got,” Walterscheid of his longtime friend. “He will mother, Jeanne, and his late father, Conrad he stated, as the assembly applauded their definitely be a person who is bishop for the Berg, for the sacrifices they made raising and appreciation. people as well as his own priests.” In his homily, Archbishop Aquila remind- ed worshippers that bishops are entrusted with the same mission Jesus Christ gave his apostles. “They are the successors of the apostles,” he explained. “Throughout the generations, up to this day, there is that unbroken succession given to the Church so she might proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ.” The consecrating archbishop advised Bishop-elect Berg to form a close connection between himself and the priests in the diocese. “They will be your closest collaborators,” he assured. “Come to know them and love them as Christ loved the apostles.” Bishop-elect Berg lies prostrate before the altar A bishop must build the same familiarity moments before his ordination as bishop. with the people in his diocese. Paraphrasing

PAGE 23 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 Bishop-elect Berg is joined by supporting bishops in the sanctuary of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart at a Bishop-elect Stephen Berg embraces his uncle, Bishop Solemn Vespers service Feb. 26, the evening before his ordination. Emeritus Joseph Charron of Des Moines, at a Solemn Vespers service the eve of his episcopal ordination. On eve of ordination, Bishop-elect gifts to lead his new flock to Christ

WHEN FACED WITH TOUGH DECISIONS DURING faith that brought you here to Pueblo. The HIS YEARS AS A PASTOR AND LATER AS DIOCESAN gifts of faith and love you received from your ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE DIOCESE OF FORT mom and dad can now be shared, through WORTH, MONSIGNOR STEPHEN BERG KNEW your ministry as a bishop, with the people of THERE WAS A TRUSTING SOUL WHO UNDERSTOOD your diocese.” THE CHALLENGES OF MINISTRY. Twenty years ago, the retired prelate For advice and encouragement he turned was ordained Bishop of Des Moines, and ABOVE: Bishop Charron blesses the symbols of office for his nephew the evening before his ordination. to his uncle, Bishop Emeritus of Des Moines he remembered being overwhelmed by the Joseph L. Charron, also known to his many experience. BELOW: Bishop Berg embraces Fort Worth Bishop nieces and nephews as “Bishop Uncle Joe.” “Laying on the floor of the cathedral, I Michael Olson immediately after his installation as The depth of the relationship between was probably as nervous as you are now, but a bishop of Pueblo. nephew and uncle became obvious on the eve calmness and peace of mind came to me like of Msgr. Berg’s ordination as the fifth bishop I’m sure it will come to you tomorrow,” he said of Diocese of Pueblo. At the end of the Feb. 26 reassuringly to the then bishop-elect. “The Solemn Vespers service, both men expressed Spirit of God will strengthen you.” their love with an emotional embrace. The Bishop Charron reminded his nephew moment was captured on the front page of the that people will pray for him, adding, “rely local newspaper, The Pueblo Chieftan. on those prayers and know the prayers of the Prior to the poignant hug, Bishop Char- faithful will truly support you.” ron blessed his nephew’s pastoral ring, crosier, The assembly, which included priests and and miter, then spoke from the heart about parishioners from North Texas, also heard faith, family, and his own ordination to the from Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson who episcopacy. was asked by his longtime friend to give the “It’s not often that a bishop uncle can give homily at the Vespers service. guidance to another bishop,” he said, as a low “I was honored and touched (to partici- chuckle rose inside the Diocese of Pueblo’s Ca- pate) on behalf of the Diocese of Fort Worth thedral of the Sacred Heart. “As (Fort Worth) and personally, because he’s a dear friend and Bishop Olson said so beautifully, you’re on brother priest,” the bishop told the North Texas a journey rooted in faith, and it’s that living Catholic. “I’m very happy for the Diocese of

PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 ABOVE LEFT: Bishop Charron lays hands on his nephew as one of the principal co- consecrators. • ABOVE 2ND FROM LEFT: Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, metropolitan of the Denver Province, pours the sacred chrism over Bishop Berg’s head. • ABOVE 2ND FROM RIGHT: Archbishop Aquila places the mitre on Bishop Berg’s head, reminding him to look to heaven. • ABOVE RIGHT: Bishop Berg receives his crozier from Archbishop Aquila. • RIGHT: Bishop Berg is seated in the cathedra (bishop’s chair), officially installing him as bishop of Pueblo. t Berg advised to share his

Pueblo. I have a sense that this is “Yet, the marrow of the invitation t a very good fit for him and the remains the same — to experi- diocese. We will miss him very ence in each other, most especially much, but he can always come gathered at the Eucharist, the back and visit.” treasure of knowing Christ more During his homily, Bishop fully.” Olson recalled attending World The homilist asked the Youth Day in Colorado 21 years people of Pueblo to accept, love, ago with fellow seminarian Ste- and receive their new bishop. phen Berg and 1,500 youth from “May this time in your life as Related stories on the Web the Diocese of Fort Worth. the Church be a time for clarify- “On that occasion, Blessed ing Christ as your treasure and his John Paul II spoke to each and to will as your focus,” Bishop Olson all of us that, ‘Christ first invites added. Local clergy react us, then He reveals Himself more Jeanne and Jim Pagano, who fully, and then He sends,’” he attended the Vespers service, to Bishop Berg’s explained. heard their new bishop speak at a Speaking to the massive Feb. 23 youth rally and were im- appointment Denver, Colorado audience in pressed with his ability to engage 1993, the late pontiff said, “Christ young people. can call you at any stage of your “He spoke to them on their pilgrimage through life and wants level like a real country man,” you to have the treasure of know- Jeanne said. ing him more fully.” While working at the Serra ‘He’s a keeper’: Bishop Christ, once again, brought Club booth, Jim Pagano watched Bishop-elect Berg to Colorado, the bishop-elect walk from row to Berg’s family reacts Bishop Olson observed. row and shake hands with many “Not to what would more of the teens. to his episcopal aptly be called World Late Middle “He took his time with them Age Day — but to lead and and that was nice to see,” Pagano appointment shepherd the People of God in the said. “Fort Worth should be proud Diocese of Pueblo,” he continued. of this man of God.”

PAGE 25 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 The dignity of the prisoner

Inspired by Pope Francis’ visit to a prison last Holy Thursday, inmates at the Allred Unit outside of Wichita Falls painted a portrait of the Holy Father and sent it to him as a gift ... Here’s the kicker — he responded

BY JENARA KOCKS BURGESS / CORRESPONDENT IMAGES COURTESY OF DEACON RUSSELL DETWILER

INMATES OF THE JAMES V. ALLRED PRISON Dcn. Detwiler to send it to the pope. UNIT IN IOWA PARK WHO TAKE PART IN THE Deacon Detwiler says he learned it would DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH’S PRISON MINISTRY cost $284 to mail the artwork to the Vatican READ LAST SPRING THAT THE NEWLY-ELECTED City State. “So I contacted the Apostolic Nun- POPE FRANCIS WASHED PRISONERS’ FEET DURING ciature, which is the Vatican Embassy to the HOLY THURSDAY MASS: THEY WERE MORE THAN US in Washington D.C., and they told me if I IMPRESSED. could get that picture to them, they would see Some of them were moved to express their to it that the pope got it,” he said. “So I sent it appreciation to the Pope for directly minister- to them, and it cost me $24.” ing to people in prison, said Deacon Russell Later, Dcn. Detwiler received a letter Detwiler, chaplain for the ministry. from the Apostolic Nuncio saying that they “They couldn’t imagine a pope going into had received the painting, and would make a prison and washing inmates’ feet,” he said. sure the Pope would receive it. Sometime later, Last year the Holy Father washed the feet he received a letter from the pope’s secretary of 12 young people of different nationalities saying the Holy Father had received the paint- and faiths at Rome’s Casa del Marmo prison for ing and appreciated it. As a sign of gratitude, minors during the evening Mass there. Accord- the pontiff responded by sending a picture of ing to the Catholic News Service story, almost himself with his signature and his papal coat of 50 detainees, including about a dozen women, arms to the deacon and to Watkins. attended the Mass. Detainees also proclaimed “So I made copies of it,” Dcn. Detwiler the readings and led the prayers of the faithful. said. “About 125 copies, 4-by-6, I think, and Inmate Terry “Buster” Watkins, Jr., 39, passed it out at the (weekly Communion) ser- has been at Allred for the past nine years, and vice to all the guys who were involved in this.” has attended Catholic Mass for the past two. The Allred inmates were very pleased by In a written interview, Watkins said that re- the letter and photo the pope sent, Dcn. De- flecting on Pope Francis and “his act of hum- twiler said. This painting by inmate Terry “Buster” Watkins was inspired by bling and humiliation … it is inspiring and “We got a standing ovation when they Mass last year. The painting was sent to the Holy Father as a gi truly insightful in helping us to understand found out what happened,” he said. how Christ would want us to serve others in Sacred Heart parishioner Jim McSorley, our daily lives.” who has been involved as prison ministry “I’ve always wanted my work to be seen, and The James V. Allred Unit is an all-male volunteer for six years, assisted Dcn. Detwiler for the first person to recognize it to be our Texas Department of Criminal Justice cor- that day, and reported that the inmates were blessed Pope Francis is amazing!” rectional facility with a capacity of 3,722. It “just overwhelmed.” Watkins wrote that the prison ministry is sits on about 320 acres four miles northwest of “They were like, ‘Little us, little old pris- important to him. Wichita Falls in the town of Iowa Park. Dcn. oners in the Allred Unit in Iowa Park, and we “It helps me to stay grounded in a spiritual Detwiler has served as a volunteer chaplain at got a notice back,’” McSorley said. walk that helps me stay out of trouble and act the Allred Unit for a total of 10 years and had Watkins said in his written interview that in positive ways,” Watkins said in his written previously served four-and-half years at a large receiving the letter back from the Vatican as interview. county jail in Michigan. well as the photo meant a lot to him. “These volunteers are blessings, with the After the Holy Thursday Mass last year, “I felt like I had finally been heard and work and unconditional love they bring,” Dcn. Detwiler said one of the inmates asked seen and was blessed knowing our Pope took he wrote. “The amount of work they put in Watkins to draw a portrait in pastels of the the time to recognize something that a ‘no- benefits us, and it changes the lives of these Pope on an 18” by 22” canvas, and they asked body’ like me had drawn,” Watkins wrote. inmates. They bring a passion and light into a

PAGE 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 there for them, and they understand that. The last thing they want to happen is for one of us to get hurt and for us to go away. They take good care of us. And the staff is very support- ive too. They are actually kind of glad we’re out there trying to bring a little peace to the place.” Dcn. Detwiler said he, McSorley, and an- other prison ministry volunteer, Sacred Heart parishioner Bob Butterfield, who has helped with the ministry for 13 years, go to the Allred Unit every Thursday and Friday year round. “I think I get a whole lot more out of it than I put in,” Butterfield said. “There’s so much to be done out there, and we’re just skimming the surface. I’m truly inspired by some of these men. “They know they’ve done wrong; they’re truly remorseful for it, [but] they’re trying to get their faith back, and the conditions,” he

said, “you know, are never good -- But they ABOVE: Pope Francis expressed his appreciation by pursue it.” sending the inmates this portrait of himself with his Dcn. Detwiler said on Thursdays, Butter- signature at the bottom. field teaches the RCIA class, and occasionally

he distributes Holy Communion at one of the BELOW: The prisoners at the Allred Unit signed the secure buildings. Also on Thursdays, Dcn. De- back of the painting they sent to the Holy Father. twiler and McSorley teach a Catechism class, and lead a Rosary. A Mass or a Liturgy of the Eucharist with distribution of Holy Commu- nion (depending on the availability of a priest) is held every Friday. Watkins said that he attends many of the Catholic prison ministry’s activities and helps set up the gymnasium for the weekly liturgy as well as helping with the music and ushering. Dcn. Detwiler said the Catholic ministry at Allred started with just 25 men in an RCIA class. Now there are 35 inmates in RCIA, 47 in a Catechism class, 20 in the Marian Move- y Pope Francis’ washing of prisoners’ feet during Holy Thursday ment Rosary, and 100 to 110 attending the Fri- ift. day liturgy. Dcn. Detwiler also said they have baptized and confirmed 36 since he’s been at dark place like this to bring us a better way of Allred, including 14 this past October. As part serving Christ,” Watkins continued. of the prison ministry, Butterfield, McSorley, Dcn. Detwiler, who pulled back from and Dcn. Detwiler all said they serve not only his diaconal duties at Sacred Heart Church in Catholics, but people of other faiths as well. Wichita Falls (except the prison ministry) this McSorley said he first began volunteer- ‘the harvest is plentiful, abundant. Laborers year, said he hopes this story will help people ing with the prison ministry because Butter- are few.’ You know that Gospel. This is true. see what a blessing the prison ministry is to field, a fellow Knight of Columbus, piqued his There’s only three of us out there. We could both the inmates and volunteers. curiosity. He said he also felt that beyond the use more volunteers.” “It’s really hard to get people to come into Knights, he needed to give back to God for the this ministry,” Dcn. Detwiler said. “It’s a really blessings he had been given. For more information about volunteer- dark place because of the human tragedies in “One thing led to another. I kind of liked ing with the Diocese of Fort Worth’s prison the lives of the [inmates], and people are afraid it and thought, ‘Gee whiz, this is a way to ministry, visit www.fwdioc.org/pages/prison- to venture out there. give back,’ and I promised myself I was going ministry. To volunteer with the prison minis- “We’ve never been threatened,” he said, to do it because there is a tremendous need,” try in the Northwest Deanery, contact Dcn. “or had any fear of being hurt because we are McSorley said. “Let me put it to you this way, Detwiler at 940-692-1194.

PAGE 27 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 Photo by Jerry Circelli / North Texas Catholic In keeping with the Pope Francis’s Lenten message to serve the poor, Fr. Curtsinger and Chris Wallace have taken up a humble project to offer basic goods to the homeless. a never-ending vocation of service At age 99, Father George Curtsinger continues work that embraces the spirit of Pope Francis’s Lenten message

BY JERRY CIRCELLI / CORRESPONDENT

IN HIS 2014 LENTEN MESSAGE, POPE FRANCIS SAID HE WAS INSPIRED BY years. Fr. Curtsinger has always remained driven to serve the Lord, even THE WORDS OF SAINT PAUL IN HIS LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS: “FOR into his advanced old age. YOU KNOW THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT THOUGH HE WAS His latest project, undertaken with Wallace, involves putting to- RICH, YET FOR YOUR SAKE HE BECAME POOR, SO THAT BY HIS POVERTY YOU gether and handing out small but useful items to the homeless. Their MIGHT BECOME RICH” (2 CORINTHIANS 8:9). project was launched during this Lenten season, and they hope to con- Like the apostle Paul, Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to be tinue it into the future. generous in helping those in poverty. The pope said he would pray that “It’s always a challenge when you see someone who is clearly home- “each individual member of the faithful and every Church community less and you don’t know how you can help them,” Wallace said. In will undertake a fruitful Lenten journey.” addition to pointing people in the direction of agencies that can offer Putting this call into action and coming into alignment with it have assistance, Wallace plans to hand out the supply bags to the homeless on come in many creative ways, not the least of which is exemplified by behalf of Fr. Curtsinger. 99-year-old Father George Curtsinger and his caregiver Chris Wallace. Wallace said in each bag is a sealed jar of peanut butter, a bottle For nearly 100 years, Fr. Curtsinger has enjoyed a fullness of life of water, a toothbrush with toothpaste, lip balm, soap, hand sanitizer, that can come about only when a man is truly filled with the Holy toilet paper, socks and underwear. Spirit. His long and accomplished ministry began after his ordination “We wanted to keep it simple,” Wallace said, adding that if other in 1952 and predates the formation of the Diocese of Fort Worth by 17 people consider the same type of gesture, they could keep a supply bag

PAGE 28 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 or two at the ready and hand them out when the need arises. Nancy Eder, who serves as diocesan school nurse consultant and health advocate to priests, was impressed when she visited Fr. Curtsinger recently and saw Wallace working on the supply bag project under the watchful eye of the retired priest. “My reaction was, ‘What a great thing you and Father are doing,’” Eder said. “They are both very humble and they live very humbly. I think they are living out the Gospel and living out Pope Francis’ mission to serve the poor.” “I truly think it is good for all of us to serve the poor,” she added. “It’s good for us to take a step back and find ways to help those who have less than we do. When we see what Chris and Father are doing, their mission inspires us — Fr. Curtsinger is a retired priest, he’s 99 years old, and he is still serving the Photo by Jerry Circelli / North Texas Catholic people.” At age 99, Fr. George Curtsinger continues to honor Christ. His caretaker, Chris Wallace, is dedicated to Although he has limited mobility and helping the priest carry out his continuing mission to serve the Church. speech these days, Fr. Curtsinger remains dedi- cated to service and is aware of what is going on around him. That is evident as he frequent- Nature has long held a fascination for Fr. tors at the hospital, and Johnson, not a Catholic ly affirms his support for Wallace, not only for Curtsinger. His detailed photography of flora at the time, quickly grew to admire the priest getting him though each day, but also for help- and fauna have been on display at art galleries, and his ministry. In 1992, she was accepted ing him stay in close contact with the world. compiled in photography collections, and in- into the Catholic Church, inspired by the ex- “You’re doing a good job” and “you’ve cluded in a poetry book. Sixteen years ago, Fr. ample of Christ she saw in Fr. Curtsinger. done well,” are words Fr. Curtsinger conveys to Curtsinger and his love for photography were “He’s been a remarkable friend and has Wallace many times throughout the day. the subjects of a 1998 Fort Worth Star-Telegram been a source of spiritual guidance for me,” Wallace often drives Fr. Curtsinger to feature written by Jim Jones and distributed Johnson said. nearby parks in Fort Worth — the Botanical worldwide by the Associated Press. “Listening to his homilies, I was just Gardens and Forest Park are among his favor- The writer said of Fr. Curtsinger, age 83 astounded,” recalled Johnson. “He could say ites — to be among people and witness the at the time, “He’s been shooting pictures for in just three sentences a whole year’s worth of natural wonders created by God. more than 50 years. And his photographs — thoughts. You would just be awed by how suc- bare trees seen through mist, birds on a moon- cinct, but enormous, his homilies were. He has lit night, Spanish horses leaping in midair, always been a remarkable man and I’ve never A sketch of Fr. Curtsinger by longtime friend and brilliant splashes of color from yellow flowers met anybody like him.” artist Jerrell Sustaita. — are displayed in homes in Texas and around In addition to three decades of service Image courtesy of Fr. George Curtsinger the world.” at St. Joseph’s hospital, which has now been Fr. Curtsinger’s “photographic excellence,” demolished, Fr. Curtsinger’s 62 years of priest- Jones wrote, comes from “an innate artistic hood have included pastoral posts at numer- sense,” and what another person called “a spiri- ous parishes throughout the dioceses of Fort tual center” at the heart of his work. Worth and Dallas. He also served as priest Renee Johnson is well aware of Fr. Curts- in residence at The College of Saint Thomas inger’s artistic talent, not only in photography More in Fort Worth. In addition, Fr. Curts- but in music as well. “He’s a classically trained inger has authored several works, ranging from pianist,” Johnson said. She described the inspirational spiritual topics to mental health powerful music the priest once made with his issues to the finer points of playing the piano. Steinway grand piano as “majestic, strong, and Blessed by a lifetime much longer than uplifting.” She added, “He could play Bach, most people experience, Fr. Curtsinger contin- Brahms, Beethoven; you name it, he played it.” ues to touch the lives of those around him. Johnson met Fr. Curtsinger in the 1980s, “This is purely a gift,” said Wallace, about during the priest’s 30-plus years of chaplaincy his work to help the priest continue his holy at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Fort Worth. Her mission any way he can. “I’m simply blessed to husband had served on the board of the direc- be a part of his life.”

PAGE 29 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 Christ is Risen! Love has triumphed! ast year, Easter brought with it a new pope, and the new pope brought with him La classic, timeless message: “Christ is risen!” Pope Francis had been elected pontiff less than a month when he declared in his first Easter message urbi et orbi (“to the city and to the world”): “I would like it [the message that Christ is risen] to go out to every house and every family, especially where the suffering is greatest, in hospitals, in prisons. ... Most of all, I would like it to enter every heart, for it is there that God wants to sow this good news: Jesus is risen, there is hope for you, you are no longer in the power of sin, of evil! Love has triumphed, mercy has been victorious! The mercy of God al- ways triumphs!” He reminded us that Easter is our exodus, a “passage of human beings from slavery to sin and evil to the freedom of love and goodness.” Pope Francis said, “This passover from slavery to evil to the freedom of goodness must be accomplished in every age.” He invited us to embrace God’s gift of grace that comes freely every Easter, to “change hatred into love, vengeance into forgive- ness, war into peace.”

A crucifix is silhouetted against a stained-glass window at the chapel inside Elmira Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in Elmira, New York March 18. (CNS photo/Mike Crupi, CATHOLIC COURIER)

Jesus’ Resurrection was physical, real, in the flesh

By Marcellino D’Ambrosio These people, known as the Gnostics, Was this clearly laid out in the Old Testa- Catholic News Service wrote documents they claimed represented the ment? Not in the least. The Scriptures are di- secret, spiritual view of Jesus and his message. vine, having been inspired by the Holy Spirit, n the heyday of the Roman Empire, the cor- The so-called “gospels” of Judas, Thomas, laden with meaning exceeding the awareness Iruption of the times caused a wave of dissat- and Mary Magdalene all came from this of their human authors. Reading the Scrip- isfaction. Many were disgusted with the gross movement. tures with human eyes, people are bound to sensuality of society and yearned for a higher, It’s as if Jesus knew this distorted idea miss a lot. spiritual existence. They sought a redeemer would arise after his death, for in the four On Easter Sunday afternoon, Jesus ex- who would enlighten those who walked in canonical Gospels, the risen Lord appears to plained the passages that referred to his death darkness. the disciples and debunks the idea that He is and Resurrection and opened his disciples’ When they heard about Jesus of Nazareth, a spirit. minds to the understanding of the Scriptures. they suspected they’d found this light. But The disciples, justifiably so, are spooked He did that by giving them a share in the surely, they thought, He was a divinity who by the reappearance of someone they buried. same spirit who inspired the Scriptures in the just appeared to be flesh and blood so that He Jesus insists He is no spook. Though He is first place. Through Baptism and Confirma- could pass on enlightenment. changed in appearance, He is clearly flesh and tion, He shares with us, too, this spirit of Since He wasn’t really human, He couldn’t blood and downs a snack of fish to prove it. understanding. have really died. Calvary must have been the His death was no mirage. Luke 24:35-48 Jesus died, and his body rose again; He final act of the play, the necessary device to get tells us he proved that by showing the disciples didn’t need to escape it to remain divine. On Him off stage so He could resume his divine the wounds in his hands and feet. Easter, we celebrate his resurrection and show existence, free of all material entanglement. The Redeemer saved us by offering his faith of our heavenly future with Him. These people thought the greed and lust body as a sacrifice that would remove our sin. they saw around them was the inevitable result The psalms, the law, and the prophets foretold Marcellino D’Ambrosio writes from North Texas, of having physical bodies. Salvation for them it: The Savior would not just teach, but had to where he lives with his large family. He is co- was the soul’s escape from the prison of the body suffer and die. And yet, passage after passage founder of Crossroads Productions, an apostolate so that it could soar back to its heavenly home. hinted that He would live again. of Catholic renewal and evangelization.

PAGE 30 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 Jesus’ sufferings point to the reality of his Kingship over all By Jeff Hedglen lasts an eternity. NTC Columnist They came to a place called Golgotha, the Place of the Skull. esus just had a Passover supper The place where salvation will Jlike never before. Sure they did soon be won, where our sins will all the prescribed rituals, with a be paid for, where the Father’s love couple twists: he holds the unleav- reaches its climax. The night be- ened bread that his ancestors held fore He shared the sweetest wine in Egypt and says, “This is my of all, he is Himself now given body.” He takes the cup of wine bitter wine to “refresh” Him. and says, “This is my blood.” Now He wants none of it. Then we have a new covenant, one that they crucify Him; nails, hammer, will last forever. and spear in his hands, feet, and I have long wondered what side. his disciples were thinking as this Each pierced for you and was happening. Did they really A Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem holds the crown of thorns during me, for our sins, for all of them, comprehend what was taking a ceremony at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris March 21. The relic which was forever, for everyone. place before their very eyes? The presented was woven from thorn branches and believed to have been placed Jesus is dying, and they air must have been thick in that gamble for his clothing. A blood room that night. Thick with the on Christ during the events leading up to his Crucifixion. (CNS photo/Philippe soaked garment is their prize. Holy Spirit who was yet to be Wojazer, Reuters) Soaked with the Savior’s blood, sent, but already there, for where his saving blood. They know not there is one person of the Trinity how rich they are. there are all three!! his human, humanity is naked, a ruling king, not knowing they The crucifiers become specta- Then the betrayer leaves the bare, vulnerable, and exposed. I are giving this to the ruler of the tors and watch. Jesus prays — supper. Soon after then they all am sure they want to humiliate world. Jesus is holding the very “Father forgive them.” Jesus says, leave and go to the garden, a place Him but Jesus is human AND staff that will be wielded against “Mother, here is your son, son they often stayed. Divine. The all important him. Next they kneel before Him, here is your mother.” Jesus says Scripture says the Son of Man “AND.” Though human and ex- as they should, but they are un- that He thirsts. Jesus prays, “Fa- had no place to lay his head, thus periencing all of this as a human, aware of how right they are when ther why have you forsaken me.” neither did his followers. Jesus is divine and rising above all they do this. Then He breathes his last. Gethsemane was a place the game playing, knowing He is They do not worship Him Jesus dies and above his head where they often slept. While they not playing a game, He is playing they mock Him. And lastly, they hangs a sign stating the charges are there Jesus prays, “Let this cup his part. mock Him with words of praise, against Him, one last irony, “This pass… but not my will but yours” The next portion of the “Hail, King of the Jews!” is what is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” while the disciples try to stay drama that plays out is a series of they say, and they are right, all Yes it is, Jesus is King of the awake with Him. ironies. First, they throw a scarlet Hail, King Jesus! Jews and the Gentiles and all of The prayer and sleep are military cloak about Him pre- The reed they mockingly creation. interrupted by the betrayer. He tending that He has some power, gave Him is now used to beat Why, why did all of this comes to Jesus and gives Him a but of course He has more power Him. They hit his head, where take place; why did God send his kiss, a sign of love, friendship, af- than they know. Then they weave the crown of thorns is, and Jesus Son to suffer and die? The short fection, and now, betrayal. Jesus a crown out of thorns and placed experiences pain, anguish, blood, answer is love. The Father desires the one who brings freedom is it on his head. and tears for you and for me. to be united with us. Sin separates bound and arrested and taken to A crown is the hat of a king, When their mocking is fin- us from God, and God loves the the Praetorium, (the governor’s but usually it is gold and jeweled. ished, they strip Him again and world so much that He gave his house) where he is surrounded by Jesus’ is made from thorns, his is dress Him in his own clothes and only begotten Son so that all who the whole company of soldiers. a crown of suffering revealing a lead Him off to crucify Him. It is believe in Him will not perish If this is not imposing and in- new kind of glory. not a long walk on a typical day, but have eternal life. So, believe, timidating enough, they stripped Next, they place a reed in but after the beatings and carrying believe the Good News. Let Jesus off his clothes. Now, Jesus in all his right hand, like the staff of a heavy cross, it is a journey that be the king of your life.

PAGE 31 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 book was meant to be a follow-up to the act of Consecration to Jesus Divine Mercy — a Journey to the Heart of Jesus through Mary that we had done a few months before. I wasn’t sure By Sharon K. Perkins is installed to run on the wrong bound to assent to them in faith, what to expect, but as I read, re- NTC Columnist operating system, I thought I had even if EWTN did broadcast the flected, watched, and listened, the all the “facts” about God’s mercy, Chaplet every single afternoon. lights began to come on. ord, have mercy!” It’s an but I was operating in my daily About a year ago, however, I God’s mercy really isn’t about expression I’ve heard oc- life out of an entirely different found my point of view gradually God mitigating his punishment “Lcasionally, used as a mild way of thinking, hoping that God changing. It wasn’t any one cata- — although that is often how we oath. And yes — mild though it would show me mercy but acting lyst that I can recall. I just started perceive it in Scripture. Rather, may be, it’s a sin against the Sec- as if he might not. paying more attention. If I was in God’s mercy is the definitive form ond Commandment about taking That’s why, in 2000, I was my car at 3:00 p.m. (the “hour of that divine love takes — a love the name of the Lord in vain. But somewhat puzzled by Pope John mercy”) and listening to Catholic that is so extravagant that it con- as a kid, I heard it from adults all Paul II’s designation of the Sun- radio, I would pray the Chaplet tinually reaches out for each and the time, and didn’t think any- day after Easter as “Divine Mercy along with the show’s host and every person, aching with longing thing of it. Sunday.” I had heard of the hear callers’ personal stories of for us to return his love — and It wasn’t until my teens, when “Divine Mercy Chaplet” and the the miracles and graces that had nowhere is this more visible I began reading the Bible more, Holy Father’s canonization of Sr. occurred. I learned more about than in Jesus on the Cross. The that I began to realize how often Faustina Kowalska, but why such the meaning of the Divine Mercy physical torture of Jesus’ body in Scripture the words “God” and a fuss about them? Was it simply image — that in her encounters produced great suffering indeed, “mercy” appear in the same sen- a Polish thing? And if so, why with Jesus, St. Faustina had been but in his Passion he experi- tence. In college theology courses was the Church Universal encour- instructed to portray him with enced immeasurable pain from “a I learned about the Hebrew word aged to embrace them? And what the rays of Divine Mercy pouring heart that has loved so much yet hesed and how it appears in the was that image of Jesus with the from his pierced heart, much as receives so little love in return,” Old Testament almost 250 times, red and white rays of light coming the blood and water had flowed as he revealed to St. Margaret with half of those occurring in the out of his chest? from his side after his crucifixion. Mary Alacoque. Despite his lavish Psalms. It became clearer to me When Pope John Paul II died I was also struck by the numbers outpouring of love, Jesus is still that “mercy” was the attribute the in 2005 on the vigil of Divine of holy and prayerful (and ap- met with ingratitude, contempt, God of the Hebrew Bible seemed Mercy Sunday and was later beati- parently sane) persons I met who and apathy, and so his suffering to have in abundance. fied in 2011 on the same feast day, found great spiritual comfort and continues with little consolation Although Israel’s repeated re- I thought it was an interesting strength in their practice of the except from the gift of love which bellion often resulted in harsh con- coincidence but I still didn’t quite devotion. we freely offer in return. sequences, God’s judgments were understand it. I still regarded the The pieces really started The devotion of Divine Mer- always tempered with compassion. whole Divine Mercy thing as a nice to fall into place for me when I cy, which quite simply acknowl- God’s mercy, I imagined, was like a devotion for Catholics who were joined a small group of friends edges and expresses gratitude for cushion preventing the full severity on the “fringes” but a purely op- at my parish in a 10-week retreat that Divine Love which suffered of his wrath from utterly destroy- tional and not very relevant one for and book study of Consoling the so much for our sake, is based on ing his disobedient people — sort me. The visions that St. Faustina Heart of Jesus by Fr. Michael a confidence and willingness to of like the folded bedsheets that my recorded in her Diary were “pri- Gaitley, a Marian priest of the unite our hurts and disappoint- husband stuck in his pajamas as vate revelations,” and so I was not Immaculate Conception. The ments, loneliness and wounded- a boy when he anticipated a well- ness, with his infinite sufferings, deserved spanking. The purpose of for the “sake of the whole world.” mercy was to soften the blow that Our limited sufferings thus be- Israel had coming to it. come a powerful source of healing But of course, that was Israel. and reconciliation for others as well In my view, “mercy” usually ap- as ourselves. This truth is at the plied to someone else in another heart of Easter and Jesus’ Paschal place and time, and it was always Mystery, of which we are not mere directed toward more serious spectators but full participants. infractions. My sins seemed fairly It took me a while to get on insignificant in the grand scheme board — but I can now say that of things. I believed God forgave I am privileged to join with St. them but God’s mercy — now Faustina, St. Margaret Mary, and that was reserved for the really big now Pope St. John Paul II, in this stuff. Like a software program Sharon and this group of friends from her parish studied about God's great marvelous redemptive work of that has the right data but which mercy together over a 10-week period. (Photo courtesy of Sharon K. Perkins) mercy. “Jesus, I trust in You!”

PAGE 32 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 The lives of Christians extend beyond death

By H. Richard McCord Catholic News Service

he book A New Catechism: Catholic Faith for Adults, also Tknown as the Dutch Cat- echism, tells the story of Christian missionaries who visited a pagan king. They preached a new reli- gion that he was uncertain about accepting. He consulted his advis- ers and one of them told him the story of a bird that quickly flies into a hall during a cold winter night and just as quickly leaves. “A person’s life is much the The resurrection of Christ is depicted in a mosaic at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the same. We are here for a short Immaculate Conception in Washington. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) time. We don’t know what went before and we cannot see what will follow us. But if the new re- even amid the tragedy of loss, in his story and make it our story (Matthew 25:35, 40). ligion can speak with certainty of the conviction arises in the heart in faith? In his audience talk, Pope these questions, then it is well for that everything cannot be over, A verse in a hymn often sung Francis said that we express our us to follow it.” that the good given and received during Holy Week asks “Were belief in the resurrection of the At the story’s conclusion the has not been pointless. There is a you there?” at the Passion, death dead and the life of the world to authors tell us: “They found the powerful instinct within us that and Resurrection. We can’t say we come in a special way by “car- answer they sought in the message tells us that our lives do not end were there physically, but we can ing for the bodily and spiritual of Jesus.” with death. This thirst for life say, “Yes, I’m present there now wounds of our neighbor ... sharing What is this message? Jesus found its true and reliable answer in faith as I try to walk the same sorrow and infusing hope.” tells us: “I am the resurrection in the Resurrection of Jesus.” journey as Jesus did.” The Holy Father repeated and the life; whoever believes in If we are to die in Christ we We do not walk this road three times, “The one who prac- me, even if he dies, will live, and must first live in Him and then alone. Together with our sisters tices mercy does not fear death.” everyone who lives and believes in be raised up to dwell with Him. and brothers in the faith we Then he asked, “Why?” me will never die” (John 11:25- To live one’s life in Christ means unite our lives to Christ when “Because he looks death in 26). Unlike the king in the story, to allow the pattern of his life to we receive the sacraments, pray the face in the wounds of his we know we come from the cre- become ours. This pattern comes alone and with others, meditate brothers and sisters, and he over- ative hand of God and we are des- into focus during Holy Week and on God’s word, and engage in comes it with the love of Jesus tined to return to God’s embrace Easter. the works of charity and justice, Christ.” when our time on earth ends. In Mark 10:33, Jesus told his particularly for those with whom Pope Francis addressed the disciples, “Behold, we are going Jesus identifies. Richard McCord is the former Christian meaning of death in up to Jerusalem.” “For I was hungry and you executive director of the U.S. his Nov. 27 weekly audience. He Do we hear this as an invita- gave me food, I was thirsty and bishops’ Secretariat of Laity, Mar- said if we look at life’s painful mo- tion? Are we ready to go with you gave me drink ... whatever riage, Family Life, and Youth. He ments, when we have lost a loved Him to the place of his death and you did for one of these least is currently a freelance writer and one, for example, “we realize that resurrection? Can we see ourselves brothers of mine, you did for me” ministry consultant.

PAGE 33 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 May 4, Third Sunday of the promises of the Scriptures and Easter. “What are you discussing as you patiently accompanying them for as long as it took to work through Cycle A. Readings: walk along?” their grief. 1) Acts 2:14, 22-33 — Luke 24:17 So powerful was the shared Psalm16:1-2, 5, 7-11 experience of those last few miles 2) 1 Peter 1:17-21 that they were able to recognize Gospel) Luke 24:13-35 the empty tomb, nor recognize Him, finally, in the blessing and Jesus when He joined them. breaking of the bread. It’s the same By Sharon K. Perkins I often wonder what would kind of healing encounter that en- here’s nothing like a long have happened if Jesus hadn’t ables the psalmist to proclaim:“You Twalk to get the blood pump- shown up on the road. How many will show me the path to life, ing and to help clear one’s head, times would those two downcast abounding joy in your presence.” find a new perspective or to two companions who are also companions have replayed the We can all get stuck in the work through an issue with one’s “conversing and debating” the events of Jesus’ passion and death disappointments and losses of walking partner. I remember one distressing events of the previ- with no closure or resolution? our lives. But Jesus walks that spring day when my sister-in-law ous few days in Jerusalem and How long would they have re- road by our side, sharing our and I covered all sorts of ground trying to make sense of it all. I mained stuck in their hopelessness burden of grief for as long as — literally and figuratively. can only imagine their “what ifs,” and bewilderment? necessary, patiently helping When the walk ended, we were “whys” and “how could this have Fortunately, the narrative us to reinterpret our situation so much closer in our relation- happened?” doesn’t end that way. Jesus does until we are ready to recog- ship. Something about those It’s what we do when con- show up — listening to their nize Him in the power of his shared miles helped us to shortcut fronted with the sudden death painful stories, reminding them of resurrection. through the banalities of “nice” of dreams, hopes, expectations, conversation and get right to the or even persons. The travelers’ QUESTIONS: heart of the matter. despair and confusion were so When have you been so consumed with grief or unfilled hopes that Today’s Gospel highlights a profound that they could neither you couldn’t get past the loss? How can you share your burden with the seven-mile walk shared between rejoice in the women’s report of risen Lord and so find healing?

May 11, Fourth Sunday of “I will dwell in the house of times I read it, nor what version Easter. Cycle A. Readings: the translation is, it always seems the Lord for years to come.” to bring a sense of calm. The Lord 1) Acts 2:14a, 36-41 — Psalm 23:6b is my shepherd; I shall not want. In Psalm: 23:1-2a, 3b-6 verdant pastures he gives me repose; 2) 1 Peter 2:20b-25 beside restful waters he leads me; he Gospel) John 10:1-10 week. Jesus’ sheep know him, and refreshes my soul. they know that all others who had And the congregational re- By Jeff Hensley come to lead them did not have sponse repeats over and over, The y wife and I have a friend their best interests at heart and so Lord is my shepherd; there is noth- Mwho, along with her hus- they would not follow them. ing I shall want. band Al, kept a herd of 30 or 40 “Whoever enters through me When we are really following sheep on the small piece of land will be saved,” Jesus tells us, his our Shepherd, we know that he they owned in the Ozarks. We sheep, “and will come in and go will provide for all our needs, just visited them a couple of sum- out and find pasture. … I came like those bleating sheep following mers ago and got to witness one Then they, knowing this meant so that they might have life and Al on the four-wheeler knew Al modern-version shepherd, Al, and only good things for them — their have it more abundantly.” could be trusted to provide only how his sheep knew his voice and evening meal, in this case — began The psalm response for this good things for them. If simple followed him. running full tilt back to the barn weekend’s liturgy quotes Psalm sheep can trust a human shep- But, as I said, this was the where their fodder waited for them 23, and, no matter how many herd, how more can we trust ours? modern version. At evening feed- in feeding troughs. ing time, Al would mount his four- Al provided a dramatic illus- wheeler and head out into a nearby tration of what Jesus tells us about QUESTIONS: pasture and begin “baa-ing” in a himself as the Good Shepherd in How can you keep this image of Jesus the Good Shepherd ever before loud voice to gather up his sheep. the Scripture from John for this you, to give you peace?

PAGE 34 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 WORD TO LIFE

May 18, Fifth Sunday of “Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual phans weren’t neglected. house … to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God The result, the reading says, Easter. Cycle A. Readings: was that “the word of God con- 1) Acts 6:1-7 through Jesus Christ.” tinued to spread, and the number Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 — 1 Peter 2:5 of disciples in Jerusalem increased 2) 1 Peter 2:4-9 greatly.” Gospel) John 14:1-12 Dr. Tkacik believed what hap- pened then happens now. After By Jean Denton all, Christians caring for people is hen I was assigned by my where the rubber meets the road Wdiocesan newspaper to — the point of contact. Their cover the annual deacon’s convo- faith in action is a tangible experi- cation two years ago, I made sure ence of Christ for others. No won- that my pencil was sharpened and der it brings conversion. I had a spare ready for when it got its “point of contact” with the the early Church depended on Jesus seconds the motion in worn down to the nub writing world is the laity and, “the only Stephen and those first singled out the Gospel when He states, “I notes on the keynote presentation, way the Church will succeed in to concentrate on doing the works am the way and the truth and because the speaker was a (zzzzz) its mission is if laypeople live out of Christ. the life.” When Philip asks to be theologian. their faith.” This weekend’s Scripture in shown the Father, Jesus tells him I anticipated a droning ad- He added, “For you as dea- Acts tells how the early Christian the Father is in Jesus’ way of life: dress. I did not expect a noted cons, this whole vision we’re talk- community chose “reputable men, “The Father who dwells in me is theologian — a person expert in ing about can’t succeed if you’re filled with the Spirit and wisdom” doing his works.” doctrine and religious scholarship not there.” to serve the people “at table” and When we live the way of — to come out with inspiring, That must have been gratify- make sure the widows and or- Christ, others discover God. down-to-earth statements about ing to these men who were chosen the lived faith of ordinary people. and ordained for the specific role But that’s what Michael Tkacik of service to God’s people. The QUESTIONS: had for the deacons. Church today depends on their When have you witnessed a spiritual conversion resulting from some- In the Church’s primary work ministry and the committed faith one’s compassion or act of charity? How have you been touched by of spreading the Gospel, he said, and work of the laity as much as another’s Christ-like actions?

May 25, Sixth Sunday of “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate First, Wow! What an amazing Easter. Cycle A. Readings: to be with you always.” description of the Holy Spirit. Second, what a great way to help 1) Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 — John 14:16 teens grasp the significance of Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20 (and everyone else for that the Spirit in their lives and the 2) 1 Peter 3:15-18 matter) about the Holy Spirit, purpose of the Sacrament of Con- Gospel) John 14:15-21 specifically about the title of Paraclete (or Advocate). firmation. Third, I was comforted Bishop Delaney said that the because I felt that I needed a By Jeff Hedglen word “paraclete” comes from a coach to get me through my first very time I hear this Sunday’s Greek legal term for someone Confirmation ceremony. EGospel I am reminded of the who could assist a witness. Years later, I am still amazed second bishop of the Diocese of He explained that in by this characterization of the Fort Worth. The memory stems court the paraclete would Holy Spirit, and I have used from the first Confirmation cer- accompany a witness to the Bishop Delaney’s analogy count- emony I was charged with coordi- witness stand and help him less times. Jesus knew that being nating as a new youth minister at give his testimony, basically his disciple and the charge to the age of 23. whispering in his ear what to say. continue his mission here on earth I was nervous, wanting to prepared, and on and on. I was an In essence, he said, this person would not be easy, so He sent us be sure the candidates would emotional wreck, hoping that ev- was allowed to coach the witness. a coach to whisper in our ear, en- be able to answer any question erything would come off without Thus, the Holy Spirit is our coach courage us to push ourselves, and Bishop Joseph P. Delaney might a hitch. I was really feeling the as we witness for Jesus. give us the tools we need to build ask them. I was anxious about need for some encouragement and I was floored on many levels. the kingdom of God. all the details: that all the spon- assistance. sors and candidates were present, I received just what I needed QUESTIONS: the procession was orderly, the from Bishop Delaney’s homily. How would you describe the Holy Spirit to someone? How have you candidates doing readings were He was teaching the candidates experienced the Holy Spirit being your coach?

PAGE 35 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 WORD TO LIFE

June 1, The Ascension of “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, commission, Jesus’ promise to be the Lord. Cycle A. Readings: therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” always with his body, the Church, gave them the authority and the — Matthew 28:18-19a 1) Acts 1:1-11 courage to fulfill their calling. Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9 commission.” The Pope Francis’ apostolic exhor- 2) Ephesians 1:17-23 11 disciples, pre- tation, Evangelii Gaudium, states: Gospel) Matthew 28:16-20 pared and taught “All the baptized, whatever their by Jesus during his position in the Church or their By Sharon K. Perkins ministry, Passion, level of instruction in the faith, ve had the privilege of be- death, and Resur- are agents of evangelization, and it ing present when two of my I’ rection, assembled would be insufficient to envisage nephews were commissioned as in Galilee as they a plan of evangelization to be car- Marine officers. They had been had been instruct- ried out by professionals while the through months of rigorous ed. The writings of rest of the faithful would simply academic, physical, and leader- Matthew and Luke be passive recipients.… Indeed, ship training, and it was a proud affirm both the anyone who has truly experienced moment for their parents when the given assignment God’s saving love does not need new officers, resplendent in their My nephews’ commission- — to be witnesses to Jesus’ Lord- much time or lengthy training to “dress blues,” received their second ing marked but the beginning of ship to the entire world (evange- go out and proclaim that love.” lieutenant pins. a commitment of service to both lization) — and the power to ac- We, the baptized, are autho- The most moving part of the their country and their fellow complish it, through the awaited rized by the Father, clothed in commissioning ceremony was the Marines. Although the details of gift of the Holy Spirit. And while Christ, and empowered by the officers’ oath, ending with the their future deployments were as each disciple probably had his Spirit — and our solemn oath is solemn words, “I take this obliga- yet unknown, they had been well own “mental reservations” and the the promise made in baptism. It’s tion freely, without any mental prepared, authorized, and empow- occasional temptation to evade his time for deployment. reservation or purpose of evasion; ered for the work that would be and I will well and faithfully dis- asked of them. QUESTIONS: charge the duties of the office on Today’s readings are about a When is the last time you shared your experience of “God’s saving love” which I am about to enter. So help different kind of commissioning with someone? How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit’s power to me God.” — often referred to as “the great equip you as Jesus’ witness?

June 8, Pentecost Sunday. “As the Father has sent me, “Peter said to them, ‘repent Cycle A. Readings: so I send you.” and be baptized, every one of you, 1) Acts 2:1-11 — John 20:21 in the name of Jesus Christ for the Psalm: 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34 forgiveness of your sins; and you 2) 1 Corinthian 12:3b-7, will receive the gift of the Holy 12-13 Spirit’”…. “Those who accepted Gospel) John 20:19-23 ers from Rome, both this message were baptized, and Jews and converts to about three thousand persons By Jeff Hensley Judaism, Cretans, and were added [to the numbers of the t’s hard to think of Pentecost Arabs, yet we hear Church] that day.” Iwithout joy being mingled in them speaking in our OK, so what happens when somewhere. In this week’s read- parted and came to rest on each own tongues of the mighty acts even one sinner repents and is ings, the coming of the Spirit at of them, And they were all filled of God.” baptized?: There is great rejoicing Pentecost results in the proclama- with the Holy Spirit and began to We know from the associ- in heaven. What happened when tion of the Gospel and sheds light speak in different tongues, as the ated Scriptures from Acts that the Peter proclaimed the Gospel?: on how that event comes to be Spirit” helped them to proclaim Apostle Peter proclaimed to the Great numbers of new believers characterized as both a time of joy the Good News that had come crowd that Jesus, who had been were added to the church. So what and the “birthday of the Church.” from God. crucified, had been chosen by does that make the day of Pente- The description of the actual As the members of the God to be both Savior and Lord. cost?: The birthday of the church. time of Pentecost taken from the amazed crowd put it, “We are Hearing that, they asked, “What And what is more appropriate to a Books of Acts has all the follow- Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, are we to do, my brothers?” birthday than great joy? ers of Jesus gathered together in inhabitants of Mesopotamia, one place when “a noise like a Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus QUESTIONS: strong driving wind … filled the and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Have you considered how repentance and joy are linked? How can we entire house” and there appeared Egypt and the districts of Libya make this link clear as we invite others to belief that Jesus has come to to them “tongues of fire which near Cyrene, as well as travel- save and redeem them into his fellowship — the Church?

PAGE 36 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 WORD TO LIFE

June 15, Solemnity of the “If I find favor with you, O Lord, do come along in our company … parking lot shared a group hug Most Holy Trinity. and receive us as your own.” and all felt better. We understand about embracing. Cycle A. Readings: — Exodus 34:9 The truth is, the parent-child 1) Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9 relationship — from beginning to Psalm) Daniel 3:52-56 end — is sealed by the embrace: 2) 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 the welcoming, the comforting, Gospel) John 3:16-18 the shared joy, the parting. In em- bracing, we cling to each other as By Jean Denton one. When we miss the embrace, e three women stood in we miss something vital. Wa parking lot the other This oneness is what we cel- night, finishing up the conver- ebrate on Trinity Sunday: God the sation we’d started over supper Father and God the Son are one, together. Sherry, Barbara, and I held together by the embrace of are close friends — so close that the Holy Spirit. we all know and love each others’ It is their embrace that draws grown children. As we were about us into the all-loving relationship to part, Barbara related what had the frenetic moment. “Will had to as Barbara’s story unfolded. We of Father and Son. This welcom- happened earlier that week when just grab his bag and jump out of sighed at the end as though it had ing Holy Trinity of love calls us, she drove her youngest, Will, back the car. All I could say was, ‘I love happened to us. We felt it — the too, into its life. to college after spring break. you. I’m sorry, honey, but I can’t missing embrace. John 3:16 explains it: God The drive-up loading zone in stop.’ His face looked stunned, For Barbara and Will, of loves us so much that he invites us front of his dorm was gridlocked. and I’m sure mine did, too. As I course, it was just a momentary to share in the embrace of his Son, With an impending storm, ev- drove away I felt terrible. A few loss. After Barbara finished telling and that redeems us. eryone was arriving at the same minutes later, my cellphone rang the story, we three moms in the time to drop off their students and it was Will. He said, ‘Well, and hurrying to leave. “There was that was awful.’” QUESTIONS: no place to park, and I needed to They didn’t get their hug. Who are the people you hold in the embrace of your life? How do you keep moving,” she told us, reliving Sherry and I listened intently describe your relationship with the three persons of the one true God?

June 22, Solemnity of the “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” — John 6:54 Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). Cycle A. Readings: 1) Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20 2) 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 Gospel John 6:51-58 When he was nearing the and say, “Dave (my dad) really In this week’s Gospel Jesus By Jeff Hedglen end of his life, my father went to loved me.” says, “Whoever eats my flesh and y grandfather had been visit him. In an attempt to help his The nurse went on to explain drinks my blood has eternal life.” Maway from the Church for father come back to the Lord, my that after a few weeks of reading For me, this verse has never been so more than 50 years. I only saw father wrote a prayer on a piece of this prayer my grandfather asked true as in the life of my grandfa- him a handful of times in my life paper and gave it to my grandfa- to see a priest. He gave his first ther. Jesus offers us his body and because we always lived on oppo- ther; then my dad came back home. confession in more than 50 years blood as a ransom for our body and site sides of the country. A few weeks later my grand- and received Communion. The blood, so that we can have eternal I have a few memories of him father passed away. When my dad next day he died. I have always life. Though I did not get to know though. When I was 16, he came went to the funeral, he stopped imagined the Lord keeping my my grandfather very well on this for a visit, and I shook his hand by the nursing home where grandfather alive long enough for earth, I look forward to having an with a rather limp effort on my my grandfather spent his final him to come back to Him. eternity to catch up with him. part. He looked me in the eye and days and the nurse gave my dad proceeded to teach me how to shake back the piece of paper that he QUESTIONS: another man’s hand … with a firm had given to his dad. The nurse How has the body and blood of Jesus impacted your life? If you know but not too powerful grip. I have explained that every day my someone who has been away from the Church for a long time, what can put that into practice ever since. grandfather would read this paper you do to help him or her come back?

PAGE 37 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 Obispos hacen llamado NOTICIAS a compasión, reforma migratoria durante Misa fronteriza Sesiones de verano de la ESCUELA DE MINISTERIO LAICAL presentarán charlas sobre la espiritualidad cristiana

El Instituto Juan Pablo II escuela de ministerio laical de la Diócesis de Fort Worth pre s ent a r á a l Pa d re Jo s é Gi ld a rdo Álvarez-Abonce, CORC, como orador principal del ciclo de verano del 16 al 19 de junio. El ciclo de verano de la escuela, que se llevará a cabo en diversos lugares del Foto por Nancy Wiechec / CNS 14 al 26 de junio, es una oportunidad El Obispo Gerald F. Kicanas de Tucson, Arizona bendice a la gente en el lado para que los estudiantes continúen con mexicano mientras distribuye la Comunión por el muro fronterizo en Nogales, su formación, para que futuros alumnos Arizona, el 1 de abril. Un grupo de obispos estadounidenses, dirigidos por estudien el programa o para quienes el Cardenal Sean P. O’Malley de Boston, celebraron la Misa en la frontera simplemente les interesen los temas. para llamar la atención de la situación de los inmigrantes y apelar para que El Padre Gildardo presentará una y actuar como cristianos en el mundo ocurran cambios en la política migratoria de EE. UU. serie de cuatro charlas sobre “La actual. Por Patricia Zapor Iniciativa kino para la frontera, de los espiritualidad cristiana: fuentes y L a s e sión de ver a no t a mbién of re c er á NOGALES, Arizona (CNS) — Con el jesuitas, y Servicios de migración y refu- métodos” desde las 7 p. m. a las 9 p. m. en cursos en la escuela Nolan Catholic fondo de los listones de hierro oxidado giados de la Conferencia Estadounidense la Parroquia San Juan Apóstol, ubicada High School (4501 Bridge St., Fort del muro de 30 pies a lo largo de la de obispos católicos. en el 7341 Glenview Dr. en North Worth), el sábado, 14 de junio, y en frontera Estados Unidos-México a unos La homilía del Cardenal O’Malley, Richland Hills. El Padre Gildardo el Diocesan Catholic Center (800 W. cuantos pies de distancia, el Cardenal pronunciada en gran medida en espa- es un miembro de la Confraternidad Loop 820 South, Fort Worth), el sábado, Sean P. O’Malley de Boston y otra ñol, fue recibida con aplausos en varios Sacerdotal de Operarios del Reino 21 de junio. docena de obispos procedentes de tres momentos, tales como cuando habló de Cristo y párroco de la Parroquia El precio de cada uno de los cursos países oraron el 1 de abril por compasión de cómo los migrantes de hoy día, que Inmaculado corazón de María de varía de $10 a $20. Si desea inscribirse y por un regreso a los ideales de acoger vengan con o sin permiso gubernamen- Fort Worth. Sus estudios de teología en las sesiones de verano o ver una lista inmigrantes. tal, mantienen el mismo tipo de valores espiritual los cursó en la Pontificia completa de los cursos que se ofrecen Más de 300 personas formaron la que trajeron las generaciones anteriores Universidad Gregoriana de Roma, Italia. junto con otra información, visite la congregación al aire libre en el lado de inmigrantes. Sus charlas se enfocarán en página de Internet de la escuela en estadounidense de la frontera y otros “Nue s t ro pa í s h a sido e l b ene f ic i a r io cuatro temas trascendentes de la www.fwdioc.org/pages/ instituto-juan- cientos participaron en el lado de Mé- de tantos grupos de inmigrantes que tu- vida espiritual: 1) la historia y la pablo-2-mas o llame al Padre Mele o xico, recibiendo la Comunión puesta vieron la valentía y la fortaleza de venir naturaleza de la espiritualidad cristiana; a Lucia Romo al 817-560-3300, ext. en manos extendidas entre los listones. a los Estados Unidos. Ellos vinieron 2) sus fuentes en la Santísima Trinidad; 317. También puede comunicarse con “Venimos al desierto hoy porque huyendo de condiciones horrorosas y 3) las mediaciones perennes de la el Padre Mele por correo electrónico a es el camino a Jericó”, dijo el Cardenal albergando el sueño de una vida mejor santificación, particularmente de la la dirección [email protected] y con O’Malley en su homilía. “Este es via- para los niños”, dijo. Iglesia y la Virgen María y 4) cómo ser Romo a la dirección [email protected]. jado por muchos intentando llegar a la Después de la Comunión una proce- metrópolis de Jerusalén. Hemos venido sión de obispos se subió a la carretera de aquí hoy para ser vecinos y encontrar a c c e s o de l a Pat r u l l a Fronter i z a a lo l a r g o Mecanismos para reportar conducta sexual inapropiada un vecino en cada una de las personas del muro. En una parte del camino su- sufrientes que arriesgan sus vidas y a biendo la empinada colina, el Cardenal Si usted o alguien que conozca es víctima de conducta sexual inapropiada por veces pierden sus vidas en el desierto. O’Malley colocó dos coronas de flores parte de cualquier persona que trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, empleado, Él añadió que el grupo también junto a una cruz para conmemorar a o miembro del clero, puede reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: vino a expresar duelo por la pérdida de aquellos que han muerto a lo largo de ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de asistencia para víctimas, al número (817) “incontables inmigrantes que arriesgan la frontera, incluyendo “rancheros, agri- 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle un correo electrónico a [email protected] ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, Ext. 900 sus vidas en manos de los ‘coyotes’ (con- cultores, pacifistas, y viajeros que buscan trabandistas) y a las fuerzas de la natu- terreno común de paz y prosperidad”, Mecanismo para reportar abuso raleza para venir a los Estados Unidos”. según el programa de la Misa describía Llamar al Departmento de servicios para la familia y de protección del estado de La Misa fue organizada por la el monumento. Texas (Servicios de protección al menor) al número: (800) 252-5400.

PÁGINA 38 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAYO / JUNIO 2014 PENSAMIENTOS DE UN PREDICADOR El propósito de canonizar juntos a los Papas Juan XXIII y Juan Pablo II

POR EL PADRE CARMELO MELE, OP

El Padre Carmelo Mele, de la ORDEN EL PAPEL MÁS IMPORTANTE QUE DE PREDICADORES (LOS DOMINICOS), LLEVA EL PAPA TIENE QUE VER ordenado como sacerdote en 1980, CON LA UNIDAD. SOBRE TODO EL es el director del INSTITUTO JUAN PAPA TIENE QUE MANTENER LA PABLO II y de la CATEQUESIS PARA IGLESIA UNIDA EN LA VERDAD Y EN ADULTOS HISPANOS de la DIÓCESIS DE EL AMOR. DESDE SUS PRIMERAS FORT WORTH. PALABRAS DESDE EL BALCÓN DONDE FUE ELEGIDO, EL PAPA FRANCISCO a España en el siglo XV. Ambos, HA TENIDO QUE LUCHAR POR LA el Papa Juan XXIII y el Papa Juan UNIDAD COMO EL ENTRENADOR DE Pablo II servían al Pueblo de Dios UN EQUIPO DE FÚTBOL CON ONCE fiel e inteligentemente. SUPERESTRELLAS. Los dos se dedicaron a pre- Viajó a Río de Janeiro el servar las tradiciones de la Iglesia verano pasado para que los pero no como tumbas del pasado jóvenes sintieran la solicitud de sino como escalones que nos Fotos por Catholic News Service la jerarquía. Hace poco cuando El Papa Francisco canonizará sus predecesores, los Papas Juan XXIII (izquierda) llevan a Dios. Y los dos pusieron pidió oraciones de los evangelistas, y Juan Pablo II (derecha), el 27 de abril, la Fiesta de la Divina Misericordia. sus caras al futuro atrevidamente buscaba la reunificación de los buscando nuevos métodos para hermanos separados de la Iglesia II como lo llamó el Papa Juan particularmente por su energía contar al mundo de la historia de Católica. En abril el Papa Francis- XXIII. Según este Papa, la Iglesia incansable, sus gestos ilustrativos Jesucristo. co va a presidir otro evento con necesitaba abrir las ventanas de la y su oración profunda. Me ganó Dicen algunos que particular- significado unificador. Iglesia para admitir aire fresco. Al a mí para siempre cuando vino a mente el Papa Juan Pablo II mere- Por los últimos 50 años ha 27 de abril, el Papa Francisco va California en el medio de la con- ció un día aparte para celebrar su surgido una fractura palpable a canonizar a su predecesor Juan troversia sobre la propagación de canonización. Ciertamente Juan entre las personas más involucra- XXIII como santo. SIDA. A pesar de la incertidum- Pablo II fue un personaje único en das en la Iglesia. Algunos, que se Por supuesto, el Papa Juan bre sobre la dispersión del virus nuestros tiempos y con mucha ra- consideran como liberales, quieren XXIII no será el único santo VIH por los líquidos de la boca, el zón algunos le llaman “Juan Pablo ver cambios en muchos asuntos canonizado ese día. Junto con él, Papa abrazó cariñosamente a una Magno”. Pero el Papa Francisco eclesiásticos. Los mayores de este el Papa Francisco canonizará al víctima de la enfermedad temida. reconoce un propósito más grande campo recuerdan los tiempos Papa Juan Pablo II. Porque los Ciertamente el Papa Francis- que la gloria personal con el nom- ante-Vaticano II cuando los cató- cambios de los años siguientes co tenía más en cuenta que vivían bramiento de santos. licos eran enseñados a rechazar a al Concilio Vaticano se hicieron en la misma época cuando decidió Tanto su tarea como ocupan- los protestantes en prácticamente desmesurados, el Papa Juan Pablo canonizar a los dos predecesores te de la Sede de San Pedro como todos los aspectos. II tuvo que ponerles un alto. Por suyos al mismo tiempo. No, está su inclinación como discípulo de Por ejemplos, se prohibía eso, recibieron los aplausos de los canonizando a los dos a la vez para Cristo lo conducen a envolver a rezar en un templo no católico y si conservadores en la Iglesia. Sin reparar la división entre los libera- todos en el abrazo de la fraterni- una católica quería casarse con un embargo, no se probó como santo les y los conservadores que siguen dad. Traer ambos a los liberales y protestante, el matrimonio tenía simplemente por eso. sospechosos de uno y otro. a los conservadores a Roma para que tener lugar en la rectoría para El Papa Juan Pablo mostró Este acto tiene todo el signi- celebrar la ceremonia de santifica- evitar un escándalo. Los libera- al mundo entero que la búsqueda ficado que tuvo el matrimonio de ción de su propio héroe le parece les fueron entusiasmados con los para Dios se lleva en cada aspecto la Reina Isabel de Castilla y el Rey como modo digno de cumplir este resultados del Concilio Vaticano de la vida humana. Se recuerda Fernando de Aragón para unificar objetivo.

PÁGINA 39 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAYO / JUNIO 2014 El Arzobispo metropolitano Samuel J. Aquila de la Provincia de Denver ordena el Monseñor Stephen Berg al episcopado. Lo asisten el Obispo Michael Sheridan de Colorado Springs (esquina izquierda), co-consagrante principal, y su tío el Obispo Emérito Joseph Charron de Des Moines (segundo desde la izquierda). Otros obispos también lo asistieron, incluido el obispo de Fort Worth, Michael Olson (esquina derecha).

Sacerdote fiel y anterior vicario general y administrador diocesano ha dejado a la Diócesis de Fort Worth para convertirse

POR JOAN KURKOWSKI-GILLEN / CORRESPONSAL FOTOS POR DONNA RYCKAERT

EN PRESENCIA DE SU MADRE, NUEVE HERMANOS, viajaron desde una zona rural del norte de tropolitano Samuel J. Aquila, de la Provincia de UN TÍO Y EL OBISPO EMÉRITO JOSEPH L. Texas para presenciar la ceremonia en la que su Denver, celebró el rito sagrado de imposición CARRON DE DES MOINES, STEPHEN J. BERG FUE párroco fue consagrado Obispo. de las manos y recitó la plegaria de la ordena- ORDENADO EL QUINTO OBISPO DE LA DIÓCESIS “Fue importante para nosotros asistir y ción, asistido por los co-consagrantes, los Obis- DE PUEBLO, COLORADO, DURANTE UNA MISA EL apoyarlo en su nuevo ministerio de servicio pos Carron y Michael Sheridan de Colorado 27 DE FEBRERO EN LA QUE SE CELEBRÓ LA FE Y LA a Cristo”, dijo Chance Ingler, miembro de la Springs, quienes también habían servido como FAMILIA. Iglesia de San José de Nocona. “Fue una hermo- administradores apostólicos de Pueblo. La La multitud que llenó los 1,600 asientos sa ceremonia y él es un gran hombre. Nuestra imposición de las manos con el crisma sagrado del Memorial de Pueblo incluyó un gran con- pérdida, es una ganancia para Pueblo”. — que simboliza la efusión del Espíritu Santo tingente de la Diócesis de Fort Worth, donde el Michelle Hoover de Aledo, prima herma- — y la presentación del Libro de los Evangelios nuevo obispo recibió las órdenes sacerdotales na del Obispo Berg, fue una de los 50 familia- y del anillo episcopal, la mitra y el báculo se en 1999, y sirvió como párroco y administra- res que viajaron a Colorado para la ordenación. completó bajo el crucifijo de 15 pies construido dor diocesano hasta la ordenación del nuevo “Quería estar presente. Estoy tan orgullosa especialmente para la ocasión por el carpintero obispo de Fort Worth, Michael F. Olson, el 29 de Steve”, dijo la parroquiana del Santísimo Re- local, Michael Cora. El cuerpo de cinco pies y de enero. El 15 de enero, el Papa Francisco de- dentor. “El encontrarse con otros familiares fue medio que Cora colgó de la cruz fue un présta- signó al nativo de Miles City, Montana, como una parte maravillosa de esta celebración. Pero mo de la Iglesia de San Pío X de Pueblo. obispo de la Diócesis de Pueblo. me apena un poco que se aleje de Fort Worth”. El Obispo Olson participó en la liturgia, Nueve miembros de la familia Ingler El celebrante principal, el Arzobispo me- junto con otros 15 colegas obispos, 100 sacer-

PÁGINA 40 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAYO / JUNIO 2014 dotes y 60 diáconos. Más de una docena de los monasterio para esta ocasión especial. miembros del clero eran de la Diócesis de Fort “Oramos fervorosamente al Señor para Worth. que nos envíe un nuevo pastor, y Él respondió Uno de los sacerdotes visitantes fue el Pa- a las plegarias de mucha gente”, dijo la religio- dre Kyle Walterscheid, párroco de la Parroquia sa. “Vinimos para conocer al nuevo obispo”. de Beato Juan Pablo II de Denton, que estudió Al final de la Misa de Ordenación, el para el sacerdocio con el nuevo obispo en el Obispo Berg se dirigió a la congregación y Seminario de la Asunción de San Antonio. reconoció a las personas que lo formaron y “Nuestras lecturas de Cuaresma nos piden guiaron durante su camino de fe. que seamos conscientes de ser siervos humildes, “Los que ustedes ven en esta sección repre- compasivos y misericordiosos, y el Obispo Berg sentan mucho de mi pasado y las razones por es así. Se identifica con lo que el Papa está tra- la cuales estoy aquí”, indicó mientras señalaba tando de traer al ministerio”, comentó el Padre con un gesto las filas de asientos centrales del Walterscheid, su amigo de muchos años. “No auditorio, llenos de gente de Montana, Texas y hay ninguna duda de que será una persona que California. es obispo para el pueblo, y también para sus Dijo que su participación en las vidas sacerdotes”. de tantos familiares y amigos es un “regalo” En su homilía, el Arzobispo Aquila les y distinguió con un reconocimiento especial recordó a los feligreses que a los obispos se les a su madre, Jeanne, de 88 años, y a su padre confía la misma misión que Jesucristo les enco- fallecido, Conrad Berg, que hicieron muchos mendó a los apóstoles. sacrificios para criarlo y educarlo. ARRIBA: El Monseñor Stephen Berg abraza a su tío, el “Ellos son los sucesores de los apóstoles”, A medida que un capítulo nuevo de su Obispo Emérito Joseph L. Charron de la Diócesis de Des les explicó. “A través de las generaciones y hasta vida comenzó a revelarse en las semanas recien- Moines, Iowa, durante las Vísperas el 26 de febrero. el presente, hay esa ininterrumpida sucesión tes, el Obispo Berg dijo que había procesado ABAJO: Al final de la Misa de Ordenación, el Obispo en la Iglesia para que continúe proclamando la los cambios recordando el pasado. Berg dirige a la congregación y reconoce a las verdad de Jesucristo”. “Pero estoy aquí para el futuro, y estoy personas que lo formaron y guiaron durante su El arzobispo consagrante le aconsejó al aquí para la gente de Pueblo”, afirmó. camino de fe. Obispo electo Berg que formara una conexión No dejó ninguna duda de que asumirá sus estrecha entre él y los sacerdotes en la diócesis. responsabilidades con la total determinación “Ellos serán sus más esenciales colaborado- de su corazón. El nuevo obispo les dijo a los res”, le aseguró. “Trate de conocerlos y amarlos parroquianos de su nueva diócesis: “soy suyo”. como Cristo amó a los apóstoles”. La Diócesis de Pueblo cubre partes del sur Un obispo debe crear la misma familiari- y del oeste de Colorado (cerca de la mitad del dad con el pueblo de Dios en su diócesis. Para- estado), es geográficamente inmensa, con una fraseó entonces las palabras del Papa Francisco extensión de 48,100 millas cuadradas, pero cuando les dijo a los obispos que ellos y los es escasamente poblada. Las parroquias están sacerdotes debían ser los pastores que huelen separadas por distancias grandes, algunas com- como sus ovejas, y se involucren en las vidas pletamente aisladas. Los católicos representan del pueblo bajo su cuidado, especialmente los un 10 por ciento de la población. pobres y aquellos que no conocen a Cristo. El diseño de su nueva diócesis le recordó “Siga los pasos de Jesús y abrace las cruces al Obispo Berg de su experiencia como párroco que encontrará en su camino”, señaló el arzo- rural en el que servía las necesidades de cuatro bispo al terminar. “Quiera Dios que se convier- parroquias, dispersas en el norte de Texas. ta en la imagen del Buen Pastor”. “V eo que algunos de ustedes tienen seis, Varios amigos y familiares de Berg fueron siete u ocho parroquias y misiones, dijo, invitados a participar en la Misa de la orde- dirigiéndose a un gran grupo de sacerdotes nación. Lucas Pollice, previo director del De- diocesanos vestidos de blanco. “Quiero decirles partmento de catequesis de la Diócesis de Forth que los conoceré y escucharé. Vamos a trabajar Worth, que ahora vive en Denver, fue el lector juntos”. de la segunda lectura, la 1.ª Carta a Timoteo. Mientras se familiarice con su nuevo papel Viganò, nuncio apostólico en los Estados Uni- Las sobrinas y sobrinos del Obispo presentaron de obispo de Pueblo, el que fue previamente dos, quien fue el que le informó al Monseñor las ofrendas en el Ofertorio. instructor universitario de música y ejecutivo Berg que el Papa Francisco lo había designado La Hermana Frances de la Cruz, una corporativo en la industria de viveros, pidió obispo de Pueblo. Clarisa Capuchina del Padre Celestial, leyó que rezaran por él. “Les prometo a ustedes, como lo hice en español la primera lectura de Isaías. Esta “Usted me sorprendió mucho con su antes al Santo Padre, que les ofreceré todo mi comunidad religiosa de Pueblo es una orden de llamada el pasado diciembre”, dijo el Obispo ser”, afirmó, mientras la asamblea aplaudió clausura, pero las hermanas viajaron desde su Berg, dirigiéndose al Arzobispo Carlo Maria demostrando su aprecio.

PÁGINA 41 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAYO / JUNIO 2014 El Papa Juan XXIII aparece en esta foto sin fecha. (Foto de CNS/ cortesía del Arzobispo Loris Capovilla) Los Santo Pontificado breve de gran impacto: el Beato Juan XXIII impulsó reformas

nuevo pontífice una leta- cribió como una “pobreza feliz y bendecida, no nía de desafíos, comentó maldecida ni sufrida”. el Cardenal Capovilla, en las áreas de Nacido en Sotto il Monte, Italia, en 1881, liturgia, diplomacia y educación y dis- Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, uno de 13 hijos de ciplina de los sacerdotes. “Mi escritorio una familia de aparceros, ingresó al seminario EL MONSEÑOR está lleno de problemas, preguntas, solicitudes, menor a los 11 años y fue enviado a Roma a R AY MULLAN esperanzas”, le dijo el Beato Juan. “Lo que se estudiar a los 19 años. ERA UN JOVEN necesita es un concilio”. En 1904 fue ordenado sacerdote y, después ESTUDIANTE DE TEOLOGÍA EN SUDÁFRICA CUANDO Cuando el secretario se negó a comentar, el de varios años como secretario del obispo de FALLECIÓ EL PAPA PÍO XII EL 9 DE OCT. DE 1958. papa interpretó su silencio como desaprobación. Bergamo, fue llamado al Vaticano. En 1925 co- Para este seminarista y el mundo, las semanas “Crees que soy viejo”, le dijo el Beato. “Crees menzó como diplomático del Vaticano, primero posteriores a ese funeral estaban llenas de que haré un lío de esta enorme tarea; que no en Bulgaria y luego en Grecia, Turquía y Francia. anticipación en espera del nombre del sucesor. tengo tiempo. [...] Pero así no es como se piensa Se le nombró cardenal y patriarca de Venecia en “Nos la pasábamos arrimados cerca de la con fe. [...] Si es posible comenzar con una co- 1953. Murió de cáncer el 3 de junio de 1963. radio esperando el anuncio”, recuerda el sacer- misión preparatoria, eso sería un gran mérito. Si El Mons. Mullan describe a los papas de su dote y párroco de la Diócesis de Fort Worth en fallecemos, otros llegarán. El solo comenzar es vida como “hombres buenos y santos”. Espera Graham y Olney. “Entonces escuchamos (el 28 un gran honor”. Aunque moriría antes de que levantarse temprano el 27 de abril para ver la de oct.) que los cardenales habían elegido a un finalizara el concilio en diciembre de 1965, su canonización de dos de ellos por televisión. hombre de 76 años. Muchos pensaron que era muy labor la continuó su sucesor, el Papa Pablo VI. “Somos sumamente bendecidos en la Iglesia mayor, pero cuando se enteraron de quién era, se Después de la clausura de la sesión inicial en ya que nuestros papas han sido hombres de gran dieron cuenta que era obra del Espíritu Santo”. 1962, estableció un comité para dirigir las acti- carácter, personalidad y santidad”, agregó. El nuevo papa fue el Cardenal Angelo Giu- vidades del concilio durante el receso de nueve seppe Roncalli, hijo de un agricultor, que por meses. Las sesiones posteriores produjeron docu- Recopilado de informes de Joan Kurkowski-Gillen, su naturaleza gentil lo apodaban cariñosamente mentos para las funciones de los obispos y sobre corresponsal de NTC, y de CATHOLIC N EWS S ERVICE. “Juan, el Papa Bueno”. formación sacerdotal, vida religiosa, educación Considerado como uno de los papas más cristiana, el laicado y el diálogo interreligioso. populares del siglo XX, el Papa Juan XXIII será En la liturgia ocurrió un profundo cambio, canonizado el 27 de abril en la Plaza de San como cuando la Misa se comenzó a celebrar Pedro, junto con el Papa Juan Pablo II, quien lo en lengua vernácula. Se llamó a los feligreses a beatificó en el 2000. Se espera una multitud en participar activamente en la Misa que ahora in- la ceremonia. corporaba costumbres y tradiciones de culturas D ebido a su av a n z a d a e d a d c u a ndo f ue e le c to, nativas, y se restableció el diaconado permanente. los analistas esperaban que Juan XXIII sería un Produjo varias encíclicas históricas, como papa cuidador que mantendría el “statu quo”. Mater et Magistra sobre la doctrina social cristiana Para la sorpresa de todos, y citando la inspi- y Pacem in Terris, emitida en 1963 en plena Guerra ración del Espíritu Santo, el nuevo papa convocó Fría, sobre la necesidad de paz y justicia mundial. un Concilio Ecuménico, el primero en casi 100 Estableció una Comisión Pontificia para la años. A la reunión del Concilio Vaticano Segundo Revisión del Código de Derecho Canónico, que el 11 de oct. de 1962 , a sistieron 2 ,540 c a rdena les, culminó en la publicación del nuevo código en patriarcas y obispos de todo el mundo. También 1983. Internacionalizó el Colegio de Cardenales se invitaron a representantes de otras denomina- y beatificó a Elizabeth Ann Seton, la primera ciones cristianas. santa estadounidense. El Cardenal Loris Capovilla, secretario El Beato Juan llevó su estilo humilde, aun- privado del Beato Juan durante su pontificado, que carismático y personal, al papado. Le dio El Beato Juan XXIII aparece en los jardines del escuchó algunos de los primeros comentarios del mucha importancia a su crianza modesta en un Vaticano con la cúpula de la Basílica de San Pedro papa sobre lo que sería el Vaticano II. pueblo a 25 millas al noreste de Milán, cuando en el trasfondo en esta foto sin fecha. (Foto de CNS / Los cardenales y obispos le presentaron al dijo: “Vengo del campo, de la pobreza”, que des- Catholic Press Photo)

PÁGINA 42 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAYO / JUNIO 2014 El Papa Juan Pablo II se recuesta de su báculo durante la Misa en el Parque Central de Nueva York en 1995. (Foto de os Papas CNS/Michael Okoniewski) Beato Juan Pablo trajo fuerza moral, intelecto y carisma al escenario mundial

EL BEATO JUAN PABLO II, QUIEN SERÁ CANONI- visitó a San Antonio en 1987, el pontífice polaco Karol Jo- ZADO EL 27 DE ABRIL, FUE UNO DE LOS LÍDERES fue un santo mucho antes de que se anunciaran zef Wojtyla MORALES MÁS ENÉRGICOS DE LA EDAD MODERNA. planes de su canonización. Gómez viajo desde nació el 18 de Durante más de 26 años trajo el intelecto de Fort Worth a ver al pontífice con su difunto mayo de 1920 f i ló s ofo, l a i nten sid a d e spi r it u a l de u n p ere g r i no esposo, Ted, quien recibía tratamiento por un en Wadowice, y el carácter dramático de un actor a su función tumor cerebral que lo dejó ciego. en el sur de como cabeza de la Iglesia Universal. Cuando llegaron, fueron informados que Polonia. Su El primer papa sin antecedentes italianos Ted había sido seleccionado para recibir la madre fa- en 455 años, se convirtió en un protagonista bendición del Santo Padre. Mientras Juan Pa- lleció cuan- espiritual durante dos transiciones mundiales: blo II se desplazaba en el papamóvil, la pareja do tenía 9 la caída del comunismo europeo, que comenzó esperaba cerca del altar con otras 25 personas años, su en su país de Polonia en 1989, y el comienzo discapacitadas. “Antes de que llegara al altar, el único her- del tercer milenio del cristianismo. papa vino al área de discapacitados. Sentí tanta mano a los 12 años y su padre a los 20 años. Como párroco de la Iglesia Universal, via- emoción que no podía decir nada, así que solo Aunque fue un actor consumado en el tea- jó alrededor del mundo llevando su mensaje a tomé fotos mientras bendecía a mi esposo”, tro clandestino de Cracovia durante la guerra, 129 países en 104 viajes fuera de Italia, incluso recuerda Gómez. cambió de rumbo e ingresó al seminario clandes- siete a Estados Unidos. En sus últimos años, el Ted Gómez experimentó un milagro ese tino después de que le dijeran en un monasterio mal de Parkinson hizo que se desplazara con día. “No uno físico, ya que hay muchos tipos carmelita: “Vete porque en tu futuro hay cosas dificultad, se cansara fácilmente y se expresara de milagros”, comentó. “Mi esposo se sintió muy grandes”. menos. Aún así, se esforzó arduamente conven- bendecido cuando él lo tocó”. Después de estudiar teología y filosofía cido de que su sufrimiento era en sí una forma Como remedio a la ambigüedad doctri- en Roma, regresó a Polonia para trabajar en de liderazgo espiritual. nal, el papa aprobó un catequismo universal. parroquias en 1948, mientras acampaba los Para Margie Gómez, parroquiana de San También impulsó diversos puestos eclesiásti- fines de semana con otros jóvenes. Cuando fue Andrés que estuvo muy cerca del papa cuando cos dentro del foro público. En 1990 instó a nombrado obispo auxiliar en Cracovia en 1958, los obispos del mundo a luchar más contra el fue el obispo más joven de Polonia. Pasó a ser aborto y la eutanasia diciendo que esas prácticas arzobispo de Cracovia en 1964. Luego, captó representaban la “matanza de los inocentes” de la atención de la Iglesia Universal por su traba- la edad moderna. Sus agudas críticas a estas y jo en documentos importantes en el Concilio otras políticas “antifamiliares” promovieron Vaticano Segundo. su selección como el “Hombre del año” por la Aunque cada vez era más respetado en Roma, revista Time en 1994. el Cardenal Wojtyla era casi desconocido cuando A su rebaño le recordó continuamente que fue electo papa el 16 de oct. de 1978. Después la oración y los sacramentos son vitales para ser de más de 26 años como papa, falleció a los 84 un buen cristiano. Sostuvo a María como mo- años en el Vaticano el 2 de abril de 2005, en la delo de santidad de toda la Iglesia, actualizó el vigilia del domingo de la Divina Misericordia. rosario con cinco nuevos “Misterios luminosos” Esta fecha tenía un significado especial para y nombró a más de 450 santos, más que todos el Beato Juan Pablo ya que la nombró como día sus predecesores combinados. festivo en la Iglesia la semana después de Pascua. El papa vivió una profunda vida espiritual, Fue beatificado por el Papa Benedicto XVI el de algo que no comunicaron bien los medios. No mayo de 2011, un domingo de Divina de Mise- obstante, en sus primeros años, pareció hecho ricordia, y será canonizado por el Papa Francisco para los medios modernos y su pontificado fue en ese día festivo el 27 de abril de 2014, junto El Papa Juan Pablo II camina por un camino de capturado en imágenes duraderas, como con- con el Beato Juan XXIII, beatificado en el 2000. gravilla en esta foto sin fecha tomada por el fotógrafo versando en una pequeña celda con Mehmet del Vaticano Arturo Mari. (Foto de CNS / L’OSSERVATORE Ali Agca, quien atentó contra él en la Plaza de R e copil a d o d e info r m e s d e Joa n Ku r k o w sk i- G il l e n , ROMANO) San Pedro el 13 de mayo de 1981. corresponsal de NTC, y de CATHOLIC N EWS S ERVICE.

PÁGINA 43 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAYO / JUNIO 2014 Msgr. Ray Mullan recalls election of John XXIII; implementing Vatican II

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Pope John Paul II, April 27 in St. Correspondent Peter’s Square. Millions are expected to attend the ceremony. onsignor Ray Mullan was a Because of his advanced age young theology student in when elected, analysts expected MSouth Africa when Pope Pius John XXIII to be a caretaker pope XII died Oct. 9, 1958. The weeks who would maintain the status quo. that followed the funeral were full In a move that surprised ev- of anticipation as the seminarian — eryone, he called for Ecumenical and the rest of world — wondered Council — the first in almost 100 who would succeed him. years. When Vatican II convened “We had our ears glued to the Oct. 11, 1962, it brought together radio waiting for the announce- 2,540 cardinals, patriarchs, and ment,” remembers the priest who bishops from around the world. now serves the diocese as a pastor Representatives of other Christian in Graham and Olney. “Then we denominations were also invited heard the cardinals elected a man to attend. who was 76. A lot of people thought Msgr. Mullan was a newly that was too old, but when they ordained priest in 1962, and he began reading about who he was, remembers the confusion the they realized the Holy Spirit knew announcement generated with what it was doing.” parishioners. The new pope, Angelo Giuseppe “In the beginning, people didn’t Roncalli, was the son of a peasant have a clue what was going on be- farmer. His gentle nature earned him cause they’d never lived through a the title “Good Pope John.” Council before,” he explains. One of the most popular popes A profound impact was the of the 20th century, Pope John change in liturgy. Churchgoers were X X I I I w i l l b e c a non i z e d , a lon g w it h ca lled to become active pa r ticipa nts

CONTINUED FROM P. 48 interview led to another. University graduate who explored one entry led to a chapel housing “Everyone was so generous,” John Paul II’s devotion to the the Blessed Sacrament. He warned the North Texas Catholic. “During he recalls. “I spoke to friends he cross, the Blessed Sacrament, the American organizers to keep the that time, I met a lot of individu- camped with and people who were Virgin Mary, young people, and door shut during the pope’s brief als who knew him personally and on the high school retreats he led in human love through the prism of stay in the house. they shared all these incredible, ex- Poland. I would ask for five minutes, his struggle-filled years in Poland. “His travel team would actu- traordinary stories. I kept thinking and they talked for two hours. They One of Evert’s favorite stories in ally reroute his Popemobile away someone should write them down.” told me remarkable stuff.” the book illustrates the pope’s almost from chapels or Catholic churches The much-anticipated can- Evert says a quote from French mystical connection to the Blessed because, if he passed one, he’d stop, onization of Blessed John Paul II novelist Arsene Houssaye, “tell me Sacrament. Preparing for the Holy go in for 45 minutes and be late for seemed an appropriate time to sepa- what you love and I’ll tell you who Father’s 1995 papal pilgrimage to whatever else was on the schedule,” rate the urban myths from the real you are,” helped frame the infor- the U.S., the Vatican’s advance man, Evert says. miracles and anecdotes attributed mation gathered for his 270-page Father Roberto Tucci, visited the Following instructions, the to the late pontiff. Faced with a manuscript. bishop’s residence in Baltimore — bishop’s staff made sure every door in self-imposed deadline, Evert began “I looked at what he loved the one of the stops on the tour. As he the chancery was closed when John contacting his primary sources -- most then studied him through walked down a corridor lined with Paul II arrived. But as he walked priests, bishops and cardinals. One those loves,” explains the Franciscan identical doors, Fr. Tucci noticed down the hallway, the Holy Father

PAGE 44 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 in the Mass which now incorporated customs and traditions of the native Short pontificate, long impact: culture. The permanent diaconate was restored, and there were new roles for the laity. Blessed John XXIII launched reforms Some of the changes weren’t CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE After the initial session’s close in nation and faith. welcomed. VATICAN CITY 1962, he set up a committee to direct His contact with the people and “In South Africa, the Catholic council activities during the nine- his open display of personal warmth, newspaper was full of letters of deep lthough he served as pope for month recess. Subsequent sessions sensitivity, and fatherly kindness complaint about those changes,” less than five years, Blessed — the final one ended in December earned him the nickname “Good Msgr. Mullan recalls. “I think that AJohn XXIII left one of the 1965 — pro duc e d do c u ment s on t he Pope John.” was based on a lack of information.” most lasting legacies in the Catholic role of bishops, priestly formation, Blessed John placed great im- When his own parishioners Church’s history by convening the religious life, Christian education, portance on his modest upbringing complained about standing instead Second Vatican Council. the laity, and interreligious dialogue. in a village about 25 miles northeast of kneeling during portions of the A plump, elderly, smiling Ital- He pro duc e d a nu mb er of h i s tor ic of Milan, saying: “I come from the Mass, he addressed their concerns ian of peasant origins, the future encyclicals, including Mater et Magis- country, from poverty” that he said by appealing to their common sense pope had an illustrious career as a tra on Christian social doctrine and was “happy and blessed poverty — and compassion. papal diplomat in Bulgaria, Turkey, Pacem in Terris, issued in 1963 at the not cursed, not endured.” “I explained that when old and in postwar France. height of the Cold War, on the need Born in Sotto il Monte, Italy, people kneel down, it’s a struggle for He became pope amid the rise for global peace and justice. in 1881, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli them to get up,” the pastor recounts. of the Cold War, and the cusp of a He established the Pontifical one of 13 children in a family of “I found that when I instructed technological transformation un- Commission for the Revision of the sharecroppers, he entered the minor people about the changes, they were like anything since the Industrial Code of Canon Law, culminating in seminary at the age of 11 and was sent far more receptive to them.” Revolution. publication of the new code in 1983. to Rome to study at the age of 19. Pope John XXIII called the Saying he was inspired by the Before becoming pope, he He was ordained to the priest- Vatican II Council to reinvigorate Holy Spirit, he called the Second served as a Vatican diplomat work- hood in 1904 and, spent several the Church, reform its structures Vatican Council to help the Church ing in Bulgaria and Turkey, with years as secretary to the bishop of and institutions, and explore ways confront the rapid changes in the many Christians who were not in Bergamon. In 1925 he began serving to unite Christians. world — even inviting non-Cath- full communion with the Catholic as a Vatican diplomat, first posted The rural pastor calls the popes olics to the council, to work toward Church. This inspired his effort as to Bulgaria, then to Greece and of his lifetime “good and holy men.” Christian unity. pope to try to recover the unity lost Turkey and on to France. He was He plans to rise early on April 27 to As pope from 1958 to 1963, over the centuries. named a cardinal and patriarch of see two of them canonized on TV. Blessed John launched an extensive With his humility, gentleness, Venice in 1953. Cardinal Roncalli “We’re extraordinarily blessed renewal of the Church when he con- and active courage, he reached was elected pope Oct. 28, 1958.He in the Church that our popes have voked the council, setting in motion out like the Good Shepherd to the died of cancer June 3, 1963. been men of wonderful character, major reforms of the Church's struc- marginalized and the world, visit- Blessed John was beatified in personality, and holiness,” he adds. ture, liturgy, communications, and ing the imprisoned and the sick, 2000, by Blessed John Paul II, with relations with the Eastern churches. and welcoming people from every whom he will be canonized April 27. suddenly stopped and turned toward II embraced a similar life of poverty to say Mass because he had given for the canonization, will appear one doorway. and humility. his away,” Evert reports. on EWTN as part of the Catholic “Then he shook his head and “He was so utterly detached A similar incident occurred network’s coverage. After reading wagged his finger at Fr. Tucci. He from material things. Even as pope, after Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was more than 40 biographies of the late opened the door, went in and did he wouldn’t accept new clothes,” elected pope. While visiting a slum pontiff and seeing him 20 times, significant damage to the schedule,” states the author, who asked papal in Brazil, he encountered a destitute the founder of chastityproject.com the researcher recounts. “What as- biographer George Weigel to fact mother. thought he knew John Paul II. tonished everyone was the pope had check his book for accuracy. “He doesn’t carry a wallet in “I couldn’t believe how much never been there before, and there A c c ord i n g to f r iend s , Joh n Pau l his cassock, so what does he give I didn’t know about him,” admits was no way he could have known II wore undershirts with holes and her? He took off the ring that Pope Evert, who hopes to use Saint John the Blessed Sacrament was behind would hand new garments to his Paul gave him when he became a Paul the Great: His Five Loves to that door.” housekeeper to give to the poor in cardinal and gave it to her,” Evert evangelize and catechize Catholics. Although Pope Francis is cur- Rome. As a young priest, he was continues. “Then he had to borrow “This was an amazing book to re- rently praised by the secular media known for giving his jacket to any another bishop’s ring for the rest search. I went mining for informa- for revolutionizing the papacy by impoverished person he met on of the visit so people would have tion and I found all these jewels. his acts of humility and focus on the street. something to kiss.” Anyone who thinks they know John the poor, Evert says Pope John Paul “He once had to borrow shoes Evert, who is traveling to Rome Paul II will be surprised.”

PAGE 45 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 Blessed John Paul touched lives of local Catholics By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen waited near the altar with 25 other A noted author and historian, 400 years. Correspondent people with disabilities. the Azle resident was asked by Texas “We share the same heritage,” “Before he went to the al- organizers of the papal trip to write say s t he Un iversit y of Da l la s h istor y sk people what Pope John tar, the Holy Father came to the an official essay about the Catholic professor. “My father was alive at Paul II meant to them and handicapped area. I was so excited, Church in Texas for the Holy Father. the time, and the pride in having a Ayou’ll receive a wellspring of I couldn’t say anything, so I just John Paul II later used some of the Pole as the pope was extraordinary.” thoughtful responses. snapped pictures as he blessed my material in his homily. Jodziewicz calls John Paul II husband,” Gomez remembers. Curators at the John Paul II a wonderful example of truth and “A man who gently and lovingly Ted Gomez experienced a Shrine in Washington, D.C., re- charity. challenged the world.” miracle that day. quested a copy of Foley’s essay, and “We live in a world where any “The most important saint of “Not a physical one. There can it’s now part of the museum’s col- sense of eternal truth or truth itself my lifetime.” be all kinds of miracles,” she says. lection of papers. is disappearing, so we were very “Divine Mercy” “My husband was touched by him “Not only was John Paul II fortunate to have him as pope when “The reason I believe in and he felt blessed. We talked about deeply spiritual, he was an intellec- we did,” he explains. “His witness superheroes.” that day for the rest of his life.” t u a l,” Fole y poi nt s out. “H i s ded ic a- helped give the rest of us courage to “The pope of hope.” Elected to the papacy on Oct. tion to some of the great people in stand for Christ.” For Margie Gomez, the man 16, 1978, John Paul II was the lon- the Church like St. Thomas Aquinas The educator visited Rome born Karol Jozef Wojtyla in Wado- gest serving pope in the 20th cen- and St. John of the Cross, shows that. several times, but the closest he wice, Poland was a saint long before tury. He was also the most traveled. “When he decided to study for came to seeing Pope John Paul II plans for his canonization on April Before his death on April 2, 2005, the priesthood, Poland was occupied in person was from a distance at 27, 2014 were announced,insists the the pontiff had visited more than by the Nazis, and he had to study in a Corpus Christi benediction. His St. Andrew parishioner who stood 100 countries. secret with a few other men,” says late father, Zygmunt Jodziewicz, inches from Pope John Pau l II when “He was very visible. By travel- the retired history professor. had better luck. Visiting Rome with he visited San Antonio in 1987. ing all over the world, he was able “Then he had to deal with the a tour group, the elder Jodziewicz Gomez traveled from Fort to bring the message of Christ and Communists. Even as pope, he and his wife met the pontiff during Worth to see the pontiff with her the Church to so many people of battled growing secularism in places a general audience. A video camera late husband, Ted, who was being different ethnic backgrounds,” like our country and France. In my captured the moment for the rest of treated for a brain tumor that took says Patrick Foley, who served as opinion, he was a great hero of the the family. his sight. When they arrived, orga- a Eucharistic minister at the open Church.” “My father stopped and started nizers told her Ted had been selected air Mass celebrated by Pope John Dr. Thomas Jodziewicz recalls talking with the pope in Polish. For to receive a blessing from the Holy Paul II in San Antonio on Sept. his exuberance when 58-year-old those few moments, they looked like Father. As John Paul II circled the 13, 1987. “They all responded to Cardinal Wojtyla became the first old buddies,” his son explains. “It’s crowd in his popemobile, the couple him lovingly.” non-Italian pope in more than a wonderful memory.”

PAGE 46 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 new “Mysteries of Light” and named Blessed John Paul brought moral force, more than 450 new saints — more than all his predecessors combined. intellect, flair to world stage In earlier years of his papacy, this pope seemed made for modern CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE like its opposition to artificial birth gravity of such sins by priests. He media, and his pontificate has been VATICAN CITY control. At the same time, he pushed convened a Vatican-U.S. summit captured in some lasting images, Catholic Social Teaching into rela- to address the problem, but let his like huddling in a prison-cell con- lessed John Paul II, who will be tively new areas such as bioethics, Vatican advisers and U.S. church versation with his would-be assassin, canonized April 27, was one of international economics, racism, leaders work out the answers. In the Mehmet Ali Agca, who shot the pope Bthe most forceful moral leaders and, ecology. end , he approve d c h a n g e s t h at m a de in St. Peter’s Square May 13, 1981. of the modern age. In his later years, the pope it easier to laicize abusive priests. Karol Jozef Wojtyla was born He brought a philosopher’s in- moved with difficulty, tired easily, The pope approved a catechism May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, in tellect, a pilgrim’s spiritual intensity, and was less expressive, all symptoms as one remedy for doctrinal ambi- southern Poland. He lost his mother and an actor’s flair for the dramatic of Parkinson’s disease. Yet he pushed guity. He also pushed Church posi- at age 9, his only brother at age 12, to his role as head of the Universal himself to his limits, convinced that tions further into the public forum. and his father at age 20. Church for more than 26 years. such suffering was itself a form of In the 1990s he urged the world’s An accomplished actor in Kra- The Polish pope was a tireless spiritual leadership. bishops to step up their fight against kow’s underground theater during evangelizer and forceful communi- His long-awaited pilgrimage to abortion and euthanasia, saying the the war, he changed paths and joined cator, speaking to millions in their the Holy Land in 2000 took him practices amounted to a modern-day the clandestine seminary after be- own languages. to the roots of the faith and dra- “slaughter of the innocents.” ing turned away from a Carmelite The first non-Italian pope in matically illustrated the Church’s The pope was a cautious monastery with the advice: “You are 455 years, Blessed John Paul became improved relations with Jews. ecumenist, insisting that real dif- destined for greater things.” a spiritual protagonist in two global His social justice encyclicals, ferences between religions and Following theological and transitions: the fall of European including his landmark document, churches not be covered up. Yet philosophical studies in Rome, he communism, which began in his na- the apostolic letter Novo Millennio he made several dramatic gestures, re t u r ne d to Pol a nd for pa r i s h work i n tive Poland in 1989, and the passage Ineunte (At the Beginning of the New including: launching a Catholic- 1948, spending weekends on camp- to Christianity's third millennium. Millennium), made a huge impact, Orthodox theological dialogue in ing trips with young people. When As pastor of the Universal addressing the moral dimensions of 1979; visiting a Rome synagogue in named auxiliary bishop of Krakow Church, he took his message to 129 human labor, the gap between rich 1986; and traveling to Damascus, in 1958 he was Poland’s youngest countries in 104 trips outside Italy — and poor, and shortcomings of the Syria, in 2001, where he became bishop, and he became archbishop including seven to the United States. free-market system. the first pontiff to visit a mosque. of Krakow in 1964. He also came Within the Church, the pope His reaction to the mushroom- To his own flock, he brought to the attention of the Universal was just as vigorous and no less con- ing clerical sex abuse scandal in continual reminders that prayer and Church through his work on im- troversial. He disciplined dissenting the United States underscored his the sacraments were crucial to being portant documents of the Second theologians, excommunicated self- governing style: He suffered deeply, a good Christian. He held up Mary Vatican Council. styled “traditionalists,” and upheld prayed at length, and made brief but as a model of holiness for the whole Though increasingly respected often unpopular church positions forceful statements emphasizing the Church, updated the Rosary with five in Rome, Cardinal Wojtyla was a virtual unknown when elected pope Oct. 16, 1978. After more than 26 years as pope, Blessed John Paul died at the age of 84 at the Vatican April 2, 2005, the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday. Divine Mercy Sunday had special significance for Blessed John Paul, who made it a church- wide feast day to be celebrated a week after Easter. He was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1, 2011, and will be canonized by Pope Francis on the same feast day, April 27, 2014, together with Blessed John XXIII, the pope Blessed John Paul beatified in 2000.

PAGE 47 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MAY / JUNE 2014 GOOD NEWSMAKER Jason Evert’s book reveals anecdotes that show the character of St. John Paul II

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Correspondent

n a warm, spring May afternoon in 1981, Pope John Paul II did some- thing entirely character- Oistic for the personable, energetic pontiff. He carved out time in his busy schedule to chat with patients author Jason Evert reveals in his and employees at Rome’s Gemelli newly released book published by Polyc l i n ic - - a s t ate - of-t he -a r t me d i- Totus Tuus Press and Lighthouse cal center located a short distance Catholic Media: Saint John Paul from the Vatican. During the the Great: His Five Loves. visit, a physician asked the Holy A nationally known chastity Father to bless a recently purchased speaker who gave his first talk at ambulance. Fort Worth’s Nolan Catholic High The Holy Water was dutifully School in 1999, Evert always wanted brought out, the pope sprinkled the to write a book about the man he emergency vehicle, and then hospital considers his hero. Vatican plans to staff heard him utter an unusual canonize the Polish prelate, along prayer. Pope John Paul II offered a with Pope John XXIII on April 27 blessing for the first person needing — Divine Mercy Sunday — pro- the ambulance. vided the motivation to get it done. The next day, Mehmet Ali Agca Jason Evert, has written a revealing book about his hero Blessed John Paul II, titled Saint “For the last 15 years I’ve trav- John Paul the Great: His Five Loves. (NTC / Joan Kurkowski-Gillen) shot the Holy Father as he circled eled around the world, visited six St. Peter’s Square in an open jeep. II was rushed to the nearby hospital. That little known coincidence continents and spoken to more Suffering serious intestinal wounds He became the first victim to use is one of several stories about the late than a million people,” Evert told c au s e d by t he bu l le t , Pop e Joh n Pau l the new ambulance. pontiff that best-selling Catholic SEE P. 44

April 27 in St. Peter’s Square, two new saints will join the ranks of those whose holiness, and heroic virtue earn the special designation of sainthood by the Church.

Read how their lives and their papacies have affected men and women from our diocese, and highlights of these holy men's lives — pp. 44-47; español p. 42-43

For reactions directly from Vatican City the day of the canonization, follow the commentary offered by the diocese’s Director of Communications Pat Svacina on Twitter, @NTCatholic.

PAGE 48 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLICCATHOLIC MAY / JUNEJUNE 20142014