DIOCESE OF SAN ANGELO PO BOX 1829 NONPROFIT ORG. Inside this issue: SAN ANGELO TX 76902-1829 US POSTAGE PAID

SAN ANGELO, TX PERMIT NO. 44

• Bishop Sis on being spiritual but not religious (Page 3) • Make your youth ministry more welcoming (Page 5) • A look back at 2019 (Pages 9–11) AWESTNGELUS TEXAS Serving Catholics in the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas Volume 40, No. 1 January 2020

COURTESY

Parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Robert Lee gathered outside the church as Bishop Michael Sis blessed a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe and dedicated the church’s new prayer garden on Dec. 14, 2019. Page 2 JANUARY 2020 The Angelus Youth from diocese attend national conference

Participants from the Diocese of San Angelo gathered for a photo outside Lucas Oil Sta- dium during the Na- tional Catholic Youth Conference, held Nov. 21–23, 2019, in Indiana- polis. Parishes in the Diocese of San Angelo represented included San Miguel Arcángel in Midland, Holy Re- deemer in Odessa, St. Joseph in San Angelo, and St. Ambrose in Wall. A total of 47 people from the dio- cese made the journey to the conference. COURTESY By Joel Rivero video message that Pope Francis made for the young just in the church, but outside of the church. When the people attending NCYC; this meant a lot to me because sessions ended and we moved forward with the confer- NCYC is the National Catholic Youth Conference, he kept the young people in his prayers. The confer- ence, we went back to the Lucas Oil Stadium where which happens every two years. This year about 20,000 ence then continued with a procession of candle adoration for the weekend began. This was a very pow- young Catholics attended. I was fortunate enough to be bearers and a stained-glass window with a depiction of erful adoration and it was an amazing encounter with able to attend this wonderful conference which allowed Jesus carried around the stadium up to the altar. This Jesus. This encounter brought me to tears, touched my me to grow in my faith and get closer to my friends in brought tears to my eyes because it was so beautiful heart, and drew me closer to God. the youth group. and an amazing setup. The first day had ended and I The next day, the final day, was fun-filled and went The beginning of the adventure my youth group felt more emotion than any other conference I had ever by way too fast. I did not want NCYC to come to an embarked on included a 24-hour drive from Midland, attended. end. This day concluded with Mass, which was an Texas, to Indianapolis, Indiana. I did not know what to The second day was filled with much more fun and amazing experience because there were hundreds of expect as this conference was a national conference, worship. The day began with the emcees Father Augus- priests in the Mass and a couple of bishops present. and up until this point I had only attended regional tino and Katie McGrady. They began the day and in- Overall this was an unforgettable encounter with Christ conferences such as RCYC and Steubenville. The con- formed us of the schedule for the day. We went on with and I would recommend other young Catholics to join ference began and we quickly found seats. fun activities and sessions that brought us closer to our their youth groups to hopefully one day attend a con- The first thing that was shown was an amazing faith and encouraged us to be better Catholics — not ference of this magnitude.

Reporting Sexual Abuse Reportar Abuso Sexual La Diócesis Católica de San Ángelo criba a la Diócesis de San Ángelo, Minis- The Catholic Diocese of San 325-374-7609 (cell), or write Diocese está firmemente comprometida a crear y terio de Asistencia a Víctimas, PO Box Angelo is firmly committed to cre- of San Angelo, Victim Assistance mantener el ambiente más seguro posible 1829, San Ángelo, TX 76902. Un intér- ating and maintaining the safest pos- Ministry, PO Box 1829, San Angelo, para nuestros niños y adultos vulnerables. prete de español está disponible. Si el in- sible environment for our children and TX 76902. If the incident occurred Si usted o alguien que usted conoce ha cidente ocurrió fuera de esta diócesis, vulnerable adults. If you or someone outside this diocese, our Victim Assis- sido víctima de abuso sexual por cual- nuestra Coordinadora de Asistencia a you know has been sexually abused by tance Coordinator will assist in bring- quier persona que sirve a la Iglesia, y Victimas le ayudará a traer su preocupa- anyone who serves the Church, and ing your concern to the attention of necesita un lugar para hablar con alguien ción a la atención de la diócesis cor- you need a place to talk with someone the appropriate diocese. Please keep sobre sus sentimientos de traición o he- respondiente. Por favor, tenga en cuenta about your feelings of betrayal or hurt in mind that one always has the right rido por la Iglesia, estamos aquí para ayu- que uno siempre tiene el derecho de re- by the Church, we are here to help to report abuse to civil authorities, and darle. Para reportar incidentes, llame a portar el abuso a las autoridades civiles, y you. To report incidents, call Lori civil law requires that any abuse of a Lori Hines, Coordinadora de Asistencia a la ley civil requiere que cualquier abuso Hines, Victim Assistance Coordinator, minor must be reported. Víctimas, 325-374-7609 (celular), o es- de un menor de edad debe ser reportado. The Angelus JANUARY 2020 Page 3 From the Bishop’s Desk The Prayer Square Spiritual but not religious New Year Prayer In our conversations with friends, acquaintances, A prayerful reflection on the passing of another and relatives, the subject of religion sometimes comes year, compiled by Bishop Michael J. Sis up. Occasionally someone will say, “I am spiritual but not religious.” In this article I will seek to explore the Bishop Michael J. Sis This prayer exercise is in three parts, and it is Trini- approach of that life stance, and I will seek to address tarian in structure. it from my own perspective as a Catholic Christian. • In the first movement, we direct our prayer to God Those who claim to be spiritual but not religious Diocese of San Angelo the Father, counting our blessings over the past year are generally not interested in formal religious institu- and thanking him. tions. They tend to value individual freedom, auton- • In the second movement, we direct our prayer to omy, and an experimental approach to spiritual God the Son, asking him for healing and forgiveness practices. They often speak about the value in being for the brokenness and sin in the past year. open-minded and inclusive. They try to make sense of In my own life experience as a Catholic Christian, I • In the third movement, we direct our prayer to God have arrived at spirituality through my religion. Rather the Holy Spirit, calling to mind the challenges that their lives outside the teachings or practices of any par- await us in the new year, and asking for guidance ticular religion. than being an obstacle, I have found my Catholic reli- and strength to face those challenges. While they are open to a higher realm and the di- gion to be an inspiration to a deeper spirituality. I be- vine, acknowledging that there is “something out lieve that religion gives flesh to the spiritual. Religion A. We think back on the positive aspects of the past there,” they are usually not concerned with doctrine, informs the spiritual. Religion puts the spiritual into year, calling to mind things for which we are grateful, organizational rules, or established religious rituals. In concrete, constructive action. Religion connects the and directing our prayer of thanksgiving to God the general, they do not see a need to participate in any or- spiritual to others. Religion keeps the spiritual from Father, the source of all good things. ganized, liturgical form of communal worship. Any going in harmful, selfish, or destructive directions. spiritual practices that they adopt are usually more in- I have found that my religion challenges me to Call to mind the following: formal and individual. grow. It holds me accountable as a responsible person. Blessings There are many different reasons why a person It involves me in the lives of others in a life-giving Successes might say that they are spiritual but not religious. Some way. It provides a sense of roots and a shared vocabu- Accomplishments have been turned off by negative personal experiences lary that leads to meaningful discussion and a deeper Joys with organized religion. Some have simply drifted spirituality. I find that the community of faith in my Treasured memories away. Some have never been introduced to an active Catholic religion provides opportunities for service that community of religious faith. Some are actively explor- move me beyond myself, to understand more compas- [PAUSE] ing spirituality, and some are actually seeking a new sionately and respond more effectively to the needs and religious home. Some have explicitly rejected the sufferings of others. Pray to God the Father: “God our Father, source of Christian Church, and some have rejected organized re- I have also found that my Catholic religion helps all that is good, I thank you and praise you for all ligion in general. Some have said that they find reli- me to get beyond my own ethical blind spots or those these gifts. All that I have, all that I am, is a gift from your loving hand. I am very grateful to you.” gious people to be intolerant, judgmental, bureaucratic, See BISHOP, Page 22 superficial, self-righteous, and hypocritical. B. We think back on the problems of the past year, directing our prayer to God the Son, Jesus Christ, whose Death and Resurrection is the source of heal- ing and mercy. In this movement, we examine our Espiritual pero no religioso conscience, and ask for forgiveness. En nuestras conversaciones con amigos, conocidos y familiares, el tema de la religión a veces aparece. De vez Call to mind the following: en cuando alguien va a decir: “Soy espiritual pero no re- Failures ligioso.” En este artículo voy a tratar de explorar el en- Frustrations Obispo Michael J. Sis Broken Hearts foque de esa filosofía de la vida, y voy a tratar de Deaths abordarla desde mi propia perspectiva como cristiano ca- Suffering tólico. Diócesis de San Ángelo Sin Los que pretenden ser espirituales pero no religiosos en general no están interesados en las instituciones reli- [PAUSE] giosas formales. Ellos tienden a valorar la libertad indi- vidual, la autonomía y un enfoque experimental para las Remember that the name Jesus means “God saves.” prácticas espirituales. A menudo hablan sobre el valor de gión. En lugar de ser un obstáculo, he encontrado mi re- tener la mente abierta e inclusiva. Ellos tratan de dar ligión católica a ser una inspiración para una espiritu- Prayerfully ask Jesus Christ to save you: “Lord sentido a sus vidas fuera de las enseñanzas o prácticas de alidad más profunda. Creo que la religión da carne a lo Jesus, source of all redemption, bring healing to all cualquier religión en particular. espiritual. La religión informa a lo espiritual. La reli- that is broken and hurting in my life, bring forgiveness Mientras están abiertos a la realidad divina, recon- gión pone lo espiritual en una acción concreta y con- to all that is sinful in me. Be my savior again.” ociendo que hay “algo por ahí”, generalmente no se pre- structiva. La religión une lo espiritual a otros. La ocupan por la doctrina, las normas de organización, o religión impide lo espiritual de ir en una dirección perju- C. We think of the year to come, directing our prayer rituales religiosos establecidos. En general, no ven la dicial, egoísta, o destructiva. to God the Holy Spirit. We call to mind the chal- necesidad de participar en cualquier forma organizada de He descubierto que mi religión me desafía a crecer. lenges that we will face in the upcoming months, and culto litúrgico comunitario. Cualquieras prácticas espirit- Me responsabiliza a ser una persona más responsable. we ask for guidance and strength, so that we can be uales que adoptan suelen ser más informales e individ- Me envuelve en la vida de los demás de una manera que the people that God wants us to be. uales. da vida. Proporciona una sensación de raíces y un vocab- Hay muchas razones por las cuales una persona ulario común que lleva a la discusión significativa y una Call to mind the following: Challenges you will face. puede decir que es espiritual, pero no religioso. Algunos espiritualidad más profunda. He descubierto que la co- munidad de fe en mi religión católica ofrece oportuni- Your hopes and dreams and vision. han sido desactivados por las experiencias personales New projects you will take on. negativas con la religión organizada. Algunos simple- dades de servicio que me mueven más allá de mí mismo, What needs to change in your life. mente se han alejado. Algunos nunca fueron introduci- para comprender con más compasión y responder más dos a una comunidad activa de la fe religiosa. Algunos eficazmente a las necesidades y sufrimientos de los [PAUSE] están explorando activamente la espiritualidad, y algu- demás. nos están efectivamente en busca de un nuevo hogar reli- También he descubierto que mi religión católica me Pray to the Holy Spirit: “Come, Holy Spirit, show gioso. Algunos han rechazado explícitamente la Iglesia ayuda a ir más allá de mis propios puntos ciegos de ética me the way. Guide me in this new year. I trust that cristiana, y algunos han rechazado la religión organizada o las de mi propia cultura particular. Hay una gran canti- you will not leave me to face my future alone. Help en general. Algunos han dicho que encuentran a las per- dad de sabiduría acumulada en nuestra Iglesia que viene me to trust that, in my unknown future, you are al- sonas religiosas a ser intolerantes, críticos, burocráticos, de bregar con los problemas espirituales y éticos a lo ready there waiting for me. I entrust this new year to superficiales, muy creídos, e hipócritas. largo de muchos siglos. Hacer caso omiso de ese cuerpo your direction and care. Abide in me, and grant that En mi propia experiencia de vida como cristiano ca- forever I may abide in you.” tólico, he llegado a la espiritualidad a través de mi reli- Mira OBISPO, Página 22 Page 4 JANUARY 2020 The Angelus Cathedral Choir News

Left: Children’s choir

Below: Professional singers

CHILDRENS CHORAL PROGRAM term and sings at the 10:00 a.m. Mass the also optionally participate in a musicianship (a group that produces the finest cathedral- We would like to invite parents of chil- second Sunday of the month, and our Cathe- class each Friday from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. style music) other opportunities are also dren between the ages of 7 and 16 to have dral Choristers for students age 9–16 that Each child in the program is offered free in- available, such as section leaders for the their children try out our children’s choir pro- meet Wednesday from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. and dividual piano lessons. The start of the new adult volunteer choirs and cantors. We pro- gram. This activity has just been awarded a sings at the 10:00 a.m. Mass on the second year is a great time to come and try it out. vide competitive financial compensation second Tucker Foundation grant (now total- and fourth Sunday of the month. Our timing typical for cathedrals and major churches. ing $70,000), independently confirming it as allows students and families to continue par- PROFESSIONAL SINGERS For more information or to schedule an an outstanding cultural organization in the ticipating fully in their own parish churches Our overall program needs trained adult interview/audition for our program, please region. The program is in two sections — a while also contributing and benefiting from singers — especially men. While mostly fo- contact Mr. John Webber, the Director of Ca- training choir for ages 7–8 that meets Tues- this outstanding music program. Cathedral cused on Sunday evening and supplying thedral Music Ministries, at jwebber@sa- day from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. during school Choristers in their second year and above singers for the professional Schola Cantorum nangelodiocese.org or call at 325-949-1747. CALENDARS

16 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral School, Mass at 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Center, Priest Personnel Board 6 MIDLAND, St. Stephen, Knights of 18–19 SAN ANGELO, Christ the King Re- meeting at 11:00 a.m. Columbus Clergy Appreciation treat Center, Diocesan Priests’ Con- 17–27 ROME, Ad Limina Pilgrimage for Dinner at 6:00 p.m. ference Bishop’s Bishops of Region X 7–9 SAN ANGELO, Christ the King Re- 19 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral 28 SAN ANGELO, Christ the King Re- treat Center, Diaconal Formation Center, Deans’ Meeting at 1:30 Calendar treat Center, TCCB-EC diocesan di- Class p.m. rectors, Mass at 5:00 p.m. 9 BIG SPRING, Holy Trinity, Couples 20 SAN ANGELO, Henry’s Diner, The- 31 SAN ANGELO, St. Margaret, Anni- for Christ Mass at 5:00 p.m. ology on Tap at 7:15 p.m. versary of Eucharistic Adoration 10 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral 23 SAN ANGELO, Holy Angels, Adult Chapel, Mass at 6:00 p.m. Center, Pastoral Plan Implementa- Confirmation Mass at 3:00 p.m. January 2020 tion Committee meeting at 10:00 25 ODESSA, UTPB Campus Ministry a.m. listening session at 6:00 p.m. 1 SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Ca- February 2020 10 SAN ANGELO, Angelo Catholic 26 ODESSA, UTPB Ash Wednesday thedral, Holy Day Mass at 10:00 School Home and School Associa- Mass at 12:05 p.m. a.m. 1 SAN ANGELO, Meeting of Her- tion at 6:30 p.m. 26 MIDLAND, Midland College Chapel, 2 MIDLAND, Holy Cross Catholic manamiento Partnership Team 11 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Ash Wednesday Mass at 5:30 p.m. High School basketball games 1 ROWENA, St. Joseph, Knights of Center, Presbyteral Council meet- 26 MIDLAND, Midland College Chapel, 3 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Columbus Quad District Awards ing at 11:00 a.m. Listening Session at 6:30 p.m. Center, Diocesan Liturgical Com- Banquet and Mass at 4:00 p.m. 12 WALL, St. Ambrose, RCIA presen- 27 SAN ANGELO, Christ the King Re- mission meeting at 11:30 a.m. 2 MENARD, Sacred Heart, Mass at tation at 7:00 p.m. treat Center, Diocesan Staff Lenten 4 MIDLAND, St. Stephen, Diocesan 9:00 a.m. 13 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Day of Reflection Homeschool Mass at 5:00 p.m. 2 JUNCTION, St. Theresa, Mass at Center, Priest Personnel Board 27 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral 6–10 SAN ANTONIO, Region X Bishops’ 11:00 a.m. meeting at 11:00 a.m. Center, Priestly Life and Formation Retreat 3 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral 16 ODESSA, Holy Redeemer, Adult Committee meeting at 1:00 p.m. 11 SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Ca- Center, Catholic Charitable Founda- Confirmation Mass at 3:00 p.m. 29 SAN ANGELO, St. Mary, Many thedral, Holy Sepulchre Mass at tion Board meeting at 10:00 a.m. 18 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Paths to Discipleship Vocation Day 5:00 p.m. 5 SAN ANGELO, Angelo Catholic Center, Vocation Team meeting at Mass at 4:00 p.m.

Necrology of Priests and Deacons Christ the King Retreat Center Please pray for our departed clergy

January 2020 February 2020 January February

1 CKRC Offices closed for New 1–2 Men’s Small Town ACTS Re- 10 Rev. Francis Beazley, OMI (1992) 2 Deacon Pedro Sanchez (2013) Year’s Day treat 11 Deacon Paul Klein (2015) 5 Deacon David King (2006) 5–10 Holy Trinity Seminarians’ Silent 3 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 13 Rev. Joseph Walter (1989) 6 Deacon Ignacio Cisneros (2016) Retreat 7–9 Deacon Formation 16 Rev. Msgr. Timothy Murphy (2004) 9 Rev. Albert Fuytinck, CSSR (1997) 10–12 Deacon Formation 10 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 18 Rev. Patrick Ryan, OMI (1975) 10 Rev. Leo E. Lavoie (1978) 13 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 15 Diocesan Pastoral Plan Retreat 19 Rev. Robert Kelly (1999) 11 Deacon Ray Smith (2014) 15 DOSA Staff Mass & Lunch 16 Confirmation Retreat 22 Deacon Jose Esparza (2011) 15 Rev. Frank Colacicco (2006) 19 Confirmation Retreat 17 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 24 Bishop Thomas Tschoepe (2009) 20 Deacon Mark Reeh (2005) 20 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 18–19 DOSA Spring Convocation 26 Deacon D.J. Goetz (2003) 21 Rev. Tom Kelley (2005) 24–26 Engaged Encounter & Natural 21–22 Lenten Retreat 26 Rev. Cyril Lange (1971) 22 Rev. Francisco Lopez (1994) Family Planning 24 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 26 Deacon Jack Peterson (1987) 27–29 TCCB-EC Directors Meeting 27 DOSA Staff Lenten Day of Re- 27 Deacon Horacio Yanez (2015) 30–Feb 2 Men’s Small Town ACTS flection Retreat 28–Mar 1 Engaged Encounter & NFP The Angelus JANUARY 2020 Page 5 An invitation to join in prayer Youth Ministry: for those affected by abortion By Sharla Ynostrosa for the sacredness of life. More than youth group As of 9:23 a.m. on December 11, 2019, the The 47th anniversary of Roe v Wade is Wed- following are the number of abortions (data from nesday, January 22, 2020. www.numberofabortions.com): I think most adults could Please join us on that day as we gather for a In the United States today — 1,001.1 agree that we want vibrant, effec- time of silent prayer and reflection. United States since 1973 (Roe v Wade) — tive youth ministry programs at We will gather at the Tom Green County 61,824,408.8 our parish. Our reasoning behind Alison Courthouse in San Angelo from 12:00 noon to By Planned Parenthood since 1970 — the why of the program may vary 1:00 p.m. We are inviting people of all faiths to 8,613,788.4 — we want a safe place for Pope join us as we remember the almost 62 million un- By Planned Parenthood this year — 325,542.9 young people to hang out, we born babies that have been aborted in the United United States this Year — 882,375.8 want opportunities for young States since January 22, 1973. This is also a time US this Year after 16 weeks gestation — people to grow in faith, we don’t to pray for all those who have been hurt and those 42,354.0 want our children to make the who need healing from a past abortion. This will Planned or unplanned, a baby is a unique and same mistakes we did when we “Renewing the Vision,” it tells us be a peaceful gathering. Come and stay the whole precious gift from God. were teens — but we all rec- hour or drop by during your lunch hour and pray Please mark your calendars and join us as we ognize that quality youth ministry that youth ministry should be comprised of eight components: for a few minutes. remember the innocent victims of abortion. is important for our young people Those who cannot join are encouraged to - - - and for the larger Church com- advocacy, catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and gather where they can and take the hour to stop Sharla Ynostrosa is the San Angelo-area pro- munity. for a brief time and be united with us in praying life coordinator for the Diocese of San Angelo. Some may ask, “What makes service, leadership development, effective, quality youth mini- pastoral care, and prayer and stry?” Again, the answers here worship. Comprehensive youth are varied based on the com- ministry makes sure that we are Life ... at what cost? munity and the needs of the somehow incorporating all these young people in that community. components in our ministry over When I was four, I remember my mom saying However, there are a few things the year. to me, “This is your Uncle Frankie, say goodbye that can help us to move towards In order to have an effective to him.” That is the only memory I have of him … standing by a door in his Army uniform. Twenty- better youth ministry in general. and comprehensive youth mini- James R. Sulliman, Now, the disclaimer: there is stry program, we must have year-old Frank left Bonhamtown, New Jersey, not no magic bullet or a single pro- youth ministry leaders that ex- long after that and was sent halfway around the PhD gram or resource that will give us hibit certain qualities. Some of world to Korea. We never saw him again. the results we want. It will de- these desired qualities include: Seven years later, as I walked to school each pend on our community, the provides competent leadership, day, I stopped by a granite memorial that had my needs of the young people, and models faith, mentors faith life, name engraved on it with “Iwo Jima” next to it. A the congregational culture. develops teams, knows youth and line above that one was Frank’s name with ones. Our gratitude is inexpressible. First, we must consider the youth culture, and establishes ef- POW/MIA beside it. My father lost two brothers The budget for the DPAA in 2018 was $146.3 words we use. Words have power fective relationships. in wars, one after whom I was named. I didn’t un- million. While we might think of a perfectly and make an impact. At times, How do we know if our derstand the letters after Frank’s name and my formed skeleton in a casket, this is seldom the that impact may be different than youth ministry is effective? Some mother explained that he had been captured and case. For Frank, all that remained was a femur, a we intend. One case where this is will simply point to numbers and no one knew exactly what had happened to him single bone perhaps 16” long. If we divide the true that many do not realize is how many young people attend and where he was … until February 1999. It was budget by the number of identifications made last when we use the term “youth an event. That is not always the then that I received a call from “Jim,” an official year, it averages $720,689 per individual identi- group.” best indication, especially in with the Department of Defense, who informed fied. What a country we have that values life so The word “group” is exclu- ministry. Rather, we should be me that after 68 years, Uncle Frankie was finally much that one bone from a man who died 68 sive, even by its definition. A looking at how well it invites par- “coming home.” Because of an agreement Pres- years ago is valued so highly, not to mention the group only contains those people ticipation and helps grow the ident Trump had made with Kim Jong Un, 55 thousands spent on his funeral. or things that are already classed faith of those involved. Some boxes of “remains” had left “hostile territory” and Just across the river from where “Frank” or considered together. When we qualities to look for in an effec- had arrived in Hawaii. With the help of DNA that landed in Newark, there is another extremely hos- use the term “youth group,” we tive vibrant youth ministry pro- I provided a decade or more ago, he was one of tile territory that is a much more immediate threat are already excluding those who gram include: establishes a caring three positive identifications. to life. About the time we were overjoyed by are not currently part of the es- environment, develops quality re- I cried for him … though I knew him not. Frank’s identification, the governor of New York tablished group. This can make lationships, focuses on Jesus and Most people do not know how much our and members of the New York state legislative young people feel like they are the Catholic faith, considers life country values lives that have been lost in its de- branch were overjoyed and celebrating the pas- not welcome or that they do not issues of the young people, uses fense. The remains of 203 individuals were identi- sage of a law that allowed women to murder their belong. I would presume that is many approaches, and is well-or- fied in 2018 through the efforts of a vast array of children up to the time of their birth. Countless not the message anybody in- ganized and planned. professional members of the Defense POW/MIA children denied the right to life that our Declara- volved in youth ministry wants to Regardless of the resources Accounting Agency (DPAA). They include ana- tion of Independence proclaims. send to the young people in our we use or program we imple- lysts, linguists, researchers, interviewers, sur- I cried for them … though I know them not. communities. ment, we must remember that veyors, an underwater team, a mountaineering What kind of nation places such extraordinar- One simple way to be more what is important is listening to team, medics, forensic anthropologists, medical ily high honor on a bone of a man who died 68 welcoming is to simply change the young people. Not so we can examiners, explosive ordinance disposal techni- years ago and celebrates the “right” to murder some of the language we use. In- give them advice or direction, but cians, forensic photographers, life support techni- children? It has been estimated that the cost of stead of using the term youth simply to hear about their joys, cians, mortuary affairs specialists and many raising a child born in 2018 is $284,570 adjusting group, you could simply call it struggles, doubts, dreams, and others throughout the world who have dedicated for inflation. If my family had had the choice of youth ministry. Some parishes needs. We must seek to simply their lives to bringing home the bodies of those returning a bone from Frank or allowing two or even choose to come up with a see the youth as they are, not as lost in war. The time, effort, and sacrifices that more children to live and to be provided for, there name or acronym to identify the the culture judges them or as we these men and women have made to locate my is no question which we would have chosen. group. It is a simple change that wish them to be. Our job is not to uncle’s remains are amazing, extraordinary, and What kind of a nation reveres and honors its can make an impact on the teens put Jesus in their hearts, it is to astounding. dead and celebrates the murdering of its babies? A searching for a place to belong. help them realize he is already Members of the Edison Township Police De- nation without a very long future... Another downfall of the there. partment accompanied “Frank” from Newark Lib- - - - “youth group” model is that it - - - erty International Airport back home where, at Dr. James Sulliman, a graduate of Rutgers often only focuses on the social Alison Pope is an associate Frank’s service on April 30th, the mayor spoke of University and Florida State University, has over aspect of ministry and is not director of the Diocese of San gratitude for a life lost in the defense of others. A 40 years’ experience in individual, marriage, and comprehensive. If we look at the Angelo’s Office of Evangelization full military burial followed. Our family at last family therapy. He is also the Abilene-area pro- document from the USCCB, and Catechesis. had closure and wished it could be so for the thousands of other families with missing loved life coordinator for the Diocese of San Angelo. Page 6 JANUARY 2020 The Angelus Christmas dreams come true thanks to Holy Angels parishioners

COURTESY Father Charles Greenwell, pastor of Holy Angels Church in San Angelo, stands with the gifts generously donated by members of the church for local children in the foster care system. By CASA true. expected gifts, are included. The ages of the foster children range from newborn to This is the third year that Holy Angels Church has Santa Claus received some valuable help for Christmas high school age. Many have been in the foster care system helped these special children in Tom Green County. It is a this year from the families of Holy Angels Church in San for an extended length of time. Most of these children were testament to the giving and generous hearts of the parishio- Angelo, Texas. The parishioners and their families have placed in foster care due to issues with their living environ- ners. This has been an amazing time for all of us. It brings “adopted” children in the foster care system in Tom Green ment with their parents or relatives. These children have lit- joy to the children and to the parishioners alike. There are County through Court Appointed Special Advocates tle to no possessions of their own, so these wish lists heartwarming stories of the joy that the shopping for these (CASA). become extra special. Sometimes the wishes are as simple children brought to all of our amazing parishioners. The foster families of the children, as well as the chil- as a pair of socks or shoes or as extravagant as a PlaySta- Thank you, Holy Angels Church, for your generosity dren, compile a wish list for Christmas. That wish list is tion 4. The parishioners of Holy Angels have always come and help in making Christmas brighter for some very spe- then “adopted” by the parishioners to help the wishes come through and make sure that these wish lists, and some un- cial children in Tom Green County. Faith in Action

High school stu- dents from Holy Angels Church in San Angelo re- cently prepared 430 snack bags for the homeless as part of the Sack Lunch Ministry. COURTESY The Angelus JANUARY 2020 Page 7 Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe — Dec. 12, 2019

COURTESY Parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Ozona and Father Hilary Ihedioha gathered at 6:00 a.m on Dec. 12, 2019, for Mass and to sing Las Mañanitas to Our Lady of Guada- lupe on her feast day.

Several men who serve the Diocese of San Angelo were on hand for a Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guada- lupe in Midland after Mass on Dec. 12, 2019, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Pictured are (left to right): Seminarian Upton Sewell, Father Freddy Perez, Father Reggie Odima, Deacon Jesse Guajardo, Father David Herrera, Bishop Michael Sis, Deacon Tommy Flores, Deacon Ricardo Torres, Father Ryan Rojo, Deacon Igna- cio Villa, and Father Michael Rodriguez. COURTESY Page 8 JANUARY 2020 The Angelus From a family of saints came Basil the Great

Two events im- portant to the Catho- lic Church happened in the 4th century: Mary Lou Gibson the heresy of Arian- ism and the birth of St. Basil the Great. Speaking of Saints Arians viewed Jesus as human but not di- vine and St. Basil had an important part in resisting this heresy. Basil was one of 10 children born into a highly educated, wealthy family in A.D. 329 in Caesarea, Cappadocia (now Tur- key). His family included several saints: grandmother — St. Macrina the Elder; sister — St. Macrina the Younger; brothers — St. Gregory of Nyssa and St. Peter of Sabaste. He began his education in Caesarea and then was sent to Constantinople and Athens to study. It was here that he met Gregory of Nazianzus and they became close friends. After completing his studies, Basil returned to Caesarea and was bap- COURTESY tized. He lived for a time as a hermit with his brother, Gregory, Bishop Michael Sis poses with brothers Blaise and Graeme Regan, owners of Six Brothers Brewery in Abilene. on the Iris River in Pontus. He attracted numerous disciples Bishop Sis was the speaker at a Theology on Tap event held at the brewery on the evening of Dec. 10, 2019. who he organized into the first monastic community in Asia Minor in 356 in Pontus. It was near the religious community that his sister, Macrina, had established. Basil had previously visited monasteries in Egypt, Palestine, Coele-Syria and Meso- Every child is a gift potamia. "So God created man in his own image, in the Basil composed a rule and became known as the father of image of God he created him; male and female he Eastern monasticism. David Farmer writes in the Oxford Dic- created them." tionary of Saints that today nearly all the monks and nuns of the Genesis 1:27 Greek Church follow his rule. His emphasis was on community Father Knick and Sandie life, liturgical prayer and manual work. "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." Knickerbocker Basil was ordained a priest in 363 and lived in the mon- Jeremiah 1:5 astery for five years before being called by Archbishop Euse- bius to come to Caesarea to refute the teachings of Arius. Aborting a baby with Down syndrome "has not He became bishop of Caesarea in 370. Rosemary Guiley only become justified but is almost considered a writes in The Encyclopedia of Saints that he laid down the law, duty," according to Dr. Elizabeth Schlitz, law pro- required spiritual discipline, settled disputes and vigorously op- fessor, who contributed to the book The Cost of descriptions and pictures of babies and adults with posed heresy. As bishop, Basil incurred the wrath of Emperor 'Choice': Women Evaluate the Impact of Abortion. disabilities are readily available to expectant par- Valens, who favored Arianism, and vigorously opposed and Roe v. Wade was a landmark decision of the Su- ents: Down syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, persecuted Basil. Valens split the region into two dioceses to preme Court of the United States in January 1973 cleft palate, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, and dozens weaken Basil’s authority. in which the Court ruled that the Constitution of the of other conditions. Imagine yourself presented Basil was a powerful speaker and writer and had an exten- United States protects a pregnant woman's right to with the reality of a child with disabilities — or, sive correspondence. More than 300 of his letters survive. His choose to have an abortion without excessive gov- perhaps, you are a parent who has experienced this. most important doctrinal writing is the treatise on the Holy ernment restriction. It is estimated that nearly 50 The testimony of parents reveals shock and dis- Spirit. Tom Cowan writes in The Way of the Saints that Basil’s million abortions have been performed in the belief. Why did God allow this? What did I do advice for leading a more perfect life was “Recognize yourself, United States since that decision legalized abortion. wrong in my pregnancy? What will our family and and watch yourself.” What about the right of a baby to live, to be friends think? How can we possibly care for and Even with all his efforts to combat Arianism, Basil did not fully the person God created them to be when they support a disabled child all our lives? There will be neglect his people. Farmer writes that he built a new town were conceived in their mother's womb? Does this no normalcy ever again. called the Basilad which included a church, a hospital, and a right to life extend to babies with disabilities? Al- These descriptions and pictures of persons with guest house. He also organized relief programs for the poor, op- though accurate statistics are hard to find, pro-life disabilities "are so at odds with cultural expecta- posed those involved in widespread prostitution traffic and sources estimate 75% of all Down syndrome babies tions and classical conceptions of beauty that they tightened up discipline of clergy and church officials. Richard are aborted, primarily due to the availability of form a genuine psychological barrier to accepting McBrien writes in Lives of the Saints that Basil was especially non-invasive prenatal testing for this syndrome. the child's humanity." This is a quote from Dr. concerned about the quality of candidates for the priesthood and Results of prenatal tests that reveal any abnormality Theresa Farnan in her paper, "Beauty, the Person, the excessive involvement in politics and accumulation of or undesirable characteristic are a temptation to the and Disability: Understanding (and Defending) the wealth by clergy. In later centuries, Basil was regarded as a mother to abort. Intrinsic Beauty and Value of the Person with Dis- champion of the Church’s liberty against secular encroach- An article in the American Journal of American abilities." The Farnans have a Down syndrome ments. Genetics states that 99% of persons with Down child. Dr. Amie Stringfellow, a physician who was He suffered a series of setbacks in 373 when his health syndrome are overwhelmingly happy with their born with Treacher Collins, a deformity of the face began failing and his key friend and supporter St. Athanasius lives, 97% like who they are, and 96% like how and ears, says if she were given the chance to live died. Basil died on January 1, 379, leaving a lasting imprint on they look (“Self-perceptions from People with her life all over again without Treacher Collins, she the Church. Arianism was denounced at the Council of Con- Down Syndrome”). Clearly, the issue is not about would decline. "I believe the experiences in my life stantinople in 381–382 thanks largely to Basil’s influence. His the value of the child's life to God or to themselves. … have molded me into the person that I am today. feast day is January 2 and he is honored in Russia as one of its The issue is our twisted notion of what constitutes Treacher Collins syndrome, or any other medical patron saints. Basil was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in "happiness" for parents and family and a "positive" condition, does not make someone 'abnormal,' it 1568, one of the four original Doctors of the Church from the contribution to society vs. parents' perception of only makes him human." East. difficulty, inconvenience, embarrassment, or eco- All of this is not to deny the difficulties experi- - - - nomic burden for them, their family, and society. Mary Lou Gibson writes about the saints for the West Texas After prenatal screening tests are performed, See KNICKERBOCKERS, Page 21 Angelus from her home in Austin. The Angelus JANUARY 2020 Page 9 2019: Catholic Year in Review Bishops take new actions to hold themselves accountable for abuse in 2019 By Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The clergy sexual abuse crisis continued to command a large amount of attention and action from the U.S. bishops throughout 2019. The year was headlined by actions dur- ing the bishops' spring general assembly during which they approved a plan to im- plement Pope Francis' "motu proprio" on addressing abuse. The pope issued his document, Vos Estis Lux Mundi (You are the light of the world), in May to help the Catholic Church safeguard its members from abuse and hold its leaders accountable. The "motu proprio" was one of the measures that came out of a February Vati- can summit on clergy sexual abuse at- tended by the presidents of the world's bishops' conferences. The U.S. bishops' implementation plan passed 281-1 with two abstentions. Vos Estis Lux Mundi established proce- dures for reporting allegations of sexual abuse of minors or of vulnerable person by clerics, including bishops, or members of religious orders. The document also holds church leaders accountable for actions or omissions relating to the handling of abuse reports. In line with the plan, the bishops in June approved a third-party reporting sys- tem to field sexual misconduct allegations against bishops. Such a system could be in CNS PHOTO | BOB ROLLER Bishops pray before the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel during a day of prayer Nov. 12, 2018, before hearing from abuse survivors at the place by the end of February, Anthony Pi- fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. The clergy sexual abuse crisis continued to command a carello, associate general secretary of the large amount of attention and action from the U.S. bishops throughout 2019. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, re- ported during the bishops' fall general as- September 2018 under a cloud of allega- with a seminarian that he has called "a very law went into effect, a 37-year-old man sembly in November. tions of sexual and financial misconduct. complex, convoluted matter." filed a lawsuit against McCarrick, who was The company awarded the contract to Pope Francis accepted Bishop Bransfield's Throughout the year, the situation sur- Newark's archbishop from 1986 to 2000. implement the system, Denver-based Con- resignation Sept. 13, 2018. rounding former U.S. Cardinal Theodore E. The suit also names the Archdiocese of vercent, was working quickly to get it in After consulting with Vatican officials McCarrick continued to linger over the Newark as a defendant and alleges Vatican place well before the May 31, 2020, dead- Bishop Mark E. Brennan,of Wheeling- U.S. church. Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of officials were aware of McCarrick's behav- line set by Pope Francis, Picarello said. Charleston Nov. 26 announced that he Boston reported to the bishops during their ior during his more than 60 years as a cleric The precise date a toll-free hotline will asked his predecessor to pay back more fall general assembly in November that the and yet continued to promote him as a be activated and links on diocesan and than $792,000 to cover the "inappropriate Vatican may publish what it knows about church leader. eparchial websites and the USCCB website expenditure of diocesan funds to support a the ascent to power of now-disgraced In all, 15 states have enacted rules that will go live will depend on how quickly luxurious lifestyle." former prelate by Christmas, or perhaps the extend or suspend the statute of limitations each diocese or eparchy can implement the Bishop Brennan outlined a series of New Year. to allow claims to be filed by abuse survi- program, he said. other actions in a nine-point "plan of McCarrick was dismissed by the Vati- vors against dioceses, the Associated Press In another action in June, the bishops amends" he proposed that the retired bishop can from the clerical state in February fol- reported. With the rules in place, dioceses approved the document "Affirming Our take including issuing apologies to the lowing an investigation of accusations that in those states were expecting a surge in Episcopal Commitments" and promised to people he is alleged to have sexually he had abused children early on in his ca- new lawsuits that may cost billions of dol- hold themselves accountable to the com- abused, to the faithful of the diocese for reer of more than 60 years as a cleric, and lars in payouts. mitments of the Charter for the Protection "the grievous harm he caused," and to dioc- that he also had abused seminarians as a The Diocese of Rochester, New York, of Children and Young People, including a esan employees "who suffered from a cul- bishop. sought protection under federal bankruptcy zero-tolerance policy for abuse. The doc- ture of intimidation and retribution which Cardinal O'Malley's brief presentation laws in response to that state's new Child ument said any codes of conduct in their re- the former bishop created." about his visit with Vatican officials, in- Victims Act lifting the statute of limitations. spective dioceses regarding clergy apply to Elsewhere, the bishop of Buffalo, New cluding Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary Bishop Salvatore R. Matano took the step bishops as well. York, retired because of questions sur- of state, in early November was short on in the wake of nearly 50 lawsuits filed In addition, the bishops approved a rounding his handling of clergy sexual details. He noted that officials had showed against the diocese in the weeks after the "protocol regarding available nonpenal re- abuse reports. him a "hefty document that has been as- law took effect Aug. 14. strictions on bishops," which outlines what Bishop Richard J. Malone, 73, told sembled." Bishop Matano called the filing "a very canonical options are available to bishops Catholics Dec. 4 he asked Pope Francis to "We made it clear to Cardinal Parolin difficult and painful decision," in a video when a retired bishop resigns or is removed allow him to retire early so the people of at the leadership of the Curia that the and letter to parishes released Sept. 12. "due to sexual misconduct with adults or the diocese "will be better served" by a new priests and the people of our country are "But after assessing all reasonable pos- grave negligence of office, or where sub- bishop who is "perhaps better able" to bring anxious to receive the Holy See's explana- sibilities to satisfy the claims, reorganiza- sequent to his resignation he was found to about "reconciliation, healing and renewal" tion of this tragic situation, how he could tion is considered the best and fairest have so acted or failed to act." in addressing the abuse crisis. become an archbishop and cardinal, who course of action for the victims and for the That protocol was cited in October by Bishop Malone is two years shy of the knew what and when," Cardinal O'Malley well-being of the diocese, its parishes, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston- age at which bishops are required by canon said. "The long wait has resulted in great agencies and institutions," he said. "We be- Houston, then-USCCB president, who dis- law to send their resignation to the pope. frustration on the part of bishops and our lieve this is the only way we can provide invited Bishop Michael J. Bransfield, For more than a year, Bishop Malone's people and indeed a very harsh and even just compensation for all who suffered the former bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, response to reports of sexual abuse by cynical interpretation of the seeming si- egregious sin of sexual abuse while ensur- West Virginia, to the fall general assembly. clergy has been under fire, particularly a lence." ing the continued commitment of the dio- Bishop Bransfield left his position in situation involving two priests' relationship A day after a New Jersey victims' rights cese to the mission of Christ." Page 10 JANUARY 2020 The Angelus 2019: Catholic Year in Review In 2019, high court's docket ran gamut of high-profile issues By Carol Zimmermann son for adding the citizenship question Review, a group of more than 250 faith Prejean. Catholic News Service "seems to have been contrived." leaders and organizations, including several The court was to hear another death In briefs objecting to the added ques- Catholic groups, called the rule a "a back- penalty case Dec. 11: the appeal of an Ari- WASHINGTON (CNS) — 2019 was a tion, immigrant advocacy groups, Catholic door asylum ban" and urged the administra- zona death-row inmate who claims the state busy year for the U.S. Supreme Court. Charities of the Archdiocese of New York tion to end it. courts failed to give him a new sentencing In its new term, which began in Oc- and Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and This fall, all eyes were on the court for hearing based on current law. tober, the justices examined the status of the Queens in New York said it would prevent how it would respond in the high-stakes im- On Dec. 9, the court declined to take up Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals pro- noncitizens from filling out the census and migration case on DACA. a challenge to a Kentucky ultrasound law gram, known as DACA, workplace discrim- would cause a reduction in funding and im- On Nov. 12, the court heard oral argu- that requires a physician or qualified techni- ination based on sexual orientation, gun pact social service agencies. ments on three separate appellate court rul- cian to perform an ultrasound on a woman ownership restrictions and, as it does most A statement issued by the U.S. Confer- ings that have blocked Trump's 2017 order seeking an abortion and show the screen im- terms, the death penalty. ence of Catholic Bishops on the day of oral to end DACA, established in 2012 by Pres- ages to her. The Kentucky Ultrasound In- The court also agreed this term to next arguments stressed the importance of an ac- ident Barack Obama through an executive formed Consent Act law can take effect year review a Louisiana abortion law requir- curate count, noting that the Catholic order. The program has enabled about immediately. ing abortion providers to have admitting Church and other service providers rely on 700,000 qualifying young adults, who ar- In early December, the court heard its privileges at local hospitals and a school the national census to provide an accurate rived in the U.S. as children without legal first gun rights case in almost a decade, choice program in Montana that excludes count to effectively serve those in need. documentation, to work, get health insur- brought by New York City licensed gun religious schools. In July and September, before the new ance, a driver's license and above all, not owners challenging a regulation that puts In rulings issued in June, at the end of term began, the court issued unsigned orders face deportation. limits the ability to transport firearms out- its previous term, the court permitted a reli- backing President Donald Trump's immigra- At issue before the court — while side the home. The suit was first filed in gious symbol on public property, blocked tion policies. DACA supporters including Catholic activ- 2013 and the New York state has since the Trump administration from adding a cit- In late July, it said the Trump admin- ists rallied outside — was how the Trump made some modifications to the regulation. izenship question to the 2020 census and istration could use $2.5 billion in Pentagon administration went about trying to end Gun rights advocates hoped the court overturned an inmate's death sentence, cit- funds to pay for construction and repairs of DACA. was prepared to extend its previous rulings ing racial bias in the prosecutor's jury selec- a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. In Catholic leaders joined more than 35 on gun laws to further strengthen gun rights tion. mid-September, it allowed the Trump ad- other groups in filing friend-of-the-court for self-defense use at home. In the religious symbol case, the justices ministration to enforce its new rule prevent- briefs urging the court to uphold DACA. Catholic leaders did not weigh in on in a 7-2 vote favored preserving a historic ing many Central Americans and other This view was reiterated in a Nov. 12 state- this, but the USCCB has supported meas- cross-shaped memorial in Maryland, saying migrants seeking asylum in the United ment by Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, ures addressing gun violence that include it did not endorse religion. States to apply for asylum at the border, Texas, then chairman of the USCCB's Com- regulations and limitations on the purchase The majority opinion, written by Justice while the legal battle over the issue con- mittee on Migration. of handguns. Samuel Alito, said the memorial, which tinues to work its way through the courts. "Ending DACA," he said, "would dis- On the second day of the court's new pays tribute to soldiers who died in World This rule basically bars asylum-seekers rupt DACA recipients' continued contrib- term, the justices heard oral arguments from War I, should be seen in the same "historical from applying for protection at the U.S. utions and integration to our country and three cases concerning protections for gay, context" as the white crosses marking the southern border if they went through could needlessly separate them from their lesbian and transgender employees under overseas graves of soldiers who lost their another country en route to the United States families. Not allowing these young people Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts. lives in that war. He also said removing the without first applying for asylum in that to continue to utilize DACA to reach their The federal law prohibits employers memorial "would be seen by many not as a country. God-given potential is against the common from discriminating against employees on neutral act but as the manifestation of a hos- Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her five- good and our nation's history of welcoming the basis of sex, race, color, national origin tility toward religion that has no place in our page dissent, said the administration's ban the immigrant." and religion. At issue in the case is whether Establishment Clause traditions." on asylum-seekers "topples decades of set- A decision is expected next June. the section barring discrimination based on As they wrapped up their term in June, tled asylum practices and affects some of At the end of its last term and as the sex applies to sexual orientation. the justices also blocked an added citizen- the most vulnerable people in the Western new term began, the court once again ex- A number of religious groups, including ship question to the census, a move that the Hemisphere" and comes at a time when the amined death penalty cases. the USCCB, weighed in with friend-of-the U.S. bishops and other Catholic leaders stakes for asylum-seekers "could not be In a June decision, the court overturned court briefs in favor of the employers. The praised and the Trump administration ini- higher." the death sentence of a Mississippi African USCCB brief said the added employee pro- tially disputed. The nonprofit group Hope Border Insti- American man who had been tried six times tection could impact faith-based schools, The 5-4 ruling — written by Chief Jus- tute, based in El Paso, Texas, said the court's for a quadruple murder charge. health care providers and homeless shelters tice John Roberts and joined in part by the decision reflects "a disturbing pattern that Sister Helen Prejean, a Sister of St. Jo- that operate by "religious and moral convic- other justices — sent the case back to a emerges when the Supreme Court starts seph of Medaille, who is a longtime oppo- tions." Dozens of companies and advocacy lower court saying the administration's rea- using its power, however temporarily, to nent of the death penalty, said the case groups filed briefs in support of the employ- greenlight "pulled the curtain back on racism that per- ees. Trump's anti-im- sists in jury selection in Mississippi and ac- Currently, more than 20 states and the migrant agenda." ross the country. This form of discrimination District of Columbia have laws in place to It also said the costs people their freedom and, in capital protect against employment discrimination "human impact of cases, their lives." based on sexual orientation and gender iden- this decision will On Dec. 6, the court issued an order tity with exceptions for religious employers. be devastating to which left in place a preliminary injunction Luke Goodrich, vice president and sen- thousands of refu- prohibiting the government from carrying ior counsel of Becket, a nonprofit religious gees who see the out the first federal executions in 16 years. A liberty law firm, told reporters that if the possibility of federal judge in November temporarily court views these employee cases as dis- safety, security blocked upcoming executions of four fed- crimination, there will likely be new law- and freedom at eral death-row inmates, who had challenged suits and "massive liabilities with churches, our nation's bor- the constitutionality of the lethal injection schools and religious organizations" that ex- der." protocol to be used in their executions. pect their employees to follow certain stan- The admin- The day before the court's order, Catho- dards. istration's rule: lic Mobilizing Network, the national Catho- He said there are exceptions for those in "Asylum Eligibil- lic organization working to end the death ministerial roles with a religious function, ity and Procedural penalty, delivered a petition to President but he noted that no matter how these ex- CNS PHOTO | AL DRAGO, REUTERS Modifications" Donald Trump and Attorney General Wil- emptions are interpreted, there is likely to be An American flag flies outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington was published liam Barr opposing the planned restart of a lot of confusion. Nov. 13, 2018. Since the court's new term began in October, the justices July 15. In a pub- federal executions. The petition was signed A ruling on that case also is expected in have heard cases on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals pro- gram, workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, gun own- lic comment filed by nearly 3,000 Catholics including retired June. ership restrictions and the death penalty. In June, the justices issued Aug. 15 with the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galves- - - - several decisions, including one to allow a religious symbol to remain Executive Office ton-Houston, Auxiliary Bishop William J. Follow Zimmermann on Twitter: on public land and another to overturn an inmate's death sentence cit- for Immigration Justice of San Francisco and Sister Helen @carolmaczim. ing racial bias in the prosecutor's jury selection. The Angelus JANUARY 2020 Page 11 2019: Catholic Year in Review Amid year's violence, Catholic leaders decry shootings, urge policy changes By Carol Zimmermann prosecutors have said they will ask for better protect innocent life. The current tactic, she said, is to Catholic News Service the death penalty if he's convicted. At a Nov. 11 presentation to the urge firearms makers and sellers to Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Gal- U.S. bishops at their annual fall as- adopt human rights policies. WASHINGTON (CNS) — Amid the veston-Houston, then president of the sembly in Baltimore, Bishop Dewane After many of the year's shootings multiple mass shootings that took place U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Catholic clergy and lay leaders can took place, Catholic parishes provided in the U.S. during 2019, Catholic and Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, play a role in bringing together people places for prayer and priests were at the leaders spoke out against them, urged Florida, then chairman of the bishops' along the rural-urban divide to build un- scene, particularly in El Paso, to com- legislators to make changes to put a Committee on Domestic Justice and derstanding of the need for sensible pol- fort family members as they learned of stop to these actions and asked Catho- Human Development, spoke out against icies that can end the scourge of gun the deaths of their loved ones. lics to pray and work toward possible many of the shootings during the year. violence. He also outlined the USCCB's Father Fabian Marquez, pastor of El solutions. After the shootings in El Paso and Ohio, long-held stance of the need for "com- Buen Pastor Catholic Mission (Church Some of the year's major shootings they said in a statement: "We can never mon sense" legislation that governs the of the Good Shepherd), in Sparks, included: again believe that mass shootings are an availability of guns. Texas, was with 17 families when they — The Aug. 3 shooting at a Wal- isolated exception. They are an epi- In an interview with Catholic News heard the news that their loved ones mart in El Paso, Texas, which killed 22 demic against life that we must, in jus- Service, the bishop said the USCCB's died in the El Paso gunfire. people and wounded at least 24. tice, face." work on the legislative front was impor- In the days after the shooting, he — An Aug. 4 shooting in Dayton, After the Aug. 31 shooting in Texas, tant, but that a pastoral response to gun met with families and helped plan fu- Ohio, which left nine people dead and which occurred as a gunman sped along violence was needed. nerals and memorials. another 27 injured. highways in Odessa and Midland, Over the years, he said, the bishops He spoke to CNS by phone from the — An Aug. 31 drive-by shooting Bishop Michael J. Sis of San Angelo have supported "common sense" actions memorial at the El Paso shopping center spree in Odessa and Midland, Texas, committed diocesan parishes to assist- such as an assault weapon ban, limits on where he said there was "a lot of pain, killing seven people and wounding 24. ing the community in its healing. large capacity magazines, a federal law hurt, tears from early in the morning — A May 31 shooting in a munici- "There are no easy answers as to to criminalize gun trafficking, man- until night." He said people have left ro- pal building in Virginia Beach, Virginia, how to end this epidemic of gun vio- datory gun lock and safe storage re- saries and prayer cards and are minister- where a former city employee killed 12 lence in our state and in our country. I quirements, improved access to mental ing to others and crying with each other. people and wounded four. ask the Lord to enlighten all of our health services and assessment of the "Our community needs to be strong During the summer, Bishop Edward hearts and minds, especially our gov- impact of the portrayal of violence in together," he said before adding: "We K. Braxton of Belleville, Illinois, de- ernment leaders, so that we can have the various media on society. will be strong because God is with us." cried "a crisis of gun violence" in the insight and the courage to move from a "Such regulations are helpful," he A similar sentiment was expressed United States and asked Catholics in his culture of death to a culture of life," the remarked, but said they should go along Aug. 6 at the Knights of Columbus diocese to come together and think of bishop said. with societal efforts to look at the Convention in Minneapolis when the ideas to stop these tragedies from recur- Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago "danger signs in others that can lead to Knights honored Kendrick Castillo, a ring. said the Chicago Archdiocese "mourns the loss of empathy." teen who died in May trying to save the "The crisis is caused, in part, by a and prays" for the victims of the shoot- The bishop also raised the possibil- lives of his classmates during a shooting small number of gun owners who abuse ings in El Paso and Dayton, but it also ity of utilizing the USCCB socially re- at his suburban Denver high school. the firearms that are readily available to stands "with their loved ones demand- sponsible investment guidelines to The group posthumously named the them and by the lack of consensus on ing an end to this deadly status quo." encompass the gun industry. Divestment teen a Knight and presented his parents, the part of the American people and The archbishop, who lives in a city from gun manufacturers "would send a John and Maria Castillo, the Caritas their elected representatives," Bishop that has seen its share of gun violence strong signal," he said. Medal on his behalf. The award, created Braxton said in a message, issued Aug. in recent years, emphasized that an end Dominican Sister Judy Byron, di- in 2013 to recognize extraordinary acts 6, days after the mass shootings in El to tragedies that occurred in Dayton and rector of the Seattle-based Northwest of charity and service, is the second- Paso and Dayton. El Paso "begins with holding account- Coalition for Responsible Investment, highest honor of the Knights of Colum- In his reflection, "A National Crisis: able our elected officials who have done has seen action on this very front. bus. A Pastoral Reflection on the Deadly nothing to address gun violence." "ICCR members did some initial "Kendrick wanted to be a Knight of Epidemic of Gun Violence in the United He also said it requires holding work on guns in the early 2000s, and it's Columbus because he wanted to help States," he asked Catholic leaders — others accountable, "including some been over the past couple of years that not only people, but his community. clergy, religious and lay — to establish leaders who fuel these violent acts by we picked up the issue again," said And in his last moments, Kendrick Cas- opportunities to pray for an end to gun dividing humanity through hateful rhet- Sister Byron, referring to the Interfaith tillo did both," Supreme Knight Carl violence and to search for solutions. He oric. This must stop — along with the Center on Corporate Responsibility, to Anderson told more than 2,000 conven- also acknowledged that answers have silence of our elected officials who have which the Northwest Coalition belongs. tion attendees. been hard to come by, noting that many failed to condemn hate speech, for they Catholics have told him they "feel help- are the very ones who have sworn to less, even paralyzed," to respond to the keep our nation safe." ongoing violence, a frustration that he Pope Francis joined U.S. Catholic said he equally shares. leaders in expressing sorrow for back- Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, to-back mass shootings in Texas and Texas, similarly addressed not only the Ohio Aug. 3 and 4. After the Aug. 4 gun violence but its racist undertones in Angelus in St Peter's Square, he said he a pastoral letter "Night Will Be No wanted to convey his spiritual closeness More" issued Oct. 13. to the victims, the wounded and the The letter began and ended with a families affected by the attacks. He also focus on the Aug. 3 shooting at a Wal- included those who died a weekend ear- mart in El Paso, where authorities be- lier during a shooting at a festival in lieve the gunman targeted Latinos. Gilroy, California. He wrote: "Hate visited our com- "I am spiritually close to the victims munity and Latino blood was spilled in of the episodes of violence that these sacrifice to the false god of white su- days have bloodied Texas, California premacy" and said the shooting ram- and Ohio, in the United States, affecting page was an example of the racism defenseless people," he said. toward Latinos that has reached "a dan- Cardinal DiNardo and Bishop De- gerous fever pitch" in the nation. wane said in their Aug. 4 statement that The bishop also urged authorities to the bishops' conference has long advo- spare the life of accused shooter Patrick cated for responsible gun laws and in- CNS PHOTO | CALLAGHAN O'HARE, REUTERS Crusius, 21, who is said to have left creased resources for addressing the People gather for a Sept. 1, 2019, vigil following an Aug. 31 mass shooting in Odessa, messages on social media saying he was root causes of violence and called upon Texas. Amid the multiple mass shootings that took place in the U.S. during 2019, Catholic carrying out the shooting because of the the president and congress to set aside leaders spoke out against them, urged legislators to make changes to put a stop these ac- "Hispanic invasion of Texas." Texas political interests "and find ways to tions and asked Catholics to pray and work toward possible solutions. Page 12 JANUARY 2020 The West Texas Angelus JANUARY 2020 Page 13 Advent 2019 - St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Ballinger Christmas 2019

St. Patrick Church, Brady

COURTESY PHOTOS

Holy Redeemer Church, Odessa

COURTESY PHOTOS

“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you The faithful of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church in Ballinger commemorated Advent with a who is Messiah and Lord.” candle light Mass and gath- ering in December 2019.

COURTESY PHOTOS Luke 2:11 Page 14 JANUARY 2020 The Angelus

Every January and February, the Guadalupe Radio Abilene, 91.5 FM San Angelo, 1180 AM Midland/Odessa Network sells raffle tickets for a stylish car at $25 each, (English), and 90.9 FM Midland/Odessa (Español). or if you like a good deal, you can get five tickets for Please contact the general manager at $100. This year, the GRN celebrates 20 years of being on [email protected] or 432-638-1150 to purchase the air, therefore they’ll be raffling off a luxurious 2020 your tickets or to help sell tickets at your parish and give Cadillac CT5. your parishioners an opportunity to win. With every purchase you make, you’re making it The final day to purchase tickets for you, your loved possible to share the truth and treasure of our faith and ones and even your priests and deacons will be on Fri- impact many families through the powerful means of day, February 28. You can even purchase online at: Catholic Radio on our local listening areas on 91.7 FM www.GRNonline.com. DIOCESAN BRIEFS Martin Luther ‘Find your Lay Carmelite King Jr. Day greatness’ at ‘Come and Monday, Jan. 20, Odessa event See’ 2020 The Odessa Marriott Hotel and Conference Center will be the site of an upcoming workshop promising to help participants be- come the best versions of them- selves. Presented by Dynamic Catho- lic on Jan. 19, 2020, the event, “Find Your Greatness,” will cover As a part of its series of celebra- “four habits that will transform tions of the life of Dr. Martin Luther your life.” Speaker Allen Hunt King Jr.'s life, the Martin Luther will lead participants in a discus- King Jr. Association of San Angelo sion of how changing habits can presents its annual birthday celebra- change lives. tion: According to promotional ma- Date: Monday, Jan. 20, 2020 terial for the event, “our lives Time: 12:00 noon till 1:15 pm change when our habits change. Place: Stephens Central Library Based on Matthew Kelly’s book Third Floor Meeting Room The Four Signs of a Dynamic The Lay Carmelite Com- 33 W. Beauregard Catholic, this half-day event will munity invites you to a “Come San Angelo, TX 76903 introduce you to four simple and See” every first Saturday Theme: 1963: Turning the Cor- habits that will help you reach at St. Joseph Catholic Church ner your full potential.” (301 W 17th, San Angelo) The event will contain music, The event will be held on Jan. after the 8:00 a.m. Mass. an award-winning video depicting 19, 2020, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 Come and learn about Carmel- the major events of 1963, and a p.m. at the Odessa Marriott Hotel ite spirituality. See if you have challenge to all of us. and Conference Center, 305 E. a calling to the Lay Carmelite Free of charge. 5th Street in Odessa, Texas. Community. All are welcome. No food is involved. Tickets are $25 and can be Phone Fran Havlak at 432- Everyone is invited. purchased at 349-6852 if you have ques- For more information, please DynamicCatholic.com or by cal- tions. contact Rev. Craig Meyers, 325- ling 859-980-7900. 949-1515. The Angelus JANUARY 2020 Page 15

Many Paths to Discipleship Diocesan Day of Reflection February 29, 2020 St. Mary Parish 11 W. Avenue N San Angelo, TX 76903

& '(!        

8:30am Registration – 9:00am- 5:00pm

             !"#    $" %

High School – Juniors and Seniors, College, Young Adults, Married Couples, Singles Page 16 JANUARY 2020 The Angelus Catholic Voices What constitutes fidelity? It’s becoming increasing difficult in ises we have made, and to what’s truest in- other” and not moving away, no matter any today’s world to trust anything or anybody, side us so that our private lives do not belie geographical distance between us. Con- for good reason. There’s little that’s stable, our public persona. versely, when we are living outside of these safe to lean on, trustworthy. We live in a The gift of fidelity is the gift of a life we are not “staying with each other,” even world where everything is in flux, is flux, Father Ron lived honestly. Our private honesty blesses when there is no geographical distance be- where everywhere we see distrust, aban- Rolheiser the whole community, just as our private tween us. Home, as poets have always told doned values, debunked creeds, people dishonesty hurts the whole community. “If us, is a place inside the heart, not a place on moving on from where they used to be, you are here faithfully,” writes Parker a map. And home, as St. Paul tells us, is liv- contradictory information, and dishonesty Palmer, “you bring great blessing.” Con- ing inside the Spirit. and lying as socially and morally accept- versely, writes Rumi, “If you are here un- And it is this, I believe, that ultimately able. There is little left of trust in our world. faithfully, you bring great harm.” To the defines fidelity and perseverance, separates What does this call us to? We’re called izing their lives for them!” So the mission- degree that we are true to the creed we pro- a moral missionary from a moral tourist, to many things, but perhaps nothing more ary asked: “What do I do?” The Elder re- fess, the family, friends, and communities and indicates who’s staying and who’s important than fidelity, to be honest and plied: “Well, don’t make an appointment, we’ve committed to, and to the deepest moving away. persevering in who we are and what we just show up and talk to them! They’ll be moral imperatives within our private soul, For each of us to stay faithful, we need stand for. Here’s an illustration. nice to you. More importantly though, this to that degree we are faithfully with others, each other. It takes more than a village, it One of our Oblate missionaries shares is what you need to do: Stay here for a long and to that degree we are “staying with takes all of us. One person’s fidelity makes this story. He was sent to minister to a time and then they will trust you. They want them for a long time.” The reverse is also everyone’s fidelity easier, just as one per- cluster of small Indigenous communities in to see whether you’re a missionary or a true, to the degree that we are not true to the son’s infidelity makes everyone’s fidelity Northern Canada. The people were very tourist. Why should they trust you? creed we profess, to the promises we’ve more difficult. So, inside a world that’s so nice to him but it didn’t take him long to They’ve been betrayed and lied to by most made to others, and to the honesty innate in highly individualistic and bewilderingly notice something. Basically every time he everyone who’s come through here. Stay our own soul, we are being unfaithful, mov- transient, when it can feel as if everyone is scheduled an appointment the person for a long time and then they’ll trust you.” ing away from others, being the tourist — forever moving away from you, perhaps the wouldn’t show up. At first, he attributed Stay for a long time and then they’ll not the missionary. greatest gift we can give each other is the this to miscommunication, but eventually trust you. What does it mean to stay for a In his Epistle to the Galatians, St. Paul gift of our own fidelity, to stay for a long he realized the pattern was too consistent long time? We can hang around and not tells us what it means to be with each other, time. for this to be an accident and so he ap- necessarily inspire trust, just as we can to live with each other, beyond geographi- - - - proached an Elder in the community for move on to other places and still inspire cal distance and other contingencies in life Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theo- some counsel. “Every time I make an ap- trust. In its essence, staying around for the that separate us. We are with each, faith- logian, teacher, and award-winning author, pointment with someone,” he told the duration, being faithful, has less to do with fully, as brothers and sisters, when we are is President of the Oblate School of Theol- Elder, “they don’t show up.” The Elder never moving from a given location than it living in charity, joy, peace, patience, good- ogy in San Antonio, TX. He can be con- smiled, knowingly, and replied: “Of course, has to do with staying worthy of trust, with ness, long-suffering, mildness, persever- tacted through his website: they won’t show up, the last thing they staying faithful to who we are, to the creed ance, and chastity. When we are living www.ronrolheiser.com. Now on Facebook: need is to have an outsider like you organ- we profess, to the commitments and prom- inside these, then we are “staying with each www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser. ‘The Crown’ and the primacy of grace Like, I daresay, most of the English- They strike Philip, himself an accomplished suffering clergymen, would never in fact an- speaking world, these past couple of years pilot, as models of healthy activity, scientific swer the questions that had welled up in his I’ve been watching episodes of The Crown, Bishop Robert ingenuity, and courage. He begins to feel that own soul. In a remarkably moving scene, the the beautifully filmed, marvelously written Barron somehow associating himself with them and Prince subsequently returns to the circle of program on the life and times of Queen Eliza- their kind of heroism will restore him to psy- priests in crisis, whom he had previously beth II. The series deals with the psychologi- chological health, peace of soul. As the Apollo mocked and chastised, and makes a kind of cal dynamics within the royal family as well Word on Fire 11 mission is underway, Philip is invited to confession — and then humbly asks for their as with the cultural changes and political chal- Ministries visit a group of Anglican clergymen, who are help. lenges that the Queen has faced in the course experiencing burnout and depression in their There is so much more going on here than of her long reign. But what has been, at least ministry. Joining their circle of discussion, he mere psychological insight or development— to me, most surprising has been the insightful hears tales of woe, hopelessness, and unreal- and God bless the writers of The Crown for and sympathetic way in which it has ad- When Philip comes to see her, it seems ized dreams. Showing not an ounce of sympa- presenting it. Throughout this episode, Prince dressed issues of faith. Especially in the first for the first time in quite a while, she inquires thy, he launches into a purely Pelagian Philip was standing on one of the great fault season, we saw the fairly frequent conflicts as to the Prince’s well-being. At the end of exhortation, urging these sad men to be like lines in Christianity — namely, the divide be- between Elizabeth’s devotion to her family their brief conversation, she wonders about his “Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins,” finding tween auto-salvation and salvation through and her role as head of the Church of England. faith. After he gives a diffident response, she their purpose through achievement and self- grace. In referring above to the “Pelagian” In season two, there was a deeply affecting looks at him and says, “You must find your determination and to stop wasting their time quality of his speech to the priests, I was refer- episode on the visit of Billy Graham to the faith; it will help you.” But then, realizing im- with morbid introspection. To the utter con- encing the fifth-century theologian Pelagius, UK in the mid-fifties. We saw that, despite ret- mediately the inadequacy of her characteriza- sternation of these suffering clergymen, the who opined that we can save ourselves icence regarding the American evangelist on tion, she looks wistfully into the middle Prince then leaves their company in a huff of through a heroic exercise of the free will. St. the part of some in the British establishment, distance and insists, “No, it doesn’t just help. pitiless condescension. Augustine spent the last years of his life op- the Queen found his preaching illuminating It’s everything.” I cannot think of a better way After the moon landing, the Apollo astro- posing Pelagianism and insisting that peace of and uplifting. to express the all-determining, all-embracing nauts pay a formal visit to Buckingham Palace soul, happiness, salvation — call it what you But in season three, the religious theme quality of authentic religious belief. Though and, more than a little starstruck, the Prince want — comes not through self-striving but has emerged with particular and surprising modern etiquette dictates that faith be one fea- asks to see them privately. Face to face with precisely through a surrender that takes place clarity, especially in connection with the figure ture of a person’s private life, the great masters his heroes, he asks not about the technicalities at the limit of all possible achievement. It who, for my money, is the most fascinating of the spiritual tradition know that such a com- of flying, but about meaning, vision, and what comes, as Prince Philip rather slowly and supporting character in the series — namely, partmentalized religion is no religion at all. It’s they learned—in the deepest sense of that painfully realized, not through strenuous ef- Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Alice. An hei- everything, or it’s a waste of time. term—when they were on the moon. Surely fort, but as his mother clearly knew, through ress related to most of the royal families of Now, two episodes later, the series flashes these paragons of achievement will give him faith — a surrender to what can only be called Europe, a first-class eccentric (possibly forward a few years to 1969. Princess Alice what he wants. Instead, they tell Philip that grace. The primacy of grace, it has been schizophrenic), a mystic, and toward the end has just died, and her son, the Prince, finds they just didn’t have time to muse on such argued, in the central teaching of the Bible. of her life, a Greek Orthodox nun dedicated to himself in a midlife funk: depressed, con- matters—at which point they commence, with How wonderful that it’s also a key lesson in an the poor, Alice could certainly be the star of vinced that his royal activities are trivial, childlike enthusiasm, to inquire about the episode of one of the most popular television her own feature film. After political unrest in utterly dismissive of religion. At the same perks and privileges of the royal life. With programs of our time. Greece, the princess-nun is spirited to Buck- time, he’s preoccupied with the exploits of the that, something shifted in the Prince—some- - - - ingham Palace for her own safety, and there American Apollo astronauts — Neil Arm- thing gave way. He seemed to realize that his Bishop Robert Barron is an auxiliary she beguiles and/or confounds most of those strong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins — program of vigorous activity and self-asser- bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and around her. making their way that summer to the moon. tion, which he had boldly advocated to the the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries. The Angelus JANUARY 2020 Page 17 Voces Catolicas La esperanza de un ‘The Crown’ y el primado de la gracia Me atrevo a decir que, como la mayor parte niño para el 2020 del mundo angloparlante, estos dos últimos años he estado viendo episodios de The Crown, el pro- Sentado a la mesa con mis grama maravillosamente filmado y escrito sobre hijos de 6 y 8 años hablamos Hosffman Obispo Robert Barron la vida y los tiempos de la reina Isabel II. La sobre el colegio, juegos, amigos y Ospino serie trata de la dinámica psicológica de la fam- libros. Recientemente nuestra Catholic News ilia real, así como de los cambios culturales y los Word on Fire Ministries conversación se centró en el Service retos políticos a los que se ha enfrentado la reina nuevo año. en el transcurso de su largo reinado. Pero lo que Mi hija preguntó, "¿qué sig- ha sido, al menos para mí, lo más sorprendente nifica comenzar un nuevo año?" Caminando ha sido la manera perspicaz y comprensiva en Mi hijo respondió rápidamente Juntos que ha abordado las cuestiones de la fe. Especial- traje. Después de los disturbios políticos en Gre- que un nuevo año es una ocasión mente en la primera temporada, vimos los con- cia, la princesa monja es llevada al Palacio de para pensar en la esperanza y flictos bastante frecuentes entre la devoción de Buckingham por su propia seguridad, y allí se- soñar, una oportunidad para ser el individualismo ambicioso que Isabel a su familia y su papel como cabeza de la duce y/o confunde a la mayoría de los que la ro- mejores. Con toda seguridad es- ignora los lamentos de los demás Iglesia de Inglaterra. En la segunda temporada, dean. cuchó esto de alguna de sus y los lamentos del orden creado hubo un episodio profundamente conmovedor de Cuando Felipe viene a verla, parece que, por maestras en la escuela católica en que está siendo expoliado en la visita de Billy Graham al Reino Unido a medi- primera vez en mucho tiempo, ella indaga al donde estudian. favor de ganancias rápidas mien- ados de los años cincuenta. Vimos que, a pesar de príncipe sobre su bienestar. Al final de su breve "¿Qué es esperanza?", pre- tras que ponemos en riesgo el fu- la reticencia respecto al evangelista americano conversación, ella le pregunta sobre su fe. Des- guntó mi hija. Como teólogo turo de las siguientes por parte de algunos en el establishment britán- pués de que él le da una respuesta tímida, ella lo asumí que ésta era mi oportuni- generaciones. ico, la reina encontró su predicación iluminadora mira y le dice: “Debes encontrar tu fe; te ayu- dad para enseñar a mis hijos una Después de la conversación y edificante. dará”. Pero entonces, al darse cuenta inmediata- lección, quizás retomando lo que con mis hijos, leo las noticias. Pero en la tercera temporada, el tema reli- mente de lo inadecuado de su caracterización, le enseño a mis estudiantes de Los Estados Unidos de América gioso ha surgido con particular y sorprendente mira con nostalgia a la distancia e insiste: “No, postgrado y algunas ideas de los comienzan el año 2020 con aflic- claridad, especialmente en relación con la figura no sólo ayuda. Es todo”. No puedo pensar en una grandes pensadores que han es- ción: una sociedad tristemente di- que, a mi juicio, es el personaje secundario más mejor manera de expresar la cualidad deter- crito sobre el tema. vidida que parece haber perdido fascinante de la serie, a saber, la madre del prín- minante y global de la auténtica fe. Aunque la Mi hijo me ganó una vez más el sentido del bien común; un cipe Felipe, la princesa Alicia. Heredera de la etiqueta moderna dicta que la fe sea una caracte- en responder. "Bueno … esper- presidente formalmente acusado mayoría de las familias reales de Europa, excén- rística de la vida privada de una persona, los anza es saber que el mundo de conductas que le pueden llevar trica (posiblemente esquizofrénica) de primera grandes maestros de la tradición espiritual saben puede ser mejor para ti y para los a la destitución; instituciones que clase, mística y, hacia el final de su vida, monja que una religión tan compartimentada no es una demás. Aun cuando las cosas no pierden su credibilidad; líderes ortodoxa griega dedicada a los pobres, Alicia están bien, no tiene que ser así. mezquinos que legislan casi que podría ser la protagonista de su propio largome- Mira BARRON, Página 22 Yo quiero vivir 100 años para impunemente bajo el manto de la hacer que el mundo sea un mejor democracia contra grupos y co- lugar", dijo. munidades a las que debiesen ¡Perfecto! Sus palabras re- estar sirviendo; niños encarcela- ¿Qué constituye la fidelidad? sumen la esencia de la esperanza dos en prisiones que hacen cada cristiana de manera simple y pro- vez más ricos a unos cuantos; los En el mundo de hoy, se está poniendo más funda. Al escucharlo, mi hija re- pobres perdiendo los pocos bene- difícil confiar en algo o alguien, por alguna spondió, "¡Yo también! Quiero ficios sociales que hacen que sus buena razón. Hay poco que sea estable, seguro en vivir 100 años para hacer que el vidas sean llevaderas; nuevas que apoyarse, digno de confianza. Vivimos en un mundo sea un mejor lugar". revelaciones de casos de abuso mundo donde todo está en cambio, es cambio, Padre Ron Rolheiser En las palabras sencillas de sexual de niños por parte del donde por todas partes vemos recelo, valores un niño escucho con voz decisiva clero y el lamentable manejo ad- abandonados, credos desbaratados, gente trasla- tres convicciones cristianas que ministrativo asociado con estos dándose de donde solía estar, información contra- vale la penar recordar al comen- casos, etc. dictoria, y falta de honradez y mentira como zar un nuevo año. Decido parar. Lo que escucho social y moralmente aceptables. Queda poca con- Primero, siempre hay espacio en la mesa mientras ceno no co- fianza en nuestro mundo. para un mañana resplandeciente. incide con lo que leo en las noti- ¿A qué nos llama esto? Nos llama a muchas aquí durante largo tiempo y entonces confiarán Esto es lo que Dios reveló por cias. ¿Son estos universos cosas, pero quizás nada más importante que la en ti. Quieren comprobar si tú eres un misionero medio de Jesucristo. La muerte alternativos? Quizás de eso es lo fidelidad, ser honrados y perseverantes en qui- o un turista. ¿Por qué deberían confiar en ti? Han no tiene la última palabra; el mal que se trata la esperanza cristiana. enes somos y en lo que representamos. He aquí sido traicionados y engañados por la mayoría de será desenmascarado; la deses- Una alternativa. La alternativa de una ilustración. los que han venido por aquí. Quédate durante peranza es el lote de quienes son Dios. No solo una posibilidad, Uno de nuestros Misioneros Oblatos cuenta largo tiempo y entonces confiarán en ti”. incapaces de reconocer que la sino también una vocación. esta historia. Fue enviado a ejercer el ministerio Quédate durante largo tiempo y entonces verdad y la justicia brillarán al Como católicos y ciudadanos en un grupo de pequeñas comunidades indígenas confiarán en ti. ¿Qué significa quedarse durante final de todo. de esta nación necesitamos acep- en el norte de Canadá. La gente era muy buena largo tiempo? Podemos estar dando vueltas y no Segundo, el pecado no es el tar el desafío de soñar con esper- con él pero no pasó mucho tiempo hasta que se necesariamente inspirar confianza, así como modo natural de la existencia hu- anza. Sí, soñar … una y otra vez. dio cuenta de algo. Básicamente, cada vez que podemos marcharnos a otros lugares y aún inspi- mana. No fuimos creados para No podemos dejar de soñar. señalaba una cita, la persona no comparecía. Al rar confianza. En su esencia, quedarse durante vivir en un mundo de mentiras, o Tenemos que soñar inspirados en principio, lo atribuyó a error de comunicación, tiempo, siendo fiel, tiene menos que ver con no en un materialismo sin sentido, o la verdad y la belleza del Evan- pero al fin se dio cuenta de que el medio usado marcharse nunca de una lugar determinado que sumidos en ideologías que nos gelio. Tenemos que hacer esto si- era demasiado consistente para que esto fuera un lo que tiene que ver con quedarse siendo digno hacen menos humanos. Cuando guiendo los pasos de nuestros accidente, y así que se acercó a un anciano de la de confianza, con permanecer fiel a quienes el sufrimiento de nuestro prójimo niños. comunidad a pedir consejo. “Cada vez que hago somos, al credo que profesamos, a los compro- nos confronta, especialmente Porque la esperanza es con- una cita con alguien” -dijo al anciano- “se que- misos y promesas que hemos hecho y a lo que es aquel de quien es más vulnerable, tagiosa, quiero soñar con mis dan sin venir”. El anciano sonrió, a sabiendas de más verdadero en nosotros, de modo que nuestras no podemos permanecer pasivos. hijos y decir, "¡Yo también! Qui- eso, y respondió: “¡Por supuesto, no se presenta- vidas privadas no desmientan nuestra persona Tercero, todos tenemos la re- ero vivir 100 años para hacer que rán; lo último que necesitan es tener a un for- pública. sponsabilidad común de hacer el mundo sea un mejor lugar". astero como tú organizándoles sus vidas!”. El don de la fidelidad es el don de una vida que el mundo sea un mejor lugar Feliz 2020. Entonces el misionero preguntó: “¿Qué hago?”. vivida honradamente. Nuestra honradez privada para nosotros y para los demás. - - - El anciano respondió: “¡Bueno, no hagas una es una bendición para la comunidad entera, de Saber que somos parte de un todo Ospino es profesor de teolo- cita, simplemente preséntate y habla con ellos! igual modo que nuestra falta de honradez privada más grande que nosotros mismos gía y educación religiosa en Bos- Ellos serán amables contigo. Aunque, más impor- es el mejor antídoto para resistir ton College. tante, esto es lo que necesitas hacer: Quédate Mira ROLHEISER, Página 23 Page 18 JANUARY 2020 The Angelus Catholic Voices The foxes The dollars and sense of and the henhouse our Catholic tithing My kids find it hilarious when my wife Probably the biggest bioethics story of pulls out her checkbook — banking's 2019 involved Dr. Jankui He (known to his equivalent of a typewriter. associates as “JK”), a Chinese scientist who Father Tad But we still write checks every week to Greg Erlandson employed a new technology called Catholic News Service CRISPR/Cas9 to produce the world’s first Pacholczyk put in our offering envelope for church. I gene-edited babies. JK made genetic know this is old school. More and more changes to two little girls, Lulu and Nana, Making Sense of people are going direct deposit, which churches like because it guarantees a de- Amid the Fray when they were early-stage embryos, at- Bioethics tempting to modify a receptor for HIV to pendable flow of revenue, whether the confer resistance to a possible future infec- faithful skip that week or month or visit tion from the virus. He publicly announced another parish. the birth of the girls at an international sci- give increasingly systematic cover for an Out of sight, out of mind may not al- But each Sunday, when you and I drop entific conference near the end of 2018, and ever-expanding range of unethical research ways be a good thing, however. Our habit our envelopes in the basket, we are bring- as the news rapidly spread, many scientists practices. of putting the envelope in the basket was ing our gifts as well. The idea of taking and commentators expressed shock and dis- Whether it’s giving a green light to use confirmed when we had children. We what we have, whether the widow's mite or may over his “designer baby” experiments. stem cells derived from human embryos or wanted them to see our offertory gift every the first fruits of the harvest, to support the Chinese provincial authorities quickly tissues from intentionally aborted fetuses week. We got kids' envelopes for them, of church and its works is a centerpiece of the became aware of his activities as well, and for research, or to employ cloning technol- course, but they were left at home as often Christian tradition. he was placed under house arrest upon his ogy to produce new human life, or to man- as not. So we always made sure that one of Unfortunately, Catholics today lean to- return from the conference. In the closing ufacture three parent embryos, many them got to put Mom and Dad's envelope ward the widow's mite. We are cheap- days of 2019, a secret trial was held, and he biomedical researchers have come to rely so in the basket when the ushers came round. skates, giving less money to support our was sentenced to three years in prison for much on ethical rubber stamps that they just It was a visual lesson in stewardship, a church than any other major religious de- producing the CRISPR babies. The trial venture ahead, confident that they won’t be visible sign of our commitment to support nomination. Forget tithing 10%. On aver- proceedings concluded that JK had "rashly “fenced in” by ethical considerations. the church. age, we plunk 10 bucks a week into the applied gene editing technology to human JK’s gene-editing experiments and I was thinking about all of this for two basket. And this is in the good times. Since assisted reproductive medicine." China’s strong reaction have at least man- reasons. The first is the feast of Epiphany the 2008 Great Recession, many parishes The verdict reached by the Chinese aged to bring the ethical concerns momen- and the story of the Magi bringing gifts of and dioceses have struggled, and anecdotal court raises complex questions that must be tarily back into the spotlight. “I think a jail gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ evidence suggests that numbers have sunk confronted: What does it mean to “rashly sentence is the proper punishment for him,” Child. In some communities today, it is a since the 2018 sex abuse scandals hit the apply” a new technology like human gene said Wang Yuedan, a professor of immunol- tradition to slip dollar bills under the headlines. editing? Who should determine if a particu- ogy at Peking University in comments he manger in the church's nativity set, a literal lar use is “rash” or “reasonable”? shared with the New York Times. “It makes gift to the Christ Child. See ERLANDSON, Page 23 Dr. Rita Vassena, a member of the Ex- clear our stance on the gene editing of hu- ecutive Committee of the European Society mans — that we are opposed to it… signal- of Human Reproduction and Embryology, ing that there is a bottom line that cannot be framed the ethical concerns around JK’s broken.” A child's hope for 2020 case this way: "As the current scientific Yet this is precisely the difficulty in bio- consensus indicates, the use of medicine today: namely, that there are few, Sitting at the dinner table with my chil- CRISPR/Cas9 in human embryos destined if any, “bottom lines” when it comes to re- dren, 6 and 8, we talk about school, games, to give rise to a pregnancy is, at this stage, search ethics. The lines have become ex- friends and books. Recently, the conver- Hosffman unjustified." ceedingly flexible, if the price is right or if a sation focused on the new year. Ospino She couches her ethical analysis, as particular political administration is ame- My daughter asked, "What does it Catholic News Service many scientists do, in terms of the “current nable to re-drawing them. mean to start a new year?" My son quickly scientific consensus." But such “consensus” While there isn’t any perfect solution to replied that a new year is an opportunity to is an extremely malleable concept. It also ensure scientists never engage in unethical hope and dream, a chance to be better. I bet Journeying conveniently implies that scientists them- research — and the involvement of com- he heard that from one of his teachers at Together selves can set up their own ethical rules and munist secret courts is certainly far from the Catholic school they attend. provide regulatory oversight for scientific ideal — we clearly need to promote, fund "What's hope?" my daughter asked. As research, so that they, in effect, become the and regulate modern biomedical research in a theologian, I felt that this was my oppor- Two, sin is not the status quo of human foxes guarding the henhouse. The saga that a way that prioritizes ethics over expe- tunity to teach my children a lesson, per- existence. We were not created to live in a has unfolded during the last year surround- diency. haps drawing from what I teach my world of lies, or crass materialism, or sub- ing the gene-editing experiments of JK has This means establishing significant graduate students and some of the great sumed in ideologies that make us less demonstrated, if nothing else, how self- sanctions and funding restrictions when eth- minds who have written about the topic. human. When confronting the suffering of serving and ineffective a community of ical violations by researchers occur. It also My son beat me again. "Well ... hope is our neighbor, especially those most vulner- scientists can be as they try to exercise the means including alternative viewpoints on when you know that the world can be able, we must not remain unmoved. role of lawyer, judge and jury of their own ethics review panels, especially those in- better for you and others. Even when Three, we all have a shared respon- ethical standards. formed by longstanding religious and philo- things are bad, it doesn't have to be that sibility to make the world a good place for Even though we should be justifiably sophical traditions, like that of the Catholic way. I want to live more than 100 years to us and for others. Knowing ourselves part alarmed at Chinese courts meting out jail Church, which offer the important perspec- make the world better," he said. of a larger whole is the antidote to greedy time in secret to scientific researchers, the tive that certain ethical lines are not able to Perfect! He captured the essence of individualism that ignores the cries of fact remains that it was a government-con- be moved or redrawn. This kind of input Christian hope in simple, yet profound others and the cries of the created order trolled court that finally put some teeth into can contribute much to the kinds of discus- ethical regulations. In the West, to have sions that need to occur, and can afford an words. After listening, my daughter re- being pillaged for immediate gain while governments, courts or major institutions important counterbalance to any foxes who sponded, "Me too! I want to live more than risking the future of the next generations. take any action whatsoever in a case like desire to keep guard over the ethical hen- 100 years to make the world better." After the conversation with my chil- JK’s seems at present inconceivable. In- house. In the simple words of a child, I hear dren, I browse the news. The United States stead, in American and European universi- - - - loud echoes of three core Christian convic- of America begins the year 2020 in pain: a ties and industrial settings, we often Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned tions that are worth remembering as we sadly divided society that seems to have encounter feeble, meandering discussions his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and start a new year. lost its sense of the common good; an im- about research ethics, along with a prolifer- did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a One, there is always room for a bright peached president; institutions losing cred- ation of rubber-stamping “ethics review priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and tomorrow. This is what God revealed in ibility; callous leaders legislating, almost panels.” These often consist of hand-picked serves as the Director of Education at The Jesus Christ. Death does not have the last with impunity and under the guise of de- members devoid of strong ethical or reli- National Catholic Bioethics Center in Phil- word; evil will be unmasked; despair is the mocracy, against the good of groups and gious training and viewpoints. Such panels adelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org. lot of those unable to acknowledge that truth and justice in the end will shine. See HOPE, Page 23 The Angelus JANUARY 2020 Page 19 Catholic Voices A thrill of hope The arena was perfectly silent. Twenty thousand more clearly. young people knelt at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana- I didn't see the disaffiliation crisis we worry about polis as the Eucharist was exposed in a monstrance on during NCYC: I saw, firsthand, hope for the future of the altar in the center of a stage on the 50-yard line of Katie Prejean McGrady our church. an NFL football field during the National Catholic Catholic News Service The young people at NCYC, the ones I saw fill Youth Conference. workshop rooms, share meals, dance, sing and fer- A magnetic energy pulsed through the quiet. It Window Seat Wisdom vently pray — they are the ones who will solve the was a silence filled with expectant hope, as if the problem of disaffiliation, not because they have a quiet in that place would lead to a vibrant and vocal slick film with glitzy editing or because they have a renewal in a noisy world. well-produced podcast with thousands of downloads, It was a joyful silence, prompted by the encourag- but because they're simply being themselves: young ing words of Pope Francis spoken via video the night close as they could get, to be a little bit closer to the people who have big questions, are searching for big before. It was a healing silence, inspired by the chal- altar ... closer to Jesus ... closer to the one they des- answers, and who are unafraid to rush forward to be lenging words of Immaculee Ilibigiza's powerful tes- perately need. close to Jesus and bring their friends along too. timony shared that morning. It was a contemplative That joyful, healing, contemplative silence be- The weary world rejoices as Christmas ap- silence, as the young people pondered the insightful came a joyful, healing, contemplative and vibrant proaches; Jesus' birth gives us the thrill of hope and words of Mark Hart. It was a silence building to wor- worship, as 20,000 voices continued to sing "Lord, I worth to our souls. ship, as Village Lights began leading the crowd in Need You," and then began softly singing, "Here I But my weary soul, worried mind and heavy heart song and praise. am, Lord ... Is it I, Lord? I have heard you, calling in was thrilled in late November when I saw the hope of It took everything in me to not to cry as I listened the night." our church rush to the 50-yard line to be close to to the deafening silence and then heard voices begin For all the problems we face in the church — the Jesus in the Eucharist. Those young people were my to raise in praise as we knelt before the Eucharist and stats showing us that more than 34% of Generation Z thrill of hope, the ones who will help this weary sang "Lord, I Need You." has no religious affiliation and that teenagers are world soon rejoice. A few verses in, I saw her. A young girl was twice as likely as baby boomers to say they're atheists - - - kneeling on the floor, close to the stage, her arms — what I witnessed in that stadium on a Friday night Katie Prejean McGrady is an international Cath- lifted as she stared up at Jesus. Then I saw him, a in November wasn't a problem. olic speaker and author. She is project manager of young man, walking to the other side of the stage, No, it was a solution. It was a visible witness to Ave Explores from Ave Maria Press and logs over kneeling down and staring straight at the monstrance. the power of the on-fire, faith-filled, passionate, zeal- 100,000 travel miles a year speaking to audiences of Then they all came: The floodgates opened and ous, well-formed, in-love-with-Jesus young people all ages and sizes. She has her degree in theology hundreds of teenagers poured from their seats and who are unafraid to run to the altar to be close to the from the University of Dallas and lives with her hus- began filling the floor of the stadium, kneeling as Lord because they hear his voice and want to hear it band and daughter in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Make 2020 a year of forgiveness Cartoon Corner As we trudge into 2020, a year with a patronizing air, admire those that promises to be just as rancor- Effie who were magnanimous even as ous politically as the year we are Caldarola they suffer. Justice and failures of ending, I find myself thinking about Catholic News the criminal justice system should forgiveness. Service be the focus, they said, not the com- Not forgiveness as a meek act passion evinced by these victims. of acquiescing to evil, which is I have enjoyed white privilege what our national climate might For the all my life, so I say with humility persuade us to believe. But forgive- Journey and a little trepidation that I believe ness as a deep spiritual practice that the example set in these two in- does not stand in the way of a con- stances is not just one we should tinuing pursuit of justice. brother of murder victim Botham admire, but one that we are called Two extraordinary examples of Jean, forgave and asked to hug his to emulate. forgiveness in the past decade in the brother's killer. Amber Guyger was It strikes me that the mercy dis- U.S. both come to us from the Afri- the off-duty white police officer played here is an example of true can American community. who testified she mistakenly and radical Christianity, and that The first occurred in 2015, thought she was walking into her whatever is going on in the when young white supremacist Dy- apartment when she confronted the churches in which these people of lann Roof walked casually into a African American Jean, sitting in forgiveness worship is something prayer meeting in the basement of his own apartment. we may sometimes miss in our Emanuel African Methodist Episco- Trained to shoot for the heart, own. How forgiving, I wonder, pal Church. The church, referred to she killed him on the spot. It was would I be in such circumstances? as Mother Emanuel, was a land- revealed that she had racist social During the civil rights move- mark in Charleston, South Carolina. media posts, and many criticized ment of the 1960s, the Catholic Roof was welcomed and sat the 10-year sentence she received Church was at the forefront. Today, with the group as they examined as too short. we seem to have a more cautious Scripture. Then he took out a gun Nevertheless, Brandt Jean said, and insular view of political life. and murdered nine people, tearing "If you are truly sorry ... I forgive Sometimes, in our churches, we families apart and terrorizing survi- you." With the judge's permission, show little fervor for justice, for lit- vors. the two embraced in the courtroom. tle kids brutally separated from Two days later, members of the Like many, I was in tears as I their parents at our border, for a congregation attending a court hear- watched the scene on television. criminal justice system inclined to ing offered him forgiveness. Not Both examples of forgiveness inequity. everyone could go that far. Not ev- drew criticism. Some felt that the On the cross, Jesus, unjustly eryone was ready. But the consen- mercy displayed undercut the fact condemned to capital punishment sus was that forgiveness was the that so much injustice and prejudice by the authorities, forgave. The pur- path that Jesus would walk. It was a still pervades America's treatment suit of justice, the practice of for- remarkable display of grace. of black Americans. giving our enemies: These aren't Fast forward to 2019 and a sim- It was easy for whites to be opposing forces. They are an inte- ilar courtroom drama unfolded touched by the gestures, easy for gral part of the radical faith to when Brandt Jean, the 18-year-old those who enjoy white privilege to, which Jesus calls us. Page 20 JANUARY 2020 The Angelus All Christians are called to discipleship

By Robert V. Rodriguez lenge men to be better husbands, fathers, Pilgrim Center of Hope leaders and friends. Our presenters for 2020 include Father Cedric Pisegna, C.P. Writer and philosopher G.K. Chester- — Internationally known author, TV & son once said, “We men and women are Radio Host, and presenter of over 475 all in the same boat, upon a stormy sea. parish missions across the U.S.; Father We owe to each other a terrible and tragic Clay Hunt III — the Motorcycle Priest loyalty.” who ministers to all the incarcerated of As the Chairperson for the upcoming Central Texas; Apologist Ken Hensley — 2020 Catholic Men’s Conference (pre- frequent presenter on EWTN; and Arch- sented by Pilgrim Center of Hope), which bishop of San Antonio Gustavo Garcia- takes place on Saturday, March 28 in San Siller, MSpS, who will begin the day by Antonio, not only do I agree with Ches- celebrating Mass. terson, but I believe we are all called to By coming together as a band of do something about it. Too many of us as Christian brothers we will encourage and Christians have forgotten that our primary inspire one another to grow spiritually call is to discipleship, but instead we have and go from good to great in our faith settled into doing the bare minimum with lives. no call, risk, or challenge. If you are reading this, take this as We need to support one another! Pope both an invitation to attend and a plea for Francis tells us, “We should not simply you to bring other men who, like the remain in our own secure world, that of Prodigal Son, are wanting to return to the 99 sheep who never strayed from the God and have an encounter with Jesus fold, but we should go out, with Christ, in Christ. Early-bird registration has just search of the one lost sheep, however far opened! Groups, Fathers & Sons, ACTS it may have wandered.” Teams & Retreatants, Cursillistas, KOC On the occasion of the 15th anniver- Councils, and parish men’s groups are en- sary of the Catholic Men’s Conference couraged to wear your t-shirts as a show (CMC) of San Antonio, I am challenging of unity and support for one another. every man across the great state of Texas CMC is open to men of all faiths. to converge on San Antonio on March 28 Whatever your state in life, it is never too for what will be a practical, inspiring, and late to begin anew in Christ. powerful day of spiritual renewal. Fourteen years ago, when CMC was The bible tells us that, “as iron established, we chose as our theme Mark sharpens iron, so one man sharpens 10: 51 – “Master, I want to see,” because another” (Prv 27: 17). it resonated with lots of men who found Combine that with the two Great themselves feeling dissatisfied with life Commandments of loving God above all despite having achieved the dreams of When a man has these transfor- else and loving your neighbor and you see having a successful career, a beautiful mational experiences, his faith is deep- - - - why I believe that it is imperative for us family, and being a productive member of ened, and he develops a stronger Robert V. Rodriguez is the public re- to lift each other up and do everything society. commitment to Christ. This is when a lations and outreach assistant staff per- possible to be a light to those who are It was St. Augustine who said, “our man is able to touch others in profound son at Pilgrim Center of Hope struggling with life’s pressures, who have heart is restless, until it rests in you ways and do what St. Francis of Assisi (www.pilgrimcenterofhope.org), an lost their way, and who have lost all hope. (God).” Attending the 2020 Catholic encouraged: “Preach Christ at all times, if evangelization ministry based in San An- Each year, the Catholic Men’s Con- Men’s Conference will provide all men an necessary use words.” tonio. He writes about the Catholic faith ference (CMC) of San Antonio features opportunity to encounter Jesus and be re- Register now at CMCSanAntonio.com for TV, radio, blogs, print and social dynamic speakers who educate and chal- newed, healed, and transformed. or call 210-521-3377. media. Presidente mexicano defiende Mexican pres: church-state separación entre la iglesia y el estado separation should be left alone Por David Agren que el gobierno y asociaciones religiosas formen alian- By David Agren Catholic News Service Catholic News Service zas y concedan autorizaciones a capellanes para servir abiertamente en bases militares y con fuerzas de seguri- CIUDAD DE MÉXICO (CNS) — El presidente dad. MEXICO CITY (CNS) — Mexican President Andres Ma- mexicano Andrés Manuel López Obrador, ha expresado La ley también requeriría que representantes de la nuel Lopez Obrador has expressed disapproval of a proposal that su desaprobación ante una propuesta que eliminaría al- iglesia reporten inmediatamente a las autoridades al would scrap some of the restrictions separating church and state, gunas de las restricciones que separan a la iglesia del conocer de conducta impropia. De este modo podría but also could have broken the seal of confession. estado, pero que también le pondría fin al secreto de potencialmente violarse el secreto de confesión --dijo "I think it's a subject that shouldn't be touched," Lopez Obra- confesión. Rodolfo Soriano-Núñez, un sociólogo que estudia la dor said at a Dec. 18 news conference. "It's been resolved for "Creo que es un tema que no debe ser tocado", dijo Iglesia Católica. more than a century and a half," he added. "The majority of Mex- López Obrador el 18 de diciembre en una conferencia El clero mexicano no ha dicho nada ante la pro- icans are in agreement with the lay state prevailing, what the con- de prensa. puesta de ley, aunque el cardenal Carlos Aguiar Retes stitution establishes." "Ha sido acordado hace más de un siglo y medio", de Ciudad de México se pronunció en apoyo al pres- Controversy erupted in Mexico after a senator with the pres- agregó. "La mayoría de los mexicanos están de acuerdo idente. ident's Morena party introduced a law that would have allowed en que prevalezca el estado laico que establece la con- El estado mexicano por largo tiempo ha defendido for an expansion of privileges provided to religious organizations. stitución". la estricta separación de la iglesia y del estado. México The expanded privileges would have included an ability to La controversia surgió en México después de que estableció relaciones con el Vaticano en 1992 y eliminó own and operate radio and TV stations, provide protections for un senador del partido Morena del presidente presentara muchas restricciones a organizaciones religiosas. conscientious objections, allow the government and religious as- un proyecto de ley que permitiría una expansión de los Esta propuesta emerge cuando López Obrador sociations to forge partnerships and grant permission for chap- privilegios otorgados a las organizaciones religiosas. busca relaciones más estrechas con algunas congrega- lains to operate openly on military bases and with security forces. Los privilegios ampliados incluirían la capacidad ciones evangélicas e inclusive las utilizó para que The law also would have required church officials to immedi- de poseer y operar estaciones de radio y TV, brindar ayuden a distribuir un libro publicado por el gobierno ately report any knowledge of wrongdoing to the authorities. This protecciones a las objeciones de conciencia, permitir sobre moral y ciudadanía a través de sus iglesias. could potentially break the seal of confession, said Rodolfo Sori- ano-Nunez, a sociologist who studies the Catholic Church. The Angelus JANUARY 2020 Page 21 Farnan declared in a Franciscan University Faith and KNICKERBOCKERS Reason Forum aired on EWTN (7-7-19). New College of Consultors No one personifies this truth more completely Continued from Page 3 In order to promote the pastoral good of the people of God, the than Mattie J. T. Stepanek (1990-2004), a devout bishop of every diocese appoints some priests from among the members enced by a disabled individual and their family: the Catholic. He was born with a rare disorder, dysau- of the Presbyteral Council who constitute a College of Consultors. The personal cost of being "different;" complex and on- tonomic mitochondrial myopathy, from which his consultative role of the College of Consultors is not intended to supplant going health issues that require surgery and other in- three siblings died and from which his mother also that of the Presbyteral Council, but there are certain functions of the col- terventions, including life-long therapies; a shorter suffers. In his thirteen short years, he advocated for lege as defined by Canon Law. These include, for example, electing a di- life expectancy; emotional and financial burdens; peace. He wanted to be remembered not as someone ocesan administrator within 8 days of a vacant see and being consulted education and availability of work; finding a suitable disabled who was dependent on a breathing tube and by the bishop prior to naming a finance officer, prior to important acts of mate, marriage, and children; among many other confined to a wheelchair but as "a poet, a peace- administration, prior to acts of extraordinary administration, and prior to concerns. maker, and a philosopher who played." He published significant acts of alienation of diocesan property. The USCCB, in their Pastoral Statement on Per- seven best-selling books of poetry and peace essays A priest appointed to the College of Consultors continues as a sons with Disabilities, encourages pastors and their and was a motivational speaker. He was the lyricist member of the college for a five-year term, even if his term as a member parishes to work "for a deeper understanding of both for Music Through Heartsongs, a Sony album. of the Presbyteral Council comes to an end before the end of the five- the pain and the potential" of persons with disabil- Fullness of life is not determined by disability or year term of the college. ities, "realizing the unique gifts individuals with dis- length of years. The focus should be on the generous Bishop Michael Sis has appointed the following members of the abilities have to offer the Church, [addressing] the newly constituted college of consultors for a five-year term beginning on sharing of gifts in the midst of hardship and struggle January 1, 2020: Very Rev. Santiago Udayar (chairman); Rev. Patrick need for their integration into the Christian com- — a sign to all of the power of God's mercy, grace, Akpanobong; Rev. Felix Archibong; Rev. Albert Ezeanya; Rev. Anthony munity and their fuller participation in its life," and and love. Seeing and relating to persons with disabil- Franco; Rev. Bala Anthony Govindu; Rev. Msgr. Fred Nawarskas; Rev. defending their rights, while meeting their needs. ities should reflect to us our disabilities as fallen Reggie Odima; Rev. Ryan Rojo; and Rev. Emilio Sosa. The statement includes this reference to Pope John creatures. We avail ourselves of the sacraments of XXIII's encyclical Pacem in Terris, in which he the Church, especially frequent Eucharist, so we can writes of the innate dignity of each person: "In an or- "take [our] share of suffering for the gospel in the dered and productive community, it is a fundamental power of God" (2 Tm 1:8). Nourished by Christ's Work for the principle that every human being is a 'person' … Body and Blood, we are renewed in spirit, soul, and with rights and duties … flowing directly and spon- body and strengthened to live faithfully in hope. Diocese of San Angelo taneously from [one's] very nature. These rights are Each child in the womb and out of the womb is therefore universal, inviolable and inalienable." Our a gift from God, not a "choice." We rejoice that our Secretary — Office of Declaration of Independence guarantees "life, lib- mother/parents honored God's gift of life! erty, and the pursuit of happiness" as "unalienable Evangelization and Catechesis rights" given to all humans by their Creator and Note: The Diocese of San Angelo is an Affili- The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis currently has which governments should protect. ate Diocese of the National Catholic Partnership a position available for a Secretary. Qualifications include a "Every child is a gift. A child is not something to on Disability. high school diploma and prior office experience; good com- choose or reject. There is no 'perfect family.' Persons - - - munication skills, command of the English language, profi- with disabilities are part of the ordinary fabric of Father Knick Knickerbocker is a retired priest of ciency with Microsoft Office including Word, Publisher, life. They have their own meaning. They have a mis- the Diocese of San Angelo. He and his wife, Sandie, Excel, Access. Applicant must have excellent time manage- sion to their families, friends, and parish," as Dr. write a monthly column for the West Texas Angelus. ment skills, organizational skills, and the ability to maintain and create databases. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM with benefits, with occasional weekend work required. Applicants should email 'Violence in the name of God is resume with references to Office of Evangelization and Cate- chesis, [email protected]. blasphemy,' USCCB president says By Catholic News Service in the womb and many of our neighbors do Stay Connected with the not have what they need to lead a dignified LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Decrying the life. Our politics and cultural discourse are Diocese of San Angelo acts of religious violence that have taken often marked by anger and a merciless and place during the Christmas season, the pres- unforgiving contempt for others." DOSA Mail ident of the U.S. bishops declared: "Violence Despite the Christmas celebration of the in the name of God is blasphemy." birth of Jesus as the Prince Peace, "our world Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los An- and our lives are far from peaceful," he The official Flocknote of the Diocese of San geles, chosen in November as president of the added. "So many of our brothers and sisters Angelo. Receive texts or emails with important U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said: are living in countries torn by war and injus- news, updates, and messages from the diocese. "The rise of anti-Semitic violence in this tice, terrorism and persecution; many suffer country and around the world must be con- violence because of race, religion, ideology demned along with the ongoing persecution or nationality. Many of our brothers and Two ways to join: of Christians. Protecting religious freedom sisters, even children, are being bought and 1) Text DOSA to 84576 and freedom of conscience should be among sold and living in slavery; millions in our OR the highest priorities of every government." world have no place to call home because of Archbishop Gomez's remarks, in a Dec. poverty and instability." 2) Visit https://app.flocknote.com/dosamail 31 statement, were prepared with the Jan. 1 The archbishop added: "Jesus Christ came observance of the World Day of Peace in as a child on Christmas to show us that every Social Media mind. person is a child of God, made in his image. He cited three incidents in particular: the He came to show us that all humanity is one Dec. 29 assault on worshippers in a Texas family, that we are all brothers and sisters no Diocese of San Angelo on Facebook: church by a gunman, which left two congre- matter where we are born, the color of our https://www.facebook.com/DioceseofSanAngelo gants and the shooter dead; the Dec. 27 a skin or the language that we speak." stabbing rampage during a Hanukkah cele- He also noted that on the World Day of bration in a rabbi's home in New York; and Peace, the Catholic Church in the United Bishop Michael Sis on Twitter: the Dec. 26 posting of a video by an Islamic States joins Pope Francis and the church @SABishopMike State affiliate in Nigeria that showed the be- around the world in praying for peace. "We heading of 11 Christians. pray for peace in our hearts and peace in our "In our neighborhoods and communities, world. We pray for the conversion of every On the Web violence and cruelty are a sad and ordinary heart that hates and we pray for the courage reality of daily life," Archbishop Gomez said. to overcome evil with good and respond to www.sanangelodiocese.org "Children in our country are killed each day hatred with love," he said. Page 22 JANUARY 2020 The Angelus gos anglicanos, que están experimen- que él quiere. En vez de eso, le dicen a división entre la auto-salvación y la sal- BARRON tando agotamiento y depresión en su Felipe que no tuvieron tiempo para re- vación por medio de la gracia. Al refe- ministerio. Al unirse a su círculo de dis- flexionar sobre tales asuntos, y en ese rirme más arriba a la calidad Continúa de Página 17 cusión, escucha historias de aflicción, momento comienzan, con un entusiasmo “pelagiana” de su discurso a los sacer- religión en absoluto. Es todo, o es una desesperanza y sueños no realizados. infantil, a indagar sobre los beneficios y dotes, me refería a Pelagio, teólogo del pérdida de tiempo. Sin mostrar una pizca de simpatía, se privilegios de la vida de la realeza bri- siglo V, que opinaba que podemos sal- Ahora, dos episodios más tarde, la lanza a una exhortación puramente pela- tánica. Con eso, algo cambió en el prín- varnos a través de un ejercicio heroico serie se adelanta unos años, hasta 1969. giana, instando a estos tristes hombres a cipe, algo cedió. Parecía darse cuenta de del libre albedrío. San Agustín pasó los La princesa Alicia acaba de morir, y su ser como “Armstrong, Aldrin y Col- que su programa de actividad vigorosa y últimos años de su vida oponiéndose al hijo, el príncipe, se encuentra en una lins”, a encontrar su propósito a través autoafirmación, que había defendido au- pelagianismo e insistiendo en que la paz depresión de mediana edad: deprimido, del logro y la autodeterminación y a dazmente ante los clérigos que sufrían, del alma, la felicidad, la salvación —llá- convencido de que sus actividades dejar de perder el tiempo con una intro- nunca respondería de hecho a las pre- menla como quieran— no llega a través reales son triviales, desprecia totalmente spección morbosa. Para consternación guntas que habían surgido en su propia del esfuerzo personal, sino precisamente la religión. Al mismo tiempo, está preo- de estos clérigos que sufren, el Príncipe alma. En una escena notablemente con- a través de una entrega que tiene lugar cupado por las hazañas de los astronau- abandona su compañía con indignación movedora, el príncipe regresa posterior- al límite de todo logro posible. Llega, tas estadounidenses de la misión Apolo y condescendencia despiadada. mente al círculo de sacerdotes en crisis, como el príncipe Felipe, dándose cuenta —Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin y Mi- Después del alunizaje, los astronau- de quienes antes se había burlado y de ello lenta y dolorosamente, no a chael Collins— que viajan a la luna ese tas del Apolo realizan una visita formal había castigado, y hace una especie de través de un esfuerzo arduo, sino como verano. Su presencia golpea a Felipe, un al Palacio de Buckingham y, más que un confesión, y luego pide humildemente su madre claramente sabía, a través de piloto consumado, como modelos de ac- poco sorprendidos, el Príncipe pide ver- su ayuda. la fe: una rendición a lo que sólo puede tividad saludable, ingenio científico y los en privado. Cara a cara con sus hé- Aquí está ocurriendo mucho más llamarse gracia. La primacía de la gra- coraje. Comienza a sentir que de alguna roes, pregunta no sobre los tecnicismos que una mera percepción o desarrollo cia, se ha argumentado, es la enseñanza manera al asociarse con ellos y su tipo del vuelo, sino sobre el significado, la psicológico, y Dios bendiga a los escri- central de la Biblia. Qué maravilloso de heroísmo le devolverá la salud psi- visión y lo que aprendieron —en el sen- tores de The Crown por presentarla. A lo que también sea una lección clave en un cológica, la paz del alma. Mientras la tido más profundo de ese término— largo de este episodio, el príncipe Felipe episodio de uno de los programas de misión Apolo 11 está en marcha, Felipe cuando estaban en la luna. Seguramente estaba de pie en una de las grandes lín- televisión más populares de nuestro es invitado a visitar a un grupo de cléri- estos ejemplos de éxito le brindarán lo eas de falla del cristianismo, a saber, la tiempo.

mandments, the Jewish liturgy, and Templo, así como solo al aire libre BISHOP the Hebrew scriptures. He prayed in OBISPO en las montañas y en el desierto. the formal religious rituals of the Utilizó el vocabulario religioso de Continued from Page 3 synagogue and the Temple, as well Continúa de Página 3 su tradición religiosa. Transformó of my own particular culture. There as alone outdoors on mountains and de sabiduría espiritual sería como su tradición religiosa desde el inte- is a wealth of accumulated wisdom in the desert. He used the religious tratar de reinventar la rueda. rior; no lo desechó. Cuando nos dio in our Church that comes from grap- vocabulary of his religious tradition. Con los años, me he convencido el don de la Eucaristía en la Última pling with spiritual and ethical ques- He transformed his religious tradi- de la verdad fundamental de que Cena, él estaba siendo a la vez espi- tions over the course of many tion from the inside; he did not dis- Dios es amor. Yo no llegué a esta ritual y religioso. centuries. To ignore that body of card it. When he gave us the gift of conclusión por medio de simple- Una persona se convierte en un spiritual wisdom would be like try- the Eucharist at the Last Supper, he mente buscar dentro de mí mismo o gran científico a través de muchos ing to reinvent the wheel. was being both spiritual and reli- mediante la observación del mundo años de aprender y aplicar con dili- Over the years, I have come to gious. de la naturaleza. Lo aprendí de una gencia el lenguaje y los métodos de be convinced of the fundamental A person becomes a great scien- religión - la de la católica cristiana. los científicos. Una persona se con- truth that God is love. I did not ar- tist through many years of learning El amor de Dios es la alegría central vierte en un gran músico, apren- rive at that conclusion by merely and diligently applying the language de mi vida. Dios, que es amor, me diendo de otros músicos y por la searching within myself or by ob- and methods of scientists. A person llama a una vida más plena a través disciplina de la práctica constante. serving the world of nature. I learned becomes a great musician by learn- del compromiso personal y el sac- Para un principiante en la espiritu- it from a religion – the Catholic ing from other musicians and by the rificio de mí mismo. alidad, una tradición religiosa pro- Christian one. The love of God is the discipline of consistent practice. For Lo más importante, es que a porciona un vocabulario y una central joy of my life. God, who is a novice in spirituality, a religious través de la religión he llegado a comunidad para una vida de apren- love, calls me to a fuller life through tradition provides a vocabulary and a conocer el amor de Jesucristo. dizaje y crecimiento. personal commitment and self-sac- community for a lifetime of learning Nunca lo hubiera encontrado si no Si una planta va a crecer fuerte y rifice. and growing. fuera por la religión católica, cristi- sana y producir buenos frutos, nece- Most importantly, it is through If a plant is going to grow strong ana. Sin la institución organizada de sita raíces. La religión da raíces a religion that I have come to know and healthy and bear good fruit, it la Iglesia a través de los siglos, él se los anhelos espirituales interiores the love of Jesus Christ. I never needs roots. Religion gives roots to hubiera perdido en la historia hu- del alma humana. Un barco sin would have met him if it were not the inner spiritual yearnings of the mana. Los pecados y fracasos de al- timón no puede ir a ninguna parte. for the Catholic, Christian religion. human soul. A boat without a rudder gunos miembros y líderes de la Va vagando sin rumbo fijo, de aquí Without the organized institution of cannot go anywhere. It wanders aim- Iglesia han causado daños graves; a allá, sin una dirección clara. La re- the Church through the centuries, he lessly, this way and that, with no sin embargo, la Iglesia aun ha lo- ligión ofrece un timón probado y would have been lost to human his- clear direction. Religion provides a grado eficazmente poner a la gente verdadero para la búsqueda espiri- tory. The sins and failures of some tried and true rudder for the spiritual en contacto con el amor de Jesu- tual. members and leaders of the Church quest. cristo por 2.000 años. Yo nunca hu- He dedicado mi vida a servir en have caused grave harm, yet the I have committed my life to serv- biera llegado a conocer su amor la Iglesia católica porque no hay Church has still managed effectively ing in the Catholic Church because simplemente leyendo sobre él. Lo otra organización en la historia que to put people in touch with the love there is no other organization in his- he encontrado a través de la vida de ha puesto a más personas en con- of Jesus Christ for 2,000 years. I tory that has put more people in fe de la comunidad, a través de las tacto con el amor de Jesucristo. Hay never would have come to know his touch with the love of Jesus Christ. escrituras y de los sacramentos, en una profundidad espiritual en los es- love merely by reading about him. I There is a spiritual depth in the writ- el compañerismo y el servicio. Es critos de la tradición católica que va have found him through the faith life ings of the Catholic tradition that una experiencia mundial y universal más allá de cualquier otra. He visto of the community, through scripture goes deeper than any other. I have de la vida en Cristo que trasciende el poder de Dios en acción a través and sacraments, in fellowship and seen the power of God at work culturas particulares. Yo no cambi- de la fe católica en tanto como service. It is a worldwide, universal through the Catholic faith in so many aría esto por nada. grandes y pequeños milagros que experience of life in Christ that tran- large and small miracles that I am Hablando de Jesucristo, él era estoy convencido de la realidad es- scends particular cultures. I would convinced of the spiritual reality at los dos, espiritual y religioso; no di- piritual al corazón de esta religión. not trade this for anything. the core of this religion. vidió los dos. En sus treinta y tres La religión cristiana no es sola- Speaking of Jesus Christ, he was The Christian religion is not just años en la tierra, practicó las tradi- mente algo con que me entretengo both spiritual and religious; he did something I dabble in to see if some ciones de la fe judía, incluyendo el para ver si algunas de sus prácticas not divide the two. In his thirty-three of its practices might be appealing to Sabbat, la Pascua, los mandamien- podrían ser atractivas para mí. El years on earth, he practiced the tradi- me. Christianity is who I am. It is at tos, la liturgia judía, y las escrituras cristianismo es lo que soy. Está en el tions of the Jewish faith, including the core of my very identity. I am hebreas. Oro en los rituales religio- centro de mi propia identidad. Soy the Sabbath, the Passover, the com- spiritual because I am religious. sos formales de la sinagoga y el espiritual porque soy religioso. The Angelus JANUARY 2020 Page 23

Member Catholic News Service Catholic Press Association Texas Catholic News Published the 1st Monday following the 1st Saturday of each month and delivered to all registered parishioners in the San Angelo Diocese. Subscription rate for all others: $10 per year THIRD CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT SAN ANGELO, TEXAS Printed by Livestock Weekly San Angelo, Texas

Submissions: Story suggestions, calendar items, parish briefs and all other submissions should be emailed to Some of this is done out of anger. ity for the church, and this is a good ERLANDSON Some of it is done to express dissatisfac- thing. Popes Benedict XVI and Francis [email protected] tion for the church's own financial prac- have sought to reform the Vatican's fi- Continued from Page 18 tices. Some of it is fueled by ideological nancial structure, and the church will COPY, PHOTO Which brings me to the second rea- opposition to the pope or the local only grow stronger and more trusted as it son I've been thinking about church giv- bishop. becomes more accountable from top to DEADLINE: ing. There has been in the past few years The people being hurt, however, are- bottom. Third Friday of every month. a willingness on the part of some to pun- n't holding a crosier. The people being But let's not forget who we support Photos should be in jpeg format. ish the church and its leadership by with- hurt are the recipients of the vast net- when we bring our gifts to the church holding funds. works of Catholic charitable efforts. It each Sunday, be they cash, check or di- Much of this has been connected to also hurts the people who do so much of rect deposit. Letters to the editor are welcome, the sexual abuse crisis. Frustration the work of the church — the people in - - - and should be emailed to fueled by headlines has led to various the chanceries, the parish offices, the Erlandson, director and editor-in- calls to boycott bishop appeals and fund- schools, the charities, the communica- chief of Catholic News Service, can be [email protected] raising of Catholic charitable organiza- tions offices and more. reached at Letters to the editor are printed at the tions as well as the local parish. We are in a new age of accountabil- [email protected]. discretion of the editor and identities perseverancia y castidad. Cuando vivi- of the writer are subject to HOPE ROLHEISER mos en estas cosas, entonces “per- verification. Please include name,

manecemos unos con otros” y no nos address and phone number when Continued from Page 18 Continúa de Página 17 marchamos lejos, sin importar cual- communities they are supposed to es un daño para comunidad entera. “Si quier distancia geográfica entre noso- submitting letters. serve; children in prisons that make a estás aquí fielmente” -escribe Parker tros. Por el contrario, cuando vivimos few rich; the poor losing the few social Palmer- “reportas gran bendición”. Por fuera de estas cosas, no “permanece- benefits that make their lives bearable; el contrario -escribe Rumi- “si no estás mos unos con otros”, aun cuando no new revelations of sexual abuse of aquí fielmente, produces gran daño”. haya ninguna distancia geográfica Bishop Michael J. Sis children by clergy and the mismanage- En el grado en que somos consecuentes entre nosotros. El hogar, como siempre Publisher ment associated with them, etc. con el credo que profesamos, la fam- nos han dicho los poetas, es un lugar I stop. What I hear at the dinner ilia, los amigos y las comunidades con dentro del corazón, no un lugar en un table does not match what I read in the las que nos hemos comprometido, y mapa. Y el hogar, como nos dice san Brian Bodiford news. Are these alternative universes? con los más profundos imperativos Pablo, es vivir en el Espíritu. Editor Perhaps this is what Christian hope is morales de nuestra alma privada, en Y es esto -creo yo- lo que al fin de- Director of Communications all about. An alternative. God's alter- ese grado estamos fielmente con otros, fine la fidelidad y la esperanza, separa native. Not only a possibility, but also y en ese grado “nos quedamos con un misionero moral de un turista a calling. ellos durante largo tiempo”. Lo con- moral, e indica quién permanece y We need to allow ourselves as trario es también verdad: en el grado quién se marcha lejos. Catholics and as citizens of this nation en que no somos consecuentes con el Para que todos nosotros seamos the chance to dream with hope. Yes, credo que profesamos, con las prome- fieles, nos necesitamos uno a otro. Eso dream ... again ... and again. We can- sas que hemos hecho a otros, y con la implica a más de un pueblo, implica a The West Texas Angelus not stop dreaming. We must dream in- honradez innata en nuestra propia todos nosotros. La fidelidad de una Official Newspaper of the formed by the truth and beauty of the alma, estamos siendo infieles, yéndo- persona hace más fácil la fidelidad de Gospel. We may need to follow our nos lejos de otros, siendo turistas, no todos, como también la infidelidad de Diocese of San Angelo, Texas children's lead. misioneros. una persona hace más difícil la fideli- POSTMASTER: Send all address Because hope is contagious, I want En su epístola a los gálatas, san dad de todos. Así, en un mundo que es changes to: to dream with my children and say, Pablo nos dice lo que significa estar tan altamente individualista y descon- "Me too! I want to live more than 100 unos con otros, vivir unos con otros, certadamente pasajero, cuando se WEST TEXAS ANGELUS years to make the world better." Happy más allá de la distancia geográfica y puede sentir como que todos se mar- P.O. Box 1829 2020. otras contingencias de la vida que nos chan lejos de ti para siempre, quizás el SAN ANGELO, TX - - - separan. Estamos con todos, fielmente, regalo mayor que podemos darnos Ospino is professor of theology como hermanos y hermanas, cuando unos a otros es el don de nuestra pro- 76902-1829 and religious education at Boston Col- vivimos en caridad, gozo, paz, pacien- pia fidelidad, permanecer durante lege. cia, longanimidad, mansedumbre, largo tiempo. Page 24 JANUARY 2020 The Angelus

WEST TEXAS ANGELUS The seminarians of the Diocese of San Angelo received a surprise visit as part of their gathering on Dec. 15, 2019. Back row, left to right: David Garcia, Francisco Camacho, Mauricio Romero, Humberto Diaz, vocation office secretary Kristie Garcia, Kevin Lenius, Mike Elsner, and Upton Sewell. Seated: Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Pope begins New Year with apology, prayers for peace By Cindy Wooden "Jesus is the blessing of those op- Catholic News Service pressed by the yoke of slavery, both moral and material," he said. "He frees with VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis began the New love." Year with an apology for losing his patience the night before To those who are enslaved by vice and with a woman who grabbed his hand and yanked him closer to addiction, the pope said, Jesus bears the her while he was greeting people in St. Peter's Square. message that "the Father loves you, he will To get away, the pope had slapped her hand and gave her not abandon you, with unshakable patience a very serious scowl. A video of the incident went viral on he awaits your return." Twitter. Jesus opens the doors of fraternity, Reciting the midday Angelus prayer Jan. 1, Pope Francis welcome and love to those who are victims was talking about how God's offer of salvation in Jesus is "not of injustice or exploitation; pours "the oil magic, but patient, that is, it involves the patience of love, of consolation" on the sick and the discour- which takes on inequity and destroys its power." aged; and opens windows of light for pris- Then, briefly departing from his prepared text, the pope oners who feel they have no future, he said. said that "love makes us patient. We often lose our patience; "Dear brothers and sisters," he told the me, too, and I apologize for my bad example last night." people in the square, "let's get down from Returning to his text, Pope Francis said that in gazing the pedestals of our pride and ask for the upon the Nativity scene with the eyes of faith, "we see the blessing of the holy Mother of God. She world renewed, freed from the dominion of evil and placed will show us Jesus. Let's let ourselves be CNS PHOTO | PAUL HARING under the regal lordship of Christ, the baby lying in the blessed, let's open our hearts to goodness Children dressed as the Magi attend the Angelus led by Pope Francis from the manger." and that way the year that is beginning will window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Jan. 1, 2020. The church marks Jan. 1 as both the feast of Mary, Mother be a journey of hope and peace, not of God, and World Peace Day, he said, urging Catholics to through words, but through daily gestures of dialogue, recon- choose to be present in a nonviolence and unarmed way, as pray for peace and to recognize their responsibility to work for ciliation and care for creation." well as to the military who carry out peacekeeping missions in peace. Pope Francis used his midday address to thank and en- many areas of conflict," the pope said. For the 2020 celebration of World Peace Day, he said, the courage all the initiatives Catholics, their parishes and dioceses Addressing everyone, "believers and non-believers be- focus was on peace as a "journey of hope, a journey which around the world undertake to promote peace. cause we are all brothers and sisters," Pope Francis urged proceeds through dialogue, reconciliation and ecological con- "My thoughts also go to the many volunteers who, in people to "never stop hoping in a world of peace," which must version." places where peace and justice are threatened, courageously be built together, day by day.