RETURN OF THE FAITHFUL ON RETURNING TO MASS SPRING 2021

PIERRE TOUSSAINT: NEW YORK’S FIRST BLACK ? His Path from to Freedom to Veneration

Joyful Passages Favorite Spring Readings of New York Catholics

Plus: Teaching the Faith: Religious Education Amid the Pandemic Head Above Water: The Emotional and Spiritual Perils of Isolation Eucharistic Adoration: Origins and Benefits What Is Paschal Time? FROM THE CARDINAL LET THE HEALING BEGIN

hanks be to God, there is in- their power to ensure you can come St. ’s, Somers, on the origins and creasing confidence that the back to Mass in person (if you haven’t benefits of Eucharistic adoration; and a T worst of the coronavirus pan- already done so) in a safe and wel- look at the inspiring work of our reli- demic is past. Millions are being vac- coming environment. We miss you! gious education ministries around the cinated, restrictions are loosening, The Mystical Body of Christ needs archdiocese to keep our young people businesses and public events are re- its members back. And perhaps most engaged and growing in their faith in opening, and people have begun re- importantly, we can’t heal ourselves in this challenging time. Let me tell you, turning to Mass in greater numbers isolation. We all need the community it’s not just about Zoom classes! each week. – the Church – and the healing power And finally, in “Joyful Passages,” Don’t get me wrong. We still have to of the Eucharist. we’ve asked a few priests, women be careful. Virus variants have stalled Also in this issue: a profile of Ven- religious, and music ministers to the decrease in new Covid-19 cases in erable Pierre Toussaint, born a slave, share with us some favorite readings, the United States, and if we throw cau- who, please God, will become New prayers, and hymns to guide us toward tion to the wind we could risk causing York’s first Black saint. Toussaint sur- healing and a deeper appreciation of a new surge. We don’t want that. vived multiple traumatic events. He this joyful season of the Church year. “Be not afraid,” Jesus said. He nev- witnessed a fierce and bloody revolu- It may seem hard to reconcile all this er said, “Be reckless” or “Don’t worry tion in that separated him for- joy with the deep spiritual sadness, about putting your neighbor’s life at ever from family members and drove born of the pandemic, that became a risk.” But he does call us to be bold in his French masters to New York. Here, significant part of our lives in the past following him – even though letting even after attaining his freedom, he year. This pain lingers in our hearts, go of the fear and hurt can sometimes endured prejudice as a man of color along with fear. But there is no greater seem impossible. and as a Catholic, and nearly lost ev- balm for this than a return to the com- We have been through a traumatic erything in the Great New York Fire munity of our parishes and the sharing experience. We were surrounded by of 1836. During a devastating cholera of Mass with our fellow faithful. much suffering and death for months epidemic, he ventured regularly into Many New York Catholics have on end. Frontline medical workers the quarantine zones to assist the sick. already come back. For the rest of carried the brunt of this burden, but When his sister died, he adopted her you, I can only say: We miss you, all of us were weighed down by it. daughter, only to lose the girl when and we can promise you safe places Thousands of New Yorkers lost loved she was 14 years old. Consistently, of worship that go above and beyond ones – and couldn’t visit them or at- through prayer and devotion to our government guidelines. Yes, we’re tend a timely funeral. A million New Lord, he recovered from these shocks wearing masks and maintaining dis- Yorkers lost their jobs. And we all to perform countless good works. He tance, but it turns out that Christian experienced isolation that still just was known, among other things, for love overcomes all that. seems to go on and on. his consistent cheerfulness. When you are ready, great joy awaits Now it’s time for the healing to be- You’ll also find Dr. Donna Eschen- you! Jesus is ready to welcome you gin. A good place to start is “Return bach, associate professor of pastoral with open arms and once again offer of the Faithful,” our special report in theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary, on Himself to you in the holy sacrifice of this issue of Archways. As the pastors the meaning of the glorious Paschal the Eucharist. and health professionals in this story season that carries the joy of Easter for- For the troubled soul, there’s no bet- attest, your parishes are doing all in ward into the year; Fr. Rufus Kenny of ter medicine than that.

Yours in Christ,

Timothy Cardinal Dolan Archbishop of New York Easter Mass 2021 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Photo by Maria Bastone. † SPRING 2021 1 Young Adult Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, December 2020. Photo by MJ O’Toole. Archways † SPRING 2021 ON THE COVER: Venerable Pierre Toussaint. Illustration by Vinny Bove.

1 FROM THE CARDINAL CONTACT US 12 RETURN We’ve experienced a trauma; EMAIL: [email protected] let’s come together to heal as a community WEBSITE: archwaysmag.org OFFICE: 1011 First Avenue OF THE FAITHFUL New York, NY 10022 4 FORUM The Body of Christ needs you Where did Eucharistic adoration originate archnewyork archnewyork and why is it so popular? What is Paschal Time? ny_arch archny 20 VENERABLE PIERRE TOUSSAINT 6 NEWS AND NOTES The path from slavery to possible sainthood is published four times a year by the How religious education directors, catechists Archdiocese of New York Marketing Office and families made the most of a tough year; Michael Cain | Managing Editor the mental health tolls of social distancing; Ricardo Paiba | Senior Designer 26 JOYFUL PASSAGES Vinny Bove | Junior Designer CASA pushes the envelope; Katherine Murphy | Social Media and Web Manager The words that inspire us a writer’s retreat at Mariandale MK Fogarty | Assistant Director for New Media and Marketing Sunday, we refer to Sundays of Easter, FORUM not Sundays after Easter. In the words of St. Athanasius, we can refer to Pas- chal Time as one “Great Sunday.” The readings for the Sundays of Eas- ter are all from the New Testament, and the first reading for each Sunday ASK A PRIEST is from the Acts of the Apostles, an account of the early Christian com- munity’s experience and the develop- ment of the Church, animated by the work of the Holy Spirit. The continu- ous reading of the gospel according to Before 2010, I had never heard of Eucharistic adoration. John takes us from the empty tomb to Jesus’ hope-filled appearances to his Where did it come from, and what is its purpose? disciples. Each week Jesus stands in their midst and offe,rs peace, mercy Unlike all the other sacraments, the and most of all, his abiding love. Eucharist is “permanent”: When the The Holy Eucharist displayed The season is highlighted with the Mass is offered, our Lord is present in in a monstrance for adoration. Feast of the Ascension of the Lord. the Holy Sacrament, and His Presence The feast’s readings give an account can be kept after the Mass. of Jesus’ command “Go into the whole As early as the second century AD, world and proclaim the gospel to ev- the liturgical practice of keeping the ery creature” (Mark 16:15). In addi- Eucharist reserved in the church so tion, Jesus assures his disciples of the that it could be brought to the sick presence of the Holy Spirit, who will and dying was already in place. Over guide their missionary work. the centuries, people began to pray Pentecost Sunday marks the end of before and adore Christ in the re- Paschal Time. In the words of the Cat- served Blessed Sacrament – an organ- What Is Paschal Time? echism of the (1076), ic expression of the faithful’s piety. “The Church was made manifest to We have journals from monks in the Paschal Time (also called Easter Following Lent, a 40-day period the world on the day of Pentecost by ancient Church that speak of praying Time) marks the high point of the of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The before our Lord’s reserved presence in things in the Church often begin on sit there in peace and silence and know Church’s year and therefore has pro- the Church gathers to celebrate the gift of the Spirit ushers in a new era their chapels. the local level and eventually become that He is God. The nature of prayer, found significance for our identity as Paschal Triduum. Triduum, Latin in the ‘dispensation of the mystery’ – Of course, this early practice was recognized on the universal level. simply put, is our gift of time to God, Catholic Christians. Technically, it for “three days,” is a term coined by the age of the Church, during which not adoration as we envision it today. Sometimes what’s best comes from the so that we can express by our very pres- is a seven-week season that begins at St. Augustine in the fourth century. Christ manifests, makes present, and The monstrance, a sacred device used bottom up rather than the top down. ence that we love Him, honor Him, and Easter Sunday and ends with Pente- These three days, from Holy Thursday communicates his work of salvation to expose the Eucharist, was not in- In the decades following Vatican freely choose to worship Him. cost Sunday. To better appreciate its night through Evening Prayer on Eas- through the liturgy.” troduced until around the 13th centu- II, there was a movement against Eu- In a world that has grown increas- meaning, however, we need to under- ter Sunday, are the Christian Passover Through the Sacred Paschal Tri- ry. It was used in processions on the charistic adoration. Some clergy and ingly noisy, where silence is hard to stand Paschal Time within the con- and commemorate the death and res- duum and Easter Time, the Church great feast of Corpus Christi. By the laity believed that adoration was tak- find, Jesus provides a place with Him text of the full liturgical calendar, and urrection of Jesus Christ. During this celebrates the Paschal Mystery in a 17th century, the liturgical practice of ing away from or missing the point of where all of our anxieties, concerns, especially in light of the Paschal Tri- sacred time, one event – the Paschal way that reflects its deep significance benediction of the Blessed Sacrament the Mass. In recent years, adoration and regrets can come to the surface of duum, which immediately precedes Mystery – takes place through what for us as a community of believers. during Sunday’s Evening Prayer de- overcame these objections. John our hearts and be passed on to Him. and leads into it. we might call movements, beginning Paschal Time affirms that for us, as veloped. The faithful would be bless- Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI gave “Jesus, I believe you’re there. I love you. Each year, the Catholic liturgy not with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on the baptized, the Paschal Mystery be- ed by the Lord in the Holy Eucharist. us many authoritative documents af- I hope and trust that you’re going to get only tells the Christian story, but Thursday night, continuing on Good comes the pattern for our hope and It was not until 1973 that Eucharistic firming this good practice. For them, me through whatever I might be expe- makes it active and present in our lives. Friday with the Passion of Our Lord therefore gives new meaning to liv- adoration became an official liturgical adoration only increased devotion to riencing. And I want to thank you.” Through the feasts and seasons of the and on Holy Saturday with the Easter ing and dying. Through baptism, we rite, with its own official instruction the Mass by helping us receive our So, please come to adoration and liturgical calendar, we remember the Vigil, and reaching its glorious con- enter into Christ’s death and his Res- and authoritative guidelines from the Lord with more devotion. empty yourself into Christ so that he events of the life, death and resurrec- clusion on Easter Sunday. urrection, which shows us how to live Congregation of Divine Worship. In adoration, all of our senses are di- can make you more alive by filling you tion of Jesus Christ, beginning with The Paschal Triduum leads us into in a world that is unstable yet filled As an official practice, then, Eucha- rected toward Him. Within this sacred with his divine life. Advent and culminating in the Easter Paschal Time. This season doesn’t with grace. ristic adoration as we know it is pret- space, you can pray the rosary, do a season (after which we are in Ordi- prepare us for something in the way ty new, but as an inspired movement Divine Mercy chaplet, or perform any Fr. Rufus Kenney nary Time until the next Advent). The Advent prepares us for Christmas and Dr. Donna Eschenauer from the Holy Spirit, it is ancient – the other kind of formal prayers. You can Parochial Vicar period from Advent through Pente- Lent for Easter. Paschal Time is 50 Associate Dean and Associate fruit of the faithful’s natural piety. say the Our Father, St. Michael, or the St. Joseph’s, Somers cost brings us from darkness to light days of prolonging the joy of Easter Professor of Pastoral Theology Adoration is an example of how good Divine Praises. But you could also just Interviewed by Michael S. Cain and from death to new life. Sunday. Accordingly, following Easter St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers

4 † SPRING 2021 † SPRING 2021 5 grade to correlate with the guidelines on guest attendance were imposed at is 84 years old. She learned how to do NEWS AND NOTES from the archdiocese and make use of in-person events like First Commu- Zoom. Many of us learned we could do the lessons offered by CatholicBrain.” nions and confirmations, vanDuyn- things we never thought we could.” Children and their parents have to hoven found, the social aspect of the Antoinette Gilligan is coming out of sign on together to complete lessons. occasion took a back seat to some- this painful year with a strong sense TEACHING THE FAITH “Parents make sure their kids are signed thing more meaningful. “I’m sure of optimism. “I come from Ireland,” up and signed in. I can see how they are you’ve been to confirmations where she says, “where I was raised with a doing with their lessons: The student’s the church is packed and people are deep knowledge of Irish history. At work gets posted, and I go in, see how climbing over pews to take pictures,” one point, Catholics in Ireland weren’t POSITIVE LESSONS IN A PAINFUL YEAR they’re doing, and if there’s a problem, she says. At this year’s rite – not a allowed to go to Mass. The faith was I let them know. ‘OK, good try, but I Mass – attendance was limited to con- outlawed, so it became a priority. s fall 2020 began, religious ed- was no way we could return in person, think you could do better; let’s look at firmandi, sponsors, and two parents. “This year, life has been very chal- ucation directors in New York so we did weekly classes on Zoom to this again.’ So it’s really kind of a one- “The people who were present were lenging for our parents, having to bal- A weren’t sure what to expect. give students face-to-face lessons with on-one even though I’m not with them.” truly present. It was beautiful.” ance work, home and school. On top They had spent the summer coming up the catechists. At first, people were a In a normal year, there are 65 cat- At St. Clare’s, “The pandemic pushed of everything else, they have made it a with plan B for delivering faith instruc- little confused, but once it kicked in, echists teaching in the St. Stephen’s us to think outside the box, to make re- point to be involved in their kids’ reli- tion to the children of their communi- around October, it was a success.” program. This year there were no cat- ligious education a little more fun for gion classes. They’ve made it a priori- ties during a pandemic. Some planned The response from families has been echists. The teaching was done by par- the children,” Marie Noel says. “Many ty. That gives me hope for the Church, to go high tech, others low tech, but for very positive. “Sometimes the teach- ents, overseen by vanDuynhoven. catechists came up with their own pro- that there will be a new generation of all there was uncertainty. ers send activities home that involve Sometimes restrictions come with grams. Sometimes they used Kahoot Catholics who are motivated by the The first questions were whether the whole family or assign online ac- unexpected blessings. When limitations when teaching. One of my catechists love of Christ.” parents would sign their kids up and tivities that involve the parents,” Noel whether the kids would actually at- says. “One father told me, ‘I’m so hap- tend. “To our surprise, there was less py, I’m learning so much myself!’ The than 20% drop-off in registration from catechesis of the parents has been the NEWSFEED the year before,” says Ela Milewska, highlight of the year for me.” director of the Archdiocese of New At St. Joseph’s in Bronxville, director York Youth Faith Formation Office. of religious education Antoinette Gilli- CASA Pushes the Envelope • Formation of new parish priests The Nature of Writing “And those who registered are partici- gan recalls how the stakes changed in In a year of greater need than ever, • Evangelization and Catholic education Many writers are isolationists by pating. Parish directors and coordina- March 2020. “When we went into lock- the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship • Care for retired parish priests disposition: They may reach out to tors have engaged those families in a down,” she says, “we had confirmation Appeal for 2020 – “Teach, Serve, Sanc- • Charitable outreach others in researching their work, but way that has been phenomenal.” two days before Masses were suspend- tify” – was forced to operate without • Covid-19 relief at the moment of creation they usually The ministries’ approaches have ed. I spent the next two weeks worry- its most familiar fundraising tools: At this time, the appeal is on track seek silence and solitude to usher their been as varied as the parishes they ing about people getting sick.” the envelopes in the pews and the sign to meet or exceed its goal. You can words into the light of day. serve. Only 10% to 15% of parishes Over the summer, she made plans Ava Hagan, a second grader at St. Stephen’s at the front of the church showing contribute at www.cardinalsappeal. Writer’s retreats offer a chance for have conducted all classes in per- for fully remote instruction, but she in Warwick, created this Lego version of the the parish’s progress toward its goal. org/donate. Those who donate online these lone creators to find solace in son. The rest have used a hybrid or took the technology in a different di- church (plus a video tour). Thanks to the generosity of New York can still designate their parish on the the company of others engaged in the fully remote approach, depending rection from St. Clare’s. “The archdi- Catholics, that didn’t stop the appeal digital form so that their community same pursuit. It’s encouraging to see, on conditions in their area. Some re- ocese didn’t want us to do live Zoom from raising almost $20 million. gets credit for the contribution. Think after more than a year of social dis- mote classes have been conducted via sessions unless the parents were in the In a providential bit of timing, St. This largesse enabled CASA to ad- of it as a virtual envelope. tancing, the Center at Mariandale, a Zoom, others have used video lessons, conference,” she says. So instead of Stephen’s Church in Warwick had dress needs made more urgent by the sponsored ministry of the Dominican and some have provided digital mate- using live Zoom, St. Joseph’s created a video system installed to enable pandemic, supporting Catholic Char- Musical Knowledge Sisters of Hope in Ossining, offering rials to parents for home teaching. highly engaging video classes. “We livestreaming one week before the ities in the distribution of 1.6 million Parish musicians who want to im- “The Light of Inspiration Awaits,” a “When the whole thing started in have 35 catechists who volunteered shutdown of churches. “We’ve been meals in the most financially vulnera- merse themselves in the beauty and weekend writing retreat, June 18–21. March of last year, we switched to to teach remotely. Each week, they re- blessed,” says Lydia vanDuynhoven, ble areas of the archdiocese; aiding par- holiness of the Church’s sacred mu- Led by writer and artist Magie Dom- e-learning – Google Classroom,” says cord themselves teaching the chapter. the religious education director. “We ishes transitioning to digital ministry; sic can enroll in classes offered by St. inic, the event offers morning work- Marie Noel, religious education coor- Then they use an application called didn’t skip a beat. We were able to providing $12 million in scholarships Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers. The shops, healthful food, and lodgings dinator at St. Clare’s on Staten Island. Screencast-O-Matic to embed videos, provide parishioners with Mass and to 11,000 Catholic school students and intensive courses are designed to help at Mariandale, with gorgeous sunsets “That was a learning curve for the pictures and quizzes. I have learned so Holy Hour. Our children were able to Chromebooks for 5,700 students and students grow both spiritually and as over the Hudson River and 61 acres of catechists. But the kids, the families, much from our catechists, who all ap- log on to come to Mass on Sundays or 1,200 teachers; delivering financial musicians. This year’s classes will be bucolic grounds to wander for spiritu- the catechists really came through.” proach things differently.” during the week. That helped a lot.” support for 33 parishes in need and conducted remotely. al sustenance. Spring sacraments were postponed, Gilligan treasures the emails from For weekly classes, vanDuynhoven funding for parish ministries support- Courses include Principles of Sacred but almost all of the students success- parents. One wrote, “The time we took an approach that focused on fam- ing the homebound elderly; and more. Music, Principles of Chant, Teaching Archways on the Web fully completed their classes for the spend together reading the lessons ily catechesis. “We’re using a program Given the great need, this year’s Gregorian Chant to Children, Intro- As part of our mission to inform academic year. with [our daughter], watching the vid- of study called CatholicBrain,” she CASA fundraising target is $21 mil- duction to Liturgy, and Advanced and inspire, Archways has launched “When we resumed in the fall, we eos and discussing the stories ... has says. “It has lessons for various grade lion, earmarked for: Seminar in Gregorian Chant. For in- a new website! For full access to all completely changed the structure of reinforced our understanding of our levels with text, pictures and videos. • Assistance for financially vulnera- formation, go to dunwoodie.edu and our stories, including bonus content, program again,” Noel says. “There faith as well as teaching our child.” I’ve written lesson plans for each ble parishes click on “Dunwoodie Music.” check out archwaysmag.org.

6 † SPRING 2021 † SPRING 2021 7 NEWS AND NOTES the safety of a victim of abuse who is backlog. With schools not identifying conversations to begin, many times reaching out to get support. kids as early, by the time some students people are grateful that their distress are referred, they are already in crisis. has been noticed. By showing that you Archways: What sort of issues are we care about their pain, you can move seeing in young children and teenag- Archways: What can we do as individ- someone to seek help. ers? In parents? uals to ease the pain of a neighbor or Be persistent in outreach. Ask hon- loved one in emotional distress? est questions about whether the per- Dr. Todd Karlin: Anxiety, depression son has had thoughts or plans that and trauma manifest differently for Dr. Todd Karlin: Checking in on one involve self-harm. It’s important to each group, but have impacted every- another and reaching out to someone know that bringing up concerns about one. For our younger kids, while some who might be experiencing distress self-harm does not lead to increased of them are managing the upheaval, can be the most powerful interven- suicidal thoughts. On the contrary, by others are struggling, and the impacts tion. While these may be difficult directly addressing this question, you can be pervasive on social skills devel- allow for an honest response. opment, academic progress and men- While we never know when we tal health. Other kids have thrived in might find ourselves in a position to the short term with some of the typical “To successfully intervene, keeping handy information stressors of the school day removed, about community resources, help- but they may be re-entering school this care for others, lines, or houses of worship can make fall not having seen a classroom (or all the difference. If someone is ex- attended regularly) in as much as 18 pressing suicidal thoughts with plans months. This will be a tremendously you must care or intent to harm themselves, they difficult transition for many of them. should be evaluated by a medical or Disparities in access to technology for yourself.” behavioral health professional. or high-speed internet mean that the ISSUE impact has not been felt equally by all populations. These disparities have also impacted impoverished commu- nities in their access to remote medical SUICIDE PREVENTION THE AGONY OF ISOLATION and mental health support. For parents, it’s important to note that none of this is occurring in a vacu- um – increased parental stress impacts Do You Know the Warning Signs? Since March of 2020, Covid-19 has replaced. On top of that, there has been other outlets for youth through so- the family system and has residual im- Life is a gift, but emotional suffering can make a young person lose put up barriers to normal life for all of the unpredictability and uncertainty cialization or athletic activities, as pact on kids. It can’t be repeated often the will to hold onto it. Here are signs to watch out for in a young us. For many children and teenagers, tied to this yearlong event. Without a well as simple boredom. Unfortunate- enough: To successfully care for others, person at risk for self-harm. the effects of isolation – lockdowns, clear end in sight, it has been hard for ly, solitary drug use in the home has a you must care for yourself. social distancing, bans on gather- some adolescents to envision a future greater potential to lead to accidental ings, distance learning – have been in which this will be behind us. overdose, so the danger is magnified. Archways: Has there been an increase FEELINGS like hopelessness about the future, extreme sadness, devastating. We asked Todd Karlin, For many who were already strug- in mental health emergencies? Has the anxiety, anger or aggressiveness. Psy.D., chief program officer of Astor gling with mental health issues, the Archways: Has there been an increase suicide rate gone up? Services (a Catholic Charities of New loss of direct connection with others in frequency or severity of domestic vi- ACTIONS like withdrawing from activities or friendships, taking York–affiliated agency serving children and the inability to engage in coping olence or abuse? Dr. Todd Karlin: It’s been abundantly risks or researching ways to die online. and families in the mid-Hudson Valley strategies has exacerbated symptoms. clear that high-risk crisis behaviors and in normal mood and behavior. If you observe changes and the Bronx), to give us an overview Understandably, there has been in- Dr. Todd Karlin: There is evidence suicide attempts have increased. The CHANGES of what young people are facing and creased reliance on social media for that instances of domestic violence CDC estimated a significant increase that concern you, reach out to others in your child’s life to see if what parents and community mem- connection. That may be better than and abuse have increased. This uptick in suicidal thoughts this summer for they’ve noticed anything similar. bers can do to help. no connection at all, but can create a has been detected in spite of the fact older adolescents and young adults such as “I’d rather be dead” or even vague statements distorted view of reality and heighten that many reports of child abuse and compared to pre-pandemic. Recent THREATS Archways: What kinds of emotional feelings of depression and anxiety. neglect ordinarily surface from school research has suggested that the same like “I just don’t care about anything anymore.” or psychological tolls have pandemic reports. With so many schools closed non-white communities that have been SITUATIONS that might trigger suicidal behavior, such as getting restrictions taken on our young people? Archways: Has the pandemic period early in the pandemic and many kids disproportionally impacted by COVID into trouble, experiencing some type of loss or facing a life change caused an increase in substance abuse? learning remotely, school reports fell are experiencing the most significant Dr. Todd Karlin: The toll has been off initially. And with many partners mental health impact. We’ve seen a that the child finds overwhelming. significant, beginning with the loss of Dr. Todd Karlin: Early data suggests and children in lockdown with their tremendous need for services for the activities and social engagement – ex- that there has been an uptick in usage abuser, supporting victims through most vulnerable children and adoles- If you see any of these signs, talk with the young person straightfor- tracurricular activities, proms, grad- and overdoses during the pandem- treatment presented unique chal- cents; the programs that serve them wardly. If they say they are thinking about harming themselves — es- uations. These experiences can’t be ic. Contributing factors are a lack of lenges, since privacy is essential for are constantly at full capacity or at a pecially if they have a plan for how to do it — seek professional help.

8 † SPRING 2021 † SPRING 2021 9 RETURN OF THE FAITHFUL THE BODY OF CHRIST

Photo by: Chris Sheridan Chris by: Photo NEEDS YOU Coming Home to Mass

THEN: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, packed for Easter 2019.

NOW: Easter 2021 at a socially distanced St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Photo by: Maria Bastone

e all remember how Mass used to be, a little over a year ago. The pews filled with the faithful. Our voices joined in song. The handshake of peace. Fingers dipped in holy water. Embracing friends after the recessional. Then a virus with a strange name turned hope and joy into fear and trepi- dation. Mass was suddenly off limits to the public. We pined for the Eucha- rist,W but got accustomed to tuning in via TV or internet, seeing Mass play out in an eerily empty church. In the months since in-person Masses resumed, many of us have still not come back – though, as the weather warms, more and more are doing so. For this feature, Archways consulted with pastors and public health experts to assess where we are on the path to pre-pandemic attendance levels, what we’ll have to do to make people feel safe, and what “normal” will look like even after the virus has been subdued.

† SPRING 2021 11 RETURN OF THE FAITHFUL: LOCKDOWN Photo by: Maria Bastone Photo by: Chris Sheridan Chris by: Photo

CHRIST’S WORK CONTINUES: After the pandemic hit the region, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York stepped up its services to people in need – providing 1.6 million meals in 2020 and increasing services to the homeless, immigrants, day laborers, at-risk adolescents and those suffering with mental-health issues. Here, clients line up to receive boxed provisions from a food pantry at Betances Houses in the Bronx. Photo by Maria Bastone.

“This Is God Here” “Here in Millbrook, I took the Eu- Many parishes held Mass in empty charist in the monstrance around the churches and provided a virtual expe- streets a number of times, just by my- We are not rience to the faithful via livestream or self, processing with Him to remind Photo by: Mary DiBiase Blaich Photo by: Mary DiBiase Blaich video recordings posted online. Some people that He is here,” says Fr. Hart- islands, to be also livestreamed holy hours or Eu- ley Bancroft, pastor at St. Joseph’s in FROM A DISTANCE. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A tabernacle set in the doorway of St. in the Bronx for outdoor adoration, May 2020; charistic adoration or Bible readings. Millbrook. “Other parishes did simi- a moment of private prayer at Sacred Heart, Yonkers, June 2020; Fr. John J. Wroblevski livestreaming the 2020 Easter Vigil Mass from St. Anthony Among the hundreds of Facebook lar things, too. That was a great sign of Padua, Staten Island; Fr. Robert Dillon recites the rosary live on Facebook from the rectory at St. , Staten Island. isolated. We Live offerings around the archdiocese, for people in the village that, yes, this St. Lawrence O’Toole in Brewster fea- is God here.” A Shock to the System experts, all Masses in the Archdiocese necessity of shutting down in-person need others. tured nightly “Psalm You to Sleep” Easter 2020 saw not just an empty It seemed to happen without warn- of New York will be canceled beginning Masses had become clear. readings, and Fr. Robert Dillon of St. tomb, but empty pews. Thousands ing. At the beginning of March 2020, this weekend, March 14–15, 2020. Meanwhile, the parishes and minis- So don’t be Thomas the Apostle on Staten Island tuned in for the live-steam from St. we were going to Mass as usual, taking – Press release, March 14, 2020 tries of the Archdiocese of New York led parishioners in praying the rosary Patrick’s Cathedral. our temperatures and washing our had sprung into action. ArchCare, afraid to come from his desk in the rectory. On May 21, 10 weeks after the clos- hands thoroughly. The notion of can- For many New Yorkers, this was working with local parishes and con- Pastors also took their ministries out ing of Masses, the archdiocese an- celing the St. Patrick’s Day Parade was the moment we realized: Whoa, this gregations of men and women reli- to Mass. of doors, through parking-lot Masses, nounced a plan to phase in reopen- unthinkable – until it happened. And is serious. gious, sent chaplains into quarantine drive-through confessions, displays of ings over the coming weeks based on two days later came the announce- At the time, the total coronavirus to serve Catholics in the region’s hos- the Eucharist via a monstrance or tab- infection rates in each locality. All ment from the archdiocese: death toll in New York State was two, and pitals. Catholic Charities and its affil- ernacle set in a doorway or window, over the region, pastors saw the light daily new cases less than 200. A month iated agencies, while observing health or physically carrying the monstrance at the end of the tunnel. They began (New York, NY) In light of the con- later, new cases had topped 10,000 per protocols, redoubled efforts to provide FR. JOSE CRUZ through the streets, bringing Jesus to making preparations to safely ac- tinued concern surrounding the coro- day. On April 13 alone, more than 1,000 food, shelter and other critical assis- OUR LADY QUEEN OF MARTYRS, the faithful when the faithful were commodate an onslaught of return- navirus, and the advice of medical New Yorkers died of Covid-19. The tance to those in need. INWOOD unable to come to Him. ing parishioners.

12 † SPRING 2021 † SPRING 2021 13 RETURN OF THE FAITHFUL: SURVIVAL

By the Numbers When New York’s Catholic church- Sheridan Chris by: Photo Sheridan Chris by: Photo es reopened for Mass in late spring 2020, the exact dates varied from re- gion to region based on infection rates – but there was a consistency in the experience if not the exact timing. Fr. Eric Raaser, pastor of St. Margaret’s in Pearl River, refers to it as “that big dis- Mass for Life at St. Charles, Staten Island. appointment in June.” Photo by Mary DiBiase Blaich. “Everybody, including myself, thought that the churches were going to be mobbed, with people standing outside waiting to get in,” he says. WEIGHING RISKS “Those numbers were way, way be- low the expectations of every pastor or New Yorkers still deciding when to return to Mass, the deci- I talked to.” Turnout was low despite sion may seem bewildering. We asked ArchCare’s Dr. Mona herculean efforts at sanitizing, mark- F Rao and Dr. Walid Michelen to help us answer some basic ing pews to maintain social distanc- questions that might help readers decide. ing requirements and educating the How has the Archdiocese of New York arrived at its practices public about the measures being taken, regarding in-person Mass attendance? including a strict “no mask, no Mass” The archdiocese bases its decisions on guidance from public health rule. Respectable numbers of worship- authorities and medical experts. “The basic principle guiding a return Masses at home, something is lacking pers showed up, but no throngs. to in-person parish activities has to be safety,” Dr. Rao says. “We have deep down: the spiritual connection In the ensuing weeks, attendance to account for the person who is the most vulnerable. At this point, that brings God through the commu- inched upward, but in many parishes it nity…. The risk that we face right now

that means practicing social distancing and wearing a mask, as well Ricardo Paiba by: Photo still hovers around 50% of the pre-pan- as good hand hygiene and the disinfecting of high-touch surfaces.” is getting used to having everything demic number. Fr. Raaser estimates St. remote – the idea that your faith is not Margaret’s overall attendance at around Is there a risk to individual parishioners in returning to in-person connected to others.” 550 now in a good week; in 2019, the Masses and other parish activities? number was closer to 1,200. “There is a chance of exposure in any congregate setting, whether Comfort Zone that’s attending Mass, dining in a restaurant, or going to the grocery For some, on the other hand, the fear The Fear Factor store,” says Dr. Michelen, “but there are precautions we can all take and risk may have subsided and been Fr. Jose Cruz, pastor of Our Lady to make these activities as safe as possible.” To a significant extent, in replaced by a kind of inertia. “People Queen of Martyrs in Inwood, talks to the Archdiocese of New York, this risk is being managed at the parish are going to sporting events, going to many parishioners who are still afraid level by requiring the strict observance of health protocols. the local pubs and restaurants,” Fr. of returning. “With Covid-19, a lot of That said, Dr. Rao observes, “Seniors and those with pre-existing Raaser observes. At that point, if some- our worst nightmares came true. A lot medical conditions are most vulnerable to COVID-19 and, if exposed, one is not returning to Mass, they may of people are still living in fear,” he said. are at risk for severe disease.” Individuals with these risk factors may be drifting away from the faith. “I know parishioners who are afraid want to consult with their doctors before returning to Mass. “A lot of people don’t want to be even to go to the supermarket to buy bothered,” he says, so they just watch groceries, but they have to. They say, Once someone has been fully vaccinated, is there any reason not Mass at home. “Parents don’t want to ‘Father, I need to go to Mass but I am to return to in-person Mass? fight with the kids…. We have won-

afraid.’” Fr. Cruz doesn’t pressure these According to researchers, fully vaccinated people have very little derful families here, with three, four, Photo by: Maria Bastone worshippers: “I tell them, ‘Taking care risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19. “All of the approved vac- five, sometimes six kids. To get every- of your life is something that you have cines are effective, and they all offer protection against severe dis- body to church on time, it must be Photo by: Mary DiBiase Blaich to do. Because life comes from God.’” ease,” Dr. Rao says. craziness.” Unfortunately, “The longer The pandemic has been hard on Fr. But vaccinated individuals should still wear masks and observe so- that we’re out of the obligation to go, Cruz’s community. “We all in one cial distancing in public – partly because researchers do not yet know the harder it is for people to readjust for sure whether they can still pick up the virus and pass it to others. way or another have been affected and and get back to what they want to do.” CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A moment of prayer in Crestwood, June 2020, during the Corpus touched by this pandemic,” he says, but “We need to keep one another safe until a critical mass of people are And the easier it is to forget that, Christi procession at Annunciation/Our Lady of Fatima parish; taking the Body of Christ to the he still urges everyone to come back to vaccinated and we have achieved herd immunity,“ Dr. Michelen says. as Catholics, “We need the Eucharist streets in Crestwood; distributing Communion at St. , Manhattan; a January 2021 Mass as soon as they can safely do so. “This means continuing to follow safety guidelines, even after you’ve for survival, for nourishment. It’s the Mass commemorating St. Elizabeth Seton at St. Peter’s, lower Manhattan; floor marker at Our Lady “When we get used to following the been vaccinated.” source and summit of all our worship.” of Pity, Staten Island.

14 † SPRING 2021 † SPRING 2021 15 RETURN OF THE FAITHFUL: HOMECOMING Photo by: Ricardo Paiba by: Photo Photo by: Chris Sheridan Chris by: Photo

Bringing Them Back “We have a huge ahead of us,” Fr. Cruz says. In order to bring back the faithful, he adds, “We will need to re- group and use tools that we might not have used before – social media, Face- book, YouTube – not just to get a mes- Each of us has a specific role sage out, but to invite the people and welcome them back home. To me, this is very important: This is our home. So to fulfill in the Body of Christ we all belong here.” The first challenge will be to over- that has been set apart for us come irrational fear. “Jesus says, ‘Be not afraid,’ right?” Fr. Bancroft points out. since before time. “The devil wants people to be afraid. He wants to keep people away from the Eucharist. He works through fear, but God works through love, and perfect love casts out fear. Perfect love for our FR. HARTLEY BANCROFT, ST. JOSEPH’S, MILLBROOK Lord and the Eucharist will bring us back to Mass and give us peace.” Photo by: MJ O’Toole New Yorkers who are already back Photo by: Mary DiBiase Blaich attending Mass can tell you that par- ishes are looking out for the com- Joseph’s. “They were saying, ‘We’ve Members of the Body munity’s health, rigorously following been making sure to watch a Mass In Our Lady Queen of Martyrs par-

safety protocols. Some worshippers on TV, but we feel like something’sPhoto by: Maria Bastone ish, Fr. Cruz evangelizes at every op- worry that, if too many came back, missing.’ And I said to them, ‘Quite portunity. These days, that happens they would be crowded unsafely in honestly, there is something miss- on a regular basis at the supermarket. the churches. In some parishes, to the ing. There’s something very differentPhoto by: Maria Bastone “People recognize me – ‘Oh, Father!’ pastors’ satisfaction, this is indeed about watching someone on TV and – and right away they are asking me becoming an issue - but fortunately, really being in their presence – which questions. Sometimes I go just for there are plans in place to address it. is what happens at Mass. Because we bread and milk, something that I could “The strategy I’ve been using has believe that God is on that , pres- do in five minutes, and I am there for just been to offer more times and ent with us as Jesus.’ And ... they real- half an hour or 45 minutes,” he said. more options so that people can have ized, ‘Yes, that’s right. We want to be “Maybe they say, ‘Hey, Father, I haven’t room to spread out,” Fr. Bancroft says. back there with Jesus.’” been to Mass’ and I say, ‘Well, I want As more worshippers return, he’ll In addition to the Presence of to see you there. Remember, God is Photo by: Mary DiBiase Blaich be ready. “If I had our full number Christ, there is the all-important sac- there, and he would like you to visit his show up again this coming weekend, I rament of the Eucharist, which is only house.’ … I feel it works best when you also that you are missing from the would have made it even more beauti- would be more than happy, as I would available in person. At St. Margaret’s, just touch people’s hearts and they feel community. Fr. Bancroft reminds us: ful, more complete.” be adding on Masses – driving myself Fr. Raaser posed the question in a re- welcomed and invited.” “Each of us is a member of Christ. Each There is much to be hopeful about bald, but it would be worth it because cent Flocknote column, “When was “We are not islands to be isolated. of us has a specific role to fulfill in the now. With each week, more of the faith- it would be bringing Jesus to people.” the last time you received the Lord in We need others,” Fr. Cruz emphasizes, Body of Christ that has been set apart ful are returning. “I can see the light at Holy Communion?” “For some, it’s echoing the Trappist monk and writer for us since before time. So when we the end of the tunnel,” Fr. Cruz says. Photo by: Mary DiBiase Blaich What’s Missing been over a year now,” he said. “When Thomas Merton. “So don’t be afraid to cut ourselves off from him, even with- “More people are getting the vaccines, Pastors and clergy all over the archdi- I talk to kids in the school, I ask them go to Mass, because in the church we out intending to, we’re missing out on summer is around the corner, and we ocese are reaching out to parishioners that question, and if it’s months or will take care of you, number one. And fulfilling that special mission that God hope that with the warm weather, the CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Worshippers via livestream, bulletins, Flocknote and years, that’s the tragedy of it.” number two, you will discover that has intended for us – and the Church is virus spread will slow down. ... at the Young Adult Mass, December 2020, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral; hand sanitizing and social media – and through in-person On the other hand, he adds, “This when we are together, we know that we missing out on having us fulfill it. “I can’t wait to see the church packed contactless donation station at St. Francis encounters in stores or on the streets – could be a great opportunity, when are all connected. Let us all take this “It’s like a beautiful mosaic missing again. I know that it will take time to de Sales, Manhattan; Palm Sunday Mass at to answer questions and remind them the people do start coming back to opportunity to support one another.” one of its stones, or a stained glass get to 100% of capacity. In the mean- St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Cardinal Dolan addresses why it’s important to come back. Mass, to reeducate them in what the If you are absent from Mass, the loss window missing one of the panels. time, we can get ready. People will parishioners at St. Clare’s, Staten Island; Fr. Bancroft recounted a phone con- Mass is all about, and the meaning of is not just what you are missing from The window may still be beautiful come with a lot of questions. They will full safety precautions in place at St. Clare’s; versation he had with one family at St. the Eucharist.” God and your fellow Christians – it’s overall, yet it’s missing something that come hungry and thirsty for God.” Mass for Life at St. Charles, Staten Island.

16 † SPRING 2021 † SPRING 2021 17 RETURN OF THE FAITHFUL: HOMECOMING Photo by: Maria Bastone Courtesy of St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish

Cardinal Dolan showers the faithful with holy water, Easter Sunday 2021, St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Courtesy of St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish Photo by: Maria Bastone Photo by: Mary DiBiase Blaich

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Leaving Easter Mass at St. Lawrence O’Toole, Brewster; a socially distanced Easter reception in the St. Lawrence O’Toole parish center; at Mass commemorating the 200th anniversary of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s death, January 2021, at St. Peter’s in lower Manhattan; receiving a blessing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, October 2020. Photo by: Chris Sheridan Chris by: Photo

Queuing up on Fifth Avenue for Easter 18 † SPRING 2021 2021 Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. OF NEW YORK

n the summer of 1797,* a wealthy French planter from the col- ony of St. Domingue – soon to become the independent nation of Haiti – stepped off of a passenger ship in New York Harbor. He was accompanied by a few family members and a handful of IWest African house slaves. Among the latter was a tall, mild-mannered Venerable teenager destined to become a legend. His name was Pierre Toussaint. Toussaint arrived in the fledgling master’s children, reared in the social ter, Jean Jacques Bérard, signed the United States – George Washington niceties. He had been trained to greet slave up to apprentice as a hairdress- had only recently stepped down as and serve guests graciously. His com- er. It was a smart move in a city where president – at a time when much of mand of the French language, spoken wealthy society women required elab- PIERRE the world seemed to be turning up- and written, was superb. orate hairdos for social engagements side-down. The colony he had sailed At the same time, Toussaint was one several times a week. From the outset, from was engulfed by a slave rebellion; of half a million Black slaves who toiled Toussaint was allowed to keep much in short order, former slaves would be- for the benefit of some 32,000 French of what he earned at his new trade. TOUSSAINT come rulers and their masters would inhabitants of St. Domingue. The upris- In 1801, Bérard died, his once-extrav- be homeless. Many French aristocrats, ing that put an end to this injustice was agant fortune nearly wiped out. Within from St. Domingue and from Europe hard-fought and bloody, and raged for a year or two, his widow, Madame Bé- (where France itself had been upend- years in the colony where he grew up. rard, was unable to pay her creditors. By ed by revolution), were finding their In later years, Toussaint was reluc- then, however, Toussaint was earning From slave to successful way to America. There they were free tant to speak about the horrors he enough as a hairdresser to assume fi- to keep whatever money and valuables had witnessed, and hesitant to join nancial responsibility for the household. New York entrepreneur they might salvage – including slaves. the abolition debate in America be- Still a slave, he served tea, did the chores In this way, one of the foremost Amer- cause of the terrible cost he knew and paid the bills until his mistress ican Catholics of the early 19th century had been paid to end slavery in Haiti. freed him on her deathbed in 1807. – and someday, – today, the only lay person buried at Though he would die before emanci- After burying Madame Bérard, St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue pation came to the United States, he Toussaint used his hairdressing money perhaps, a saint – came to New York in the humblest of did obtain his own freedom in 1807, to purchase his sister’s freedom from circumstances, as the slave of a family and worked quietly on behalf of his another master. He also purchased the about to lose its solvency. fellow Black New Yorkers, especially freedom of his fiancée, Juliette Noel, children, until his death in 1853. whom he had known in St. Domingue. A Child of Dual Worlds The couple wed and moved into a At the age of 16, Toussaint had lived From Slave to Entrepreneur smaller house on Reade Street, where his entire life as a Black slave among the Soon after the family had settled they began a life whose charitable rip- French aristocracy. In St. Domingue, into a fashionable rental house in ples are still moving through the New he had grown up as a playmate to his lower Manhattan, Toussaint’s mas- York community – and the world.

*A note about dates: Many books and articles about Pierre Toussaint, following the lead of memoirist Hannah Sawyer Lee, state that he was born in 1766 and arrived in New York in 1787. While Lee’s memoir is reliable in most respects, these dates are speculative and probably incorrect. In this account, Archways has used dates based on the research of journalist Arthur Jones for his book Pierre Toussaint: A Biography (2003).

20 † SPRING 2021 † SPRING 2021 21 Illustration by Vinny Bove SAINTS OF NEW YORK: VENERABLE PIERRE TOUSSAINT

Man of Means, and of God quently. One of them, the prominent in New York. (The Catholic Church Toussaint’s hard work and generous socialite Mary Anna Sawyer Schuyler, declared Mother Seton a saint in 1975.) spirit soon brought him significant became a close friend. She addressed Though there is no evidence that Se- wealth and a kind of provisional ac- him in letters as “my Saint Pierre.” ton ever met Toussaint, he was instru- ceptance at the highest levels of New mental in raising funds for the new York society. Parish of Saints Sisters of Charity orphanage, in spite CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The interior of St. Peter’s on Barclay Street, As a Black man, he was forced to From his first days in New York, of the fact that it served only white where Toussaint attended Mass for more than 50 years; the façade navigate with care the streets of his Toussaint was a parishioner at St. Pe- children. Meanwhile, Toussaint used of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, circa 1820; the Great New York Fire adopted city, where free Black people ter’s on Barclay Street, where he at- his home to shelter homeless, parent- of 1835, which wiped out much of Toussaint’s wealth; Pierre, Juliette might be attacked by bigots or kid- tended Mass daily for decades. There, less Black children. Pierre and Juliette and their adopted daughter Euphemie Toussaint, as painted in napped by slave traffickers and sold he became a significant benefactor used their own money to raise and ed- miniatures by artist Anthony Meucci, circa 1825. back into bondage. He was also vul- and fundraiser. Though his good ucate these young charges. nerable as a Catholic, since anti-Cath- works were by no means limited to olic prejudice was rampant. church finances, his largesse did con- Devoted to the Beatitudes As an entrepreneur and an acknowl- tribute significantly to the growth of For decades, tirelessly, Toussaint edged master of his trade, however, he the Church in New York. dedicated himself to service, to de- was welcomed into the drawing rooms In 1805, a young widow and moth- livering the mercy of Christ to those of New York’s elite families. There he er named Elizabeth Bayley Seton con- in need. In addition to his charitable was counted as not just a hairdresser verted to Catholicism and joined the work, he routinely put in 12-plus-hour but also a valued friend and counselor. congregation at St. Peter’s. A few years days at his trade, walking the streets The wife and daughter of Alexan- later, she moved to to start from stately home to stately home to der Hamilton were among his clients, America’s first Catholic girls school dress the hair of the fashionable – all as were numerous other prominent and found the Sisters of Charity, the in order to have more to share with New Yorkers. These mostly Protestant first community of women religious in the poor and the troubled. gives us a close-up account of his cades, entered the deserted house known as Old St. Patrick’s on Mul- women deeply admired Toussaint’s the United States. Then in 1816, at the Hannah Sawyer Lee, Toussaint’s virtue in Memoir of Pierre Toussaint, where she lay, and performed the berry Street, he and his family were Catholic piety and kindness, and request of St. Peter’s pastor, she sent a first biographer and the sister of his Born a Slave in St. Domingo. “He often nameless offices of a nurse, fearlessly turned away because of his race by many corresponded with him fre- group of sisters to open an orphanage close friend Mary Anna Schuyler, quoted in his native language from exposing himself to the contagion.” ushers unaware of his VIP status. Ca- the Sermon on the Mount,” she re- thedral trustees rushed to apologize called, “and the Beatitudes seemed to A Man for Others as soon as they learned of the slight, have found their way into his heart.” Through the 1820s and early 1830s, but they could not undo what had Whenever he was not at work, it Toussaint’s wealth grew steadi- happened – at a church whose con- seems, Toussaint was giving food to ly through constant work. When a struction he had helped fund. the hungry, sheltering the homeless, friend observed that the hairdresser The next decade was one of gradual welcoming the stranger, comforting had accumulated enough money to physical decline for Toussaint, even the grieving, visiting the imprisoned retire in comfort, he replied, “Madam, as his spirit seemed to soar ever clos- It must not be supposed that Toussaint’s charity and the sick. The hairdresser’s re- I have enough for myself, but if I stop er to God. In 1851, his wife sponse to the frequent outbreaks of work, I have not enough for others.” and partner Juliette died and was consisted merely in bestowing money; he felt the moral yellow fever in New York seem espe- In 1835, the Great New York Fire buried in the cemetery of St. Patrick’s cially heroic in light of our current raged through lower Manhattan’s Old Cathedral beside their adoptive dealings with the scourge of Covid-19. warehouses, destroying hundreds of daughter Euphémie, who had died greatness of doing good, of giving counsel to the weak Toussaint had seen plenty of yellow buildings. It is believed that Toussaint two decades earlier. Surrounded by fever during his youth in Haiti. He lost investments totaling $900,000 in Black friends, Toussaint marched knew its deadly power, but did not shy today’s dollars. With reduced means, from the funeral at St. Peter’s to the and courage to the timid, of reclaiming the vicious, from helping those in its grip. he carried on with his charitable works, burial site on Mulberry Street, where Lee writes of one case in her mem- funding orphanages and other Cath- his many white friends, clients and and above all, of comforting the sick and sorrowful. oir of Toussaint: “When the yellow olic institutions, including the first admirers joined the mourners to pay fever prevailed in New York, by de- Catholic school for Black children. their respects. grees Maiden Lane was almost wholly Racism, too, remained all too real. After her death, he grew increas- deserted, and almost every house in In the America of the 1840s, moving ingly inactive and bedridden. Pierre it closed. One poor woman, prostrat- inexorably toward civil war, New York Toussaint died on June 30, 1853. Two ed by the terrible disorder, remained no longer permitted slavery, but preju- days before, his last recorded words HANNAH SAWYER LEE, MEMOIR OF PIERRE TOUSSAINT, 1854 there with little or no attendance, till dice and violence against Blacks were were “God is with me” – and then, Toussaint, day by day, came through common. This hit home for Toussaint when asked if he wanted anything, the lonely street, crossed the barri- in 1842 when, at the cathedral now “Nothing on Earth.”

22 † SPRING 2021 † SPRING 2021 23 SAINTS OF NEW YORK: VENERABLE PIERRE TOUSSAINT

If ever a man was truly free, it was Pierre Toussaint. ... If ever a man was a saint, in my judgment, it was Pierre Toussaint. ... No one can read this man’s life – and the records are thoroughly authentic – without being awed by his holiness. A Servant at Rest Having come into this world as a slave, Pierre Toussaint left it as a man of substance, well known in Manhat- tan and widely admired for his char- itable work. “High Mass, incense, CARDINAL JOHN J. O’CONNOR, ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK 1984–2000 candles, rich robes, sad and solemn music. … The Church gave all it could give, to prince or noble,” Eliza Hamil- Then, in 1938, a 9-year-old Black re- neath the altar of St. Patrick’s Cathe- the archdiocese’s Black Ministry Of- ton Schuyler, daughter-in-law of Mary ligious education student challenged dral. Toussaint is the only lay person fice, carries on his mission to provide Anna Schuyler, wrote in describing an 18-year-old seminarian named ever accorded this honor. At a 1999 education and improvement oppor- Toussaint’s funeral at St. Peter’s. “The Charles McTague to name one Black Mass in Toussaint’s honor, O’Connor tunities to young people, providing body of the church was well filled with Catholic who had been respected by said, “He is now buried beneath this financial grants, mentorship and op- men, women, children, nuns, and white people. Looking for an answer, high altar with all of the bishops, arch- portunities for students at all levels charity sisters; likewise … people of his McTague learned about Toussaint. bishops and cardinals of New York. It to develop their faith as well as their own color, all in mourning. Around Eventually, doing some follow-up will be a great privilege for me to be careers. The foundation also supports stood many of the white race, with CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A plaque commemorating Pierre Toussaint on St. Peter’s Church in research, he was able to locate the buried in a vault in the same section the College Pierre Toussaint in Sass- their eyes glistening with emotion.” lower Manhattan; scholars of the Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Fund, 2019; students at the College Toussaint family gravestone – on with Pierre Toussaint.” ier, Haiti, creating opportunities for New York’s newspapers also took Pierre Toussaint in Sassier, Haiti. which the faded lettering had be- young Haitians to gain the skills to note of Toussaint’s passing with ex- come illegible to the naked eye – in A Legacy of Service serve their community. travagant praises. “His charity was of wealthy New York society, displaced York and all over America. Amid the the cemetery on Mulberry Street. The In the process of , after In his lifetime, Toussaint was re- of the efficient character which did French nobility, and free and enslaved political turmoil leading up to the discovery catalyzed a movement. a candidate has been declared vener- spected as a devout and holy man. Peo- not content itself with a present relief Blacks, showing equal love, respect and Civil War and the unsettled times that In 1951, Cardinal Francis Spell- able, the Church requires evidence of ple came to him – Black, white, rich, of pecuniary aid,” said one obituary, Christian mercy to all. As the service followed, his story faded in the public man blessed a plaque to mark the two genuine miracles before a decla- poor – to ask him not only to help them “but which required time and thought ended, Toussaint’s many white friends memory. Were it not for the efforts of headstone, and in 1968 his successor, ration of sainthood. In his 1999 hom- in their need but also to advise them by day and by night, and long watch- and associates stood back – honoring Hannah Sawyer Lee, whose Memoir Cardinal Terrence Cook, formally ini- ily, O’Connor acknowledged this but and pray for them. In the words of Fr. fulness and kind attention at the bed- a request he had made at the time of of Pierre Toussaint stitched together tiated Toussaint’s case (or “cause,” in emphasized that there is no need to Quinn, who eulogized Toussaint at his side of the sick and the departing.” Juliette’s burial – to let members of the details of his extraordinary life from canonical parlance) for canonization. wait for canonization to extoll Tous- funeral in 1853, he was “one who al- “For sixty years,” wrote the Home Black community bear him out of St. notes left behind by her sister, Mary After more than two decades of ex- saint’s example of Christian mercy. ways had wise counsel for the rich and Journal, “he attended Mass at six in Peter’s and through the streets to the Anna Schuyler, and a variety of other haustive research and due diligence by “Beatified or not, Pierre Toussaint words of encouragement for the poor.” the morning, as punctual as a clock, cemetery of St. Patrick’s on Mulberry sources, we would likely have a scant the Pierre Toussaint Guild, the cause remains a wonderful model,” he said, Today, in a world that seems to until prostrated by illness. His days Street. There, Black and white, rich and awareness of Toussaint today. was submitted to the Vatican. Pope St. “and I wish he were here.” worship the vain and self-serving, we and nights were given to visits, min- poor commingled again in prayer as For nearly a century, the legend John Paul II declared Toussaint “ven- His legacy today is alive and well could use some of Toussaint’s coun- istrations to the sick, attendance upon their beloved Toussaint was laid to rest of the former slave who managed to erable” in 1997. in the Archdiocese of New York. The sel and encouragement. Indeed, we the bereaved, and attempts to reform beside his wife and adopted daughter. achieve financial and social success Meanwhile, in 1989, Cardinal John Pierre Toussaint Guild, instrumen- could do worse than to emulate the the erring and console the afflicted.” while leading a life of unsurpassed O’Connor had arranged for the hair- tal in his cause for sainthood, also former slave from Haiti who lived to Toussaint had managed the remark- Beyond the Grave Christian piety was kept alive as oral dresser’s remains (which had to be helps to broadcast his inspiring sto- serve God and others, and came to able feat of moving with equal grace The decades following Toussaint’s history in the Haitian-American exhumed as part of the canonization ry to the world. The Pierre Toussaint embody so strikingly the love and and generosity in the disparate worlds death were tumultuous ones in New and Black Catholic communities. process) to be relocated to a vault be- Scholarship Fund, administered by mercy of Jesus Christ.

24 † SPRING 2021 † SPRING 2021 25 JOYFUL PASSAGES Acts of the Apostles 8:26–39

Recommended by: Fr. George Hafemann Pastor, St. , Goshen

“This favorite Scripture passage tells the story of the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch. Would that we all had the fervent faith of this man.”

THE Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road – the desert road – that goes down from Jeru- salem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of WORDS the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chari- ot reading the Book of the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man THAT reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. INSPIRE This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: ords, millions of them, swirl around us every day. Some are frivolous, some provocative, some hurtful, some kind. They can inform us, inflate “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, us, deflate us, carry us to faraway places or forgotten times. They may be Wspoken, sung, printed, broadcast, handwritten or displayed on a glowing screen, and and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, we can read, hear or ignore them. so he did not open his mouth. Amid the torrent, we look for passages – readings, songs, poems, fragments of text In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. US or verse – that we can circle back to: the ones that inspire us, enlighten us, center Who can speak of his descendants? us, bring us closer to God. These are words we lean on. They run through our heads For his life was taken from the earth.” when we’re out for a walk or doing chores or drifting off to sleep. Archways wants to know your go-to texts of wisdom, faith and joy. To get you started, The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the we gathered some springtime suggestions from priests, religious and music directors. prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. The Baptism of the Eunuch by Rembrandt, 1626.

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” down into the water and Philip baptized him. When Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord may.” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not Christ is the Son of God.” And he gave orders to stop see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

† SPRING 2021 27 San Filippo Neri (Cingoli) by Carlo Maratta. JOYFUL PASSAGES

“A Prayer Poem” From Letters: Book 7, by C.S. Lewis* by Blessed Clelia Merloni

Recommended by Fr. Anthony Mastrolia Pastor, St. Clare, Staten Island Master, they say that when I seem To be in speech with you, Since you make no replies, it’s all a dream – One talker aping two.

They are half right, but not as they Imagine; rather, I Seek in myself the things I meant to say, And lo! the wells are dry.

Then, seeing me empty, you forsake The Listener’s role, and through My dead lips breathe and into utterance wake Cardinal Dolan before a portrait of Blessed Clelia Merloni The thoughts I never knew. at a Mass in her honor at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, February 2019.

And thus you neither need reply Recommended by Sr. Cora Lombardo, ASCJ Nor can; thus, while we seem Director of Religious Education, Immaculate Two talking, thou art One forever, and I Conception/Assumption, Tuckahoe No dreamer, but thy dream. “Blessed Clelia captures the challenge we all face of * Copyright © C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. 1964. Reprinted by permission. From Maxims and Sayings not just finding Jesus in other people, but of really of St. Philip Neri loving them, even when they don’t return the favor of doing good for good. She focuses it for us and iden- tifies this as the Way of the Cross that becomes the Recommended by Br. Steven Neier Way to heaven.” New York Oratory of St. Philip Neri, Sparkill “The essential thing to do is to give oneself totally to Apply yourselves then with a generous heart to do all God. He who wants anything other than Christ does with the greatest perfection gazing on the image of not know what he wants.” God in your neighbor whoever he or she may be, who because of this, will become in your eyes the object “The Holy Spirit is the teacher of prayer. He enables of your most tender concerns even to feeling the joy us to live in constant peace and constant joy, which is of rendering them good for evil. Endure everything, a foretaste of paradise.” forgive everything, love always even though they may hate us. You can be sure that if you do this, you “My Jesus if you want me, cut the fetters that keep will advance, with giant steps, along the narrow way me from you.” Christian novelist C.S. Lewis. of the great Saints. “One should not wish to do everything in one day, 28 † SPRING 2021 or to become a saint in four days, but step by step.” JOYFUL PASSAGES “Veni Sancte Spiritus” (“Come Holy Spirit”), attributed to Pope Innocent III

“Now the Green Blade Riseth,” Recommended by Dr. Jennifer Pascual by John Macleod Campbell Crum Director of Music, St. Patrick’s Cathedral “On Easter and Pentecost Sundays, sequences (nonbiblical, sacred poetic texts) are required to be sung or recit- Recommended by Dr. Jennifer Donelson ed just prior to the singing of the Alleluia and Gospel verse during Mass. While in the 16th century hundreds of Director of Liturgical Music, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers sequences were in use, only a handful are still permitted today. For Pentecost, ‘Veni Sancti Spiritus’ caps off the Easter season and helps draw the faithful more deeply into the mysteries celebrated on this important day of the “The strong ties between Easter and the com- Church year. Click to hear it as a chant (start at 54’11”) and in a choral setting by Mozart.” ing of springtime in the Northern Hemisphere lend themselves to rich imagery that aug- Come, Holy Spirit, ments our natural anticipation for the end and send down from heaven of winter and for the victory of Christ over the ray of your light. death. This hymn wonderfully illustrates the Come, father of the poor, analogy between the death and resurrection come, giver of gifts, of Our Lord and the promise of Jesus that if come, light of the hearts. the ‘grain of wheat falls to the ground and Best consoler, dies … it produces much fruit”’(John 12:24). sweet host of the soul, The text is commonly set to the charming and sweet refresher. evocative French carol tune ‘Noel Nouvelet,’ Rest in work, which has elements of both major and minor cooling in heat, keys, capturing the giving way of shadow to Dr. Jennifer Donelson at the chapel comfort in crying. light in the spring and the conquering of life organ of St. Joseph’s Seminary. over death in the resurrection.” O most blessed light, fill the innermost hearts Now the green blade riseth, from the buried grain, of your faithful. Without your power Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain; nothing is in man, Love lives again, that with the dead has been: nothing innocent. Love is come again like wheat that springeth green. Clean what is dirty, In the grave they laid Him, Love who had been slain, water what is dry, Thinking that He never would awake again, heal what is wounded. Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen: Bend what is rigid, Love is come again like wheat that springeth green. heat what is cold, lead what has gone astray. Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain, Grant to your faithful Jesus who for three days in the grave had lain; who trust in you, Quick from the dead the risen One is seen: your sevenfold holy gift. Love is come again like wheat that springeth green. Grant us the reward of virtue, grant us final salvation, When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain, grant us eternal joy. Jesus’ touch can call us back to life again, Amen. Alleluia. A detail from the carved wood facade of the great pipe organ at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

30 † SPRING 2021 † SPRING 2021 31 © 2021 Archdiocese of New York archny.org