WWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG | March 15-28 2019 | Volume 80, Number 9 ORLANDO DIOCESE PALM BEACH DIOCESE VENICE DIOCESE Rite of Election Anniversary Mass Many on faith journey In this 2017 file photo, a woman Irish Catholics urged in Manila, Philippines, speaks during Mass about her loved one to abandon ‘weapons being killed due to their alleged involvement in drugs. Three of mass distraction’ Filipino Catholic priests claimed NICK BRAMHILL March 11 that Father McCabe, a former Catholic News Service they’ve received military chaplain, said mobile death threats phone etiquette has even been because of their DUBLIN | Alcohol, smok- introduced in the pre-baptism stance against ing and chocolates are some of courses he runs in his parish. drug-related the most well-known vices that “One of the things we stress killings. (ROMEO people traditionally give up in the course is that just one RANOCO, during Lent. But now Massgo- person should be taking pho- REUTERS | CNS) ers in Ireland are being urged tos of the baptism, while every- to make what might be an even one else relaxes and enjoys the harder sacrifice throughout occasion,” he said. “If people VIOLENCE IN PHILIPPINES the penitential six-week period are holding up their phones to — switching off their mobile take photos of the event, then 3 outspoken priests say they've received death threat phones. they are not properly engaging Parishioners in Navan, with it. CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE priests came soon after Bishop Pablo pointed at us,” said Father Reyes. County Meath, are being “The same can be said of Virgilio David of Kalookan, the dio- The president has repeatedly lam- urged to “reconnect with their weddings. The last thing a MANILA, Philippines | Three cese where most drug-related kill- basted the Catholic Church and its families” in the weeks leading bride wants to see as she walks Catholic priests, known for being ings have occurred, and Archbishop leaders for being corrupt. He even up to Easter by talking to one down the aisle is loads of peo- outspoken against a wave of drug-re- Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Da- said bishops should be killed in one another rather than texting ple with taking photos with lated killings, claimed they have re- gupan, a vocal critic of Duterte, an- of his public appearances. and browsing online. The “In- their phones. The only person ceived death threats in recent weeks, nounced they had received death “The message is clear. It’s not only vitation for Lent 2019” urges that should be taking pictures reported ucanews.com. threats. people that (Duterte) wants dead but churchgoers to “reduce screen is the wedding photographer.” Jesuit Father Albert Alejo, Divine Authorities offered to provide se- our faith as well,” said Father Reyes. time in order to increase fam- While Father McCabe ac- Word Father Flavie Villanueva and curity to the bishops and members of The priests also appealed to the ily time.” knowledges that some people Father Robert Reyes told a hastily the clergy, which was declined. public, including church leaders, Father Robert McCabe of St. — including those on call for organized media briefing March 11 Father Villanueva said police to speak out against human rights Mary’s Church, Navan, said he their work — are not in a po- that they fear for their lives. should give the poor more protec- abuses and the killings. “We are call- hopes parishioners will make sition to turn off their smart- “We’re not safe,” said Father Reyes, tion. ing on the entire church .... The an- a permanent lifestyle change, phones, he insists everyone known as the “running priest” for “If the police are sincere in want- swer should not be silence, but clear, rather than just putting down could all benefit from spend- his penchant to go on long-distance ing to protect lives, they should be in courageous proclamations and con- their devices during Lent. ing less time staring into de- runs to draw attention to human (urban poor) areas where many are viction,” said Father Reyes. “Everybody can benefit from vices. rights issues. on drug lists,” he said. The priests said bishops “should spending less time on their “A good description of The government has acknowl- The priests said they would con- be stronger.” phones and laptops and using phones that I’ve heard is that edged the deaths of nearly 5,200 tinue speaking out against killings The presidential palace dismissed that time to communicate in- they are ‘weapons of mass dis- “drug personalities” in nearly despite the threats because “speak- threats against the clergy as the work stead with their families,” he traction.’ If you’re in a position 120,000 anti-narcotics operations ing against evil is our moral obliga- of “ pranksters” or by “ anti-Duterte said. to switch them off, then do so since July 1, 2016, when President tion.” In 2018, gunmen shot dead trolls” to paint the president in a bad “Even members of the cler- and use that time positively,” Rodrigo Duterte came to power. three Catholic priests. light. gy are guilty of being on their he said. Authorities, however, said all were Father Mark Ventura was killed in Salvador Panelo, Duterte spokes- phones too much, and Pope “I hope people will heed this killed while resisting arrest or attack- the town of Gattaran, April 29, four man, said sending threats over the Francis himself has high- message during Lent, and that ing arresting officers. Human rights months after Father Marcelito Paez phone “is the easiest and most con- lighted this point when he people will make changes for groups claim more than 20,000 drug- was killed in Nueva Ecija province. venient thing to do (because) you chastised priests and bishops life, and not just for this period. related killings have been classified In June, Father Richmond Nilo can’t trace the source.” who take pictures with their People are spending too much by police as “deaths under investiga- was shot dead in Cabanatuan. He said the threats could have mobiles during Masses, saying time in the virtual world, and tion.” “The deadly words of Duterte also come from “personal enemies” they should lift up their hearts need to come back to the real The threats against the three against Catholics are like a dagger of the priests and bishops. n rather than their mobiles.” world.” n WWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG | March 15-28, 2019 FLORIDACatholic ORLANDO DIOCESE RITE OF ELECTION Sponsors play key role in rite GLENDA MEEKINS made to take this journey. It’s a definite yes. of the Florida Catholic staff She has the innocence of a child in loving the Lord. It’s beautiful.” ORLANDO | Friends and family beamed The Catechism of the Catholic Church with pride as more than 500 catechumens states that the role of the Confirmation assembled before Bishop John Noonan sponsor is to, “Continue to help the candi- March 10, at the Basilica of the National date along the road of Christian life, to safe- Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Or- guard and develop the grace given at Bap- lando. This Rite of Election marks a signifi- tism and now sealed with the Holy Spirit.” cant milestone in each person’s walk toward (CCC, 1320) Ramsaran calls Louise daily becoming full members of and Louise in turn prays the Catholic family and they for Ramsaran and answers couldn’t do it without a faith- ‘It’s not an easy her questions. “A sponsor is ful sponsor or godparent by a confidante,” said Louise, their side. walk to do with who served as a director of Coming from all corners somebody, but it is religious education when of the Diocese of Orlando, she lived in New York. “I various parts of the world, an enjoyable walk. I keep it all in my heart and and different faith back- would love for every pray on it. I use all my for- grounds, these men, women mation and what I continue and youth (ages 7 or older) person in our church to learn helps me know the professed their readiness for to be a sponsor Catholic Church.” their next step as “elect” in Although it is best if a the Rite of Catholic Initia- and walk with a sponsor has a strong forma- tion of Adults. Their spon- tion, it is not required. The Godparent Louise Mazuchowski accompanies catechumen Linda Ramsaran to be sors will continue to accom- catechumen. ... It Code of Canon Law (Canon welcomed by Bishop John Noonan. (PHOTOS BY GLENDA MEEKINS | FC) pany and guide this hopeful takes commitment, 874) states that, “a spon- group to full initiation at the sor must be a Baptized and Easter Vigil and beyond. time and total trust.’ Confirmed member liv- Linda Ramsaran of St. ing a life in harmony with Jude Parish in Ocala is 63, — Louise Mazuchowski the Catholic Church.” They but her call to Christianity should be willing to seek the began as a child growing up answers with and for their in Guyana in South America. “My parents catechumen. “Sometimes, even what you were Hindus, but we were living in an envi- don’t know, the Holy Spirit puts it upon you,” ronment where there were more Christian affirmed Louise, indicating an openness to people,” Ramsaran said. As a consequence, the guidance of the Holy Spirit is critical. she went to Bible school and learned Scrip- Being a sponsor requires patience and ture as a young girl. She studied the Gospel a willingness to meet catechumens where of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles and they are on their journey.