| August 2009 | September 2009 |
| October 2009 | November 2009 |
| December 2009 | |
| February 2010 | March 2010 |
| April 2010 | May 2010 |
| June 2010 | July 2010 |
| August 2010 | September 2010 |
Two significant August events
In the month of August, I will be traveling to New Orleans for
two significant events. On August 2 the Knights of Peter Claver
are celebrating their 100th An-niversary. I will attend the Anniversary
Mass at the New Orleans Convention Center. The Knights of Peter
Claver is the largest Lay organization for African-American Catholics
in the United States. The fraternal order was established by four
Josephite priests and three laymen in Mobile, Alabama. The significance
of this Catholic organization was expressed by Bishop Joseph Perry,
Chaplain, who said: 'Their importance stems from their origin
in a different social climate where African-Americans were not
generally accepted in various clubs, organizations or lodges of
that nature."
Many of the 19,000 members ofthe Knights of Peter Claver and its various divisions are from the Diocese of Lafayette. The Ladies Auxiliary, established in 1926, is headed by Supreme Lady Geralyn Shelvin of Lafayette. I joined the Knights of Peter Claver a few years ago and have participated in state conventions when they were held in Lafayette. Like the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Peter Claver is an organization that supports Catholic identity, that engages in charitable works, and that gives members an opportunity for mutual support in living the Catholic faith.
The goals of the organization are expressed in the following declaration:
"For the purpose of rendering service to God and His Holy Church; of recognizing the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man; particularly as these attributes are defined in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy; of assisting the hierarchy and the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church in the apostolic work to which they have dedicated their I ives by planning, promoting, sponsoring and executing commendable works of Catholic Action wherever and whenever possible; for giving edification by good example in deportment; in word and in deed, especially to the youth who emulate those virtuous deeds, of rendering mutual aid and assistance to its sick and disabled members; of promoting such social and intellectual association among its members as shall be desired and proper, the Order of the Knights of St. Peter Claver, established 1909, was called into being, and its organization effected."
On August 20, I will attend the Installation of the Most Reverend Gregory Aymond, 14th Archbishop of New Orleans, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. I presume that the three retired Archbishops of New Orleans will be in attendance as well. They are: Archbishop Philip Hannan (1965- I 988), Archbishop Francis Schulte (1988-2002) and Archbishop Alfred Hughes (2002-2009). New Orleans has been a diocese since 1793 and Archbishop Aymond is the first native son to be appointed its leader. Archbishop Aymond served as Rector of Notre Dame Semirary from 1986 to 2000. He is well known to many priests in the Diocese of Lafayette who studied Theology at Notre Dame Seminary.
I had the opportunry to work with Archbishop Aymond after he
was named Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans in 1997. I found him
to be an intelligent and capable leader. I wish him well as he
faces serious challenges in New Orleans, which is still in the
process rebuilding after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina
I am confident that he has the personal qualities to lead the
Archdiocese well. At age 59, he should be the shepherd of the
Archdiocese for many years. May the Lord prosper the work of his
hands.
Healthcare Reform
As Congress reconvenes, it seems that the major topic of debate
is healthcare reform. This is an issue which has concerned the
National Conference of Catholic Bishops for many years. For the
bishops, the primary issue is care for the poor. The dignity of
the human person is a recurring theme in Catholic social teaching.
On July 17, Bishop William Murphy, Chairman of the Committee on
Domestic Justice and Human Development, sent a letter to Congress.
His main point concerned the availability of healthcare for all
citizens.
A second issue for bishops is respect for the life of the unborn. The Church opposes any policy or program that will increase the practice of abortion. The bishops will not support any bill which increases federal funding for abortions, provides mandatory insurance coverage for abortions, or requires healthcare workers to participate in abortions.
One concern is the question of how universal healthcare will be financed. I believe that the Church's role in the debate is to articulate principles and to speak in favor of the poor. I realize that the difficulty is often in the details and paying for universal healthcare is a difficult issue. Bishops normally do not feel competent to write specific bills, explain all the details or even judge the best way to pay for or deliver services. I urge the constructive involvement of all lay persons in the Church, and indeed all citizens, as the country struggles with this long-standing and complex issue of healthcare for all. I hope that they will speak up for the needs of the poor and for the protection of human life from the moment of conception.
Bishop's Services Appeal
Usually at this time of year parishioners begin hearing about
the annual Bishop's Services Appeal. After our experience with
hurricanes in August and September of 2005 and 2008, a decision
was made to start the BSA in October rather than September. Bulletin
announcements in parish churches are set to begin on September
27 and letters to parishioners will be sent the following week.
Letters will be sent to 83,000 households.
The Appeal has been conducted for 36 years. In that time, parishioners have provided $41.5 million for Church services. Currently, the Bishop's Services Appeal generates about $2 million each year.
The theme for this year's Appeal is, "It is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive." (Acts 20:35) I truly appreciate everyone's offerings for this Appeal, which is so important for the operations of the Diocese. I know that the economy has affected some of our donors, but I ask everyone to participate and to give according to his means.
Year of the Priest
Last April, Pope Benedict XVI called for a Year for Priests, which began in June of 2009 and will continue through June 2010. He stated that the purpose of the Year is spiritual renewal for priests. In June, the Holy Father wrote a letter to all of the priests in the world. He discussed the life and ministry of Saint John Vianney, the patron of priests. August 4, 2009 marked the 150th Anniversary of the death of Saint John Vianney. In the letter, the Holy Father noted John Vianney's great appreciation for the gift of priesthood and how it is a gift for the individual and for the Church. He also called attention to the saint's works of charity, as well as his habit of enlisting the assistance of lay people in the conduct of his parish ministry. The Holy Father urged all priests to imitate these and other aspects of the life of Saint John Vianney.
In this Year for Priests, the Holy Father asks two things of the laity. He asks for prayer for priests. I have found over the years that there are many lay people in the Diocese who regularly pray for priests. I encourage more people to do so.
The Holy Father also asked for prayer for vocations to the
priesthood and religious life. Again, I have found that many of
the laity of the Diocese of Lafayette pray regularly for religious
vocations. However, I think there is one area in which there could
be some improvement, and that is on parental and family support
for young men and women who are interested in a religious vocation.
It seems that we have many people who would like to see more priests
in the Church and who support religious vocations in general,
but are not quite as supportive when their own children express
a desire to be a priest, a brother or a sister. A survey of the
2009 ordination class in the United States showed that 47 percent
of them encountered some degree of parental opposition to their
vocation, at least in the early stages. Perhaps priests are not
the only ones in need of inner renewal, deeper spirituality and
a clearer focus on the meaning of life in Christ. May God bless
us all.
October 2009
I don't recall the exact history, but in the years following the
Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion (Roe v. Wade 1973),
the American Bishops chose the first Sunday in October as Respect
Life Sunday. As time went on, more and more life issues began
to emerge in the public square. The Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life
Activities began to address issues like euthanasia, physician-assisted
suicide, in vitro fertilization, cloning, capital punishment and
embryonic stem cell research. It was clear that one Sunday was
not enough to address so many issues. The Bishops began to promote
an annual pro-life program with suggested prayers and activities
throughout the year.
In recent years, there has been an effort to regard social justice issues as pro-life issues. What right is more basic than the right to life? What good are other rights without it? Many people who are vocal on the abortion issue are sometimes asked why they are not as vocal in opposition to capital punishment or to the plight of the poor. This sort of conversation has led to a joining of forces since in the eyes of the Church there are many issues concerning respect for human life. The various issues often differ somewhat in Catholic moral teaching. For example, abortion is intrinsically evil, whereas capital punishment can be justified in rare instances.
This issue is presented more fully in the document from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops entitled, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. I quote,
“Two temptations in public life can distort the Church's defense of human life and dignity:
“The first is a moral equivalence that makes no ethical distinctions between different kinds of issues involving human life and dignity the direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. It must always be opposed.
“The second is the misuse of these necessary moral distinctions as a way of diminishing or ignoring other serious threats to human life and dignity. Racism and other unjust discrimination, the use of the death penalty, resorting to unjust wars, the use of torture, war crimes, the failure to respond to those who are suffering from hunger or a lack of health care, or an unjust immigration policy are all serious moral issues that challenge our consciences and require us to act.”
The enlargement of the pro-life umbrella is a good development as the Church tries to influence her own members and society at large. This year's packet for the Respect Life Program contains informative brochures on human dignity, building a culture of life, infertility, contraception, sexual differences and the defense of marriage, and assisted suicide.
The brochure on infertility caught my eye. It is entitled, Addressing Infertility with Compassion and Clarity, and it is written by Father J. Daniel Mindling, OFC Cap. The author recognizes that in vitro fertilization is opposed by the Church primarily because it involves the destruction of unwanted human embryos. On the other hand, Father Mindling also recommends that those who minister in the name of the Church should recognize the deep desire of married couples to have children. As one critic told him, “You send them away with theology, but the clinic sends them home with a baby.” It is not true of course that all couples bring a baby home from the clinic. Father Mindling recommends care and compassion as Church ministers present moral values as well as moral prohibitions. The brochure is available on line at www.usccb.org. It is well worth reading.
Respect for human life is a thread that runs consistently through
the Church's teaching on many issues, regardless of whether they
carry the label of social justice or pro-life. It is this coherence
and consistency that make the Church's message so important in
working toward the ideal of justice for all.
The month of November begins with the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1 and the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day) on November 2. It is a month during which the Church gives special attention to her members who have died. The word saints is simply a translation of the Latin word for holy ones. It is used in several different ways. Sometimes it refers to those who have been canonized by the church; sometimes it refers to all those who are in heaven; and sometimes it refers to all who are baptized—living or deceased. On the Solemnity of All Saints, the Church remembers and honors all those who are in heaven.
On All Souls Day special efforts are made to pray for the souls in purgatory. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as, "A state of final purification after death and before entrance into heaven for those who died in God's friendship, but were only imperfectly purified." (cf. The Glossary) Some Catholics have difficulty accepting the idea of purgatory, but I must confess that it has always made good sense to me. Even good people are guilty of sins and imperfections. Purgatory is not a permanent state, but a period of purification. Everyone who goes to purgatory will one day go to heaven. While All Souls Day may occasion some sadness because we miss those who have died, it is, nonetheless, an expression of our faith in Jesus Christ and our hope for eternal salvation in him.
Many families have the tradition of painting tombs, placing flowers, or otherwise cleaning the area around burial places. It is a beautiful way of honoring the dead and of expressing our faith in the resurrection of the body. Most parishes that have cemeteries celebrate some ceremony of prayer and blessings. The official rituals of the Church call for the blessing of a church cemetery when it is first opened and for blessing a grave, tomb or burial place when it is used. The November ceremonies in the cemeteries are basically a time to pray for the deceased. The Book of Blessings contains a service called, "Order for Visiting a Cemetery on All Souls Day, Memorial Day or on the Anniversary of Death or Burial." This service may be used by private individuals and families. Prayers for the dead are especially appropriate during the month of November.
Elsewhere in this issue, there is an article on cremation and the reverent disposition of the cremated remains. Without repeating everything in the article, the basic ideas are that cremation is allowed, but burial or entombment of the body is preferred; that it is preferable to have the body present for the funeral; and that if for a good reason cremation is chosen, the remains must be buried or entombed in a reverent manner. Many Catholics are not aware of these requirements. Also, some of the regulations are counter-cultural. We hear all the time of people whose cremated remains are scattered abroad somewhere. This is not permitted. Cremated remains are not really ashes, but primarily bone fragments. We would never think of tossing a loved one's bones from an airplane. The Church has always been counter-cultural in one way or another. What is at stake here is belief in the resurrection of the body—not just eternal life in a vague sense, but also actual resurrection of one's body. This belief calls for a sense of reverence for the human body even after death. This is the Catholic way.
In both the funeral rite and the rite for the visitation of
cemeteries we pray:
"Eternal
rest grant unto them, O Lord.
R/. And let the perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
R/. Amen
May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R/. Amen."
December 2009
Over the Thanksgiving Holidays, I was pleased to visit
Consolata Nursing Home in New Iberia. Consolata is the only nursing
home owned and operated by the Diocese of Lafayette. It has 98
residents. It has been in operation since February 1960. More
specifically, I went to visit the six priests who are residents
there in one capacity or another. Except for the Jesuits in Grand
Coteau, there is no greater concentration of priests anywhere
in the Diocese. Father Joe Stemmann retired from active status
a few years ago, but not from active ministry. In November 2008,
he became Chaplain at Consolata, replacing Father Raymond Robitaille,
who moved out of the Chaplain's quarters at Consolata, but remains
in residence.
Father Stemmann gathered the priests in his quarters for the visit and provided cake and coffee. Father Robitaille remains sound in mind and body, despite his 90 years of age. Father Wilson Matt and Father George Simon are both retired Diocesan priests in residence at Consolata. At age 91, Father Matt is the third oldest priest in the Diocese. The oldest (94) is Father John Spekschate who lives in his native Holland. The second oldest (91) is Father John DeLeeuw who lives in Lafayette. During the visit, Father Matt displayed his usual interest in current events as well as his wit, charm, strong voice and sense of humor. He knows more about events in the Diocese than most priests and no one can figure out how he does it. Father Simon is quieter than Father Matt, as are most people, but he was active in the conversation.
Father Raymond Jones, SVD, suffered a stroke sometime ago and is a resident at Consolata. Despite some physical impairment, his mind is good. Lastly, Father Allen Breaux, the youngest of the group is recovering from back surgery and should be returning soon to his assignment at Saints Peter and Paul in Scott. It was a wonderful visit and everyone seemed to enjoy the hour we spent together. I know I did. I pray that God may bless these faithful servants who are still serving faithfully. In this Year for Priests, I ask everyone's prayers for our priests, whether active or retired. I can't begin to add up the number of years of priestly ministry given by these six men. I hope that I am as happy as they are when I reach their age.
Speaking of priests and happiness, I just read of a survey conducted by Monsignor Stephen J. Rossetti and reported in his booklet, “Our Journey into Joy.” (2009, Ave Maria Press) He reports that 92.2 percent of respondents said that they were happy as priests. That is a remarkable statistic. Monsignor Rossetti writes, “The grace of God is flowing in and through our priests. Despite the travails of our day, and there are many, the vast majority of our priests are courageously embracing their crosses, living their priestly calling with fidelity, and coming to know the source of true joy.”
I will not have another column before Christmas, so even though we are just beginning the holy season of Advent, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
February 2010
February may be the last month of winter, but this year it brings
a bright ray of sunshine as the New Orleans Saints make history
by their first appearance in the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the annual
observance of Mardi Gras produces a festive atmosphere in South
Louisiana regardless of the outcome of the game.
When the game is done and the parades are over, the season of Lent begins. Ash Wednesday will be observed on February 17 this year. Catholics and many other Christians will present themselves for the imposition of ashes, hearing one of the following admonitions: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” or “Remember man that you are dust and to dust you will return.” Both formulas remind us that faithfulness to Jesus calls for continuing repentance and conversion.
In his Lenten Message for 2010, Pope Benedict XVI writes, “Conversion to Christ, believing in the Gospel ultimately means this: To exit the illusion of self-sufficiency in order to discover and accept one's own need—the need of others and God, the need of his forgiveness and his friendship.” That one sentence contains many seeds for reflection. For example, the Holy Father writes of “the need for his [God's] forgiveness.” Spiritual writers often remind us of God's love for us. They tell us that his love is unconditional, that there are no conditions. He loves us no matter what. The parable of the Prodigal Son is an illustration of God's unconditional love. However, when it comes to God's forgiveness, we cannot say that it is unconditional. There are conditions. God does not offer forgiveness no matter what. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he included the plea to the Father: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” This thought is strengthened when he adds, “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
Conversion to the Gospel is the theme for the Rite of Election, a special ceremony held each year on the First Sunday in Lent. The Rite of Election is a part of the Rite of the Christian Initiation of Adults, a process of instruction and conversion for adults and children of catechetical age who wish to be baptized, or if they are already baptized, to attain full communion in the Catholic Church. For me, this is one of the most inspiring ceremonies of the year. Hundreds of catechumens (those seeking Baptism) and candidates (those seeking to be received into the Church) from throughout the Diocese gather with the Bishop to hear the Church's approval of the progress they have made on the road of conversion. At the Easter Vigil, they will receive the appropriate sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation or Holy Communion.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a reminder that the primary mission of the Church is to make disciples for Jesus. Generally, we do this well for children whose parents present them for Baptism and catechetical instruction. The challenge today is to invite inactive Catholics and the unchruched into participation in the sacramental life of the Church. A number of our parishes have active programs to conduct door-to-door visitation for the purpose of invitation. Every year pastors assist me in sending letters inviting inactive Catholics to “Come Home for Christmas.” Catholics are becoming more aware of the need for such programs of evangelization. Readers might want to speak to their pastors and offer to participate in a program in their parish.
I pray for a fruitful Lent for everyone who seeks to be faithful
to the Gospel and to realize his need for God's forgiveness.
In recent weeks I have received a number of inquiries about the distasteful billboards that have gone up in and around Lafayette. Many Catholics see in these billboards an attack on the Church and they are deeply offended. I have seen similar attacks for years, so I am not surprised when they appear. But, I am very disappointed. Years ago, there was great acrimony between Catholics and Protestants--the legacy of centuries of antagonism. Early in the Twentieth Century, various Protestant Churches began an ecumenical movement stressing the points of unity and the expressed desire of the Lord Jesus “that all may be one.” (John 17:21) With the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church joined the ecumenical movement. Catholics are urged to maintain their Catholic beliefs, but to look benignly on their separated brethren. Catholics are urged to pray with those of other churches on various occasions and to join with them in works of charity. The ecumenical movement has been good for the Church and for society.
Thus, when attacks are made, the ecumenical movement suffers. Every Church should engage in evangelization, but usually they are seeking to instruct and inspire their own members or to reach out to the unchurched.
I am disappointed by the appearance of the billboards, but I see them primarily as a challenge to Catholics. We are challenged to know the Bible and to know what the Church teaches. Many theology books and classes are available to Catholics who have questions. Priests, deacons and lay persons who have studied theology are available for consultation. It is all right for Catholics to have questions, but they should honestly seek answers from knowledgeable sources. To do less is either laziness or intellectual dishonesty.
For example, the billboards make reference to Matthew 23:9 in which Jesus says, “Call no one on earth your father.” What should a Catholic think about this passage? He should do three things:
1. Look at the whole passage. It concerns the Scribes and the Pharisees in Jesus' time. We should ask what the meaning of all this is.
2. Look at other verses in scripture. For example in Matthew 6:6, the Lord says, “When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret.” Did Jesus do this? In Luke, Chapter 4:6, we read, “He [Jesus] came to Nazareth where he had grown up and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the Sabbath Day.” Or in Matthew 18:9, we read, “If your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away.” These are puzzling sayings. They are meant to make us think and find deeper meaning.
3. Learn from the experts. Read up on forms of speech in Jesus' time and learn about the customary use of hyperbole or exaggeration. Today we might look down on this manner of speech, but it was readily acceptable in Jesus' time and everyone understood that they were to go beyond the words and look for the meaning intended by the speaker. In the case of “call no man father” it is clear that Jesus is putting God in first place and that he alone is Father and teacher. On the other hand, the passage is a serious reminder to Christian leaders (bishops, priests, deacons, etc.) that they teach and minister in the name of Jesus and the Father. It is a warning against a spirit of superiority and self-importance. The Pope carries many titles, but one of them is “Servant of the Servants of God.” This title describes an important dimension of ministerial priesthood and of all who exercise authority in the Church.
All the Popes since John XXIII have supported the ecumenical
movement among Christians. A few lapses here and there should
not deter us from the goal of unity in Christ.
The United State Conference of Catholic Bishops recently garnered a lot of attention because of its position on the healthcare reform bill. The bishops consistently expressed their support for many provisions of the bill, especially the extension of health insurance to many more people. Just as consistently, the bishops supported the inclusion of explicit language that would prevent the use of federal funds for abortion. In the last days of the process, there was disagreement about the claim that the final version of the bill and the promise of a Presidential Executive Order would be sufficient to prevent the use of federal funds for abortion. It became a battle of legal opinions. In the end, the bishops recommended a “no” vote on the Bill, primarily because of the abortion issue.
A nine page legal opinion from the bishops' legal counsel is available on the bishops' website (www.usccb.org). The bishops are still hopeful that adequate safeguards can be provided.
The USCCB, State Conferences of Bishops, and individual bishops frequently take a position on legislative issues. They try to keep in mind the moral teaching of the Church and the good of the whole of society. It is one way in which bishop's exercise leadership for what they believe is the common good.
Frequently individual Catholics find themselves in disagreement with their bishops. What are we to make of this situation? We must admit that it is not an ideal situation; it would be better if all were of one mind. On certain core issues, like the right-to-life, a clear and basic teaching is at stake. There can be no compromise on this principle. Sometimes there are honest disagreements on strategy. In such cases, reasonable and respectful dialogue are in order. In some cases, the Bishops must be clear in their teaching that some things are intrinsically evil and can never be supported.
The Louisiana Legislature is now in session and there is sure to be a big helping of controversy. The Bishops of Louisiana will support some bills and oppose others. For example, they are asking legislators to support adequate funding for required services for non-public schools. Not everyone will agree, but there should be reasonable and respectful dialogue.
Bills, in both House and Senate, have been introduced to prevent the sentencing of juveniles 16 years of age or younger to life without the possibility of parole. The bishops realize that this is a controversial measure. In many cases, the survivors of victims of capital crimes, who have suffered immensely and continue to feel great pain, are strongly opposed to these bills. The bishops are aware of survivors' grief, but they support the measure, partly because of what it means to be a juvenile. Citizens and legislators will grapple with this challenging issue.
Also, for years the bishops have been opposed to capital punishment
basing their position on the teaching in the Catechism of the
Catholic Church. The bishops know that they are at odds with the
majority of Louisiana's citizens—Catholic or not. The Bishops
are aware of the situation, but they try to promote reasonable
and respectful dialogue.
Civil life in a democracy is often filled with disagreement
and discord—even among Catholics. The Bishops hope that the
disagreements which seem to be inevitable will not lead to hatred
or acrimony. Is it possible for people to actually listen to each
other? Louisiana's Bishops believe there can be reasonable and
respectful dialogue, even on the most difficult issues.
June 2010
For many people the summer brings a change of pace. It
seems that the months from September to May have a certain rhythm
but the summer months are different. In my case, there is still
plenty to do, but there is more time to accomplish the tasks at
hand. Then there is vacation. I will take two weeks in July for
the relaxing sport of fishing right here in Louisiana unless the
oil spill interferes. Before that, in June, I will be attending
a meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The Bishops meet twice a year in November and in June for business
purposes. Once every four years, there is a Special Assembly which
is more like a retreat—no business is conducted. The Bishops
have an opportunity to get to know one another better in a relaxed
setting. I am looking forward to our Special Assembly this year.
In July, I will be attending a workshop for bishops. It is billed as an “Episcopal Ongoing Formation Session.” Formerly, the term, “continuing education,” was generally used, but now the preferred term is “ongoing formation.” The session will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina. The theme of the workshop is, “Understanding and Ministering Versatility with Our Instinctive Leadership Behaviors and Supporting Values as a Means to Better Serving and Leading God's Holy People.” Having served as a Pastor for 17 years and as a Bishop for as many, it is about time I understand my instinctive leadership behaviors. Actually, I have attended similar workshops through the years. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that there is always more to learn. Ongoing formation is expected of people of many walks of life, including the clergy.
The session is sponsored by the Catholic Leadership Institute, a not-for-profit group of laymen who offer their services for the ongoing formation of priests and bishops. The group offers quality programs at a low cost. Indeed, the workshop for bishops is free of charge.
Ongoing formation is taken seriously by priests in the Diocese of Lafayette. By attending a workshop myself, I hope to give good example concerning the importance of ongoing formation. On the diocesan level, there is an office of Ongoing Formation for Priests. The Director is Father Kevin Bordelon. He has invited the Catholic Leadership Institute to give presentations about one of their programs for priests called, “Good Leaders, Good Shepherd.” If enough priests are interested, the program will begin within the next year. This program has received good reviews in other dioceses and I believe it will be appreciated by our priests as well. Many of them have expressed a desire to have more training in the administrative side of pastoring. Little such training is given in the seminary, but more and more is being required as the real world becomes more complex and more demanding. Our priests are enthusiastic about growth in all areas of ministry.
Last year, Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, called for a Year for Priests. The Year will end on June 11, 2010, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. An International Gathering of Priests is being hosted by the Holy Father in Rome. This will be the closing ceremony of the Year for Priests. Here in the Diocese of Lafayette a day of recollection for priests will be held on June 11 at Our Lady of Fatima Church to close out the Year. The last part of the day will be a Holy Hour, which is a fitting way to end this special year. The Holy Father asked priests to pursue inner spiritual renewal. He asked the laity to pray for priests. As the Year for Priests ends, I ask for everyone's continued prayer for priests, especially those who are having health problems, the newly ordained, and those who are beginning new assignments. I hope everyone has a happy and holy summer.
July 2010
Weeks turn into months as the oil spill continues to pour
more and more crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico causing severe
impacts on coast lands, wildlife and the economy of the State.
People's lives and livelihoods are being severely damaged. Nor
should we forget those who died in the original explosion in April.
The families of the deceased, as well as the survivors and their
families, deserve our continued prayers and concern. The long-term
effects are unknown in this developing situation, but anything
that negatively impacts the seafood and oil industries is bound
to affect all of Acadiana. Let us continue to pray for clean up
of the oil and for restoration of land, wildlife and lives.
Before the oil spill in April, our attention was focused on Haiti where an earthquake in January caused widespread death and destruction. Some media have tried to keep before us the ongoing needs of the people there. They need our prayers and they need material assistance. Shortly after the earthquake struck, the churches in the Diocese of Lafayette asked for donations from parishioners. The total donated stands at $554,000. This money has been sent to Catholic Relief Services, the official overseas relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Throughout the United States, Catholics have donated over $60 million dollars to the Haiti Relief Fund. A visit to the CRS website will reveal the ways in which the money is being spent. Many governmental and non-governmental agencies are providing relief of various kinds in Haiti, including the efforts of the S.O.L.T. Haiti Mission. For decades, this mission has existed under the direction of Father Glenn Meaux, a priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity and a native of Abbeville. Father Meaux and his staff have been trying to respond to additional demands placed on the mission by the earthquake victims. A visit to his website (www.solthaitimission.org) has much information on the activities of the mission, as well as information for those who wish to make a donation to this worthy cause. I pray for God's blessing upon all efforts to heal the wounds in Haiti.
Closer to home, the new Saint Joseph Diner in Lafayette was dedicated and blessed on June 24. For 27 years, the St. Joseph Diner has provided over a million meals for the poor in the Lafayette area. It is one component of the Lafayette Catholic Service Centers which have been supported by the people of Acadiana for many years.
I stated above that Catholic Relief Services is an agency which
provides relief and development. Relief means the provision of
immediate aid, such as food for the hungry or medical treatment
for the sick and injured. This is a necessary part of serving
the poor and needy as proclaimed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Development means the provision of assistance so that people may
provide for themselves. It may mean teaching people how to farm,
or providing them with the means to launch a small business. It
may mean helping a person to get training in order to find employment.
Catholic Relief Services has learned through the years how to
provide both relief and development, all in the name of the Lord.
I might add that the Lafayette Catholic Service Centers engage
in both relief and development. Catholic Relief Services and Lafayette
Catholic Service Centers deserve our continued support.
By all accounts, the Most Reverend Philip Hannan, Archbishop Emeritus of New Orleans, has led a remarkable life. His memoirs are contained in a book entitled, “The Archbishop Wore Combat Boots: Memoir of an Extraordinary Life,” recently published by Our Sunday Visitor Press. At age 97, Archbishop Hannan resides in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and participates in events as health permits. New Orleans has the distinction of having four living Archbishops: three retired and one active. In the minds of many, when people say, “The Archbishop,” they are talking about Archbishop Hannan. He has been a priest for 71 years and a bishop for 54 yeas.
Philip Hannan was born in 1913 at the family home in Washington, D.C. His father, Patrick Hannan, ran a plumbing business. He and his wife had eight children—seven boys and one girl. Philip was ordained a priest of the Baltimore-Washington Archdiocese in 1939 in Rome, where he completed his seminary training. After serving as a parish priest in Baltimore, he volunteered to serve as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army. He had assignments in this country and in England. In July 1944, he was sent to the mainland to join the Army's push toward Berlin. After the Battle of the Buldge began, he volunteered to serve in the 82nd Airborne Division. Contrary to popular myth, he did not parachute into France on D-Day, nor did he ever participate in a combat jump. He did complete his training jumps and won his “wings.” That feat alone deserves respect. His service on the ground, some of it in combat zones, was commendable. On various occasions he came under enemy fire. He offered Masses, heard confessions, counseled soldiers, tended the wounded, wrote letters to grieving parents and did all of the things that military chaplains do.
After the War, Archbishop Hannan returned to his home diocese. In 1947, the Archdiocese of Washington was separated from Baltimore and in 1956 he was named Auxiliary Bishop of Washington. In 1965, he became Archbishop of New Orleans. He retired in 1988.
People my age will be interested in his account of his friendship with the Kennedys—John, Jacqueline, Bobby, Ethel, etc. He was often consulted by President Kennedy on Church-State issues. After the assassination of President Kennedy, Jackie asked him to deliver the homily at the funeral. This he did on November 25, 1963 at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew in Washington. One interesting feature of the book is the reproduction of numerous letters from members of the Kennedy clan. With regard to the assassination, Archbishop Hannan believes that there was a conspiracy. “The single gunman theory simply isn't plausible,” he writes. (Page 243) Many Americans agree with him and many do not. As usual his belief is stated definitively.
Reflecting on his years in New Orleans, the author has good things to say about the Cajuns. I quote:
“After nearly 50 years of living in south Louisiana, I can attest that Cajuns are among the most joyful, warm-hearted and warm-blooded people I have ever known. They do not blush whenever they tell you what's on their mind and they have a passion for life and for the Church that is unsurpassed.” (Page 312).
Further he writes,
“…there is no denying the Cajuns were very generous in building churches, which was a tangible expression of their faith. In Opelousas, the Cajuns got together to build the magnificent St. Landry Church, which celebrated its first Mass in 1909 and compares favorably to any parish church in the world. Saint Charles Borromeo Church in Grand Coteau, dedicated in 1880, is another outstanding church. The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in downtown Lafayette, dedicated in 1919, is as beautiful a church as I have ever been in.” (Pages 312-313)
Archbishop Hannan also had good things to say about the Vietnamese community in New Orleans. I was amused to read the following: “Within a very few years of the Vietnamese community's arrival in New Orleans, many of their children, born knowing absolutely no English and having the additional obstacle of parents speaking no English in the home, were valedictorians and scholarship winners in their schools.” (Emphasis mine)
The book is a valuable record, not only of a remarkable life,
but also of a significant period in the life of the Church, both
in Washington and in Louisiana.
September 2010
For many years the Bishop's Services Appeal began each
year in September. Storms in 2005 and 2008 disrupted the process
and caused all sorts of problems. Last year, the beginning date
was moved to October and that is the plan for this year and future
years. Appeal letters will be sent to 78,000 households during
the last week of September. On Sunday, October 3, “The Bishop's
Message” will be presented in all churches either by audio
or video. By means of the letter and the tape, parishioners will
be informed of some of the good works supported by the Appeal.
“Commitment Sunday” will be observed on October 10.
The Bishop's Services Appeal was initiated by Bishop Gerald L. Frey in 1973. Last year's total was $2,302,259. Incomplete returns for the 2009-2010 Appeal show donations of $2,378,022.56. The Appeal has been successful through the years for several reasons. I believe that God has blessed it because it supports the works of religion, good works for his people. Another reason is the generosity of the people in the Diocese. Years ago people seldom heard the word, “stewardship.” More and more people are becoming aware of the spirituality of stewardship and making it a part of their lives. Praise God! The theme of this year's appeal is, “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” It recalls the parable of Jesus about the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25) and reminds us of the doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ and of mankind's unity in him. I hope every parishioner will make a donation this year, however small it might be. Great things are accomplished when the people of the Diocese work together.
At this time of year, students are returning to school and the same is true for seminarians of the Diocese, who number 28 at this time. This includes four who are entering formation this year. Of the four, one is a 2010 high school graduate, two are in college and one is a college graduate. I ask everyone's prayers for our seminarians during these years of discernment and formation. It is expected that four of them will be ordained priests on June 11, 2011.
Many people in the Diocese have been praying for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life. In addition, many are trying to support and encourage religious vocations. Priests, sisters and brothers are involved, but so are many of the laity. All Catholics should be encouraging young people to consider a religious vocation and to discern whether or not that is their calling from God. Parents and grandparents especially can be helpful in this regard. For some reason, parents are often suspicious and fearful if their children are interested in a religious vocation. I suppose it is the fear of the unknown. Also, they want their children to be happy. In this regard, professional research reveals that a very high percentage of priests are happy with their priesthood—a higher percentage than practically any other professional group.
In addition to support from parents and other adults, I see a lot of support from young people themselves. Many young people are deeply religious and have strong faith and solid spiritual lives. It is deeply moving to see them encourage one another in living a Christian life and, if the inclination is there, in pursuing a religious vocation. God continues to plant the seeds of religious vocations in young men and women. It is up to all of us to see that those seeds are nourished and tended.
The Bishop's Services Appeal, mentioned above, provides funds
for the education and formation of seminarians. This year's budget
for the Office of Vocations and Seminarians, which includes a
hefty amount for room, board and tuition, is $657,660.76. I sometimes
tell parents of college-age children that I have 28 children in
private college. They know exactly what I mean.