O Come Let Us Adore Him

20 Pages·2017·30.6 MB·English

Serving the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend December 24, 2017
TT ’’ CC
OODDAAYYSS AATTHHOOLLIICC
Volume 91 No. 47 50¢ TODAYSCATHOLIC.org
‘O Come Let Us Adore Him’
Fourth Sunday of
Advent
God’s love becomes incarnate
Page 15
Not your
grandmother’s crèche
Vatican Nativity scenes depict
works of mercy
Page 4
51st World Day
of Peace
Pope Francis: Demonstrate
compassion for refugees,
migrants
Pages 10-11
Deepening spirituality
New Year’s resolutions
Page 13
CNS/Bridgeman Images
The adoration of the shepherds is depicted in this 17th-century painting by Bartolome Esteban Murillo. The feast of the Nativity of Christ is celebrated Dec. 25.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
At Christmas, we gaze anew upon the infant Jesus in the manger. With the shepherds we worship and
adore Him who reveals to us God’s great humility and love. God became man in the child wrapped in
swaddling clothes lying in a manger.
In the Nativity of Our Lord, we encounter the maternal love of Mary, the fidelity of Joseph, and the joy of
the shepherds. With them, let us adore Jesus, the Son of God and our Redeemer, and bear witness in our lives
to His humility and love!
I am remembering all the faithful of the diocese in my Masses and prayers during the holy season of
Christmas. May God bless all of you with the amazement and joy of the shepherds at Christmas!

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend
2 T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C December 24, 2017
TODAY’S CATHOLIC Filipino community celebrates
Official newspaper of the
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Simbang Gabi at St. Therese
P.O. Box 11169
Fort Wayne, IN 46856
PUBLISHER: Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades
BY JILL A. BOUGHTON
Editorial Department
“Mabuhay!” Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades urged
PUBLICATIONS MANAGER: Jodi Marlin
a packed St. Therese, Little Flower Church,
PAGE DESIGNER: Francie Hogan
South Bend, on Gaudete Sunday. The word
BRAND SPECIALIST: Molly Gettinger is Tagalog for “Rejoice,” one of several
NEWS SPECIALIST: Mark Weber phrases Bishop Rhoades used at the begin-
ning of the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday,
Dec. 16. Linguistic coaching was provided by
Business Department
Father Enno Dengo, CP, a Ph.D. candidate at
BUSINESS MANAGER: Stephanie A. Patka
the University of Notre Dame who has been
BOOKKEEPING/CIRCULATION: Geoff Frank eager to share his traditions and introduce
[email protected] the bishop to his countrymen.
“There’s nothing exotic about the Mass
Advertising Sales itself,” Father Dengo explained of the eve-
Jackie Parker ning’s liturgy. “What’s special is the fervor
with which we celebrate.”
[email protected]
In the Philippines, Simbang Gabi is a
[phone]
novena; nine Masses taking place from Dec.
16 through Christmas Eve. They are tradi-
Website: www.todayscatholic.org tionally celebrated at 4 a.m. to accommodate
farmers who need to be in the fields by the
break of dawn; in fact, “Simbang Gabi”
means “Night Mass.” An alternative name,
Published weekly except second in Spanish, is “Misa de Gallo” or “Mass of Photos by Derby Photography
Sunday of January; and every other the Rooster.” St. Therese, Little Flower Church, South Bend, was packed Dec. 16 for a traditional Simbang Gabi Mass
week from the third Sunday in June In the 17th century the Church in the celebrated by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades.
through the second Sunday of Philippines received a “rescript” or permis-
September by the Diocese of Fort sion from the Vatican, to anticipate the
catechist who was martyred as a teenager. the Christian invitation. Yet we know that
Wayne-South Bend, 915 S. Clinton St., celebration of Christmas in this way, using
Underlining the Gaudete theme, Bishop with life’s problems and challenges, it is not
P.O. Box 390, Fort Wayne, IN 46801. white vestments and singing “Christ is born”
Rhoades encouraged the faithful to journey always easy to live in joy,” the bishop said.
Periodicals postage paid at Fort Wayne,
before the end of Advent — just for these
IN, and additional mailing office. with Mary and Joseph, and he pointed out “St. Paul gives us some tips on how to live in
pre-dawn novena Masses. Expatriates in the
that the angel’s first word to Mary is bet- joy. He writes: ‘Pray without ceasing. In all
northern latitude usually compress the cel-
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ter translated “Rejoice” than “Hail.” He circumstances give thanks ...’. Joy is a fruit of
ebration into a single evening Mass, followed
Today’s Catholic, P.O. Box 11169, Fort also quoted Pope Benedict XVI: “Joy is the the Holy Spirit. When we pray, when we are
by a feast in the parish hall.
Wayne, IN 46856-1169 true gift of Christmas” — and Pope Francis: thankful, the Holy Spirit gives us joy.
People of Philippine origin are active in
or email: [email protected] “Don’t be a sourpuss.” Bishop Rhoades was “On this Gaudete Sunday, let us think
several area parishes of the Diocese of Fort
pretty sure, he said, that that particular word about our lives and heed God’s invitation
Wayne-South Bend, but came together at
MAIN OFFICE: 915 S. Clinton St., Fort hadn’t appeared in an official Church docu- to joy,” he continued. “We’re called, Pope
Little Flower for this occasion — the fourth
Wayne, IN 46802. Telephone (260) ment before the current pontiff. Francis says, to be messengers of the joy of
year they have done so. Many men wore
456-2824. Fax: [phone]. The Simbang Gabi tradition expresses the the Gospel. In the world, there is often a lack
embroidered shirts, and the women had col-
BUREAU OFFICE: 1328 Dragoon Trail, joy of the Catholic faith and the joy of the of joy. To be messengers of joy, we must first
orful dresses with butterfly sleeves. Women
Mishawaka, IN 46544. Telephone (260) Gospel, as we rejoice that the Lord is near, experience the joy of the Gospel in our own
in the enthusiastic choir directed by Mariflor
456-2824. Fax [phone]. Bishop Rhoades told the worshippers dur- hearts. This means listening with faith and
Royeca wore gold-trimmed black dresses
ing his homily. “We rejoice in the greatest perseverance to the Word of God. It means
News deadline is 10 days prior to with large red corsages. Songs, readings gift we could ever receive, the gift of Jesus allowing ourselves to experience the love
publication date. Advertising deadline and prayers alternated between English and Christ as our Savior. Today, Gaudete Sunday, of God and His consolation in our life. Only
is nine days before publication date. Tagalog. the Church invites us to rejoice. As Pope then can we bring that joy to others.
While he was studying in Rome 30 years
Benedict XVI once said: “Joy is the true gift “The joy of Christmas, the joy of the
Today’s Catholic may be reached at : ago, Bishop Rhoades was present at the can- of Christmas.” Gospel, is meant for all. This is the joy we
Today’s Catholic, onization of Lorenzo Ruiz, the Philippines’ In the second reading of the day, St. Paul should mean when we say to others: ‘Merry
P.O. Box 11169, Fort Wayne, IN first recognized saint. He said he also wrote to the Thessalonians, also saying, Christmas!’ It is much more than a happy
46856-1169; or email: admires St. Pedro Calungsod, a missionary “Rejoice always.” “Rejoice always! That is holiday. It is not something fleeting and
[email protected] transitory. It is the joy of God’s amazing
love, the joy of God who comes as a tiny
(ISSN 0891-1533)
infant lying in a manger. This is the joy of
(USPS 403630)
the Simbang Gabi celebration,” the bishop
concluded.
After Mass the worshippers not only
enjoyed a “salo-salo,” or “shared meal” fea-
turing traditional foods, but extended their
hospitality to others. Participants at the
meal were shepherded into line by Virginia
Coloma, who happened to be celebrating
Find us on Facebook
her 74th birthday. She has only been in the
www.facebook.com/todayscatholicFWSB United States for six years, she said; but she
seemed to know everyone in the room. She
Follow us on Twitter put the number of meal guests at 400.
@diocesefwsb Entertainment was provided by several
groups: guests from LaPorte; a Youth for Life
Follow us on Instagram group associated with the Couples for Christ
movement; and 11 tiny angels complete
@diocesefwsb with wings and halos, who stole the show
Download the app with their mime and movement to the song
“Happy Birthday, Jesus.” Dancers in a variety
App Store or Google Play: TodaysCatholic
of colorful costumes performed traditional
dances from several different islands, using
Young ladies perform a traditional dance following the Mass. A dinner and several forms of entertain- poles parasols, fans, flower wreaths, scarves
ment took place, all of which reflected the Filipino culture. and baskets worn on their heads.
December 24, 2017 T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C 3
Holy Cross priest, founder of Rosary
Crusade one step closer
to sainthood
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Public schedule
Francis advanced the sainthood
causes of Holy Cross Father of Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades
Patrick Peyton, CSC, and St. John
Paul II’s mentor, Cardinal Stefan
Wyszynski.
Sunday, December 24: 10:30 a.m. — TV Mass, WFFT, Fort Wayne
The pope approved the
Sunday, December 24: 5:00 p.m. — Vespers with Franciscan
decrees recognizing their heroic
Friars Minor and Poor Sisters of Saint Clare, St. Andrew Church,
virtues during an audience Dec.
Fort Wayne
18 with Cardinal Angelo Amato,
Sunday, December 24: 10:30 p.m. — Christmas Eve Mass,
prefect of the Congregation for
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne
Saints’ Causes.
Saturday, December 30: 5 p.m. — Mass, St. Joseph Church,
The pope also recognized
Lancaster, PA
the miracles needed for the
Sunday, December 31: 6:30 p.m. — Mass, Our Lady of
beatification of: Jesuit Father
Consolation Church, Parkesburg, PA
Tiburcio Arnaiz Munoz of Spain;
Thursday, January 4: 9 a.m. — Mass, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Father Jean-Baptiste Fouque
Church, Fort Wayne
of France; and Sister Maria
Thursday, January 4: 6:30 p.m. — Vespers with Knights of
Carmen Rendiles Martinez of
Columbus and Franciscan Friars Minor, St. Andrew Church, Fort
Venezuela. He also recognized
Wayne
the martyrdom of Father Teodoro
Friday, January 5: 9 a.m. — Mass and Pastoral Visit, St.
Illera del Olmo, a member of
Joseph School, Decatur
the Congregation of St. Peter in
Chains, and 15 companions, who
were killed during the Spanish
Civil War in 1936 and 1937.
Father Peyton, known world-
wide as “The Rosary Priest,” was
a Catholic media pioneer in the
1940s, using radio and later tele-
vision to produce popular pro-
grams featuring Hollywood stars
and other celebrities to promote
family prayer.
His ministry produced more
than 600 radio and television
programs and 10,000 broad-
casts. The priest also conducted
rosary crusades for millions of CNS photo/Family Theater Product
people in dozens of countries. Pope Francis advanced the sainthood cause of Holy Cross Father Patrick
He had two especially famous Peyton. Father Peyton is pictured in an undated photo. 
mottos: “The family that prays
together stays together” and “A
Cardinal Wyszynski was before signing top-level interna-
world at prayer is a world at
primate of Poland from 1949 tional agreements.
peace.”
until his death from cancer in Acknowledged by Poland’s
Father Peyton emigrated from
1981. He was Poland’s youngest ex-communists and anti-
Ireland to the United States in
bishop when he was installed communists as one of their
1928 when he was 19, with his
as archbishop of Warsaw and country’s greatest modern lead-
heart set on becoming a million-
Gniezno during the imposition of ers, Cardinal Wyszynski was
aire after his dream of becoming
communist rule. credited by former President Lech
a priest was thwarted when a
Despite Vatican misgivings, Walesa with laying the ground-
seminary turned down his schol-
Cardinal Wyszynski signed the work for the rise of the Polish
arship request.
first Church accord in 1950 with trade union, Solidarity, and the
He found a job as a sexton
a communist government, which eventual fall of communism in
in the cathedral of Scranton,
promised the Church protec- Eastern Europe.
Pennsylvania, and he and
tion in return for encouraging Among his proteges was the
his brother joined the semi-
“respect for state authorities.’’ future St. John Paul II. When
nary and were ordained in the
Although the accord was then-Father Karol Wojtyla was
Congregation of the Holy Cross
quickly violated, he defended the appointed auxiliary bishop of
in 1941.
intentions behind it in posthu- Krakow, the cardinal presented
Father Peyton’s first assign-
mously published diaries, com- him to a group of priests, saying
ment was as chaplain in Albany,
piled while he was imprisoned “Habemus papam” (“We have a
New York, where he launched a
without formal charges from pope”).
project to promote praying the
1953 to 1956 by Poland’s ruling “In the light of later events,
rosary and family life. He had a
communists. one could say those were pro-
special devotion to Our Lady of
“I was of the opinion the phetic words,” the pope wrote.
the Rosary after attributing his
modern world needed the mar- Cardinal Wyszynski also told
recovery from tuberculosis to her
tyrdom of work, not of blood,’’ him at the 1978 conclave, “If
intercession.
the cardinal wrote. they elect you, do not refuse it.’’
He founded Holy Cross Family
“It seemed possible, as well as The newly elected Pope John
Ministries, which includes Priests VS Seminarians BBall Game
indispensable, to establish sev- Paul told the cardinal there
Family Rosary, Family Theater Wednesday, Dec 27th at St. Joseph High School, South Bend
eral points in a ‘modus vivendi’ would have been “no Polish
Productions, Father Peyton
if the Church was to avoid a new pope’’ without his “faith, heroic ~Bring the whole familiy for this fun rivalry~
Family Institute and Family
— perhaps accelerated and dras- hope and limitless confidence in Doors open at 6 for a 6:30pm tip-off
Rosary International.
tic — annihilation,’’ he wrote. the Mother of God.’’
Father Peyton died in 1992.
In later years, Cardinal Among the other decrees Dec.
After the pope’s decree recogniz-
Wyszynski vigorously defended 18, Pope Francis recognized the
ing his heroic virtues, in general,
human rights and reminded heroic virtues of three priests,
a miracle is needed for his beati-
Vatican diplomats they should three religious women and one
fication and a second one for his
secure local religious freedoms Italian laywoman.
canonization.
4 T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C December 24, 2017
The weary world rejoices: Nativity scenes bring joy to hardened hearts
BY CINDY WOODEN education. “It was about mak-
ing the story of Christ come alive
in their lives. ... This child steps
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The into the world we have today,
Nativity scene in St. Peter’s into our own lives, not as a
Square is not getting rave child, but as a savior.”
reviews: The backdrop does not The scene also is a reminder
look like a stable and the char- of humanity’s poverty, not in the
acters in need — hungry, naked, sense of things that people do
dead, imprisoned — don’t exact- not have, but in the sense that
ly evoke a silent night when all there is a void in everyone that
was cozy, calm and bright. only God can fill, he said. “Love,
Franciscan Father John peace, mercy, freedom, joy —
Puodziunas said he didn’t like it these are the real poverties of
at first. the world” and the gifts that the
In addition to Mary and Christ child brings.
Joseph — baby Jesus will appear St. Francis believed that
only on Christmas — the scene “we’re not all that bad,” but that
includes figures of people who God steps into the world to offer
illustrate the ongoing need for more, he said.
the corporal works of mercy, “As pretty as our manger sets
including feeding the hungry, are,” he said, “the reality is that
clothing the naked, burying the that first manger wasn’t a pretty
dead, caring for the sick and vis- sight and that the world that this
iting those in prison. child steps into isn’t always pret-
As Father Puodziunas, a friar ty. And yet, this child chooses to
from Philadelphia who is now step into this world.”
general treasurer of the Order of The inclusion of animals in
Friars Minor, stood in St. Peter’s a Nativity scene not only helps
Square, he said he realized “this CNS photo/Junno Arocho Esteves illustrate Jesus’ birth in a stable,
really captures what I believe the Life-size statues depict the corporal work of mercy of visiting the sick in the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square at the he said. “Clearly, the Incarnation
Nativity set is about. It’s about Vatican on Dec. 14. touches all of creation” and “all
‘Where am I today? Where is things are created for the pur-
the world today? Where is the pose of praising God.”
Church today?’” hill where Christmas Mass was into their lives,” he said. Back crèche speaks to so many feel- But, he said, “we are not a
The Vatican display, he said, about to be celebrated. then, like today, the obstacles ings and emotions we have,” ‘Hallmark Christmas’ people,”
“brings the manger scene into Father Puodziunas con- may have been “busyness or Father Puodziunas said. “The life gets messy, but in the Gospel
our present world reality to ceded Nativity scenes may have anger or war or the past or con- child, manger, animals, night, Jesus talks about the truth being
remind us that this is a God who been around before St. Francis cerns.” outdoors, emptiness” — they revealed to the smallest children.
continues to step into our world. brought one to life in Greccio, But by bringing the people of all communicate feelings that As they “grow up,” Father
It isn’t just something that hap- Italy, but the Franciscan is cer- Greccio to the manger, he said, endure through time and can be Puodziunas said, many people
pened 2,000 years ago.” tain the friars were responsible St. Francis hoped they would recreated anywhere. build walls and other obstacles
According to legend, it was for spreading the tradition and be able to experience again the St. Francis, he said, was to experiencing God’s love for
St. Francis of Assisi, the founder bringing it into people’s homes. power and awe of God taking focused on “the crèche and the them and to seeing how God is
of Father Puodziunas’ order, “Why did St. Francis do the human flesh, becoming one of cross. The wood of the manger stepping into their lives.
who invented the Nativity scene crib scene on the side of the them and then offering his life becomes the wood of the cross. When he was in parish minis-
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time of Christ, the time of St.
beautiful, state-of- scene and tell them there was
Francis or our own time — is the
something they must tell their
the-art home, with same Christ that takes us to the
parents and older siblings
cross and is the source of our
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Puodziunas believes it was more
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December 24, 2017 T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C 5
St. Vincent de Paul Society,
Win a Catholic Schools
Goodwill announce alliance
Week Broadcast
SOUTH BEND — The St. to focus on the core of our mis- will be announced after that
Voting open through December 31
Vincent de Paul Society of sion — providing emergency date.
St. Joseph County Inc., and help to those in need. The All material goods be
Goodwill Industries of Michiana society will continue to pro- donated to local Goodwill Cast your vote
Inc., announced Dec. 12 that vide food and financial assis- stores. Donations of food
the two nonprofit organizations tance, and in partnership with may be dropped off at the St.
www.bit.ly/CSW2018
will form a strategic alliance Goodwill, will also continue to Vincent de Paul Center at 520
for their clothing and furniture provide material goods to those Crescent Ave. in South Bend,
program. in need.” from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
St. Vincent de Paul will close St. Vincent de Paul focuses Monday through Friday.
its thrift store locations on on survival, stability and sup- Established in 1904, the St.
Dec. 23, and in the future will port programs such as its food Vincent de Paul Society of St.
provide vouchers to families pantry, clothing certificates, Joseph County Inc. is a Catholic
in need that can be redeemed financial assistance, Bridges lay organization that engages
at any Goodwill Store in St. out of Poverty and other pro- people to join together to pro-
Joseph and Elkhart counties. grams. Goodwill focuses on vide for the emergency needs of
SVDP has operated thrift self-sufficiency programs aimed those experiencing poverty and
stores in St. Joseph County to help create job readiness. to empower those they serve 9955..77 FFMM || 110066..33 FFMM || AApppp
since the 1960s to support its “As we continue to move to attain self-sufficiency. St. Contact or provide nancial support at [email protected]
material giveaway program forward, it is exciting to work Vincent de Paul provides help 4618 E. State Blvd., Suite 200 Fort Wayne, IN 46815 260.436.9598
and provide financial support more closely with St Vincent in the form of food, financial
to other St. Vincent de Paul de Paul. When both organiza- assistance, furniture and cloth-
programs. However, over the tions focus on their strengths, ing and offers three educa-
last 10 years, the current store we become better for our com- tional courses to promote self-
@diocesefwsb
model has become unsustain- munity,” said Debie Coble, sufficiency. To learn more visit
able. The increase in lower-cost president and CEO of Goodwill svdpsb.org, email svdpsborg@
retailers entering the commu- Industries of Michiana Inc. gmail.com, like St. Vincent
nity has provided customers “Together, we will be able to de Paul Society of St. Joseph
who shop regularly at SVDP provide our neediest citizens County Indiana on Facebook or
stores the opportunity to find with emergency services to follow “SVDPSB” on Twitter.
new goods at similar prices self-sufficiency. It is an exciting Goodwill Industries of
elsewhere. With the advent of opportunity.” Michiana Inc. began in 1936 Give a gift subscription
online retail sites such as eBay, As part of the strategic alli- providing services to individu-
Craigslist and other online ance with Goodwill, all SVDP als who are looking to move to
garage sale sites, many dona- employees displaced by the self-sufficiency. Its mission is this Christmas season
tions that the St. Vincent de closing of the thrift stores will to strengthen local communi-
Paul Society would have nor- be offered an equivalent posi- ties by empowering individuals
mally received are being sold tion by Goodwill. and families through educa-
on the secondary market. The last day of retail sales at tion, job training and place-
Anne Watson, executive St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores ment. For more information,
Sharing the Gospel can be as easy ordering a
director of St. Vincent de Paul at 1827 N. Bendix Dr. and visit Goodwill Industries of
Society of St. Joseph County, 2302 South Bend Ave. in South Michiana Inc., at www.good- gift subscription to Today’s Catholic, the
said, “The alliance with Bend will be Dec. 23. Special will-ni.org. official publication of the Diocese of Fort
Goodwill empowers the society sales of fixtures and equipment Wayne-South Bend.
Full of news from Pope Francis and the faithful
around the world, this publication is the
perfect way for Catholics to stay current on
news that is important to them. It is a
convenient way to stay connected to Bishop
Kevin C. Rhoades, through his column, and
numerous events throughout the
diocese. A gift subscription is a
thoughtful gesture that delivers
heartfelt stories of
evangelization, faith and hope
into the homes of loved ones.
Learn more now at
todayscatholic.org/gift or by
calling 260-399-1454.
Prayer Service
Opening the 150th
Anniversary of Poor
Handmaid Presence
in America
2 p.m. EST
December 31, 2017
Ancilla Domini Chapel
The Center at Donaldson
todayscatholic.org/gift
Donaldson, Indiana
Reception to follow www.poorhandmaids.org [phone]
6 T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C December 24, 2017
Bishop Siegel arrives in Evansville seeking to listen, learn
BY TIM LILLEY R. Daniel Conlon of Joliet until
his appointment to head the
Evansville Diocese.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (CNS) — More than 20 bishops concel-
Bishop Joseph M. Siegel, the ebrated the installation Mass,
sixth bishop of Evansville, said including the fourth and fifth
during his installation Mass that bishops of Evansville: retired
he arrived in the diocese with- Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger
out any preconceived notions and now-Archbishop Charles
or ideas and wanted to learn C. Thompson of Indianapolis.
as much as he could about the Bishop Siegel succeeds
people to whom he will be min- Archbishop Thompson, who
istering. had been bishop of Evansville
“In this first year, I look for- since 2011 following Bishop
ward to listening, and learning, Gettelfinger’s retirement. Pope
and seeking the wisdom of the Francis appointed Archbishop
clergy, diocesan staff and various Thompson to Indianapolis in
advisory councils in the diocese,” June.
he told more than 800 people A large group of Bishop
Dec. 15 during the liturgy at St. Siegel’s family, including siblings
Benedict Cathedral. and nieces and nephews, and
“I hope to begin visiting our diocesan staff traveled from Joliet
parishes, schools, and institu- for the installation.
tions very soon, and to learn During evening prayer Dec.
more about the life, history, and 14 at the cathedral Bishop Siegel
culture of this part of Indiana, as related a story about St. John
well as the needs and concerns Vianney becoming lost traveling
of the people who live, work and to his first parish assignment in
worship here,” Bishop Siegel the village of Ars, France.
said. “He met a young boy from
He called his service “a daunt- CNS photo/Peewee Vasquez, The Message the village, along the way, who
ing vocation; and yes, without Priests of the Diocese of Evansville, Ind., applaud Bishop Joseph M. Siegel following his installation Mass Dec. 15 at gave him directions. In response,
God’s everyday grace and help, it St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville. Bishop Siegel became the sixth bishop of the diocese. he said to the lad, ‘You have
would be impossible. Therefore, shown me the way to Ars. I will
as I begin my ministry as your show you the way to heaven,’”
bishop, I ask for your daily Bishop Siegel said during his
prayers that I will be a holy, announced Oct. 18. Christ and with the love of God 512,870, of which 76,218, or 15 homily. “While with the wonders
wise, and courageous bishop, “You are called by the Holy in my heart, I do accept the pas- percent, are Catholic. of a GPS, I didn’t get lost com-
one who models his life and Spirit to serve almighty God toral care of the people of God Bishop Siegel was born in ing down here to Evansville. My
ministry on Jesus the good shep- and the people of the Diocese of in the Diocese of Evansville. I Joliet, Illinois, and was raised on responsibility as bishop, and that
herd.” Evansville, in faith and in love, resolve to serve faithfully the a farm in Lockport Township, of all our pastors, will still be
As the Mass began, as their shepherd,” Archbishop spiritual needs of this local Illinois. He is the youngest of the same as that of the sainted
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Pierre said. “Are you willing to Church.” nine children. Ordained a priest pastor, to help lead the people of
apostolic nuncio to the United serve the people of this diocese Bishop Siegel, 54, who attend- for the Joliet Diocese March 4, this diocese to heaven.”
States, led Bishop Siegel to the in the tradition of the apostolic ed nearby St. Meinrad Seminary 1988, Bishop Siegel was appoint-
cathedra, or bishop’s chair, faith of the Church?” and School of Theology, comes ed auxiliary bishop in 2009 by Tim Lilley is editor of The
immediately after he pub- Bishop Siegel responded, to a diocese with 45 parishes in Pope Benedict XVI. He served Message, newspaper of the
licly accepted the appointment “With faith in our Lord Jesus 12 counties with a population of as vicar general under Bishop Diocese of Evansville.
from Pope Francis, which was
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December 24, 2017 T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C 7
Author shares stories from meals Conscientious Christmas Cafe
with St. John Paul II
BY CINDY WOODEN stood that a pope who relies
only on the official channels of
information — nuncios, Curia,
ROME (CNS) — For some 25 bishops’ conferences — is not
years as pope, St. John Paul II going to get all the information
would invite people to his table he needs because that informa-
each day — sharing breakfast, tion is being filtered bureaucrati-
lunch, dinner and conversation cally.”
with a wide variety of cardinals, “The table rather than the
bishops, theologians, writers and desk was his favorite point of
friends. encounter,” the author said.
George Weigel, the author and The conversations gave the
scholar, was one of those guests pope different points of view on
on dozens of occasions and it the situation of the Church, on
was over a meal that he asked issues of theology and on politi-
Pope John Paul the questions cal and social realities around Provided by Lisa Kochanowski
that form the core of “Witness the world, Weigel said.
The Saint Joseph High School Social and Ecological
to Hope: The Biography of Pope Then-Cardinal Joseph
John Paul II,” published in 1999. Ratzinger, prefect of the Concerns Organization and Future Business Leaders of
The meals and conversations Congregation for the Doctrine of
America club united in December for a Conscientious
continued, providing information CNS photo courtesy of George Weigel the Faith, once told Weigel that
for the sequel, “The End and the In his book “Lessons in Hope: My “major documents and audience Christmas Cafe. Guests were invited to shop for Christmas
Beginning: Pope John Paul II — Unexpected Life with St. John Paul themes would be hashed out
presents while learning about the benefits of shopping
The Victory of Freedom, the Last II,” George Weigel recounts the story over lunches in the papal apart-
Years, the Legacy,” published in ments.” locally. Organizer, junior Emily Smith, above, said the event
of and anecdotes from his mealtime
2010. But, he said, at the same time,
conversations with St. John Paul II. was a celebration of ethically made products while promot-
His last dinner with St. John friendships were very important
Paul II was Dec. 15, 2004. to him and he made sure to ing a fair Christmas for everyone.
Now, Weigel is sharing the nourish them at the dinner table.
mood, anecdotes and reflections years. But for that to make Pope John Paul would ask
on the table talk in the more sense, he said, he also had to his guests their opinions about
personal “Lessons in Hope: My write about events and experi- books, films, world leaders and
Unexpected Life with St. John ences in his life that prepared political situations. “He was the
Paul II.” him to understand the history, most insatiably curious man I
“What people really wanted philosophy and theology dis- have ever met,” Weigel said. “He
was not more heavily footnoted, cussed around the table. always wanted to know what
annotated scholarly biogra- Of course, he said, the conver- was happening.”
phy,” Weigel said. “What people sations also included both lighter The pope’s curiosity, he said,
wanted were stories, stories that moments and personal ones, was less a “tic” than a sign
would make him come alive such as when Pope John Paul that “he really did believe in the
again.” asked how Weigel’s mother was providential guidance of history,”
Interviewed in Rome Dec. 12, doing after his father died. which meant he needed to stay
Weigel said he decided “to tell Sharing a meal and a table informed “in order to find the
the story of our conversations,” was important to Pope John Paul, providential footprints.”
which took place over a dozen Weigel said, because he “under-
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8 T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C December 24, 2017
Bishops condemn N B history. Accompanying them will
be Msgr. Michael Burke — bet-
ews riefs
selling of Nigerians ter known as “Father Mike” to
the coaches and players. He has
into slavery in Libya
been the team’s chaplain for 40
years. He began working with
LAGOS, Nigeria (CNS) — A trio
the team when he was on the
of Nigerian bishops condemned
faculty of Madison’s Holy Name
the enslavement of Nigerians
Seminary. The Badgers used the
who traveled to Libya for work,
Vietnamese Auxiliary Bishop Dominic Mai Luong dies seminary fields and facilities for
calling the practice a horrific
their summer training camp for
abuse of human dignity. Bishop
many years. Msgr. Burke was
Joseph Bagobiri of Kafanchan,
a faculty member, rector, and
retired Archbishop Alaba Job of
vocation director during the years
Ibadan and retired Bishop Julius
from 1977 until the closing of the
Adelakun of Oyo called on the
seminary in 1995. He remembers
Nigerian government to act on
the training camps well. “The
behalf of Nigerian nationals in
team was usually at the seminary
Libya and elsewhere who have
for over three weeks,” he recalled
been victimized by modern-day
in an interview with the Catholic
slave traders. They also sug-
Herald, newspaper of the Diocese
gested the government discour-
of Madison. “They were locked in
age Nigerians from traveling to
and had to stay there the entire
other countries for work because
time. They certainly got focused,
of dangers posed by the illicit
since there were no distractions.”
labor market. Their comments
came after Nigerian officials had Natural disasters
repatriated 3,000 Nigerians from
Libya through Dec. 4 following prompt church to raise
reports of inhumane treatment in
millions for aid
the North Africa nation. Bishop
Bagobiri expressed concern that
Nigerians were willing to pay WASHINGTON (CNS) — In Puerto
as much as $1,400 to travel to Rico, Texas, Florida, California
Libya and other countries to seek and Mexico City, recovery was
“greener pastures.” slow and deep pain remained from
a string of natural disasters as
Press must be factual, 2017 ended. Hurricanes, wildfires
and earthquakes from August
free from manipulation, through December caused wide-
spread destruction and claimed
pope says
hundreds of lives. Rebuilding in
the affected areas will take years
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People
to complete. Catholic agencies
need factual and trustworthy
responded with emergency aid
news that avoids sensational-
and undertook fundraising cam-
ism and whipping up heated
paigns to help people of different
reactions, Pope Francis said. It
walks of life who lost homes
CNS photo/Peter Finney Jr., Clarion Herald
is important the press not be
and livelihoods. The USCCB col-
“constantly at the mercy of easy Auxiliary Bishop Dominic Mai Luong of Orange, Calif., is pictured in 2003 being greeted
lected $38.5 million for hurricane
slogans or improvised informa-
by a congregant in Orange. The first U.S. Catholic bishop of Vietnamese descent, he died in relief and another $1.3 million
tion campaigns, which show the
for Mexican earthquake relief.
intention of manipulating reality, Orange Dec. 6 at age 76. He was the founding father of the Vietnamese Catholic commu- Catholic Charities USA raised $24
opinions and people themselves,
nity in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and had been an auxiliary bishop for Orange since million for disaster assistance.
often creating worthless ‘media
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
dust storms,’” he told members 2003. Then-Father Luong established the parish of Mary Queen of Vietnam Parish in New also was on the scene in various
of the press. “Your voice — free
locales coordinating its response
Orleans East for the thousands of Vietnamese refugees who had fled their country. “When
and responsible — is funda-
through parish and diocesan
mental for the growth of any the Vietnamese community came to New Orleans in the mid-1970s, he was in many ways councils.
society that wishes to call itself

their priest,” New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond acknowledged.
a democracy, so that the con-
tinuous exchange of ideas and a
fruitful debate based on real and Pope Francis celebrates 81st birthday with children, pizza
correctly reported information
may be guaranteed,” he said. The Pope Francis blows out a
pope spoke Dec. 16 with mem-
bers of the Italian Periodical Press candle on a 13-foot-long
Union and members of the Italian pizza during a celebration for
Federation of Catholic Weeklies,
which represents nearly 200 his 81st birthday Dec. 17 at
Catholic newspapers. He praised
the Vatican’s Paul VI hall. A
in particular the value, neces-
sity and effectiveness of diocesan group of children receiving
weeklies, which he said require
assistance from the Vatican’s
“a renewed commitment” from
priests and the whole church St. Martha Dispensary, a
community, and “kind attention
maternal and pediatric clinic,
from public authorities.”
had given the pope a cake
Chaplain says 40 years
adorned with gold and white
with Badgers ‘a
fondant decorations. They
wonderful experience’ also rolled out a large pizza
with a single lit candle on it.
MADISON, Wis. (CNS) — When
the Wisconsin Badgers’ football “Eat the 4-meter pizza: Eat
team travels to the Orange Bowl
well, it will do you good and
to play Miami Dec. 30, the play-
ers will take a 12-1 record with make you grow,” the pope
them — one of the best in team
CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano told the children.
T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C 9
December 24, 2017
Young adults: Hike the Jan. 8 and continues Jan. 15,
A d
22 and 29, and Feb. 6, 13 and
Camino de Santiago round the iocese 20. The cost for the series is
$120, which includes lunch each
SOUTH BEND — A trip to Spain day, refreshments and materials.
to hike the Camino de Santiago is This series is led by Christopher
being organized for young adults Thelen, director of Lindenwood,
in the Diocese of Fort Wayne- from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST.
South Bend. Register for this series by Jan.
The diocese is teaming up with 1. For more information, visit
Verso Ministries for the pilgrim- Young Vincentians attend annual Mass, dinner www.lindenwood.org; email lin-
age, which is geared for those [email protected];
who are in their 20s and 30s. It or call 574-935-1780.
will take place from Saturday,
June 16, through Sunday, June Artistic retreat and
24, 2018.
studies on Merton
The Camino is a popular walk-
ing pilgrimage route in northern
Spain that ends at the cathe- HUNTINGTON — Victory Noll
dral in the city of Santiago de Center is offering a retreat:
Compostela. The main destina- “Co-creating with God: Living
tion is the tomb of the apostle St. and Praying with Imagination
James, who is buried in the cathe- and Joy,” will explore the creative
dral. For centuries, pilgrims have gifts God offers us. Participants
traveled this route in search of are invited to co-create through
forgiveness, healing and answers art, poetry, and crafts to restore
to any number of other prayers. hope and joy.
Each day on the Camino consists This retreat will begin 7 p.m.
of about 12-16 miles of hiking Friday, Jan. 26 and continue
and pilgrims will stay in family- through 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27.
run hostels along the way, mak- Participants are welcome to bring
ing it a true pilgrimage experi- supplies, although some art sup-
ence. plies will be available. There is a
For more information cost to attend the retreat.
visit www.diocesefwsb.org/ Two series are also being
yam-pilgrimages, like South offered: “Bridges to Contemplative
Bend Area Catholic Young Living with Thomas Merton,”
Adults on Facebook or follow Provided by Anne Hosinski Watson books 2 and 6, will begin in
@FWSByoungadults on Twitter. A group of Young Vincentians from St. Matthew Cathedral, South Bend, attended the annu- February.
The retreat and the studies
al Mass and dinner offered Nov. 28 by the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph County.
Retreat path leads will be facilitated by Sue Wilhelm,
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, who celebrated the Mass, and leaders of the St. Vincent de Paul executive director of Victory Noll
from Genesis to Jesus
Center.
Society of St. Joseph County are pictured with the youths. Young Vincentians seek to grow
Victory Noll Center is locat-
DONALDSON — Lindenwood closer to God by service to others; they participate spiritually through prayer as well as by ed at 1900 W. Park Drive in
Retreat and Conference Center Huntington. For more informa-
offers “A Journey Through assisting with St. Vincent de Paul projects. tion call 260-200-1740, email
Scripture from Genesis to Jesus,” [email protected] or
a seven-part series that begins visit www.victorynollcenter.org.
Lighting the way in Advent Student Council members spread cheer
Provided by Stephen Donndelinger
First-grade student Alaina Stammich points out the Advent
Provided by Sara Lake
wreath she colored at St. Jude School, South Bend, as part
St. Mary of the Assumption, Avilla, Student Council members and friends braved the wind
of her classroom’s study of the liturgical season. Catholics’
and cold to support the Salvation Army in Noble County in early December. They rang bells
preparation for the birth of the Savior ends Dec. 25, when
and spread some holiday cheer, all in the spirit of helping others in their community.
the Savior is born and the Octave of Christmas begins.
T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C
10 December 24, 2017
Migrants and refugees: men and women in search of peace
By PoPe Francis witH a contemplative gaze
The wisdom of faith fosters a contemplative gaze
that recognizes that all of us “belong to one family,
The following is a message of His Holiness Pope migrants and the local populations that welcome them,
Francis for the celebration of the 51st world day of and all have the same right to enjoy the goods of the
peace, Jan. 1, 2018. earth, whose destination is universal, as the social doc-
trine of the Church teaches. It is here that solidarity and
Heartfelt good wisHes for peace sharing are founded.” [9] These words evoke the biblical
Peace to all people and to all nations on earth! image of the new Jerusalem. The book of the prophet
Peace, which the angels proclaimed to the shepherds Isaiah (chapter 60) and that of Revelation (chapter 21)
on Christmas night, [1] is a profound aspiration for describe the city with its gates always open to people
everyone, for each individual and all peoples, and espe- of every nation, who marvel at it and fill it with riches.
cially for those who most keenly suffer its absence. Peace is the sovereign that guides it and justice the prin-
Among these whom I constantly keep in my thoughts ciple that governs coexistence within it.
and prayers, I would once again mention the over 250 We must also turn this contemplative gaze to the
million migrants worldwide, of whom 22.5 million are cities where we live, “a gaze of faith which sees God
refugees. Pope Benedict XVI, my beloved predecessor, dwelling in their houses, in their streets and squares,
spoke of them as “men and women, children, young […] fostering solidarity, fraternity, and the desire for
and elderly people, who are searching for somewhere to goodness, truth and justice” [10] – in other words, ful-
live in peace.” [2] In order to find that peace, they are filling the promise of peace.
willing to risk their lives on a journey that is often long When we turn that gaze to migrants and refugees,
and perilous, to endure hardships and suffering, and to
encounter fences and walls built to keep them far from CNS photo/Hannah McKay, EPA
their goal. A boy holds a sign during a children’s refugee protest in
In a spirit of compassion, let us embrace all those
2016 in London. Build peace by welcoming migrants and
fleeing from war and hunger, or forced by discrimina-
refugees, Pope Francis said in his message for World Peace
tion, persecution, poverty and environmental degrada-
Day 2018.
tion to leave their homelands.
We know that it is not enough to open our hearts
tion, when their own countries offer neither safety nor
to the suffering of others. Much more remains to be
opportunity, and every legal pathway appears impracti-
done before our brothers and sisters can once again live
cal, blocked or too slow.
peacefully in a safe home. Welcoming others requires
Many destination countries have seen the spread of
concrete commitment, a network of assistance and
rhetoric decrying the risks posed to national security
goodwill, vigilant and sympathetic attention, the respon-
or the high cost of welcoming new arrivals, and thus
sible management of new and complex situations that
demeaning the human dignity due to all as sons and
at times compound numerous existing problems, to say
daughters of God. Those who, for what may be politi-
nothing of resources, which are always limited. By prac-
cal reasons, foment fear of migrants instead of building
tising the virtue of prudence, government leaders should
peace are sowing violence, racial discrimination and
take practical measures to welcome, promote, protect,
xenophobia, which are matters of great concern for all
integrate and, “within the limits allowed by a correct
those concerned for the safety of every human being. [8]
understanding of the common good, to permit [them] to
All indicators available to the international commu-
become part of a new society.” [3] Leaders have a clear
nity suggest that global migration will continue for the
responsibility towards their own communities, whose
future. Some consider this a threat. For my part, I ask
legitimate rights and harmonious development they
you to view it with confidence as an opportunity to build
must ensure, lest they become like the rash builder who CNS photo/Damir Sagolj, Reuters
peace.
miscalculated and failed to complete the tower he had A young Rohingya refugee carries a child Oct. 10 while walk-
begun to construct. [4] ing in a camp near Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Pope Francis,
who visited Bangladesh Nov. 30-Dec. 2, has appealed for
wHy so many refugees and migrants? their protection of the Rohingya on several occasions, call-
As he looked to the Great Jubilee marking the pas-
ing them “our brothers and sisters.”
sage of two thousand years since the proclamation of
peace by the angels in Bethlehem, Saint John Paul II we discover that they do not arrive empty-handed. They
pointed to the increased numbers of displaced persons bring their courage, skills, energy and aspirations, as
as one of the consequences of the “endless and horrify- well as the treasures of their own cultures; and in this
ing sequence of wars, conflicts, genocides and ethnic way, they enrich the lives of the nations that receive
cleansings” [5] that had characterized the twentieth them. We also come to see the creativity, tenacity and
century. To this date, the new century has registered no spirit of sacrifice of the countless individuals, families
real breakthrough: armed conflicts and other forms of and communities around the world who open their
organized violence continue to trigger the movement of doors and hearts to migrants and refugees, even where
peoples within national borders and beyond. resources are scarce.
Yet people migrate for other reasons as well, prin- A contemplative gaze should also guide the discern-
cipally because they “desire a better life, and not ment of those responsible for the public good, and
infrequently try to leave behind the ‘hopelessness’ encourage them to pursue policies of welcome, “within
of an unpromising future.” [6] They set out to join the limits allowed by a correct understanding of the
their families or to seek professional or educational common good” [11] – bearing in mind, that is, the
opportunities, for those who cannot enjoy these rights needs of all members of the human family and the wel-
do not live in peace. Furthermore, as I noted in the fare of each.
Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’, there has been “a tragic rise in Those who see things in this way will be able to rec-
the number of migrants seeking to flee from the growing CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey ognize the seeds of peace that are already sprouting and
poverty caused by environmental degradation”. [7] A woman waits with her child in an outreach clinic in the nurture their growth. Our cities, often divided and polar-
Most people migrate through regular channels. Some, Rhino Refugee Camp in Uganda May 3. Uganda is housing 1 ized by conflicts regarding the presence of migrants and
however, take different routes, mainly out of despera- million refugees from South Sudan. refugees, will thus turn into workshops of peace.
[1] Luke 2:14. Care for Migrants of the Catholic Bishops’ [14] Psalm 146:9.
[2] Angelus, 15 January 2012. Conferences of Europe, 22 September 2017. [15] Deuteronomy 10:18-19.
[3] JOHN XXIII, Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris, 106. [9] BENEDICT XVI, Message for the 2011 World Day [16] Ephesians 2:19.
[4] Luke 14:28-30. of Migrants and Refugees. [17] “20 Pastoral Action Points” and “20 Action Points
[5] Message for the 2000 World Day of Peace, 3.. [10] Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 71. for the Global Compacts”, Migrants and Refugees
[6] BENEDICT XVI, Message for the 2013 World Day [11] JOHN XXIII, Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris, 106. Section, Rome, 2017. See also Document UN A/72/528.
of Migrants and Refugees. [12] Message for the 2018 World Day of Migrants [18] Message for the World Day of Migrants and
[7] No. 25. and Refugees. Refugees 2004, 6.
[8] Cf. Address to the National Directors of Pastoral [13] Hebrews 13:2. [19] James 3:18.