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A Trip, A Tour, or a Pilgrimage? – A Catholic deacon shares insight, advice

Posted by Mary Jane at 3:46 pm | Evangelization, Pilgrimages

By Deacon Gene Townshend

Our group of 30 or so was gathering at Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox’s Pilgrim Center of Hope, near Culebra and Loop 410. It was the first of three meetings. We were looking forward to the trip of a lifetime. In her calm, spirited manner Mary Jane corrected us: “We are not going on a tour of the Holy Land. We are going on a pilgrimage,” she said.

‘What’s the difference?’ I asked myself.

Mary Jane explained that on a pilgrimage, one experiences the Holy Land sites as a pilgrim in faith. We were to prepare months in advance. We were asked to read various Gospel accounts. We were to spend time in prayer and reflection. The meetings such as we attended that day were to do more than just answer questions; we were meeting to build community – a community of faith. When we finally reached the Holy Land, we would be united in not only friendship, but also faith.

Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox head up the Pilgrim Center of Hope. This is a Catholic evangelization center. It is an apostolate of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The Center evangelizes Catholics through annual conferences, evangelization outreach, Catholic TV and radio media, parish presentations, conducting days of spiritual renewal—and leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

Deacon Tom and Mary Jane began their evangelization apostolate more than 20 years ago. They knocked on doors in their neighborhood, reaching out to fallen-away Catholics, encouraging and preparing them to return to their faith.

I was struck how Deacon Tom and Mary Jane are united in purpose and vision. During our first meetings, St. Paul’s teaching about marriage came to mind. St. Paul tells us in Corinthians that we must be equally-yoked in marriage. He was referring to marriage with unbelievers.

However, the thought applies to all marriage relationships. Deacon Tom and Mary Jane are equally yoked. They speak with one voice. Their shared vision for ministry and evangelization inspired all of us preparing for this journey of faith. Over a 20 year period, the couple has led 41 pilgrimages to the Holy Land. They have established excellent contacts at the various sites. They have outstanding local guides and bus drivers on-site. They believe we should support the Christian businesses and organizations, since so many are having difficulties making a go of it. Therefore, our meals and sleeping accommodations were booked in places owned and administered by Christians.

Since we were going on a pilgrimage, not a tour, we were invited to stay in special pilgrimage centers while in the Holy Land.

Finally, the time came to depart San Antonio. Our flights took us to Atlanta, then an 11 hour from JFK to Tel Aviv, Israel. Before departure, each of us was given a pilgrimage booklet that contained all the Mass readings during our pilgrimage, extensive background information on all the sites to be visited, and a detailed itinerary interwoven among all the material.

Msgr. Kevin Ryan, pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist parish, served as spiritual director. He also presided over all the Masses. Deacon Tom said that since he had served the Masses at the Holy Land sites numerous times, I was invited to serve as Deacon at all the Masses on this pilgrimage. This was a true honor and privilege.

A question to us Catholics: What is the high point of our worship? It is the Mass. This pilgrimage arranged for our group to experience Masses at the following holy sites:

  • Stella Maris Carmelite Church, near Haifa. This church is built over the cave lived in by the prophet Elijah. We also visited inside the cave.
  • The Basilica of the Annunciation, built over the home of Mary and ancient Nazareth; we saw our Holy Mother’s home, and surrounding homes nearby.
  • The Church of St. Peter, built over the ancient home of St. Peter in Capernaum; there we also visited the ancient synagogue where Christ gave His powerful sermon detailing Catholic belief about Eucharist, in the sixth chapter of John.
  • The Church of Mt. Tabor, site of the Transfiguration of our Lord.
  • The Chapel on the Mt. of Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee, and on the spot where Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount
  • The Annunciation Church near Bethlehem, a parish comprised of Arab Palestinians; the Mass was conducted in Arabic.
  • Christmas Mass in the Basilica of the Nativity, in the Grotto Chapel of St. Jerome where he lived while translating the Bible from Greek to Latin.
  • St. Peter Gallicantu, in Jerusalem, where our Lord spent Holy Thursday night.
  • The Holy Sepulcher, in the Tomb of Christ, where He lay following the Crucifixion; Mass was said in the inner chamber, where only about four of the group could be at any one time; the rest of the group was in the outer chamber; four people at a time were rotated into the inner chamber, where Christ lay, so they could experience part of Mass in the inner chamber.
  • Ein Karim, the birthplace of St. John the Baptist.
  • Calvary, where Christ was crucified; you could put your hand into a hole and feel the ground where Christ’s Cross was secured; Mary Jane Fox left us this powerful thought; imagine the Blood of Christ draining down the Cross and into the very place where you are resting your hand.
  • The Grotto of the Betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane.

If I had to note one of these places that most affected me, it would be the Mass we had in the Holy Sepulcher. This was also my wife, Jeannie’s high point.

People living there say that the Holy Land is the 5th Gospel. We all read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We conjure up some image of the places when we read or listen to the readings. When you visit the Holy Land, the other Gospels come alive with context and meaning when read. For example, we all know about the Sermon on the Mount. As pilgrims, we lodged on the Mount of the Beatitudes. We read the scripture while standing where Christ stood, overlooking the beautiful Sea of Galilee, where He gave this amazing sermon.

We visited numerous other places and holy sites. Our group had a little more than an hour for private prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. We looked down from mid-way on the Mount of Olives, across the Kidron Valley, across to the walled gate through which Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem, as described in our Gospel accounts for Palm Sunday.

One important item not mentioned in the Gospel accounts is what happened to Jesus after he was betrayed by Judas in Gethsemane. He was held in a dungeon like place in Caiaphas’ residence, then turned over to be scourged, tried, and crucified. We visited and prayed in that dungeon.

Jeannie and I are processing all this, and I am sure we will for months, and even years to come. Our group of pilgrims, who experienced these holy sites, will never read the Gospels in the same way. Now, whenever we read them, we will have the pictures of these places forever notched in our minds.

Do I recommend visiting the Holy Land? People have asked me that. I believe the question should be, ‘Am I called to visit the Holy Land?’ We all know it is there. We all know about Fatima and Lourdes and Rome and other important places to our Catholic faith.

I believe that when we are called to go, we should answer that call. Jeannie and I were called to visit the Holy Land more than 20 years ago, but circumstances intervened, preventing us from going until recently. That is how I see the question of visiting the Holy Land. It comes down to a personal matter whether or not called, and then, when to answer that calling.

When you plan a visit to the Holy Land, I do recommend that you go on a pilgrimage, not a tour. There are important distinctions between the two. On a pilgrimage, you are prepared and immersed spiritually before and while visiting the holy places. You lodge in special places reserved for pilgrims. These and other reason mitigate, in my opinion, for going on a pilgrimage, and not a tour of the Holy Land. Deacon and Mary Jane Fox generally lead two such pilgrimages a year.

Based on my personal experience, I am most happy to recommend their pilgrimage. You can contact them at The Pilgrim Center of Hope.

Deacon Tom and Mary Jane really do it right. The 32 pilgrims who made this pilgrimage with them and their team in the Holy Land, agree. Most said it was a life-changing experience. For my wife Jeannie and me, it significantly deepened an already deep faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Because of this pilgrimage, we now know Him, rather than just know about Him.

Gene Townshend is a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church, serving at St. Pius X Catholic parish in San Antonio, Texas. He and his wife made their pilgrimage to the Holy Land with The Pilgrim Center of Hope in January/February of 2012. Learn more about The Pilgrim Center of Hope’s unique Ministry of Pilgrimages.

Out Of Shared Pain Arises Hope for Peace – A Holy Land pilgrim shares story of Israeli and Palestinian

Posted by Mary Jane at 3:33 pm | Evangelization, Pilgrimages

By Deacon Gene Townshend

It was an extraordinary sight.

My wife and I were on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, joined by 30 others from the San Antonio area. While in Jerusalem, our group was invited to hear two people speak. When they appeared in the conference room in the Knight’s Palace, the hotel in which we were staying, Rami Elhanan, an Israeli Jewish man, appears and embraces an attractive woman. Her head is covered in traditional Muslim fashion. Rami is a veteran of the Israeli Army, having fought bravely in the Six Day War of 1967.

'Brother and sister' - Rami and Moira

The woman’s name is Moira Jilani. Rami calls her ‘my sister’ because they are united in a common cause for peace. Moira lives within the Palestinian enclave near Bethlehem. Formerly, she lived in Texas. Moira had fallen in love with her husband, a Palestinian, while they both attended college in South Texas. After marriage, she followed her heart and husband to the Palestinian area near Bethlehem, and ultimately embraced the Muslim faith.

Pain and conflict bound both Rami and Moira into a common destiny.

Rami lost his teenage daughter, the joy of his life, to a Palestinian suicide bomber. He said the pain was beyond understanding. Rami descended into a cycle of hatred, despair, and loss of hope. Then, little by little, he realized that these poisonous thoughts were ruining his life. He searched for  answers.

Moira also lost a loved one—her husband—to needless violence. He was returning one day from Jerusalem to the Palestinian side near Bethlehem. Some Israeli soldiers were tightening down security at the various check points. A scuffle broke out, and during the confusion, Moira’s husband accidentally hit the gas pedal of his car instead of remaining stopped. His car accidentally hit a few Israeli soldiers.

When he got out of the car, he was thrown to the ground, handcuffed, and in the confusion that ensued, was shot more than once. He died shortly thereafter. The details of why this happened are murky. However, Moira points out that in spite of her repeated requests, the results of the investigation were never given to her.  Moira further notes that the best she can determine, the Israeli soldiers, hit by her husband’s car, were not seriously injured. She is seeking justice through the courts.

Moira was suddenly a widow. Her three daughters had no father, because he was killed by the Israeli soldiers.

Rami had lost his daughter, the light and joy of his life, to a suicide bomber. Pain and misery and providence finally brought them both into an organization called the Parents Circle Group.

(Left to right) CRS Jerusalem branch rep Hanan Nasrallah, Rami, Anna Alicia Chavez, and Moira.

It took a long time, but both Moira and Rami discovered a common bond of friendship that finally brought them both to a point of forgiveness. They even dare to hope for peace between the Jews and Palestinians. They now both visit groups on both sides of the wall that separates the West Bank from the people living in Israel. They tell their stories to anyone who will listen. They are hopeful that peace and justice will one day be the norm for the area. They hope that the wall will come down. They both believe that the hatred between the various groups in the area has existed long enough.

We met with Rami and Moira as a coordinated effort with the Catholic Relief Services (CRS). CRS states on its web site:  “Catholic Relief Services has worked with local partners in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza for nearly half a century. Our projects aim to support peace with justice for all people in this troubled region, while responding to the humanitarian and sustainable development needs of Palestinians.

“The current crisis in the West Bank and Gaza is one of the worst humanitarian situations in the history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It threatens not only the well-being of Palestinian civilians and the very poor, but also endangers prospects for a sustainable peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

“Four decades of occupation, expanding settlements, military operations, the Separation Wall, restrictions on the movement of people and goods, and general insecurity have devastated Palestinian society. Poverty rates are nearly 65 percent and food insecurity has risen 13 percent since 2006.”

Ana Alicia Chavez, a CRS representative from the San Antonio area, accompanied our tour, and helped coordinate meetings with CRS groups in the Holy Land.

The people living in the area have experienced war and turbulence for thousands of years. The Israelis are concerned for their safety and security, because they are surrounded by enemies on all sides. Because of Israel’s concerns for security, when visiting Bethlehem, the place of our Lord’s birth, one finds a high wall separating this area from the rest of Israel.

Americans are fairly ignorant about the Palestinian people and their situation. Moira pointed out that many people think Muslims all are terrorists, sitting around, making plans to launch suicide bombing attacks. She notes this just is not true. “People want to stereotype Muslims as all the same,” she said. Moira notes that in the Bethlehem area of the West Bank, Palestinian Muslims are not the only ones living there. Palestinian Christians also live in the area.

Palestinian Christians are subject to the same security arrangements as the Muslims. As a result of Israel’s security concerns, Palestinians traveling to Jerusalem find it difficult. Many have lost their jobs due to the difficulty of meeting all of the requirements for travel in the area. People also find it difficult to visit family members and friends on the other side of the wall.

CRS arranged two additional visits with Palestinian people and organizations. We visited a Women’s Solidarity Project site, also near Bethlehem. There, about 40 women gather and make various items for sale. Profits from these sales help them augment their income. Most of them make these items from home, allowing them to meet their other family responsibilities.

Another CRS-arranged visit included meeting with students at the Palestine Ahliya University. There, men and women students are preparing community action projects. Our group met with some of the students and shared topics of interest with them. I asked our group of three young Muslim women about their dating norms. Their heads were all appropriately covered in the Muslim tradition. The young woman who served as translator finished asking my question. The young women’s faces blushed. One woman said, “No dating. Marriage yes, but no dating.” I followed up, “How do you get to meet someone to marry?” The translator answered, saying that men and women meet at school, in the work place, and in other situations. This is the context in how men and women form their relationships—but, not by dating.

As we were planning to drive from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, we stopped by the wall separating the two sides. It is quite a sight. It reminded me of the Berlin Wall that I had seen while serving in the Air Force in Germany during the late 1980’s. The wall separating Bethlehem and Jerusalem is quite tall, and its walls are several inches thick.

I am not an activist. I don’t normally take a public stance. But, I took a black marker and wrote in an open space on the wall, “I will pray every day for peace and justice for the Palestine people.”

I also pray daily for the safety and security of the Israeli people.

Gene Townshend is a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church, serving at St. Pius X Catholic parish in San Antonio, Texas. He and his wife made their pilgrimage to the Holy Land with The Pilgrim Center of Hope in January/February of 2012. Learn more about The Pilgrim Center of Hope’s unique Ministry of Pilgrimages.

Holy Land: The Living Stones – Feb. 29, 2012

Posted by Mary Jane at 8:59 am | Catholicism Live, Evangelization, Pilgrimages

In a Catholic Palestinian church, a child to be baptized is presented to God. Taken during our Holy Land pilgrimage.

What is the Holy Land really like?

We answer your questions tonight by revealing more about the people who keep the Holy Land alive – who are called the “living stones.” Our guest Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Vice President of Catholic Relief Services’ U.S. Operations, will explain what the U.S. Bishops’ official relief agency is doing to bring about peace and justice in Jesus’ homeland…and how we can partake in their efforts.

Sounds interesting. How can I listen & participate in this program?

South Texans can tune into Time Warner Cable channel 15 or radio 89.7 FM – and anyone can listen online by clicking the LISTEN LIVE button on CatholicismLive.com from 8pm – 9pm Central Time!

Submit questions / comments using the form on CatholicismLive.com or call during the program: (210) 734-5371

More information related to this episode of Catholicism Live!:

Saint of the Week: St. David of Wales (Feast Day: March 1st)

Like St. Patrick, St. David’s story is fact elaborated by legend. Each year, the people of Wales celebrate St. David’s Day on March 1st.  Here is what we more or less know about St. David…

He was a child of rape, born on a stormy night in Wales. As a boy, he was tutored by St. Paul Aurelian, a monk who later became a bishop. After becoming a priest, David would follow his tutor’s footsteps. He also lived as a monk, and – like St. Benedict – founded 12 monasteries of men living as manual laborers in poverty, prayer, and studying Scripture. They offered their monasteries as shelter for pilgrims and travelers, and cared for the local poor and needy. David himself ate a simple vegetarian diet and practiced penance. It’s reported that he would stand neck-high in a cold lake and recited Scripture!

While in one of his monasteries, David received a vision. He set out next day, with two monks, to Jerusalem to aid the Patriarch. While there, his preaching converted anti-Christians. Legend says that once while he was preaching, a dove descended to his shoulder to show he had the blessings of the Spirit, and that the earth rose to lift him high above the people so that he could be heard by them all. During this Holy Land pilgrimage, David was made a bishop by the Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Returning to his homeland, David presided over two synods, one of which condemned Pelagianism – a heresy which denied the existence of original sin.

He died in 598. His final homily ended with these words: “Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed. Do the little things that you have seen me do and heard about. I will walk the path that our fathers have trod before us.” ‘Do the little things’ (‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain’) is today a very well-known phrase in Welsh, and has proved an inspiration to many. He was canonized in 1120 by Pope Callistus II.

St. David, pray that we – like you – would be inspired to aid the Church in the Holy Land!

Pearl of the Week: “Blood Brothers” by Archbishop Elias Chacour (Book)

As a child, Elias Chacour lived in a small Palestinian village in Galilee. The townspeople were proud of their ancient Christian heritage and lived at peace with their Jewish neighbors. But in 1948 and ‘49 their idyllic lifestyle was swept away as tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed and nearly one million were forced into refugee camps. An exile in his native land, Elias began a years-long struggle with his love for the Jewish people and the world’s misunderstanding of his own people, the Palestinians. How was he to respond? He found his answer in the simple, haunting words of the Man of Galilee: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” In Blood Brothers Chacour blends his riveting life story with historical research to reveal a little-known side of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the birth of modern Israel. He touches on controversial questions such as: What behind-the-scenes politics touched off the turmoil in the Middle East? What does Bible prophecy really have to say? Can bitter enemies ever be reconciled? In a world of tension and terror, this book offers hope and insight that can help each of us learn to live at peace.

You may purchase this book at your local bookstore, or for a $10 donation from The Pilgrim Center of Hope.

Lent 101 – Feb. 22, 2012

Posted by Mary Jane at 11:40 am | Catholicism Live, Evangelization

Christ tempted in the desert

Confused about Lent?

Do you have questions about how Roman Catholics practice Lent – abstaining from meat on Fridays, smudging ashes on our foreheads, giving things up? Well, we’ve got answers for you! Tune in to learn about why and how we observe Lent!

Sounds interesting. How can I listen & participate in this program?

South Texans can tune into Time Warner Cable channel 15 or radio 89.7 FM – and anyone can listen online by clicking the LISTEN LIVE button on CatholicismLive.com from 8pm – 9pm Central Time!

Submit questions / comments using the form on CatholicismLive.com or call during the program: (210) 734-5371

More information related to this episode of Catholicism Live!:

Saint of the Week: St. Robert Southwell (Feast Day: Feb. 21st)

Robert was born around 1561 in England. As a teenager, he asked to join the Jesuit religious order of priests, but was turned down at first because he was too young and the preparation process itself was closed due to fighting in nearby areas. With great determination, the young Englishman walked to Rome where he was accepted into the novitiate in 1578. He studied philosophy and theology at the Roman College and was ordained in 1584.

That year, an act was passed by the English Parliamentary government, forbidding any English-born subject of the Queen who had entered into priest’s orders in the Roman Catholic Church since her accession to leave England within 40 days or be put to death. But Fr. Southwell requested to be sent to England in 1586 as a Jesuit missionary with Henry Garnett. He went from one Catholic family to another, administering the sacraments. His ministry included visiting the dozen or so prisons in the city and helping priests who had just entered the country. When Fr. Garnet, his traveling companion, also came to London, Fr. Southwell started visiting Catholics in the outlying counties. He also helped direct the print of Catholic catechisms and devotional books published by a secret press that Fr. Garnet established; it was the sole source of religious literature for English Catholics. Fr. Southwell put together several letters he had written an imprisoned man; these letters were revised and published as An Epistle of Comfort. This and other of his religious tracts, “A Short Rule of Good Life,” “Triumphs over Death,” “Mary Magdalen’s Tears” and “a Humble Supplication to Queen Elizabeth,” were enjoyed even by those outside Catholic circles.

For six productive years Fr. Southwell exercised his ministry until he was betrayed by a Catholic woman who had been pressured into setting a trap for him. Anne Bellamy was imprisoned after she refused to attend Protestant services and was made pregnant by Richard Topcliffe, a priest-hunter noted for torturing his prisoners. Topcliffe promised to marry her and win pardon for her family if she would convince Fr. Southwell to go a designated spot where the trap would be set. When she was released from prison, she wrote the priest asking him to meet her at her parents’ home. Fr. Southwell went there thinking she wanted to receive the sacraments. Instead Topcliffe and his men were waiting. Fr. Southwell managed to slip into a concealed room before they could catch him, but he eventually gave himself up rather than betray the family.

Topcliffe was overjoyed to have captured Fr. Southwell, whom he regarded as the biggest catch of his career. Bound in chains, the Jesuit was led to Topcliffe’s residence next to Gatehouse Prison and put in the private torture chamber that Topcliffe had there. Several excruciating days of torture failed to force Fr. Southwell to reveal a single name of any Catholics or priests. He remained steadfast despite being tortured 13 different times; finally his captors threw him among the paupers to face cold, hunger and thirst. Fr. Southwell’s father managed to visit him in the paupers’ prison and was horrified at his son’s condition. He petitioned the queen to treat him like the gentleman he was, either releasing him or condemning him to death. The queen allowed him to be moved to the Tower where he was better cared for but still could not receive visitors. He did continue, however, to write the poems that expressed his deepest feelings and were later collected and published as St. Peter’s Complaint.

For two and a half years, Fr. Southwell endured the solitude of his imprisonment, and then finally petitioned Lord Burghley to be released, be allowed visitors, or be brought to trial. The latter was granted, and he was tried on Feb. 20, 1595 at Westminster Hall. Fr. Southwell readily admitted being a Catholic priest but denied any involvement in plots against the queen. He was found guilty of high treason and executed the very next day. For the three-hour journey to Tyburn, he was tied to a hurdle and dragged through the streets to the gallows. Because the noose was improperly placed on his neck, he did not immediately die when the cart moved away from him. The hangman took mercy and hung on his feet to end the agony. Then the 34-year-old Jesuit was beheaded and quartered.

St. Robert Southwell, pray for us – that we would have the courage to follow Christ, and to love Him enough to suffer for the sake of His name.

Pearl of the Week: “An Examination of Conscience: A Preparation for the Sacrament of Confession” by Fr. Robert Altier (Booklet)

We are offering the opportunity during our live program March 22 (Ash Wednesday) at 8pm Central, to call and request this booklet. It’s softcover, small enough for a man’s pocket or woman’s purse, and includes:

  • “Why should I confess my sins to a man?”
  • “The loss of the sense of sin”
  • “Forgiveness of sin”
  • “How to go to Confession”
  • Prayer before and after Confession
  • Examination of Conscience
  • Mortal Sins & Venial Sins
  • Imperfections

Limit one per person by mail. If you’d like more, please offer a donation to the Pilgrim Center of Hope to cover postage cost.

A Journey to the Holy Land

Posted by Mary Jane at 5:01 pm | Evangelization, Pilgrimages

Thirty two pilgrims from San Antonio have recently returned from a 12 day journey to the Holy Land.  It was a wonderful, powerful pilgrimage!  Can you imagine touching the places of the Bible and kissing the places of our Lord’s birthplace, where He died on Calvary and the Tomb where He resurrected?  Imagine carrying a large wooden cross on the Way of the Cross leading to Calvary?  Consuming the Eucharist, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus at daily Mass?  These among many, many other experiences were a part of the recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  We also prayed the Rosary by Mary’s House in Nazareth and walked along the Sea of Galilee in prayer and in silence with the Lord were additional powerful experiences!

Not only did we kiss and touch the holy places pertaining to our Lord’s life; we embraced the “living stones”, the Christians of the Holy Land, they are the ones that keep the holy sites, (many of which are active parishes) alive with the Spirit of Christ!  These “living stones” are also called the Mother Church, they are descendants of the early Church…the very first Christians!  And many of the holy sites are active Catholic parishes.  The pilgrims met the “living stones” by visiting with them, patronizing their restaurants, shops and worshiping with them on a Sunday Morning at a Mass in Arabic.  This experience reminded us of the universality of our Church.  We are all one in the family of Christ.

This pilgrimage was our 41st time to the Holy Land!  And each visit is a ‘fresh’ one, a renewing one for us.   Some ask us, “Don’t you ever get tired of going to the Holy Land?”  Of course not!  Because Christ is present in the Land he sanctified with His very life through His Church and by encountering Him in the Word!  The Holy Land is often called the “Fifth Gospel” for this very reason…the land, the people, the history teach us, and lead us closer to the Trinity!  So you can imagine how a pilgrimage can change lives!

Consider a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with the Pilgrim Center of Hope.  June 30-July 12, 2012 is the next scheduled pilgrimage.  In 2013:  Spring and Fall.  Pray and ask the Lord for His guidance!

Marriage: Post-Valentine’s Day – Feb. 15, 2012

Posted by Mary Jane at 9:22 am | Catholicism Live, Evangelization

When the chocolates are eaten and the flowers gone, how can we make our marriage strong?

Get advice from a couple who’s “been there” – Greg and Julie Alexander, founders of The Alexander House marriage apostolate. After 10 years of marriage, Greg and Julie found themselves ready for divorce, until they were encouraged to learn about what the Church really teaches about God’s design for marriage. That message was so powerful, they have dedicated their lives to bringing hundreds of other couples to the truth.

The Alexander House is a Catholic, international apostolate dedicated to “proclaiming the beauty, goodness and truth” of God’s design for marriage. Tune in to get practical tips on strengthening your marriage from Greg and Julie!

Sounds interesting. How can I participate in this program?

South Texans can tune into Time Warner Cable channel 15 or radio 89.7 FM – and anyone can listen online by clicking the LISTEN LIVE button on CatholicismLive.com from 8pm – 9pm Central Time!

Submit questions / comments using the form on CatholicismLive.com or call during the program: (210) 734-5371

More information related to this episode of Catholicism Live!:

Saint of the Week: St. Claude de la Colombière (Feast Day: Feb. 15th)

St. Claude was born in 1641 in the town of Saint-Symphorien d’Ozon, France, near Lyon. His family was well-known, pious and had a good social status. We have no special data about his life before entering the Jesuit School in Lyon. Even though religious life was not appealing to him, he did not let his emotions direct him. He managed to conquer this and was immediately admitted to the Company of Jesus.

Claude’s talents are discovered

He did his novitiate (a stage in preparing for religious life) in Avignon, France, and after two years transferred to the school there to complete his philosophical studies. Upon finishing his studies he was sent to teach grammar and humanities from 1661-1666. Since 1659, the city of Avignon had experienced terrible conflicts between the nobility and the people. In 1662, a famous encounter between the Pontifical Guards and the group of French Ambassadors took place. Because of this incident Louis XIV sent his troops and occupied Avignon. This, however, did not interfere with Claude’s school work. Protestants’ increased presence lead to more zeal from the Jesuit priests, who then consecrated themselves even more to their ministry in the city and the nearby districts.

When peace was established in Avignon the canonization of St. Francis de Sales was celebrated. A great liturgical celebration took place in the oldest convent of the Visitation Order. At this great occasion St. Claude demonstrated for the first time his gifts as a preacher. Although he was not a priest yet, he was one of those elected to preach the eulogy of St. Francis de Sales in the convent Church.

The text he chose was: “From strength softness has gushed forth” (Judges 14:14). His sermon was magnificent. In the meantime Claude’s superiors decided to send him to finish his theological studies in Paris, the center of the French intellects. In Paris he was given the task and honor of watching over the education of two children of the famous Colberts. What probably happened was that Colbert discovered the intellectual capability of Claude and chose him for this important task, even though Colbert was not a personal friend of the Jesuits.

The relations between the saint and this distinguished family ended poorly. A humorous phrase used by Claude in one of his writings was made known to Colbert, who felt offended by it and asked the superiors of the Company of Jesus to remove him and send him back to his province. This did not occur until 1670.

Claude’s love for Christ’s heart

In 1673, Claude, now a young priest, was named preacher of the Avignon School. His sermons, on which he worked intensely, were real models because of the solid doctrine and the beauty of the language. The saint seemed to have preached the same sermons in England. He preached in the chapel of the Duchess of York, Maria de Modena, who became Queen when Jacob II inherited the throne. She is responsible for the publication of these sermons.

During his stay in Paris the saint studied Jansenism, a heresy that was popular at the time. He combated this heresy from the pulpit, animated by the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the greatest devotion against Jansenism. At the end of 1674, Father La Chaize, Claude’s rector, received the order from the Jesuits to allow Claude to make his final profession of vows as a Jesuit, after a month of “Spiritual Exercises.” Claude consecrated himself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The saint added an extra vow: absolute fidelity to the rules of the Jesuits down to the smallest details. According to his diary, he had lived for some time this perfect fidelity and wanted to consecrate his conduct under a vow in order to make it more lasting. At 33 years of age, the same age when Christ died, he was inspired with great desire to die completely to this world and to himself. He wrote in his diary: “I believe, Lord, it is time for me to live in You, and only for You, at my age You died for me in particular.”

Chosen by & for the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Two months after his solemn profession in February 1675, Claude was named Superior of the Paray-le-Monial School. It was an exceptional honor to a recently ordained priest; but on the other hand, the small community of Paray consisted of only 4 or 5 priests, an insignificant amount for the great gifts Claude had.

This was all a part of the designs of God so that he may contact a soul needing his help: Margaret Mary Alacoque. This religious sister was in a troubled period of her life with much suffering. Why? Jesus had been appearing to her in  extraordinary revelations, giving her instruction about His Most Sacred Heart. The revelations became clearer and more intimate every day.

Following the instructions of her superior, Mother Saumaise, Margaret Mary had confided her experience to a learned priest who lacked knowledge on mysticism. The priest thought that Margaret Mary was a victim of the devil’s deception. This confused St. Margaret Mary even more.

Moved by Margaret’s prayer, God sent her a faithful servant and perfect friend, Claude de la Colombière.

Father La Colombière one day went to preach to Sr. Margaret Mary’s community. While he was speaking, Margaret wrote, “I heard in my heart these words: He is the one I sent you.” Since the first time that Margaret went to confession with Father La Colombière, he treated her as if he was aware of all that was occurring. Sr. Margaret Mary was doubtful about opening her heart to Fr. Claude, and did not do so even though she was convinced God’s will was that she confess to Fr. La Colombière. During her next confession, Father La Colombière again spoke sincerely with her. Margaret Mary said: “Immediately, without hurting me, he discovered the good and the bad in my heart. It consoled me very much and he exhorted me not to be afraid of God’s ways as long as I remain obedient to my superiors, renewing my offering totally to God, so God can treat me as He pleases. Father Claude showed me to appreciate God’s gifts and to receive them with faith and humility.” This was the great service of Father Claude de la Colombière to Margaret Mary. On the other hand, Claude worked tirelessly, promoting the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He saw in this devotion the greatest remedy against Jansenism.

Testimony before persecution

St. Claude did not spent much time in Paray. By recommendation of Father La Chaize, who was confessor of King Louis XIV, his superiors sent him to London as preacher to Maria Beatriz d’ Este, Duchess of York. Claude preached in England with his example and words. Love of the Sacred Heart was his favorite theme. Numerous Protestants were converted, even though the position of Catholics in England was very difficult because of the hostility against them. A movement was formed in court to exclude the Duke of York from the succession to the crown because he converted to Catholicism. He was substituted by the Prince of Orange.

Titus Oates and his followers invented a story about a “conspiracy of the Papists,” (papist means a person loyal to the pope) in which Father La Colombière was included with the rest of the Catholics. The conspiracy’s goal, according to the slanderers, was to assassinate King Charles II and the destruction of the Church of England. Claude was accused of exercising his priestly ministry and of converting many Protestants. He was imprisoned, but by the intervention of Louis XIV his life was prevented from martyrdom.

The prison had taken an effect on Claude’s weak health. Upon his return to France in 1679, the saint was terminally ill, even though at times he recovered a little and exercised his priestly ministry. A kidney disease left him restless. His superiors sent him to Lyon and Paray thinking he would recover his health. During one of his visits to Paray, Margaret Mary told him that he will die in this city.

Father Claude arrived at Paray in April 1681, as recommended by the doctors, to recover his health. During this time there were communications between Father Claude and Sister Margaret Mary, sharing projects to promote the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Father Claude’s illness worsened. He thought of moving somewhere with a different climate, but St. Margaret Mary advised him that he should stay in Paray if it did not cause a disobedience. She sent him this message: “He has told me that He wants the sacrifice of your life here.” Such an affirmation eliminated all plans to travel.

Death and glory

After giving a marvelous example of humility and patience, Claude de La Colombière gave his soul to God in the afternoon of February 15th, 1682. The following day, St. Margaret Mary received an announcement from heaven that Claude was already in the glory of God and did not need any prayers. Father La Colombière was beatified in 1929 and Pope John Paul II declared him a saint in 1992. The Universal Church celebrates his feast day on February 15th.

Want some spiritual direction from St. Claude? Read from his book online – The Spiritual Direction of St. Claude de la Colombiere. (You will need Adobe Reader to view it.)

St. Claude, pray for us, that we would know the love that God has for each one of us.

Pearl of the Week: ‘Marriage 911‘ by Greg and Julie Alexander (Book)

A “Pearl” is a gem to help us enrich our faith! A “Pearl” is introduced each week on Catholicism Live! and is usually a book, a website, or a CD that is related to the weekly program topic.

“Whatever you’ve been through, we have probably done even worse things to each other.”

That’s what Greg and Julie Alexander tell readers of their new book, Marriage 911: How God Saved Our Marriage (And Can Save Yours Too). Reviewer David Gibson says this book, “differs in a happy way from some books by husband-wife teams because each of the Alexanders truly serves as its co-author. The couple’s shared story is told from each of their perspectives. One knows at any given point which of them is speaking. [...] Many readers will conclude, I am sure, that the Alexanders today are not at all the people they were when they first met. The Alexanders do not mean to suggest, however, that the process of moving, with faith, beyond the rock-bottom point that many marriages reach is easy. Their book’s Foreword by Curtis and Michaelann Martin drives this point home rather well.

‘You would think that with God’s design for marriage clear in our minds it would make marriage easy. It doesn’t — it merely makes marriage possible,” the Martins write. They add, “You may think your marriage is hopeless, or even dead, but we have a God who has risen from the dead, and he lives to share his life with you.’”

The Alexanders’ personal story shares:

  • Three key questions every married couple should answer
  • Practical, real-life tips for getting a marriage back on track
  • Hope for all married couples on the brink

Purchase this book from the authors online (click here) for $11.00 or through Servant Books for $14.99 online (click here) or by calling 1-800-488-0488

An Act of Confidence in God (Tonight’s Closing Prayer)

by St. Claude de la Colombière

My God, I’m so persuaded that You watch over all who hope in You and nothing can be lacking to those who await from You all things, that I have determined to live from now on without any concern, letting go and giving You all of my anxieties. I will sleep and rest in peace because You, O Lord, and only You, have secured my hope.

Men can deprive me of possessions and reputation; illnesses can take away my strength and means to serve You; I myself can lose Your grace because of sin; but I will not lose my hope; I will conserve it until the last instant of my life and all the efforts from demons trying to take it away from me will be useless. I will sleep and rest in peace.

May others expect happiness in their richness and talents; some may lean on the innocence of their lives, or the rigor of their penitence, or above all on the amount of their good works, or the fervor of their prayers. As for myself Lord, all my confidence is my confidence itself. Because You Lord, only You have secured my hope.

No one has been deceived by this confidence. No one who has waited in the Lord has been frustrated in their confidence.
Therefore, I am sure that I will be eternally happy because I firmly hope to be; and because You, Oh, My God, are in Whom I expect all. In You I hope Lord, and never will I be confused.

I know very well … too well that I am fragile and inconstant, I know well the power of temptations against the most firm virtue; I have seen the stars fall from heaven and columns from the firmament; but none of this can frighten me. As long as I maintain firm my hope, I will be conserved from all calamities; and I am sure to hope always, because I hope the same in this unchanging hope.

In conclusion, I am sure that I cannot hope in excess in You and that I will receive all that I would have hoped for in You. Therefore, I know You will sustain me on the most rapid and slippery slopes, that You will strengthen me against the assaults and make my weakness triumph over the most tremendous enemies.
I hope You will always love me and I will love you without interruption; to take once and for all my hope as far as it can reach. I hope in You and only in You! Oh, My Creator! In time and for all eternity.
Amen.

What’s a Schoenstatt? – Feb. 8, 2012

Posted by Mary Jane at 9:52 am | Catholicism Live, Evangelization

Have you heard of Schoenstatt?

The word is German for “beautiful place,” but it’s also a movement within the Church, with shrine and center in San Antonio. Learn about this spirituality active in our city and worldwide tonight! We’re joined by Spiritual Director Fr. Marcelo Aravela of the Schoenstatt Fathers and members of the Schoenstatt Family branch, Michelle and Raymond Garza.

Sounds interesting. How can I participate in this program?

South Texans can tune into Time Warner Cable channel 15 or radio 89.7 FM – and anyone can listen online by clicking the LISTEN LIVE button on CatholicismLive.com from 8pm – 9pm Central Time!

Submit questions / comments using the form on CatholicismLive.com or call during the program: (210) 734-5371

More information related to this episode of Catholicism Live!:

Want to participate in Schoenstatt locally?

Mass on every 1st Sunday of the month at 3:30 pm
Two Masses celebrated on the 18th of each month – one at 12 noon and 7:30 pm
18th of each month Confessions at 11 am and 6 pm, Adoration from 1 pm – 3 pm, and Rosary at 7 pm (before 7:30 Mass)

Visit the Mount Schoenstatt shrine in the San Antonio area:  17071 Low Road Helotes, TX 78023. Get in contact with Father Marcelo Aravena, director: pmarceloaravena@yahoo.com or call him at (512)301-8762

Saint of the Week: St. Jerome Emiliani (Feast Day: Feb. 8th)

Jerome was born at Venice, Italy, of the patrician (influential) family Emiliani, and from his boyhood embraced a military life. At a time when the Italian Republic was in great difficulty, he was placed in command of the town Castelnovo, in the mountains of Tarviso. The fortress was taken by the enemy, and Jerome was thrown, bound hand and foot, into a horrible dungeon. When he found himself destitute of all human aid, he prayed most earnestly to the Blessed Virgin, who mercifully came to his assistance. She loosed his bonds, and led him safely through the midst of his enemies, who had possession of every road, till he was within sight of Tarviso. He entered the town; and, in testimony of the favour he had received, he went to the altar of our Lady, to whose service he had vowed himself, and hung there the manacles, shackles, and chains which he had brought with him from prison.

On his return to Venice he gave himself with the utmost zeal to his new Christian life. His charity towards the poor was wonderful; but he was particularly moved to pity for the orphan children who wandered poor and dirty about the town; he received them into houses which he rented, where he fed them at his own expense and trained them to lead Christian lives.

Jerome was introduced into the hospital for incurables, where he would be able to devote himself with equal charity to the education of orphans, and to the service of the sick. Soon, he founded orphanages, first at Brescia, then at Bergamo and Como. At Bergamo his zeal was specially strong, for there, besides two orphanages, one for boys and one for girls, he opened a house for the reception of prostitutes who had been converted. This was the first of its kind there.

Finally, Jerome took up residence in Somascha, a small village in the territory of Bergamo, near to the Venetian border, and this he made his headquarters; here, too, he established a religious Congregation, which for this reason received the name of Somasques. (You may have heard of the Somascan Fathers.) In course of time, the order spread and increased, and it undertook, besides the ruling and guiding of orphans and the taking care of sacred buildings, the education of young men in colleges, academies, and seminaries. Pope Pius V. enrolled it among the official religious Orders, and other popes have honored it over the years.

Entirely devoted to his work of rescuing orphans, Jerome journeyed to Milan and Pavia, and in both cities he gathered together the children and provided them, through the assistance given him by nobles, with a home, food, clothing, and education. He returned to Somascha, and associated himself with the peasants scattered over the fields, and while helping them with their work of harvesting, he would explain to them the mysteries of faith. He used to take care of children with the greatest patience, even going so far as to cleanse their heads, and he cared for the terrible wounds of the village folk with such success that it was thought he had received the gift of healing. On the mountain which overhangs Somascha, he found a cave in which he hid himself, and there he practiced penance, spending whole days fasting, passing the greater part of the night in prayer, and snatching only a short sleep on the bare rock. In the interior of this grotto, water trickles from the dry rock, obtained, as constant tradition says, by the prayers of the servant of God. It still flows, even to the present day, and being taken into different countries, it often gives health to the sick.

At length, when a contagious disease was spreading over the whole valley, and he was serving the sick and carrying the dead to the grave on his own shoulders, he caught the infection, and died at the age of fifty-six. His precious death, which he had foretold a short time before, occurred in the year 1537. He was illustrious both in life and death for many miracles. Pope Benedict XIV enrolled him among the Blessed, and Pope Clement XIII inscribed his name on the canon of the Saints. (Biography based upon this one.)

St. Jerome Emiliani, pray for us, that we might have compassion and love for everyone we meet.

Pearl of the Week: ‘Virtual Retreat with Father Nicolas‘

A “Pearl” is a gem to help us enrich our faith! A “Pearl” is introduced each week on Catholicism Live! and is usually a book, a website, or a CD that is related to the weekly program topic.

Would you like to have a ‘retreat’ twice a month…for free? (in English, Spanish, Portuguese or German)

You can do it through the Internet with Schoenstatt Father Nicolás Schwizer! Just subscribe via email – send a message to pn.reflexiones@gmail.com . Or, you can view each ‘retreat’ on the Schoenstatt website here.

Who is Father Nicolás Schwizer?

He’s a Swiss Schoenstatt Father who worked for many years in the Schoenstatt Movement in Paraguay. Since surviving a serious highway accident in 2000, where he suffered an irreversible brain injury that left him no longer able work, he still continues contributing to the Work of the Father while disabled.

On November 20, 2007, the ‘virtual retreat’ program was published and 24 hours later…there were 300 new subscriptions. A disabled Schoenstatt Father evangelizes via the Internet: More than 1,500 people have received Father Nicolás Schwizer’s talks, which are presently distributed in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and German to more than 1,500 people worldwide. A priest, who is totally committed to the work of evangelization, a priest, who as a result of a terrible accident lost the ability to speak and preach, who offers up his pain; a group of lay people who open up new avenues so that he can continue preaching, and a strong increase in subscriptions within and outside of the Schoenstatt Movement: this is a story that could be a movie about motivation for evangelization through the new media. However, this is not a movie; it is a true story.

Get involved in this wonderful story! Subscribe to Father Nicolas’ virtual retreat.