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Called to Be Catholic Everywhere – March 21, 2012

Posted by Mary Jane at 11:02 am | Catholicism Live

From the bedroom to the voting booth, what role does faith have in our daily decisions?

As American Catholics, we’ve recently heard voices from every segment of society giving their opinions on our faith – everything from our moral beliefs to Church structure.
Tonight we ask: Why is it so crucial that we integrate our Catholicism into every aspect of daily life? National Director of HLI America, Arland K. Nichols, brings his expertise to this discussion. Join us!

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. Jósef Bilczewski
(Feast Day: March 20)

Saint Jósef Bilczewski was born on April 26, 1860 in Wilamowice, Austria which is modern-day Ukraine. He was the oldest of nine children in a peasant family.

A Brilliant Mind

He entered the seminary at Krakow, Poland and was ordained on July 6, 1884. He earned a doctorate in theology from the University of Vienna in 1886. He then went onto study dogmatic theology and Christian archaeology in Rome and Paris. He became a professor of theology from the University of Lviv in 1891.

His extraordinary intellectual and relational abilities were recognized by Francis Joseph, the Emperor of Austria, who presented Monsignor Joseph to the Holy Father as a candidate for the vacant Metropolitan See of Leopoli. The Holy Father, Leo XIII responded positively to the Emperor’s proposal and on December 17, 1900 he named the forty year old Monsignor Joseph Bilczewski, Archbishop of Leopoli of the Latin Rite.

Beloved Archbishop

Given the complex social, economic, ethnic and religious situation, care for the large diocese required of the Bishop a deep commitment and called for great moral effort, strong confidence in God, and a faith enlivened by a continual contact with God.

Archbishop Joseph Bilczewski became known for his abundant goodness of heart, understanding, humility, piety, commitment to hard work and pastoral zeal which sprung from his immense love for God and neighbor.

Upon taking possession of the Archdiocese of Leopoli he spelled out very clearly his pastoral plan which can be summed up in the words “totally sacrifice oneself for the Holy Church”. Among other things he pointed out the need for the development of devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament and frequent reception of Holy Communion.

Speaking for Jesus

A particular form of pastoral action of Archbishop Bilczewski were the pastoral letters and appeals addressed to the priests and the faithful of the Archdiocese. In them he spoke of the problems of faith and morals of the time as well as of the most pressing issues of the social sphere. He also explained devotion to the Eucharist and to the Sacred Heart in them and the importance of religious and moral formation of children and youth in the family and in school. He taught for the Church and for the Holy Father. Above all, he took great care to cultivate many holy priestly vocations. He saw the priest as first and foremost a teacher of faith and an instrument of Christ, a father for the rich as well as for the poor. Taking the place of Christ on Earth, the priest was to be the minister of the Sacraments and for this reason his whole heart had to be dedicated to the celebration of the Eucharist, in order to be able to nourish the people of God with the body of Christ.

Bringing Little Souls to Jesus

He often exhorted the priests to adoration of the most Blessed Sacrament. In his pastoral letter devoted to the Eucharist he invited the priests to participate in the priestly associations: The Association for Perpetual Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament and the Association of Aid to Poor Catholic Churches whose goal was to rejuvenate the zeal of the priests themselves.

He also dedicated a great deal of care to the preparation of children and to full participation in the Mass, desiring that every Catechesis would lead children and youth to the Eucharist. Archbishop Joseph Bilczewski promoted the construction of churches and chapels, schools and day-care centers. He developed teaching to help enable the growth in the instruction of the faithful. He materially and spiritually helped the more important works which were springing up in his Archdiocese.

Justice and Peace for All

His holy life, filled with prayer, work and works of mercy led to his meriting great appreciation and respect on the part of those of various faiths, rites and nationalities present in the Archdiocese. No religious or nationalistic conflicts arose during the tenure of his pastoral work. He was a proponent of unity, harmony and peace. On social issues he always stood on the side of the people and of the poor. He taught that the base of social life had to be justice made perfect by Christian love.

He worked hard to intervene with civil authorities between Poles, Ukrainians, and Jews. During WWI he guided his flock, and during the Polish-Ukrainian War, the Bolshevik invasion, and the anti-Catholic terror started by the Communists. Between the years 1918 and 1921 his diocese lost about 120 priests. He wanted to protect everyone in his diocese no matter race or religion.

During the First World War, when souls were overtaken with hate and a lack of appreciation of the other, he pointed out to the people the infinite love of God, capable of forgiving every type of sin and offense. He reminded them of the need to observe the commandments of God and particularly that of brotherly love. Sensitive to the social questions regarding the family and youth, he courageously proposed solutions to problems based on the love of God and of neighbor. During his 23 years of pastoral service he changed the face of the Archdiocese of Leopoli. Only his death on the 20th of March 1923 could end his vast and far-sighted pastoral action.

His Sainthood

He was prepared for death and accepted it with peace and submission as a sign of God’s will, which he always considered sacred.

He left this world having enjoyed a universal recognition of holiness. Wanting to rest among those for whom he was always father and protector, in accord with his desires, he was buried in Leopoli in the cemetery of Janów, known as the cemetery of the poor. Thanks to the efforts of the Archdiocese of Leopoli the process for his beatification and canonization was initiated. The first step was concluded on December 17, 1997 with the declaration of the life of heroic virtue of Archbishop Joseph Bilczewski by The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. In June 2001, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints recognized as miraculous the fact of the rapid lasting and unexplainable “quo ad modum” healing through the intercession of Archbishop Bilczewski of the third degree burns of Marcin Gawlik, a nine year old boy, thus opening the way for his beatification. The beatification took place in the Diocese of Leopoli on the 26th of June 2001 during Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Visit to the Ukraine. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 23, 2005 in Rome.

Saint Josef, pray for us – that our relationship with Christ will change our whole lives!

Pearl of the Week: “On Devotion to St. Joseph (Quamquam Pluries)” encyclical by Pope Leo XIII

The Pearl of the Week is a resource, recommended to you – so that you can more deeply understand and hold our Faith, which is great treasure.

“In Joseph, faith is not separated from action,” said Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. For centuries, the model of St. Joseph has quietly resided in the hearts of Christians. Many popes have called his example out of the quiet, so that we would gain from friendship and devotion to him – towards a stronger faith in Christ.

Pope Leo XIII was one of these popes. His encyclical demonstrates why St. Joseph is so special, and why we should look to him for prayerful help, protection and guidance in following the Lord. At the end of the encyclical, he also mentions a special prayer to St. Joseph that we should especially include during our Rosaries for the month of October:

To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. Through that charity which bound thee to the immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which thou embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg thee to graciously regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with thy power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness; and, as once thou rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by thy constant protection, so that, supported by thy example and thy aid, we may be able to live piously, to die holy, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

You may inquire about this encyclical at your local Catholic bookstore, or read it free on the Vatican’s website – click here. Perhaps your parish office would print a copy for you in exchange for a small donation, as well.

Re-Igniting Hearts for Christ – March 14, 2012

Posted by Mary Jane at 9:54 am | Catholicism Live, Evangelization

Who will re-ignite hearts for Christ today?

An international movement born in the Catholic Church is answering this question: Focolare. Their presence in San Antonio is especially known for its youth and vibrancy. We’ll speak with two young members, Sarah and Mercedes, about the mission of their movement. They also attended the recent beatification of Focolare member who died at age 18, Blessed Chiara “Luce” Badano – her life has great lessons on suffering as a Christian. Tune in for this inspiring story!

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: Blessed Chiara ‘Luce’ Badano
(Memorial: October 7)

Chiara Badano was born in a small town, Sassello, in the province of Savona, Italy (Aqui Diocese) on 29th October, 1971. Sassello is a picturesque township situated between the mountains, reknowned for its mushrooms and chestnuts.

Chiara was the only child of a truck-driver, Ruggero Badano, and his wife Maria Teresa Caviglia. After 11 long years of marriage they were still childless, although their heart’s desire was to have children. It’s easy to imagine their tremendous joy when this baby arrived. From them she received a solid Christian education.

Ruggero Badano (Chiara’s father): “I couldn’t conceive a marriage without children, so when I went out with my friends, many of whom were already married and already had children, I suffered a lot, however, I never said anything. I just prayed, and I used to do so even while driving, as I was a truck driver.”

Maria Teresa Badano (Chiara’s mother): “Ruggero went many times to pray in a shrine in our diocese and eventually his prayers were heard. When Chiara was born, we immediately felt that she was a gift from Our Lady. With her arrival, the grace of our marriage sacrament grew stronger. Chiara… increased the love between us. She grew up into a beautiful and healthy child and she gave us great joy. Right from the start we felt in our hearts that Chiara was not only our child but first of all, she was God’s child, and as such, we had to bring her up respecting her freedom.”

Chiara Luce had a generous, extroverted and lively personality. At four years of age she carefully chose to give her toys to poor children.

Maria Teresa Badano (Chiara’s mother): “Chiara had many toys and like all children she liked to play. One day, while she was playing in her room and I was working in the kitchen, I told Chiara: “Surely, you have many toys, lots of them!” She replied: “Yes, why?” I said: “Couldn’t you give some to the poor?” She answered: “They are mine!” And she grabs her toys out of fear. After some time, while I am in the kitchen, I hear her say: “This one yes, this one no…!” I was curious, I looked from her door and saw that she had divided all her toys and then she told me: “Bring me a bag mom,” I brought her the bag and she put some of her toys into it. I asked her: “But Chiara, these are the new ones!” And she said: “Mom, I cannot give old and broken toys to poor children.”

Her Childhood

In first grade, she was attentive in all sorts of little ways toward her classmate, a girl who had lost her mom. At Christmas, Chiara Luce enthusiastically agreed with her mother’s proposal that they invite her to celebrate with them, and she asked that they use the most beautiful table cloth, “because today Jesus will be with us!”

She listened with great attention to the parables of the Gospel and carefully prepared to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. She touched people with her demeanor and great concentration while listening to the Word of God and attending Mass. She visited the elderly in a retirement home and, later, when they needed assistance, she would offer to spend the night by the bedside of her maternal grandparents.

Her life was full of little acts of love. One evening she wrote: “One of my classmates has chicken pox and everyone is afraid to go visit her. With my parents’ permission, I decided to do my homework over at her place so she wouldn’t feel lonely. I think that love is more important than fear.”

Chiara had a very generous nature. In primary school, for homework, she had to write a letter to Baby Jesus. She did not ask him for toys but to “make grandmother, and all the people who are sick, well again.” She could be quite stubborn too and at times argued with her parents, but she was always ready to make up. Any friction lasted only a few moments.

There are small, but significant, episodes which testify this. For example, once when her mother asked her to clear the table, she replied, “No, I don’t want to.” She got as far as her room, then turned back and said, “Mom, I’ve just remembered that story in the Gospel about the two workers who had to go and work in the vineyard; one said ‘yes’ but didn’t go; the other instead said ‘no’… Mom, give me that apron.” And she started clearing up.

Stories like this attest to the fact that she had received a solid Christian education at home through the parish community, through the parish priest who gave interesting catechism lessons and through the good friends she had. She had a special love for the elderly and really liked to help them.

9 years old – a special meeting:

When Chiara was just over nine years of age, she became attracted by the spirituality of the Focolare. It all began during a train journey where she me a girl who was not much older than her and soon became her best friend. Later on, she wrote: “I discovered the Gospel. I was not an authentic Christian because I did not live it completely. Now, I want to make this magnificent book the sole purpose of my life.”

Chiara attended a meeting of the young people of the Focolare Movement, founded by Chiara Lubich, and joined the “Gen” (New Generation of the Focolare Movement). It was to be fundamental for her future life. In 1981, her parents began to share the same spirituality after they attended a Familyfest, an international meeting for families. Her mother said, “When we arrived home, my husband and I said to each other that if someone were to ask us when we got married, we would reply: ‘When we met this Ideal (spirituality of unity)’.” From that moment, the Badano family became an example of respect, warmth and unity.

Love Made Her Beautiful

St. Augustine often said that “love makes us beautiful.” Chiara, besides being a nice-looking girl, was, in fact clothed in evangelical beauty. Her photos show that even as an infant she had quite a strong character. What is so striking in these photos is the purity of her expression.

Her life is made up of successes and failures: lack of understanding and appreciation by some of her teachers (she failed an exam during her higher secondary school which she considered an injustice), friendships and marginalization (due to her Christian commitment, she was branded as “nun”). Her first crush soon turned out to be a disappointment. Chiara Luce tried to turn small and great difficulties into love, always dedicated to the persons close to her.

Chiara Luce regularly corresponded with Chiara Lubich, Focolare foundress, and this correspondence became frequent. She confided her discoveries and trials, up till the very end of her life. From her letters and her witness, her underlying joy and wonder in discovering life is very evident: a positive and cheerful vision. Chiara Luce was a girl like all the others: happy and lively, she liked music (had a beautiful voice), swimming, tennis and hiking in the mountains.

Chiara Luce had a wide circle of friends. Especially during summer, they met at a bar in Sassello which happened to be the only venue in town. Some youth opened up to her, confiding their doubts and difficulties, sure they would feel welcomed and listened to. To her mother who asked Chiara if she speaks to them about God, she answered: “I should not speak about Jesus, rather, I have to give him to them.” And how do you do so? “By the way I listen to them, by the way I dress and above all, by the way I love them.”

Summer 1988. Then something totally unforeseen happened.

While playing tennis one day, Chiara Luce experienced a very sharp pain in her shoulder. At first she didn’t take much notice and neither did her doctor. However, since the pain persisted, the doctor carried out further tests. The verdict: osteogenic sarcoma – one of the most serious and painful forms of cancer, and it had already begun to spread.

In February 1989, Chiara Luce underwent her first surgery.

On hearing this news, after a moment’s silence, she accepted it courageously, without tears or rebellion. “I’m young. I’m sure I’ll make it,” she said.

Maria Teresa (Chiara Luce’s mother): “I said to myself, now Chiara has said her ‘yes’ to Jesus, but how many times would she have to say this ‘yes’; how many times will she fall; how many times would she have to repeat it during surgical operations and  in moments of pain. However, Chiara Luce took twenty five minutes to say her ‘yes’ to God and from that moment on, she never looked back.”

Her father, Ruggero: “We were sure that Jesus was in our midst in that moment as he gave us the strength to accept it.” This was when a dramatic change took place in Chiara Luce’s life and her rapid ascent towards holiness began.

In June 1989, Chiara Luce underwent a second surgery. This time, hopes were slim.

She was admitted to the hospital many times and her kindness and unselfishness stood out. Setting aside her own need to rest, she spent time walking around the wards with a drug-dependent girl suffering from serious depression. This meant getting out of bed, despite the pain caused by the huge growth on her spine. “I’ll have time to rest later,” she said.

While Chiara Luce was in hospital, youth and adult friends of the Focolare Movement took turns in hospital in order to support her and her family. The treatment was painful and she wanted to be informed of every detail of her illness. For each new, painful surprise, her offering was firm: “For you, Jesus, if you want it, I want it too!”

One day Chiara Luce wrote: “Jesus sent me this illness at the right moment.”

Ferdinando Garetto, a young friend, said: “At first, we thought we would visit Chiara Luce to keep her spirits up, however, we soon realized that in fact, we were the ones who needed her. Her life was like a magnet drawing us towards her.” The cancer was spreading mercilessly, but Chiara Luce tried her best to live a normal and happy life.

One of the medical staff, Dr. Antonio Delogu, said, “Through her smile, and through her eyes full of light, she showed us that death doesn’t exist; only life exists.” She had to undergo surgery twice. The subsequent chemotherapy treatment caused her to lose her hair, which she was very proud of. As each lock of hair fell, she would say simply, but sincerely, “For you, Jesus.” Her parents, ever at her side, used to remind her that hidden in all of her sufferings there was a mysterious plan of God.

In July 1989: the tumor spread quickly. Chiara Luce was not yet 18 years of age and she lost the use of her legs. She said, “If I had to choose between walking or going to heaven, I would choose going to heaven.” With the last CAT scan, all hopes of remission disappeared.

Chiara, thinking of her meeting with Jesus in Heaven.

Slowly, Chiara Luce started having the foreboding of death: “Mom, is it fair to die at 17 years old?” and her mother replied, “I do not know. I only know that it is important to do God’s will, if this is his plan for you.” Whenever she heard this, Chiara Luce would redouble her efforts to love. So, for example, she gave all her savings to a friend leaving on a humanitarian mission to Africa, saying, “I have everything. I don’t need this anymore.”

At one point, Chiara Luce suffered severe bleeding and was in danger of dying. Her youth friends took turns praying all night. The doctors didn’t know whether to carry out a blood transfusion and prolong her suffering or just let her pass away…. They decide to carry out the transfusion. Due to it, Chiara Luce lived another year, a year which was very decisive for her.

For this last year, Chiara was completely immobile in bed: through telephone calls she followed an emerging group of Youth for a United World (Y4UW) of Savona. She also participated in their congresses and activities through messages, postcards and posters, and she tried to spread the spirituality of unity among her friends and school companions. She actually invited many of them to attend Genfest ‘90 (an international Youth for a United World gathering, held in Rome in May of 1990). She had the joy of watching the Genfest ‘90 through a satellite dish antenna mounted for this purpose on the roof of her home.

She refused to take morphine, saying: “It reduces my lucidity,” and she added, “and there’s only one thing I can do now: to offer my suffering to Jesus because I want to share as much as possible in his suffering on the cross.”

She told her mother: “Don’t shed any tears for me. I’m going to Jesus. At my funeral, I don’t want people crying, but singing with all their hearts.”

She wrote to her friends, “Previously I felt another world was awaiting me and the most I could do was to let go. Instead now I feel enfolded in a marvelous plan of God which is slowly being unveiled to me.”

She confided: “I no longer ask Jesus to come and take me away to heaven. I don’t want to give him the impression that I don’t want to suffer any longer.” She knew what lay before her and she does not want to change anything; her prayer was to do God’s will in all things.

During a moment of great pain, she confided to her mother that she was singing in her heart a familiar song: “Eccomi Gesù anche oggi davanti a Te… – Here I am oh Jesus, today as well, I’m here before You…” Chiara Luce is aware that her meeting with Him was approaching and she starts preparing herself.

On one of those mornings following a night of severe pain, Chiara Luce spontaneously repeated at short intervals: “Come Lord Jesus.” At 11:00 am, a priest from the Focolare Movement paid her a surprise visit. She was very happy! In fact, from the very moment she woke up, she desired to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. This eventually became the food for her departing journey.

Chiara Luce passed away to Heaven on October 7, 1990.

Her beatification, in 2010.

Together with her mother, Chiara Luce prepared for her “wedding celebration,” her funeral. She herself gave instructions on how she wanted to be dressed (in a white dress); she chose the music, the songs, the flowers and the Mass readings. She told her mother, “When you’re getting me ready, Mom, you have to keep saying to yourself, ‘Chiara Luce is now seeing Jesus.’”

At the moment of her departure, her parents were at her bedside, and all her friends were in the adjoining room. There was a great sense of peace.

Her last words to her mother were: “Goodbye. Be happy because I’m happy.”

At the funeral, celebrated by Bishop Maritano, there are hundreds and hundreds of young people and many priests. A big bouquet of flowers and a telegram to Chiara Luce’s parents come from Chiara Lubich, foundress of the Focolare Movement, saying: “We thank you God for this bright masterpiece.”

Chiara Luce Badano was beatified on September 25, 2010.

Let us pray to give Jesus our whole selves, even in moments of suffering – like Blessed Chiara!

Pearl of the Week: “On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering (Salvifici Doloris)” by Blessed Pope John Paul II

Suffering is something which we will all experience in our lives.  When we suffer in union with Christ, it can be a source of innumerable graces and blessings, a powerful means through which our lives are transformed and made holy.  We saw this example of suffering lived deeply and authentically in the life of the author of this apostolic letter, our Holy Father, Blessed Pope John Paul II.

From the very beginning of his priestly ministry, Pope John Paul II identified himself with the sick and the suffering.  For him, all human suffering had meaning, value, and purpose.  It was his great love for us, his desire to share the message of joy and hope in suffering that inspired him to write Salvifici Doloris.

In it, he explores the various ways that we experience suffering in the world, he reflects on the origins of suffering and examines our quest for its meaning, and he shows us how it is only in Christ that we can hope to find any meaning and purpose in our experience of suffering.  Reflecting on this document has the potential to change lives.  (Description from ENDOW.)

You may purchase this as a book at your local Catholic bookstore, or read it free on the Vatican’s website – click here.

Catholic Men’s Conference – Learn more on “Catholicism Live!” March 7, 2012 episode

Posted by Mary Jane at 9:19 am | Catholic Men's Conference, Catholicism Live, Evangelization

Have you heard? Catholic Men’s Conference is coming!

We talk about Catholic manhood and the upcoming Catholic Men’s Conference with dynamic speakers Hector Molina (Catholic evangelist hailing from Brooklyn, NY) and Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers (EWTN host and regular Catholic Answers Live! radio guest).

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about THE 2012 event for Catholic men!

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. John of God (Feast Day: March 8th) – An impulsive and passionate man

From the time he was eight to the day he died, John followed every impulse of his heart. The challenge for him was to rush to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit gave him, not his own human temptations. But unlike many who act impulsively, when John made a decision, no matter how quickly, he stuck with it, no matter what the hardship.

Running Away

At eight years old, John heard a visiting priest speak of adventures that were waiting in the year 1503 with ‘new worlds’ being opened up. That very night he ran away from home to travel with the priest and never saw his parents again. They begged their way from village to village until John fell sick. The man who nursed him back to health, the manager of a large estate, adopted John. John worked as a shepherd in the mountains until he was 27. Feeling pressure to marry the manager’s daughter, whom he loved as a sister, John took off to join the Spanish army in the war against France. As a soldier, he was hardly a model of holiness, taking part in the gambling, drinking, and pillaging that his comrades enjoyed. One day, he was thrown from a stolen horse near French lines. Frightened that he would be captured or killed, he reviewed his life and vowed impulsively to make a change.

When he returned he kept his spur-of-the-moment vow, made a confession, and immediately changed his life. His comrades didn’t mind so much that John was repenting but hated that he wanted them to give up their pleasures, too. So they used his impulsive nature to trick him into leaving his post on the pretext of helping someone in need. He was rescued from hanging at the last minute and thrown out of the army after being beaten and stripped. He begged his way back to his foster-home where he worked as a shepherd until he heard of a new war with Muslims who had invaded Europe. Off he went but after the war was over, he decided to try to find his real parents. To his grief, he discovered both had died in his absence.

Doubting the Faith

As a shepherd he had plenty of time to contemplate what God might want of his life. When he decided at 38 that he should go to Africa to ransom Christian captives, he quit immediately and set off for the port of Gibraltar. He was on the dock waiting for his ship when he saw a family obviously upset and grieving. When he discovered they were a noble family being exiled to Africa after political intrigues, he abandoned his original plan and volunteered to be their servant. The family fell sick when they reached their exile and John kept them alive not only by nursing them but by earning money to feed them. His job building fortifications was grueling, inhuman work and the workers were beaten and mistreated by people who called themselves Catholics. Seeing Christians act this way so disturbed John that it shook his faith. A priest advised him not to blame the Church for their actions and to leave for Spain at once. John did go back home — but only after he learned that his newly adopted family had received pardons.

Rediscovering God through Suffering

In Spain he spent his days unloading ship cargoes and his nights visiting churches and reading spiritual books. Reading gave him so much pleasure that he decided that he should share this joy with others. He quit his job and became a book peddler, traveling from town to town selling religious books and holy cards. A vision at age 41 brought him to Granada where he sold books from a little shop. (For this reason he is patron saint of booksellers and printers.)

After hearing a sermon from the famous St. John of Avila on repentance, he was so overcome by the thought of his sins that the whole town thought the little bookseller had gone from simple eccentricity to madness. After the sermon John rushed back to his shop, tore up any secular books he had, gave away all his religious books and all his money. Clothes torn and weeping, he was the target of insults, jokes, and even stones and mud from the townspeople and their children.

Friends took the distraught John to the Royal Hospital where he was interned with the lunatics. John suffered the standard treatment of the time — being tied down and daily whipping. St. John of Avila came to visit him there and told him his penance had gone on long enough — forty days, the same amount as the Lord’s suffering the desert — and had John moved to a better part of the hospital.

John of God could never see suffering without trying to do something about it. And now that he was free to move, although still a patient, he immediately got up and began to help the other sick people around him. The hospital was glad to have his unpaid nursing help and were not happy to release him when one day he walked in to announce he was going to start his own hospital.

Insane Courage for the Poor

John may have been positive that God wanted him to start a hospital for the poor who got bad treatment, if any, from the other hospitals, but everyone else still thought of him as a madman. It didn’t help that he decided to try to finance his plan by selling wood in the square. At night he took what little money he earned and brought food and comfort to the poor living in abandoned buildings and under bridges. Thus his first hospital was the streets of Granada.

Within an hour after seeing a sign in a window saying “House to let for lodging of the poor” he had rented the house in order to move his nursing indoors. Of course he rented it without money for furnishings, medicine, or help. After he begged money for beds, he went out in the streets again and carried his ill patients back on the same shoulders that had carried stones, wood, and books. Once there he cleaned them, dressed their wounds, and mended their clothes at night while he prayed. He used his old experience as a peddler to beg alms, crying through the streets in his peddler’s voice, “Do good to yourselves! For the love of God, Brothers, do good!” Instead of selling goods, he took anything given — scraps of food, clothing, a coin here and there.

Throughout his life he was criticized by people who didn’t like the fact that his impulsive love embraced anyone in need without asking for credentials or character witnesses. When he was able to move his hospital to an old Carmelite monastery, he opened a homeless shelter in the monastery hall. Immediately critics tried to close him down, saying he was pampering troublemakers. His answer to this criticism always was that he knew of only one bad character in the hospital and that was himself. His urge to act immediately when he saw need got him into trouble more than a few times. Once, when he encountered a group of starving people, he rushed into a house, stole a pot of food, and gave it to them. He was almost arrested for that charity! Another time, on finding a group of children in rags, he marched them into a clothing shop and bought them all new clothes. Since he had no money, he paid for it all on credit!

Servant and Hero

Yet, in one emergency, his impulsive desire to help saved many people. The alarm went out that the Royal Hospital was on fire. When he dropped everything to run there, he found that the crowd was just standing around watching the hospital — and its patients — go up in flames. He rushed into the blazing building and carried or led the patients out. When all the patients were rescued, he started throwing blankets, sheets, and mattresses out the windows — how well he knew from his own hard work how important these things were. At that point a cannon was brought to destroy the burning part of the building in order to save the rest. John stopped them, ran up the roof, and separated the burning portion with an axe. He succeeded but fell through the burning roof. All thought they had lost their hero – until John of God appeared miraculously out of smoke. (For this reason, John of God is patron saint of firefighters.)

John was ill himself when he heard that a flood was bringing precious driftwood near the town. He jumped out of bed to gather the wood from the raging river. Then when one of his companions fell into the river, John without thought for his illness or safety jumped in after him. He failed to save the boy and caught pneumonia. He died on March 8, his fifty-fifth birthday, of the same impulsive love that had guided his whole life.

John of God is patron saint of booksellers, printers, heart patients, hospitals, nurses, the sick, and firefighters and is considered the founder of the Brothers Hospitallers.

St. John of God, pray for all men – to be courageous leaders and protectors of God’s people!

(Biography from Catholic Saints & Angels.)

Pearl of the Week:

“God’s Life in Us: The Eucharistic Heart of Male Spirituality” by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers (2 CD Set)

With humor, frankness, and passion for the Catholic faith Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers speaks to the heart of the new evangelization, and provides real world advice to help overcome the difficulties and temptations of living every day as a man of God. In this dynamic and inspiring CD set, Deacon Harold explains how the Mass leads a man to intimate and personal relationship with God, uniting him so closely to Christ that the Eucharist becomes the soul and center of his spiritual and family life. Deacon Harold shows how sin damages covenant relationship with God and how the Sacrament of Reconciliation rebuilds life-giving communion with Him.

You may purchase this CD set on Deacon Harold’s website, or in person (and get it signed!) at the Catholic Men’s Conference.

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.

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