March 2011 - The Valley Catholic

Volume 2, Issue 10

Serving over 900,000 Catholics In The Diocese of Brownsville

New Priest Anointed now to bless others

Saving Babies McAllen Pregnancy Center reaches out to help expecting mothers

3

the same requirements along the border in regards to marriage preparation. That’s been a big issue for us,” Brownsville Bishop Daniel E. Flores told television station KVIA in El Paso. Mexico’s crackdown on organized crime and drug cartels has claimed more than 35,000 lives over the past four years. Violence mainly had impacted those involved in illegal activities, but the Chihuahua state human rights commission recently reported at least 200 entire families have been killed

VATICAN CITY — Lent is a time for self-examination and to let go of all traces of selfishness, which is the root of violence, Pope Benedict XVI said. “The greed of possession leads to violence, exploitation and death,” which is why during Lent the church encourages almsgiving, “which is the capacity to share,” the pope said in his annual message for Lent. The text of the pope’s message for Lent 2011, which begins March 9 for Latin-rite Catholics, was released at a Vatican news conference Feb. 22. Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, which promotes Catholic charitable giving, told reporters, “Intense misery leads to economic and political instability, creating a vacuum for conflict and unrest that produce a vicious circle of deepening hardship, especially for the most vulnerable.” The cardinal said the pope’s message underscores the fact that “the encounter with Christ in his word and the sacraments manifests itself in concrete works of mercy.” The theme of the pope’s message was taken from the Letter to the Colossians: “You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him.” Pope Benedict said Lent is a special time for people either to prepare for baptism or to strengthen the commitment to following Christ originally made at baptism. “The fact that in most cases baptism is received in infancy highlights how it is a gift of God: No one earns eternal life through their own efforts,” the pope said. In his message, the pope took the year’s Lenten Sunday Gospels and used them to draw lessons he said would be helpful in making the Lenten journey toward Christian conversion. The Gospel account of Jesus’ victory over temptation in the desert “is an invitation to become aware of our own fragility in order to accept the grace that frees from sin and infuses new strength,” he said. The story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well is a reminder that all people, like the woman, desire the “water” of eternal life, he said. Only the water offered by Jesus “can irrigate the deserts of our restless and unsatisfied soul until it ‘finds rest in God,’” as St. Augustine said.

» Please see Border Violence, p.16

» Please see Lent, p.16

Lenten fare What to cook on no-meat Fridays.

5

Vocations Day “How do I know if God is calling me?”

9 Photos by Cesar Riojas/The Valley Catholic

Marco Antonio Reynoso was ordained a priest on Feb. 25 at St Pius X Church in Weslaco. During the ordination ritual the bishop anoints the palms of the new priest with chrism oil; the candidate later prostrates before the altar as the prayers of the Litany invoke God’s saving mercy and the intercession of all the saints to send down the Holy Spirit upon the soon to be priest. Father Reynoso imparted his first blessing as a priest to Bishop Daniel E. Flores.

By ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic

Vatican commission studies alleged Marian apparitions, which began nearly 30 years ago. 10

En Español Artículos sobre un nuevo sacerdote y la Cuaresma.

11-13

W

ESLACO — The Most Rev. Daniel E. Flores, Bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville, ordained Marco Antonio Reynoso to the priesthood on Feb. 25 at St Pius X Church in Weslaco. Following the ordination, the

(“The WORD is sent breathing love.”)

bishop presented Father Reynoso with his faculties in the diocese. He was assigned parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Church in Rio Grande City and its mission, Sacred Heart Church in Los Garcias. During his homily, Bishop Flores encouraged Father Reynoso to always keep the zeal and enthusiasm of a new priest and to enjoy

the splendor of the coming days — a time of many firsts. “Savor the moment and maintain the freshness and beauty of these days throughout your priestly ministry,” the bishop said. A native of Guadalajara, Mexico, Father Reynoso, 29, celebrated his first Mass as a priest on Feb. 26 at Sacred Heart Church in Brownsville.

Border violence among issues discussed by bishops from Texas, Mexico By Catholic News Service

“VERBUM MITTITUR SPIRANS AMOREM”

Pope says Lent is time to renounce selfishness By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

Answering God’s call before the altar

Medjugorje

March 2011

EL PASO, Texas (CNS) -Shared concerns over violence among Mexico’s drug gangs and broader issues related to discrimination and human rights violations against immigrants and their impact on the church were discussed by bishops from dioceses along the Texas-Mexico border during a three-day meeting that ended March 3. Gathering in El Paso, across the border from Ciudad Juarez, ground zero in Mexico’s drug war and where thousands of

murders occur annually, the 10 bishops also discussed pastoral issues related to the celebration of the sacraments, said Father Juan Armando Renovato Lopez, spokesman for the Diocese of Piedras Negras, across from Eagle Pass, Texas. The bishops agreed to coordinate practices on both sides of the border, making it easier for U.S. residents to get married or to have their children baptized in Mexico in front of relatives who find it difficult to cross the border because of the violence, Father Renovato said. “It’s important that we have

DIOCESE

2

Escuchemos el llamado de la bondad Mensaje cuaresmal del Monseñor Daniel E. Flores Obispo de Brownsville

D

urante la cuaresma simplificamos nuestras vidas para dar lugar a las cosas más importantes de la vida, las cosas que hacen una diferencia en una forma verdaderamente más humana: Meditamos de corazón las en las Escrituras para profundizar nuestra relación con Jesucristo; nos esforzamos de un modo especial para ser amables y generosos, especialmente con aquellos que viven entre nosotros y que están sufriendo en alguna manera; y nos abstenemos de las cosas que no son indispensables en la vida. La tradición Cristiana llama a estas tres disciplinas oración, ayuno y caridad. Las tres tienen que ir unidas, pero quiero empezar con el ayuno. Aunque para el mundo moderno es muy difícil apreciar el valor del ayuno en la tradición cristiana, éste es la puerta para entender el misterio de cómo la cuaresma nos invita a abrasar la bondad. El ayuno tiene que ver con cualquier práctica que nos aleje de las comidas o actividades que, cuando nos entregamos a ellos con frecuencia, hacen que perdamos la visión de la necesidad que tenemos de fortalecer la vida espiritual dentro de nosotros. Si nuestros cuerpos están siempre satisfechos y nos hacemos indolentes, los nobles deseos del espíritu se ocultan a nuestra experiencia. Pero los deseos más íntimos del alma, y su relación con Dios son vitales para la existencia humana. Por lo tanto, necesitamos cultivar un entendimiento de lo que estos sentidos son y hacia donde nos llevan. El ayuno es como cortar el pasto que crece rápidamente en la base de los árboles. Si no lo cortamos, las raíces del árbol se sofocan con el pasto y no puede enraizarse, causando que éste se pueda secar. La disciplina espiritual es la habilidad de decir no a las cosas que son buenas,

The Valley Catholic - March 2011

Let us hear the call of goodness

D

uring Lent, we simplify our lives, to make room for the weightier matters of life, the things that make a difference in a truly human sort of way: We meditate the scriptures so as to take to heart our friendship with Christ Jesus; we look for ways to go out of our way to be kind and generous, especially to those in our midst who are suffering in any way; and we abstain from the unnecessary features of life. Christian tradition calls these three things prayer, almsgiving and fasting. The three go together. But I will start with fasting. Although it is the most difficult Christian practice for the modern world to appreciate, it is the doorway into the mystery of how Lenten grace calls us to embrace goodness. Fasting has to do with any practice that weans us away from the comfort foods or activities that, when we give ourselves over to them frequently, cause us to lose sight of the need for spiritual strenuousness in our lives. If our bodies are always satisfied and if we grow indolent, the subtler desires of the soul are eclipsed from our experience. But the desires of the soul, and its relation to God, are vital to our human living. So, we need to cultivate a sense of what these desires are and where they lead us. Fasting is like cutting back a fast growing grass from the base of a sapling tree. If we do not, the roots of the tree get choked off by the aggressive grasses, and the sapling fails to thrive, and may die. Spiritual discipline is the ability to say no to things that are good, but which are not good all the time, and certainly not

pero que no son buenas todo el tiempo, y ciertamente que no son buenas en cantidades ilimitadas. El ayuno establece un sentido de balance en lo más íntimo de nuestras vidas. Empezamos a escuchar desde lo más profundo la llamada a la bondad. Digamos por ejemplo que ayunemos un poco de ver televisión o de internet durante esta cuaresma. Tenemos que preguntarnos a nosotros mismos “que voy a hacer con esas tres horas que ordinariamente pasamos viendo programas repetidos o navegando en la red?” creo que podría hacer alguna de esas cosas que he querido hacer y que por falta de tiempo o desidia no he hecho, como por ejemplo ir al asilo de ancianos a visitar a mi tía. O tal vez le llamaría a mi hermano que vive en California. O tal vez podría hacer alguna oración especial para que se termine

MOST REVEREND DANIEL E. FLORES BISHOP OF BROWNSVILLE

good in unlimited quantities. It establishes a sense of balance inside our lives. We begin to hear the deeper call of goodness. So let’s say, for example, that we fast a little from television or the internet this Lent. We have to ask ourselves, “well, what am I going to do with that 3 hours I would ordinarily use up watching re-runs of Gilligan’s Island, or surfing the net?” Well, I could do some of those things I have been meaning to do but for some reason have not had the time to do it, like go visit my aunt in the nursing home. Or, I could call my brother who lives in California. Or, I could say some special prayers for an end to violence in our communities. Or, I could spend time helping my kids with their homework. Or, I could go volunteer to coach little league baseball or soccer to help our youth have a good experience of community life. That’s what I mean by allowing a little fasting to help us hear the call to goodness. Fasting leads gracefully to prayer, especially meditation on the Gospels. Prayer attends to the words of the Lord. Here, the

call to share in the goodness that he showed us by his life and teaching, by his death and rising, comes to a kind of maturity. By hearing him speak to us, in the secret of our hearts, we let that goodness of God which the Lord Jesus incarnates address us directly. All the great saints in the history of the Church began their heroic lives of service with a conversion to prayer and meditation on the Scriptures. They heard the Lord speak to them, and call them to give of themselves in a generous imitation of his own goodness We can all hear the same call, and receive the same grace to overcome spiritual sluggishness if we fast a little from the things that make us too comfortable, and meditate a bit more on what the Lord has to say about the meaning and purpose of life. The more clearly we hear his voice, the more strongly will we experience the pull of grace to be just in all our dealings with one another, to be merciful in our relations, to be generous in our attitudes and actions toward those who are alone or lost in this world of ours. And it is this generosity of attitude and action toward our neighbors that constitutes the essence of what the Church traditionally means by almsgiving. We give of ourselves, we actually sacrifice something, so someone else can live a more humane life. The Gospel enjoins us to give alms in secret so that only the Father who sees the secret of our hearts, will see. Let us all choose to extend ourselves this Lent, through fasting, prayer and almsgiving, so that it might lead us all to a deeper share in Easter joy. Amen.

nada en el Señor Jesus se dirija a nosotros directamente. Todos los grandes santos en la historia de la Iglesia comenzaron sus vidas heroicas de servicio con una conversión a la oración y a meditar en las Sagradas Escrituras. Ellos escucharon al señor hablar con ellos, y los invitó a dar sus vidas de una forma generosa imitando su propia bondad. Todos podemos escuchar el mismo llamado, y recibir las mismas gracias para vencer la flojera espiritual si nos abstenemos un poco de las cosas que nos hacen sentir muy a gusto, y meditar un poco más lo que el Señor tiene que decirnos sobre el significado y propósito de nuestras vidas. Entre más claro escuchemos su voz, mas fuerte experimentaremos la fuente de gracia que nos ayudará a ser justos en nuestro trato con el prójimo, a ser misericordiosos

la violencia en nuestras comunidades. O, a lo mejor podría ayudar a mis hijos con su tarea. O tal vez podría ser voluntario para ayudar en la organización de un torneo de beisbol o de futbol para nuestros jóvenes y que a la vez les serviría para tener una mejor experiencia de vida comunitaria. Esto es a lo que me refiero cuando digo que ayunemos un poco para que podamos escuchar el llamado a la bondad. El ayuno nos lleva a la oración, especialmente a meditar en los Evangelios. La oración nos ayuda a escuchar la palabra del Señor. De esta forma, el llamado a compartir en la bondad que El nos mostró con su vida y enseñanzas, con su muerte y su resurrección llega a la madurez. Al escucharlo cuando nos habla, en el silencio de nuestro corazón, dejamos que la bondad de Dios encar-

Bishop Flores’ Schedule

700 N. Virgen de San Juan Blvd., San Juan, TX 78589-3042 Telephone: 956/781-5323 • Fax: 956/784-5082

Bishop Daniel E. Flores Publisher

The Valley Catholic e-mail: [email protected]

Brenda Nettles Riojas Editor

The Valley Catholic, a publication

Rose Ybarra Assistant Editor Terry De Leon Circulation

of the Diocese of Brownsville, is published monthly.

Subscription rate: $15 per year • $17 outside of Texas $25 out of U.S.

March 1-2 All day Border Bishops’ Meeting March 5 11 a.m. Speaker for Parish Staff Retreat March 6 5 p.m. Confirmations for Holy Family March 9 noon Ash Wednesday Mass with UTB Students March 12 7 p.m. Speaker for Cursillo Movement March 13 12:30 p.m. Celebrate Mass March 14 2 p.m. Administrative Council Meeting March 15 7 p.m. Rite of Elections March 16 9:30 a.m. Presbyteral Council Meeting

El Paso McAllen La Grulla UTB/TSC San Juan Mission Brownsville San Juan San Juan

en nuestras relaciones humanas, a ser generosos en nuestras actitudes y acciones hacia los que se encuentran solos y perdidos en nuestro mundo. Es en esta generosidad de actitudes y acciones con nuestro prójimo que se constituye la esencia de lo que la Iglesia tradicionalmente llama caridad. Nos damos a nosotros mismos, sacrificamos algo de nosotros para que alguien más pueda vivir una vida mas humana. El evangelio nos reta a hacer caridad en secreto para que sólo el Padre que ve lo secreto de nuestros corazones lo pueda ver. Esforcémonos en esta cuaresma por dar más de nosotros mismos, a través del ayuno, la oración y la caridad, para que esto nos lleve a compartir profundamente el gozo pascual. Amen.

March

March 16 6:30 p.m. San Juan Finance Council Meeting March 17 10 a.m. San Juan Bishop’s Pastoral Service March 19 6 p.m, Brownsville Mass for Knights of Columbus 100 Anniversary March 20 12:30 p.m. MJ Convent San Juan Mass for Lenten Day of Reflection March 26 5:30 p.m. Weslaco Evening Prayer for Future Priests’ of the Valley March 28 2 p.m. Brownsville Administrative Council Meeting March 29 6 p.m. Roma Confirmations for Our Lady of Refuge March 30 4:45 p.m. Mundelein Seminary Preside at Candidacy Ceremony

DIOCESE

March 2011 - The Valley Catholic

Saving Babies Ministry of helping mothers who are scared, confused By ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic The McAllen Pregnancy Center provides many services but the greatest testaments to the work they do is the babies. Photographs of the beautiful babies who were saved from the clutches of abortion can be found here and there throughout the center. Hundreds of babies have been rescued since the center opened on May 7, 2008. The mothers who are assisted by the McAllen Pregnancy Center find their way to the center in many ways. Some mothers, many who are in less-thanideal situations, seek help from the center on their own. Some mothers are intercepted on their way to the abortion clinic three blocks away and brought to the pregnancy center, where they are encouraged to choose life for their baby. Sadly, not all the babies in danger of being aborted are saved and it is heart-breaking to those who have dedicated themselves to this ministry. Enduring this labor of love requires hours of prayer. The staff of the McAllen Pregnancy Center, in fact, begins each day by praying the Rosary in their chapel, asking God to bless their work and every woman who has come or will come seeking help. Sidewalk counselors and prayer

Courtesy Photos

Hundreds of babies have been rescued since the McAllen Pregnancy Center opened on May 7, 2008.

warriors also spend time before the Blessed Sacrament for comfort and strength. There are hundreds of crisis pregnancy centers in the United States but very few of them have a Catholic foundation like the McAllen Pregnancy Center. “The women who come there are scared and confused, not knowing what to do or where to go,” said Yolanda Chapa, executive director of the McAllen Pregnancy Center. “Many of them come from the sidewalk of the abortion clinic, which is three blocks away. Many women feel alone and abandoned; some are plagued with shame, guilt and remorse. Some have never realized that there are options like adoption or maternity homes

that provided for them before and after the birth of their child. They are encouraged to make choices they will not regret. “ The McAllen Pregnancy Cen-

Lydia Pesina

ter offers free practical helps such as pregnancy tests, sonograms, parenting and life skills, baby items and referrals to government agencies and provides for medical, housing, and financial assistance. Because some women have already had abortions, they offer post-abortive care that addresses the emotional, psychological, and physical damage they have suffered. Each client has different needs that the staff and volunteers work very hard to meet. None of this assistance would be possible without the generosity of the community, especially from the Catholic faithful. The McAllen Pregnancy Center asks for your prayers, your volunteer hours and material assistance to keep this vital ministry alive and vibrant. Table sponsorships and silent auction items are needed for the McAllen Pregnancy Center’s annual fundraiser, which is scheduled for April 15. The festivities will begin with a Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 306 S. 15th St. in McAllen, followed by a banquet at the McAllen Convention Center. The keynote speaker will be Bishop Emeritus Charles V. Grahmann of the Diocese of Dallas, who instituted the “Second Saturday Rosary,” campaign in the early 1990’s during which he would pray the Rosary outside an abortion clinic in the Dallas area, an unprecedented move for a bishop at the time. For more information on the McAllen Pregnancy Center, please call (956) 631-4585.

By ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic Bishop Emeritus Charles V. Grahmann will serve as the keynote speaker at the McAllen Pregnancy Center’s second annual fundraising banquet on April 15 at the McAllen Convention Center. Bishop Grahmann, 79, led the Diocese of Dallas for almost 17 years. He is credited for reigniting the pro-life movement in the Dallas area in the 1990s. Today, the Respect Life Ministry of the Diocese of Dallas is widely regarded as the largest and most effective diocesan pro-life organization in the country and a model for other dioceses. In an interview with The Valley Catholic, Bishop Grahmann explained that the pro-life movement was born in Dallas after the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973 that legalized abortion in the United States. Norma McCorvey, the “Roe” in Roe. v. Wade is from the Dallas area. (McCorvey has since become pro-life and Catholic).

“ T h e pro-life movement was very strong at the end of the 1970s but it had tapered off by the 1980s,” said GRAHMANN Bishop Grahmann, who was installed as Bishop of Dallas on July 14, 1990. “One of the special things on my list was the pro-life movement.” The Valley Catholic: What was the state of pro-life activities in the Dallas area when you first arrived there? Bishop Grahmann: The priest who was organizing pro-life at the time said the group needed some new energy because things were just kind of at a standstill. I called a meeting of the principal people that worked with pro-life and about dozen women came together. There were a lot of complaints about a lack of participation by pastors and parishes and clergy and things like that. I told them that I would try to re-organize and re-energize the prolife movement. A point that I wanted to leave with them was that the pro-life movement is a key movement for lay people. Lay people can better organize and lead the

battle against abortion than anybody else. The Church can teach many things but it needs the action and the will of lay people to move out into the streets of the city and put some flesh on the teachings of the Church. The key thing that I wanted to leave with those people — I really didn’t want to hear any more complaints about parishes or pastors or whomever not supporting them. I wanted them to take a hold of this movement and make it work. The Valley Catholic: For your part, you did something really unprecedented. Bishop Grahmann: I decided to try something new. I went to one of the abortion clinics on a Saturday morning and prayed on the sidewalk. About 200 people showed up to pray with me. From that point on, I began going to an abortion clinic on the second Saturday of every month and the crowd of prayer warriors grew every time. There were 13 abortion clinics in Dallas at the time and we covered each one with prayer warriors and sidewalk counselors any time the clinics were open. The Valley Catholic: After manning the sidewalks, what was the next step? Bishop Grahmann: I researched the Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, which was ap-

Director, Family Life Office

Weddings vs. Wedding Receptions

proved by the U.S. Catholic bishops in 1975. It was published in response to the Roe v. Wade decision and included several prongs, including education, prayer, political action, counseling and providing for women caught unexpectedly pregnant and giving them an avenue out of that. It has exploded, it has really gone wild. The Pro-Life Committee has become a multifaceted organization with nine ministries. The Diocese of Dallas probably has the most expansive program against abortion in a diocese in the United States and it really took off under the direction of Karen Garnett, who is the executive director. I really want to create an understanding that it was the laity that really made it happen in Dallas. The pro-life movement truly is a lay movement. The Valley Catholic: There are a lot of people who are ambivalent about abortion or think that it is none of their business. Others are discouraged from pro-life activities when they run into the inevitable roadblock. What would you say to them? Bishop Grahmann: There is a fear. I have to say I myself was rattled when I went out to pray the rosary and people would drive by in cars and shout at us or when the

As Catholic faithful, it is important to remember that there is a difference between “weddings” and “wedding receptions”. Catholic weddings take place in the church and not in the reception hall. This is not to say that the reception, dinner, and/or dance that takes place after the wedding is not important. It is of course very important and very special for the family and friends of the bride and groom to celebrate this most wonderful event; the joining of a man and a woman whom as we hear in Mark 10:6-8 will “leave father and mother and the two shall become one flesh”. Wedding receptions have been important since time immemorial. We know from the Gospel accounts that Jesus along with His mother and His disciples were at a wedding reception when He performed His first public miracle and changed the water to wine for the embarrassed bride and groom. Recently, an engaged couple that Mauricio and I sponsored for marriage preparation related that when they were ordering wedding invitations they asked for sample wording that would include the address of the church. The salesperson told them not to worry about the church address; stating that it was common knowledge that nobody but the family goes to the church anyway, they just go to the reception. Unfortunately, her observation is more often than not true at many Catholic weddings. This “practice” was not true a generation ago. One of my fondest memories of our wedding on August 31, 1974 was walking into St. Anne Church in Pharr and seeing the church full of family, friends and neighbors. Both our wedding and wedding reception were simple; and certainly very simple by today’s popular “standards” but wonderfully special. Family and neighbors commented even years later that they recalled Fr. O’Malley stating in his homily that he did not usually notice bride’s dresses but he did that day because he knew that I had made mine. He added that he knew that as a young married couple we would never be without food or clothes because we both worked for Kentucky Fried Chicken and I could sew! At our reception we had wonderful music: Roberto Pulido y Los Clasicos and a surprise performance by the female mariachi I played trumpet with at the time El Mariachi Las Rancheritas and simply served wedding cake, pan de polvo and punch. I recognize that these are changing times; however let us not “throw out the baby with the bathwater” as the saying goes. May we remember that the role that each of us plays as an invited guest to a wedding is to “witness”

» Please see Q&A, p.15

» Please see Weddings, p.16

Q&A with Bishop Grahmann How pro-life movement was born in Dallas

3

4

DIOCESE

The Valley Catholic - March 2011

In memory

of those who served Father John “Jack” O’Malley April 14, 1926 - Feb. 21, 2011

Father John “Jack” O’Malley, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brownsville died Feb. 21 at Rio Grande Regional Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was 84. A native of Dublin, Ireland, Father O’Malley was ordained on June 5, 1955 at St. Peters College in Wexford, Ireland. He and three classmates were recruited to serve in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, which then included the Rio Grande Valley. Father O’Malley was first assigned to Our Lady of Refuge Church in Refugio, Texas where he served for five years. When the Diocese of Brownsville was

formed in 1965, he was assigned to St. Joseph Church in Alamo at the time and he remained in the Rio Grande Valley until his death. Father O’Malley served at parishes in Laredo, Alamo, La Feria, Pharr, Brownsville and Weslaco before retiring in 1998. Though he was retired from active ministry, he continue to hear Confessions at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-National Shrine until a few weeks before his death. Msgr. Pat Doherty, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brownsville, said that Father O’Malley will be remembered as a priest who had a very successful time in the Valley. “Everywhere he went he left every place better than he found it, financially and spiritually,” said Msgr. Doherty, who shared a strong history and friendship with Father O’Malley. The two men were seminary classmates and ordained as priests on the same day. They also took the long journey from Ireland to deep South Texas together, a six day, six night ride on

a boat across the Atlantic Ocean followed by another three days and three nights on a train from New York to Corpus Christi. Msgr. Doherty and Father O’Malley arrived in Corpus Christi to serve the faithful of deep South Texas on Oct. 1, 1955. Father O’Malley was passionate about the pro-life cause and often prayed the Rosary outside the abortion clinic in downtown McAllen. He will also be remembered for his work with Charasmatic Renewal and Legion of Mary. Father O’Malley was also very dedicated to religious education and spearheaded the construction of more than 100 classrooms in the Valley. In his free time, Father O’Malley enjoyed being outdoors, taking walks, riding his bike and playing golf. Father O’Malley was number six in a family of nine children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles J. and Josephine O’Malley and six of his siblings. He is survived by his brother, Father Frank O’Malley and his sister, Sister Elizabeth O’Malley of

Courtesy photo

Father John O’Malley, right, with Bishop John J. Fitzpatrick at the blessing of St. Anne’s Church in Pharr in 1972.

the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, both of Dublin. A Mass of Christian burial was held on Feb. 24 at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-National Shrine followed

by interment at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, P.O. Box 2279, Brownsville, TX 78522-2279.

Father Ricardo Garcia, JCL May 24,1961 - Feb. 21, 2011

Father Ricardo Garcia, JCL, pastor of St. Mary Church in Brownsville and judicial vicar of the diocesan tribunal, died on Feb. 21 at his pastoral residence. He was 49. A report from the Brownsville Police Department indicated that it was an apparent suicide. Father Garcia was ordained a priest for the service of the Diocese of Brownsville on May 22, 1992 by Bishop Enrique San Pedro at the San Juan Shrine, now the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine. He began his priestly ministry as parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Church in Escobares, followed by

assignments at St. Anthony Church in Harlingen, Our Lady St. John of the Fields Church in Mission, Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Brownsville and St. Anne Mother of Mary Church in Pharr. Father Garcia also held leadership roles in the diocese, serving as judicial vicar and a member of the Presbyteral Council at the time of his death. He previously served as moderator of the curia and director of pastoral formation for seminarians. Father Garcia was born on May 24, 1961 in Walla Walla, Wash., the second of six children. He grew up in Chicago and moved to Edinburg where he graduated from high school in 1979. He finished his undergraduate work at the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American Studies with a minor in Philosophy. He also studied in Cuernavaca, Mexico, the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio and in Central America: Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador . Father Garcia did missionary work with the poor in the Do-

minican Republic and Coyame, Chihuahua, Mexico. He completed an internship at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville. He finished his graduate studies in Theology at Assumption Seminary and Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio receiving a Masters of Divinity degree. Father Amador Garza, who was Father Garcia’s best friend, said a few words during a rosary service for Father Garcia. Father Garza praised Father Garcia for his intelligence, organizational skills and his love for his family and his parishioners. Father Garza described their relationship as, “a deep bond of friendship that will always surThe Valley Catholic vive,” and “a wonderful gift from Father Ricardo Garcia speaks to a group of cathechetical leaders on Nov. 30, 2010 God.” at the Bishop Adolph Marx Conference Center. “And it’s a wonderful gift that God gives us that Richard has left us wonderful memories,” Father Garza said. “Just as he was so lov- him.” mother, Guadalupe Navarro, all of ing with us, it’s up to us now to be Father Garcia is survived by Edinburg. He is also survived by loving. Just as he was compassion- his parents Ricardo and Socorro numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, ate with so many of us, it’s our turn Navarro Garcia; four sisters Syl- uncles and cousins. to be compassionate. And just as via (Eddie) Garcia, Leticia (Jerry) A funeral Mass was held on he was so kind to so many of us, Cantu, Cynthia G. Lucio, Melissa Feb. 25 at the Basilica of Our Lady it’s our turn to be kind.We were (Xavier) Moreno; a brother, Greg of San Juan del Valle-National blessed to share the journey with Garcia and his maternal grand- Shrine followed by cremation.

DIOCESE

March 2011 - The Valley Catholic

Pastoral Planning in the Diocese of Brownsville P

astoral Planning seeks to enliven and foster the mission of the Church at the parish, deanery and diocesan levels in a spirit of collaboration and dialogue. Pastoral planning is a faith community based process that seeks to direct all activities of the Diocese of Brownsville toward the fulfillment of the basic mission of the Church in light of the current circumstances within our diocese. Pastoral planning seeks to create opportunities for pastoral leaders and all the members of the Christian faithful to share their hopes and dreams for the future of the local Church through the lens of mission. The mission of the Church is always the New Evangelization (Go and Make Disciples, Matthew 28:20). Pastoral planning engages us in a conversation regarding the resources available to the Church to fulfill the mission entrusted to us by the Lord Jesus Christ. It seeks also for the gifts and resources of the Church to enable the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout the Diocese with an ever increasing vibrancy and enthusiasm. Bishop Daniel E. Flores has established the Diocesan Pastoral Council to serve as a vehicle for conversation and dialogue. The Diocesan Pastoral Council is composed of 28 lay members representing the seven deaneries of the diocese as well as representatives from the priests (both diocesan and religious), deacons, religious brothers and sisters and representatives from the lay ecclesial movements, youth & young adults and the catholic schools. The membership of the pastoral council also includes ex-officio members which include the Bishop, Vicar General, Judicial Vicar, Chancellor and the Director of Pastoral Planning. Through the efforts of the Pastoral Council at the diocesan level he will discern the needs and prioritize the pastoral strategies for a Diocesan Pastoral Plan which will guide the future of the Diocese of Brownsville. The Pastoral Council will work in collaboration with the

Deacon Luis Zuniga Director, Office for Pastoral Planning & San Juan Diego Ministry Institute

Commissions which include: Education & Formation, Youth & Young Adults, Family Life, Social Justice, Evangelization & Lay Ecclesial Movements, Liturgy & Worship, Stewardship & Development and Communications. The Diocesan Pastoral Council will meet four times a year and the Commissions will meet twice a year to evaluate and make recommendations. At the present moment the diocesan department directors have engaged in evaluating each of the respective departments utilizing the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis. This instrument will help to identify strengths to build on, weaknesses to minimize, opportunities to take advantage of and threats to offset. The purpose of the SWOT analysis is a way to reflect on, identify, review and evaluate the internal resources and capabilities (strengths and weaknesses) and the external conditions (opportunities and threats). It will to uncover the things that are working well and identify the problems that need to be acknowledged and addressed. The SWOT analysis will help the diocesan departments to move in a balanced direction for effective ministry. May our pastoral planning efforts in our diocese bring about a sense of renewal in the Church; one that involves all of the baptized to a greater participation. Let us pray to God the Father for a renewal of the mission of the New Evangelization in our midst so that Jesus Christ may always be the center of our lives. — Deacon Luis Zuniga, serves as Director of the Office for Pastoral Planning and the San Juan Diego Ministry Institute for Lay Leadership Formation.

5

What’s on the Menu? Fish, vegetarian dishes popular during Lent By ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic PORT ISABEL — Joe’s Oyster Bar is busy year-round but a lot more so during Lent. Tourists and locals alike pack the restaurant for a taste of the fresh and local seafood offerings such as Gulf shrimp, flounder, grouper and red snapper, also known by its Spanish moniker guachinango. “There is plenty of good fish locally,” said Joe Castillo, owner of Joe’s Oyster Bar, located inside Gulf Seafood and Mini Mart. “There is no need to import it from other areas. Gulf seafood is fresh and delicious.” Catholics across the Rio Grande Valley will be looking for seafood specials and recipes on Lenten Fridays. At the Basilica Café at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-National Shrine in San Juan, manager Elsa Maria Tejada prepared the Lenten menus weeks in advance. “We have a lot of business on Ash Wednesday and Lenten Fridays,” Tejada said. “The pilgrims already know they can count on finding a good vegetarian or seafood dish here. Everything on the menu is Lent friendly on those days.” Favorites at the Basilica Café during Lent include chile relleno

The Valley Catholic

Joe Castillo, a parishioner at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Port Isabel, shares his recipe for making crab cakes.

de queso, nopales, fish plates made primarily with tilapia and capirotada (Mexican bread pudding). Castillo, a parishioner at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Port Isabel, learned the art of cooking seafood while working at a South Padre Island hotel restaurant. In 1982, he struck out on his own, opening a seafood market in a 20 foot by 20 foot building, “that was falling apart,” he recalled. “My wife said, ‘you’re crazy, what are you going to do there?’” Castillo said. He slowly began making improvements to the property and also began offering take-out food. Today, Joe’s Oyster Bar is a dinein restaurant that was recently expanded to accommodate even more guests. Some of the house

specialties include the crab cakes, caldo de marisco, ceviche and the seafood platters. Castillo credits the Lord and hard work for the success of his restaurant and seafood market. “Until recently, I worked seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” he said. “Now, I take a day off, Sunday.” Castillo said he has built his business to the point where he could retire but wouldn’t dream of it. “I love my business,” he said. “I love being here, cooking and greeting the customers.” Castillo graciously shared a recipe with The Valley Catholic and offered advice for buying the best and freshest seafood.

Tips for buying the best seafood: • Fish should smell fresh and mild, not overly “fishy” or like ammonia • Shrimp should also have a mild smell and make sure the shells do not have blackened edges or black spots because this indicates loss of freshness. • Make sure it is wild caught — look for the USDA label • Look for local varieties that were caught in the Gulf of Mexico. It is sure to be fresher and supports the local economy. • Fresh whole fish should have shiny eyes and body. Cloudy and sunken eyes are signs the fish has lost its freshness • Don’t walk around the grocery store or market with seafood — make it the last thing you pick up before you pay. The key is to keep it cold.

Joe’s Crab Cakes Courtesy of Joe Castillo of Joe’s Oyster Bar in Port Isabel Makes 30 crab cakes 1-1/4 pounds of flounder fillet ¾ pound of 100% crab meat 1/-1/2 ribs of celery, diced ½ bell pepper, diced ¼ cup onions, diced 3 eggs ¼ cup of cracker meal Sprinkle of granulated garlic Mix the ingredients and shape into patties. Grill them with olive oil 3.5 minutes on each side.

The Whys of ´Fish Eaters´ By SONJA CORBITT Catholic Online BETHPAGE, Tenn. — As a Catholic I am often asked by nonCatholics why we eat fish on Fridays during Lent. Until I was Catholic, it never occurred to me that the Filet-O-Fish® sandwich is not an ordinary staple at McDonald´s except in the spring, or that the sudden flurry of Red Lobster commercials just before Easter was similarly calculated. Where does this traditional Catholic practice originate? Christ Eaters The fish was one of the most important Christian symbols of the early Church. In a political

and religious climate often fatal to them, the fish was a secret symbol used to identify Christian brothers and to mark Christian meeting places and tombs. Ichthys is Greek for fish. Its letters, dissembled, correspond to the first letters of each of the words in the ancient Christian phrase, “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.” It was an acrostic in ancient Greek that helped the early Christians survive martyrdom and that often appears in first century catacombs in Rome. The fish enjoys Scriptural prominence too. Several apostles were fishermen, called to be “fishers of men”; Jonah was swallowed by a fish and became symbolic of

the resurrected Christ; Peter found coin for the temple tax in a fish´s mouth at Jesus´ command; it was said the Judgment will be like sorting one´s catch for the day. In the miracle of the loaves and fishes, the fish was symbolic of the Eucharist, so that “fish eaters” were ichthys eaters, or those who “ate Christ.” Because of early Christian use of its symbolism, the fish is strongly symbolic of Christ and the apostles, but second century Christians continued the practice and symbolism. Clement of Alexandria advised Christians to use a dove or fish symbol for their seal, and when writing on baptism, Tertullian said, “But we, being little fishes, as Jesus Christ is our great

Fish, begin our life in the [baptismal] water, and only while we abide in the water are we safe and sound” (De Baptismate, i). Fish Eaters But “fish eating” was not to remain merely symbolic, although it would always be distinctly Catholic. At the time of Christ’s Incarnation, in the first century, Jews were accustomed to fasting as a spiritual discipline; they fasted or abstained on Mondays and Thursdays. The early Christians, to show participation in Christ´s suffering and unity with Him, moved the fast days to Wednesdays and Fridays, because Judas betrayed Jesus on a Wednesday and Jesus was crucified on a

Friday. Thereafter, Wednesday and Friday fasts were a universal Catholic custom, one which Eastern Catholics and Orthodox continue to observe. It evolved over the centuries into the practice of “No Meat Fridays” in which, as a spiritual discipline, Catholics did not do without food altogether, they just gave up meat. In the Palestinian area where Jesus and the apostles lived, and from that time period until recent history, fish was the easiest to come by. Other “meat” was a luxury for which only the rich had the means: the money required to buy meat or land on which to raise herds. Fish, » Please see Fish Eaters, p.14

6

DIOCESE

The Valley Catholic - March 2011

Love and priestly existence

S

ince Vatican II there has been an enormous emphasis on the role that love plays in religion-indeed to some it seems like a gross emphasis. On all levels of teaching religion, from grammar school to theological graduate school, theories and insights connected with the love have been propounded. Some have felt that they were discovering something new, others that they were returning to previous insights that had been neglected. Coupled with the tremendous emphasis in our society on heterosexual interpersonal love, the emphasis within the Catholic community can seem to make the life of a celibate priest less than meaningful. I suggest that the opposite is true: that the life of a priest must be a love-life and that priestly existence can help others to learn about love. I accept the view that love cannot really happen if people deal with one another totally in terms of their facticity. There are popular expressions that suggest that one person can love another person’s facticity, but this love is not true. Though an individual might say, “I love your hair very attractive” or “I find your figure

Msgr. Juan Nicolau Pastor Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church

very beautiful,” but in the richest sense of the word “love,” one individual cannot love another’s hair or figure. Quite simply, they are just not worth the gift of self that love requires. Love requires a commitment, and no one is going to make a commitment to someone else’s hair or figure. There is no quality or determination or fact about one person that will call forth a gift of self from another. Only a self or a subjectivity will call forth that kind of gift. For love to happen, one person must notice in however minimal a way the subjectivity of another. If I relate to all persons in terms of their facticity, their qualities, their determinations, then I will never love anyone. By locking other people into their facticity, I also lock myself into my facticity. I commit a kind of spiritual suicide: I become selfcentered, which is just about the worst thing that a self can do. By

using others, I not only hinder their development, I hinder my own development. I prevent the other from being present to me in a way that can deeply affect me and transform me. By reducing others to their roles or functions, I simultaneously identify myself with my role or function. Jewish philosopher Martin Buber has written incisively about this way of relating, which he refers to as I-It. The man who has acquired an I and say I-It assumes a positionbefore things but does not confront them in the current of reciprocity. He bends down to examine particulars under the objectifying magnifying glass of close scrutiny, or he uses the objectifying telescope of distant vision to arrange them as mere scenery . . . he experiences things as aggregates of qualities. To relate to another totally in terms of the other’s facticity is to make love impossible. — Msgr. Juan Nicolau, PhD., STL, is pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and is a Board Certified professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist

What is your Lenten offering this year?

“Every Friday during Lent, my family gets together to pray the Rosary. Everyone brings a dish and we eat after we pray. It’s a tradition.” Mary Salinas of Alice, Texas

“I will spend more quality time with my children.”

“During Lent, I will strive to be a better person.”

Christopher Vasquez, parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Raymondville

Marcelina Rangel, parishioner at St. Jude Thaddeus Chruch in Pharr

“I am going to stop talking about people.”

“Lent will be my start to stop drinking for good.”

“I will make more time for prayer.”

Juan Arriaga, parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Donna

Martin Nuñez, parishioner at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Las Milpas

Sister Maureen Crosby, SSD, parishioner at Holy Spirit Church in Progreso

Working through a hard death

C

aregivers and health care professionals can and often do greatly assist those who are suffering and dying. Even with careful pain management and comfort measures, however, the dying process can still be agonizing and difficult. Each death has a unique and particular trajectory, but even the most difficult and unpleasant deaths often have powerful graces and remarkable opportunities for growth mysteriously interwoven into them. Some time ago, I corresponded with a registered nurse about her mother’s final battle with lung cancer. She described the unexpected shifts in her mother’s condition that had taken place over a period of eight days: “…passing through a day of Cheyne-Stokes respirations [a pattern of deep breathing, followed by stoppage of breathing, followed by repetition of the cycle], days of such shallow breathing that death seemed literally one breath away, days of calm coma, two days where the smell of imminent death was detectable, signs of diminished extremity perfusions coming and then going, coming and then going, day after day, no urine output, then urine output, then no urine, then urine again, emerge from this state and embark upon three hours of increasingly severe respiratory distress culminating in a violent respiratory arrest.” No stranger to death and dying, this nurse had assisted countless other patients with pain, air and hunger management. During her mom’s final hours, she had significantly increased morphine doses per hospice protocols, but with little or no apparent relief. Her mother’s death ended up being very hard. Reflecting on it afterwards, she realized that if she had not been both a healthcare professional and a person who trusted deeply in God, she would have been, to use her own words, “out of my mind with horror.” Why certain deaths are so much harder than others is no easier to explain than why certain lives are so much harder than others. It gives us pause, though, to ask whether suffering doesn’t have some hidden but important meaning, however it enters our lives. As we seek to use the tools of medicine to alleviate the suffering of those who are dying, we realize how delicate a balancing act it can be, fraught with difficult decisions about dosages and interventions, and not always guaranteed to work. When pain and suffering cannot be alleviated, patients ought to be helped to appreciate the Christian understanding of redemptive suffering. The nurse described how she and her mother had experienced this Christian understanding themselves: “My Mom and I prayed hard and much over this past year. She was expected to die a year ago. As we began to

»Making Sense Out of Bioethics Tadeusz Pacholczyk Priest of the Diocese of Fall River

understand that she was actually improving and that she (and I) had been given this gift of time, we became increasingly devoted to the Divine Mercy of Jesus. I am of the opinion that God gave Mom an opportunity to be on the cross with Him.” Real suffering engages a lot of complex emotions. We may worry that our crosses will be more than we can bear. We may not see how our sufferings could really have any value or meaning. In the end, suffering can make us bitter or it can make us better, depending upon how we respond to it and use it to enter into deeper union with the Lord who suffered and died a hard death for us. I’m reminded of a story I once heard about a priest in Poland who taught at the seminary. Each year, there had been fewer candidates entering the seminary, rarely more than 8 or 9, and it was becoming a serious concern for the seminary and the diocese. One day, this priest learned he had a terminal illness, with only a few months to live. Shortly afterwards, he turned to God and said: “Lord Jesus, I will do my best to offer up the sufferings that lie ahead of me, whatever they may be, but I would ask that you send us 18 new candidates for next year’s incoming class.” The good priest faced an excruciating death, but a few months later when the candidates started showing up at the seminary, there were exactly 18 new students in the class. His story speaks of how suffering has meaning whenever we unite it to the redemptive sufferings of Christ. Our sufferings and struggles are an important, albeit temporary, part of our journey. They are a harbinger of a greater destiny and a promise of our transformation. Pope John Paul II once described it this way: “The cross of Christ throws salvific light, in a most penetrating way, on man’s life... the cross reaches man together with the resurrection.” Our experience of suffering and death, even a very hard death, offers us mysterious and dramatic graces, with the reassurance that God himself is ever near to those who carry their cross. — Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org

DIOCESE/CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

March 2011 - The Valley Catholic

Banner season

Ocelots make it to state finals; City declares Pharr Oratory Soccer Day The Valley Catholic

PHARR — Usually when a school establishes a new athletic program, the team is happy to get one or two wins under its belt during that first season. In their first-ever season of athletic competition in any sport, the Pharr Oratory Athenaem Ocelots exceeded everyone’s expectations. The Ocelots reached the TAPPS Division III state championship game in boy’s soccer. The team was heartbroken when they ultimately lost to

defending state champion and perennial powerhouse Carrollton Prince of Peace, 2-0 but Oratory coach Joseph Moroles and company consider it a great season, finishing with an overall record of 15-1. “We knew we had some talented guys but we never could have predicted this,” Moroles said. “Coming in second in the state was amazing, especially since we came from nothing.” Five members of the team also earned all-state honors. Senior Carlos Ruiz (offense), junior Leo Teran (defense), and senior Ismael Sanchez (defense) were named to the first team. Senior Educk Barragan (offense) and junior Matthew Pierson (midfield) were second team all-state. The Ocelots were honored with proclamation from Pharr Mayor Leo “Polo” Palacios for their remarkable

run. March 1 was declared Pharr Oratory Soccer Day. The future also looks very bright for the team. Of the 11 starters, seven are expected to return next season. In the near future, the Oratory Athenaem, which consists of students in grades 9-12, also plans to compete in tennis, track and football. Eventually, the school will also offer baseball and basketball. For senior Michael Garza, who has attended the Pharr Oratory since preschool, representing his school in athletic competition was a dream come true. “I’m glad we had this opportunity before graduation,” he said. “I still can’t believe we managed to make it to the state championship game in our first year. We never thought we would have that much success.”

7

Hands Across the Border

Courtesy Photo

Eighth graders from Incarnate Word Academy in Brownsville, Andrea López, China Poblana, and Enrique Ibarra, Charro, participated in the Hands Across the Border celebration on Feb. 24 at the Gateway International Bridge, where Mr. Amigo 2010 Carlos Cuevas was also present. The event was part of the 74th annual Charro Days Fiesta. During this longstanding custom, residents of Brownsville and Matamoros exchange gifts and good wishes as a sign of friendship between the two communities.

Arabian Nights

Courtesy Photo

The Pharr Oratory Athenaem Ocelots reached the TAPPS Division III state championship game in boy’s soccer. The team finished with an overall record of 15-1.

Lion mascot chosen for Juan Diego Academy Special to The Valley Catholic After weeks of brainstorming and a month of online voting, the students have spoken and the name is Lions. Juan Diego Academy will be officially known as the Lions, thanks to the work of eighth grade students from Immaculate Conception School in Rio Grande City, Our Lady of Sorrows School in McAllen, and St. Joseph Catholic School in Edinburg, along with voting by the general public. More than 100 votes were cast for the four finalists brainstormed by students who attended the Dec. 15 “Day at the Hill” event for eighth graders hosted by Juan Diego Academy staff. Angels, lions, rams, and saints emerged as preferences for the mascot from among several different choices. From Dec. 15 to Jan. 15, students and the general public were invited to vote for their favorite name at the school’s Web site. One of the more popular reasons given for choosing the Lions is the symbolic parallel of royalty and kingship between the Lion and Christ. The Lion is also thought to symbolize well the motto of JDA as an academic institution committed to justice, devotion, and action. Finally, the mascot is tangible and can be represented in a variety of ways. Once the choice of mascot had been finalized, Juan Diego Academy staff, assisted by interns from South Texas Business, Education, and Technology Academy (BETA), worked to research and design options for a 2D graphic representation of the Lion. The final design was inspired by an image used at a Catholic high school in Iowa that has since closed.

Career Opportunity: Even in these tough economic times, We’re Hiring!! The Knights of Columbus is seeking a Field Agent for a career opportunity representing their insurance program. Could this man be you? Please contact:

Ramon Ramos, General Agent Phone: (361) 668-8225 Fax: (361) 668-8226 Email: [email protected] “Your Shield For Life”

The 56th Annual Saint Joseph Academy Style Show will be held on Friday, March 25, 2011 at the Jacob Brown Auditorium. Dinner 7:00 PM Style Show 8:00 PM Floor and balcony seats are available. SJA’s spring style show has become a tradition in our community and a memorable and sentimental rite of passage for our students. Through their participation, local merchants are given the opportunity to display their latest fashions modeled by our seniors. Our style show has forged a vital partnership between SJA, local merchants, community business leaders, and senior parents. Through the wonderful support and participation of our parents, alums and community, our long standing event funds scholarships, purchases equipment, and makes important improvements at our beloved Academy. For information on sponsorship opportunities or ticket sales, please contact Joanne Williams in the Advancement Office at 956-542-3581 ext. 302 or Yolanda Cruz at ext. 330.

Catholic Programming on KMBH Direct TV 60, Digital 38, Cable 10 Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Catholic News & Inspiration

Master Sound Electronica Alarmas, stereos, bocinas, pantallas, y mas Instalacion y Deactivacion de Alarmas Venta, Reparacion de equipo automotriz 3002 14th & Southmost Rd. Brownsville, TX 78521 Propietario: 956-408-2178 Alfredo Martinez

Sundays, 10 a.m. La Misa Sunday’s Mass is telecast each week for those unable to attend church. The Mass is filmed weekly at different parishes in the Diocese of Brownsville. Sundays, 11 a.m. Diocese Insight Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

To Advertise in The Valley Catholic Call (956) 784-5055

Brenda Nettles Riojas, Diocesan Relations Director and editor of The Valley Catholic, hosts a half-hour interview program with different guests who provide some insight into the different programs and ministries of the Church in the Rio Grande Valley.

Sundays, 11:30 a.m. Nuestro Pueblo Msgr. Robert Maher, Vicar General and pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Edinburg, features interviews in Spanish with different guests about a variety of Catholic topics. Sundays, noon Church Alive Host Msgr. Robert Maher, Vicar General and pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Edinburg, features different guests and topics relating to the Catholic Church in the Rio Grande Valley. On KMBH Digital 38.3 Sundays, 9 a.m. Las Verdades Wednesday, 7 p.m. Msgr. Juan Nicolau, PhD., STL, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in McAllen

FAITH

8

»Sunday Readings The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church MARCH 6 (Sunday of the NinthWeek in Ordinary Time)

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” Reading I: Dt 11:18, 26-28, 32 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 31:2-3, 3-4, 17, 25 Reading II: Rom 3:21-25, 28 Gospel: Mt 7:21-27 MARCH 13 (First Sunday of Lent)

“It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” Reading I: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17 Reading II: Rom 5:12-19 or 5:12, 17-19 Gospel:

Mt 4:1-11 MARCH 20

(Second Sunday of Lent)

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

The Valley Catholic - March 2011

Archbishop from India says text of new Missal ‘more authentic’ By ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic SAN JUAN — The Most Rev. Dominic Jala of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Archbishop of Shallong, India visited the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del ValleNational Shrine on March 7. He was in the Rio Grande Valley as a guest of Father George Kerketta, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Raymondville. Archbishop Jala, 59, is a member of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL), which prepared the English translation for The Roman Missal, Third Edition. The new Missal will be implemented in the United States on the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011. ICEL consists of the bishops’ conferences of 11 Englishspeaking countries: the United States, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, India, Pakistan, South Africa, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. Each of these conferences elects one bishop to represent it on ICEL. Archbishop Jala represents the bishops from India. “It was a great privilege to do this work at the service of the

Reading I: Gn 12:1-4a

Gospel:

Mt 17:1-9 MARCH 27

(Third Sunday of Lent)

“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Reading I: Ex 17:3-7 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Reading II: Rom 5:1-2, 5-8 Gospel: Jn 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42 The Liturgy of the Word has as its main part readings from Sacred Scripture. In these readings God is speaking to his people, opening up to them the mystery of redemption and salvation, offering them spiritual nourishment to enable them to be Christ’s living witnesses before the world. (GIRM, 55). The Church confidently teaches that in the word proclaimed, Christ himself is truly present. (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 7). Disciples in Mission: Six Weeks with the Bible Get Involved!

The Most Rev. Dominic Jala of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Archbishop of Shallong, India said “ The new text is an opportunity for the faithful to deepen its understanding of the liturgy and to appreciate the importance of the liturgy in our lives.”

whole Church,” said Archbishop Jala, who leads more than 230,000 Catholics in the state of Meghalaya in northeastern India. “It was a great learning experience.” The translation process took eight years during which ICEL met twice a year, five days at a time for a minimum of eight hours a day. The commission

Why Confession?

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 Reading II: 2 Tm 1:8b-10

The Valley Catholic

worked with team of scholars from different English-speaking countries to produce the final text. Archbishop Jala said he and the other commissioners were mindful to produce a text that would be accessible to the different groups within the English-speaking world as expressions, vocabulary, accents, pronunciation and dialects vary greatly. “It was very meticulous work,” Archbishop Jala said. “We were careful to see that even the smallest details were not lost in translation.” Archbishop Jala said he hopes that English-speaking Catholics around the world will embrace the new text. “The new text is an opportunity for the faithful to deepen its understanding of the liturgy and to appreciate the importance of the liturgy in our lives,” he said. “The text is better, more faithful and technically speaking, more authentic. It captures the devotion of the people more fully than the previous text. This goes beyond language. We will know more deeply the real substance of what we are celebrating — the mystery of salvation that is celebrated at the Eucharist.”

T

he Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is one of the greatest and least appreciated blessings the Lord bestowed on his Church. It has great importance for the lifelong struggle of conversion, and Lent is a perfect time to confess. The new life Christians receive in Baptism is a treasure we carry in “earthen vessels” (2 Cor 4:7). Our new life of grace in Christ, however, can be weakened or even lost by sin. Through the Sacrament of Penance, though, the Lord makes himself continually present to carry on his saving work of forgiving, healing, and strengthening his people in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord strengthens them not only to enable them to attain holiness, but also that they may be able to carry out the commission he entrusted to them to announce, in a unity of truth and charity, the good news of salvation and reconciliation with the Father. This sacrament is also called the sacrament of conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus’ incessant call to conversion. It is also called the sacrament of confession since the admission or confession of sins to a priest, who represents Christ and the Church, is an essential element of the sacrament. Sin is not all that is confessed, however. There is also a confession, or acknowledgment, of God’s goodness and mercy. It is also called the sacrament of forgiveness since, in the sacramental absolution given by the priest, God gives the penitent pardon and peace. This sacrament seems foreign to today’s culture, wherein it is

Msgr. Robert Maher Vicar General for the Diocese of Brownsville

sometimes thought that one shows strength and independence by never admitting to wrongdoing. Today, moral evasion is common, in which guilt is explained away psychologically, and in which “love means never having to say you’re sorry”. Many sincerely believe that it is enough to confess one’s sins to God alone. After all, Jesus taught his followers to pray directly to the Father, saying, “... forgive us our trespasses... “ Why confess to a priest? Because the sacraments give grace. In this sacrament, it is the grace of forgiveness and of the strength necessary to resist sin in the future. And because we need to hear someone (i.e. the priest) saying with God’s own authority that we’re forgiven. Baptism is the sacramental celebration of “first” conversion, but a “second” or “full” conversion, which completes and perfects the first, is a lifelong struggle. The grace of Baptism does not abolish the frailty and weakness of human nature. We continue to sin. The Church is for sinners. She calls to sinners and embraces them, and because of that, she is always in need of purifying them. Today there is much emphasis on outward works by Christians involvements in social issues and the like. These commitments by

Christians are important, but the Lord’s call to conversion aims first not at outward changes but at interior change, a change of heart. Without this, Christian works easily remain impure, misconceived and misdirected, and maybe even fruitless. This interior change entails a complete reorientation of our whole lives. It entails a return to love of God with our whole mind and heart and strength and being, and a complete renunciation of sin. Because sin hardens the human heart, we need God’s help. Our change of heart is more God’s work than it is ours. Only God can draw us back to himself. In sum, the Sacrament of Penance is sign, cause, and celebration of a much larger and more profound mystery of Christ leading us in our lifelong conversion away from sin and toward God, and of him healing us from the damaging effects of sin so as to be free to live in innocence as God’s beloved children. Our interior conversion needs to be expressed in visible signs and gestures, for the sake of confirming and strengthening it. It also needs the constant aid of Christ’s sacramental grace, and it was to bestow that grace that Christ gave his Church this sacrament. He said to his Apostles when he breathed on them the power of the Holy Spirit, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them; whose sins you retain are retained” (Jn 20:22). — Msgr. Robert Maher is Vicar General of the Diocese of Brownsville and pastor of St. Joseph parish in Edinburg.

CNS photo/Michael Alexander, Georgia Bulletin

A statue of St. Joseph holding the baby Jesus is seen inside St. Peter Chanel Church in Roswell, Ga.

»Feast Day - March 19

Spotlight on St. Joseph From staff and wire reports Most of what we know about the life of St. Joseph comes to us from Scripture and legends that have sprung up concerning his life. Though Joseph is only mentioned by two of the Evangelists, he is paid the compliment of being a “just” man. This is a way of saying that Joseph was such a good and holy man that he shares in God’s own holiness. In addition in sharing in God’s holiness, Joseph gives us an example of how to be a just spouse and how to have holy relationships. “He is a very good model of how to be a good husband and a good man,” said Father Alberto Treviño of the Missionaries of the Holy Family and pastor of St. Joseph Church in Donna. “He was a man with a strong faith in God — God was directing him, guiding him and helping him.” The entire month of March is recognized at the Month of St. Joseph with an individual feast day on March 19 and another on May 1 under the title St. Joseph the Worker. St. Joseph’s feast days encourage us to reflect on his role as husband and head of the Holy Family. Joseph’s example as a husband can be best seen in how he respected Mary. He took Mary as his wife, knowing that the child she was carrying was not his. He realized that God had a special plan for his wife and for his son, and Joseph did everything in his power to help this plan become reality. “Joseph shared his faith and religion with Jesus and also his occupation as a carpenter,” Father Treviño said. “Joseph showed Jesus discipline and made sure Jesus was growing up as a good person. Joseph showed Jesus the value of good work and the dignity of hard work.” The feast of St. Joseph Husband of Mary has been celebrated throughout the church since the tenth century and has been honored as the Patron of the Universal Church since 1870. St. Joseph is the patron of fathers, workers, carpenters, peaceful death, Austria, Belgium, Bohe» Please see St. Joseph, p.16

PARISHES

March 2011 - The Valley Catholic

When illness strikes Who makes the decisions?

Critical issues addressed at End of Life Conference By ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic MCALLEN — On the surface, drawing up a living will or advance medical directive — a document that leaves instructions for medical treatment in the event one is no longer able to make decisions due to illness or incapacity —might seem like the right thing to do, the responsible thing, the loving thing. Dig a little deeper and one will find that these documents do not capture the complex realities of being critically ill. In fact, these documents can be, “very dangerous,” said attorney Rita Marker during the End of Life Health Care and Legal Issues Conference on Feb. 26 at Holy Spirit Church in McAllen. The event was sponsored by the Respect Life Apostolate of the Diocese of Brownsville. In addition to Marker, speakers included Bishop Daniel E. Flores, Msgr. Robert Maher, vicar general of the diocese and Dr. Stephen Robinson, who practices family medicine in Raymondville. Dr. Lawrence Gelman, a McAllen anesthesiologist and radio personality, served as master of ceremonies. A resident of Steubenville, Ohio, Marker is the executive director of the Patients Rights Council, a nonprofit organization that aims to inform and educate about the critical issues of life, death, euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Instead of a living will or advance medical directive, Marker recommends having a medical power of attorney, which is a legal document that designates an individual — referred to as your health care agent or proxy — to make medical decisions for you in the event that you’re unable to do so. A medical power of attorney is also called a durable power of attorney for health care. This is different from a power of attorney authorizing someone to make financial decisions for you. “If nothing else today, I ask you to have this document, a medical power of attorney — that’s it,” Marker said. “Anything else adds confusion and complexity and can cause all sorts of problems.” Marker noted that many wellmeaning intelligent people have a living will or advance medical directive drawn up by wellmeaning attorneys but the reality is, there are too many unknown variables when it comes to end of life issues. Instead of simplifying these issues, these documents can compound them and even lead to unintended euthanasia or assisted suicide. Some health care facilities may encourage patients to have an advance medical directive or living will but federal and Texas law say no health care facility can compel you to have an advance medical directive, Marker said. The case against advance medical directives Advance medical directives are vague and cannot cover every possible situation. “There are so many medical scenarios that you can’t put them » Please see Decisions, p.14

Medical power of attorney recommended Who needs one? Anyone over the age of 18 needs a medical power of attorney. Members of religious communities also need one in order to clarify whether a family member or superior will be making these decisions for them.

Who to choose? The first question is who to choose to be your proxy. Marker recommends choosing a primary person, and a first and second alternate. “Many people would automatically choose their spouse but what if you and your spouse are in a car accident together?” she said. “You need to have a back-up plan in place.” Marker said it is important to choose someone who has your interests at heart and knows your wishes, someone who is assertive enough to ensure your wishes will be carried out. He or she should be levelheaded, mature and comfortable with candid conversations about life and death. “It’s far better to name someone that you know and trust, that you talk to them about — hey I don’t want to be hooked up all to those machines — and make sure they are going to enforce that,” she said. “But don’t make a blanket statement that somebody else can misinterpret.”

Before the Crisis Hits The

medical

power

of

attorney should be in place before any medical emergencies arise. Injuries, illness and death are not easy to talk about but it is a conversation that needs to happen before a medical crisis. Ferney Medina, one of the organizers of the conference, works as a chaplain in the hospice care field. “A great danger that I encounter in my pastoral work as a chaplain is that we don’t talk about death,” Medina said. “Many of us think death is going to come to us if we talk about it. I think this is a great opportunity to make us aware of the importance of talking to somebody and mention the word death and mention our wishes.” Medina added that as people of faith, we have hope for eternal life. He suggests building the conversation around those hopes and beliefs.

Critically ill vs. Dying Msgr. Maher noted that there is a difference between dying and being critically ill. “In the Church’s teaching, you can never morally justify terminating treatment in the case of a person who is not dying,” he said. “Also, if the doctor says, ‘you’re dying,’ you are never required to undertake what in some instances are called extraordinary measures or in another contexts, you never have to use disproportionate means to sustain life.”

Priests, religious share vocation stories The Valley Catholic SAN JUAN — “How do I know if God is calling me?” asked a fifth-grader from Oratory School in Pharr, during the annual Vocations Day on March 3 on the grounds of the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del ValleNational Shrine. Father Mario Galindo of the Missionaries of the Holy Family explained that the Lord speaks to us in infinite ways, but especially through prayer and the people He places around us. Sponsored by the Catholic Schools Office and the Office of Vocations, the students heard stories and experiences about religious life from priests, religious sisters and brothers. This year, 342 fifth grade students from the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Brownsville were in attendance. Sister Mary Sardinha of the Sisters of St. Dorothy shared her vocation story with the girls at the

The Valley Catholic

Father Mario Galindo of the Missionaries of the Holy Family explains to fifth graders attending the annual Vocations Day on the grounds of the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-National Shrine that the Lord speaks to us in infinite ways, but especially through prayer and the people He places around us.

event. “I prayed for three years to be anything but a nun or teacher,” she said. “And today, I am both.” As she discerned a call to religious life, Sister Sardinha said she worried that becoming a

religious sister would mean a life away from her family. God quelled her fears and she joined the Sisters of St. Dorothy. Sister Sardinha said she was always able to arrange time to care for her parents and other family members.

“If you are generous with God, he will be generous with you,” she said. “If you are going to serve God, there is no way he is going to let you down.” Presentations from a deacon and the laity were added to the program this year. “We want to present all the possibilities,” said Lisette Allen, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Brownsville. “There is more than one way to serve in the Church.” The students finished the day with a Mass celebrated at the basilica by Father Amador Garza. Father Ignacio Tapia, director of the Office of Vocations for the diocese, said it is important for the students to hear the message of vocations at all ages and stages of their childhood. “At this age, the goal is for them to open their hearts and minds to the possibility that God may be calling them or could call them in the future,” he said.

9

»Birthday Wishes The list of birthdays and ordination anniversaries is provided so that parishioners may remember the priests in their prayers and send them a note or a card.

March

» Birthdays

2 Rev. Eduardo Ortega 6 Rev. Timothy Paulsen 7 Rev. Salvador Ramirez 10 Rev. Rodolfo Franco 18 Rev. Richard MacDonald 23 Rev. Frank Wittouck 24 Rev. Joseph Ayissi Nkoumu 29 Rev. Gerald Frank Anniversaries 2 Rev. Emilio Vega 5 Rev. Francisco Castillo

»

19 Rev. Jose E. Losoya

April

» Birthdays

5 Rev. Jaime Torres 8 Rev. Gerald McGovern 8 Rev. Alfonsus McHugh 15 Rev. Carlos Zuniga 20 Rev. Albert Lelo-Luemba 25 Rev. Samuel Arispe

» Anniversaries 13 Rev. Jose Mario Galindo 17 Rev. Joseph Ayissi Kmoumu 22 Rev. George Kerketta 28 Rev. Lee Dacosta 30 Rev. Jaime Torres

Benefit concert for priest retirement home The Valley Catholic A Lenten concert to benefit the retirement home for the priests of the Diocese of Brownsville will be held on Sunday, April 3 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the McAllen Civic Center Auditorium, 1300 S. 10th. St. The event will feature performances by Msgr. Juan Nicolau, Sonia, Maribel Garcia, Shalom and the music ministry from Comunidad AMA in Brownsville. A Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Raymundo J. Peña. Deacon Hugo De la Cruz will serve as master of ceremonies. Tickets are $6. For more information, visit www. comunidadama.com or call call (956) 838-1217.

10

IN THE NEWS

Japanese bishops to set up center to coordinate operations in Sendai By Catholic News Service ROME (CNS) -- Japanese church officials are setting up an emergency center to coordinate humanitarian aid operations in Sendai, the area most devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. The center will be managed by Caritas Japan and will draw on the resources of numerous Catholic volunteers who have come forward in the wake of the disaster, the Vatican missionary news agency Fides reported. Japan’s bishops, meeting in Sendai March 16, decided to establish the center and initiate additional relief efforts under the supervision of Caritas. “The biggest buildings in Sendai withstood the very strong earthquake. The greatest damage was caused by the tsunami. The panorama of destruction is striking. Now we’ll have to roll up our shirt sleeves. People are expecting our help,” said Father Daisuke Narui, executive director of Caritas Japan. Father Narui said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of Japanese youth offering to help the displaced. “Young people are continually coming to Caritas from all the dioceses to offer their availability as volunteers to bring aid to the areas most affected by the disaster,” the priest told Fides. “This is an important sign that gives us hope for the future.” “Today the dominant feeling is fear,” Father Narui said. “The biggest concern is that of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima. It is a ghost from Japanese history coming back to haunt us. But it must be said that the people are not indulging in panic; instead, they are reacting with poise and dignity.” He said although many people had been evacuated and others were being asked to stay in their homes, “in the worst-affected areas the main problem is the lack of food and fuel. As there is no fuel, people cannot move. And they are left feeling powerless in the face of this tragedy.” After the magnitude 9 earthquake, reactors at the Fukushima plant were hit by explosions, and Japanese officials were working to avoid leakage of radiation. They ordered evacuations for hundreds of thousands of people. Earlier, Bishop Martin Tetsuo Hiraga of Sendai told Vatican Radio that many area residents, cut off without electricity and with some phone service just restored, were unaware of the worsening situation at the Fukushima plant. “You living in other countries have a much better idea of the tragedy,” the bishop told Vatican Radio. “We are terrified,” the bishop said. “We only have the government announcements, we have no other source of information. We don’t even know what has happened to our parishes in the towns and villages along the coast. We have no way of contacting them. I can only hope that the people of my diocese can stand together and be strong enough to overcome this disaster.” Japanese officials estimate about 10,000 people died in the disaster.

The Valley Catholic - March 2011

Pilgrims flock to Medjugorje Vatican studies alleged apparitions of Mary in BosniaHerzegovina Catholic News Service MEDJUGORJE, Bosnia-Herzegovina (CNS) -- A Vatican-appointed commission is studying the alleged Marian apparitions at Medjugorje, but pilgrims keep arriving in the small town. As the 30th anniversary of the alleged apparitions approaches, the town is experiencing a building boom with new hostels, restaurants and shops that cater to pilgrims. The 11 Franciscan friars assigned to the town’s convent and its sole parish -- St. James -- are assisted by visiting priests in ministering to the pilgrims and the town’s 3,500 residents, who pack the church even in the winter when pilgrim buses are few and far between. A few hotels and dozens and dozens of family-run hostels offer more than 10,000 beds for pilgrims. Individuals and members of organized groups climb the

CNS photo/Paul Haring

A boy reaches to touch a statue of Mary on Apparition Hill in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Feb. 25. The site is where six village children first claimed to see Mary in June 1981. A Vatican-appointed commission is studying the alleged apparitions.

craggy Apparition Hill where six village children said they first saw Mary in June 1981. The pilgrims pray the rosary as they trudge up the hill, careful not to twist their ankles on the slices of rock jutting out of the hillside. Most of the Medjugorje “seers” have said the apparitions have continued every day for years. Three say they still have

visions each day, while the other three see Mary only once a year now. All six are now married and have children. Ivanka IvankovicElez, Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo and Jakov Colo still live year round in Medjugorje or a nearby village; each of them was contacted in late February but declined to be interviewed.

Lenten sacrifice:

Time to give up plastic bags or incandescent bulbs?

By NANCY FRAZIER O’BRIEN Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As Lent begins with Ash Wednesday March 9, Dan Misleh wants to remind Catholics that it is not just about giving up chocolate or ice cream for 40 days. Instead, the executive director of the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change would like to see Catholic families and individuals make some permanent sacrificial changes that will also contribute to a more sustainable and more just world. “The whole issue of climate change is about consumption and lifestyle,” said Misleh of the changes the Washington-based coalition would like to see implemented far beyond the Lenten period. “Lent is the perfect time to examine our lifestyles,” he added. Even giving up a food item like chocolate or ice cream “reminds us that we do need to live more within our means, more in touch with people who don’t have any of these things,” Misleh said. The coalition -- which includes

Catholic organizations representing the U.S. bishops, health care providers, teachers, men and women religious and a wide range of others -- is promoting the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor, through which individuals, families and institutions promise to pray and learn about environmental issues, assess their own contributions to climate change, act to change their choices and advocate Catholic principles and priorities on climate change. Pope Benedict XVI -- dubbed the “green pope” for his support of environmental initiatives at the Vatican -- has been critical of what he sees as a lack of worldwide commitment to mitigating climate change. In a January 2010 address, he told diplomats accredited to the Vatican that he shared “the growing concern caused by economic and political resistance to combating the degradation of the environment.” But he also said that the devastation of the world’s forests, the spread of its deserts and the pollution of its water cannot be reversed without moral education and changed lifestyles. As a next step in that educational process, 24 newly trained “Catholic climate ambassadors” will begin making presentations to parishes or schools this spring, especially

about “the need for solidarity with the poor, who are the ones most impacted by climate change,” Misleh said. Among the other resources available to raise awareness about the need for global solidarity are the Lent 4.5 faith-formation program developed by the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center in Louisville, Ky., and Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl. Lent 4.5, a seven-week program, gets its name from the fact that if the world were divided equally among all its residents, each would receive 4.5 acres of land from which to derive all of his or her food, energy, clothing, housing and “gadgets.” “But it takes 22.3 acres to maintain the average American lifestyle,” the program’s website notes. “There is a new way of observing Lent that helps us care for God’s creation by taking steps toward using only our fair share of its resources. Moving in the direction of 4.5 is essential for anyone walking in the footsteps of Jesus today.” “Develop a sense of moderation and sharing,” the Lent 4.5 website advises. “Discover the joy that comes from contentment, sensing that you have enough. And hold in your heart those people who don’t have enough -- enough food, enough water, enough of basic life necessities.”

Japanese communities in US, Canada pray for disaster victims LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- As the death toll climbed in Japan and people there scrambled to shut down nuclear reactors and take care of citizens who were still shaken, hungry and homeless from the magnitude 9 earthquake and devastating 23-foot tsunami March 11, communities in the United States and Canada were responding with material aid as well as spiritual support. In Los Angeles March 13, the first Sunday of Lent, parishioners at St. Francis Xavier Chapel in the city’s Little Tokyo gathered to hear the Gospel readings, share the Eucharist and offer prayers for the Japanese people. In Canada, Toronto’s Japanese Catholic community gathered to pray for their families and their country of birth at Mass the same day. Auxiliary Bishop Alex Salazar of Los Angeles, director of the archdiocesan Justice and Peace Office, joined Father Richard Hoynes, chaplain at St. Francis Xavier, and Father Niko Fati Falaniko Leota from the local Samoan Catholic community as a show of unity with the Japanese people -- in addition, representatives from the Kateri Circle, Filipino and Chinese ministries were also on hand. “We are nourished by the bread of life, the same Eucharist that nourishes Catholics all over the world,” said Bishop Salazar. “We are here to express our love and pray for the people of Japan and let them know that we are all in solidarity with you.” The bishop prayed that Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha would intercede on behalf of the people of Japan. “Help us to know that with Christ we can accept all of the difficulties of life.” Leading the music at the Mass was Sister Cecilia Nakajima, a Poor Clare Missionary, who was inspired to see all those who came to pray with her. “The Catholic community in Japan is small, but fruitful,” she said. “With this tragedy, I pray for all of Japan to reach up toward God.”

For more information about the Catholic Church in the Rio Grande Valley visit the Diocese of Brownsville web page.

www.cdob.org

NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL

March 2011 - The Valley Catholic

11

El papa dice que Cuaresma es tiempo de renunciar al egoísmo

Nuevo Sacerdote

Padre Reynoso asignado a iglesia Inmaculada Concepción The Valley Catholic

WESLACO — El Revendísimo Daniel E. Flores, Obispo de la Diócesis de Brownsville, ordenó a Marco Antonio Reynoso al sacerdocio, el 25 de febrero, en la iglesia St Pius X, en Weslaco. Después de la ordenación, el obispo presentó al Padre Reynoso con su facultad en la diócesis. Fue asignado vicario parroquial de la iglesia Inmaculada Concepción en Río Grande City y su misión, la iglesia Sagrado Corazón en Los Garcías. Durante su homilía, el Obispo Flores animó al Padre Reynoso a siempre guardar el fervor y entusiasmo del nuevo sacerdote y a disfrutar el esplendor de los días venideros — un tiempo de muchos primeros. “Savorea el momento y manten la frescura y belleza de

Fotos por Cesar Riojas/The Valley Catholic

Marco Antonio Reynoso fue ordenado sacerdote el 25 de febrero en la iglesia San Pio X en Weslaco. Durante el ritual de la ordenación, el obispo unge las palmas del nuevo sacerdote con el crisma; el candidato después se postra ante el altar y las oraciones de la letanía invocan la misericordia salvadora de Dios y la intercesión de todos los santos envían al Espíritu Santo sobre aquel que pronto será sacerdote. El Padre Reynoso impartió su primera bendición como sacerdote al Obispo Daniel E. Flores.

estos días a través de tu ministerio sacerdotal,” dijo el obispo. Original de Guadalajara,

México, el Padre Reynoso, de 29 años de edad, celebró su primera Misa como sacerdote,

el 26 de febrero, en la iglesia Sagrado Corazón en Brownsville.

Cuando se presenta la enfermedad ¿Quién toma las decisiones? Se habla sobre directivas médicas, y otros asuntos críticos Por ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic En la superficie, redactar un testamento en vida o un documento con directrices médicas por anticipado — un documento que deja instrucciones para el tratamiento médico en el caso donde uno pierde la capacidad para tomar decisiones debido a una enfermedad o incapacidad —podría parecer la cosa correcta por hacer, la cosa responsable, lo más amoroso. Si profundizan un poco más encontrarán que este tipo de documentos no captan las complejas realidades de estar críticamente enfermo. De hecho, estos documentos pueden ser, “muy peligrosos”, dijo la abogada Rita Marker

durante la Conferencia de Cuidados de la Salud durante el Fin de la Vida y Asuntos Legales, el 26 de febrero, en la iglesia Espíritu Santo, en McAllen. El evento fue patrocinado por el Apostolado de Respeto por la Vida de la Diócesis de Brownsville. Adicionalmente a Marker, entre los ponentes se incluyeron al Obispo Daniel E. Flores, Monseñor Robert Maher, vicario general de la diócesis y el Dr. Stephen Robinson, quien practica medicina familiar en Raymondville. El Dr. Lawrence Gelman, un anestesiólogo de McAllen y personalidad de radio, sirvió como maestro de ceremonias. Residente de Steubenville, Ohio, Marker es directora ejecutiva del Consejo de Derechos de los Pacientes, una organización no lucrativa que busca informar y educar sobre los asuntos críticos de la vida, muerte, eutanasia y suicidio asistido. En lugar de un testamento en vida o documento con di-

rectrices anticipadas para el cuidado médico, Marker recomienda tener un poder legal para la atención médica, que es un documento legal que designa a un individuo — al que se le hace referencia como agente o poderhabiente para la atención médica — para que tome decisiones médicas por uno en caso de que uno no pueda hacerlo. Un poder legal médico también se le llama poder legal duradero para la atención médica. Este es diferente a un poder legal que autoriza a alguien a tomar decisiones financieras por otro. “Hoy les pido que si no tienen nada más, solo tengan este documento, un poder legal médico — eso es todo,” dijo Marker. “Cualquier otra cosa agrega confusión y complejidad y puede ocasionar todo tipo de problemas.” Marker indicó que muchas personas bien intencionadas inteligentes tienen un testamento en vida o un documento con directrices médicas

anticipadas por abogados bien intencionados pero la realidad es, que hay muchas variables desconocidas cuando de los asuntos del fin de la vida se trata. En lugar de simplificar esos asuntos, estos documentos pueden aumentarlos y hasta llevar a la eutanasia o al suicidio asistido. Algunas instalaciones de cuidados de la salud pueden animar a los pacientes a tener un documento con las directrices anticipadas de cuidados médicos o testamento en vida pero la ley federal y de Texas que ninguna instalación de cuidados médicos puede obligarlo a tener un documento con directrices médicas anticipadas, dijo Marker. El caso en contra de las directrices médicas anticipadas Los documentos con directrices médicas anticipadas son vagos y no pueden cubrir todas las posibles situaciones. “Existen tantas posibilidades de situaciones médicas » Por favor lea Médicas, pág.12

Por CINDY WOODEN Catholic News Service CIUDAD DEL VATICANO – La Cuaresma es una época de autoexamen y de soltar todo rastro de egoísmo, el cual es la raíz de la violencia, dijo el papa Benedicto XVI. “La avaricia de posesión lleva a la violencia, a la explotación y a la muerte”, por lo cual durante la Cuaresma la iglesia fomenta dar limosna, “que es la capacidad de compartir”, dijo el papa en su mensaje anual para la Cuaresma. El texto del mensaje del papa para la Cuaresma 2011, que comienza el 9 de marzo para los católicos del rito latino, fue emitido durante una conferencia de prensa en el Vaticano el 22 de febrero. El cardenal guineano Robert Sarah, presidente del Pontificio Consejo Cor Unum, el cual promueve la donación caritativa católica, dijo a reporteros: “La intensa miseria lleva a la inestabilidad económica y política, creando un vacío para el conflicto y el malestar que producen un círculo vicioso de sufrimiento profundizado, especialmente para los más vulnerables”. El cardenal dijo que el mensaje del papa enfatiza el hecho que “el encuentro con Cristo en su palabra y en los sacramentos se manifiesta en obras concretas de misericordia”. El tema del mensaje del papa fue tomado de la Carta a los Colosenses: “En el bautismo ustedes fueron sepultados con él y con él resucitaron”. El papa Benedicto dijo que la Cuaresma es un tiempo especial para que la gente se prepare para el bautismo o fortalezca el compromiso de seguir a Cristo que fue hecho originalmente en el bautismo. En su mensaje el papa tomó los Evangelios de los domingos de Cuaresma del año y los usó para extraer lecciones que él dijo serían provechosas para hacer el viaje de la Cuaresma hacia la conversión cristiana. El recuento del Evangelio acerca de la victoria de Jesús sobre la tentación en el desierto “es una invitación a darnos cuenta de nuestra propia fragilidad para poder aceptar la gracia que libera del pecado e infunde nueva fortaleza”, él dijo. La historia de Jesús encontrando a la mujer junto al pozo es un recordatorio de que toda la gente, como la mujer, desea el “agua” de la vida eterna, él dijo. Solamente el agua ofrecida por Jesús “puede irrigar los desiertos de nuestra intranquila e insatisfecha alma hasta que ésta ‘encuentra descanso en Dios’”, como dijo San Agustín. El cuento del Evangelio de Jesús curando el hombre que nació ciego “es una señal de que Cristo quiere no sólo darnos vista, sino también abrir nuestra visión interior de modo que nuestra fe pueda tornarse siempre más profunda y podamos reconocerlo como nuestro único salvador”, dijo el papa. La historia de la resucitación de Lázaro, leída durante el quinto domingo de Cuaresma, le recuerda a los cristianos que su destino es la vida eterna con Dios, quien creó “los hombres y las mujeres para la resurrección y la vida”, él dijo.

12

NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL

Oración eucarística recitada en Misa llamada ‘la acción de la iglesia’ Por MARY IAPALUCCI Catholic News Service ROCKVILLE CENTRE, Nueva York — “Éste es mi cuerpo”. Los católicos escuchan estas palabras cada vez que están en Misa, ¿pero consideramos to d o lo que Necesitamos tener reverencia significan? en la manera “La en que nos ig lesia acercamos a la ha reEucaristía. cibido Sheila Browne la Eucaristía de su Señor, no como un regalo, por más preciado que sea, entre tantos otros, sino como el regalo por excelencia porque éste es el regalo de sí mismo, de su persona en su humanidad sagrada, así como el regalo de su trabajo de servicio”, escribió el papa Juan Pablo II en su encíclica del 2003 acerca de la iglesia y la Eucaristía, titulada “Ecclesia de Eucharistia”. No obstante, encuestas realizadas por varios grupos durante la última década indican que algunos católicos realmente no entienden que la Eucaristía es verdaderamente el cuerpo y la sangre de Jesucristo. Son comunes los informes anecdóticos de falta de reverencia hacia el sacramento, desde el modo desganado en que algunas personas se acercan al altar hasta flagrantes actos de falta de respeto. “Jesús fue literal en lo que dijo”, dijo la hermana de la Misericordia Sheila Browne, directora asociada recientemente jubilada de la Oficina

“

Médicas, Continúa de la pág.11 que no puede uno ponerlas todas en papel”, dijo Marker. Las directrices médicas anticipadas también pueden quedar abiertas a la interpretación legal. A menudo se utilizan frases como “que sostienen la vida,” “medios artificiales,” y “medidas extraordinarias.” Aun cuando estas palabras parecen inofensivas, este lenguaje puede ser engañoso cuando se analiza el significado de las palabras. “El termino legal de ‘artificial,’ por ejemplo, incluye todo,” dijo Marker. “Desde el medicamento para la presión arterial hasta los ingredientes en los panecillos que conocemos como twinkies, casi todo es artificial.” Otro punto que se hizo notar es que los documentos con directrices médicas anticipadas están fijados en el tiempo y los avances tecnológicos se están haciendo constantemente. Lo que se considera, “una medida extraordi-

de Culto de la Diócesis de Rockville Centre. “Estudie las palabras de la oración eucarística. Todo lo que creemos está allí dentro. Articulamos lo que creemos, pero no siempre prestamos atención. “La oración eucarística es la acción de la iglesia”, ella dijo. “Es el cumplimiento del bautismo”. Aunque somos lo suficientemente afortunados de participar en la liturgia, esto podría parecer rutinario tan a menudo que “necesitamos entender la realidad de la Eucaristía. Gente ha muerto por esto”, dijo la hermana Sheila al Long Island Catholic, periódico diocesano de Rockville Centre. Ya que es tan impresionante, “necesitamos tener reverencia en la manera en que nos acercamos a la Eucaristía”, ella dijo. “Debemos decir claramente ‘Amén’ y presentar reverentemente las manos abiertas, como escribió Cirilo de Jerusalén, haciendo un trono de éstas”. Las parroquias necesitan proveer buenas liturgias, incluyendo buena predicación y buenos himnos para ayudar a instruir a los fieles acerca del sacramento, añadió la hermana Sheila. Un estudio del 2008 realizado por el Centro Para la Investigación Aplicada en el Apostolado encontró que solamente el 57 por ciento de los católicos cree que “Jesucristo está realmente presente en el pan y el vino de la Eucaristía”, pero un vistazo más cercano muestra que el número aumenta al 91 por ciento entre los respondientes que asisten a Misa semanalmente o más a menudo.

naria” hoy podría no ser tan extraordinaria en cinco o hasta en dos años. “Esa es una parte de las razones que los testamentos en vida no son muy Buenos documentos,” dijo el Dr. Robert Holder, quien practica medicina familiar en Harlingen. “Si ponen algo en papel hoy, no tienen idea como va a ser la medicina en el 2025 o más pronto. La tasa de la tecnología está aumentando logarítmicamente, lo que significa que se producen alrededor de 10 mil nuevos documentos médicos todos los días. Nadie puede seguir el paso de la tecnología”. Las directrices médicas anticipadas a menudo niegan a la persona el tiempo y tratamiento que necesitan para recuperarse. “No subestimen el poder de la recuperación del cuerpo,” dijo el Dr. Gelman. “No tomen decisions en los momentos de crisis. He visto a individuos que cuando se presentan con el doctor, para todo el mundo, parece como si fueran a morirse en cualquier momento pero después del tratamiento, cuando se les quita el dolor, están

The Valley Catholic - March 2011

¿Qué hay en el Menú? Pescado, vegeterano platos poplular durante cuaresma Por ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic PORT ISABEL — Joe’s Oyster Bar está ocupado durante todo el año pero mucho más durante la Cuaresma. Los turistas y residentes de la localidad por igual llenan el restaurant para probar los frescos mariscos locales que ofrece como el camarón de Golfo, el flounder, el mero y el guachinango. “Hay suficiente variedad de buen pescado localmente,” dijo Joe Castillo, propietario de Joe’s Oyster Bar, ubicado en el interior de Gulf Seafood and Mini Mart. “No hay necesidad de importarlo de otras áreas. Los mariscos del Golfo son frescos y deliciosos.” Los católicos a lo largo del Valle del Río Grande estarán buscando especiales de mariscos y recetas para los viernes de Cuaresma. En el Café de la Basílica de Nuestra Señora de San Juan del Valle-Santuario Nacional en San Juan, la gerente Elsa María Tejada preparó con semanas de anticipación los menús para la Cuaresma. “Estamos muy ocupados el Miércoles de Ceniza y los viernes de Cuaresma,” dijo Tejada. “Los peregrinos ya saben que pueden encontrar un buen platillo vegetariano o de mariscos aquí. Todo en el menú es apropiado para la Cuaresma en esos días.” Los favoritos en el Café de la Basílica durante la Cuaresma incluyen los platillos de chiles rellenos de queso, nopalitos, platillos de pescado principalmente de tilapia y la capirotada. Castillo, feligrés de la iglesia Nuestra Señora Estrella del Mar en Puerto Isabel, aprendió el arte de cocinar mariscos mientras trabajaba en el restaurante del hotel South Padre Island. En 1982, se aventuró solo, abriendo un Mer-

bien, algunas veces hasta años más tarde.” ¿Quién necesita uno? Cualquier persona mayor de 18 años de edad necesita un poder legal para la atención médica. Los miembros de las comunidades religiosas también necesitan uno para poder aclarar si un miembro de la familia o superior será el que tome estas decisiones por ellos. ¿A quién escoger? La primera pregunta es a quién escoger para que sea su poderhabiente. Marker recomienda escoger una persona primaria, y una primer y segunda alternativa. “Muchas personas automáticamente escogerían a su esposo o esposa pero y si usted y su esposo llegan a accidentarse juntos en un accidente de automóvil?” dijo ella. “Necesitan tener un plan de respaldo.” Marker dijo que es importante escoger a alguien que tenga sus intereses considerados y que conozca sus deseos, alguien que sea lo suficiente asertivo para asegurarse que sus deseos serán cumplidos. El o ella deben ser juiciosos, maduros y cómodos con las conversa-

Cortesia de la familia Cuellar

Joe Castillo, feligrés de la iglesia católica Nuestra Señora Estrella del Mar en Puerto Isabel, comparte su receta para hacer croquetas de cangrejo.

cado de mariscos en un edificio de 20 por 20, “viniéndose abajo,” recuerda él. “¿Mi esposa dijo, ‘estás loco, qué vas a hacer allí?’” dijo Castillo. Comenzó lentamente haciendo mejorías a la propiedad y también comenzó a ofrecer comida para llevar. Hoy en día, Joe’s Oyster Bar es un restaurante que recientemente se amplió para acomodar todavía más comensales. Algunas de las especialidades de la casa incluyen la jaiba, el caldo de marisco, el ceviche y los platillos de mariscos. Castillo da el crédito al Señor y al duro trabajo por el éxito de su restaurant y mercado de mariscos. “Hasta recientemente, trabajaba siete días a la semana de 8 a.m. a 9 p.m.,” dijo él. “Ahora, me tomo un día de descanso, el domingo.” Castillo dijo que ha construido su negocio hasta el punto donde podría retirarse pero ni lo soñaría. “Amo mi negocio,” dijo él. “Amo estar aquí, cocinando y saludando a los clientes.” Tanto Castillo como Tejada amablemente compartieron recetas de mariscos con The Valley Catholic y ofrecieron consejos para comprar los mejores y más frescos mariscos.

ciones sinceras sobre la vida y la muerte. “Es mucho mejor nombrar a alguien que conozcan y en quien confinen, con quien hablen de ello — oigan yo no quiero estar conectado a todas esas máquinas — y que se aseguren que ellos van a hacer cumplir eso,” dijo ella. “Pero no hagan una declaración general que otra persona pueda malinterpretar.” Antes de que llegue la Crisis El poder legal médico debe estar hecho antes de que se presenten las emergencias médicas. No es fácil de hablar de las lesiones, enfermedades y la muerte pero es una conversación que necesita suceder antes de una crisis médica. Ferney Medina, uno de los organizadores de la conferencia, trabaja como capellán en el campo de los cuidados de las instalaciones de cuidados médicos asistidos para enfermos terminales. “Un gran peligro que encuentro en mi trabajo pastoral como capellán es que no hablamos sobre la muerte,” dijo Medina. “Muchos de nosotros pensamos que la muerte nos vendrá si hablamos

Consejos para comprar los mejores mariscos: • El pescado debe oler fresco y ligero, no demasiado a “pes cado” o como amonia. • El camarón también debe tener un olor ligero y asegurarse que las conchas no tengan orillas negras ni puntos negros porque indica pérdida de frescura. • Asegúrense de que sea natural de mar, no cultivado — busquen la etiqueta del USDA. • Busquen las variedades locales que fueron atrapadas en el Golfo de México. Es más seguro de que estará fresco y apoyarán la economía local. • El pescado fresco entero debe tener ojos y cuerpo brillantes. Ojos opacos y sumidos son señal de que ha perdido su frescura. • No caminen por el supermer cado o por el mercado con los mariscos — que sea la última cosa que escojan antes de pagar. La clave es mantenerlo frío.

sobre ella. Pienso que esta es una gran oportunidad de comprender la importancia de hablar con alguien y mencionar la palabra muerte y mencionar nuestros deseos.” Medina agregó que como personas de fe, tenemos la esperanza de la vida eterna. El sugiere construir la conversación alrededor de estas esperanzas y creencias. Enfermo crítico vs. muriendo Monseñor. Maher indicó que existe una diferencia entre muriendo y enfermo crítico. “De acuerdo a las enseñanzas de la Iglesia, nunca pueden justificar moralmente terminar el tratamiento en el caso de una persona que no se está muriendo,” dijo él. “También, si el doctor dice, ‘te estás muriendo,’ nunca se requiere que tome lo que en algunos casos se llaman medidas extraordinarias o en otros contextos, nunca tienen que usar medios desproporcionados para sostener la vida.” Para información adicional sobre este y otros asuntos pro-vida, favor de comunicarse con el Apostolado Pro-vida de la Diócesis de Brownsville al (956) 486-2680.

NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL

March 2011 - The Valley Catholic

“Jesús de Nazaret” En nuevo libro, el papa presenta a Jesús como reconciliador Por JOHN THAVIS Catholic News Service CIUDAD DEL VATICANO — En su nuevo volumen “Jesús de Nazaret”, el papa Benedicto XVI presenta la pasión y la resurrección de Cristo como eventos que cambiaron la Historia y que responden a la incesante necesidad de la humanidad de reconciliarse con Dios. El libro, escrito en 384 páginas y titulado “Jesús de Nazaret: Semana Santa -- Desde la entrada a Jerusalén hasta la Resurrección”, fue dado a conocer oficialmente el 10 de marzo. El papa había trabajado durante varios años con el texto, que es el segundo de una serie en la que se estudian los eventos principales del ministerio público de Jesús. El Vaticano dijo que ya se había publicado un 1,2 millón de copias del libro, en siete lenguas, y que una versión electrónica estaba planeada también. En el prefacio, el papa dice que no se había propuesto escribir otra “Vida de Jesús” en forma cronológica; sino en lugar de eso, quería presentar la figura y el mensaje “del Jesús real” y no un revolucionario político ni mero moralista, sino el Hijo de Dios que inauguró un nuevo camino de salvación fundamentado en el poder del amor. Por medio de su sacrificio

CNS foto/Paul Haring

El nuevo libro del Papa Benedicto XVI, “Jesús de Nazaret”, en que se presenta la pasión y la resurrección de Cristo como eventos que cambiaron la Historia y que responden a la incesante necesidad de la humanidad de reconciliarse con Dios, está disponible en varios lenguajes.

en la cruz y su institución de la iglesia, Jesús llevó a cabo una misión universal: “conduciendo al mundo lejos de la condición de separación de Dios y de sí mismo”. Es una misión que continúa hasta hoy en día, escribió el papa. “¿No es el caso que nuestra necesidad de reconciliarnos con Dios, el Dios silencioso, misterioso, aparentemente ausente y sin embargo omnipresente, es el problema real de toda la historia del mundo?” dijo. En el libro se analizan los eventos clave de los días finales de Jesús, incluyendo la limpieza del templo, la Última Cena, la traición que recibió (Jesús), el interrogatorio ante el Sanedrín y Poncio Pilato, respectivamente, su crucifixión y sus apariciones ante sus discípulos después de su resurrección. A través del texto, el papa Benedicto examina la interpretación de las Escrituras de los padres de la primera iglesia y de eruditos contemporáneos,

rechazando algunos argumentos y afirmando otros o elaborando sobre ellos. En forma prominente se cita a Rudolf Bultmann, erudito del Nuevo Testamento, protestante alemán de finales del siglo XX. El papa dijo que era importante entender que los eventos narrados en las Escrituras estaban históricamente fundamentados y que en verdad sucedieron y que no son simplemente historias o ideas; por ejemplo, dijo, si Jesús no les hubiera dado en realidad a sus discípulos pan y vino como su cuerpo y sangre, en la Última Cena, entonces “la celebración eucarística de la iglesia estaría vacía; simplemente sería una ficción devota”. Del mismo modo, dijo, la verdadera resurrección de Cristo de entre los muertos es fundamental para la iglesia. Sin ella, dijo, “La fe cristiana en sí misma estaría muerta”. Al mismo tiempo, el papa reconoció que el documento histórico de Jesús no está siem-

pre completo y dijo que “si la certeza de fe dependiera de verificación científico-histórica solamente, estaría siempre abierta a revisión”. El papa se refirió al movimiento “de un Jesús histórico” sostenido por algunos eruditos de las Escrituras, diciendo que “se enfoca demasiado en el pasado y se hace de esta manera imposible una relación personal con Jesús”. El papa se refirió a estudiosos (de la Escritura) que le han dado una interpretación política a la pasión de Cristo y que han buscado presentar a Jesús como “agitador político”. Por el contrario, escribió el papa, Jesús inauguró “un reino mesiánico no político” en un mundo en donde la política y la religión habían estado en forma inseparable. “Esta separación -– esencial al mensaje de Jesús, separación entre política y fe, del pueblo de Dios y de la política, fue posible al final solamente mediante la cruz. Solamente por medio de la pérdida total de todo poder externo, por medio del despojo total que condujo a la cruz, podría este nuevo mundo empezar su existencia”, dijo. El papa dijo que “la violenta revolución, la matanza de otros en nombre de Dios” no era el camino de Jesús. “Jesús no viene empuñando la espada del revolucionario; viene con el regalo de sanación”, dijo. En el libro, en general, se procuró evitar comentarios sobre asuntos contemporáneos; pero en el asunto de la no violencia, el papa añadió que “las consecuencias de la violencia con motivos religiosos estaban demasiado evidentes ante la vista de todos”.

La violencia en la frontera figura entre los asuntos tratados por los obispos de Texas y México Por Catholic News Service EL PASO, Texas (CNS) -Se discutieron preocupaciones comunes relacionadas con la violencia entre grupos de traficantes de drogas de México, y otros asuntos más extensos con respecto a la discriminación y violaciones en contra de los derechos humanos que perjudican a los inmigrantes, y sus efectos en la iglesia. La reunión, que duró tres días, se sostuvo entre los obispos de las diócesis aledañas a la frontera de Texas con México. La reunión terminó el 3 de marzo. En su encuentro en El Paso, pasando la frontera de Ciudad Juárez, México, lugar principal de la guerra de drogas en México y en donde miles de asesinatos ocurren anualmente, los 10 obispos también discutieron asuntos pastorales relacionados con la celebración de los sacramentos, dijo el padre Juan Armando Renovato López, vocero de la diócesis de Piedras Negras, que

limita con Eagle Pass, Texas. Los obispos estuvieron de acuerdo en coordinar prácticas en ambos lados de la frontera, facilitándoles a los residentes de EE.UU. celebrar matrimonios o lograr que sus hijos sean bautizados en México con la presencia de familiares a quienes se les hace difícil cruzar la frontera debido a la violencia, dijo el padre Renovato. “Es importante que apliquemos los mismos requisitos a lo largo de la frontera en relación a la preparación del matrimonio. Eso ha sido un asunto importante para nosotros”, le dijo el obispo de Brownsville, Daniel E. Flores, al canal de televisión KVIA de El Paso. Las acciones drásticas del gobierno mexicano en contra de los grupos criminales y de traficantes de drogas han cobrado la vida de más de 35,000 personas en los pasados cuatro años. La violencia ha afectado principalmente a personas involucradas en actividades ilegales; pero la

comisión estatal Chihuahuense de derechos humanos presentó recientemente un informe acerca de por lo menos 200 familias enteras que han sido muertas en venganza por acciones de familiares. El padre Renovato le dijo al “Catholic News Service” (CNS, Servicio Católico de Noticias) que los obispos también querían explorar “cómo la iglesia puede ofrecer asistencia a migrantes, muchos de los cuales carecen de dinero en absoluto”. La migración rumbo al norte continúa a pesar de que la ruta que siguen las personas indocumentadas provenientes de Centroamérica, al cruzar México, se ha hecho todavía más peligrosa, con grupos criminales que participan del “negocio” de contrabando con seres humanos. Los obispos celebraron una Misa especial para la paz y justicia en la catedral de San Patricio, el 2 de marzo, para rezar por la paz a lo largo de la frontera y a ellos se les unieron docenas de

parroquianos de todo El Paso. “Espero que den verdadero fruto estas oraciones, que juntos recitamos, tanto en inglés como en español, para beneficio de todos”, dijo el obispo de Laredo, Texas, James A. Tamayo, para el canal de televisión KVUE de El Paso. La violencia en la frontera fue uno de los asuntos que el presidente mexicano Felipe Calderón y el presidente Barack Obama discutieron durante su pasada reunión en Washington. El 4 de marzo, los dos dirigentes estuvieron de acuerdo en trabajar juntos aún más para combatir la violencia generada por el tráfico de drogas. Obama comprometió a los EE.UU. en el sentido de acelerar el paso para el entrenamiento y equipo de fuerzas mexicanas que luchen contra los grupos de criminales de drogas. También dijo que los EE.UU. deben limitar el flujo de dinero y armamento que entra a México y que va a parar en manos de maleantes de drogas.

13

Sacrificio Cuaresmal Cambios para lograr tener un mundo que se sostenga mejor Por NANCY FRAZIER O’BRIEN Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — Durante la Cuaresma, Dan Misleh quiere recordarles a los católicos que no solamente se trata de no probar ni chocolates o helados durante 40 días. En lugar de eso, el director ejecutivo de la Coalición Católica sobre el Cambio de Clima quisiera ver que las familias católicas y las personas individualmente hagan algunos cambios permanentes que incluyan sacrificio para lograr tener un mundo que se sostenga mejor y sea más justo. “Todo el asunto de cambio de clima se refiere al consumo y al estilo de vida”, dijo Misleh refiriéndose a los cambios que la coalición, cuyas oficinas centrales están en Washington, quisiera ver que se apliquen más allá del periodo de Cuaresma. “La Cuaresma es el tiempo perfecto para examinar nuestro estilo de vida”, añadió. Incluso la abstención de chocolate o helados “nos recuerda que necesitamos vivir más en consonancia con nuestros recursos, más en contacto con gente que no tiene ninguna de esas cosas”, dijo Misleh. La coalición, en la que se incluyen organizaciones católicas que representan a los obispos de EE.UU., trabajadores al cuidado de la salud, maestros, hombres y mujeres de comunidades religiosas y de otros muchos ámbitos, promueve el compromiso de San Francisco de cuidar la creación y de cuidar a los pobres, por medio de lo cual personas individuales, familias e instituciones prometen rezar y enterarse de asuntos del medio ambiente, medir sus propias contribuciones que tienen consecuencias para el cambio de clima, actuar para cambiar sus decisiones y poner en práctica principios católicos y prioridades sobre cambio de clima. El papa Benedicto XVI -- llamado “el papa verde” por su apoyo a las iniciativas a favor del medio ambiente en el Vaticano, ha criticado lo que él ve como falta de compromiso del todo el mundo para mitigar el cambio de clima. En un discurso en el mes de enero del año 2010, el papa les dijo a los diplomáticos acreditados ante el Vaticano que él compartía “la preocupación creciente causada por la resistencia económica y política para combatir la degradación del medio ambiente”. Pero también dijo que la devastación de las selvas del mundo, el aumento de zonas desérticas y la contaminación de las aguas no podría revertirse sin una educación moral y un cambio del estilo de vida. Como siguiente paso en ese proceso de educación, 24 recién entrenados “embajadores católicos del clima” empezarán a hacer presentaciones en parroquias y escuelas esta primavera, especialmente “de la necesidad de solidaridad con los pobres, quienes son los que se ven más afectados por el cambio de clima”, dijo Misleh.

14

DIOCESE

The Valley Catholic - March 2011

Oath of Fidelity

»What is a Cursillo? It is to live what is fundamental for being a Christian

Courtesy Photo

Seminarian Jesus Paredes Cantu of the Diocese of Brownsville made the Profession of Faith and took the Oath of Fidelity on Feb. 5 in the presence of the seminary community at the Pontifical College Josephinum in preparation for ordination to the diaconate. Candidates for ordination pledge to always remain faithful to the teachings of the Church and, with their hand on the Book of Gospels, swear before almighty God to be faithful teachers of the Gospel and never to lead the people astray with false teachings. Very Reverend James A. Wehner, STD, Rector / President of the Josephinum, instructed the seminarians: “Too often in the Church, priests have confused the People of God by offering opinions or false teachings either as a result of arrogance or improper training. Today, the Church thanks you for your commitment to the Gospel, for saying ‘yes’ to Jesus Christ, and for your willingness to be heralds of the Good News.”

Decisions, continued from pg. 9 all down on paper,” Marker said. Advance medical directives can also be open to legal interpretation. They often use phrases such as “life sustaining,” “artificial means,” and “extraordinary measures.” Although these wordings seem harmless, this language can be deceptive when the meanings of the words are analyzed. “The legal meaning of ‘artificial,’ for example, includes everything,” Marker said. “From blood pressure medications to the ingredients in twinkies, virtually anything is artificial.” Another point that was made is that advance medical directives are set in time and technological advances are made in medicine constantly. What is considered, “an extraordinary measure” today may not be so extraordinary in five or even two years. “That is part of the reason living wills are not very good

documents,” said Dr. Robert Holder, who practices family medicine in Harlingen. “If you put something on a piece of paper today, you have no idea what medicine is going to be like in 2025 or sooner. The rate of technology is going up logarithmically, which means there are about 10,000 new medical documents produced every day. Nobody can keep up with the rate of technology.” Advance medical directives often deny the person the time and treatment they need to recover. “Don’t underestimate the recuperative powers of the body,” Dr. Gelman said. “Don’t be making decisions at the point of a crisis. I have seen individuals that when they are presented to the physician, for all the world, look like they are about to die at any moment but after treatment, when their pain is taken away, they are fine, sometimes even years later.” For additional information on this and other pro-life issues, please contact the Prolife Apostolate of the Diocese of Brownsville at (956) 4862680.

I once heard my professor of Church History in Seminary say that there is usually a stirring of the Holy Spirit within believers whenever there is a lack of faith within certain periods of history of the Church. This is what happened when the Cursillo Movement surged in Spain in the 1940’s. The name “Cursillo” is Spanish which means, “short course” and is associated with a 3-Day weekendwhich is one aspect of the Cursillo Movement. I remember growing up in McAllen, Tx and attending St. Joseph the Worker Parish and every Tuesday evening after the weekday Mass I would hear a group of people meeting in the cryroom where they would sing “De Colores”. I thought these people were awkward in the way they would hold hands and sing and yell. For me it was different, it was not until I was in high school that it was explained to me what the Cursillo Movement was all about. Although I was invited many a time, I did not live my Cursillo until May of 2003. Most of my parishioners at San Juan Diego, in McAllen are Cursillistas and are very active members in the different organizations and Ministries of the Parish. I was asked to be the Spiritual Director for the Cursillo Movement in 2004. The Cursillo Movement began with a group of men dedicated themselves to bringing the young men of their city of Mallorca, Spain, to know Christ better. Itt developed as they prayed and worked together; it developed as

Rev. Carlos Zúñiga Spiritual Director, Cursillo Movement, Diocese of Brownsville

they talked together, sharing their thoughts about the state of the world and the effectiveness of their efforts to bring the light of Christ to it. The website that promotes the Cursillo Movement mentions that “On the natural level alone, the story of the Cursillo Movement is exciting. It’s a story filled with the adventure of new discoveries and works of outstanding dedication, tragic misunderstandings and setbacks, as well as impressive patience. These young men and the clergy who supported them endured many unpromising situations in the faith that God would work.” We read from the Cursillo literature that: ““The specific purpose of the Cursillo Movement is to make it possible for everybody to live what is Fundamental for being a Christian, to achieve the reality of the liberty of the person encountering the Holy Spirit. This will surpass any structure and will strike down any temptation to enclose and classify something that it is as natural and spontaneous as the individual encounter with the Gospel of Christ.” (1st Conversations at Cala Figuera Life #8). Furthermore, the person who wants to live his/her Cursillo

experience has to be a person who is Catholic and is living a sacramental life. It is essential to note that “If the individual human being and the world in general had in fact ceased to be Christian, despite outward appearances of being Christian, then:The Cursillo Movement would not aim directly at doing Christian things, but instead would put all its emphasis on being Christian; because when one is Christian, one can do so much better whatever it is that has to be done. Apostolic action is of value only if it is the outcome of being Christian. Action that is not expressive of one’s innermost being lacks the force it needs to be effective, because it is not stamped with the unmistakable seal of vital commitment. At best, it can serve only to ease the minds of people who believe that with a fixed quota of activities than can satisfy their obligations.” (FI 20-f) There is so much to be learned about the solid theology behind the Cursillo Movement which I would like to continue to address in a future article. For now it should be noted that this beautiful movement has existed in the Rio Grande Valley since 1957 and many have experienced the Risen Christ in their lives through this awesome experience of accepting Jesus, the Lord in their lives. One of the founders of the Cursillo movement, Eduardo Bonin captures it well when he said: “The Cursillo Movement is neither a structure nor an organization. “God did not become a structure, He became man”.

Priest assignments announced The Valley Catholic BROWNSVILLE — The Diocese of Brownsville’s Chancellor’s Office announced the following priest assignments. Effective February 15, 2011 Rev. Carlos Zuniga, medical leave of absence

Fish Eaters, continued from pg. 5 however, was a common staple, as easy as a stream and a line, and so it became symbolic of humility and poverty. Later, the term “fish eaters” became an insult, because one of the main cultural practices that set early Protestant American settlers apart from Catholics was their Friday fast. First lobbed at Catholics by Dutch Protestants (to which Catholics retaliated with “cheeseeater”) it remains an anti-Catholic slur in some circles to this day. The Lenten Fast Although they continue in the East, weekly fasts have died out in the west for several reasons. Westerners are more hedonistic and often simply do not care that they are ruled by their flesh to the destruction of their spirits. Most of us consider our recreation and luxuries as necessities.

Effective March 1, 2011 Msgr. Heberto M. Diaz, Jr., Temporary Parish Administrator of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish in Brownsville in conjunction with present assignments

Rev. Rigobert Poulang Mot, Parish Administrator of Saint Helen Parish in Rio Hondo and its mission Saint Vincent de Paul in Lozano

Effective March 7, 2011 Rev. Felix A. Cazares, Pastor of San Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin Parish in McAllen

Effective March 25, 2011 Rev. Marco A. Reynoso, Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish in Rio Grande City and its mission Sacred Heart in Los Garcias

Also, the regulations for fasting are set by the bishops and vary by location. Dinner at Red Lobster or even Captain D´s hardly lives up to the ascetic spirit of a fast. For these reasons many western bishops relaxed the fasts because the ascetic spirit remained unobserved. But Lenten fasting and abstinence remains even where Friday and/or Wednesday fasting has been abandoned. There are traditionally forty days in Lent which are marked by fasting. The idea was, and still is, to do without the luxuries in life, both foods and festivities, and to engage in acts of penance. Traditionally, those penances are prayer (justice to God), fasting (justice to one´s self), and almsgiving (justice to one´s neighbor). One who gains mastery over his appetites, gains mastery over his flesh. The struggle against disordered appetites and passions of the flesh should anchor one in prayer, and is a prerequisite for spiritual progress, because fleshly appetites and passions are “enmity

against God: for [they are] not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom. 8:7). It is Catholic practice, then, to eat fish during Lent, a food which is not considered meat (even by Jews or Muslims) and is symbolic of penance, humility and spiritual poverty. In addition, because of early Christian use of its symbolism, the fish also bears strong symbolism of Christ and the apostles, and is therefore allowed during Lent despite its being, literally, the “flesh of an animal.” On Ash Wednesday and Lenten Fridays of fasting and abstinence, fish is traditional along with vegetables and meatless soups. Sundays are always free of fasting and abstinence, even in the heart of Lent, because Sunday is a weekly feast day in honor of Resurrection joy. The Lenten schedule of fasting and abstinence ends after the Vigil Mass of Holy Saturday. — Article provided by Catholic.org Printed with permission

DIOCESE

March 2011 - The Valley Catholic

»Media Resource Center

» Calendar of Events

Recommended by SISTER MAUREEN CROSBY, SSD Coordinator of the Media Resource Center - Diocese of Brownsville

»Worth Watching Joseph of Nazareth: Story of the Man Closest to Christ Format: VHS/DVD Starring: Tobias Moretti, Stefania Rivi Production: Ignatius Press (2009) The facts: This is regarded as first feature film ever on the story of St. Joseph - carpenter, husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that St. Joseph was a “just man”, and that God gave him the most daunting task ever asked of a man - to be the husband of the woman who would give birth to the Messiah, and the father and protector of this Holy Family, the man closest to Christ.

»From the Bookshelf Faith & Family Life

Have You Ever Seen an Elephant Sneeze? A Zany Zooful of God’s Creatures

Format: DVD Hosted by: Gaynell Cronin Production: St. Anthony Messenger The facts: The Faith and Family Life

series contains six video programs originally produced by Ikonographics and Fisher Productions. Directed toward parents as the primary religious educators of their children, each program is filled with practical how-to ideas that focus on real-life concerns, relationships and joys. Subjects include How to Raise your Child With Faith as a Single Parent and Raising a Faith-filled Child in a Consumer Society.

Length: 72 pages, paperback Author: Bernadette McCarver Snyder Publisher: Ave Maria Press (1996) The facts:This book is perfect for children who are enthralled by animals and it starts the conversation about God’s creations. The story reaffirms that God’s creations are all unique and amazing by design. Best of all, it broaches the subject with a sense of humor.

The Lenten Pharmacy: Daily Healing Therapies

Authors: Edward Hays Publisher: Forest of Peace (2006) Length: 126 pages, paperback The facts:Offers a daily reflection for each day of the Lenten season. Here the focus is on Jesus the Healer whose prescriptions for a healthy and happy life are well worth following. During this 40-day annual journey, we often come face-to-face with our vices, addictions, and bad habits. That is why Hays suggests that we begin with a pinch of dust or dirt that is traced on our head in the sign of the cross; it signifies that we are inward bound on a lively and challenging adventure.

»March listings VIDEOS/DVDs 1. THE ANGEL’S LENTEN LESSON: It’s not enough having to attend religion classes…now Danny has to complete a take-home quiz on Lent, and he’s not happy about it! He has lived through seven Lenten seasons but is having trouble remembering the meaning of Lent. Why the ashes? Etc... Grades 3-8 2. LENT: A TIME TO FORGIVE: Lent allows us to slow down and realize that we are loved for who we are, not for what we do. The sacrament of Reconciliation offers us this forgiveness. Youth/Adults 3. LENT A TIME OF RENEWAL: Lent is a time of spiritual rebirth, a time to remember what it means to be followers of Jesus and to live out the promises of our Baptism. This is a 7-part program focused on the Sunday Gospels of Lent. Week One: Don’t Tempt Me, Week Two: Open Your Eyes; Week Three: Bubble Up, Week Four: Give Me Light; Week Five: Loosen Up; Week Six: Here Hoping; Easter: Happy Easter! A video program for the Family. View one segment each week. 4. WHAT IS TEMPTATION REALLY? A Lenten Journey: In this four part video series, Father Michael Himes draws insights from the Lenten Sunday liturgical readings and in particular the stories of water, light and life from the Gospel of John. Adults - Other titles are Dangers and Desires, God Sees Into the Heart & Endless Possibilities. 5. LA CUARESMA: Programas para la Familia Hispana Catolica que desea

crecer en su fe. Adultos. 6. STORYTELLING KNOW-HOW for Teachers, Preachers and Speech-ifiers: Good storytellers know the value of a well-told story to connect us, teach us and shape us! A good story captures our attention, rivets us to the end, and conveys truth in ways we remember long after the “three easy steps” of a sermon or speech are forgotten! Stories by Rick Sowash. 7. JESUS CALLS WOMEN: God desires relationships with people of every country, culture, spirituality and community. Jesus calls women and men to follow him closely in Consecrated Life. Jesus Calls Women has a specific focus on women called to the Consecrated Life in our time. In the Catholic Church, a religious woman is consecrated to Jesus Christ forever. High School and Adults. 8. JOSEPH OF NAZARETH: The Story of the Man Closest to Christ. This is the first feature film ever on the story of St. Joseph – carpenter, husband of Mary and the chosen father of Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that St. Joseph was a ”just man”, and that God gave him the most daunting task ever asked of man – to be the husband of the woman who would give birth to the Messiah, and the father and protector of this Holy Family… Youth/Adults Audio Books CDs 1. THE GREATEST GIFT: The Courageous Life and Martyrdom of Sister Dorothy Stang. Binka Le Breton - On February 12, 2006, Dorothy Stang, a 73-year-old Sister of Notre Dame De Namur who lived and

Bishop Emeritus Raymundo J. Peña’s Calendar March 1-3 March 13-15 March 25

All day All day All day

Border Bishops Meeting KC Annual State Convention Institute of Cathedral

El Paso Dallas Amarillo

On going: Mass at St. Joseph Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, 727 Bowie St., Alamo 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Holy Hour will be held monthly every Thursday at 7 p.m., 727 Bowie St., Alamo 1st: Vocations to the Consecrated Life (active and contemplative) and for the Sisters and Brothers in our diocese and the success of their mission 2nd: Vocations to the Permanent Diaconate the deacons (permanent and transitional) of the diocese and their families 3rd : Vocation to Married Life: for the welfare and sanctification of all the families in the diocese and for building up the Kingdom in our domestic churches 4th: Vocations to the priesthood and the priests of the diocese for the success of their ministry March 31 will be dedicated to praying for a decrease in violence (especially here on the border).

ministered in Brazil for nearly 40 years, as shot and killed by two hired gunman. This is the powerful story of her work, her life and her legacy. Adults 2. BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITIES: Prof: Kathleen O’Connor, Ph.D. Many Christians today become trapped in the New Testament and rarely reach into the Old Testament for spiritual nourishment. If you are one of these believers, you are missing a world of wisdom, encouragement and inspiring accounts of faith. Adults 3. GENESIS: Genesis contains some of the most familiar stories of the entire Old Testament, and features some of the most unforgettable characters in all of history: Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, Rachel, Leah and their famous twelve sons, including, finally the famous Joseph. Explore these stories and characters with new understanding. Adults Audio Cassettes 4. PRAYING YOUR WAY THROUGH LENT: Father Richstatter: O.F.M. Tape One: Being Converted: Belief and Action & Creating Lenten Symbols, Tape Two: Celebrating the Paschal Triduum & Praying the Lenten Lectionary. 5. THE HOBO HONEYMOON OF LENT: Lenten Reflections by Edward Hays. Father Hays encourages his listeners to use these forty days as a season for romancing God and one another. With his typical light humor and spiritual sensitivity, he helps his listeners to invest themselves anew as disciples of Christ who are HOmeward BOund hoboes. He cleverly use old

Q&A, continued from pg. 3 employees of the abortion would take video of us. The police were always there. They even came out on their horses riding amongst us trying to make us move. There is a certain amount of anxiety or fear but my answer to all of it is, are we going to just be spectators and watch our society go down the drain? Hitler came and did these same things, killing and selecting and people just sat on the sidelines and watched it take place. I encourage people to take a hold of life as a society, not just to live our personal, private lives.

15

hobo chalk signs – coded messages hoboes left behind for their companions – as captivating Lenten symbols. High School/Adults Books 1. THE CROSS- OUR ONLY HOPE: Andrew Gawrych, and Kevin Grove, C.S.C – Daily Reflections in the Holy Cross Tradition. Adults 2. PRAYER: …Exploring a Great Spiritual Practice – Richard W. Chilson: Prayer and personal concepts of God, Why, when, where, and how we pray… How prayer infuses sacred art and music, Spoken and written prayer language, Prayer postures, paths, and physical gestures & Beloved prayers of many traditions... High School/Adults 3. MAKING THE EUCHARIST MATTER: Frank Anderson, M.S.C. This is ideal reading for anyone who longs for a deep, rich experience of the Eucharist. The inclusion of questions for reflection and discussion make it a valuable resource. Adults. 4. LENT AND EASTER: Prayer at Home – Mark G. Boyer – How can we make this Lent and Easter special? Simply by paying attention to the ordinary things all around us. “Instead of looking for prayer opportunities outside the home, I want to help readers us the ordinary things in their homes as prayer starters. Fr. M. Boyer says. The kitchen chair, the oil we cook with, the glass of wine, the dress we wear – these ordinary things bespeak not only the sacredness of our daily lives, but find there place in the traditions and celebrations of these holy seasons. Adults

We’re part of a community, a big community — the United States of America. We cannot watch the evil go by. For those who get discouraged, you have to keep moving. Look at the victories that take place, look at the babies that are saved by the pro-life movement. Those mothers are grateful that someone crossed their paths and intervened and invited them to keep their little babies. There were 13 abortion clinics in Dallas when I was installed as bishop, now there are five. You have to keep going. There’s nothing in this world that is worthwhile that you are going to get free on a platter or that someone else is going to do for you.

March 3

5th Grade Vocation Day (Catholic Schools Office)

4-6 Catholic Engaged Encounter (Family Life Office)

5

Sponsor Couple Training II (E) (Family Life Office)

6

Sponsor Couple Training II (S) (Family Life Office)

8 9

Mardi Gras Ash Wednesday

10

Principals’ Meeting (Catholic Schools Office)

11

Retreat for Catechetical (Office of Catechesis)

12

Convalidation Conference (Family Life Office)

13

Daylight Saving Time Begins (Spring Forward)

17 19

St Patrick’s Day

20 20

First day of spring

Feast of Saint Joseph

Diocesan Council Meeting (Catholic Schools Office)

21

Superintendents’ Meeting (Catholic Schools Office)

24

Advisory Team Meeting (Office of Catechesis)

24

Test Shipping Date (Catholic Schools Office)

April 2

Spring Auction and Dinner San Martin de Porres, Weslaco

2-3

For Better and Forever (Family Life Office)

4

Counselors’ Meeting (Catholic Schools Office)

7

Principals’ Meeting (Catholic Schools Office)

9

Sponsor Couple Marriage Enrichment Day (Family Life Office)

16

Sponsor Couple Coordinator Training (Family Life Office)

17

Palm Sunday

18

Passover

21

Administrative Professional Day

21-23

Paschal Tridum (Office of Catechesis)

21

Holy Thursday Diocesan Offices Closing at Noon

22

Good Friday Diocesan Offices Closed

22

Earth Day

23

Holy Saturday

24

Easter Sunday

25

Easter Monday

26

Professional Day (Office of Catechesis)

27

NCEA – New Orleans (Catholic Schools Office)

Please submit your schedule to be published in The Valley Catholic by the first Friday of each month by email at [email protected] or fax: (956) 784-5082.

DIOCESE

16

The Valley Catholic - March 2011

Our Catholic Family

Sister Strohmeyer honored Mayor Cortez dubs her “McAllen’s Mother Teresa” By ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic

M

cALLEN — When many enter religious life, they dream of traveling to faraway places to help the poor. Sister Marian Strohmeyer of the Sisters of Mercy had that dream as well but she also wanted to make a difference in her hometown. She fulfilled dreams, doing mission work in El Salvador and making McAllen a better place. Sister Strohmeyer was honored as the Community Service Award recipient at the 40th annual McAllen Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon on Feb. 25 at the McAllen Convention Center. Sister Strohmeyer, 83, was recognized for her commitment to improving health care in the Rio Grande Valley and for her work with refugees from Central America. She is best known as the founder of Comfort House, a peaceful, 10-bed facility where the terminally ill can die with dignity in a loving, home-like

Weddings, continued from pg. 3 this couple exchange vows before God and the community (us) as they promise to be publicly and privately faithful to one another in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, till death do them part. And then to celebrate with them at the reception what we have “witnessed” at the Church. Perhaps, it would help for us

Border Violence, continued from pg. 1 in retaliation for the actions of relatives. Father Renovato told Catholic News Service the bishops also wanted to explore “how the church can offer assistance to migrants, many of whom don’t have any money.” Northward migration continues even though the route for undocumented Central Americans across Mexico has become

Courtesy Photo

Patti Sunday presents Sister Marian Strohmeyer, RSM, with the Community Service Award at the 40th annual McAllen Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon on Feb. 25

environment and as and the cofounder of Hope Medical Center in McAllen, which conducts more than 5,000 visits a year for the poor. She also opened Casa Merced for Central American refugees on her family’s property, providing shelter for more than 4,000 refugees over 12 years. During the luncheon, McAllen mayor Richard Cortez called Sister Strohmeyer, “McAllen’s Mother Teresa.” Patti Sunday, a member of the

mayor’s prayer luncheon board, nominated Sister Strohmeyer for the honor. Sunday, who is Presbyterian, said Sister Strohmeyer’s ministry, “transcends her own brand of Christianity.” “And although Sister Marian has done so much for the community, no one on the board had never heard of her because she works under the radar,” Sunday said. “She is not looking for recognition. She does everything to serve God.”

to be reminded to accompany the bride and groom at the wedding and not just the reception. I have shared the following sample wedding invitation with some of the engaged and offer it to you for whatever it is worth:[ We, Adam Son and Eve Daughter- Along with our parents- Mr. and Mrs. (groom’s parents) and Mr. and Mrs. (bride’s parents) – Request the honor of your presence-At St. Joseph Catholic Church- 122 W. Fay Edinburg, Texas- (As we enter into the covenant of Holy

Matrimony) or (As we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony)- On Saturday, August 31, 2013- at 3:00 p.m.- (Your presence at the Church as you witness our exchange of vows will be a blessing to us and much appreciated) or (The greatest gift we could receive from you is your presence at the Church as you witness our exchange of marriage vows).] May our “presence” at weddings and wedding receptions be the “present” that showers blessings upon the bride and groom.

ever more dangerous with organized criminal groups entering the human smuggling business. The bishops celebrated a special Mass for peace and justice at St. Patrick Cathedral March 2 to pray for peace along the border. They were joined by dozens of parishioners from throughout El Paso. “I hope that these prayers, that we will join together in saying, in English and Spanish, our communities will truly bear fruit from all of us to benefit from,” Texas Bishop James A. Tamayo of Laredo told televi-

sion station KVUE in El Paso. Border violence was among the issues Mexican President Felipe Calderon and President Barack Obama discussed during a meeting in Washington. On March 4, the two leaders agreed to work together even harder to combat the drug violence. Obama committed the U.S. to speeding up the pace of training and equipping Mexican forces to fight the drug cartels. He also said the U.S. must curtail the flow of cash and arms into Mexico that get in the hands of drug lords.

To subscribe Name __________________________________

To receive a copy at home each month mail your payment with your contact information to:

City _____________ State ________Zip ________

700 N. Virgen de San Juan Blvd. San Juan, TX 78589-3042

E-mail address ____________________________

$15 per year / $17 outside of Texas

Address _________________________________

For more information call (956) 781-5323

“She may humble but she sure is feisty,” said Father Jerry Frank, pastor of St. John the Baptist and a friend of Sister Strohmeyer. “She is fearless and tenacious in achieving her goals, which are goals that help people. They are not selfish goals.” Sister Strohmeyer was raised in McAllen and was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church. Growing up, she witnessed the ministry of the Sisters of Mercy in her community. “From the time I met the sisters when I was five, I really liked them,” she said. “By the time I was seven, I knew for sure I wanted to be a Sister of Mercy.” Sister Strohmeyer graduated from McAllen High School in 1944 at the age of 16 and immediately joined the Sisters of Mercy. “And I never regretted a day of it,” she said. A registered nurse with a master’s degree of public health from University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University, Sister Strohmeyer has made an indelible mark on health care in the Valley. She was the administrator of Mercy Hospital in Brownsville, a member of the Texas State Board of Health, director of the Hidalgo County Health Clinic and an assistant professor for health professionals at what is now the University

of Texas - Pan American in Edinburg, among many other accomplishments in the health care field. An advocate for social justice, Sister Strohmeyer has always looked out for the most vulnerable members of the human family. Through her associations at the state level, she campaigned for better programs and more health care facilities in the Valley. “She truly believes that the way to change society is to start with the poorest,” said Rebecca Ramirez, executive director and social worker at Hope Medical Center. Father Frank said that Sister Strohmeyer embodies the greater purpose of the Church to evangelize and be a prophet to the world and to set an example for the world of care for the downtrodden. “She is a firm believer in practicing the best of Catholic social justice teachings, that’s why she is so important and vital to the diocese — because we need a conscience like Marian Strohmeyer to remind us prophetically what the Church is called to be in society,” Father Frank said. “Marian has always understood that role very, very, very well and without realizing it; she has been inspiration to so many of us.”

Lent,

our hearts every day from the burden of material things, from a self-centered relationship with the ‘world’ that impoverishes us and prevents us from being available and open to God and our neighbor,” Pope Benedict wrote. Through fasting, almsgiving and prayer, he said, “Lent teaches us how to live the love of Christ in an ever more radical way.” Fasting helps people overcome selfishness and self-centeredness; almsgiving is a reminder of the sharing that should mark each day of a Christian’s life; and time dedicated to prayer is a reminder that time belongs to God and his desire is for people to spend eternity with him.

continued from pg. 1 The Gospel account of Jesus healing the man born blind “is a sign that Christ wants not only to give us sight, but also to open our interior vision so that our faith may become ever deeper and we may recognize him as our only savior,” the pope said. The story of the raising of Lazarus, read on the fifth Sunday of Lent, reminds Christians that their destiny is eternal life with God, who “created men and women for resurrection and life,” he said. The Lenten process of conversion, he said, is designed “to free

St. Joseph, continued from pg. 8 mia, Canada, Mexico, Peru, and southern Vietnam. There are so many details we wish we could know about Joseph including when and where he was born, when and how he died. Many historians believe Joseph died before Jesus entered public ministry because the last time Joseph is mentioned in the Bible is when Jesus was 12-yearsold. It is known that Joseph was a man of faith and obedient to God and that he loved Mary and Jesus wholeheartedly. Though little is known about St. Joseph it does not diminsh his ever-important roles as the earthly father of Jesus and husband of Mary. “Even today, Mother’s Day

celebrations are usually greater than Father’s Day celebrations,” Father Treviño said. “Fathers are often in the background but they are there and they make their presence known in a very special way. Even though we don’t known much about Joseph, he was there. It is very important to have a father, even if it might seem like he is in the background. In families where the father is missing, it is very difficult. A father makes a big difference in helping and guiding the family.” Prayer to St. Joseph Saint Joseph, patron of the universal Church, watch over the Church as carefully as you watched over Jesus, help protect it and guide it as you did with your adopted son. Amen.