Vatican says by its count Pope John Paul surpassed Leo ...

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Vatican says by its count Pope John

Paul surpassed Leo XIII March 14

by Cindy Wooden before Pope Leo XIII celebrated his corona- emonial inauguration of his pontificate
Catholic News Service tion Mass, while Pope John Paul celebrated and 9,280 days after his Feb. 20, 1878,
his inaugural Mass only six days after elec- election.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – As Pope John tion.
Paul II approached the mark of having the Pope John Paul was elected Oct. 16,
third-longest pontificate in history, the So if tallied this way the pope would pick 1978, and solemnly began his pontifi-
Vatican press office moved into the numbers up another five days on Pope Leo and gain cate Oct. 22, 1978. March 9 marks 9,270
game. third place even earlier, on March 9. days after the inauguration of his pon-
tificate and March 14 marks 9,281 days
Most people count pontificate length in Whichever method is used, Pope John after his election.
total number of years, months and days. In Paul is nudging Pope Leo XIII out of third
that case, the pope would have surpassed place. Pope John Paul II kisses a child
Pope Leo XIII on March 17, after reigning during a special audience for Rome
for 25 years, five months and two days. Or is he? St. Peter’s pontificate is tradi- parish churches at the Vatican Feb.
tionally considered the longest in history, 28. As the pontiff continued his
But the press office said that if calculated but no one knows exactly how long he led series of visits with Rome parishes,
in total number of days served since elec- the church. In view of that, some historians the Vatican press office was
tion – taking into account the extra day in do not even place St. Peter on their “longest calculating the length of his papacy,
leap years and the different number of days pontificate” list. which has passed the landmark of
in each month – Pope John Paul moved into being the third longest in history.
third place three days earlier, on March 14. In modern times, the longest pontificate (CNS photo from Reuters) (March
was that of Blessed Pope Pius IX, who served 1, 2004)
The picture gets even more complicated for more than 31 years.
if pontificate length is computed from the
date of ceremonial inauguration, once called The Vatican press office’s math con-
coronation, instead of election. It was 11 days cluded: Pope Leo died July 20, 1903, which
was 9,269 days after the March 3, 1878, cer-

Bush signs Unborn Victims of Violence Act

by Catholic News Service women and their children who are victims of victims, and therefore, in those cases, there
WASHINGTON (CNS) – President BushApril 1 signed violent crime,” said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, di- are two offenses to be punished.”
rector of planning and information for the
into law the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which rec- U.S. Catholic bishops’ Secretariat for Pro- “Any time an expectant mother is a vic-
ognizes an unborn child as the second victim when a Life Activities. tim of violence, two lives are in the balance,
violent federal crime is perpetrated against a pregnant each deserving protection and each deserv-
woman. “Thanks to him, and to a bipartisan ma- ing justice,” he said. “If the crime is murder
jority of Congress, a woman who loses her and the unborn child’s life ends, justice de-
“We applaud the president for bringing justice to child to a brutal attacker in a federal juris- mands a full accounting under the law.”
diction will no longer be told that she has
(Left) Sharon Rocha, parent of murdered lost nothing,” she said in a statement. The Unborn Victims of Violence Act is
expectant mother Laci Peterson, watches as also known as “Laci and Conner’s Law” af-
President George W. Bush signs the Unborn During the signing ceremony in the East ter Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner,
Victims of Violence Act in the East Room of the Room of the White House, Bush said, “As of whose disappearance and subsequent death
White House April 1.The law recognizes an unborn today the law of our nation will acknowl- drew national attention. The California
child as the second victim when a violent federal edge the plain fact that crimes of violence woman was nearly eight months pregnant
crime is perpetrated against a pregnant woman. against a pregnant woman often have two
(CNS photo from Reuters) (April 2, 2004) see “BUSH” page ELEVEN

BISHOP PFEIFER

The Easter message – El mensaje de la Pascua
“Christ has risen!” – «¡Cristo ha resucitado!»

By Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI Por el Obispo Miguel D. Pfeifer, OMI

The unexpected event for the disciples of the resurrection of Jesus, El evento inesperado para los discípulos de la resurrección de Jesús,
transformed the little band of frightened women and men into messen- transformó el pequeño grupo de mujeres y hombres a mensajeros de Dios,
gers of God, bringing the truth of the coming of Jesus and His resurrection trayendo la verdad de la venida de Jesús y Su resurrección a todo el
to the whole world. Before the Resurrection, they were a group of fright- mundo. Antes de la Resurrección, eran un grupo de discípulos asustados
ened, disillusioned disciples of a dead Nazarene. On that first Easter y desilusionados de un Nazareno muerto. En ese primer Domingo de
Sunday, however, they became messengers of the living God and heralds Pascua, sin embargo, ellos se hicieron mensajeros del Dios vivo y heraldos
of the Incarnate Son of God to the world. del Hijo de Dios Incarnado a todo el mundo.

On that first Easter morn, our Faith was born and it is the startling En esa mañana del primer Domingo de Pascua, nuestra Fe fue nacida y
reality of the resurrection that is the grounds of our faith and the first es la realidad sorprendente de la resurrección que es la base de nuestra fe
foundation of our belief. Our whole Christian life is built on it, as well as y el primer fundamento de nuestra creencia. Nuestra vida Cristiana entera
our faith and hope that through the resurrection of Christ we will share es establecida en ella y es por nuestra fe y esperanza en la resurrección de
body and soul in eternal life with our God in Heaven. Cristo que podemos compartir cuerpo y alma en la vida eterna con nuestro
Dios en el Cielo.
I wish all a HAPPY EASTER, and may the Risen Savior bring new Les deseo a todos una FELIZ DÍA DE PASCUA, y que nuestro Salvador Resucitado les
peace and joy to the lives of all. traiga una nueva paz y gozo a sus vidas.

Divine Mercy Sunday Domingo de la Misericordia Divina

By Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI Por el Obispo Miguel D. Pfeifer, OMI

The Second Sunday of Easter, which this year is celebrated on April 18, 2004, has been El segundo Domingo de Pascua, que este año se celebra el 18 de Abril, 2004, ha sido
proclaimed by Pope John Paul II as Divine Mercy Sunday. On this beautiful Sunday, our proclamado por el Papa Juan Pablo II Domingo de la Misericordia Divina. En este Domin-
Holy Father encourages us to turn to the risen and merciful Christ for forgiveness for our go hermoso, nuestro Santo Padre nos anima a recurrir a Cristo Resucitado y misericordioso
sins, and to pray for reconciliation with our God, with our neighbors, and with ourselves. para el perdón de nuestros pecados, y a orar por la reconciliación con nuestro Dios, con
In a world that is filled with hate, discrimination, injustice, forgetfulness of God, more nuestros vecinos, y con nosotros mismos. En un mundo que está lleno de odio, discrimina-
than ever we need to pray to Jesus to grant us Divine mercy. We urgently need God’s ción, injusticia, olvido de Dios, más que nunca necesitamos orar a Jesús que nos conceda
mercy, and Christ invites us to show mercy and forgiveness to one another: “Be merciful, la misericordia Divina. Urgentemente necesitamos la misericordia de Dios, y Cristo nos
just as your Father is merciful.” The constant message of the Risen Christ is peace and invita a demostrar misericordia y perdonarse unos a otros: “Sean misericordiosos, así como
mercy. su Padre es misericordioso.” El mensaje constante del Cristo Resucitado es la paz y la
misericordia.
The source for celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday for the universal Church comes from
revelations that were given to St. Faustina by Christ Himself. With this revelation came El origen de celebrar El Domingo de la Misericordia Divina para la Iglesia universal
the beautiful image of Divine Mercy, which shows God’s radiant love flowing from the viene de las revelaciones que Cristo mismo le dio a la Santa Faustina. Con esta revelación
heart of Christ. St. Faustina was the Lord’s apostle of Divine Mercy, and she was asked to viene la hermosa imagen de la Misericordia Divina, la cual demuestra el amor de Dios
spread His message of mercy to the whole world by her example, suffering, and obedience. radiante fluyendo del corazón de Cristo. Santa Faustina era apóstol de Dios de la Miseri-
cordia Divina, y a ella se le pidió que desparramara Su mensaje de misericordia por todo el
At the time of Faustina’s canonization on April 30, 2000, Pope John Paul II proclaimed mundo con su ejemplo, sufrimiento y obediencia.
the Sunday after Easter to be Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the universal Church.
El 30 de Abril, 2000 en el momento de la canonización de Faustina, el Papa Juan Pablo
On this special Sunday, I ask our priests in their preaching to focus on Christ’s mercy, II proclamó que el Domingo después del Domingo de Pascua sería el Domingo de la
and I encourage our communities to have Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament on that Misericordia Divina para toda la Iglesia universal.
day, or on a day near that Sunday, to pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness. This gift is so
much needed in a world that is filled with trouble and conflict. En este Domingo especial, les pido a nuestros sacadotes que en su predicación enfo-
quen en la misericordia de Cristo, y animo a nuestras comunidades a tener la Bendición del
Santísimo Sacramento en ese día, o en un día cerca a ese Domingo, para orar por la miseri-
cordia y el perdón de Dios. Este don es tan necesitado en un mundo lleno de conflicto y
problemas.

The West Texas Angelus The Bishop’s Theology Church of the Sacred Heart - Easter
Schedule April 4: San Angelo, Cathedral Vigil at 8:00 p.m.
Official Newspaper of the Diocese of San Angelo
POSTMASTER: Send all Changes of Address to: APRIL, 2004 Church of the Sacred Heart - Palm April 11: San Angelo, St. Mar-
WEST TEXAS ANGELUS April 1: San Angelo, Cathedral Sunday Mass at 9:45 a.m. Holy garet - Easter Sunday Mass at 10:30
P.O. BOX 1829 Angels - Seder Meal at 5:30 p.m. a.m.
SAN ANGELO, TX 76902-1829 Church of the Sacred Heart - Chrism
Mass at 11:00 a.m. Presbyteral April 8: San Angelo, Cathedral April 12: San Angelo, Bishop’s
Publisher Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI Council Meeting at 1:30 p.m. Church of the Sacred Heart - Holy Residence - Easter Dinner with Staff
Thursday Mass at 7:00 p.m. at 6:00 p.m.
Editor Peter N. Micale ([email protected]) April 2: Midland, St. Ann - In-
stall Msgr. Larry Droll as Pastor April 9: San Angelo, St. Marga- April 13: Wall, St. Ambrose -
Layout The Talley Press ret - Good Friday, Way of the Cross Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
April 3: San Antonio - Blessing at 1:00 p.m. St. Joseph - Good Fri-
Production Kenneth Grimm of Garden at Oblate School of day Liturgical Service at 7:00 p.m. April 14-15: Rest and Prayer

Published monthly with automatic circulation to parishioners in the Diocese of San Angelo April 10: San Angelo, Cathedral see “SCHEDULE” page ten
Subscription rate for all others: $10.00 per year

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PAGE 2 APRIL 2004

VOCATIONS

Vocation Circle She will not refuse

our request be-

cause Jesus gave

us to her care to

Mary’s role in the redemption help us, “Woman,

behold your son.”

Mary, with her

of mankind - (a reflection) motherly care will

guide us and walk

with us as we carry

by Rev.Fr. Desmond O. Obi, Ph.D union with her son up to the Cross. lives. We should appreciate this our cross, as she
Pastor Our Lady of Mount There she stood in harmony with work in all aspects for more than
Carmel Church Winters, Texas the divine plan, enduring with her anything else she is the Mother of walked with her
only begotten Son the intensity of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
WINTERS – While religion writ- his suffering, joining herself with This is one of the fundamental rea- Son.
ers are issuing opinions on the por- his sacrifice in her mother’s heart, sons why the Catholic Church hon-
trayal of Jesus in the movie, “The and lovingly consenting to the of- ors and respects Mary. They do not One might ask
Passion of the Christ” little has been fering of her Son as victim, born of worship her.
written on the movie’s other stellar her: to be given, by the same Christ why did Jesus not
presence in the drama, His mother, Jesus dying on the Cross as a mother We see no one by the foot of
Mary. Mel Gibson’s detailed and to his disciple, with these words: Jesus’ Cross except the mother and take Mary when
revealing interpretation of the enig- “Woman, behold your Son, Son his beloved John. Where are those
matic woman who has been both behold your mother.” (John 19:26- people he made clean - the Lepers He was going to
praised, misunderstood, feared, 27) (Matthew 8:3; Luke 17:11-14),
venerated, and at times vilified Peter’s feverish mother-in-law (Mat- ascend to His Fa- Rev. Fr. Desmond O. Obi, Ph.D, Pastor Our Lady
sheds new light and understanding To behold means to protect, to thew 8:14-15), the paralytic (Mat-
on Mary and the reason for which cherish, to take care of, to honor. thew 9:1-7), the Official’s daughter ther? Just as Jesus of Mount Carmel Church Winters, Texas
Pope John Paul 11 has called her Jesus fulfills the fourth command- (Matthew 9:18-23), the two blind
Co-Redemptrix. ment, “Honor your father and your men (Matthew 9:27), the crippled in human form as
mother,” honoring and protecting woman (Luke 13:10-13), the blind
“Woman, behold your son, Son, his own mother by handing her beggar (Luke 18:35-42), those an infant needed Mary, so too the into heaven, so Mary was assumed
behold your mother.” (John 19:26- over to John, the disciple he loved. many people He fed and healed?
27) John represents the whole of Chris- What about the other apostles, Pe- Mystical Body of Christ, all who into heaven. Jesus is the mediator,
tians all over the world. Mary is not ter, James, Matthew, Simon, etc.?
This is one of the major events only the mother of John but the Would John have had the courage believe in Him, need a mother. How and so is Mary. Like Mother like
in which Mary’s role in human re- mother of all believers in the world. to withstand the shame, pains, an-
demption is made evident. This guish, fear and humiliation at the could we trust Mary if she had not Son. We must not be discouraged
union of the mother with the Son John took Mary and gave her a foot of the Cross by himself with-
in the work of salvation is made place in his home, caring, honor- out Mary? been at the foot of the cross as Jesus to hold the Woman’s hand at the
unmistakably visible from the time ing and protecting her as his own
of Christ’s virginal conception up mother. Christ urges all to follow In other words, to be able to carry hung on it? Jesus had His hands cross because she is the one that
to his death. It is made manifest John’s example, taking Mary into our own cross we need our mother,
above all at the hour of his passion. their own families as she continues Mary, on our side. When we have and feet nailed, and Mary had her leads us to her Son.
her humble work of caring, inter- pain or feel the cross is too heavy
Thus the Blessed Virgin ad- ceding, and loving mother in our we invite Mary to come with us. heart pierced with a sword. The By her complete adherence to
vanced in her pilgrimage of faith,
and faithfully persevered in her sword symbolizes that this woman the Father’s will, to his Son’s re-

will guide us to her Son so that we demptive work, and to every

will be at the foot of the cross with prompting of the Holy Spirit, the

her as well. Virgin Mary is the model of faith

John wrote a fantastic and most and Charity for Jesus’ Church.

inspiring Gospel because he stayed This motherhood of Mary in the

with Mary. John’s Gospel is so order of Grace continues uninter-

unique because a Mother teaches ruptedly from the consent which

it. This Mother would give us hope she loyally gave at the Annuncia-

as well as consolation in our sor- tion and which she sustained with-

row. Mother knows best. out wavering beneath the Cross,

We see the comparison of Jesus until the eternal fulfillment of all

and Mary: Jesus is the King, and the elect.

Mary is the Queen. Jesus is perfect, see “MARY” page NINE
and so is Mary. As Jesus ascended

Franciscan gains life lessons by And some recipients cannot Within a week, Father Patrick was
wait. Many who are on a kidney up and around, celebrating Mass,
being a Living Kidney Donor transplant list spend two or three happy in the knowledge that the
years on dialysis. Some people die recipient of his kidney is alive and
by Christopher Heffron neys and how many people die God was generous in giving us waiting. The more desperate often well. Since the operation, Father
St. Anthony Messenger while on the waiting list, Father two kidneys. If one is removed, the turn to brokers, who send them to Patrick has met other living kid-
Patrick decided not to wait until other grows a bit, picks up the slack foreign countries to do business ney donors, who each share in his
CINCINNATI – Being an organ death to give life. and does the job. Although surgery with poor people willing to sell advocacy, his passion and his joy
donor is a hugely beneficial form always carries risks, Father Patrick their organs. Most living donors in helping others.
of giving, but it’s not usually ful- The giving spirit of Father shelved his fears and gave of him- give to a relative, which can be an
filling. We cannot usually reap the Patrick is featured in the April is- self literally. easier match. Now Father Patrick sees life with
satisfaction of helping another sue of St. Anthony Messenger in an different eyes. When celebrating
when we donate our hearts, lungs, article entitled, “I’d Like to Say: “I was faced with some alarm- Father Patrick went through the Mass, the words now take on new
corneas, skin and muscles. Patrick Why I Became a Living Kidney ing facts about the selling of donor proper channels to donate. After meaning for the generous friar. “I
Sullivan, O.F.M. Cap., of NewYork, Donor.” Father Patrick details his organs and the number of people physical and psychological testing, could barely get the words out
wasn’t completely satisfied when experience with organ donation and who die while waiting for trans- he was approved to be a donor. A when it came time to say again, `This
he agreed, in the 70s, to be just an how vital it is for us to give, before plants,” Father Patrick says. “Since recipient who would be a good is my body which will be given up
organ donor. In 2001, after reading or after death. The article I was in great health, I probably match was found. After the surgery, for you. . . . This is the cup of my
an article in The New York Times is posted at: http:// could live without one of my kid- Father Patrick was sore and groggy, blood . . . It will be shed for you.’ It
Magazine about the need for kid- www.AmericanCatholic.org. neys.” but deeply satisfied that his kid- meant something more to me now.”
ney would be in a welcome place.

APRIL 2004 PAGE 3

BISHOP PFEIFER

Catholic schools build and Earth – a wonderful

maintain a solid community of home for you and me

living based on faith and values by Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI
SAN ANGELO – The 34th Celebration of Earth Day, on April 22,
by Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI in some way through vouchers, tax our Catholic schools we don’t have
SAN ANGELO – Catholic edu- relief programs or similar efforts. I to worry that someone will com- 2004, reminds us that Earth is God’s great special gift for humans, be-
encourage parents to discuss with plain or bring a law suit that will cause it is our home and the source of life.
cation in all its forms contributes our school administrators the stop us from praying or ask us not
greatly to the academic and moral FACTS program which also might to pledge allegiance to the flag be- Children have a deep appreciation of this gift and have shared the
well-being of both our Church and help with tuition and grants. cause the phrase “one Nation un- following thoughts with me about Earth Day:
our nation. This education helps to der God” is included. The ability
develop leaders for both Church Many parents seek to enroll their to express thoughts and feelings of • Earth is God’s great gift. Thank you God for this gift.
and society. children in Catholic schools be- faith is very freeing and prepares • Earth Day is: - caterpillars changing into butterflies.
cause independent studies over a good Christian citizens for the fu-
However, Catholic schools pro- long period of years, show Catho- ture. - signs of new life
vide the unique opportunity for lic schools are equal or above other - taking care of God’s world
young people to live, learn and school systems in academics and Yes, for parents to send their chil- • Earth Day means to me keep the earth clean and healthy! Clean the
express their faith on a day to day excel in discipline and holistic for- dren to Catholic schools does in- Earth!
basis. Catholic schools help to un- mation. Catholic schools also have volve sacrifice, especially financial • Earth Day reminds us of God’s peace to the world with kindness and
derstand the complete meaning of a lower drop out rate than public sacrifice, but the dividends that are happiness.
life as children of our heavenly Fa- schools. Parents also choose Catho- returned in faith and moral forma- • Earth Day is a celebration of the beauty that God has created. Earth
ther, and they build and maintain a lic schools because they realize that tion of children is worth the finan- Day is also a day that reminds us that we should take extra good care of
solid community of living based they are value based and provide cial cost. our creation. Some of the ways that we can take care of our earth is to . . .
on faith and values. Our Catholic our young people with a caring and pick up litter when we see it and we should also not litter ourselves. You
schools are a solid anchor and bas- disciplined learning environment. I strongly encourage more can also plant trees or flowers and take good care of them. We should
tion of hope in our communities, In our Catholic schools students Catholic parents of our diocese to also respect everyone, and in order to respect everyone and everything
and over the ages have provided and teachers are allowed and en- consider sending their children to you have to know how to be kind to everything.
outstanding leaders for Church and couraged to share their faith and to one of the three Catholic Schools One of the children shared this beautiful poem about Earth Day:
nation. apply that faith to everyday life of our diocese, St. Mary’s School Earth is beautiful in every way,
situations. in Odessa, St. Ann’s School in Mid- Even on a stormy day.
Catholic schools, elementary land, and Angelo Catholic School Because what comes forth from this storm?
and secondary, save the govern- Some statistics show that most in San Angelo. A world that is reborn.
ment and tax payers of this nation students in public schools believe Even if many plants die,
up to $20 billion a year. While this in God and would like to be able to I am deeply grateful to our The seeds underneath survive.
service saves taxpayers billions of pray. Students in Catholic schools priests, principals, parents, teach- The seeds will sprout once more,
dollars a year, it does shift the fi- have that freedom to pray every- ers and all school personnel for the Then there will be flowers galore
nancial burden to the parents and day and to learn about God, and generous and dedicated support This is how God created Earth,
benefactors who pay the tuition. the saving mission of Jesus Christ they give to these three fine And each spring earth gives birth
Thank God there are new efforts in which can not be separated from Schools. And, we are thrilled to To many new beautiful things,
legislation to study how our tax the complete meaning of life. In have the children with us. Like butterfly’s colorful wings,
dollars might benefit our schools And watching the sunrise and set each day
So that we, children, can come play.
Bishop Pfeifer preparing for The earth has done so much for all
So now we must answer earth’s call.
visit with Pope We must keep Earth clean and healthy.
So that once more Earth will be wealthy
by Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI began in March and conclude in Curia of the Church. These congre- With many more new delightful things,
SAN ANGELO – Bishop December. The bishops of Texas, gations help the Pope with the day Like beautiful, celestial sunshine Springs.
including Bishop Pfeifer, will be in to day governing of the universal This is how you would like Earth to be,
Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI will meet Rome for this special visit from Church. A wonderful home for you and me.
with Pope John Paul II in May for May 15-22. The visits feature an by Sara Cabeza
an “ad limina” visit, one that heads individual visit with the Pope, Part of the preparation of the “ad
of dioceses are required to make group meetings, celebration of limina” is a writing of the quin- Ethics and Integrity for Church Personnel
with the Pope every five years to Mass, and sharing a meal with the quennial report, as prescribed by
provide an in-depth report on the Pope for the purpose of consulta- Code of Cannon Law (C. 399). This Diocese of San Angelo
state of dioceses. tion, building up relationships, and report details data from Jan. 1, 1998
exchange of information. to Dec. 31, 2003 and covers all as- www.san-angelo-diocese.org
The “ad limina” takes its name pects of the life and ministry of the
from the ancient practice of pil- During the week in Rome, the diocese. The Diocese of San Angelo Report concerns or questions toVictimAssistance Coordinator:
grimages of ad limina apostolorum, bishops will also be meeting with sent this report to Rome in mid-
to the thresholds, or tombs, of Sts. heads of the various Vatican Con- December. Confidential: 325-651-7500 FAX: 325-651-6688
Peter and Paul in Rome. The visits gregations that form part of the
for the bishops of the United States [email protected]

Report abuse of minors to: State of Texas 800-252-5400

PAGE 4 APRIL 2004

OPINION

Pope says Catholic lawmakers must defend

sanctity of life, marriage ships with local authorities.
Argentina’s law, passed in 2002,
by Carol Glatz society based upon fundamental late moral life,” the pope said. guarded with care, blocking all at- lets same-sex couples receive some
Catholic News Service and irrevocable values” that re- He said “a national and world tempts to degrade it ... and turn it of the same social benefits — such
spect human dignity, the pope said. into a mere instrument that serves as health insurance and pension
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Law- order that is appropriate for the hu- other ends,” he said. rights — available to heterosexual
makers, especially if they are Catho- Pope John Paul made his appeal man being” respects and protects couples.
lic, must not advance measures that Feb. 28 in his address to Carlos Luis every person’s right to life, starting He defined marriage as “the
go against the basic values of life Custer, Argentina’s new ambassa- “from the moment of conception union between a man and a woman The pope said public authori-
and marriage between a man and a dor to the Holy See. to one’s natural end.” ... open to life” and “another pillar ties must instead protect and favor
woman, Pope John Paul II said. of society” with specific rights and the family based upon the marriage
“Legislators, especially Catho- “No one can claim for himself duties that needed safeguarding. of a man and a woman “if they (au-
“It is part of the church’s mis- lic legislators, cannot help draw up the power of violating this right,” thorities) are to promote a social
sion to not give up inviting all men or pass laws that are contrary to the he said. Argentina allows same-sex development that is just, stable and
and women of good will to build a basic and essential norms that regu- couples to register their partner- promising.”
The value of life “must be safe-

The flip side of Abortion If the other side really wants to powerful dimension of the pro-life
try to mount a counter-campaign, movement. And US Senator Zell
by Janet A. Morana, Associate saying, “I regret my child.” it” (Roe, at 153). they need to do what we have done, Miller, who recently converted to
Director, Priests for Life, Co- Here’s the point. We are saying The alternative experience to namely, take what we promote and the pro-life position, has publicly
Founder, Silent No More show the negative side of it. We stated how deeply moved he was
Awareness Campaign abortion is hurtful, and they are say- killing an unborn child is giving promote childbirth. The true re- by seeing the women of our cam-
ing childbirth is hurtful. This is pre- birth to that child – not killing the verse of our campaign would be to paign sharing their testimonies in
WASHINGTON – More and more cisely one of the arguments in Roe child and then saying it was OK. have women publicly come out and front of the Supreme Court.
women, as part of the Silent No vs. Wade for permitting abortion. The point of the Silent No More say, “I regret my child.”
More Awareness Campaign, hold The Court said, “Maternity, or ad- Awareness Campaign is that what NOEL and Priests for Life, the
signs at public events saying “I re- ditional offspring, may force upon the other side defends and pro- The Silent No More Awareness two groups that founded the cam-
gret my abortion.” The pro-abortion the woman a distressful life and fu- motes (that is, abortion) has a nega- Campaign (www.SilentNoMore- paign, continue to organize events
side, in response to this effort, is ture. Psychological harm may be tive side that is being hidden and Awareness.org) is gaining momen- nationwide all through the year,
trying to give visibility to women imminent. Mental and physical denied. To round up a group of tum very quickly. At the National whereby women who have come
who say, “I had an abortion and I health may be taxed by child care. women to continue denying it only Vigil Mass for Life on January 21, through healing after abortion can
don’t regret it at all.” There is also the distress, for all proves our point, not theirs. The Cardinal William Keeler, Chairman testify publicly and help in other
concerned, associated with the un- denial, in other words, continues, of the Pro-life Committee of the US ways to spread the word about how
Fine, but that only proves our wanted child, and there is the prob- and most of the women who now Bishops, praised the campaign in harmful abortion is. Pray for these
point, not theirs. If the pro-abortion lem of bringing a child into a fam- hold “I Regret my Abortion” signs his homily. The next day, at the na- women, and when you see one, say
side wants to counter what we are ily already unable, psycho- once said that their abortion caused tionally televised March for Life “thanks.”
doing, let them gather groups of logically and otherwise, to care for them no problem at all. rally, several members of Congress
women nationwide holding signs pointed to this effort as a new and

You wouldn’t even ask Ni siquiera preguntaría

by Fr. Frank Pavone, National So why do so many people say, por P. Frank Pavone, National Entonces, por qué hay tanta gen- guir siendo legal, se descalifica a si
Director, Priests for Life “This candidate favors legal abor- Director, Priests for Life te que dice: “Este candidato favore- mismo para la función pública. No
tion. I disagree. But I’m voting for ce el aborto legal. Yo estoy en des- necesitamos mirar más allá, no pres-
STATEN ISLAND, NY – If a can- this person because she has good STATEN ISLAND, NY – Si un acuerdo, pero voto por esta persona tamos ninguna atención a lo que ten-
didate who supported terrorism ideas about health care (or some candidato que apoya el terrorismo porque tiene buenas ideas sobre sa- ga que decir sobre otras cuestiones.
asked for your vote, would you say, other issue).” pidiera su voto, le diría acaso: “Es- lud (o cualquier otro asunto)” Apoyar el aborto es suficiente para
“I disagree with you on terrorism, toy en desacuerdo en cuanto al te- que decidamos no votar por esa per-
but where do you stand on other Such a position makes no sense rrorismo, pero ¿qué opina Ud. de es- Tal postura no tiene ningún sen- sona.
issues?” whatsoever, unless one is com- tas otras cuestiones?” tido, a menos que uno sea totalmen-
pletely blind to the violence of te ciego a la violencia del aborto. El papa Juan Pablo II lo señala de
I doubt it. abortion. That, of course, is the Lo dudo. Por supuesto, ese es el problema. esta manera: Se ha hecho habitual
In fact, if a terrorism sympathizer problem. But we need only see De hecho, si un simpatizante te- Sólo necesitamos ver lo que es el hablar, y con razón, sobre los dere-
presented him/herself for your vote, what abortion looks like, or read rrorista se presentara pidiendo su aborto, o leer las descripciones de chos humanos; como por ejemplo
you would immediately know that descriptions from the abortionists voto, inmediatamente sabría que esa los mismos aborteros y la evidencia sobre el derecho a la salud, a la casa,
such a position disqualifies the can- themselves, and the evidence is posición descalifica al candidato es clara. (¡USA Today rehusó ven- al trabajo, a la familia y a la cultura.
didate for public office – no matter clear. (USA Today refused to sell para la función pública, sin importar derme espacio para un aviso que ci- De todos modos, esa preocupación
how good he or she may be on other me space for an ad that quoted abor- cuan bueno fuera en otras cuestio- taba aborteros describiendo su tra- resulta falsa e ilusoria si no se de-
issues. The horror of terrorism tionists describing their work be- nes. El horror del terrorismo empe- bajo porque los lectores podrían fiende con la máxima determinación
dwarfs whatever good might be cause the readers would be trauma- queñece cualquier bondad que pu- traumatizarse sólo con las palabras!) el derecho a la vida como el derecho
found in the candidate’s plan for tized just by the words!) diera encontrarse en los planes de primero y fontal, condición de to-
housing, education, or health care. vivienda, educación o salud del can- El aborto no es menos violento
Regarding those plans, you see “ASK” page nine didato. Ni siquiera preguntaría so- que el terrorismo. Cualquier candi- see “Preguntaría” page nine
wouldn’t even ask. bre esos planes. dato que dice que el aborto debe se-

APRIL 2004 PAGE 5

OF INTEREST

Annual Chrism

Mass – April 1,

2004

by Peter Micale, WTA
SAN ANGELO – The annual Chrism Mass of the Diocese of San

Angelo was celebrated by Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI, at 11:00 am,
Thursday, April 1, 2004 at the Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart.
Many of the priests of the Diocese as well as many Catholics from the 74
churches of the 29 counties of West Texas that make up the Diocese of
San Angelo, celebrated this special Mass with the Bishop.

The Chrism Mass is one of the principal expressions of the fullness of
the Bishop’s priesthood, and signifies the close unity of priests with
him. During the Chrism Mass, Bishop Pfeifer consecrated the Chrism
and blessed the oils that are used in the Sacraments and the other liturgi-
cal celebrations of all the churches of the Diocese throughout the year.

(Above) Bishop Pfeifer stirs the Holy Oils while Fr. McLean, Deacon Casarez and Fr.
Voity look on.

(Left) Many priests of the Diocese joined Bishop Pfeifer at the altar during the
consecration at the Mass. (Photos by Peter Micale.)

Mass. Legislature rejects same-sex Ron Crews,

president of the

marriage, approves civil unions Massachusetts

Family Institute,

by Catholic News Service director of the Massachusetts Catho- any marriage licenses that might be tallies votes as he
BOSTON (CNS) – The Massachu- lic Conference, said by their March issued as a result of the Goodridge
29 votes the state’s lawmakers “re- decision,” he said. watches final roll-
setts Legislature March 29 approved jected the activist ruling of the Su-
a state constitutional amendment preme Judicial Court in the The state’s Catholic bishops and call results
that would ban same-sex marriages Goodridge case by voting to reject a number of other religious leaders
but grant same-sex civil unions a le- same-sex marriage licenses and de- had advocated a Marriage Affirma- outside the
gal status equivalent to marriage. feated the efforts by proponents of tion and Protection Amendment,
same-sex marriage to prevent the is- commonly referred to as MA and PA, legislative
The amendment must be ap- sue from going to the voters.” that would have defined marriage
proved again by the 2005-06 Legis- only as the union of one man and chamber of the
lature before it goes to a popular vote. “We are not happy with the lan- one woman and would have made
The earliest it could appear on the guage of the amendment” because no provision for same-sex civil Massachusetts
state ballot is November 2006. it includes legalizing same-sex civil unions.
unions, D’Avolio said. Statehouse in
In the meantime the state is un- As legislators debated various
der orders from the Supreme Judi- But he thanked “all those legis- versions of an amendment that Boston March 29.
cial Court to begin performing gay lators who worked tirelessly through would also provide for same-sex civil
marriages May 17. The court ruled the (constitutional) convention pro- unions, the bishops and the Catho- Lawmakers in a
last November in Goodridge vs. De- cess to defend to the greatest extent lic conference, their public policy
partment of Public Health that it is a possible marriage’s definition as the arm, urged at least a split of the mar- 105-92 vote
violation of the state constitution as union between one man and one riage and civil union language into
currently constructed to bar same- woman and its unique status.” two separate amendments so that agreed to ban
sex couples from marrying. It gave voters could decide on each inde-
the Legislature 180 days to imple- The portion of the amendment pendently. gay marriage
ment the ruling legislatively. that would outlaw same-sex mar-
riages “casts a substantial cloud over while granting
Gerald D. D’Avolio, executive
same-sex
PAGE 6
couples rights

under civil

unions.

Legislators will

have to vote on

the constitutional

amendment

again in 2005

and put it to a public vote in 2006 before it could become law. Crews’

organization, along with the Catholic Church, supported an

amendment to outlaw gay marriage. (CNS photo by Gregory L. Tracy,

The Pilot) (March 30, 2004)

APRIL 2004

DIOCESE

Diocesan staff bids

farewell to Msgr.

Droll and Fr. Barley

by Peter Micale, WTA
SAN ANGELO – The recent announcement of the administrative

moves within the Diocese were followed up by the traditional farewell
dinners hosted by the Bishop. Msgr. Droll’s farewell dinner was held at
Christ the King Retreat Center on the evening of March 8. Many of
Msgr.’s immediate and extended family members were in attendance,
headed up by Msgr. Droll’s father. Msgr. Droll has moved to St. Ann’s
parish in Midland to replace the recently deceased Msgr. Murphy, and
Msgr. Droll has also been appointed the Vicar General of the Diocese.

The staff members of the Diocesan Pastoral Center gathered at a lun-
cheon on March 12, to bid farewell to Fr. Tom Barley before he moved
over to St. Ambrose in Wall, replacing Msgr. Droll as pastor.

(Above) Mr. Les Maiman made the presentation of a gift to Msgr. Droll,
while Bishop Vasquez and Bishop Pfeifer look on. (Photo by Dale Droll.)

(Left) Fr. Barley unwrapped his gift at the luncheon. (Photo by Peter Micale.)

Saint Stephen’s continues

popular spiritual renewal

program

by Chet A. Babin, parishioner. Cardinal Francis Arinze, Pope John family together.
MIDLAND – In response to the Paul II and others. The presentation
concludes with the parish saying Normally, the
Pope’s call for a new evangeliza- the rosary in which John Paul II
tion (Redemptoris Missio) and the leads part of the introduction. parish activities
National Conference of Catholic
Bishops plans for a discipleship The parish’s Spiritual Renewal are organized
evangelization program (Go and program had success last fall when
Make Disciples), Saint Stephen’s it initiated the Catholic Family such that the
Catholic Church in Midland imple- Hour with the 9-week series: The
mented the Be Not Afraid Family Living Eucharist. This theme was children & youth
HoursTM (locally referred to as The chosen as a result of John Paul II’s
Catholic Family Hour). The Catho- 2003 encyclical letter: Ecclesia de go to one class &
lic Family Hour is planned as a par- Eucharistia. The program proved
ish-wide, 3-year Spiritual Renewal to be extremely popular and was adults go to an-
program with a unique theme pre- attended by several hundred each
sented over a 9-week period. These Wednesday night. During the hour, other. This is a
Novenas are a series of video pre- the Sacrament of Reconciliation
sentations shown on a 10’ x 14’ was available – it’s popularity even medium – other Photo courtesy of Mary Hardin, parishioner.
screen in the Church’s new Sanctu- surprising the Pastor, Father James
ary with the Presence of Jesus in Bridges. “It’s been 25 years since than the Mass -
the Tabernacle. The one-hour pre- I’ve seen such a run on the sacra-
sentation is produced by the ment of Penance. There’s been such by which the family does some- signed to conclude the Wednesday our parish is transformed and our
Apostolate For Family Consecra- a disposing of people towards re- community is transformed. Saint
tion and includes weekly video pentance during the Family Hour thing together. And clearly, saying before Mercy Sunday. Individual Stephen’s will continue to offer the
teachings on the Catholic Faith that we’ve needed 2 priests continu- Catholic Family Hour over a 3-year
and Spiritual Life from Mother ously for 90 minutes in the confes- the rosary together is a powerful, conversion continues to be evident period to prepare people for the new
Theresa of Calcutta, Roman Curia sional. Clearly it is bringing the evangelization that the Pope and
spiritual activity for the family to as the confessional remains busy Bishops have called for in the 21st
century.
do. Praying the rosary as a group each Wednesday night throughout
Anyone interested in this pro-
has, in fact, changed the course of the presentation. gram should call the church office
at 432-520-7394, or Steve Mueller
history.” The program drew to a Saint Stephen’s Catholic Fam- at 432-561-5401.

close, Wednesday, December 10th ily Hour seeks to renew hope and

with many staying afterwards for a commitment to God, to develop a

special veneration of a relic of closer relationship with His Son

Mother Theresa who – at that time Jesus Christ and provide a process

– had just been venerated as for serious spiritual preparation and

“Blessed”. growth in which the Catholic Faith

For the spring, the Spiritual Re- is integral to daily living. By this

newal committee chose the theme: call to conversion and holiness, in-

Our Mission Is Mercy which is de- dividual Catholics are transformed,

APRIL 2004 PAGE 7

OF INTEREST

Catholic Home Missions Appeal Conferencia Carismatica Diocesis De San Angelo
invites Catholics to strengthen the Midland/Odessa

“Libertad en El Espíritu’’

Church at home La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe
En Midland

by Catholic Home Missions Les invita a la Conferencia Carismatica

WASHINGTON – The 2004 El Sabado 24 de Abril
Catholic Home Missions Appeal is de 9:00am A 7:00pm Hora Santa (Sanacion)
scheduled nationally for the week- El Domingo 25 de Abril de 9:00am A 2:00pm
end of April 24-25. Once again, pa-

rishioners across the United States Alabanza por Mensajeros de Jesus
will have the opportunity to help En el Holiday Inn Hotels & Suites situado
their fellow Catholics in rural
America – from the Deep South to En 4300 W. Hwy 80 Midland, Texas
the Mountain West – live out their Reservaciones (432) 697-3181

faith under difficult circumstances. $55.00 dolares bor habitación (limite 4 personas)
What Is a Home Mission? Para obtener descuento mencione la conferencia
You know the answer if you

have ever visited eastern Kentucky Catholic Home Missions helps support those communities where Para Informacion y Registracion
or Tennessee; driven through rural Iglesia de Guadalupe (432) 682-2581
Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi; Jesus o Lupe Estrada (432) 686-8198
spent time along the Mexican bor-

der; or passed through scattered the Church is striving to take hold and grow. (Photo by Tricia Joe o Margarita Paiz (432) 570-5656
small towns in Wyoming, Montana, Zackrisson, CHM.) Gloria Flecha (432) 550-4695
and Oregon. Those little brick or
clapboard churches along the way, 124 parishes and Missions; and story below.) Entrada Gratis - Vengan Todos

housing pockets of Catholic faith- there are only 72 priests in the en- The Catholic Home Missions

ful, are the Home Missions. tire state of Utah, 56 in the state of Appeal, dedicated to strengthening
San Angelo DioceseConsider these facts: The Arch- Idaho, and 47 in the state of Wyo- the Church at home, is administered
diocese of Anchorage has only 19 ming. by the Committee on the Home

active priests to serve all of central The Church is quite fragile in Missions, a division of the United

continues to demonstrateAlaska; the Diocese of Lubbock in many parts of the United States States Conference of Catholic Bish-

north Texas has 33 priests to cover where Catholics are a small minor- ops. For more information, please

62 parishes and Missions; the Dio- ity. In the Diocese of San Angelo, contact the Committee at 202-541-

its generositycese of Little Rock, which covers the Appeal currently supports sev- 5400 or visit the website at

all of Arkansas, has 108 priests for eral projects. (Editor’s note: see www.usccb.org/hM.

by Sr. Andree Fries, CPPS by Rev. Robert J. Vitillo

National Religious Retirement Catholic Campaign for Human

Committee on the Home Office Development

WASHINGTON – Dear Bishop WASHINGTON – Dear Bishop

Pfeifer: Thank you for your Dioc- Pfeifer: On behalf of the Catholic

Missions gives the Diocese of esan check for $58,566.25 which Campaign for Human Development
has been deposited in the Retire- (CCHD), I am writing to thank you
ment Fund for Religious account. and all of the faithful of the Dio-

San Angelo $195,000 This brings your total Diocesan cese of San Angelo for your very
contributions for all of the years of generous 2003 collection contribu-
the collection to $692,161.46. The tion of $19,609.55. This support

by Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, Missions Appeal, American Catho- of Anchorage, Alaska: “The Com- money has been recorded as part of enables the Church in the United

OMI lics can assist the faithful in places mittee on the Home Missions is part Appeal XVI for 2003. States to continue to support

SAN ANGELO – The Commit- where the Church is fragile and of our life’s blood. [It] supports our Your support and the support of people who are poor to break the

tee on the Home Missions has needs support. This year, the Com- rural parishes and missions and the your Retirement Fund for Religious cycle of poverty.

awarded the Diocese of San Angelo mittee on the Home Missions dis- priests who travel [to say Mass] on coordinator, pastors, parish priests Through their gifts to the Catho-

a 2004-05 grant of $195,000. The tributed $12 million in grants to weekends.” and deacons are essential to the lic Campaign for Human Develop-

money will be used for Education poor dioceses. This year, the Catholic Home Fund’s success and we are grateful ment, the people of San Angelo help

and Formation, Seminarian Educa- This money goes everywhere Missions Appeal is scheduled for for all you do. You can be assured to break the cycle of poverty and

tion, and International Clergy Catholics need a special boost – to the weekend of April 24-25. Please that the 40,000 retired religious will build community across our nation.

Training. I am deeply grateful to Appalachia, the Deep South, the give generously and offer prayers remember you in their prayers. May We are grateful for your leadership

the Home Mission for this very gen- border states, the Rocky Mountain for the success of this most impor- God bless you as abundantly! and for the invaluable partnership of

erous grant for these important min- states, and missions in the Pacific tant appeal that benefits our Dio- your diocesan director, Mr. Les

istries. and Caribbean and West Texas. cese so generously every year. Fel- Maiman. Be assured of our prayers

By contributing to the Home Says Archbishop Roger Schweitz low Catholics need your help. for you and those you serve.

PAGE 8 APRIL 2004

OF INTEREST

Knights of Columbus council Intentions of the Holy

recognized by United Blood Services Father for April

by David Workman drive. The blood is used to supply provide the gift of life saving blood. General - That solid preparation of the candidates for holy orders
Knights of Columbus local area hospitals served by the The next blood drive will be on and permanent training of ordained ministers may be carefully provided
United Blood Services of San April 18th, 2004. For more infor- for.
BALLINGER – The Knights of Angelo. A United Blood Services mation contact Mr. David Workman
Columbus Council 10985, St. mobile unit sets up four collection at 365-3875. Mission - That the missionary spirit of Ad Gentes may become a
Mary, Star of the Sea, Ballinger stations in the parish hall and pro- theme of reflection and a matter of constant commitment in the ordinary
Texas was recently recognized by cesses donors from 8:00 AM until MARY pastoral activity of the Christian community.
the United Blood Services of San 12:00 PM.
Angelo. The Council was recog- from page three rights, is not defended with maxi- PREGUNTARÍA
nized as one of the top 10 donors In conjunction with the Blood
for 2003. Ranking Number 7 out of Drive, the Council sponsors a pan- She intercedes for us at the foot mum determination” from page five
area sponsors of blood drives, the cake and sausage breakfast and of- of the Cross. The Catholic Church
Council sponsors a Blood Drive fers a free breakfast to any donor. continues to invoke her under the (Christifideles Laici, 1988). dos los otros derechos de la persona.
every two months. Grand Knight Jim Studer heads up title of Advocate, Helper, Benefac-
a team of cooks who cook scramble tress, and Mediatrix. False and illusory. Those are (Christifideles Laici, 1988).
According to Mr. David Work- eggs, pancakes and sausage and
man, a member of the Knights of serve the blood drive team and all Mary’s role as mother of man- strong and clear words that call for Falso e ilusorio. Son palabras fuer-
Columbus and the coordinator of donors. The Knights of Columbus kind in no way obscures or dimin-
the blood drives, they gather ap- are always seeking new donors to ishes this unique mediation of our further reflection. tes y claras que nos llaman a seguir
proximately 20-25 units per blood Christ, but rather shows its power.
“I stand for adequate and com- reflexionando.
Mary the mother of God is epito-
mized in the whole Gospel ex- prehensive health care.” So far, so “Estoy a favor de programas de
pressed in our prayerful devotional
Rosary, “Holy Mary, Mother of God good. But as soon as you say that a salud adecuados e integrales.” Hasta
. . .” (Luke 1:43)
procedure that tears the arms off of ahí, todo bien, pero en cuanto dice
As a listening and hearing
mother: Jesus was told “your little babies is part of “health care,” que un procedimiento que arranca
mother and your brothers are stand-
ing outside and they wish to see then your understanding of the term los brazos de pequeños bebés cons-
you.” He said to them in reply, “My
Iraqi archbishop says national government mother and my brothers are those “health care” is obviously quite tituye “cuidado de la salud”, su en-
who hear the word of God and act
needed for security on it.” More than the fact that she different from the actual meaning tendimiento de estos términos es
gave birth to him, she listened,
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Iraq needs a national government to estab- heard, and acted on His words. of the words. In short, you lose cred- obviamente bastante distinto del sig-
lish authority and improve security in the country, said an Iraqi Hence, “Woman, behold your son,
archbishop. Archbishop Djibrail Kassab of Basra expressed hope Son, behold your mother.” ibility. Your claim to health care is nificado real de las palabras. En una
that rule will be turned over to an Iraqi national government June
30, the date established by the United States for such a transition. ASK “illusory.” It sounds good, but is in palabra, pierde credibilidad. Su rei-
“We are Iraqis,” he told Catholic News Service in a telephone inter-
view. “It’s very hard to have security without a national govern- from page five fact destructive, because it masks vindicación sobre el cuidado de la
ment,” he said. The archbishop made his remarks March 31, a day
in which five U.S. soldiers died in a bomb explosion and four U.S. Abortion is no less violent than an act of violence. salud es “ilusoria”. Suena bien, pero
civilian experts were killed in a separate ambush; the civilians’ bod- terrorism. Any candidate who says
ies were burned and mutilated by a mob in Fallujah. The overall abortion should be kept legal dis- “My plan for adequate housing de hecho es destructiva, porque en-
situation in Basra is better than in other parts of the country, Arch- qualifies him/herself from public
bishop Kassab said, but lack of security is still a key issue. “We do service. We need look no further, will succeed.” Fine. But what are cubre un acto de violencia.
not have enough security,” causing a situation of near anarchy, he we need pay no attention to what
said. “Everybody does what they wish.” that candidate says on other issues. houses for, if not for people to live “Mi plan de vivienda será exito-
Support for abortion is enough for
us to decide not to vote for such a in them? If you allow the killing of so.” Bueno. Pero, ¿para qué son las
person.
the children who would otherwise casas, si no para que la gente viva en
Pope John Paul II put it this way:
“Above all, the common outcry, live in those houses, how am I sup- ellas? Si permite el asesinato de ni-
which is justly made on behalf of
human rights – for example, the posed to get excited by your hous- ños que de otro modo vivirían en
right to health, to home, to work, to
family, to culture – is false and illu- ing project? esas casas, ¿cómo se supone que yo
sory if the right to life, the most
basic and fundamental right and It’s easy to get confused by all me entusiasme con su proyecto de
the condition for all other personal
the arguments in an election year. vivienda?

But if you start by asking where Es fácil confundirse con los ar-

candidates stand on abortion, you gumentos en un año electoral. Pero

Italian city hopes to capitalize on success can eliminate a lot of other ques- si uno comienza por preguntar a los

of Gibson’s ‘The Passion’ tions you needn’t even ask. candidatos cual es su postura sobre

ROME (CNS) – Famous for its buildings and streets carved out of a For more election related articles el aborto, se pueden eliminar un
mountainside, the southern Italian city of Matera has entered the
world spotlight as a setting for Mel Gibson’s film, “The Passion of and information, visit montón de preguntas adicionales
the Christ.” Now city officials and some residents want to take ad-
vantage of the movie’s multimillion-dollar success to capture the www.priestsforliferg/elections que ni siquiera se requiere hacer.
kind of publicity and attention they feel the city deserves. “Gibson’s
movie can be a huge advertisement for Matera,” said Luca Gagliardi, Holy Angels Catholic Church
a public official at the city’s tourism department. The city’s ancient Spring Festival 2004
“sassi” or rock-hewn neighborhoods have been on the U.N. World Sunday, May 2
Heritage List since 1993, but the city has not drawn the tourists
seen in Italy’s other cultural meccas, like Florence or Rome. Be- 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
cause the city’s historic center poses a striking similarity to what 2315 A&M, San Angelo, Texas
Jerusalem may have looked like 2,000 years ago, Gibson chose
Matera as a backdrop for several important outdoor locations. “We Sausage and Brisket Dinner served from
are using the success of the film to promote our city,” Gagliardi told 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, Drive-thru to 2:00 pm
Catholic News Service. Auction, Games, Arts & Crafts, Cake Wheel.

APRIL 2004 PAGE 9

DIOCESE

Women’s Spirituality those in need. Even with these posi-
tive aspects in the work place, there
in the Workplace continue to be stereotypes about
women. Having to continuously
by Lydia Martinez and Diana do you find most frustrating in your prove themselves is one of the big- Back l to r: Diana Mandujano, Lydia Martinez, Felicitee Vasquez,
Mandujano work? The answers to the first ques- gest challenges the women face. Lori Potter, Brenda Maiman. Middle: Linda Dye, Jo Ann Turner,
tion included: helping people and Often times these women are mis- Lucy Jochum, Melina Melton. Front: Sr. Adelina, Amy Saiz, Missy
SAN ANGELO– On February having the opportunities to put their taken for secretaries or clerks when Garza. (Photo courtesy Lydia Martinez.)
16, 2004 and March 15, 2004, we faith into action. It was very scary in fact they are business owners,
had the opportunity to gather at the when a few of the women struggled executives, and professionals. separated from our spiritual life. strong sense of believing that we
Newman Center with some of the to find ANYTHING satisfying Work can influence our spiritual life are here to serve God and one an-
working, Catholic women of our about their jobs. We found our- The next question asked was as well as our spiritual life can in- other will allow us to face these fu-
diocese. The women were called to selves wondering why these about spiritual lives and activities. fluence work. Though there will be ture challenges head on.
share thoughts and feelings about women would stay in such dissat- Many of the women answered that many challenges in our lives, our
questions provided by the Bishops’ isfying places of work. The answer prayer was most important. They
Committee on Women in Society then became obvious; someone in could find time to pray for a person Wanted:
and the Church. Being college stu- the workplace needed them or else or situation they came in contact
dents, we have not had much expe- their families need the money. All with at their place of work. It could Knights
rience in the workplace and learned of these women were putting oth- be a patient or client in need or even
a great deal from these hard-work- ers before themselves. Wow. themselves when a co-worker or To Help Knights
ing women. boss was causing frustration. On the
The next question was: Does flip side the women also gave The Knights of Columbus Insurance program provides needed
The women in the focus groups your work influence your spiritual thanks in prayer when times were Insurance coverage to over one million policyholders. We currently
came from various ethnic back- life or does your spiritual life influ- good. have in excess of $43 billion of life insurance in force.
grounds (Hispanic, White, and Fili- ence your work? Most of the
pino), occupations (professions, women answered that work influ- The women expressed frustra- Because of the growth of the Order’s insurance program, we are in
working class and students), and enced their spiritual life but both tion that their potential, accom- need of Knights who can represent the order as agents or, if qualified,
were different ages (20-50) but most go hand in hand. The occupations plishments and gifts go unrecog- even supervisory and/or management positions may be available.
had one thing in common; they the women held allowed them to nized in both the workplace and
were involved in various church use their spirituality in special and the church. They see themselves as This full-time career opportunity offers:
activities. varied ways. gifted and capable in their work and • Professional level earnings potential
see it as a way to put their faith into • Non-contributory pension plan
Many difficult questions were The workplace environment is action. Work, family life, spiritual- • 401K
asked during our focus groups and as important as the relationships ity, and self worth are all part of a • Contributory life and health insurance
were often answered as though the with co-workers and those whom whole. Spirituality is what gives • Non-contributory disability plan
women had never really thought they serve. Work is the way to em- meaning to all they are and do. • A chance to make a difference in people’s lives …
about them before. Two such ques- power, heal, teach, relate, listen, and • And much more
tions were: What do you find most help those in society, especially We, as young college women,
satisfying in your work and what grew from this experience. We A pretty impressive list, isn’t it? Would you like to help provide
gained the knowledge that our fu- benefits and services to Brother Knights and their families? Would
SCHEDULE Confirmation at 6:30 p.m. ture professions do not have to be you like to know more about how you can become an insurance
April 29: Coleman, Sacred Heart representative?
from page two King Retreat Center - Rosary at
Mary’s Grotto at 7:00 p.m. If you are a practical Catholic and are eligible to join the Knights
April 17: Rowena, St. Joseph - Confirmation at 6:30 p.m. of Columbus, with or without insurance experience, and would like
and Miles - Confirmation at 5:00 April 30: Abilene, Holy Family May 11: Abilene, St. Vincent - to know more about joining our ranks, mail, fax, or e-mail your
p.m. - Confirmation at 6:30 p.m. Confirmation at 6:30 p.m. response to:
April 18-19: San Antonio - MAY, 2004
May 1: Abilene, Dyess Air Force May 12: St. Lawrence, St. James W. Seideman FIC, CLU
Board Meeting of MACC Lawrence - Confirmation at 6:30 Knights of Columbus
April 20: San Antonio - Oblate Base - Confirmation at 5:00 p.m. p.m. P.O. Box 93824
Jubilarians Celebration at 7:00 May 2: Midland, O. Lady of Lubbock, TX 79493
p.m. Guadalupe - Confirmation at 10:00 May 13: San Angelo, St. Joseph Phone: (806) 785-1670
April 21: Sonora, St. Ann - Con- a.m. - Confirmation at 7:00 p.m. Toll Free: 1-877-797-5632
May 3: San Angelo, Diocesan Fax: (806) 797-0755
firmation at 6:30 p.m. May 14: San Angelo, Sacred E-mail: [email protected]
April 22: Ballinger, St. Mary - Pastoral Center - Presbyteral Coun- Heart - Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
cil meeting at 1:00 p.m.
Confirmation at 6:30 p.m. May 15-24: Rome, Italy - Ad
April 23: Ozona, O.L. Perpetual May 3-7: San Angelo, Christ the Liminia Visit
Help - Confirmation at 6:30 p.m. King Retreat Center - Priests Re-
April 24: Odessa, St. Joseph - treat May 25: Winters, O.L. Mt.
May 7: San Angelo, Holy An- Carmel - Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
Confirmation at 7:00 p.m.
April 25: Odessa, St. Anthony - gels - Confirmation at 6:30 p.m. May 26: Odessa, Holy Re-
May 8: Midland, St. Ann - Con- deemer - Confirmation at 6:00 p.m.
Confirmation at 10:00 a.m.
April 27: Midland, Our Lady of firmation at 5:30 p.m. May 27: San Angelo, Diocesan
San Juan - Confirmation at 6:30 May 9: Abilene, St. Francis - Pastoral Center - Meeting of
p.m. Confirmation at 9:00 a.m. Presbyteral Council and Diocesan
April 28: Midland, St. Stephen - May 10: San Angelo, Christ the Finance Council at 10:30 a. m.

May 29-30: San Antonio
May 30-31: Floresville - 50th
Wedding Anniversary of Cousins

PAGE 10 APRIL 2004

DIOCESE

Angelo Catholic signing ceremony, along with oth- the bill. law “exempts abortion, but the
ers whose pregnant family mem- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., abortion lobby fought it anyway
Students excel at bers had been killed and a handful because it commits the unpardon-
of members of Congress. by a 50-49 vote, lost on her attempt able pro-choice sin: In the words of
science fair to replace the measure with a Sen. Dianne Feinstein, it recognizes
The president thanked the fam- “single victim” substitute bill that a child in utero is ‘a human
by Peter Micale, WTA ily members for coming and for which would have eliminated lan- being.’”
SAN ANGELO – The following Angelo Catholic School stu- their courage. guage defining an unborn child as
“a member of the species homo sa- “Abortion activists recoil from
dents and alumni have distinguished themselves in the Texas State “This act of Congress,” he said, piens, at any stage of development, any acknowledgment of a child’s
Science Fair competitions. Winning District awards for excellence “addresses tragic losses such as who is carried in the womb.” existence before birth, whatever
were two current sixth graders: Evan Parker and Kyle Decedue. Sharon and Ron have known. They the context, and however bizarre
Moving on to the State competitions are current sixth graders Jes- have laid to rest their daughter, Her substitute proposal would the argument, in order to protect
sica Hasty and Alexandra Porter; and alumni Megan Zapata, Nicole Laci, a beautiful young woman have increased penalties for an at- the ‘logic’ of Roe vs. Wade,” Ruse
Clemens, and Bryan Sablan, all eight graders; and Bailey Roe a who was joyfully awaiting the ar- tack on a pregnant woman by add- said. “But a woman who has lost an
tenth grader. rival of a new son. They have also ing a second charge of harm to the unborn child in a violent attack
laid to rest that child, a boy named pregnancy, avoiding any mention deserves the law’s recognition that
BUSH addition to the crime against the Conner, who was waiting to be born of a second victim. both she and her child were vic-
woman. when his life, too, was taken.” tims of the crime. Anything less is
from page one Although the legislation an affront to women and their chil-
The Senate approved the bill by “All who knew Laci Peterson adopted specifically excludes any dren.”
when she disappeared in Decem- a vote of 61-38 March 25. It passed have mourned two deaths,” he application of the law to voluntary
ber 2002; Laci and Conner’s bod- in the House Feb. 26 by a vote of added, “and the law cannot look abortion, Feinstein called it “the Dorinda Bordlee, staff counsel
ies were found the following April. 254-163. The House previously away and pretend there was just first strike against all abortion in for Americans United for Life, said
passed such a bill twice, in 1999 one.” the United States.” the new law was the result of nearly
Under the law, anyone who and 2001, but the Senate took no 20 years of work to get states to
harms a woman’s unborn child action either time. Bush noted that when Americans Cardinal William H. Keeler of pass legislation criminalizing at-
while committing a federal crime, learned about the Peterson case Baltimore, chairman of the bishops’ tacks on unborn children.
such as assaulting the woman on Laci Peterson’s mother, Sharon they called for immediate action Committee on Pro-Life Activities,
federal property, commits a distinct Rocha, and stepfather, Ron which the “swift bipartisan passage had urged the House and Senate to Currently, about 30 states have
federal crime against the child in Grantski, attended the 10-minute of this bill through Congress” pro- pass the legislation, saying it “sim- laws offering some form of protec-
vided. ply ensures that both mother and tion to unborn victims in crimes
child are protected from violent against pregnant women.
Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, assault and murder.”
the presumptive Democratic can-
didate for president, voted against Ruse pointed out that the new

KERRY Communion of their own volition, selves as “pro-choice,” and those Catholic.” He and his wife, Teresa says he votes with their preferred
though he also said the church does who call themselves “pro-life” Heinz Kerry, regularly attend position 100 percent of the time.
from page twelve not deny the sacrament to people are more commonly Republicans Sunday Mass.
approaching the altar, presuming that than they are Democrats. On other issues, Kerry’s posi-
beliefs when abortion is legal in this they do so “in good faith.” He was divorced from his first tions more closely resemble the
country.” Two Vatican documents issued wife in 1988 and later spoke pub- church’s lobbying stances. For ex-
Bishops sometimes have chal- in 2003 said Catholic politicians licly about applying for an an- ample, except in cases involving
In 1990, Cardinal O’Connor said lenged Catholic politicians for their have a “grave and clear obliga- nulment. Neither his campaign terrorists, he opposes capital pun-
such justifications from Catholic public actions on other issues, such tion” to oppose any law that vio- staff nor his Senate office re- ishment. Recent church teaching
politicians puts them at risk of ex- as when Oklahoma City Archbishop lates church teaching on the right sponded to questions about says there are almost no circum-
communication by “treating church Eusebius J. Beltran in 1999 publicly to life or same-sex marriage. whether the annulment was ever stances in modern society under
teaching on abortion with con- took Oklahoma Republican Gov. finalized and Catholic dioceses which the death penalty is neces-
tempt.” He said such an approach is Frank Keating to task for supporting Last fall, the U.S. bishops’Ad- do not release information on an- sary.
“helping to multiply abortions by the death penalty in direct opposi- ministrative Committee created a nulments. His current wife was
advocating legislation supporting tion to “the formal teaching of the task force to draft a set of guide- widowed in 1991, when her hus- How Kerry answers criticism
abortion, or by making public funds church.” lines for how the bishops should band, Sen. John Heinz III, R-Pa., about ignoring Catholic teaching
available for abortion.” handle relationships with Catho- was killed in a plane crash. on abortion will develop during
But far and away the most lics whose actions in public life the course of the campaign. But
Though Cardinal O’Connor said common public challenges from are not in accord with church In recent Senate votes, Kerry one statement he made last year
he and the bishops as a group were Catholic leaders to politicians teaching. Its report is not ex- has opposed bills to ban partial- echoes what Kennedy said four
emphasizing persuasion over ex- have been over abortion. The pected until after this year’s elec- birth abortion, supported efforts decades ago in response to a very
communication, some bishops have most basic form that takes has tions. to lift the prohibition on abor- different type of religion-based
pushed the issue. been widespread adoption of di- tions at U.S. military installations criticism.
ocesan policies prohibiting the In the meantime, with John overseas, and supported a resolu-
Shortly before being named head use of church-owned facilities for Kerry poised to become the first tion affirming that Roe vs. Wade The Associated Press quoted
of the Archdiocese of St. Louis last events that include politicians Catholic nominee for president in was correctly decided. All those Kerry in August responding to the
December,Archbishop Raymond L. who support legal abortion. two generations, some pro-life positions were contrary to those Vatican document that called on
Burke told priests in the Diocese of groups already are pressuring supported by the church. lawmakers to oppose same-sex
La Crosse, Wis., his former home, to Such policies are nonpartisan. Archbishop O’Malley and other marriage.
refuse Communion to local Catho- And there are some Republican bishops to bar him from receiv- The National Right to Life
lic politicians who are not in line politicians who support legal ing Communion because he Committee says he votes with “I believe in the church and I
with church teaching against abor- abortion just as there are some doesn’t follow the church’s lead their preferred position 0 percent care about it enormously,” Kerry
tion and euthanasia. Democrats who oppose abortion. on abortion. of the time. The National Abor- said. “But I think that it’s impor-
But the dynamics of national tion and Reproductive Rights tant to not have the church in-
Boston Archbishop Sean P. party politics are such that few In his 2003 book, “A Call to Action League, now called structing politicians. That is an
O’Malley said last summer that GOP candidates describe them- Service,” Kerry described himself NARAL Pro-Choice America, inappropriate crossing of the line
Catholic politicians who support le- as “a believing, practicing in America.”
gal abortion should stop receiving
PAGE 11
APRIL 2004

NATIONAL

Kennedy to Kerry: Catholic candidates isAmerican doctrine, I’m leaving for
Tahiti.”
in strikingly different times
The Jesuit weekly magazine,
by Patricia Zapor trying to get the Demo- Democrat Party’s America, reviewed Kennedy’s first
Catholic News Service year in office, saying he had “bent
crat Party to denounce candidate for presi- over backwards” to show he would
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Forty- do Catholics no special favors.
four years later, the words are nearly the Ku Klux Klan – dent, who happens While crediting some political wis-
the same, but the emphasis is dra- dom to that strategy, the magazine
matically different. which he described as also to be Catholic. said it could hobble the president’s
efforts in some cases.
When Sen. John F. Kennedy of “the Protestant order” I do not speak for
Massachusetts ran for president in America magazine also noted
1960, he faced a barrage of questions – and were trying to my church on pub- that the president was rarely photo-
from a predominantly Protestant graphed with Catholic Church lead-
public like: “How do we know you control Southern lic matters – and the ers. “Photographs of the president
can separate your Catholic beliefs with Protestant spokesmen like (the
from your political responsibilities?” newspapers to push church does not Rev.) Billy Graham, on the other
hand, are pure 14-karat gold,” it
With Sen. John F. Kerry of Mas- Smith’s candidacy for speak for me.” noted.
sachusetts seeking the White House
in 2004, the questions he’ll get likely president. Such comments After Kennedy broke the barrier,
will come from Catholics and sound the inclusion of a Catholic on the
more like: “What makes you think “The Roman were credited with ballot as a vice presidential candi-
you can separate your Catholic be- date became a popular – though un-
liefs from your political responsibili- Catholic edict has helping Kennedy successful – strategy for both parties
ties when it comes to voting on abor- in the elections from 1964 through
tion?” gone forth in secret ar- eke out a narrow 1972.

Much about the two Massachu- ticles, ‘Al Smith is to win. Catholic pride Then came the 1973 Roe vs.
setts senators may be similar, but the Wade Supreme Court ruling that le-
political and religious climate for be made president,’” in having a presi- galized abortion nationwide. The
Kerry bears little resemblance to that Republican and Democrat parties
Kennedy confronted. Between he said. “They will lay dent who was one of began carving out increasingly dis-
Kennedy’s era and Kerry’s came a tinct positions on abortion and ex-
momentous Supreme Court ruling the heavy hand of a “their own” re- pecting their candidates to support
on abortion and an increasing vigi- them.
lance by some in the church toward Catholic state upon flected “an end to
how Catholic politicians vote. A new “Catholic issue” exploded
you and crush the life the time when in 1984 around two NewYork Demo-
As only the second Catholic ma- crats, Rep. Geraldine Ferraro and
jor-party candidate for president in out of Protestantism Catholics felt ex- Gov. Mario Cuomo. From the first
history, what Kennedy faced before day of her campaign for vice presi-
the Second Vatican Council was a in America.” cluded from the po- dent – as running mate of formerVice
voting public in need of reassurance President Walter Mondale of Min-
that the pope wasn’t going to be run- Suspicion of litical process,” said nesota – Ferraro was challenged
ning the American government. about how she could be a “good
Catholics lingered 32 Clyde Wilcox, a Catholic” and vote as she did in sup-
Kerry, on the other hand, is a port of legal abortion.
Catholic who will be asked to jus- years later, when Georgetown Uni-
tify why he doesn’t pay more atten- Cuomo and New York Arch-
tion to the church in how he votes – Kennedy set his sights versity government bishop John J. O’Connor, later named
specifically regarding his support of a cardinal, publicly sparred over the
legislation to keep abortion legal on the White House. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry of professor who spe- governor’s support of state funding
and minimally regulated, when The Southern Bap- Massachusetts speaks to a congregation at Greater cializes in religion for abortions for the poor and over
church teachings firmly oppose abor- his explanations for why he thought
tion. tist Convention unani- Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Faith Church during a and politics. that wasn’t a conflict for a Catholic.

Before Kennedy came along, mously passed a reso- campaign stop in Jackson, Miss., March 7. When nominated “Never again A widely reported speech by
only one Catholic had been a major lution voicing doubts this summer, Kerry will be only the third Catholic major- were we going to Cuomo that year at the University of
party’s nominee for the presidency. that Kennedy or any party candidate for president in history. (CNS photo from see anyone say, Notre Dame provided the basis for
New York Gov. Al Smith lost the Catholic should be Reuters) (April 2, 2004) ‘The pope is going other Catholic politicians since then
1928 election largely because of his who have described themselves as
stance against Prohibition. But overt president. Another to be running the “pro-choice” and distinguish their
anti-Catholic rhetoric also was a fac- personal acceptance of church teach-
tor in his defeat. statement – signed by 150 Protes- speech to the Greater Houston Min- country,’” Wilcox said. For Ameri- ing from their public role as legisla-
tors. With some variations in phras-
In a speech on the Senate floor in tant ministers and laymen headed by isterialAssociation. He said commu- can Protestants, the process of see- ing, the gist of their argument is: “I’m
January 1928, Sen. Thomas Heflin, personally opposed to abortion, but
D-Ala., warned that Catholics were the Rev. Norman Vincent Peale – nism, poverty, education and the ing a Catholic president as a hus- I don’t believe I should legislate my

said a Catholic president would be space race were far more critical elec- band and father and as someone who see “KERRY” page nine

under “extreme pressure from the hi- tion issues but had been obscured ably handled several major crises APRIL 2004

erarchy of his church” to align U.S. by debate about his Catholicism. “was like bringing Catholics into

foreign policy with that of the He described his belief “in an their own living rooms and getting

Vatican, noted author Thomas Maier America where the separation of to know them.”

in a 2003 book, “The Kennedys: church and state is absolute – where Kennedy’s efforts to separate his

America’s Emerald Kings.” no Catholic prelate would tell the religion from his elected role in a

Anti-Catholic hate literature president (should he be Catholic) pluralistic society weren’t univer-

again appeared throughout the coun- how to act and no Protestant minis- sally popular among Catholics, how-

try. Former President Harry Truman ter would tell his parishioners for ever. Nor were church leaders happy

decried the religious bigotry, even whom to vote.” with his opposition to several key

though he earlier had opposed Kennedy asked voters to judge items on the U.S. bishops’ legisla-

Kennedy’s nomination because of him on his political record, not on tive agenda, including federal aid to

disagreements with the senator’s fa- the basis of carefully selected “quo- parochial schools and returning a

ther, Joseph P. Kennedy, a former am- tations out of context from the state- U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.

bassador to England and founding ments of church leaders, usually in Kennedy’s response to “the

head of the Securities and Exchange other countries, frequently in other Catholic issue” in a Look magazine

Commission. Truman reportedly centuries and always omitting, of interview, wrote the editor of The

said: “I’m not against the pope. I’m course, the statement of the Ameri- Register of the Diocese of Kansas

against the pop,” referring to the se- can bishops in 1948 which strongly City-St. Joseph in Missouri, “sug-

nior Kennedy. endorsed church-state separation.” gests that a man who accepts office

Kennedy tackled “the Catholic He said he was not “the Catholic in the United States is no longer the

issue” in a televised September 1960 candidate for president. I am the keeper of his own conscience. If this

PAGE 12