View - Catholic Diocese of Brownsville
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View - Catholic Diocese of Brownsville
Volume 5, Issue 7 Jubilee Year Solemnity of Serving More Than A Million Catholics in the Diocese of Brownsville Mary Diocese celebrates Golden Anniversary in 2015 The Valley Catholic A rich and deep tradition of the Catholic faith has endured in the Rio Grande Valley for almost 500 years. The first seeds of the Catholic faith were planted in 1519 in the time of the Spanish Conquistadores. An expedition under the command of a Spanish captain named Alonso Alvarez de Pineda brought the first Catholics to the Gulf Coast Area. The teachings, rituals and customs of the Catholic Church have been handed down continuously from generation to generation, fulfilling the mission that Christ entrusted to the apostles and to us. Today, the Diocese of Brownsville includes more than a million Catholics, who worship in 71 parishes and 44 missions. The Catholic faith may be deeply rooted in the Valley’s history and culture, but its diocese is young. While the area was part of the Vicariate Apostolic of Brownsville from 1874 to 1912, the Diocese of Brownsville was established on July 10, 1965 by Pope Paul VI. The ninth diocese in Texas was formed by detaching four counties – Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo and Starr – from the Diocese of Corpus Christi. The Golden Anniversary of the diocese will be celebrated with several events throughout 2015. The Family Life Office and Young Adult Ministry Office of the » Please see 50 Years p.15 CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec Jan. 1 marks the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It falls one week after Christmas, the end of the octave of Christmas. Jan. 1 is a day that we commemorate the divine motherhood of Mary. We are honoring Mary, who was chosen among all women to be the mother of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We honor the role she plays in the mystery of salvation. Christ’s birth was made possible by Mary’s fiat, or sanctioning of God’s plan with her words, “Be it done to me according to thy word.” Calling Mary “Mother of God” is the highest honor we can give to her. Jan. 1, which falls on a Thursday in 2015, is a holy day of obligation, meaning all Catholics must attend Mass on that day. NATIONAL AWARD DIVINE MERCY THOSE WHO SERVE January 2015 Pro-Life March Jan. 24 By ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic The Annual Pro-Life March & Rally is set for Saturday, Jan. 24 in McAllen. The event will begin with opening prayers led by Bishop Daniel E. Flores at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 900 S. 23rd St. After the prayer service, the procession will depart the church and continue into downtown where it will pass by the local abortion clinic and end at Sacred Heart Parish, 306 S. 15th St. with closing prayers. The event, which is sponsored by the Respect Life Apostolate of the Diocese of Brownsville, is held in reparation for the more than 57 million babies who have been killed in the United States since the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling on Jan. 22, 1973 that legalized abortion. Pro-life activists across the nation are observing the 42nd anniversary with events of prayer and action. Jennifer Carr Allmon, associate director of the Texas Catholic Conference in Austin, is scheduled to speak about the actions pro-life advocates can take at the local level to effect change on state and national policies. This is the third consecutive year that the procession will be held on a Saturday in downtown McAllen, the busiest day of the week for retailers. The public witness for life captures the attention of shoppers and merchants along the route. “It is good to be visible in terms of our support for life,” said Father Alejandro Flores, who was named director of the Respect Life Apostolate in July 2014. “It helps individuals realize the reality of the abortion that is present here in the Valley.” The mission of the Respect Life Apostolate is to promote the dignity of every human being and to promote chaste living. “Being pro-life not only includes defending our unborn children, but also upholding the dignity of all human life, including those who are crossing our border from other countries, the homeless, those who are victimized by human trafficking … We give a voice to those who don’t have one,” Father Flores said. “We are concerned about the culture of life, from conception until natural death. For more information about the March & Rally, contact Becky Gonzalez at (956) 975-1721. EN EN ESPAÑOL ESPAÑOL Artículos sobre la Jornada Mundial de la Paz, la Solemnidad de la Virgen María y una cantautora de La Feria “VERBUM MITTITUR SPIRANS AMOREM” (“The WORD is sent breathing love.”) Sister Pimentel to be honored by Catholic Charities USA Page 3 Conference to be held in Weslaco Page 4 Father Eugene Cañas, OMI, celebrates Golden Jubilee Page 9 Paginas 11-13 2 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - January 2015 Mark your calendar: 2015 Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day Saludo a la Virgen: Inmaculada y Guadalupe Luz inmaculada por el Padre fuiste intencionada como sonrisa de niñita en el Verbo imaginada, y fuego tierno de anuncio desde el principio anticipada. Si la lucidez angélica fue la primera por Dios creada (como Augustín en sus libros con frecuencia comentaba), esa belleza tan alta ni Adán recién plasmado hubiera con sus ojos claros alcanzado mirar. Porque en luces sin espacios él no se podía fijar, (como Tomás el angélico más tarde dirá.) Sin embargo el Padre ya guardaba en su seno hermosura más alta para sus hijos ajenos. Creación singular Texas Catholic Conference Catholics from across the Lone Star State will unite on Tuesday, March 24 for the Texas Catholic Conference’s 2015 Texas Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day. This bi-annual rally is hosted by the Texas Bishops to promote the Church’s values of Life, Justice, Charity, and Religious Freedom to members of the 84th Texas Legislature. The Bishops and event participants will address a broad range of diverse issues including advance directives reform, school choice tax credit scholarships, payday lending, Medicaid expansion, and abortion facilities regulation. The day will begin with the Texas Bishops and participants joining together in a massive rally at 11:30 a.m. on the south steps of the historic Texas State Capitol. In addition, a delicious BBQ lunch will be served on the great lawn of the Capitol grounds. Throughout the day, participants will make visits to their state senators and representatives. Media from across Texas will also be on hand to chronicle this historic event. All Texas Catholics are urged to get involved and support the Bishop’s legislative agenda by participating in the following activities: • Pray that our Texas legislators will hear the voice of Catholics throughout the state. • Learn more about the Texas Catholic Conference Legislative Agenda. • Sign up for action alerts through the Texas Catholic Network. • Join us for the Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day on March 24, 2015. Don’t have an advocacy day t-shirt? Wear royal blue! • Promote in your parishes and schools. • Call and let your representatives know that you support the Bishops. • Learn about current legislation that the Texas Catholic Conference and why we are supporting or opposing certain bills. For more details on how you can be a part of the 2015 Texas Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day, please call (956) 702-4088. MOST REVEREND DANIEL E. FLORES BISHOP OF BROWNSVILLE esperando su día, la rayita mas pura, lo que tu vida será. Nuestra eres, carne y hueso, llena de gracia y mas clara por eso, humilde morena, sencilla nobleza, honor singular de nuestra raza de mezclada naturaleza. El Verbo saltó al poderte encontrar, en tal belleza inventada para nuestros ojos contemplar. Al oír tu reflexión en su ser pronunciada regocijó de antemano que de ti a su creación Él podría llegar. El Espíritu ardía por querer verte aparecer. como aurora amanecida, lo que ni ángeles podrán comprender. En la llegada de tu día, anuncio de la más excelente instauración, te saludamos, hermanita, de quien Dios quiso nacer. Eres la Llama inocente dando luz a los pueblos llamados en ti a recibir la mañana, y a tu Hijo conocer. Amen. Bishop celebrates Mass at Bayview Detention Center Photos courtesy of Jail Ministry of the Diocese of Brownsville Bishop Daniel E. Flores heard confessions and celebrated Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12, 2014 at the Port Isabel Processing Center in Bayview. There were 200 male and female immigrants accompanied by 10 guards. Father George Gonzalez, prison chaplain for the Diocese of Brownsville, concelebrated and presented the inmates with New American Bibles and Prayer Pamphlets of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Following the Mass, Bishop Flores visited privately with immigrants who asked for a blessing. 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 Catholic Diocese of Brownsville www.cdob.org Brenda Nettles Riojas Editor Subscription rate $15 per year • $17 outside of Texas $25 out of U.S. Rose Ybarra Assistant Editor The Valley Catholic, a publication of the Diocese of Brownsville, is published monthly Terry De Leon & South Texas Circulation Circulation The Valley Catholic email: [email protected] Follow us on Facebook Evana A. Zamora (956) 784-5038 Member of the Catholic Press Assocition Advertising Gustavo Morales (956) 266-1527 Gilbert Saenz (956) 451-5416 Bishop Flores’ Schedule - January Jan 4 5 p.m. Brownsville Misa de la Sagrada Familia (Movimiento Familiar Cristiano) Jan 10 11 a.m. San Juan St. John the Baptist Talk at Youth Ministry Training Workshop Jan. 18 3 p.m. Peñitas Mass for Feast of Santo Niño at St. Anne Church Jan. 23 6 p.m. McAllen Spirit Awards Banquet Jan 24 9 a.m. McAllen Pro-Life Rally & Procession St. Joseph the Worker Jan. 24 1:30 p.m. Weslaco Talk at 5th Annual Divine Mercy Conference Jan. 27 10 a.m. Basilica Mass for Elderly DIOCESE January 2015- The Valley Catholic Editor’s note: Join us each month as we take a glimpse back in time and review the history of the Diocese of Brownsville. The Valley Catholic Bishop Adolf Marx was the first bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville. He is buried at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville. The conference center at the Pastoral Center in San Juan is named in his honor. »First Bishop of Brownsville Bishop Adolf Marx His motto: “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” His sudden death at age 50 shocked the faithful of the Valley The Valley Catholic Adolf Marx, who had formerly served as auxiliary bishop to Bishop Mariano S. Garriga of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, was the first bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville. He was the bishop of our diocese for only two months when he died unexpectedly at the age of 50. Shortly after his installation at the Immaculate Conception Ca- thedral in Brownsville on Sept. 2, 1965, Bishop Marx left for Rome to attend the meetings of the Second Vatican Council. During a break, he traveled to Germany to visit relatives. He died of a heart attack on Nov. 1, 1965 in his parents’ home in Cologne, Germany. “His death was a great shock,” said Msgr. Patrick Doherty, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brownsville who served as a pallbearer at Bishop Marx’s funeral. “He seemed to be in good shape.” Msgr. Doherty first met Bishop Marx in 1955 when he moved to Texas from his native Ireland. At that time, the Rio Grande Valley was part of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. “Bishop Marx was serving as auxiliary bishop of Corpus Christi and had an office at the cathedral,” Msgr. Doherty said. “We would see him around the diocese. He would do some of the confirmations.” Msgr. Doherty continued, “Bishop Marx was strict, but kind, friendly and fair. He lived by the rules. Whenever an issue came up that had to be solved, he went by the book.” Bishop Marx was born on Feb. 2, 1915 in Cologne, Germany. Bishop Emmanuel Boleslaus Ledvina, who was the bishop of Corpus Christi from 1921 to 1949, » Please see Bishop Marx p.15 Sister Pimentel to receive national award The Valley Catholic Social justice advocate honored for ministry with refugees SIster Norma Pimentel of the Missionaries of Jesus will be honored with a“Keep the Dream Alive” Award by Catholic Charities USA. The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to pursuing justice. On Dec. 1 she was presented with the Transborder Initiative Community Award from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas-Pan American. The Valley Catholic Sister Norma Pimentel of the Missionaries of Jesus, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, is among three religious leaders who will receive a national award from Catholic Charities USA on Jan. 9 in Washington, D.C. for excellence in the ministry in social justice. Sister Pimentel will receive a “Keep the Dream Alive” Award, which is named for civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The award is conferred upon those “who have demonstrated a history of consistent leadership in advancing racial and social justice,” according to Catholic Charities USA and, “creating a society in which every individual is not ‘judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.’” Sister Pimentel, a longtime social justice advocate in the Diocese of Brownsville, has led community efforts to respond to the needs of Central American families seeking refuge in the United States. She spearheaded the opening of two respite centers for immigrants. This summer, tens of thousands of Central American children came to the United States in search of hope. The Rio Grande Valley was their main point of entry, and the need to help these refugee families was critical. “Faith is taking the first step,” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “even when you don’t see the whole staircase,” Sister Pimentel remarked. “Catholic Charities took that first step. By taking the lead in the humanitarian response, we helped and continue to help these refugees every way we can – welcoming them, providing food and drink, clothing them, and ministering to the sick.” Sister Pimentel added, “Unquestionably, these are the right things to do, even though many may disagree. “There comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular,” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached, “But we must take it because our conscious tells us it is right.” Other recipients of the “Keep the Dream Alive” Award are Msgr. Ray East, director of the Office of Black Catholics and Vicar for Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. and Sister Kateri Mitchell, the first Native American woman to hold the position of executive director of the Tekakwitha Conference, a religious non-profit organization for evangelization among indigenous Catholics. “It is an honor to receive this recognition in the name of the many men, women and children who journey to this country, risking their lives,” Sister Pimentel said. “They truly help us live out our faith and ‘keep the dream alive.’” 3 4 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - January 2015 »Women speak for themselves en la Frontera Making time to climb a mountain N ew Year, new possibilities. As much as I like the start of a New Year and the possibilities it brings, I don’t like how quickly the calendar fills with commitments, sometimes to the point of leaving no room to be still. I can only blame myself and my inability to say no, added to my tendency to fill any extra hours to capacity. As I begin to mark my calendar this New Year, I want to make certain to include time to retreat and climb a mountain. Jesus taught us to retreat, to go up to a mountain top and find time alone to pray. “But he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.” Luke 5:16 Finding time to be alone is one of the reasons I enjoy camping and hiking. In past years I’ve had the grace to climb some incredible mountains – Mount Sinai in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, Mount Rose in Nevada. Reaching the summit was challenging but the view of God’s creation and the silence was worth each strained muscle. Not only did each hike help me slow my pace, each helped me set aside distractions from my day-to-day routine. The hikes helped me pay attention, to take in the view. The long climbs also gave me time to think and to pray. Granted, we do not have any mountains in the Rio Grande Valley, but we can set aside time to claim our own space, our metaphorical mountains, to sit in prayer and silence with God. One of my favorite spaces is in my backyard porch, either early in the morning before anyone wakes up or midmornings on weekends when I can sit and listen to the Brenda Nettles Riojas Editor of The Valley Catholic wind playing with the leaves. While advances in technology have helped us become more efficient, it feels like all the latest gadgets also serve to keep us on a leash around the clock. Not only are we connected 24 hours a day, information streams in from all directions, making it a noisy world to navigate. Sometimes we have to disconnect, make time to be still, to go on a retreat, even if for a few minutes. Silence, solitude, and space help us become better listeners. In our noisy world, given all our distractions, how can we respond to what God is calling us to if we are not attentive to his direction? “When messages and information are plentiful, silence becomes essential if we are to distinguish what is important from what is insignificant or secondary,” said Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in his message for World Communications Day in 2012. “Deeper reflection helps us to discover the links between events that at first sight seem unconnected, to make evaluations, to analyze messages; this makes it possible to share thoughtful and relevant opinions, giving rise to an authentic body of shared knowledge. For this to happen, it is necessary to develop an appropriate environment, a kind of ‘eco-system’ that maintains a just equilibrium between silence, words, images and sounds.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI also said, “Silence is an integral element of communication; in its absence, words rich in content cannot exist. In silence, we are better able to listen to and understand ourselves; ideas come to birth and acquire depth; we understand with greater clarity what it is we want to say and what we expect from others; and we choose how to express ourselves.” Pope Francis reminds us as well, “In the history of salvation, neither in the clamor nor in the blatant, but the shadows and the silence are the places in which God chose to reveal himself to humankind.” The Annotations to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, note “the more our soul finds itself alone and isolated, the more apt it makes itself to approach and to reach its Creator and Lord, and the more it so approaches him, the more it disposes itself to receive graces and gifts from his Divine and Sovereign Goodness.” There are different ways to disconnect, different spaces for prayer and silence – hiking outdoors, participating in a contemplative prayer group, signing up for retreat, Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, or taking time to garden. Each of us has to find our own mountain where we can retreat to in this New Year. So instead of making New Year’s resolutions, this year I am going to focus on scheduling time on my calendar to slow my pace and climb a mountain. »Family Life World Meeting of Families: “Created for Joy” R ecently Pope Francis confirmed his plans to come to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families which will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia from Tuesday to Friday, Sept. 2225, 2015. There will be daily Mass, devotions, keynote addresses and multiple breakout sessions. Held every three years and sponsored by the Holy See’s Pontifical Council for the Family, the World Meeting of Families is the world’s largest Catholic gathering of families. The theme of the World Meeting of Families-Philadelphia 2015 is “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive”, emphasizing the impact of the love and life of families on our society. The World Meeting of Families event was established by Pope St. John Paul II in 1994. It is held every three years in cities across the world. 2015 is the first time it will be in the United States. Its goals are (1) to strengthen family bonds and (2) to give witness to the fundamental role of the family in society. Learn more at WorldMeeting2015.org. On Sept. 16, 2014, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M.Cap. presented the preparatory catechesis, prayer, and iconic image for WMF during a press conference at Sala Stampa in Rome, Italy. The catechesis, prayer, and iconic image were inspired by the conference theme, “Love is our mission: the family fully alive.” Inspired by the words of the early Church father, Lydia Pesina Director, Family Life Office St. Irenaeus, “the glory of God is man fully alive,” the theme reflects the central role of the family in teaching people how to receive and give love. The preparatory catechesis is traditionally developed by the host diocese for the World Meeting of Families and reflects authentic Catholic beliefs about human dignity, human sexuality, marriage and the family. Like the WMF conference itself, the preparatory catechesis is intended for people of all ages and aims to address the issues and challenges facing families around the world. One of the wonderful assets of this internet age is that all of us can benefit from learning about good things that are happening around the world. I encourage you to check the websites on the World Meeting of Families for yourself, your family, and/or your ministry. Along with the official Preparatory Catechesis on WMF published by Our Sunday Visitor, there is a lot of information, ideas, lessons and family activities available for downloading. The preparatory catechesis contains 10 themes: (1) Created for Love (2) The Mission of Love (3) The Meaning of Human Sexuality (4) Two Become One (5) Creat- ing the Future (6) All Love Bears Fruit (7) Light in a Dark World (8) A Home for the Wounded Heart (9) Mother, Teacher, Family: The Nature and Role of the Church (10) Choosing Life. I hope to address one of these themes monthly during this year as a way to reflect together in preparation for this World Meeting of Families. The first theme in this preparatory catechesis “Created for Joy” addresses Jesus as the source of joy. We have to know him personally. He wants to be in a personal relationship with each of us. Pope Francis has emphasized the joy of the Gospel, and has reminded us that this joy is rooted in each person’s personal relationship with Jesus. In the first section of the Apostolic Exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel, he writes: “I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord… Here we find the source and inspiration of all our efforts at evangelization. For if we have received the love which restores meaning to our lives, how can we fail to share that love with others?” Perhaps this is a good time to ask ourselves how we experience true joy in our lives. How does having a relationship with Jesus bring us true joy? How do we experience joy in our everyday encounters in our family? Bishop Daniel E. Flores Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Father Anthony Gramlich Denise Bossert Love and Mercy Conference Fifth Annual Divine Mercy Conference set for Jan. 24 The Valley Catholic What is it? The purpose of the conference is to encourage all attendees to be powerful witnesses of God’s mercy guided by our Blessed Mother and to understand that being united with the Virgin Mary is a way of exalting and making the mercy of God known. Mary is the first to prove the omnipotence of God’s mercy due to her Immaculate Conception and her giving birth to Jesus, mercy incarnate. Who is it for? It is for everyone, high school age and older. Organizers want everyone to know, love, imitate and invoke the Blessed Mother. Keynote speakers Bishop Daniel E. Flores — The shepherd of the diocese will make a presentation entitled, Mary, Mother of Mercy.” Father Anthony Gramlich, MIC — The rector of The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy will speak about how St. Faustina learned from Mary to cooperate with the merciful Jesus in the work of rescuing lost souls by loving God and his people. Father Anthony will also lead a Eucharistic Holy Hour followed by Benediction. Denise Bossert is a convert to the Catholic Church. She is the daughter of a Protestant minister. In 2005, she converted to Catholism after reading books by Carmelite saints. Her syndicated column called Catholic by Grace has been published in 58 diocesan newspapers. She has also written for Catholic magazines and appeared on EWTN. She will speak on encountering Mary as a spiritual mother and on imitating Mary as a model of the New Evangelization. The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, OP — They are nuns of a Roman Catholic community of women religious based in Ann Arbor, Mich. The community was founded in the Dominican tradition to spread the witness of religious life in accord with St. John Paul II’s vision for a new evangelization. Sister Elizabeth Ann and Sister Maria Jose will lead a procession with a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe and in praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary They will also share practical ways to explain to others why we venerate Mary as a true masterpiece of God’s mercy in the world through the gift of her Immaculate Conception. How much is it? Early registration is $25. Coffee, juice, pan dulce and lunch are included. This cost should not deter those interested in attending from registering as scholarships are available. Admission is free for priests, deacons and religious brothers and sisters. How do I register? Organizers ask that everyone complete the registration process, even those attending at no cost, for planning purposes. Registration is available on line at www. fomm.us or contact Gloria (956) 650-4601 or Yolanda (956) 4542103. FAITH January 2015 - The Valley Catholic »Sunday Readings The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church JANUARY 4 (Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord) Reading I IS 60:1-6 Responsorial Psalm PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 Reading II EPH 3:2-3A, 5-6 Alleluia MT 2:2 Gospel MT 2:1-12 JANUARY 11 (Feast of the Baptism of the Lord) Reading I IS 42:1-4, 6-7 or IS 55:1-11 Responsorial Psalm PS 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or IS 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6 Reading II ACTS 10:34-38 or 1 JN 5:1-9 Alleluia CF. MK 9:7 or CF. JN 1:29 Gospel MT 1:7-11 JANUARY 18 (Second Sunday in Ordinary Time) Reading I 1 SM 3:3B-10, 19 Responsorial Psalm PS 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 Reading II 1 COR 1:1-3 C-15A, 17-20 Alleluia JN 1:14, 17B Gospel JN 1:35-42 JANUARY 25 (Third Sunday in Ordinary Time) Reading I JON 3:1-5, 10 Responsorial Psalm PS 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Reading II 1 COR 7:29-31 Alleluia MK 1:15 Gospel MK 1:14-20 Father Gonzalez recognized The Valley Catholic Father George Gonzalez, chaplain of the jail ministry for the Diocese of Brownsville, attained the highest level of certification - Certified Clinical Correctional Chaplain – from the American Correctional Chaplains Association, effective Dec. 1, 2014. Father Gonzalez, who is in residence at Our Lady of the Assumption in Harlingen, serves 10 detention centers throughout the diocese. He also serves as retreat chaplain for two prison ACTS retreats per year at the Segovia Unit and at the Reynoldo V. Lopez State Jail north of Edinburg. Father Gonzalez also teaches a year-long formation program for jail ministry volunteers in Raymondville, Harlingen and Brownsville. 5 »Making Sense of Bioethics Are womb transplants immoral? A recent news report described the unusual story of a baby’s birth from his grandmother’s womb. A 29-year old woman from Sweden, born without a uterus, received a transplanted womb from her mother, the same womb that had brought her into the world a generation earlier. The woman then became pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and delivered a healthy baby boy. The research had been dogged by controversy and questions: Could a transplanted womb from a post-menopausal woman be “triggered” back into action once it had been introduced into the body of a younger woman? Could a transplanted uterus effectively provide nourishment to a growing baby during all the gestational stages of a pregnancy? Would such a costly and risky surgery involving two people, mother and daughter, donor and recipient, be justifiable? Are such transplants ultimately ethical? The specific circumstances involved are critical to determining whether this novel type of transplant is ethical. Various medical anomalies can cause a woman to be missing a uterus. A congenital disease called Rokitansky syndrome can cause the uterus to develop anomalously, or not form at all. Uterine cancer or other serious gynecological issues may necessitate that a woman undergo a hysterectomy, resulting in permanent infertility. The womb is a unique organ with a highly specific function, and the transplantation of a healthy womb into a woman who lacks one due to a birth defect or disease is loosely parallel, some would say, to a situation where a patient’s kidney fails, and another person donates a healthy replacement organ. Yet others would say that the womb is not a vital organ like a T Tadeusz Pacholczyk Priest of the Diocese of Fall River kidney, and while the transplantation of a womb is directed towards improving a patient’s quality of life, it clearly does not constitute life-saving surgery like a kidney transplant. Therefore, womb transplants require strong ethical justifications. As we reflect on the ethics surrounding new medical treatments and technologies, it can help us to recall the general principle, enshrined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, that the morality of a human act depends on three factors: the object, the end, and the circumstances involved. An act is morally good only if all three of these factors are morally good. If any one of them is bad, we recognize that the overall act itself becomes morally bad. For example, a diva using her voice to sing a passage from a famous opera has the morally good object of performing a beautiful and artistic musical composition. The end for which a diva might sing would be to perfect her singing skills — also morally good. But if she decides to do it at 3 a.m. in a dormitory, so that it disturbs the sleep of her neighbors, then the circumstances would not be good, and we would conclude that the action of singing in that way by the diva is, in fact, morally bad. In the case of carrying out a womb transplant, the object of the act would be good, namely, to restore a woman’s bodily wholeness by transplanting a healthy womb in situations where she lacks one. The end for which the womb transplant would be carried out would also be good, namely, to achieve a pregnancy. But particular circumstances can easily render the womb transplant immoral. If the transplant were done for the purposes of pursuing a pregnancy through IVF, this circumstance would render the entire act of the womb transplant morally bad and disordered, given that IVF is invariably immoral as a means to engender new human life. All reported instances thus far of womb transplants followed by successful pregnancies have arisen because of the use of IVF. A similar problem with the circumstances of the transplant could arise if the womb that was used for transplant had been donated by a healthy woman still in her reproductive years who harbored a contraceptive intention and no longer desired to have more children of her own with her husband. In such a situation, her uterine donation would cause her to become sterile, and would represent a seriously flawed moral circumstance that would likewise render the action of receiving the transplanted womb unethical on the part of the other woman. When might a womb transplant be morally acceptable? If a uterus were transplanted from either a deceased or a freely-consenting, post-menopausal woman to another woman whose ovaries, fallopian tubes and other reproductive tissues were then able to function so she could conceive a child within the marital embrace, rather than through IVF (and assuming minimal medical risks to both donor and recipient), the womb transplant could represent an ethical means of resolving her uterinefactor infertility. In conclusion, the specific circumstances of both the donor and recipient are crucial in discerning the ethical appropriateness of this unusual procedure. The wise still seek Him he Solemnity of the Epiphany which Catholics celebrate traditionally on Jan. 6 commemorates the visit of the Magi (or wise men) to the newborn Jesus, Mary his mother and Joseph as described in the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12. Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphanein, meaning “an appearance or revelation,” a manifestation of the divinity; and can be seen also as the continuation of the mystery of Christmas. In the Greek-speaking church of the East it was common to use the word “theophania” to describe the appearance of the true God in flesh, signifying a divine apparition as described by St. Gergory Nazianzen as found in the readings of the Divine Office. In the Traditional Catholic Liturgy adapted from the Liturgical Year series by Abbot Gueranger, OSB, explains the importance of why the 6th of January is designated to commemorate the Feast of the Epiphany in the Catholic Liturgical year: “The 6th of January, therefore, restored the celebration of Our Lord’s Birth to the 25th of December; but in return, there were united in the one same Epiphany three manifestations of Jesus’ glory: the mystery of the Magi coming from the East, under the guidance of a star, and adoring the Infant of Bethlehem as the Divine King; the mystery Deacon Luis Zuniga Director, Office for Pastoral Planning & San Juan Diego Ministry Institute. of the Baptism of Christ, Who, whilst standing in the waters of the Jordan, was proclaimed by the Eternal Father as Son of God; and thirdly, the mystery of the divine power of this same Jesus, when He changed the water into wine at the marriage-feast of Cana. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us of the importance of such a great feast day: “The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi’s coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament.” (CCC, #528). The story of the Magi is meant to help us Catholics reflect on the important aspect of the mystery of the Incarnation. The Messiah promised in the Old Testament to save his people has to come to save us all. The Magi or “wise men” as they are referred to were believed to be astrologers who followed the star which brought them to the infant Jesus. The number of Magi was set at three by Origen (around 254) because of the three gifts mentioned in the gospel and later they are referred to as Kings due to the references in the Old Testament scriptures. The Kings are often described as representing the three major races and were given the names of Melchior (old white man), bearing the gift of gold; Caspar (darker hue color) carrying incense; and Balthasar (a black man) offering myrrh. The three gifts mentioned in the Gospels were traditional symbols of homage in the East and symbolize the destiny of Jesus: gold » Please see Epiphany, p.15 Courtesy photo A painting of St. Timothy, St. Paul the Apostle, and his grandmother Lois and her mother Eunice by artist Mina Anton. »Feast Day January 26 Spotlight on St. Timothy Catholic News Agency On Jan. 26, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of St. Timothy, a close companion of the Apostle Paul and a bishop of the Catholic Church in its earliest days. St. Timothy is the co-writer of Thessalonians, 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, are known to have joined the Church, and Timothy himself is described as a student of Sacred Scripture from his youth. After St. Paul’s visit to Timothy’s home region of Lycaonia, around the year 51, the young man joined the apostle and accompanied him in his travels. Paul sent him to Thessalonica to help the Church during a period of persecution. The two met up again in Corinth, and Timothy eventually journeyed to Macedonia on Paul’s behalf. Problems in the Corinthian Church brought Timothy back for a time, after which he joined Paul and accompanied the apostle in subsequent travels. Like Paul, Timothy endured a period of imprisonment in the course of his missionary work. His release is mentioned in the New Testament Epistle to the Hebrews. Around the year 64, Timothy became the first bishop of the Church of Ephesus. During that same year, he received the first of two surviving letters from St. Paul. The second, written the next year, urges Timothy to visit St. Paul in Rome, where he was imprisoned before his martyrdom. Ancient sources state that St. Timothy followed his mentor in dying as a martyr for the faith. In the year 93, during his leadership of the Church in Ephesus, he took a stand against the worship of idols and was consequently killed by a mob. Because of his frail health he is the patron of those with stomach disorders. St. Paul writes, “Stop drinking water only; take a little wine for the good of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” (I Timothy 5:23). 6 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - January 2015 SPIRIT January 2015 - The Valley Catholic Father Steve Hernandez San Martin de Porres School, Weslaco awards diocese Of brownsvillE 2015 DIOCESE 7 Julio Gonzalez Our Lady of Guadalupe School, Mission Veronica La Beau Olga M. Escobar St. Anthony Catholic School, Harlingen Immaculate Conception School, Rio Grande City Lisette Allen Diocese of Brownsville Honoree The Valley Catholic Eva Cuellar Incarnate Word Academy, Brownsville The 18th Annual Spirit Awards banquet is set for Friday, Jan. 23 at Msgr. Ralph Hall at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in McAllen. The event honors excellence in Catholic education while raising funds for the diocese’s tuition assistance program. A reception is at 6 p.m., with dinner and program following at 7 p.m. An honoree or honorees from each of the 13 Catholic schools in the diocese will be recognized at the event. The diocesan honoree is Lisette Allen, director of accreditation for the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department in Austin. A native of Harlingen, she served as superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Brownsville for six years before assuming her current responsibilities. “The Diocese of Brownsville will always be home and it is a joy to return and see the great things that are happening in Catholic education across the Rio Grande Valley,” said Allen, adding that serving at the state level, “has only enhanced the love I have for Catholic education.” “The students we serve have inspired my commitment to Catholic education,” she said. “I truly believe that the moment a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he/ she ought to have the impression of entering a new environment, one illumined by the light of faith, and having its own unique characteristics that inspire them to be saints, the saints that our world needs so much and the academic environment that helps them fulfill their dreams. “Catholic education gives our students the opportunity to become who God has intended them to be and that is truly their best and most authentic selves.” Allen and her husband, Daniel, have been married for 20 years and have two sons, Douglas, 19, a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin and Seth, 14, who is in the eighth grade. The Spirit Awards banquet kicks off the annual observance of Catholic Schools Week, which runs from Jan. 25 to Jan. 31. The 2015 theme selected by the National Catholic Educational Association is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” For more information on the event or for sponsorship opportunities, contact the Catholic Schools Office at (956) 784-5051. Mary Salinas St. joseph Catholic School, Edinburg Susan A. Vano Esther Aguirre St. Mary’s Catholic School, Brownsville Oratory of St. Philip Neri School, Pharr IBC Bank Guadalupe Regional Middle School, Browsnville Melissa Valadez St. Joseph Academy, Browsville Gala Co-Chairs 2011-2014 Mario and Marlene Guerra Juan Diego Academy, Mission Our Lady of Sorrows School, McAllen Darlene D. Ruiz St. Luke Catholic School, Brownsville Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 25-Jan. 31, 2015 “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” 8 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic -January 2015 Deacon Ignacio R. Gonzales dies October 14, 1923 - November 28, 2014 Army veteran ministered to elderly, infirmed in hospitals The Valley Catholic HARLINGEN — Deacon Ignacio R. Gonzales died on Nov. 28 in Harlingen. He was 91. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Deacon Gonzales served in World War II in the 101st ABRN, Division “Screaming Eagles” from 1942-1946, attaining the rank of sergeant. He also served during the Korean Conflict from 19501955. He was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Brownsville on May 5, 1985 and served at St. Cecilia Church in Los Fresnos, Our Lady of Assumption Church in Harlingen and as a hospital chaplain at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. He retired from active ministry on April 30, 2004. Deacon Gonzales was preceded in death by his wife, Mary M. Gonzales, and his daughter, Mary Lou Garnett, his parents Catarino and Eulalia Gonzalez, and brother Raul R. Gonzales. He is survived by his children, Margaret De La Cruz (Raul); Mary Ann Barbosa (Aurelio); Patricia Villarreal (Gilbert); Diane Crafts (Henry); Sandy Martinez (Oscar); Betty Lou Garcia (Uvaldo); Bernadett Caceres (Jorge); George Gonzales; Delphine Gonzales; Josephine Saldana (Salvador) and Peggy Ann Gonzales. He also survived by 27 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and a greatgreat grandson. Visitation and viewing were held at Trinity Funeral Home in Harlingen throughout the day on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. A Rosary was prayed on the evening of Dec. 1. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Dec. 2 at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Harlingen, followed by interment at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito. Year of Consecrated Life Religious communities serving in our diocese Order of Franciscan Friars, Assumption BVM Province Founded by: St. Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy in 1209 How long has your community served our diocese? Since 1994: San Ignacio (Brownsville), St. Helen (Rio Hondo), St. Anthony (Raymondville), San Martin de Porres (Weslaco), Sacred Heart (Elsa), Holy Family (La Grulla), Cristo Rey (La Victoria), Our Lady of Peace (La Casita/Garciasville), Sacred Heart (McAllen) and Holy Family (Edinburg) Charism:We are friars who live a simple life in fraternity and through a spirit of prayer and devotion witness the Gospel of Jesus Christ among people to whom we have been sent opting to serve the poor when and where we are able. Apostolate: Parochial ministry, education (elementary, Courtesy photo high school and universities), home and foreign missions, hospitals and nursing homes, Religious Sisters’ The Franciscan Friars of Edinburg/McAllen, from left, Father Communities, social work among the poor (soup kitchens Thomas Luczak, Brother Mario Nagy, Father Terrence Gorski, Brother Andre LeMay and Father Jose Lobaton. and alcoholics). Contact information: Brother Andre LeMay, OFM, 956686-7711 or 956-383-5472, Email: [email protected], Website: www.franciscan-friars.org Sisters of St. Dorothy Founded by: St. Paula Frassinetti in Genoa, Italy in 1834 How long has your community served our diocese? 26 years Charism(s): Simplicity Apostolate(s): Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Teaching & counselor in Catholic Schools, English as a Second Language, ELI, Media Resource Center, Ministry in MX (Border), Eucharistic Minister, Sister’s Council. Contact information: Sister Cynthia Mello, SSD [email protected] Courtesy photo From left, Sister Mary Sardinha, Sister Colleen Materese, Sister Helen Nunes, Sister Cynthia Mello and Sister Maureen Crosby. We will feature religious communities serving in our diocese every month throughout the Year of Consecrated Life. DIOCESE January 2015 - The Valley Catholic Those Who Serve: 9 Father Eugenío Cañas, OMI Oblate celebrates Golden Jubilee San Benito native returns home for Mass of Thanksgiving By ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic SAN BENITO — Father Eugenio Cañas of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate marked his Golden Jubilee on Dec. 21. He celebrated the milestone with a Mass of Thanksgiving and reception on Dec. 26 at St. Benedict Church in San Benito, his childhood parish. Father Cañas was entrusted to rebuild the San Juan Shrine after a plane crashed into the popular pilgrimage site and destroyed it on Oct. 23, 1970, continuing the work of Father José María Azpiazu, who founded the original shrine in 1949. He later served as a provincial for the Oblates, one of the religious order’s highest offices. Father Cañas was appointed as director of the San Juan Shrine on Nov. 15, 1974 and served until 1981. The new shrine, which seats about 3,500 and cost $5 million to construct, was dedicated by Bishop John J. Fitzpatrick on April 19, 1980 before an estimated 50,000 people. “I always say that’s where I got my grey hairs, trying to coordinate meetings with the bishop, the architect, general contractor and so on and so forth,” said Father Cañas, who currently serves as the director of the Cursillo Movement in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, a position he has held since 2004. “The most exasperating thing was shortly after we started the construction, we had rain every day for about three months.” Father Cañas, 76, recalls that the shrine was, “an instant attraction, especially for tourists. “We never used to get too many Anglos, and all of a sudden, they started wanting a Mass in English,” he said. “Everybody wanted to go to the shrine.” The shrine, which is now known as the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-National Shrine, draws more than 20,000 visitors a week and brings in bus tours from around the country. It was designated a national shrine in 1998 and the following year, Pope John Paul II designated it as a minor basilica. Father Cañas recently heard about a group from Houston traveling to the basilica. “That was my dream, that one day, pilgrims from all over would visit the San Juan Shrine,” said Father Cañas, who last visited the basilica three years ago at the invitation of Father Amador Garza, the current rector of the basilica. “We should all be very, very indebted to Father Eugene because it fell on him to do a lot of fundraising, to do a lot of planning to build the new basilica,” Father Garza said. “He worked tirelessly. We have lots of pictures of him in our archives. “He had a lot of apostolic zeal to get the job done because it was no easy feat to build this church.” Photos courtesy of Father Cañas’ family A Mass of Thanksgiving for the 50 years of priestly ordination for Father Eugenío Cañas of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate was celebrated on Dec. 26 at St. Benedict Church in San Benito. The oldest of 12 children, Father Cañas was born in San Benito on Oct. 22, 1938, the son of the late Eugenio and Estefana Cañas. “We were strongly influenced by our brother to practice our Catholic faith,” said Frances Leal, Father Cañas’ younger sister. “He was the oldest and we looked up to him.” Father Cañas attended St. Theresa Catholic School in San Benito through the eighth grade. It was there that he first considered becoming a priest. “One day, the priests came in and talked about foreign missions and the priesthood and they asked how many of us wanted to become a priest,” Father Cañas recalled. “Like so many of the other boys, I raised my hand. The pastor took note of who was interested and kept after me. “They kept asking me when I was going to the seminary. After completing one year of public high school, I enrolled at St. Anthony Seminary in San Antonio.” Father Cañas said he was comfortable joining the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate because it was the only community of priests he ever knew. In those days, the vast majority of churches in the Valley were under the pastoral care of the Oblates. Father Cañas was ordained a priest of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on Dec. 21, 1964 at the former St. Anthony Seminary in San Antonio. Father Cañas said he was most interested in foreign missions, but he didn’t serve overseas until October 1986 when he was appointed as assistant general of the Oblate General Council in Rome. When asked if he enjoyed the experience, he responded, “yes and » Please see Father Cañas, p.15 10 IN THE NEWS The Valley Catholic -January 2015 World Day of Peace Message focuses on human trafficking, modern day slavery Lisa Johnston/Catholic News Service “A woman’s hands are pictured in this photo illustration depicting the effects of human trafficking. Women religious are joining with members of local communities in efforts to combat exploitation of young girls being trafficked and “to help heal the wounded.” By CINDY WOODEN Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Human trafficking destroys the lives of millions of children, women and men each year, making it a real threat to peace, the Vatican said as it announced Pope Francis’ 2015 World Peace Day message would focus on the phenomenon. “Slaves no more, but brothers and sisters” will be the theme for the Jan. 1, 2015, commemoration and for the message Pope Francis will write for the occasion, according to the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Pope Francis has called human trafficking “a crime against humanity” and “an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ.” In describing why Pope Francis chose trafficking as the theme for World Peace Day 2015, a statement from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace said, “Many people think that slavery is a thing of the past,” but “this social plague remains all too real in today’s world” with child labor, forced prostitution, trafficking for organs and a variety of forms of forced labor. Trafficking, which generates huge amounts of income for organized crime, threatens peace be- cause it is based on a lack of recognition of the fundamental human dignity of its victims, the Vatican statement said. “Fraternity requires us to reject any inequality which would allow one person to enslave another,” the statement said. “Our purpose is to build a civilization based on the equal dignity of every person without discrimination.” The pope’s full message for World Peace Day traditionally is released by the Vatican in midDecember and is sent, through Vatican diplomats, to the leaders of nations around the world. As archbishop of Buenos Aires, the pope celebrated an annual Mass with the victims of trafficking, and soon after his election as pope in 2013, he asked the pontifical academies of sciences and of social sciences to study the problem of modern-day slavery and ways for the church to work with others to stop it. In March, the Vatican, the Anglican Communion and others launched the Global Freedom Network. The initiative, based at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, aims to prevent modern forms of slavery; to protect, rescue and rehabilitate victims; and to promote concrete measures that condemn or criminalize human trafficking. The United Nations estimates 2.4 million people are trafficked at any given time and their exploitation generates $32 billion in annual profits for criminals. The Global Slavery Index estimates nearly 30 million people worldwide are living in slave-like conditions. Oratorians to celebrate 500th anniversary of St. Philip Neri’s birth The Valley Catholic ROME — Father Mario Avilés, procurator general of the Confederation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, announced on Nov. 30 the celebration of the quincentenary of the birth of St. Philip Neri (1515-2015), founder of the Confederation. The jubilee year will open on May 25, 2015 and close on May 26, 2016 and will be “characterized by sober and dignified events in keeping with Philipine simplicity,” Father Avilés said. “It will be a providential opportunity for a profound rediscovery of the singular figure known as the ‘Apostle of Rome,’” added Father Avilés, who also serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Hidalgo. “St. John Paul II, during the Congresso Generale of the Holy Year of 2000, described St. Philip as the bearer of a great heritage for the whole Church, and (the pope) hoped that revisiting the sources of St Philip’s spirituality and of his entire work would inspire in each Congregation a renewed awareness of the validity and relevance of St Philip’s ‘missionary method,’ and that this would make an important contribution to the task of the New Evangelization.” The Confederation of the Oratory was founded in Rome by St. Philip Neri in the 16th century. It is a society of apostolic life of Catholic priests and brothers who live together in a community known as an Oratory. There are 85 Orato- ries and more than 550 Oratory priests and brothers around the globe. The principal event of the jubilee year is St. Philip Neri planned for October 2015 in Rome. It will include an international study symposium entitled “A Modern Saint: St .Philip Neri (1515-1595) Five Hundred Years After His Birth”, a collaborative effort of the Vallicelliana Library and the Roman Oratory. The event will also include an exhibition titled, “The Development of an Image and the Birth of an Iconography: St Philip Neri in the printed collections of the Archive of the Roman Oratory”. This exhibition will take place in the Borromini Refectory at the Vallicella, and it will feature the famous Guido Reni portrait of St Philip with the Madonna and Child, which is to undergo restoration. Besides these initiatives, the Jubilee Year will witness solemn liturgical celebrations both at the Chiesa Nuova in Rome, where St. Philip Neri’s body rests, and in Florence, his place of birth, as well as concerts of instrumental and vocal music, the traditional Visit to the Seven Churches, and days of recollection for priests and laity, Father Avilés said. »Birthday & Anniversary Wishes The list of birthdays and ordination anniversaries is provided so that parishioners may remember the priests, deacons and religious in their prayers and send them a note or a card. January » Birthdays 1 Rev. Leo Francis Daniels, CO 4 Rev. Rigobert Poulang Mot 6 Rev. Msgr. Louis Brum 9 Rev. Julian Becerril O de M 10 Rev. Eusebio Martinez 13 Rev. Alejandro Flores 22 Rev. Roberto Charlton, SS.CC 22 Rev. Horacio Chavarria 22 Rev. Oscar Siordia 24 Rev. Ignacio Tapia 28 Rev. Robert Davola – retired 28 Rev. Bill Penderghest, SS.CC 2 Deacon John P. Kinch 4 Deacon Al Crixell 14 Deacon Paulo Escobar 18 Deacon Ramon G. Leal 19 Deacon Salvador G. Saldivar 23 Deacon Reynaldo I. Flores 23 DeaconRodolfo Sepulveda Jr. 24 Deacon Juan Valenzuela 28 Deacon Alejandro Flores 3 Brother Hoss A. Alvarez 4 Sister Emily Jocson, ICM 23 Sister Dianne Maresha » Anniversaries 4 Rev.Thomas Kulleck 4 Rev. Manoj K. Nayak, SS.CC 16 Rev. Robert Charlton 28 Rev. Cesar Partida 30 Bishop Daniel Flores as priest 30 Msgr. A. S. Pacheco – Retired 25 Dcn. Francisco D. Pon February » Birthdays 2 Rev. Mishael Koday 2 Rev. Roche Thiruchiluvai, SS.CC 3 Rev. Thomas Pincelli 3 Rev. Alejandro Fajardo, SS.CC 11 Rev. Gustavo Obando 11 Msgr. Robert Davola - retired 19 Bishop Emeritus Raymundo J. Pena - retired 26 Rev. Juan Victor Heredia 26 Rev. Thomas G. Kulleck 2 Sister Mary N. Vincelli, CSJ 2 Sister Esther Rodriguez, O.P. 3 Sister Anita Jennissen, OSF 14 Brother David Concannon 20 Sister Rosalia Fink, OSB 20 Sister Frances Salinas, OSB 20 Sister Denise Sausville, RSM 8 Deacon Amando Peña Jr. 11 Deacon Gilberto Perez 13 Deacon Hugo De la Cruz 15 Deacon Jose R. Castro 15 Deacon George M. Terrazas 17 Deacon Hector Perez 18 Deacon Pedro Sanchez 22 Deacon Alvino Olvera » Anniversaries 2 Rev. Juan Victor Heredia 8 Rev. Gnanaraj Michael 11 Msgr. Robert Davola – Retired 15 Rev. Patrick Seitz 25 Rev. Marco Antonio Reynoso NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL 11 Enero 2015 - The Valley Catholic Dando gloria y honra a Dios The Valley Catholic Cantautora de La Feria ofrece su talento a Dios, su Iglesia María Isabel Lozano de La Feria compone canciones religiosas desde 40 años. Nota editorial: María Isabel Lozano falleció repentinamente a la edad de 74, el 9 de diciembre del 2014. Curiosamente, nuestra edición de enero incluye un perfil de la canta autora. Presentamos el artículo aquí, sin alteraciones, como una celebración a la vida de Lozano y a su compromiso de toda la vida a Dios y su Iglesia. Por ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic LA FERIA – María Isabel Lozano guarda una pluma y papel cerca de la cama. Para esta cantautora, la inspiración para una canción a menudo viene mientras se está quedando dormida o a mitad de la noche. “He aprendido que si no lo escribo, lo olvidó en la mañana,” dijo Lozano. “Deberías de ver algunas de mis notas. La escritura está muy chueca porque escribí las cosas en la oscuridad,” añadió riéndose. Lozano, 74, ama de casa, madre, abuela y tatarabuela, ha escrito más de 20 canciones, todas ellas dando honra y gloria a Dios. Sus canciones son inspiradas por las escrituras y vivencias. Las canciones que ella escribe son cantadas en español por los coros en la Iglesia San Francisco Xavier, un ministerio en el que ella ha sido parte por más de 40 años. De adolescente, Lozano amaba cantar y se enseñó a tocar la guitar- ra, pero nunca tuvo la oportunidad de seguir la música más allá. “La vida llegó,” como ella lo describe. Ella conoció a su esposo y dedicó su tiempo a hacer un hogar para él y sus cinco hijos. Lozano encontró que nunca es tarde para redescubrir al músico de adentro. A los 34, levantó la guitarra y empezó a tocarla un día mientras sus hijos estaban en la escuela. Habían pasado 10 o 12 años desde que toqué la guitarra,” dijo Lozano. “Uno de los niños vecinos pasaba por nuestra casa y me escuchó cantando y tocando la guitarra. El niño le habló de mi a la maestra de música de la escuela.” “La maestra de música llegó a mi puerta y me dijo que necesitaba ayuda cantando en la iglesia.” Lozano y su familia asistían a Misa cada domingo en Harlingen, pero no estaban involucrados en ningún ministerio. Ella aceptó la oportunidad de servir a Dios; los feligreses reconocieron y apreciaron inmediatamente su don por la música. Lozano dijo que dos mujeres en particular, Bertha Gavito, ya fallecida, y la Hermana Margarita Vargas de las Misioneras Eucarísticas Franciscanas, la motivaron a escribir canciones y desarrollar sus talentos. “Ella es una mujer muy humilde y talentosa,” dijo la Hermana Vargas, quien sirvió en la Iglesia San Francisco Xavier de 1978 a 1988 y permanece siendo buena amiga de la familia. “Nadie habló con ella lo suficiente para encontrar cuales eran sus talentos, nadie la motivó a escribir música. Ella solamente necesitaba algo de áni- mo para continuar su ministerio y ofrecérselo a la Iglesia.” La primer canción que Lozano escribió, “Confesión Humilde”, es profundamente personal. Es sobre las emociones que ella sintió en los años en los que no podía recibir la Comunión porque no estaba casada por la Iglesia. “Después de 40 años, todavía me asombro cuando canta,” dijo Heriberto Lozano, su esposo. “Ella siente lo que canta. Vacía su corazón y alma en cada canción.” La hermana Vargas fue tan conmovida por las habilidades compositoras de María Isabel Lozano que le pidió que compusiera una canción para la celebración de coronación en Mayo en la parroquia, y después canciones para la ofrenda. María Isabel Lozano también escribió una canción en honor a Nuestra Señora de San Juan del Valle y fue reconocida por el rector de su basílica en San Juan por esa pieza. Si bien la Hermana Vargas está impresionada por los talentos musicales de María Isabel Lozano, ella se encuentra aún más inspirada por cómo este ministerio ha afectado de manera positiva a toda la familia Lozano. “Ellos se involucraron mucho en la parroquia después de que ella se unió al coro,” dijo la Hermana Vargas. “Ha acercado a nuestra familia hacia Dios y Su Iglesia,” dijo Heriberto Lozano, quien inspirado por su esposa, empezó a escribir poesía y reflexión religiosa. La pareja ha estado junta por más de 53 años y tienen 15 nietos y 11 bisnietos. María Isabel Lozano nació en Santa Rosa, Texas, pero creció en el Ejido El Rosario, un pequeño ranchito en las afueras de Río Bravo, México. El ranchito era tan pequeño que no tenía sacerdote. Un sacerdote de Río Bravo solía visitarnos una vez al año para dar los sacramentos pero los residentes mantenían su fe viva rezando el Rosario como comunidad una vez por semana. “Los ancianos eran muy sabios y nos enseñaron a rezar,” dijo ella. “Antes de que tuviéramos bailes o cualquier otra cosa, los ancianos en nuestra comunidad insistían en que rezáramos el Rosario primero.” “Pastores y misioneros de otras religiones vinieron a nuestro ranchito y algunos residentes se convirtieron, pero nosotros nos mantuvimos firmes a nuestra fe Católica.” 12 NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL Solemnidad de Santa María The Valley Catholic - Enero 2015 »Mujeres en la frontera The Valley Catholic El 1 de enero, por ser solemnidad de Santa María, Madre de Dios, es fiesta de precepto, y por lo tanto hay obligación de ir a misa. Confesamos nuestra fe en la divina maternidad de María, que, por obra y gracia del Espíritu Santo, concibió en sus virginales entrañas y dio a luz al Hijo de Dios hecho hombre. Este hecho inconmensurable eleva a María mil veces por encima de todo el género humano y de todos los ángeles y bienaventurados. Su maternidad divina es el título fundamental y más importante de María, del que se derivan todas sus demás grandezas y privilegios. Papa dedica Jornada Mundial de la Paz a lucha contra esclavitud ACI Prensa/EWTN Noticias VATICANO – “Ya nunca más esclavos, sino hermanos”, es el tema elegido por el Papa Francisco para la 48° Jornada Mundial de la Paz a realizarse el 1 de enero de 2015, informó el Pontificio Consejo para la Justicia y la Paz en un comunicado donde denunció que la esclavitud no es un hecho del pasado, sino una “plaga social” fuertemente presente en el mundo de hoy. Según la ONG australiana Lisa Johnston/Catholic News Service Walk Free, unas 30 millones de Según la ONG australiana Walk Free, unas 30 millones de personas viven como esclapersonas viven como esclavos en el mundo, víctimas de la explo- vos en el mundo, víctimas de la explotación sexual, laboral y otras formas de esclavitud. tación sexual, laboral y otras formas de esclavitud. amovible la referencia a la fraterni- Rubén Puente en su libro “La vida En 2014 la jornada tuvo por dad, que requiere la superación de oculta de Bergoglio”, donde relata tema “La Fraternidad, funda- la desigualdad, en base a la cual un cómo siendo Arzobispo de Buemento y camino para la paz”. Sin ser humano puede hacer esclavo nos Aires, el entonces Cardenal embargo, denunció el dicasterio, a otro, y el consiguiente compro- Jorge Mario Bergoglio protegió y “la esclavitud hiere mortalmente miso de proximidad y gratuidad a salvó de la esclavitud sexual a 80 dicha fraternidad universal y, por favor de un camino de liberación e mujeres. tanto, la paz. La paz, en efecto, inclusión para todos”. “Logró hacer visible el probtiene lugar cuando el ser humano “El objetivo es la construcción lema de la prostitución, los proxreconoce, en el otro, un hermano de una civilización fundada sobre enetas y la trata de blancas. (...) que posee la misma dignidad”. la igual dignidad de todos los seres La ayuda de Bergoglio fue deciEn ese sentido, señaló que en humanos, sin discriminación al- siva, porque escondió durante un el mundo contemporáneo “son guna. Para ello, es necesario tam- tiempo en conventos o en pisos de múltiples los abominables rostros bién el compromiso de parte de personas de su absoluta confianza de la esclavitud: el tráfico de seres los ámbitos de la información, de a mujeres en peligro”, relató en el humanos, la trata de los migrantes la educación, y de la cultura en libro el titular de la ONG La Aly de la prostitución, el trabajo es- favor de una sociedad renovada y ameda, Gustavo Vera. clavo, la explotación del hombre configurada para la libertad, para Ya como Pontífice, abordó en por el hombre, así como la men- la justicia y, por tanto, para la paz”. un discurso a un grupo de embatalidad esclavista respecto de las El Pontificio Consejo para la jadores la tragedia de la trata de mujeres y los niños”. Justicia y la Paz recordó que la personas. “Exhorto a la comuni“Y sobre esta herida especu- Jornada mundial de la Paz fue una dad internacional para que llegue lan vergonzosamente individuos y iniciativa de Pablo VI y es celebra- a un mayor acuerdo y eficacia en grupos aprovechando la situación da cada año el primero de enero. la estrategia contra la trata de percausada por tantos conflictos en “El Mensaje del Santo Padre es sonas, para que en todas las partes curso en el mundo, así como por enviado a las Cancillerías de todo del mundo, los hombres y las muel contexto de la crisis económica el mundo e indica además la línea jeres nunca sean utilizados como y de la corrupción”. diplomática de la Santa Sede para un medio, sino que sean siempre “¡La esclavitud es una terrible el año que comienza”, indicó. respetados en su dignidad inviolaceración abierta en el cuerpo lable”, expresó en diciembre de de la sociedad contemporánea, es Francisco contra la esclavitud 2013. una gravísima herida en la carne Posteriormente, en abril de La preocupación del Papa de Cristo!”, denunció. Francisco por combatir todo tipo este año, el Santo Padre denunció El dicasterio explicó que para de esclavitud viene desde su labor que “la trata de personas es una combatir la esclavitud “es nece- como sacerdote en su natal Argen- herida abierta en el cuerpo de la sario ante todo reconocer la in- tina. sociedad contemporánea, una violable dignidad de toda persona Así lo reveló en marzo pasado llaga en el cuerpo de Cristo. Es un humana, además de mantener in- el periodista argentino Armando crimen contra la humanidad.” Hacer tiempo para subir una montaña N uevo año, nuevas posibilidades. Así como me gusta el comienzo de un Nuevo año y las posibilidades que trae, no me gusta lo rápido que se llenan de compromisos los calendarios, algunas veces hasta el punto de no dejar espacio para la contemplación. Sólo puedo culparme a mí y mi incapacidad de decir no, añadido a mi tendencia de llenar mis horas extras hasta el tope. Mientras empiezo a llenar el calendario este nuevo año, quiero asegurarme de incluir tiempo para un retiro y escalar una montaña. Jesús nos enseñó a retirarnos, a subir al pico de una montaña y encontrar tiempo a solas para orar. “Pero él se retiraba a lugares desiertos para orar.” Lucas 5:16 Encontrar tiempo para estar solo es una de las razones por que disfruto acampar y escalar. En años pasados he tenido la gracia de subir algunas montañas increíbles – Monte Sinaí en Egipto, Machu Picchu en Perú, Mount Rose en Nevada. Alcanzar la sima fue un reto pero la vista de la creación de Dios y el silencio valió cada esguince muscular. Cada escalada no solamente me ayudó a desacelerar mi ritmo, cada uno me ayudó a dejar a un lado las distracciones de mi rutina cotidiana. Las escaladas me ayudaron a poner atención, a absorber el paisaje. Las largas caminatas también me dieron tiempo para pensar y orar. Es cierto, no tenemos ninguna montaña en el Valle del Río Grande, pero podemos hacer tiempo para encontrar nuestro propio espacio, nuestras montañas metafóricas, para sentarnos en oración y en silencio con Dios. Uno de mis lugares favoritos es mi patio trasero, ya sea temprano en la mañana antes de que nadie se levante o a media mañana los fines de semana, cuando me puedo sentar a escuchar al viento jugando con las hojas. Mientras que los avances tecnológicos nos han ayudado a volvernos más eficaces, se siente como si todos los recientes aparatos también sirven para mantenernos atados al reloj. No solamente estamos conectados las 24-horas, los flujos de información vienen de todas las direcciones, creando un mundo ruidoso en el cual navegamos. Algunas veces debemos desconectarnos, hacer tiempo para quedarnos quietos, ir a un retiro, incluso por algunos minutos. Silencio, soledad, y espacio ayudan a volvernos mejores oyentes. En nuestro ruidoso mundo, con todas nuestras distracciones, ¿cómo podemos responder a lo que Dios nos llama a hacer si no estamos atentos a su guía? “Cuando los mensajes y la in- Brenda Nettles Riojas Editora, The Valley Catholic formación son vastos, el silencio se vuelve esencial si queremos distinguir lo que es importante de lo que es insignificante o secundario,” dijo el Papa Emérito Benedicto XVI en su mensaje para el Día Mundial de Comunicación en el 2012. “La reflexión profunda nos ayuda a descubrir los vínculos entre los eventos que a primera vista parecen sin conexión, a hacer evaluaciones, a analizar mensajes; esto hace posible compartir opiniones consideradas y relevantes, lo que da lugar a un cuerpo autentico de conocimiento compartido. Para que esto suceda, es necesario desarrollar un ambiente apropiado, un tipo de ‘eco-sistema’ que mantenga un equilibrio justo entre silencio, palabras, imágenes y sonidos.” también comentó el Papa Emérito Benedicto XVI. “El silencio es un elemento integral de la comunicación; en su ausencia, las palabras ricas en contenido no existen. En silencio, podemos escuchar y entendernos; las ideas nacen y adquieren profundidad; entendemos con mayor claridad qué es lo que queremos decir y lo que esperamos de otros; y escogemos cómo expresarnos.” El Papa Francisco también nos recuerda, “En la historia de la salvación, ni en el clamor ni en lo estridente, sino en las sombras y el silencio están los lugares que Dios escogió para revelarse a la humanidad.” Las Anotaciones a los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio de Loyola, señalan, “entre más se encuentre sola y aislada nuestra alma, más apta se vuelve para acercarse y alcanzar a su Creador y Señor, y entre más se acerca a Él, más se despoja en sí para recibir las gracias y regalos de su Divina y Soberana Bondad.” Hay distintas formas de desconectarse, diferentes espacios para la oración y el silencio – caminatas afuera, participar en un grupo de oración contemplativa, registrarse para un retiro, la adoración frente al Santísimo Sacramento, o pasar tiempo en el jardín. Cada uno de nosotros debe de encontrar su propia montaña a donde podamos retirarnos en este nuevo año. Así que en lugar de hacer los propósitos de año nuevo, este año me enfocaré en planear tiempo en mi calendario para desacelerar mi paso y subir una montaña. CRS Plato de Arroz en la familia The Valley Catholic Durante la Cuaresma las familias pueden llevar esperanza a los que sufren de hambre por todo el mundo con su participación en el programa Plato de Arroz de CRS. Plato de Arroz es un programa donde las familias pueden orar, ayunar con recetas de comidas sencillas sin carne, y dar donativos como expresiones de solidaridad con nuestros hermanos y hermanas necesitados. Por 40 años familias han participados en Plato de Arroz como su práctica cuaresmal. El 75 por ciento de los donativos apoyan los programas de ayuda humanitaria de Catholic Relief Services (CRS) en casi 100 países. El 25 por ciento de donativos apoyan los esfuerzos para aliviar el hambre y la pobreza en el la Diócesis de Brownsville. Si usted está interesado en llevar esperanza a nuestro prójimo a través del programa Plato de Arroz, puede ordenar sus materiales gratuitos llamando 1-800-222-0025. NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL 13 Enero 2015 - The Valley Catholic »La Alegría de Vivir Adios a la depresion P ara quien sufre de depresión, las fiestas y reuniones familiares que comienzan con el día de gracias y continúan con navidad y fin de año, son ocasiones que les disparan los episodios depresivos, sobre todo si no tienen posibilidad de estar junto a su familia. Cuando ven como todos los demás disfrutan de la compañía de los suyos y ellos no, llegan a sufrir una crisis depresiva severa. En lugar de disfrutar del feliz acontecimiento del último día del año y dar la bienvenida a un nuevo año, para quien sufre de depresión la fecha le es indiferente. La depresión es un síntoma que nos alerta que algo anda mal en nuestro organismo o nuestra vida. Hay cuatro clases de depresión son: endógena, reactiva, toxica, y psicótica. Aunque los sentimientos de tristeza son naturales cuando se está lejos de la familia en fechas especiales, cuando una persona tiene tendencia a deprimirse, la llegada de las fiestas navideñas y de fin de año puede afectarle seriamente y las personas cercanas a ella no pueden entender que no puedan sobreponerse, pues no entienden que la depresión les esta afectando física, mental y espiritualmente. Msgr. Juan Nicolau Sacerdote jubilado de la Diócesis de Brownsville La depresión es una combinación de sentimientos negativos que nos agobian, la tristeza se combina con la pena, la melancolía, el desencanto, la desilusión, el abatimiento y sobre todo con una falta de ganas y energía para vivir. Para superar la depresión severa se necesita tener apoyo profesional, de un psicólogo y a veces un psiquiatra, seguir sus indicaciones y tomar los medicamentos adecuados, se necesita el apoyo de la familia o los seres que nos estiman, y se necesita un apoyo espiritual. Y si nuestra depresión no es tan grave, pero sigue apareciendo en esta época de fiestas y reuniones familiares, podemos superarla si nos enfocamos a hacer algo por los demás. Si sabemos que no tendremos oportunidad de estar reunidos con nuestra familia podemos ofrecernos de voluntarios a visitar alguna casa de reposo, donde seguramente encontraremos algún anciano olvidado por su familia que disfrutara muchísimo nuestra visita. Hacer algo por alguien necesitado es la manera más rápida de olvidarnos de nuestras tristezas. También ayuda el mantener unas expectativas razonables, entender que no todo puede ser perfecto. Hay que cuidar de sobremanera el consumo de alcohol, pues aunque parece elevar nuestro animo por un momento, hay que saber que en realidad el alcohol es un agente depresor, que agudizará la depresión existente y que se contrapone a cualquier medicamento que estemos tomando, afectando a algunos de manera fatal, ya sea en sobredosis o por accidentes relacionados con conductores ebrios. Si reconocemos que la depresión comienza a manifestarse has un esfuerzo recordando los buenos momentos del año y lo bueno que está por venir en el futuro, evita estar solo y ocúpate en hacer algo por los más necesitados, así podrás darle la bienvenida a un nuevo año con optimismo y cero depresión. Adíos a la depresión y bienvenido el año nuevo. — Mons. Juan Nicolau, Ph.D. STL es un sacerdote jubilado de la Diócesis de Brownsville. Es psicoterapeuta familiar y consejero profesional con licencias. Reunión Mundial para Familias: “Creados para la dicha” Protect: R Your car. Your house. Your bank account. Save an average of $825* Protect yourself with America’s #1 car and home insurance company.** Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. ® Daniel Reza, Agent 1221 S 77 Sunshine Strip Harlingen, TX 78550 Bus: 956-425-3276 [email protected] *Average annual per household savings based on a national 2012 survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm. **Based on A.M. Best written premium. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL, State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL, State Farm Lloyds, Dallas, TX 1005002.1 ecientemente el Papa Francisco confirmó sus planes de venir a Filadelfia para la Reunión Mundial para Familias que tendrá lugar en el Centro de Convenciones de Pensilvania en Filadelfia de martes – jueves, 22 de septiembre 22-25, 2015. Habrá Misas Diarias, Devociones, Conferencias Magistrales, y múltiples sesiones. Celebrada cada tres años y patrocinada por el Consejo Pontificio de la Santa Cede para la Familia, la Reunión Mundial para Familias es la reunión Católica más grande de familias. El tema de la Reunión de Familias- Filadelfia 2015 es “El amor es nuestra Misión: La familia plenamente viva”, enfatizando el impacto del amor y la vida familiar en nuestra sociedad. La Reunión Mundial para Familias fue establecida por el Papa Beato Juan Pablo II en 1994. Es llevada a cabo cada tres años en ciudades alrededor del mundo. 2015 es el primer año que tendrá lugar en USA. Su meta es (1) fortalecer los lazos familiares y (2) dar testimonio del papel fundamental de la familia en la sociedad. Aprenda más en WorldMeeting2015. org El 16 de septiembre del 2014, el Arzobispo Charles J. Chapuyt, O.F.M.Cap. presentó la catequesis preparatoria, oración, e imagen icónica para el WMF(por sus siglas en inglés) durante la rueda de prensa en la Sala Stampa en Roma, Italia. La catequesis, oración e imagen fueron inspiradas por el tema de la conferencia, “El amor es nuestra misión: la familia plenamente viva,” Inspirado por las palabras del Padre de la Iglesia Lydia Pesina Directora, Oficina de Vida Familiar temprana, St. Irenaeus, “La gloria de Dios es el hombre plenamente vivo,” el tema refleja el papel central de la familia en la enseñanza sobre cómo recibir y dar amor. La catequesis preparatoria es desarrollada tradicionalmente por la diócesis anfitriona de la Reunión Mundial para Familias y refleja las auténticas creencias Católicas sobre la dignidad humana, la sexualidad humana, el matrimonio y la familia. Como en la misma conferencia WMF, la catequesis preparatoria es destinada para las personas de todas las edades y tiene como objetivo abordar los temas y retos que enfrentan familias alrededor del mundo. Una de las maravillosas ventajas de esta era de internet es que todos nos podemos beneficiar de aprender sobre las buenas cosas que están pasando alrededor del mundo. Yo los aliento a visitar las páginas sobre la Reunión Mundial para familias para usted, su familia y/o su ministerio. Junto con la catequesis preparatoria oficial en WMF publicada por Our Sunday Visitor, hay mucha información, ideas, lecciones y actividades familiares disponibles para descargar. La catequesis preparatoria contiene 10 temas: (1) Creado por el amor (2) La misión del amor (3) El significado de la sexualidad hu- mana (4) Dos se vuelven uno (5) Creando el futuro (6) Todo amor da frutos (7) Luz en un mundo oscuro (8) Hogar para un corazón herido (9) Madre, Maestra, Familia: La naturaleza y el papel de la Iglesia (10) Escoger la vida. Espero poder abordar cada uno de estos temas mensualmente durante este año como una forma de reflexionar juntos en preparación para esta Reunión Mundial para Familias. El primer tema de esta catequesis preparatoria “Creados por amor” aborda a Jesús como la fuente de dicha. Lo debemos de conocer personalmente. Él quiere tener una relación personal con todos nosotros. El Papa Francisco ha enfatizado la dicha del Evangelio, y nos ha recordado que esta dicha está enraizada en la relación personal de cada persona con Jesús. En la primer sección de la Exhortación Apostólica, La dicha del Evangelio, él escribe: “Invito a Cristianos en todas partes, en este momento, a renovar el encuentro personal con Jesucristo, o por lo menos a aceptar que Él los encuentre; les pido hacer esto a todos infaliblemente cada día. Nadie debe de pensar que ésta invitación no es dirigida a ella o él, ya que nadie está excluido de la dicha traída por el Señor… Aquí encontramos la fuente y la inspiración para todos nuestros esfuerzos de evangelización. Ya que ¿si hemos recibido el amor que restaura el significado a nuestras vidas, como podemos fracasar en compartir ese amor con otros?” Tal vez este sea un buen momento para preguntarnos cómo vivimos la verdadera dicha en los encuentros cotidianos con nuestra familia. 14 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - January 2015 The ‘Catholic Guy’ visits the Valley The Valley Catholic Lino Rulli from “The Catholic Guy” show on Sirius XM radio was in the Rio Grande Valley Dec. 8-9, 2014 to broadcast two live shows. His program airs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. CST. During his visit, he talked to Bishop Daniel E. Flores; Father Amador Garza, rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle - National Shrine; Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA; and Sister Norma Pimentel, director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Humanitarian Outreach Responding to the call Why do you volunteer at the immigrant respite center? Aracely Martinez Torres began volunteering at the immigrant respite center in McAllen on July 4. She volunteers almost daily and is often accompanied by her husband and her teenage son. “There is no religion here. We are united in our concern for the dignity of the human person. We are all here serving as the hands of God. The people who come here have a great need. This cause really touches my heart and that’s what keeps us coming back. ... There are nights when I can’t sleep from the horrific stories that they share. When we invite them here from the bus station, it breaks my heart to see that they are scared. They beg us, ‘please don’t lock me up again.’ Many of them are scarred, hurt and sometimes, ill from the journey. You can see the relief when they realize we are only here to help them.” - Aracely Martinez Torres, Sembradores del Reino, Mission Meet some of the volunteers who help refugees from Central America at the respite center at Sacred Heart Church in McAllen. The center opened June 10 and hundreds of volunteers have served more than 10,000 people. To volunteer call (956) 292-5852. 40 days, one human family Special to the Valley Catholic For 40 years, Catholics in the United States have enriched their Lent through CRS Rice Bowl (formerly called Operation Rice Bowl). As Lent 2015 brings the fortieth year of Rice Bowl, CRS provides an array of prayers and reflections, family stories and recipes from around the world, Catholic Social Teaching, formational and educational lessons and activities for all ages, opportunities for almsgiving, and more – in English and Spanish, online or hard copy, and now via phone app. Through CRS Rice Bowl Catholics throughout the United States “fast that others may eat”. In doing this, we also join with Catholics around the world who are praying, fasting and giving alms in the Church’s antihunger campaign “One Human Family, Food for All.” Such love as this saves lives. For 40 years Rice Bowl has been acts of love that save lives. For more information or action on CRS Rice Bowl, please see www.crsricebowl.org. DIOCESE 15 January 2015 - The Valley Catholic »Media Resource Center Youth Retreat and Concert Recommended by SISTER MAUREEN CROSBY, SSD Coordinator of the Media Resource Center - Diocese of Brownsville »From the Bookshelf Sharing God’s Love: The Jesus Creed for Children Courtesy photo Format: Paperback Length: 28 pgs Audience: Children, ages 5-9 Author: Scot McKnight & Laura McKnight Barringer Illustator: Dave Hill Publication:Paraclete Press 2014 Children are transformed for Christ when they learn to love God and others intentionally. This first of its kind companion to the bestselling adult Christian formation book and program. Sometimes Life Is Just Not Fair: Hope for Kids Through Grief and Loss Format: Audio CD Length: 63 pgs Audience: Children, ages 3 and up Author: Fr. Joe Kempf Illustator: Chris Sharp Publication:Our Sunday Visitor 2012 For everyone, life can be really hard sometimes. But never fear, Fr. Joe Kempf and is furry friends, Big Al and Annie are back with plenty of support. …tough issues which children can understand. The Privilege Of Being Catholic Format: Paperback Length: 208 pgs Audience: Adults Author: Father Oscar Lukefahr, C.M. Publication:Liguori Press 1993 “To acknowledge that it is a privilege to be Catholic is simply to recognize God’s gift in calling us to be this Church. It should not make us look down on other churches. We should respect the sincere beliefs of others and see the genuine goodness in many holy people of every creed. »Worth Watching A Time For Miracles: The True Story of Elizabeth Bayley Seton Format: VHS Length: 97 minutes Audience: High School/ Adults Director:: Michael O’Herlihy Production: 1980 ABC Circle Films Born in NYC in 1874 of a very distinguished family, destined for a tranquil life. At 19, married William Seton and bore five children. Tragedy struck and William died, family fortune was lost. She converted to Catholicism at a time Catholics were the object of persecution in the US. Foundress of the Sisters of Charity and the first American Catholic parochial school. Canonized in 1975. 50 years, continued from pg. 1 diocese are co-sponsoring oneday pilgrimages of historical sites on Feb. 28, June 13, Aug. 1 and Oct. 24. Bishop Daniel E. Flores is scheduled to celebrate an open Bishop Marx, continued from pg. 3 was celebrating Mass at a church in Cologne when he met the young Bishop Marx. Epiphany, continued from pg. 5 for his royalty, frankincense for his divinity, myrrh for his suffering and death on the Cross. There are several traditions attached to the celebration of the Epiphany and the three kings such as blessing our homes with holy water and marking the door with chalk. Another tradition is the cutting of the Rosca de Reyes (the king’s cake) with family to remember Jesus as the true King of all Nations. The “rosca” made of bread is round like a crown for a king; adorned with candies representing the jewels around the cake. The baby Jesus is hidden within the bread and family members take turns cutting a piece for themselves. Tradition holds that the person “blessed” with having found Father Cañas, continued from pg. 9 no.” “It is a different culture, but I have realized that you have to accept the culture you go into it and learn from it,” he said. In his priestly ministry, Father Cañas has served in many places and in a variety of roles. He served in parishes in Kings- air Mass at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2 in front of the mosaic at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-National Shrine. The event is open to the public and will serve as the principal event of the Jubilee Year. Vespers for clergy and religious will be prayed at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18 at the Immaculate Knights of Columbus Council 12040 is sponsoring its 12th Annual Youth Retreat and Concert, “Vision of Faith” on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in McAllen. The event is open to all high schools students in our diocese and qualifies as a Confirmation retreat. It is an opportunity for young people to experience a significant faith event in their lives, make new friends and learn more about God, themselves, and others. Steve Angrisano, a veteran musician, composer, presenter and youth minister will serve as the keynote speaker. Bishop Daniel E. Flores will serve as a guest speaker and celebrate the closing Mass. For more information, visit www.kofc12040.org Conception Cathedral in Brownsville. HELP US TELL THE STORY Please send us any historical photos from your church or Sacramental celebrations. You can email the photos to [email protected]. “Bishop Marx was working as an altar server or a sacristan when he met Bishop Ledvina,” Msgr. Doherty recalled. “Bishop Ledvina brought Bishop Marx to the Diocese of Corpus Christi as a seminarian.” Bishop Marx moved to Texas from Germany sight unseen and was ordained a priest for service in the Diocese of Corpus Christi on May 2, 1940. Before he was appointed auxiliary bishop, Bishop Marx was mostly assigned to parishes in Laredo, which was also part of the Diocese of Corpus Christi at the time. baby Jesus is to host the family and friends on Feb. 2 which is the Presentation of the Lord. Often the question asked by children at the gathering for the Rosca de Reyes is “¿porque escondemos al niño Dios?” and the response is “para que no lo encuentre Herodes.” Why do we hide baby Jesus? So that Herod won’t find him. The cutting of each piece of bread of the rosca symbolizes the sword of Herod wanting to kill baby Jesus. It is a reminder of a world gone deaf. God is always looking for us and I often explain that when cutting the Rosca de Reyes of how “blessed” you are when you find baby Jesus in that piece of bread because it serves as a reminder that in a world so cold, dark and lonely and so very hungry for the love of God we must remember that he is ever present in our lives always blessing us. We are used to giving gifts at Christmas and Epiphany in which we recall the three kings bringing gifts to baby Jesus. It reminds me of the theology of gift giving; if we give, it is because God has given to us first, his Son for our salvation and redemption of the world. Born so humbly on a manger, he ends up on the Cross for love of us. The Gospel of John (3:16-17) reminds us of this so very well, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” May this Epiphany be a reminder that Jesus is our Savior, the Prince of Peace, and that we must keep looking for him as we follow the star called “faith.” If we have already found him then I pray we may be faithful in imitating him everyday. ville and San Antonio before returning to the Valley to work as the assistant of the San Juan Retreat House from Feb. 1, 1966 to Dec. 16, 1969. Father Cañas then joined the staff of St. Anthony Minor Seminary in San Antonio for about a year-and-a-half and once again returned to the Valley to serve as rector of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville for three years before being assigned to the San Juan Shrine. Father Cañas served as vicar for Hispanics in the Archdiocese of Denver for five years before his stint in Rome. He returned stateside when he was named as the Oblate Provincial of the U.S. Southern Province for six years. The province encompassed several states and included hundreds of Oblate priests and brothers. “When reflecting on my 50 years as a priest, I feel a tremendous sense of gratitude to God,” he said. Bishop Emeritus Raymundo J. Peña’s Calendar January 5-9 January 28 January 31 All Day 6:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. Region X Bishops’ Retreat Evins Ministry Knights of Columbus Youth Retreat On going: 8 a.m. Mass Monday - Saturday at St. Joseph Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, 727 Bowie St., Alamo 3 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, 727 Bowie St., Alamo 7 p.m. Holy Hour Weekly every Thursday at 727 Bowie St., Alamo 1st: Intention to the Consecrated Life (active and contemplative) and for the Sisters and Brothers in our diocese and the success of their mission San Antonio Edinburg McAllen 2nd: Intention to the Permanent Diaconate the deacons (permanent and transitional) of the diocese and their families 3rd : Intention 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: Intention to the priesthood and the priests of the diocese for the success of their ministry 5th: Intention to Vocations » Calendar of Events January 1 New Year’s Day 1 Mary, Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation) 4 Mass for children with special needs and their families (Holy Family, Brownville) 8 Advisory Team (Office of Catechesis) Diocesan Offices Closed 9-11Catholic Engaged Encounter (FLO) 11 Feast of Santo Nino (St. Pius, Weslaco) 13 Professional Day (Office of Catechesis) 17 Convalidation Conference (Family Life Office) 21-24 53rd Annual Southwest Liturgical Conference Study Week 22 CMD National Workshop (Office of YM) 23 Spirit Awards (Catholic Schools Office) 24 Pro-Life March & Rally 24 Divine Mercy Conference 25 Mother/Daughter Program (Family Life Office) 26 Theology Class (Office of Catechesis) 27 Clases de Teologia (Office of Catechesis) 29-30 Diocesan Retreat Diocesan Offices Closed 31 Our Lady of Sorrows Knights of Columbus Youth Conference February 1 Mass for children with special needs and their families (Holy Family, Brownville) 7 World Marriage Day (Family Life Office) 12 Professional Day (Office of Catechesis) 14 Valentine’s Day 14-15 ReMarriage Retreat (Family Life Office) 12 CCOS Dinner (Youth Ministry) 18 Ash Wednesday 21-22 Retiro PreMatrimonial (Family Life Office) 21 Rite of Elections (Office of Catechesis) 22 Rite of Elections (Office of Catechesis) 23 Theology Class (Office of Catechesis) 24 Clase de Teologia (Office of Catechesis) 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. Job Opening Director Youth Ministry Office Diocese of Brownsville. Interested qualified candidates may be referred to Human Resources (956) 542-2501. 16 DIOCESE Our Catholic Family The Valley Catholic - January 2015 Giving glory and honor to God La Feria singer, songwriter offers her talent to the Church The Valley Catholic Maria Isabel Lozano grew up in Ejido El Rosario, a small ranchito outside of Rio Bravo, Mexico. “Pastors and missionaries from other religions came to our ranchito and some residents did convert, but we stayed firm in our Catholic faith,” said Lozano, a resident of La Feria. She has written more than 20 religious songs. Editor’s note: Maria Isabel Lozano died unexpectedly at age 74 on Dec. 9, 2014. As it turns out, our January issue includes a profile of the singer/songwriter. We present the article here, without alteration, as a celebration of Lozano’s life and her longtime commitment to God and his Church. By ROSE YBARRA The Valley Catholic LA FERIA — Maria Isabel Lozano keeps a pen and paper by the bed. For this singer/songwriter, inspiration for new songs often comes as she is drifting off to sleep or in the middle of the night. “I’ve learned that if I don’t write it down, I will forget by morning,” Lozano said. “You should see some of my notes. The writing is all crooked because I jot things down in the dark,” she added with a laugh. Lozano, 74, a housewife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, has penned more than 20 songs, all of them giving honor and glory to God. Her songs are inspired by the scriptures and life experiences. The songs that she writes are »News Briefs National workshop set for Jan. 22 “Engaging Parents - Forming Family Faith,” a national workshop by the Center for Ministry Development, is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the San Juan Pastoral Center. This workshop will share effective ways in which parish communities are engaging parents and helping families grow in faith together. This workshop will give youth ministry and catechetical leaders: • A better understanding of today’s parents; • Strategies for reaching out to this new breed of parents; • Ways to support parents in deepening their own faith; • Strategies to strengthen family faith at home and in the parish; • Ways to involve parents in faith formation, sacramental preparation, and youth ministry; • Strategies for engaging families through technology; and • Strategies for motivating families to do service and outreach together. The day begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and is followed by the workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost to attend is $54, which includes lunch and a handout packet rich in practical ideas and resources. For more information, please visit www.CDOBYM.org or call (956) 784-5042. Bishop to celebrate feast of Santo Niño On Jan. 18, the Feast of Santo Niño, Bishop Daniel E. Flores will celebrate the Holy Mass for the sung by the Spanish choir at St. Francis Xavier Church, a ministry she has been a part of for more than 40 years. As a teenager, Lozano loved to sing and taught herself to play the guitar, but never had the opportunity to pursue music further. “Life took over,” as she describes it. She met her husband and dedicated her time to making a home for him and their five children. Lozano found that it is never too late to rediscover the musician inside. At age 34, she picked up a guitar and started playing it one day while her children were at school. Filipino community of the Diocese of Brownsville at St. Anne Parish, 17109 Coconut Palm Drive in Peñitas. The celebration will begin with a Sinulog/Dinagyang/Atiatihan procession of the image of Santo Niño at 2 p.m., followed by a Holy Mass with Bishop Flores, and a Barrio Fiesta Celebration following the Mass. Please come in traditional Filipino attire and bring your own Santo Niño for the procession. Save the date: Women’s Conference scheduled May 2 The Diocese of Brownsville, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and other women’s groups in the diocese are excited to announce a Catholic Women’s Conference, “Living the Joy of the Gospel & Celebrating the Feminine Genius,” scheduled during the Month of Mary on Saturday, May 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bishop Daniel E. Flores will be one of the keynote speakers for the event. Sessions will reflect the theme: “Living the Joy of the Gospel & Celebrating the Feminine Genius.” The first part of the theme is inspired by Pope Francis’ first Apostolic Exhortation, “Evengelii Gaudium.” The second comes from St. John Paul II’s writings on women, including his apostolic letter “Mulieris Dignitatem: On the Dignity and Vocation of Women.” Women are invited to share their talents and join the planning team. For additional information call Brenda Nettles Riojas (956) 784-5008. “It had been 10 or 12 years since I played,” Lozano said. “One of the neighborhood boys was walking by our house and heard me singing and playing the guitar. The boy told the music teacher at school about me. “The music teacher showed up at my doorstep and said she needed help singing at church.” Lozano and her family attended Mass every Sunday in Harlingen, but were not involved in any ministries. She welcomed the opportunity to serve God; parishioners immediately recognized and appreciated her gift for music. Lozano said two women in par- ticular, Bertha Gavito, now deceased, and Sister Margarita Vargas of the Misioneras Eucarísticas Franciscanas, encouraged her to write songs and develop her talents. “She is a very humble and talented woman,” said Sister Vargas, who served at St. Francis Xavier Church from 1978 to 1988 and remains good friends with the family. “Nobody talked to her long enough to find out what her gifts were, nobody motivated her to write music. She just needed some encouragement to continue her ministry and offer it to the Church.” The first song Lozano wrote, “Confesión Humilde” (humble confession), was deeply personal. It was about the emotions she felt in the years that she could not go to Communion because she wasn’t married by the Church. “After 40 years, I am still in awe when she sings,” said Heriberto Lozano, her husband. “She feels what she sings. She pours her heart and soul into every song.” Sister Vargas was so moved by Maria Isabel Lozano’s songwriting abilities that she asked her to compose a song for the parish’s May crowning celebration and later, songs for the offertory. Maria Isabel Lozano also wrote a song in honor of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle and was recognized by the rector of the basilica in San Juan for the piece. While Sister Vargas is impressed by Maria Isabel Lozano’s musical talent, she is even more inspired by how this ministry has positively affected the entire Lozano family. “They were all very much involved in the parish after she joined the choir,” Sister Vargas said. “It has brought our family closer to God and his Church,” said Heriberto Lozano, who, inspired by his wife, took up writing religious poetry and reflection. The couple has been together for 53 years and have 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Maria Isabel Lozano was born in Santa Rosa, Texas, but grew up in Ejido El Rosario, a small ranchito outside of Rio Bravo, Mexico.