In Cuba I returned last week from my visit in Cuba to the cities of Santiago de Cuba
and Havana invigorated and inspired by the witness of Pope Benedict XVI,
who even at 84 years of age, weary and drained by an exhausting schedule,
continues to serve and reach out to God's people with pastoral zeal.
Even though I spent only four days and visited only two cities on this large
island, I bring back many impressions from Cuba. It is a lovely, lush green
country, with warm and enthusiastic people who are quick to smile and
quick to share with others. They possess a deep faith, and judging from the
thousands that made their way to the Papal Masses, they long to embrace
their faith even more fully.
There is not enough space here in the Monday Memo to detail everything,
but here are some key points, along with a few photographs I took on the
trip.
-Cuba is a country of vast potential. This is obvious, from the incredible
natural resources to the human resources. The United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops for some time have encouraged the United States
Government to end the fifty year embargo imposed by President John F.
Kennedy. It has not achieved its purpose in democratizing Cuba but has only
served to make life more difficult for ordinary people. The Holy Father
himself called for less isolation and more engagement with Cuba, more
dialogue. He suggested that it was important for the international community
to work with Cuba to foster the wellbeing of the people of Cuba.
There are signs that Cuba is making progress in rebuilding. The urban
neighborhoods of Havana are filled with once-beautiful buildings
dilapidated by time, but are very slowly being restored. In other areas,
complete reconstruction is taking place. I pray that these efforts can
continue for the sake and well-being of the Cuban people.
- Religious tolerance has been increasing in Cuba since the visit of Pope
John Paul II in 1998. The Cuban government has begun to allow the Church
to engage in humanitarian outreach, and Caritas Cubana was established by
the bishops of Cuba and has received the support of Catholic Relief Services
(CRS) to conduct projects to help the most vulnerable.
As Chairman of the Board for CRS, I was happy to see that Catholic Relief
Services (CRS) projects in Cuba were successful and thriving. I was able to
visit several projects being led by Caritas Cubana. I visited and attended a
project where children of families with limited resources are fed and cared
for. Caritas also serves families with Down syndrome children and assists
them in learning how to care for their child.
Caritas Cubana only began after the collapse of Russia in 1991 when Cuba
lost all support from the former Soviet Union. It was clear the government
needed help in providing a safety net. Initially Caritas had to build trust with
the government so that it did not see the organization as a threat. Gradually
trust was built and more opportunities opened up. CRS has provided around
$30 million dollars to the group in in-kind and medical resources since the
beginning.
Caritas currently serves 29,000 elderly and looks to assisting 40,000 people.
Other goals include providing recreational services for the elderly,
increasing senior self-esteem, promoting a sense of dignity and emphasizing
senior rights.
Another significant project is CaritasÔøΩ efforts to educate and train a cadre of
volunteers to assist the work of Caritas in all eleven dioceses of Cuba. They
have been able to recruit thousands of volunteers and what was needed was
to form those generous coworkers so that they had the skills to do their
work.
-Reporters have asked me about Raul and Fidel Castro and the Holy Father.
Raul Castro, the acting leader of Cuba, greeted Pope Benedict at the airport
in Havana and attended each Papal Mass. While I do not know RaulÔøΩs
feelings, it seemed that his consistent presence may have been intended to
show support for the visitÔøΩs success, and possibly acted as a sign to the
Cubans that there is respect for Pope Benedict, and a little more religious
tolerance these days than in the past. In fact, the government has announced
that this year Good Friday will be a national holiday which the Pope asked
them to consider. The Holy Father and Fidel Castro had a meeting, and I
understand that Fidel asked the Holy Father for recommendations about
some books to read and reflect on.
I was not at that meeting – it would have been so interesting to listen to these
two leaders talk! I imagine they discussed the effect of time; on them, on
their views, on the world. It is natural as one ages to think about what
comes next, so it seems natural to me that Fidel Castro, who has been
struggling with severe health issues, would be wondering about the ÔøΩnextÔøΩ
stage of his journey. I am sure Pope Benedict will ponder what books or
readings might be useful or assuring to Mr. Castro and send those works
back to Cuba.
-The Cubans are beautiful, resourceful people. Perhaps you can catch a
glimpse of this in some of my photographs. Oh, I should mention that only
recently have people been able to buy or sell cars, and so Cuba is filled with
vintage cars that car lovers here would swoon over. Of course, the cars are
in pretty tough shape – their owners have done what they can to keep them
operating, but they do run. One gentleman insisted on showing me how well
his jalopy cranked right up on demand!
I was grateful for the chance to visit Cuba as the country celebrated the
400th anniversary of finding the statue of La Virgen de la Caridad de Cobre.
As the statue was brought forth at the Masses in Santiago and in Havana the
people hailed the patroness of their country. This display of devotion would
never have been possible from 1962 to 1992 when Cuba was an atheistic
country and faith was frowned upon and restricted. The faith endured
through that time and is again beginning to flourish.
To see photographs from the Cuba trip, please visit
http://www.diocesetucson.org/Santiago_De_Cuba.pptx
Our Lenten Journey This week, the sixth and final week of Lent, I encourage us to consider the
theme, Change our hearts Lord: Make our hearts more zealous.
Let me explain what I mean by being zealous. Sometimes, zeal or being
zealous is confused with being fanatical or overbearing about a topic or a
goal or specific outcome. That is not quite the zeal I have in mind.
For our Lenten theme, letÔøΩs focus on zeal as ÔøΩan action of loveÔøΩ. There are
many biblical examples of zeal for GodÔøΩs sake,zeal for the sake of promoting belief in God by others, or zeal for actions that lead to a common
good. Jesus suffering and death on the cross for our
sake is the greatest example of this zeal. His death and resurrection were the greatest act of faith and love conceivable.
Zeal as an act of love is the foundation of ChristÔøΩs teaching. This foundation
resounds again and again in the New Testament. Paul referred to zeal many
times in his letters to the early followers of Jesus.
Paul directed these early Christians to keep faith, and to work diligently at
expressing their love of God through service to God by loving others.
You could boil this zeal down to the basics: Keep the faith, share the faith,
live the faith. Every day we are faced with many opportunities to choose
how we will act out our faith, our zeal.
Even way back in the Year 57 A.D., about the time Paul wrote the Letter to
the Romans, people needed to decide how they would live their lives
according to Christ:
ÔøΩLove must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is
good. Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect
for one another. Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart
full of devotion. Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles
and pray at all times . . . If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him
with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. Do everything
possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.ÔøΩ
Romans 12: 9-12 and 17-18
ÔøΩMerciful God, grant us an increase in faith so that we may have hope and love in abundance. Fill us now with a passionate attachment to you, and with an ardent zeal to serve our sisters and brothers. We ask this in JesusÔøΩ name. Amen!ÔøΩ
Holy Week I hope that all will take part in the special liturgies of Holy Week at your
parish church. Our priests and people work hard to make these beautiful
liturgies special occasions for our prayer together. They welcome your
presence.
This evening I along with other priests from throughout our Diocese will
celebrate the Chrism Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral at 6:30 p.m.
During this liturgy we bless three oils: the oil of catechumens, the oil of the
infirm and holy chrism, to be used in the administration of the sacraments in
our Diocese during the year. This beautiful liturgy brings together the whole
of our diocese as priests and people from every parish come to the Cathedral
Church to join in this celebration and to take home the three oils that will be
used at their parishes as people receive the Sacraments of Baptism,
Confirmation, and the Anointing of the Sick.
As I mentioned last week, our two Vicars General will be installed as
Prefects of the Papal Household at our Chrism Mass. It is an occasion for all
of our priests and people to rejoice and to be proud of the ministry of Msgr. Al Schifano and Msgr. Raul Trevizo. When anyone in our
Diocese is recognized we are all recognized.I am grateful to Sr. Lois Paha, O.P. and Father Miguel Mariano and their committee for their work in preparing this important diocesan liturgy. I appreciate the artistry of Father Alex Mills, pastor of St. Ann's Parish in Tubac in creating the environment for the Liturgy. I am thankful as well to Grace Lohr, Kyle Frank and
our Diocesan Choir for helping us give praise to God in song. The presence of the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of Malta, and the
Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher help in bringing even more
solemnity to the celebration.
Holy Thursday: We will begin celebration of the Easter Triduum this
Thursday with the Mass of the Last Supper at St. Augustine Cathedral at
7 p.m.
Holy Thursday is the day we commemorate the institution of three pillars of
the Catholic Faith: the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the priesthood and
the Mass. During the Last Supper, Christ blessed the bread and wine with
the words priests use today to consecrate the Body and Blood of Christ
during Mass. By telling His disciples to "Do this in remembrance of Me,"
Christ instituted the Mass and made the disciples the first priests.
At the Holy Thursday liturgy we reenact the washing of the disciplesÔøΩ feet
by Christ and His call to us to do as He did. We are called to serve others.
Christ's example of service prods us to be people who care for the most
vulnerable among us.
Good Friday: We will offer a Celebration of the Passion of the Lord and
communion service at St. Augustine Cathedral at noon.
Again this year, thanks to Emilio Mora and parishioners from St. Augustine
and other parishes, the living Stations of the Cross will be reenacted
beginning at 3 p.m. at San Cosme Chapel, 546 W. Simpson, just a few
blocks from Cathedral. Father Robert Barcelos, O.C.D., pastor of St.
Margaret Mary Church will play the part of Jesus Christ. This is a very
moving event and I encourage you to take part. The Via Crucis ends in the
Placita next to the Cathedral.
Please note that the Bishop Manuel D. Moreno Pastoral Center will be closed on Good Friday.
Easter Vigil: I will celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass at the Cathedral at
7 p.m. Saturday. At this celebration it will be my joy to baptize, confirm, and
give First Communion to those who participated in the Rite of Initiation of
Adults. Likewise all across our Diocese members of the Elect will be
washed in the waters and become sons and daughters of God through
Baptism, Confirmation and Communion and many others will be fully
initiated in the Church through Confirmation and Communion. It is a joy
filled moment that I look forward to every year.
Jesu Caritas Following Easter Sunday Mass, I will be in San Diego for a few days of
reflection and prayer with my fellow bishops. It has been the custom of our
Region XIII to have this time of prayer and reflection after Easter from the
time Bishop Manuel Moreno was our bishop. I look forward each year to
this time with my brother bishops from the Region as we conclude the Holy
Week liturgies and rejoice in the Lord's Resurrection.
Ucoming: Eucharist without Borders Next week, I am pleased to attend and present at the ÔøΩEucharist Without
Borders: GodÔøΩs Welcoming Table and Comprehensive Immigration ReformÔøΩ
conference in Rio Rico from Wednesday to Friday in Rio Rico, Arizona.
This is the fourth annual conference addressing the concerns of Church and
Liturgy, and the first in our Diocese addressing the need for comprehensive
immigration reform and greater compassion in responding to the plight of
immigrants.
The conference seeks to reflect on the link between worship and how church impacts or responds to border events and communities near international
borders. Celebration Publications, co-host of the conference, and conference organizers chose Arizona as the site of this year's conference because our State of Arizona is the epicenter of immigration and is an issue of concern to many in the State. As part of their visit, people attending the conference will have an opportunity to see first-hand the plight of migrants by participating in area programs that work with migrants including the Kino Border Initiative conducted by Father Sean Carroll, S.J. and the Jesuit community in Ambos Nogales.
Some of the conference speakers include:
William O'Neill, S.J. Professor of social ethics at the Jesuit School of
Theology at Berkeley.
Jill Marie Gerschutz Bell:Fellow, Woodstock Theological Center; co-editor and contributor to
AndYou Welcomed Me: Migration and Catholic Social Teaching (LexingtonBooks, 2009), Senior Legislative Specialist, Catholic Relief Services; Former Migration Policy Director with the Jesuit Conference USA.
John L. Allen Jr. :NCR Senior Correspondent and author of The Future Church: How Ten Trends are Revolutionizing the Catholic Church
Elena SeguraDirector of the Office of Immigrant Affairs and Immigrant Education, Archdiocese of Chicago:
Minerva CarcaÔøΩo, Bishop of the Phoenix Episcopal Area, Desert Southwest Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Religious Freedom We continue efforts on the State and Federal levels to uphold the right of
religious freedom. As Catholics we should not be required to act against our
moral teaching and values we uphold. This remains a deep concern for the
Church and we continue our efforts to foster in our nation a respect for
religious freedom. Many have written to their legislators to emphasize the
importance of this issue to us in the Church. We will continue to be vigilant
and pursue dialogue as well as legislative and judicial recourse when
necessary.
Congratulations! To Joanne Welter, our Director of Human Life and Dignity, who received
the Human Rights Award from the Church Women United, Inc, United
Nations Office. Joanne was recognized for ÔøΩher leadership as a mentor and
social activist in human rights and human development, an advocate for
peace and justice with no boundaries of political system, country, cultural
background or religion.ÔøΩ
Joanne received her award March 29 at the organizationÔøΩs annual Human
Rights Celebration. Church Women United (CWU) is a national volunteer
Christian ecumenical womenÔøΩs movement conducted by women in the
United States and Puerto Rico. It is a movement that ÔøΩbrings together
women of diverse races, cultures and traditions in closer Christian
fellowship, prayer, advocacy, and action for peace with justice in the world.ÔøΩ
More congratulations to Mary Breisford of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish,
who won the iPad raffled off by our Diocesan Human Resources Department
during the Co-Workers in the Vineyard Conference.
Vol. 9, No. 44 April 16, 2012
Tragedy in Benue State, Nigeria We are saddened by the news that 22 villagers were killed when the roof of a church collapsed over them just as they were gathering for the Easter Vigil service. The worshippers had sought refuge within St. Robert Catholic Church from a sudden storm in the village of Adamgbe in the Ikya area of the Benue State in the Diocese of Makurdi Diocese.
We have many priests serving our diocese from this area. We will hold a special liturgy at St. Augustine Cathedral today at 5 p.m. to show our concern and solidarity with Bishop Athanasius Usue, Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Makurdi and Bishop William Avenya, Auxiliary Bishop of Makurdi and with all the priests and people of the Diocese. I encourage all priests to join me as concelebrants, and all are welcome to attend this service.
Please join with me in offering condolences and prayers for those lost in this terrible event. We offer our thoughts also to our priests here in our Diocese that are from Nigeria, as they mourn so far away from their loved ones.
I am very grateful to the Makurdi Diocese and to Bishop Athanasius Usuh and his auxiliary Bishop Avenya as well as Rev. Angus Fraser, founder of the Via Christi Order for sending so many priests to assist us in our Diocese.
Our Nigerian colleagues are: Father Peter U. Agema, of Sacred Heart Parish in Tucson; Father Tyohena ÔøΩThomasÔøΩ Dekaa, Infant Jesus of Prague Parish in Kearny; Father James Aboyi, V.C., of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Superior; Father Teersur ÔøΩMelchisedekÔøΩ Akpan, of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish; Father Sebastine Tor Bula, V.C. of St. Barholomew Parish in San Manuel; Father Richard Terfa Kusugh, V.C., of Immaculate Conception Parish in Yuma; Father Paul Terwase Utser, V.C., of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish; and Father Richard Tule, of St. Luke and Immaculate Conception parishes in Douglas and St. Bernard's Parish in Pirtleville
Bishop Avenya, who also is Vicar General of the Makurdi Diocese, wrote the following about the accident in his letter to our Diocese:
ÔøΩThe strong storm coupled with the heavy rains, overpowered the church, took off the roof and, in minutes, the structure collapsed, killing 22 worshippers at the spot and injuring, in varying degrees, 35 others. As we write, the injured are in different medical facilities around the area receiving treatment.ÔøΩ Bishop Avenyawent on to add that this is the second tragedy for his Diocese in a short time; a young priest, Father Herbert Bulbwah, died on April 2.
Eucharist without Borders "Celebration," a branch of the National Catholic Reporter directed by Mr. Pat Morin, held a nationwide gathering at the Esplendor Resort in Rio Rico, Arizona last week about what we as Catholics can do to encourage comprehensive immigration policy change.
The theme of the gathering was ÔøΩEucharist without Borders.ÔøΩ About 180 people participated in the conference including a number from our Diocese. The conference included an opportunity for participants to visit the Kino Border Initiative, the Samaritans, Humane Borders, the Federal Courtroom and our parish community of Most Holy Trinity to see first- hand how our community in Arizona is responding to the plight of immigrants.
The immersion experiences were very powerful and people's testimonies on how the experiences affected them were very moving. Many conference participants have never seen the expansiveness of the Sonoran desert or realized the dangers that lurk in that desert.
Seeing the scattered remnants left by migrants created a solemn atmosphere for the conference, especially knowing that those personal possessions may have belonged to some of those who died making the dangerous trek through that expansive desert. Images of Our Lady of Guadalupe, crosses, baby shoes, shoes of every type and shape, knapsacks, a spoon, pictures, and water bottles, were strewn around the meeting space reminding us of the people who cross the desert with great risk seeking to find a better life for themselves and their families.
John Allen, a highly respected journalist who serves as a religion consultant for CNN and who was a conference presenter, discussed the emerging Hispanic presence in the Church in the United States and its implication for our evangelization. He shared some startling statistics on the growth of the Hispanic presence and how we might best respond to their spiritual and religious needs.
Elena Segura, Director of Migrant Ministry for the Archdiocese of Chicago, talked about her conversion to Catholicism and how the Eucharist underlies her passion to bring all people together at the table of the Lord. She shared her own faith journey and provided a wealth of ways we can get involved in living out our faith.
Bishop Minerva Carcano, Methodist Bishop in Arizona, and I had the opportunity to share with the group what we have been doing alongside our brother bishops: Bishops Thomas Olmsted and Eduardo Nevares of the Catholic Diocese in Phoenix; Bishop Kirk Smith, of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona; Bishop Steve Talmage, Evangelical Lutheran Bishop, and other faith leaders to respond to the pastoral needs of our immigrant populations.
People left this conference with a stronger commitment to work for comprehensive immigration policy reform.
Diaconate Formation This past weekend I met with the 37 deacon candidates to call them to Orders. As you know, a vocation in the Church consists of one feeling God is calling them, and also the call of the Church given by the bishop.
As I met with each deacon candidate I indicated how blessed I felt to be calling them now to ordination as a deacon for service in our Diocese and in our Church. There will be two diaconate ordinations in June, one held at St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson on June 16 and the other at St. John Neumann Parish in Yuma on June 23.
I was delighted to hear how pleased the candidates were with the four-year preparation program in which they participated. The program was an occasion for personal and spiritual change for both them and their wives. They had wonderful things to say about Sister Lois Paha, O.P. who directs the Common Formation Program and the staff who work with her.
Each of the deacon candidates were given the dalmatic - a long wide-sleeved tunic - they will wear at their ordination. Father Miguel Mariano was able to get these beautiful vestments in the Philippines at a very reasonable cost.
Sister Lois Paha, O.P., Deacon Ken Moreland, Vicar for Deacons, and I will meet this week to make the assignments for these candidates. While many will serve in their home parishes, we strive to find placements for these candidates where they are most needed to serve the needs of the Diocese.
Faith Communities and Mental Illness Our parish communities are diverse and mental illness certainly is not absent within our families. Parish staff members are also frequently approached for help by persons outside the parish community who suffer mental illness.
To enhance the ability of our parish pastoral and administrative teams to recognize and respond in a helpful way, our Diocese is co-sponsoring a conference on April 27: Faith Communities & Mental Illness: Tools for Response and Care.
Many of our parishes already have registered; I hope that many more will send representatives to learn about this important subject. For more information or to register, call Dr. Paul Duckro, Director of our Office of Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection, at 520-838-2513 or go online at
www.icstucson.org.
I am grateful to Dr. Duckro for representing our diocese on the planning committee for this important conference.
Catholic Foundation Gala I always look forward to this annual fundraising dinner put on by the Catholic Foundation for Stewardship and Charitable Giving. The naming of grant recipients very much puts a face and location to the churches and organizations that receive the financial assistance, and strengthens, for me, exactly how much good is accomplished for people living here through the help of the Foundation, and by those who contribute to the Foundation.
FridayÔøΩs event, held at the Marriott Starr Pass Resort, is the 26
th Annual Gala, and will celebrate 130 years of Service by the Knights of Columbus. Father Ricky Ordonez, Director of our diocesan Vocations Office, will be the Master of Ceremony.
If you would like to support the Gala, itÔøΩs not too late. There are still tables to fill! Call the Foundation at 838-2591 to get your seat.
My thanks to Margie Puerta Edson and her amazing staff for all the work that goes into this spectacular event, which features a silent auction, entertainment and video presentation about the Knights of Columbus.
Thanks also to the Gala Committee members Pat Torrington, Chair
Dan Torrington, Co-Chair; Gina Brandt, Ann Dickson, Ruby Calvo-Gutierrez; Jannie Cox, Maryann Hockstad, Nancy Kirk, Margo LaBarr,
Mike Marum, Clara Moreno, Katherine Smith, Rich Tracy and Marilyn Wolfarth. And my appreciation to the following people whose contributions also help make this a successful event: Fred Allison, for making the Knights of Columbus DVD, Patricia Cracchiolo, Tommasina Eby, Pauline Fredericks Photography, Mr. and Mrs. George Gunderson, J. W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, Vo Thuong Ma, William Purciello, pianist, Salpointe Catholic High School students, Deacon and Mrs. Francis Sherlock, St. Thomas More Newman Center volunteers, Ted and Shirley Taubeneck, Katheryn Torrington, Father Alex Mills, Pastor, St. AnnÔøΩs, Tubac, for his portrayal of Bishop Granjon, and actor Nicholas Ryan Izzo, for his work in the role of Father Mc Givney.
Kino Border Initiative Fundraiser On Saturday evening, Rev. Sean Carroll and the staff of the Kino Border Initiative will host a fundraiser.
Money raised during this event will provide support to this important ministry that provides meals, clothing and basic medical assistance to the thousands of people, deportees, who are released at the Nogales Port of Entry each year.
The event will take place at the Old Pueblo Grill, in the patio, 60 N. Alvernon Way, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 each. For tickets or more information, please call Luisa L. Ledford, Director of Development and Outreach, at 520-287-2370 or email
[email protected]
The Kino Border Initiative was founded in 2009, and is located at the twin cities of Ambos Nogales, in southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico. The KBIÔøΩs mission is to promote US/ Mexico border and immigration policies that affirm the dignity of the human person, and also a spirit of solidarity among those helping with humanitarian assistance and education on both sides of the border. KBI also advocates for the transformation of local, regional and national immigration policies.
Congratulations to Carondelet St. MaryÔøΩs Hospital HealthGrades, an independent healthcare ratings organization has named St. MaryÔøΩs Hospital as a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence. This distinction ranks St. MaryÔøΩs among the top five percent of hospitals nationwide for clinical performance, characterized by successful treatment, fewer complications and lower mortality.
St. MaryÔøΩs also received 5 Star ratings (the highest possible) for its care of heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, pneumonia, sepsis and respiratory failure. The hospital also achieved HealthGradesÔøΩ Critical Care Excellence Award, placing it among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide for critical care.
It is a blessing for all of us here in Southern Arizona to have fine Catholic Hospitals nearby for our healthcare needs.
Confirmations I will be performing confirmations this week at St. Joseph Parish, and for Sacred Heart Parish in Clifton, and St. MaryÔøΩs Mission in Duncan, all at Holy Cross Parish in Morenci.
Priest appointments The following assignments will become effective July 1 unless otherwise noted:
Rev. James Aboyi, V.C. To: St. Francis of Assisi Parish- Superior- Pastor
From: St. Francis of Assisi Parish- Superior -Administrator
Father Bardo Antunez - Olea
To: San Felipe de Jesus Parish- Nogales - Pastor
From: San Felipe de Jesus Parish- Nogales - Administrator
Father Jose Maria Corvera
To: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish- Florence - Pastor
From: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish- Florence – Parish Administrator
Father William Cosgrove
Renewed as Parish Administrator at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Patagonia
Father Jaya Bhaskar Reddy Gade
To: Our Lady of Fatima Parish – Tucson – Parochial Vicar
From: India
Effective: April 2, 2012 – through June 2012
Father Jens-Peter ÔøΩJayÔøΩ Jensen Renewed as Parish Administrator at San Martin de Porres Parish, Sahuarita
Father Richard Kingsley Renewed as Pastor at Corpus Christi Parish, Tucson
Father Joseph Lombardo Renewed as Pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Tucson
Father Oscar Magallanes To: St. Jude Thaddeus Parish – San Luis – Pastor
From: St. Jude Thaddeus Parish – San Luis – Parish Administrator
Father Francisco Maldonado Renewed as Pastor at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Green Valley
Father Alexander Mills Renewed as Pastor at St. Ann Parish, Tubac
Father Jose Manuel Padilla Renewed as Parish Administrator at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish, Pearce, Sunsites
Deacon Jorge Farias To Parochial Vicar, Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Tucson
From: Seminary
Father Patrick Kennedy To: Parochial Vicar, St. Mark Parish, Oro Valley
From: Pax Christi Catholic Community, Minnesota
Father Madhu George To: Parochial Vicar, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish
From: Parochial Vicar, Our Mother of Sorrows Parish
Please pray for Father Cyprian Killackey, O.C.D., who is in critical condition at University Medical Center. Father Cyprian has served in our Diocese for 42 years and is beloved among our priests.
Vol. 9, No. 45 April 23, 2012
Ad Limina visit to Rome
On Saturday I will be traveling to Rome for the Ad Limina visit for Region XIII. Last year and again this year, each region of the United States makes a visit to Rome. Now it is our turn.
Prior to the visit, each diocese prepares its Quinquennial report. Our report of nearly 300 pages was sent to Rome several months ago, and addresses the sacramental life of our Diocese, how our Diocese is organized, the status of vocations, description of the priests, religious, and deacons, the financial picture of our Diocese, a description of lay organizations in our Diocese, and a description of key events that have taken place within our Diocese.
In our report, I describe the life of our Diocese following the Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings, the reorganization of our parishes, the opening of new parishes and schools, the renovation of our Cathedral, and the collaboration of our priests, deacons, religious and laity. I am most pleased by what I see happening in our Diocese.
Also included are descriptions of other accomplishments, such as the establishment of the Diocesan Archives and brief descriptions of some of the exhibits held there, discussion of our pastoral work concerning formation for deacons and priests and our work in border and immigration concerns.
I will be in Rome between April 28 and May 6, participating in the Region XIII pilgrimage to the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul, our meeting with the Congregations of the Holy See, and an opportunity to meet with the Holy Father. Although these visits are to happen every five years, my last visit was in 2004 when I was Co-Adjutor Bishop of Tucson accompanying Bishop Manuel Moreno who still was our Diocesan Bishop.
Region XIII includes the Archdiocese of Denver and its suffragan sees of Pueblo and Colorado Springs; the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and its suffragans of Las Cruces, Phoenix, Gallup; Tucson and the Diocese of Cheyenne.
Our region will have the opportunity to celebrate Mass in the four major Basilicas in Rome: St. Mary Major, St. PeterÔøΩs at the altar of the Tomb, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. John Lateran, as well as at St. PeterÔøΩs at the tomb of Blessed John Paul II. I will pray for all in our Diocese and ask the Lord to increase our faith and to bolster our efforts to spread the Word of God.
We bishops from Region XIII also will have an opportunity to meet with Pope Benedict in small groups, probably with the Santa Fe Province, for about 20 minutes. Pope Benedict listens attentively to each bishop as he shares his reflections on a topic of the bishop's choosing.
I have a number of concerns I might bring up to the Holy Father, including the shortage of priests, the annulment process and how to respond to divorced and remarried Catholics unable to receive Communion, the challenges of immigration, concerns about religious freedom and how to bring Catholics back to the faith. I may also speak with the Holy Father about the work of Catholic Relief Services to give him a sense of what great good is happening in over 100 countries through the generosity of United States' Catholics.
I will be sure to share with you all the events of the trip. Please pray that our visit will be blessed.
My thanks to Ernie Nedder, our Chancellor, and Fred Allison, who worked to combine information from our many Pastoral Center departments to create the final report, and also to each of the Department leaders whose diligent record-keeping and attention to the projects, resources and outcomes of our diocesan events and activities allowed us to accurately report our work to the Holy See.
Cornerstone Gala
The 26th annual Cornerstone Gala held at the Marriott Starr Pass was a resounding success. Nearly five hundred people attended and clearly enjoyed the evening.
One of the highlights of the evening was the visit out of the past of Father Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus played by Nicholas Ryan Izzo, and Bishop Henry Granjon, second Bishop of Tucson played by Father Alex Mills, pastor of St. Ann's in Tubac (where did he get that bishop's cassock?) who reflected on the important role played by the Knights of Columbus in our country and in our Diocese. The video done by Fred Allison marvelously highlighted the 108-year history of the Knights in our Diocese since the first Council was established in Bisbee, Arizona.
I am grateful to Mr. Ed Steinhoff, Chair of the Foundation Board and all the Board members as well as the Gala Committee chaired by Dan and Pat Torrington along with Gina Brandt, Ann Dickson, Ruby Cakvo-Gutierrez, Jannie Cox, Maryann Hockstad, Margo LaBarr, Mike Marum, Katherine Smith, Rich Tracy and Marilyn Wolfarth.
Special kudos to the staff of our Catholic Foundation for Stewardship and Charitable Giving including Margie Puerta Edson, Director, Clara Moreno, Coordinator of Special Events, Michelle Antle, Robin Evans, Lori Callas, and Nancy Kirk. My thanks to Father Ricky Ordonez, our Director of the Vocations Office, who did a fabulous job as Master of Ceremonies for the Gala, and my gratitude to all who make this event a success.
At the Gala, The Catholic Foundation gave out nearly $185,000 in grants for parishes, schools, and Catholic organizations. What a wonderful evening!
Annual Catholic Appea
l
Our annual appeal is progressing because of the sacrifice and generosity of our Catholic people around the Diocese. We still have a way to go to achieve our goal of fully funding the 26 ministries and charities so important to the work of the Diocese. I need your help.
For those who have given already, I am deeply grateful. I know these are difficult economic times but many have been so generous. We are somewhat behind our effort from last year so I encourage those who have not yet given to consider a gift to our Annual Catholic Appeal. It would mean so much.
Diocesan Pastoral Council The Council met on Saturday morning to discuss new annual goals for the Diocese. These goals include:
Implementation of the Year of Faith: Augmenting our evangelization efforts and our work in encouraging people who have left the Church to return
Inspire Vocations: Identifying, inviting, and encouraging candidates to serve as priests, religious, and laity
Improve communications in the use of technology
Inform people in the Faith
Increase a sense of stewardship and charitable giving.
Our Pastoral Center departments also are focusing their work for the coming Fiscal Year on these goals. I will report more about the goals as specific projects become defined.
Confirmations I will be celebrating confirmations tonight at Sacred Heart Parish in Nogales, and on Friday at St. Odilia Parish in Tucson for St. Odilia, St. Mark Parish and Immaculate Heart High School.
Priest Convocation Our priests and I will be in Chandler, Arizona for our annual Convocation tomorrow through Thursday.
This three-day gathering provides us with the opportunity to share fellowship, prayer and information with priests from across our diocese. The information covers everything from insurance, retirement and other human resource information for priests and parish staff, to jubilarian honors to recognition for work well done throughout the year.
This year's Convocation theme is ÔøΩFinding Comfort and Clarity in Our Mandate to Proclaim and Live out Catholic Social Teaching.ÔøΩ Our presenter is Bishop Robert McElroy, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
Bishop McElroy was ordained a priest in 1980 and auxiliary bishop in 2010. He holds a bachelor's degree in History from Harvard University, a master's degree in History from Stanford University and doctorates in Political Science and Moral Theology, also from Stanford. He has taught at the university and is the author of two books and many articles on Catholic social teaching. We are blessed to have him with us.
At this year's Convocation, I am delighted that we will welcome two extern priests to become incardinated into our Diocese. They are Father Ariel Lustan, formerly of the Philippines, now serving as Pastor of Our Lady of the Mountain Parish in Sierra Vista, and Father Gustavo Benitez Camacho, formerly of the Diocese of Mexicali, serving as Parochial Vicar at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Yuma.
They will be wonderful additions to our presbyterate in the Diocese of Tucson. We will welcome them as brothers during a Liturgy celebrating the priesthood on Wednesday evening. At that Eucharist we also will celebrate special anniversaries for the following priests:
65 years: Father Msgr. Edward Carscallen
60 years: Father John Kastigar and Father Cyprian Killackey, O.C.D. (
Requiescat in Pace).
55 years: Father Gerald Brynda, Father Franklin "Duane" Eichhorst, O.F.M., Father Theodore Lobo and Father Edward Pietrucha, C.S.P.
50 years: Father Joseph Anderson and
Father Gerald Miriani.
40 years: Father Liam Leahy, Father Jeremiah McCarthy, Father William Stoeger, S.J. and Father Paul Coury, C.S.S.R.
25 years: Father Luis Armando Espinoza.
These days at Convocation are meant to help us as priests to pray together, to work together, to learn together, and to relax together. I always return refreshed and renewed. Please pray for this Convocation that it may benefit all of our priests.
Presbyteral Council Members of the Presbyteral Council will meet on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Chandler for our monthly meeting. We will discuss the new Diocesan goals as well as considering pay scales for priests, principals, and teachers in preparation for developing budgets for next year.
There will be no Monday Memo on April 30th since I will be in Rome. Monday Memo will begin again on May 7.