It's coming

On a Mission

The Diocese of Fort Worth has had for many years a strong mission outreach to many parts of the world, including Central America and Honduras. Many other Dioceses in Texas have a similar outreach in their life of mission. In fact, the entire state of Texas has its own Mission Council, of which I am the Texas Bishops' liaison. (In addition, I have just been appointed by the Bishops' Conference as a member of the National  Committee  on Migration, which is chaired by my former Metropolitan and friend, Archbishop Jose Gomez.)

Bishop Benjamin Castillo of Celaya, Mexico

This weekend Bishop Benjamin Castillo, the new Bishop of Celaya, Mexico and his assistant for pastoral care of migration, Father Rogelio Segundo, visited the Diocese of Fort Worth. They met with our Chancellor Deacon Len Sanchez. Our relationship with Celaya, already begun by my predecessor Bishop Joseph Delaney, now involves several of our parishes; St. Catherine of Siena in Carrollton, Texas, Our Lady of Guadalupe in north Fort Worth, and All Saints in north Fort Worth. They all share experiences, prayer and support with communities in Celaya. The delegation from Celaya was visiting this weekend to help finalize plans for these cooperative mission ventures. Since there are many parishioners from Celaya in the Diocese of Fort Worth and the Metroplex in general, there is also a natural connection of Faith and communion.

Celaya is in the state of Guanajuato

These ventures and mission experiences, which are so much a part of the life of the Church here in Texas, remind us that the Church, by her very nature is mission. More later as these commitments develop and expand with the work of the Holy Spirit.

Vaya con Dios!

Fr. Donlon Would Be Honored



Fr. Aidan Donlon 1929-2009



Last Saturday afternoon Father Isaac and I drove up to Wichita Falls, Texas (about 2 hours north of Fort Worth) to attend the 20th annual vocation dinner and fund raiser by the Knights of Columbus Council1473 of Wichita Falls, Texas. This major event was started years ago with the inspiration of Father Aidan Donlon SAC, then beloved chaplain of Bethania Hospital in Fort Worth and Mike Brown, of Our Lady Queen of Peace parish in Wichita Falls. The idea was to provide of vehicle of financial support for our Diocesan seminarians and an event which could bring the Catholics of Wichita Falls together to support priests and religious and priestly vocations.



Mike Brown Mcees

As usual, it was a festive evening, but an evening of Faith and Catholic community. Catholics from all three parishes of Wichita Falls (Sacred Heart, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Guadalupe) joined with other Catholics in the area to support the Diocesan efforts in vocational promotion and support. With the increased number of seminarians that we are seeing this was especially welcome and important this year. The program book for the evening eloquently notes that, Father [Donlon] would be honored that you are here with us tonight. The journey has taken 20 short years and has involved many people putting  their heart and soul into this effort. One of our blessings will be the fact that tonight our total contributions over the years will total one and a half million dollars! The efforts and success of this council in honor of vocations never ceased to amaze Father Donlon. He knew what a noble gesture it was. It is important in this troubled world of ours to have church leaders to comfort those who are hurting, whether their pain be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Every person who has ever been involved in this dinner plays a key role in seeing that Council 1473 is able to raise money." 
 

In thanking all present for the evening, I tried to reflect some of the previous words to say that the presence of a "vocation culture" can no longer be taken for granted, but it is the role of everyone to grow in holiness, to support Catholic family life, and in fact to actively invite people whom they know to consider a religious or priestly vocation. 



The auction in action

This cannot be left up to only a Diocesan vocation director, BIshop or parish priest. While these individuals are key everyone has an important role and witness in living a life of faith and community so that the voice of "Come Follow Me" can be clearly heard. Council 1473, in their work, are a blessing and example of this for our entire Diocese. Thank you Mike Brown, and Knights and Ladies one and all.  It was a great and blessed evening this year!

Days of Learning

Last week was taken up with the bi-annual Bioethics workshop for Bishops, sponsored by the National Catholic Bioethics Center and the Knights of Columbus. This was the 23rd workshop for Bishops and was held at the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Las Colinas, a part of Irving, Texas. It was attended by over 200 Bishops from the United States, Mexico and Latin America. The title of this workshop this year was "A Universal Moral Language: Bioethics and the Natural Law." The days of this excellent workshop can best be described by Dr. Haas when he says that "In this workshop we are trying to find ways to formulate the moral truths of the Church in language that is accessible to everyone, i.e., in the language of the natural moral law.  That is why we have asked our speakers to make their presentations solely in terms of the natural and moral sciences without having recourse to theological categories and Church documents." Further commenting on the recent interviews with Pope Benedict XVI, Dr. Haas states that in this book the Holy Father never once mentioned the natural law, but articulated moral truths in the simple compelling, language of reasonableness. "That is what natural law is all about. Giving voice to that law written by God in the heart of every human being (Romans 2:14-15)."


The excellent speakers and presenters in these days reflected and spoke on the following topics:  "The Natural Law and Personalism"; "Reproductive Technologies";  "The Feminist Case against abortion";  "Stem Cell Research";  "Same -Sex attraction and Gender identity;  "Same-sex marriage";  "Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide";  "Issues of Life and Conscience in the New Health Care Legislation'; and  "Bioethical Issues Facing the Church in Latin America";


These were great days of learning, fraternity and prayer and a chance to visit with many other Bishops from this country and in Mexico and Central America. Many of us see each other only twice a year, so it was a true blessing to spend these days together in mutual support, prayer, and learning. The Conferences helped to strengthen us in our ministry of teaching, governing and sanctifying as successors of the Apostles. I especially enjoyed spending time with Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha, who has been a friend for years, and was my Bishop in Springfield from 1999 - 2005.

Pics from Sr. Rosalynn's First Profession of Vows

As I mentioned in my February 12th entry, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth celebrated the occasion of Sister Rosalynn's first profession of religious vows.

Who You Ghana Follow?

Last Sunday, as with most Sundays, I celebrated the 8:00 AM Mass at our St. Patrick's Cathedral. The Church was nearly full. Our Cathedral attendance has been consistently increasing, due in part to the number of people living in or near downtown Fort Worth.

But later in the day I had the opportunity to preside over the Eucharist for the community from Ghana, which gather every Sunday for Mass at 1:00pm. Responsible for their pastoral care is Father Philip Brembah, a priest of the Archdiocese of Kumasi. Father Charles Addai, also from Kumasi and assigned to St. Vincent de Paul parish in Arlington, joined visiting priest Father Anthony SVD in concelebrating. Father Anthony is the parochial vicar of St. Rita's here in Fort Worth. The chapel was filled beyond capacity as  Father Philip preached a powerful homily on the readings, especially on the responsorial psalm, which proclaims, "Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord." "Do we follow what we want, or what God wants, expressed in His Law?", Fr. Philip asked. The first reading of the Book of Sirach is quite clear, stressing the importance of following the commandments, which set before us life, marriage, and family.

I am planning a trip to Ghana in October with Father Philip and some members of the Ghana community to meet Archbishop Mensah personally, and his predecessor, Archbishop Sarpong, who is a friend of mine. I concluded this Lord's day with night prayer, looking out over downtown Fort Worth as I write these reflections.

Ghana is a West African Country with over 5 million Catholics.

From February 12th...On Lincoln's Birthday

February 12 was always a big day when I was growing up, since it is Lincoln's birthday. I naturally thought of all of the Lincoln landmarks spread around Springfield that I visited often when I was growing up and in later years when I was stationed back in Springfield. His presence and spirit in many ways still is part of the community of Springfield. One of the places to visit in Springfield is the train depot from where he left to go to Washington after his election as President. Part of his farewell address contains the words "To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything." I have these words on a plaque in my living quarters in Fort Worth. These are often my words as I give thanks  to the Lord for my now soon to be six years  here in our Diocese of Fort Worth.


I began this February 12 here in Fort Worth with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Grand Prairie Texas. The joyful occasion was the first profession of vows of Sister Rosalynn Nguyen. The Sisters' Chapel was filled with Sister Rosalynn's family and friends and many of the Sisters from the area and all over the United States. Sister Sally Marie Kiepura, the Provincial Superior, the Provincial Council for the United States, and Sister Barbara Jean, the Novice Directress, were also present. I make special mention of this because Sister Rosalynn is from Christ the King parish here in Fort Worth, one of the four Vietnamese parishes in our Diocese. Most years, I have spent new year's eve with the parish, and have been present at many other celebrations. The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth founded many of the frontier hospitals in North Texas, and gave a great witness to the presence of Christ and His love and healing power in very challenging and difficult situations. They are still present in North Texas in a variety of ministries, and I am very grateful for that. I would like to make special mention of Sister Julianna Tran who assists with ministry in the Vietnamese community, and Sister Mary Louise Smith who is responsible for family ministry in St. Rita's parish in Fort Worth, and assists in this important ministry here in our Diocese and other parts of North Texas. She is also a member of our Diocesan Pastoral Council.

Later on Saturday, I was present at a wedding mass at St. Andrew's parish in  Fort Worth. In the evening I also celebrated mass for approximately 1500 young people at the end of day long rally entitled PURE REALITY. This is an every other year event and brings young people together from many parishes in the Dioceses of Dallas and Fort Worth for a day of reflection, teaching, and prayer on the beauty and necessity of the virtue of Chastity. Thanks to all of the volunteers from our parishes who helped put this day together.

I finished off the day with some time with friends of mine near Crowley, Texas in a card game! 

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Decatur, Illinois

The Blessed Mother and St. Bernadette

I cannot let the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes pass by without some mention of the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in Decatur, Illinois, where I was pastor for nearly nine years, from 1992 - 2001.

First, however, a brief reflection on the actual shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.  In the summer of 1976 I made a pilgrimage to the shrines of Catholic Europe in preparation for my entering the seminary that fall. Part of this pilgrimage was three days in Lourdes. I had, of course, heard of the account of St. Bernadette and Our Lady when I was growing up. It was part of the history and heritage of growing up Catholic. My grandparents parish, Blessed Sacrament in Springfield, Illinois - where I was later to be assistant pastor, and then in the years after that Pastor, had an indoor Lourdes Grotto. My first visit to Lourdes was a profound experience of Faith.  I saw firsthand the land of St. Bernadette, visited the grotto where Our Lady appeared, and reflected on the mystery of the Immaculate Conception. I also experienced the sick and suffering in the procession of the Blessed Sacrament and the candle light Rosary procession at night. I promised Our Lady that if I was ordained a priest then I would return. In fact, I did return three times, and have plans to return again in 2012 with a pilgrimage from Steubenville.

Sanctuary of Our Lady in Lourdes, France

However, I returned to Lourdes in a way that I did not plan! In 1992, I accepted an assignment to be pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Decatur, Illinois. This particular assignment [as all of my assignments] came as a surprise to me, as I had just been pastor of St. Benedict's in Auburn for only two years. When I arrived at the parish in August of 1992, I learned the history of the parish and the challenges the parish had had to face over the years, especially some of the Charter (or founding) and early parish families. Facing the task of being the pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes seemed quite daunting to me since there was a school and many parish organizations. Also, I was more familiar with an urban parish setting as opposed to being in a rural parish.

Artistic Rendering our Our Lady of Lourdes in Decatur, Illinois

Yet, the great gift of Our Lady of Lourdes parish to me was the faith of the families, and the great commitment of the families to the life of the parish. I soon found that I was accepted by the parishioners as their new pastor, and the Lord sent, through this parish, new friends and new experiences to me that very much shaped my life as a priest and pastor. I learned how to be the pastor of large parish with a school, how to work with many organizations, and how to work together with other parishes in the same city and the Deanery [I later became Dean of the Deanery as well].

The feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes at the parish often found me trying to light eight day votive candles at night in front of Our Lady's statue in the wind and the cold. I thought of that and all of the people of this wonderful parish when I was asking her intercession this year for the sick in our Diocese. The people and parish of Our Lady of Lourdes taught me much about Faith, and the life of the Church. These experiences I refer back to yet today in my life as a Bishop. Thank you, parishioners and friends of Our Lady of Lourdes for your presence in my life and ministry.  Happy belated Feast Day!

Saint Valentine

A mosaic of St. Valentine

The Origin of St. Valentine


From a Catholic Online article. Click here to read the original article in its entirety.

The origin of St. Valentine, and how many St. Valentines there were, remains a mystery. One opinion is that he was a Roman martyred for refusing to give up his Christian faith. Other historians hold that St. Valentine was a temple priest jailed for defiance during the reign of Claudius. Whoever he was, Valentine really existed because archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.

The first representation of Saint Valentine appeared in a The Nuremberg Chronicle, a great illustrated book printed in 1493. [Additional evidence that Valentine was a real person: archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine.] Alongside a woodcut portrait of him, text states that Valentinus was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius the Goth [Claudius II].

Since he was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under Emperor Claudius in Rome [when helping them was considered a crime], Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner -- until Valentinus made a strategic error: he tried to convert the Emperor -- whereupon this priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't do it, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate [circa 269].

Saints are not supposed to rest in peace; they're expected to keep busy: to perform miracles, to intercede. Being in jail or dead is no excuse for non-performance of the supernatural. One legend says, while awaiting his execution, Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter. Another legend says, on the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine."

St. Valentine was a Priest, martyred in 269 at Rome and was buried on the Flaminian Way. He is the Patron Saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travellers, young people. He is represented in pictures with birds and roses.

Catholic Online 2011

Bienvenidos Arzobispo Coakley

Photo: Bryan Terry The Oklahoman

This Friday, Father Isaac and I made the 3 1/2 hour trip to Oklahoma City for the installation of Archbishop Paul Coakley. The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is a part of Region X of the Bishops' Conference (along with the Diocese of Tulsa, all of Texas and Arkansas), and is in fact our neighbor directly to the North. I have always appreciated the support and friendship of now Archbishop Emeritus Eusebius Beltran, and he often jokingly refers to the Diocese of Fort Worth as "Baja Oklahoma"... meaning "Lower Oklahoma"! Archbishop Coakley and I were in new Bishops school in Rome in the Fall of 2005, and I had known him previously when he was a priest of the Diocese of Wichita and involved in programs of the Institute of Priestly formation, as I was. I am very grateful to have Archbishop Coakley in the region, and I look forward to working with him as a neighbor, friend and fellow Bishop. Bienvenidos!

Reflecting Back

As the Lord's providence guides us along early in a new year, we can reflect back on the the individuals who have been examples of dedication and pastoral care and faith to so many of us, and so many people. Sometimes, this witness seems to stand out more at the time of their death. That is certainly true in our Diocese of Msgr. Hubert Neu of whom I just wrote about in the previous reflection on St. Patrick's Cathedral. We can think of John Paul II, for example, on an international scale, and I just wrote some personal reflections on him.

This can also be true for the Church in the United States. In the early days of January, Father John Harvey OSFS went home to the Lord. As a member of the community of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, he was certainly known in his community and in their apostolic works around our country. I had the privilege of meeting him once at a national gathering. I mention him especially because his religious life, his pastoral heart and care for so many people, and his commitment to life truth in charity, led him to found COURAGE, which is as prayer/support group to help people who struggle with same sex attractions to live lives of holiness, chastity, support and lives directed to the good of others. COURAGE is founded on an approach to life and holiness that is faithful to the teaching of the Church on virtue, prayer and chastity. There is a COURAGE group, called COURAGE D/FW that meets at the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas twice a month on Friday evenings. A special thanks to Bishop Mark Seitz who started the group and Father Jim Gigliotti TOR who is now their chaplain. May Father Harvey hear the words of the Lord, "Well done good and faithful servant, enter now into the joy of your Lord."

The Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral

The past week has been a focal point for St. Patrick's Cathedral here in Fort Worth. When I preached at the Mass of the Resurrection for Msgr. Hubert Neu, the Rector of St. Patrick's for nearly 15 years, I mentioned how his ministry and skills in administration built a strong foundation on the already distinguished history of St. Patrick's to carry the Church, and the parish community, into this time of Faith and expansion here in the DIocese of Fort Worth, and how is it my dream and vision that St. Patrick's become an even stronger reference point for the Diocese of Fort Worth and the community of Fort Worth. I believe it is important to have significant services and Masses here at the Cathedral at which I can preach. For example, I preside and preach at most Sunday morning Masses at 8:00 AM. Following the example of Pope John Paul II, I also celebrated for the first time a Mass for the World Day of the Sick. Many people came who wished to be prayed over and to receive the Sacrament of the Sick.  I was assisted by Father Joseph Pemberton, the Rector, and Father George Thennatil TOR and Father Phillip Brembah, both hospital chaplains. 

Any Cathedral is not just another parish, but as is noted in Wikipedia, "serves as the Bishop's seat and thus as the central church of a Diocese, conference, or episcopate". To view the Cathedral as just another church in a diocese reflects more a Protestant, congregational way of thinking than one that is truly Catholic. The Bishop's chair (cathedra) is the place from where the Bishop teaches in a local Church.

There is currently a building project at St. Patrick's now for a new pastoral center. We have just embarked upon the ambitious task of launching a major capital campaign to build a Parish Life Center.  The new Parish Center will include space for pastoral offices and ministry activities. The project will also include a major street design that will transform the Saint Patricks community into a cohesive and vibrant Cathedral Complex. St. Patrick's is in a growing phase, with over 400 students in religious education and reaching 2900 registered families. 

Rendering of New Parish Center

It is with gratitude to God that we look to priests like Father Jean Marie Guyot and Msgr. Hubert Neu, and the people of their respective times, who have helped to bring St. Patrick's Cathedral, with the Lord's guidance and love, to be the beacon of Faith it is today. After this project it is our hope, dream, and plan - always trusting in God - to acquire a pipe organ, and then complete the two towers, which were planned for by Father Guyot but never finished.  Then, truly, St. Patrick's Cathedral will be a clear sign of the presence of Christ in the midst of the city!

   

Construction for St. Patrick's Parish Center

Some recent historical notes remind us that Saint Patrick is the site of the first Catholic Church in Tarrant County and is therefore the Mother Church of all North Texas. Originally, Saint Patrick was part of the Diocese of Galveston, whose geographical boundaries stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to encompass the entire State of Texas, making it at the time, the largest Catholic province in the world. Like so much of Texas, the story and history of St. Patrick's is woven together with the clergy of France. In 1884 Father Jean Marie Guyot, a missionary priest from France, was named pastor and he quickly began making plans for a new church building to be constructed of stone and modeled after the magnificent churches in his native France.

Theology on Tap

On Tuesday evening, Father Isaac and I went to Theology on Tap to present on the new Translation of the Roman Missal, which will be implemented at Advent of this year. Young adults from the Diocese of Fort Worth meet monthly at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar. Theology on Tap is basically a young adult group of faith, catechesis, and fellowship that has found its way to many Dioceses. I usually speak at their gatherings at least once a year or more on various topics. There were over 100 young people present.

Father Isaac and I split the presentation. I gave a historical look at the prayer of the Church over many centuries (using a number of older Missals dating from the late 1800's) my 1962 St. Joseph Missal, and the current Sacramentary and Lectionary. Father Isaac reflected on Faith and prayer. He also commented on how he has experienced the reaction of previous generations of Catholics to the changes in the Church's liturgy following the years since the Second Vatican Council.

After a break we did a practice run with the revised translation for the Order of Mass, including the greeting, penitential rite, Gloria, and Creed. Following a number of good questions I was introduced to a young man there by the name of John Moore who introduced me to a new iPhone App called, "The New Mass". This application is a great resource because it gives the current translation (1970), with the new translation and reason for the change!

Those at ToT wanted to know how they could be more prepared for it and where to get resources. This was a very encouraging evening for me. Since part of the evening was a reflection on the use of Latin, I also used this well known saying by the well known Catholic layman of the 19th century, Hillaire Belloc:

"Wherever the Catholic sun does shine,
There are friends, and laughter and good red wine.
At least they always say it's so.
Benedicamus Domino! "

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

With St. Matthew's Gospel for this Fifth Sunday in Ordinary time proclaiming the words of the Lord to be the "Light of the World" and the "Salt of the Earth", I celebrated 8:00 AM Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Today's Masses (and Masses during the week) saw many visitors from out of town for the Superbowl. The Pittsburgh Stealers stayed across the street from St. Patrick's at the new Omni hotel! There were many Stealers fans, staff and coaches at our daily Masses and Sunday Masses. It was a blessing to have so many of them here and our Cathedral parishioners and staff went out of their way to welcome them. Thanks to all of you for being here, and know that we were praying with and for them along with Bishop Zubik and others!

St. Mary's Gainesville          Photo: Barclay Gibson

Later that morning I made the trip approximately 80 miles away to St. Mary's Church in Gainesville, Texas for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for about 23 students. St. Mary's is an active parish community with a school and is approximately 120 years old. It's theme song is "The Bells of St. Mary's". The parish has a long history of leadership and faith of pioneer families in frontier Texas and later. Over the years, the parish was led by Diocesan priests, later Benedictine priests, Augustinian priests, and a return to Diocesan priests. The communities of Religious Sisters over the years have been the School Sister of Notre Dame and the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur. The newly appointed administrator is Father Victor Cruz, a member of the Heralds of Good News, a missionary community from India. Father Cruz is a blessing to all of us with his joy in ministry and gift of his voice. The confirmation candidates were prepared by an able staff of youth ministry and Confirmation catechists and teachers.

Associates' Day

On Saturday morning, February 5, I started the day with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal at their Sacred Heart Friary on Terrill Avenue in Fort Worth. The first Saturday of the month is always their associates day. I prayed morning prayer and then immediately celebrated Mass for a room full of people. In fact here was hardly any extra space. The people were a mix of single and married, younger and mature, children and families who are associates of the Friars of the Renewal and assist them in their apostolic work and mission. Despite the still bad roads in the area, and the multitude of activities associated with the Super Bowl here in the Mid Cities, the associates of the Friars gathered for prayer, Mass, a light breakfast, and then a day shared with the Friars at their St. Benedict's mission on East Lancaster street in Fort Worth. The day always concludes with a holy hour and then benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The homily at Mass was given by Father Juan Diego CFR.

The prayer and outreach of the Friars and their associates on this day of St. Agatha mirrors, I believe, the words of Saint Methodius of Sicily on the feast day of St. Agatha many years ago, which is in the Office of Readings for today:

"Agatha, the name of our saint, means 'good'. She was truly good, for she lived as a child of God. She was also given as the gift of God, the source of all goodness to her bridegroom. For she grants us a share in her goodness....Agatha, her goodness coincides with her name and way of life. She won a a good name by her noble deeds, and by her name she points to the nobility of those deeds."

The Friars of the Renewal have been a blessing for our Diocese and community in many ways. They are not only committed to ministry for the poor, but living a life of evangelical simplicity and joy in their neighborhood, and bringing the presence of Christ to all whom they meet. They also work with their associates not only in apostolic ministry, but in the Franciscan way of life as well. The homeless have to deal with all sorts of weather but winter weather is especially hard here since most people are not used to long days of it in this region. Several of the friars told me that some of the homeless had to spend the night outside in the cold, ice, and snow. Their St. Benedict's shelter offers a respite of warmth, human kindness and outreach, some light refreshments, and a chance to pray and visit with the Friars and their co-workers.