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NATION
HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J. (OSV News) – For an Archdiocese of Newark deacon who survived the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the real battle – a search for God – began after reaching the ground. Now-Deacon Paul Carris was a 46-year-old civil engineer working in the World Trade Center’s North Tower when al-Qaida hijackers slammed American Airlines Flight 11 into the building. The deacon, who described himself as a rather indifferent Catholic layman at the time, accompanied a fellow floormate with severe health issues down 71 flights of steps to safety, even as the building burned and the South Tower was struck by a second plane. The pair were among the last to safely exit the building before it collapsed. In the following days and weeks after the terrorist attacks, he wrestled with anger and frustration that pointed to an unfulfilled hunger for a deeper relationship with God. Over the years, he immersed himself in faith formation and social outreach, eventually discerning a call to the permanent diaconate. Now assigned to Corpus Christi Parish in Hasbrouck Heights, he told OSV News that surviving 9/11 gave him “a rock of a foundation, knowing that God is here. I have no questions about the reality of God and the reality of God in everybody’s life. But unfortunately, we sometimes have to go through tragedy to wake us up to open that door.”

CHICAGO (OSV News) – St. Jude may be best known in the United States for being the patron saint of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, a cancer treatment center founded by Lebanese-American entertainer Danny Thomas. Thomas credited St. Jude – also well known among Catholics as the patron saint of hopeless causes and desperate situations – with reviving his career during a particularly low moment. He founded the hospital in gratitude. Now more Catholics are going to learn about this faithful apostle, martyr and saint as his relic – bone fragments from an arm believed to be his – leaves Italy for the first time in centuries, sponsored by the Treasures of the Church ministry, for a tour that extends into May 2024. The tour begins in Chicago on Sept. 9 at St. John Cantius Church. Scheduled stops for the remainder of 2023 include parishes in Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa, followed by Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska, Indiana and Michigan. The relic’s tour then veers east to parishes in Ohio and central Pennsylvania – some 45 parishes. There are to be 100 stops in all. The 2024 stops into May have not yet been announced. At each parish, there will be public veneration and special Masses. The detailed St. Jude relic tour schedule is available at apostleoftheimpossible.com.

BALTIMORE (OSV News) – Archbishop William E. Lori told Catholics Sept. 5 that the Archdiocese of Baltimore is considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization as one option to deal with lawsuits expected to be filed when the state’s Child Victims Act takes effect Oct. 1. The law, passed by the Maryland General Assembly earlier this year, removed any statute of limitations for civil suits involving child sexual abuse. It caps suits against public institutions such as government schools at $890,000, and for private individuals or institutions such as churches at $1.5 million. The previous law allowed such suits for people up to age 38, an increase from the previous age limit of 25. At the time, the Maryland Catholic Conference – which includes the Archdiocese of Baltimore as well as the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, which both include Maryland counties – supported the increase to age 38. In his Sept. 5 letter, the archbishop said he has two overarching goals as the archdiocese considers its response: “the healing of victim-survivors who have suffered so profoundly from the actions of some ministers of the church” and “the continuation and furtherance of the many ministries of the Archdiocese that provide for the spiritual, educational, and social needs of countless people – Catholic and non-Catholic – across the state.” The archbishop said he plans to prioritize both goals.

VATICAN
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – If people can learn how to inflict suffering on others with ever more deadly weapons, they also can learn to stop doing so, Pope Francis said. “If we can hurt someone, a relative or friend, with harsh words and vindictive gestures, we can also choose not to do so,” he added. “Learning the lexicon of peace means restoring the value of dialogue, the practice of kindness and respect for others.” Marking International Literacy Day, Pope Francis sent a message to Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO, encouraging efforts to teach reading and writing to the hundreds of millions of people in the world who do not have basic literacy skills, but he also focused on the education needed to help all people contribute to building sustainable and peaceful societies. The papal message, was published by the Vatican Sept. 8, International Literacy Day.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Any limitations and rules regarding media access and communications during the upcoming Synod of Bishops are rooted in the “essence” of a synod and meant to help participants in their process of discernment, said the head of the synod’s communication committee. “The way in which we are going to share information about the synod is very important for the discernment process and for the entire church,” Paolo Ruffini, prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, told reporters at a Vatican news conference Sept. 8. Some of the “few rules regarding communication” stem from “the essence of the synod,” he said, which Pope Francis has repeatedly underlined is not a “parliament” or convention but a journey of listening and walking together in accordance with the Holy Spirit. However, Ruffini said, some portions of the synod will be livestreamed and open to Vatican accredited reporters: – Mass in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 4 to open the assembly of the Synod of Bishops. – The first general congregation, which begins that afternoon with remarks by Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the synod, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, relator general of the synod, and Pope Francis. – The moment of prayer beginning each general congregation. – The opening sessions of each of the five segments or “modules” into which the synod will be divided.

WORLD
MEXICO CITY (OSV News) – Mexico’s Supreme Court has removed abortion restrictions on national level – a decision expanding access to abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy across the country. The high court granted an injunction Sept. 6, requiring federally operated hospitals and health facilities to provide abortion services. The decision also scrapped criminal penalties for physicians and health professionals performing abortions. One of the litigants, the Information Group on Reproductive Choice (known by its Spanish acronym GIRE), called the unanimous court decision “a historic milestone,” as more than 70% percent of Mexican women have access to Mexico’s federal health system. That health system includes the Mexican Social Security Institute – the largest in Latin America which covers salaried workers, along with systems for public employees and the poor. Pro-life groups decried the decision. “It is an attack on the lives of the most defenseless, innocent and vulnerable,” The National Front for the Family said via X, previously known as Twitter, calling the decision “supreme injustice.”

SÃO PAULO (OSV News) – Church activists in the Amazon are worried about the Brazilian government’s plan to exploit oil in a marine area close to the mouth of the Amazon River. Oil drilling, an issue discussed in different meetings over the past months by ecclesial movements and environmentalists, has been a problem in several regions of the Amazon. While there was relevant progress recently in the struggle to restrain the oil companies’ operations in the rainforest, the pressure from those corporations is immense, and it will take much effort from Catholics inspired by Pope Francis’ “Laudato Si’” encyclical to secure the protection ‘ of their “common home” in the Amazon, activists say. The project of exploiting oil about 300 miles northeast from Amazon River’s mouth has put top government officials on opposite sides: On one side is Environment Minister Marina Silva, who argues that technical studies showed that the operation would have a huge impact on the environment and local communities, and on the other is most of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s cabinet. Lula is himself among the ones who think that it is possible to go on with the project without harming the environment. The plan was among the topics discussed by Lula and the presidents of the other nations of the Pan-Amazon region during an Aug. 8-9 summit in Belem, in Brazil. The region consists of nine countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Suriname, Guiana and French Guiana. “The summit’s final document failed to address key elements concerning extractivism in the Amazon. All decisions should be unanimous and there was no consensus on those issues,” explained Father Dario Bossi, a member of the Integral Ecology and Mining Commission of the bishops’ conference.

St. Joe journalism teacher Cassreino named National Broadcast Adviser of the Year

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From Staff Reports
MADISON – The Journalism Education Association at the University of Kansas has named St. Joseph Catholic School journalism teacher Terry R. Cassreino the National Broadcast Adviser of the Year for 2023.
The honor marks the first time a Mississippi high school journalism educator has received the JEA award. Dr. R.J. Morgan, executive director of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association, presented the award while visiting Cassreino’s Sports Broadcasting class Monday.

“This award is not just about me,” Cassreino said. “This award is for the hundreds of students I have had the privilege of teaching and working with at St. Joseph Catholic School since I took over the high school journalism program in 2012.

“My students work hard every day to produce high-quality productions we feature on our own YouTube Channel. They produce a weekly sports preview on Monday, a midweek news update on Wednesday and a full-length weekly newscast on Friday. Their work is amazing.”

Morgan agreed: “The resulting multilayered program is one of the deepest, most nuanced and enriching high school media outlets I have ever seen. There may not be a scholastic broadcast program in the country that serves its audience better or in more ways.”

The JEA Adviser of the Year Award honors outstanding high school advisers and their exemplary work from the previous year and throughout their careers. Cassreino received a cash prize and St. Joe received $500 for broadcast equipment or student scholarships for summer workshops.

Cassreino was one of five high school journalism teachers the JEA honored recently.
Two others were named Distinguished Broadcast Advisers and two were named Special Recognition Advisers. All five will be honored at the JEA/National Scholastic Press Association National Fall High School Journalism Convention in November in Boston.

Cassreino teaches Print Journalism, which publishes a yearbook, The Shield; Broadcast Journalism, which produces a weekly newscast “Bruin News Now”; and Sports Broadcasting, which produces a weekly sports preview, “What’s Bruin at the Joe,” and the sportscast for “Bruin News Now.”

Journalism students also produce live radio broadcasts and live video streaming coverage of Bruin sports, including football, basketball and baseball. Radio productions air live on WJXC-LP Jackson, Mississippi Catholic Radio, 107.9, whose studio is in Cassreino’s classroom.

St. Joe journalism students and their work have received state, national and international recognition. Students have been named the state’s high school journalist of the year and received the prestigious Orley Hood Award for Excellence in High School Sports Journalism seven of the 10 years it has been given.
“He runs his class like a legitimate newsroom,” said Jack Clements, a former student of Cassreino’s who is studying journalism at the University of Mississippi. “This authentic newsroom experience with real deadlines and newsroom hierarchy truly set me up for success in this field.”

Cassreino is a four-time Mississippi high school journalism adviser of the year and has been recognized twice by the Dow Jones News Fund as one of the nation’s top print journalism teachers. JEA recognized him as one of the top broadcast advisers in 2020 and again in 2022.

Cassreino is a former longtime journalist with more than 25 years of experience as a reporter, political columnist and editor at Mississippi newspapers. He is married to the former Pam Vance of Canton. They have two children Camryn, a freshman at Mississippi College, and Matthew, a sophomore at St. Joe.
“No doubt about it: We have the best student media program in Mississippi,” said Dr. Dena Kinsey, principal of St. Joseph Catholic School.

“This award speaks volumes about the success our students experience at St. Joe. This program under Terry Cassreino’s leadership equips students with an incredible array of skills. It’s just one example of many showing how our school prepares our students for life as an adult.”

In memoriam: Sister Angela Susalla, OP

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ADRIAN, MICHIGAN – Sister Angela Susalla, formerly known as Sister David Mary, died on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 91 years of age and in the 71st year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican congregation.

Sister Angela was born in Detroit, Michigan, to David and Bertha (Zinger) Susalla. She graduated from Rochester High School in Rochester, Michigan, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Mixed Science, both from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian.

Sister ministered for 24 years in elementary and secondary education in Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Aiken, South Carolina; Fort Walton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Tallahassee and West Palm Beach, Florida; and Grafton, West Virginia. This includes 10 years as elementary and secondary teacher at Rosarian Academy, a sponsored ministry of the Adrian Dominican congregation in West Palm Beach. She also served six years as a pastoral minister: a year in Eleuthera, Bahamas; and five years for the Diocese of Memphis in Lexington, Tennessee. Her last 31 years of service were spent as a social service minister for Catholic Social Services in Tunica, Mississippi. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2014.

Sister Angela was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Thomas, Ernest, Larry and David; and a sister, Elda. She is survived by sisters Elaine Campbell of Troy, Michigan, and Karen Swaim (Gary) of Sevierville, Tennessee; other loving family and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

A Funeral Mass was offered in St. Catherine Chapel on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221.

In memoriam: Curtiss McKee

MADISON – Curtiss wanted his obituary to be short because he was never interested in accolades. He requested that it state only that “he was born, he lived, he died.” However, no one who ever knew him could ever stop there because he truly was a “gentleman” – one of faith, loyalty, generosity, intelligence, wit and unfailing love.

Miles Curtiss McKee was born Aug. 21, 1930 in Cleveland, Mississippi to Samuel Melvin and Alethea (Alice) Miles McKee. At age sixteen, he went to Millsaps College for two years before moving to Clarksdale to work for the Bank of Clarksdale. As the Korean War was beginning, he joined the Navy to become an aviator. As a Naval aviator, he served as a hurricane hunter, flying just 100 feet above the water and in anti-submarine warfare missions. He served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the Naval Reserves. Curtiss retired as a Captain after 30 years of military service. Curtiss was President of Naval League of Mississippi for several terms.

After his four years of active duty service in the Navy, Curtiss finished his undergraduate degree at Ole Miss and then attended University of Mississippi Law School while also teaching Political Science. Curtiss was an editor of the Law Journal and a member of the Lamar Order. He graduated from law school in 1959 at the top of his class with many distinctions, and he was elected as a member of the Ole Miss Hall of Fame.

Curtiss became one of the leading labor and employment lawyers in Mississippi. He took two cases to the U.S. Supreme Court. He was Chairman of the Judicial Selection Committee of the Mississippi Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. He was also an active member of the Mississippi Bar Foundation of which he was also a Fellow, the Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association, the Defense Research Institute, a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employer Lawyers. He was continuously chosen for The Best Lawyers in America from 1987-2010.

When Curtiss retired, he was asked to become the in-house attorney for the Catholic Diocese of Jackson. He served pro bono there for five years. Curtiss was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Madison where he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Curtiss is survived by his wife, Ann, of 50 years, daughters Carol Brame of Madison and Laura McKee Zouein (Fouad) of Ridgeland; sons David McKee (Shannon) of Gluckstadt and Reid McKee (Rachel) of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren Lindsay Casperson (Eric), Allison Dotson (Alex), Taylor Brame, Shelby Partridge (Austin), Betsy McKee, Miles McKee, Jackson Lindsey, Juliet Lindsey, Molly McKee, Ava Cate McKee, Lucy McKee; and great-grandchildren Caylee Casperson, Connor Casperson, Chloe Casperson, and Luke Dotson.

A Requiem Mass was held Wednesday, Sept. 6 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
In memory of Curtiss, donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4000 W. Tidewater Lane, Madison, MS 39110, University of Mississippi Medical Center Children’s Hospital and/or your charity of choice.

Feature Photo … Development Day …

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MADISON – Educators from Catholic Schools around the diocese gathered for a professional development day at St. Joseph School in Madison. Teachers and school staff celebrated Mass with Bishop Joseph Kopacz and heard from Sister John Dominic, OP who spoke on having grace thorugh out the year and Jim Brown, a school resource analyst from the Department of Homeland Security/Department of Public Safety on school safety. (Photos by Joanna King)

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DOWNINGTOWN, PA – Day of Prayer for the Health and Wellness of Clergy and Men and Women Religious, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 20. The main event for is a live-streamed Mass from the Our Lady of Hope Chapel on Saint John Vianney Center’s campus at 10 a.m. CST. The goal of this day is to raise awareness of the need to support our men and women in ministry and to pray for them in solidarity as one community of faith. No cost to participate. Details: https://www.sjvcenter.org/dayofprayer/

SAINT LOUIS, MO – The North American Vocation Team (NAVT) of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) invites young adults ages 18 and older to a monthly online evening prayer on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. CST via Zoom. Upcoming dates for evening prayer are Sept. 26, Oct. 24 and Nov. 28. Details: ssnd.org/events/

WASHINGTON D.C. Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage, Sept. 30 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Join with Catholics from around the country to seek the intercession of Our Lady. Hear life-changing talks; celebrate Mass and pray the rosary. Details: for more information visit rosarypilgrimage.org.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
ABERDEEN – St. Francis, Parish Picnic, Saturday, Oct. 14 following Mass. Enjoy a good meal and fellowship. Details: (662) 813-2295.

BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis, Parish picnic with bingo and games, Sunday Oct. 1, after 9 a.m. Mass. Details: office@stfrancisbrookhaven.org.

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Parish Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 5-8 p.m. Food, raffles, fun, games and more. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.

COLUMBUS – Annunciation School, Beats on the Blacktop, Thursday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy music, games and fellowship. Details: psa.acseagles@gmail.com.

FLOWOOD – Homegrown Harvest Fest, sponsored by office of vocations, Saturday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul parish. Proceeds support our seven seminarians. Evening includes dinner, silent auction and fellowship. Silent auction items are needed! Contact Shelia at sheliafoggo@gmail.com or Laura at lfoley929@gmail.com to help. Details: Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/HGHarvest2023.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Men’s Association Fish Fry, Friday, Sept. 22 from 4-7 p.m. Cost: $13 adults/$6 kids. All are welcome. Eat-in or take out. Plates include catfish, hushpuppies, fries, slaw, drink and dessert. Details: Jon at (901) 481-0228.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Fellowship Night on Oct. 4. Schedule: 4:30 p.m. Adoration, 5:30 p.m. pot luck meal in the center and 7 p.m. presentation by Father Nick in the church followed by Benediction. Details: church office (601) 969-3125.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Special Kids Golf tournament at Deerfield Country Club on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

LELAND – St. James, Spaghetti Dinner and Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 26. Dinner and silent auction begin at 5 p.m., booths open at 6 p.m. Cost: $15 per plate. Details: Donna at (662) 207-8844.

MADISON – St. Francis, Fall Parish Mission “Igniting the Light of Christ within you,” Oct. 1-3 at 6:30 p.m. each night in the church. Featured speaker is Paul Koleske. Hear practical techniques you can use to increase your connection with the presence of the Holy Spirit. All are welcome! Details: church office (601) 856-5556.

St. Francis, Taste of St. Francis Feast takes us around the world on Sunday, Oct. 8 in the Family Life Center following 10:30 a.m. Mass. Details: parish office at 601-856-5556 or Amy at 601-953-4182.

MERIDIAN – St. Joseph, Octoberfest on Oct. 7 from 11 am to 2 p.m. Enjoy this day of fellowship and fun! There will be youth activities, plenty of food and more. Details: contact Rhonda (601) 227-1199.

NATCHEZ Cathedral School, Fall Festival, Sept. 23-24. Enjoy food, games, raffles, bingo, adult night and more. Details: school office (601) 442-2531.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Men’s Club Golf Tournament 4-person scramble, Sunday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. Dinner included. Cost: $100 per person. Details: contact Tim at (901) 515-8598.
OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist, Red Mass on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. Details: email Olivia at orschwab@go.olemiss.edu.

PEARL – St. Jude, Day-trip Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 28. Tour the Shrine, Mass, Adoration and more. Cost est. $75. Details: email kmcgregor@stjudepearl.org or call (601) 939-3181.

RIPLEY – St. Matthew, Feast day and 13th anniversary celebration of church building dedication, Saturday, Sept. 23. Enjoy food booths, games and competitions. Bilingual Mass with food and fellowship following on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 1:30 p.m. Details: church office (662) 993-8862.

STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, Fall Trivia Night, Thursday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph parish hall. Cost $20/person – $10/college student. Details: email ben.bachman@gmail.com for reservations and other questions.

VICKSBURG – Knights of Columbus 898 $3,000 Drawdown, Sunday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. Tickets $75 each. One ticket gets one draw and dinner for two. Details: kc898.square.site or see any 898 Knight. Hall located at 310 Fisher Ferry Road.

Instalación del Padre Cesar Sánchez en St. Jude Pearl

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PEARL – El padre César Sánchez fue instalado, como párroco de la parroquia St. Jude en Pearl, por el obispo Joseph Kopacz el domingo 19 de agosto. Durante una misa de instalación, el nuevo párroco es presentado a la comunidad parroquial y también se le presentan símbolos de su ministerio y de su nuevo puesto. Los símbolos fueron presentados por los feligreses Bruns Guevara, Myra Woodward, Vicki Thigpen, Nadya Villafranca y Patrick Fields. (izq.) Durante la ceremonia toda la comunidad impone sus manos sobre al Padre Cesar, ofreciéndole su bendición. (der.) El Padre Cesar le ofreció una interpretacion a guitarra a la comunidad, que después de Misa, se reunió en el centro comunitario para disfrutar de la compañia de parroquianos, visitantes, bailes y comidas tradicionales. (Fotos de Tereza Ma)

Hispanos debaten sobre Comunicación Intercultural

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Por Berta Mexidor
PEARL – Alrededor de 30 parroquianos asistieron a la reunión convocada por la Hermana Amelia Bretón, SBS., coordinadora de la Oficina del Ministerio Intercultural, el sábado 9 de septiembre.

PEARL – En reunión con feligreses de diferentes parroquias se abrió el tema de Comunicación Intercultural a invitación de la Hermana Amelia Bretón, SBS. (izq. i-d) María Josefa García de St. Martin Hazelhurst lee la palabra de Dios a al lado de la Hna. Amelia. (arriba) El Obispo Joseph Kopacz intercambia con los presentes su visión del futuro de la Diócesis e invita a todos a participar de la misma. (Fotos de Berta Mexidor)

Al encuentro asistieron, además, el obispo Joseph Kopacz y los sacerdotes Padre Marco Antonio Sánchez, ST, pastor de St. Anne Carthage y St. Therese Kosciusko, el Padre Alexis Zúñiga, ST, de servicio en Holy Child Jesus Camden, Canton y St. Anne Carthage y el Padre César Sánchez, pastor en St. Jude Pearl.
Todos los sacerdotes compartieron en diferentes mesas e intercambiando sus ideas con los feligreses asistentes que venían de la Misión St. Martin of Tours Hazlehurst, St. Therese Kosciusko y St. Jude Pearl.
La reunión tuvo como objetivo el reunir a parroquianos y líderes para intercambiar conocimientos y escuchar algunas sugerencias en cómo mejorar la comunicación Intercultural en todas las relaciones diocesanas, para mejorar la misión del pueblo de Dios en la extensa área que abarca la Diócesis de Jackson.

La Hermana Amelia hizo una presentación interactiva sobre la Competencia Intercultural para Ministros, basándose en las directrices de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB, por sus siglas en ingles) y un curso de Liderazgo de la autoría de Reinaldo Pacheco. La hermana Amelia planea muchas reuniones de este tipo con Hispanos de la Diócesis e invita a todos a participar.

El Obispo Kopacz hizo sus comentarios sobre la reunión y las opiniones que escuchó. Les habló a los presentes del proceso del Sínodo y de la Re-Imaginación Diocesana y de la importancia que vean los videos al respecto y participen para dar sus opiniones.

“Quiero muchas voces de comunión, participación y misión, … porque la esencia de la Iglesia nos puede unir … y la “Eucaristía nos une a todos,” les dijo.

MFCC, Nuevos Presidentes, Retos y Metas. Una Misma Fe

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Por Susana y Edward Flórez
El pasado viernes 8 de setiembre del 2023, el Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Católico (MFCC) de la Federación de Jackson, MS inició sus actividades del ciclo 2023-2024.

La ceremonia de Apertura se realizó en las instalaciones del Richland Community Center, Richland. El evento fue dirigido por los nuevos presidentes electos, los esposos Miguel y Lizet Cruz, junto con sus vicepresidentes Joel y Rosalinda Montoya, y los delegados federales, Juan y Maribel Melo, quienes presentaron a su Cuerpo Directivo para el ciclo 2023-2026.

El evento de Apertura tuvo una masiva participación de familias, entre ellas 14 matrimonios coordinadores de las distintas cuatro etapas, 18 matrimonios de la primera etapa, cinco matrimonios de la segunda etapa, tres matrimonios de la tercera etapa y nueve matrimonios de la cuarta etapa.

La ceremonia tuvo la distinguida presencia y participación del obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, los asesores espirituales del MFCC Padre Marco Antonio Sánchez, ST, Padre Alexis Zúñiga, ST, Padre Nick Adam, Padre César Sánchez, y las hermanas María Elena Méndez, MGSPS y Amelia Breton, SBS. Así mismo, se contó con la notable participación de los matrimonios que ocuparon la presidencia del MFCC desde su inicio de operaciones en Mississippi, así como de nueve matrimonios que participaron y sirvieron al MFCC en años anteriores.

RICHLAND – Los actuales presidentes del MFCC, (i-d) Lizet y Miguel Cruz, hacen un homenaje a la Hna. María Elena Méndez, MGSPS y a matrimonios fundadores del MFCC en Jackson, Isabel y Francisco Mazy, Miguel y Consuelo Solano, por su liderazgo y fundamental gestión para que en el 2012 el MFCC obtuviera su nombramiento oficial.

Durante el evento, se brindó un reconocimiento especial a Miguel y Consuelo Solazo, Francisco e Isabel Mazy, y a la Hna. María Elena quienes fueron los precursores y líderes durante el proceso de instauración del MFCC en nuestra comunidad en el año 2012. Después de más de una década, estos matrimonios no solo continúan siendo piezas claves en la organización y desarrollo del MFCC, sino que su ejemplo, compromiso y dedicación vienen siendo sucedidos por los matrimonios de sus hijos quienes realizan labores importantes a favor del MFCC.

Fue una bendición y honor conocer a quienes hacen parte de la historia del MFCC desde sus inicios.
Como parte de la agenda de la Apertura, todos los matrimonios de las diferentes etapas fueron presentados con sus respectivos coordinadores y de esta manera el evento finalizó con una cena donde todos los equipos interactuaron y conocieron a sus respectivos miembros de equipo. Así mismo, a la cena se sumaron los hijos de todas las parejas.

Esta primera convocatoria, tuvo la valiosa colaboración de las Sras. Sonia, Vanesa, Sara y de la Srta. Marlén quienes tuvieron a su cuidado a 45 niños durante el servicio de guardería que el MFCC puso a disposición de sus matrimonios miembros y visitantes.

Siguiendo la agenda definida por el MFCC para el ciclo 2023-2024, la primera reunión de coordinadores con los asesores espirituales se llevará a cabo el 14 de setiembre del 2023 en la Catedral de San Pedro. Así mismo, todos los equipos de las diferentes etapas celebrarán una primera reunión de ambientación e integración a fin de revisar algunas directrices importantes y finalizar las coordinaciones para sus reuniones quincenales.

Para informes sobre el MFCC, por favor contacte a Miguel y Lizet Cruz a los teléfonos (601) 667-8282 ó (601) 812-4118, o a Joel y Rosalinda Montoya a los teléfonos (601) 813-6778 ó (769) 233-3423.

(Susana y Edward Flórez son coordinadores de Primera Etapa del MFCC – Federación de Jackson.)

RICHLAND – Matrimonios de las cuatro etapas del MFCC Federación de Jackson fueron presentados a sus respectivos coordinadores y miembros de su equipo e interactuaron entre si. En la foto, al final de la reunión de Apertura del Ciclo 2023–2024, los matrimonios y sus familias disfrutaron de una deliciosa cena. (Fotos de Susana y Edward Flórez)

Viajes del Papa llegan a “márgenes del mundo”

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Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
El Papa Francisco, siguiendo la tradición de los papas modernos, ha realizado visitas pastorales por todo el mundo. Ha reunido a millones en las playas de Brasil y los campos abiertos de Filipinas, y recientemente, un millón y medio de peregrinos acudieron en masa a Portugal para la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud. Pero ha habido reuniones mucho más pequeñas que no son menos extraordinarias. Hace unos años, durante la pandemia, el Papa Francisco realizó una visita pastoral al condado vecino de Irak, la primera de su tipo, para animar a la Iglesia y orar por la paz, en esta nación que sufre devastada por la guerra. En Mosul, antiguamente ocupada por ISIS, el Papa proclamó: “Hoy, sin embargo, reafirmamos nuestra convicción de que la fraternidad es más duradera que el fratricidio, que la esperanza es más poderosa que el odio, que la paz es más poderosa que la guerra.” Estas palabras resonaron en todo el mundo.

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Cuando septiembre amaneció sobre el mundo, el Santo Padre viajó mucho más al este que Irak, volando 10 horas a través de Asia, incluso sobre el espacio aéreo chino hasta Ulaanbaatar, la capital de Mongolia, para proclamar el Evangelio, celebrar la Eucaristía y comprometerse con el gobierno, la sociedad cívica y los líderes ecuménicos e interreligiosos con palabras de fe, fraternidad y solidaridad.

Inmediatamente después de aterrizar, era obvio que el Papa Francisco se había ido a sus amadas márgenes de nuestro mundo y de nuestra fe católica. No fueron cientos de miles para recibir su caravana, sino como doscientos. A la Misa de clausura de esta visita pastoral en el Steppe Arena de Ulán Bator asistieron aproximadamente 2,500 personas, casi todos los 1,500 católicos de Mongolia, junto con 1,000 peregrinos adicionales de todo el mundo.

Sin embargo, durante este tiempo de renovación eucarística, el Papa dio un excelente mensaje sobre el hambre y la sed de toda la humanidad cumplidas en el Evangelio.

Con las palabras del Salmo responsorial oramos: “¡Dios mío, tú eres mi Dios! Con ansias te busco, pues tengo sed de ti; mi ser entero te desea, cual tierra árida, sedienta, sin agua.” (Sal 63:2) Somos esa tierra seca sedienta de agua dulce, agua que pueda saciar nuestra sed más profunda. Nuestro corazón anhela descubrir el secreto de la verdadera alegría, una alegría que incluso en medio de la aridez existencial, pueda acompañarnos y sostenernos. En lo profundo de nosotros tenemos una sed insaciable de felicidad; buscamos significado y dirección en nuestras vidas, una razón para todo lo que hacemos cada día. Más que nada, tenemos sed de amor, porque sólo el amor puede verdaderamente satisfacernos y brindarnos plenitud; sólo el amor puede hacernos felices, inspirar seguridad interior y permitirnos saborear la belleza de la vida.

“Queridos hermanos y hermanas, la fe cristiana es la respuesta a esta sed; lo toma en serio, sin descartarlo ni intentar sustituirlo por tranquilizantes o sustitutos. Porque en esta sed reside el gran misterio de nuestra humanidad: abre nuestro corazón al Dios vivo, el Dios de amor, que viene a nuestro encuentro y nos hace hijos suyos, hermanos y hermanas unos de otros.”

La culminación de la homilía del Papa Francisco fue el corazón de nuestra forma de vida como discípulos del Señor.

“Este, queridos hermanos y hermanas, es seguramente el mejor camino: abrazar la cruz de Cristo. En el corazón del cristianismo hay un mensaje asombroso y extraordinario. Si pierdes tu vida, si la conviertes en una generosa ofrenda de servicio, si la arriesgas eligiendo amar, si la conviertes en un regalo gratuito para los demás, entonces volverá a ti en abundancia y serás abrumado por alegría infinita, paz de corazón, fuerza y apoyo interior; y nosotros necesitamos paz interior.”

En sus espontáneas palabras al final de la Misa, el Papa hizo una asociación sublime entre la espiritualidad eucarística y la lengua mongol. “Me acordé de que en el idioma mongol la palabra “gracias” proviene del verbo “regocijarse.”

De hecho, la Misa es nuestra gran oración de acción de gracias mientras nuestros espíritus se regocijan en Dios nuestro Salvador, quien en Jesucristo derramó su vida por nosotros en un acto de amor eterno.
El Papa Francisco continuó diciendo que “celebrar Misa en esta tierra me recordó la oración que el padre jesuita Pierre Teilhard de Chardin ofreció a Dios hace exactamente cien años, en el desierto de Ordos, no lejos de aquí. ¿Qué hacía el Padre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ en Mongolia? Se dedicaba a la investigación geológica”.

El Papa recordó que su hermano jesuita deseaba fervientemente celebrar la Santa Misa, pero le faltaba pan y vino. Así, compuso su “Misa sobre el Mundo”, expresando su oblación con estas palabras: “Recibe, oh Señor, esta hostia omni abarcante que toda tu creación, movida por tu magnetismo, te ofrece en la aurora de este nuevo día.” Este sacerdote, a menudo incomprendido, había intuido que “la Eucaristía siempre se celebra de alguna manera en el altar del mundo” y es “el centro vivo del universo, el núcleo rebosante de amor y de vida inagotable.”

Para los más de 3 millones que no son católicos en Mongolia y para miles de millones en todo el mundo, Francisco de Roma tejió un patrón maravilloso con Jesucristo, por quien, y para quien todas las cosas fueron hechas, (Colosenses 1:16), la Eucaristía y el mundo.

El Papa relata la alegría, bondad y humildad que vio en Mongolia

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Por Cindy Wooden
CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – El Papa Francisco dijo que sabe que la gente se pregunta por qué viajó cerca de 6.000 millas a Mongolia para visitar una comunidad católica de sólo 1.450 personas.

“Porque es precisamente ahí, lejos de los reflectores, que a menudo se encuentran los signos de la presencia de Dios, el cual no mira a las apariencias, sino al corazón,” dijo a miles de personas reunidas en la Plaza de San Pedro para su audiencia general semanal el 6 de septiembre.

Siguiendo su práctica habitual de hablar sobre un viaje en la primera audiencia tras su regreso, el Papa dijo que, durante su estancia del 1 al 4 de septiembre en la capital del país, Ulán Bator, se encontró con “una Iglesia humilde pero una Iglesia feliz, que está en el corazón de Dios”, pero que estaba emocionada por encontrarse en el centro de la atención de la Iglesia universal durante unos días.

“He estado en el corazón de Asia, y me ha hecho bien”, dijo el Papa.

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia – Una bailarina mongol actúa antes de la reunión del Papa Francisco con líderes gubernamentales y políticos, diplomáticos y representantes de la sociedad civil en el Salón Ikh Mongol del Palacio de Estado en Ulán Bator, Mongolia, el 2 de septiembre de 2023. (Foto CNS/Lola Gómez)

Los misioneros que llegaron a Mongolia en 1992 “no fueron allí a hacer proselitismo”, dijo el Papa. “Fueron allí a vivir como el pueblo mongol, a hablar su lengua, la lengua de la gente, a aprender los valores de ese pueblo y a predicar el Evangelio en estilo mongol, con palabras mongolas”.

La universalidad de la Iglesia Católica, dijo, no es algo que “homologa” la fe. “Esta es la catolicidad: una universalidad encarnada, ‘inculturada’ que acoge el bien ahí donde vive y sirve a la gente con la que vive”, dijo el Papa. “Es así cómo vive la Iglesia: testimoniando el amor de Jesús con mansedumbre, con la vida antes que, con las palabras, feliz por sus verdaderas riquezas: el servicio del Señor y de los hermanos”.
La Iglesia Católica reconoce a Dios actuando en el mundo y en las demás personas, dijo. Su visión y su corazón, son tan amplios como el cielo de la estepa mongola.

El grupo internacional de misioneros que trabaja en Mongolia ha descubierto “las bellezas que ya hay”, afirmó. “Yo también pude descubrir algo de esta belleza” conociendo a la gente, escuchando sus historias y “apreciando su búsqueda religiosa”.

“Mongolia tiene una gran tradición budista, con muchas personas que en el silencio viven su religiosidad de forma sincera y radical, a través del altruismo y la lucha a las propias pasiones”, dijo el Papa.
“¡Pensemos en cuántas semillas de bien, desde lo escondido, hacen brotar el jardín del mundo, ¡mientras habitualmente escuchamos hablar solo del ruido de los árboles que caen!”

El Papa Francisco dijo que una cosa muy clara era cómo el pueblo mongol “custodia las raíces y las tradiciones, respeta a los ancianos y vive en armonía con el ambiente.