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A season of fasting and prayer

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THINGS OLD AND NEW
By Ruth Powers

Although the weather may still be damp and chilly, as we move past Candlemas the lengthening of the days reminds us that we are moving ever closer to spring and to the season of Lent. Most Catholics are aware of the familiar progression of “seasons” of the church as the wheel of the liturgical year turns, but the history of this season may provide us with some food for meditation on ways to observe Lent more fruitfully today.

The word Lent in English is a shortened form of the Old English word lencten, meaning “spring season” and may possibly refer to the lengthening of days during this time. In the languages derived from Greek or Latin, however, the name of the season is derived from the word meaning “fortieth” and gives a hint to the ancient nature of the observance.

Ruth Powers

St. Irenaeus, writing toward the end of the second century, talked about the Lenten fast, saying it originated in the “time of our forefathers”– an expression for the days of the apostles – but varied in length and character from one or two days to a full 40 days before Easter. Often this fast was associated with the catechumens who were preparing for Baptism at Easter. By the time of the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D., Lent had become more regularized to a 40-day period meant to reflect the time that Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry. In the fourth century, several church fathers such as St. Athanasius and St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote of Lent as a forty-day period dedicated to fasting and prayer. Finally, in 461 A.D. Pope St. Leo preached that the whole church was to observe this “Apostolic institution of the 40 days” with fasting and prayer.

Initially the fasting of Lent lasted for the entire 40-day period and included giving up all meat, dairy, eggs and milk, and also eating only one meal a day in the evening. Over the centuries, this was modified to allow eating fish and dairy products, and an additional small meal was allowed for those who engaged in manual labor.

Further modifications were made as time went on until in 1966 Pope Paul VI reduced the obligatory fast days of Lent to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and days of abstinence to Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent. Bishop’s Conferences were given the ability to replace the fast with other forms of penitence such as charity or piety, with the understanding that this was aimed particularly at parts of the world where poverty is widespread and food scarcity is already a problem. This was made part of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which made fasting obligatory for those aged 18 to 59 and made abstinence obligatory for those over the age of 14. If the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19) or the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25) falls on Friday, the rule of abstinence does not apply.

However, fasting is only one of the three traditional “Pillars of Lent.” The other two pillars are focused more on positive acts. The second pillar is prayer, and includes extra acts of prayer, worship or study. Stations of the Cross and the rosary are just a couple of examples of extra acts of prayer. Lent may be an opportunity for someone to begin to pray one of more of the hours from the Liturgy of Hours each day. There are several free smartphone apps which make this very easy to do. Many parishes offer special Lenten study programs as well.

The third pillar is almsgiving, or charity. This does not simply refer to giving money, although donating to charity is certainly a good thing. It also refers to performing other acts of charity, such as volunteering at a local soup kitchen or helping an elderly neighbor. Sharing time and talent with those in need are also acts of charity.

It might be good to look back into our church’s history to find ways to enrich our Lenten observance, beginning with a period of preparation before Ash Wednesday. Most of us in this area are very familiar with Mardi Gras, a season of merrymaking beginning with the Epiphany and lasting until Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. This season is also known as Carnival, which literally translates as “farewell to meat.”

Less well known now is the observance of Shrovetide, which begins 17 days before Ash Wednesday on what the traditional church calendar called Septuagesima Sunday. People used this time to begin preparing themselves for the austerities of Lent and deciding on the penitential practices they would choose. Going to Confession was always a part of this observance and gives the period its name: to be absolved of sin was to be “shriven,” hence Shrovetide.

In many English-speaking countries, such as England and Canada, the day before Ash Wednesday is known as Shrove Tuesday. A traditional meal served on the day is pancakes! These were eaten to use up the butter, eggs and sugar which would not be used during the Lenten season. Those who want to do something more austere in the way of fasting might try a Black Fast, which echoes the early Christian practice of fasting all day until supper is eaten after sunset. They may also be interested in the Daniel fast, based on Daniel 10:3. In this fast one abstains from meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, sweets and wine or any other alcoholic beverages.

Whatever extra penitential practices one chooses, Lent is a time meant to help us grow in self-discipline and spirituality so that we can come to the Easter celebration more closely conformed to Christ.

(Ruth Powers is the program coordinator for St. Mary Basilica Parish in Natchez.)

Meeting and praying with Sister Thea Bowman

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GUESt COLUMN
By Adrienne Curry

Sitting at a kitchen table in Chicago more than three decades ago, I had a chance to get to know a holy woman who might one day be recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

Sister Thea Bowman, granddaughter of slaves and the first African American member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, was in Chicago for a series of speaking engagements. She stayed that weekend with the lay community where I was living.

Many people in the Black Catholic community and beyond were aware of Sister Thea because of her dynamic presentations around the country – lively gatherings that combined singing, Gospel preaching, prayer and storytelling. She spoke in a direct way to break down racial and cultural barriers. She also encouraged people to communicate with one another so they could understand other cultures and races.

I was relatively new to Catholicism at the time Sister Thea stayed with my lay community, but I had previously heard Sister Thea speak when she visited Chicago for frequent revivals and workshops. One of my housemates attended the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans and had the chance to take classes with Sister Thea.

Like Sister Thea, I was the only Catholic in my family. I remember that we spoke about what that common experience was like. We talked about being Black and Catholic, and the gifts we bring by being our “authentic Black selves to the Church.”

Being Black and Catholic is kind of an enigma: We aren’t accepted by the wider Black church, and, unfortunately, our gifts are still not fully accepted in the wider Catholic Church.

“I bring myself; my Black self, all that I am, all that I have, all that I hope to become,” Sister Thea told the U.S. bishops in a famous 1989 address. “I bring my whole history, my traditions, my experience, my culture, my African American song and dance and gesture and movement and teaching and preaching and healing and responsibility – as gifts to the church. I bring a spirituality that our Black American bishops told us (they just told us what everybody who knew, knew), that spirituality is contemplative and Biblical and holistic, bringing to religion a totality of mind and imaginations, of memory, of feeling and passion, and emotion and intensity. A faith that is embodied, incarnate praise – a spirituality that knows how to find joy even in the time of sorrow – that steps out on faith that leans on the Lord.”

Sister Thea lived a full life. She fought evil, especially prejudice, suspicion, hatred and things that drive people apart. She fought for God and God’s people until her death in 1990. Throughout her life, Sister Thea pioneered the rights of African Americans in the Catholic Church and refused to accept the racial injustices she witnessed within her community.

This holy woman is now one of six American Black Catholics who are in the process of canonization. The U.S. bishops endorsed her sainthood cause during their 2018 fall general assembly in Baltimore.
I would like to close with a prayer by Sister Thea. Her words are so needed today.

“O, Lord, help us to be attentive to your commands. Help us to walk in unity. Help us to celebrate who we are and whose we are. Help us to overcome selfishness, anger and violence in our hearts, in our homes, in our church, in our world. Help us to knock down, pull down, shout down the walls of racism, sexism, classism, materialism and militarism that divide and separate us. Help us to live as your united people, proclaiming with one voice our faith, our hope, our love, our joy. Amen.”

Sister Thea Bowman, pray for us!

(Adrienne Curry’s piece first appeared in the Catholic Review. Find them at catholicreview.org.)

Pope, in Congo, calls for an ‘amnesty of the heart’ to build peace

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By Cindy Wooden
KINSHASA, Congo (CNS) – In a country where most people are Christian and all are suffering from decades of violence and atrocities, Pope Francis told the Congolese to lay down their weapons and their rancor.

“That is what Christ wants. He wants to anoint us with his forgiveness, to give us peace and the courage to forgive others in turn – the courage to grant others a great amnesty of the heart,” the pope said in his homily Feb. 1 during a Mass on the vast field of Ndolo airport in Kinshasa.

Congolese authorities said more than 1 million people attended the Mass. They arrived as the sun began to rise, dressed up and carrying baskets of food. They sang and danced and prayed as they waited for the pope.

Pope Francis greets the crowd before celebrating Mass at Ndolo airport in Kinshasa, Congo, Feb. 1, 2023. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Many in the crowd, especially the women, wore cotton dresses with fabric printed specifically for the papal visit. One version featured the face of the pope wearing a miter. The other, with a more abstract design, had the logo of the papal trip and the theme – “All reconciled in Jesus Christ” – written in French, Kituba, Lingala and Swahili.

In his homily, Pope Francis spoke to the pain and suffering of the Congolese people, but most of the people in the crowd – like Father Slyvain, who was rushing to take his place among the concelebrants – said the joy of the pope visiting their country was all they cared about that morning.

The liturgy itself lent to the sense of joy. For the most part, it followed what commonly is called the Zairean Rite, using the “Roman Missal for the Dioceses of Zaire,” the former name of Congo.

The missal incorporates Congolese music and rhythmic dance, gives an important space to the litany of saints and of faith-filled ancestors, and the penitential rite and the exchange of peace take place together after the homily and before the offertory.

The Gospel at the Mass was St. John’s account of Jesus appearing to the disciples after the resurrection and telling them, “Peace be with you.”

Pope Francis pointed out how when the risen Jesus appeared to the disciples, he did not pretend that nothing traumatic had happened. In fact, “Jesus showed them his wounds.”

“Forgiveness is born from wounds,” the pope told them “It is born when our wounds do not leave scars of hatred but become the means by which we make room for others and accept their weaknesses.”

Jesus “knows your wounds; he knows the wounds of your country, your people, your land,” the pope said. “They are wounds that ache, continually infected by hatred and violence, while the medicine of justice and the balm of hope never seem to arrive.”

The first step toward healing, he said, must be asking God for forgiveness and for the strength to forgive others. It’s the only way to lighten the burden of pain and tame the desire for revenge.

To every Congolese Christian who has engaged in violence, “the Lord is telling you: ‘Lay down your weapons, embrace mercy,’” the pope said. “And to all the wounded and oppressed of this people, he is saying: ‘Do not be afraid to bury your wounds in mine.’”

Pope Francis asked people at the Mass to take the crucifixes from their necklaces or from their pockets, “take it between your hands and hold it close to your heart, in order to share your wounds with the wounds of Jesus.”

“Then,” he said, “when you return home, take the crucifix from the wall and embrace it. Give Christ the chance to heal your heart, hand your past over to him, along with all your fears and troubles.”

Another thing, he said, “Why not write those words of his on your walls, wear them on your clothing, and put them as a sign on your houses: ‘Peace be with you!’ Displaying these words will be a prophetic statement to your country, and a blessing of the Lord upon all whom you meet.”

Christians are called to be “missionaries of peace,” Pope Francis said. They are called to be witnesses of God’s love for all people, “not concerned with their own rights, but with those of the Gospel, which are fraternity, love and forgiveness.”

Briefs

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NATION
WASHINGTON (OSV News) – “Wonder,” a five-part documentary series from Word on Fire set for release Feb.13-17, shows that “the war between faith and science is untrue,” said Word on Fire founder Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. Narrated by actor Jonathan Roumie, the episodes explore the nature of light, Trinitarian traces in the cosmos, human and animal language, St. Augustine and evolution, and even theology of salvation suggested by the geometry of Chartres Cathedral’s North Rose Window in Chartres, France. Director Manny Marquez, who said his own faith was deepened by the project, told OSV News the films are “an opportunity to make a difference in the conversation” between faith and science.

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington urged “ordinary people of color” to “vastly improve our world with an understanding of the strength of character that resides within the souls of our people.” In his homily during a Feb. 5 Mass in honor of Black History Month, the cardinal said, “We are chosen by none other than the Lord, the light of the world himself; we have no choice but to be an example to the world.” In the day’s Gospel reading from Matthew (5:13-16), Jesus refers to his disciples as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. “Many have suffered martyrdom as the price of their witness and those who do become salt and light may become the subject of ridicule,” Cardinal Gregory said. “But we need ordinary faith-filled people like yourselves to allow your lights to shine – however small … to illuminate the darkness of this world.”

VATICAN
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis expressed his “spiritual closeness” and “solidarity” with those affected by a pair of powerful earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria Feb. 6. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake as measured by the U.S. Geological Survey hit southern Turkey before dawn Feb. 6 wreaking havoc in large areas of neighboring Syria. It was followed by what the geological survey said was a separate 7.5 magnitude earthquake, less than 12 hours later some 60 miles away. The day after, ABC News was reporting that more than 7,000 people were killed while hundreds remained trapped under the rubble of toppled buildings. The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in need said a Catholic priest was among the dead in Syria. Father Imad Daher died in the collapse of the residence of retired Melkite Archbishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart of Aleppo, who was injured and hospitalized, the charity said. Pope Francis was “deeply saddened” to learn of the “huge loss of life” caused by the disaster and offered his “heartfelt condolences” to those mourning losses, wrote Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, in telegrams to the Vatican’s ambassadors in Turkey and Syria. The pope also prayed that emergency personnel would “be sustained in their care of the injured and in the ongoing relief efforts by the divine gifts of fortitude and perseverance.”

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The principal task of the continental assemblies and the assemblies of the Synod of Bishops in 2023 and 2024 is to learn and strengthen a process of listening as a church to the Holy Spirit and not to address all the issues being debated in the church, top officers of the synod said. The theme that Pope Francis has chosen for the general assembly “is clear: ‘For a synodal church: communion, participation, mission.’ This is therefore the sole theme that we are called to explore in each of the stages within the process,” their letter to bishops said. “Those who claim to impose any one theme on the synod forget the logic that governs the synod process: we are called to chart a ‘common course’ beginning with the contribution of all,” said the letter, published Jan. 29, and signed by Cardinals Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, and Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, relator general of the synod. Addressed to the world’s bishops, the letter focused on the current “continental” stage of the synodal process, and the role of the bishop in the synodal process. The bishops, “in your particular churches, are the principle and foundation of unity of the holy people of God,” they said, and “there is no exercise of ecclesial synodality without exercise of episcopal collegiality.”

This is the logo for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, which takes place Aug. 1-6, 2023. One issue surrounding every WYD perpetually makes headlines months before the event: that of costs. (OSV News photo/CNS file, Holy See Press Office)

WORLD
LISBON, Portugal (OSV News) – One issue involving World Youth Day perpetually makes headlines months before the event: that of costs. The event taking place Aug. 1-6, 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal. As reported by Reuters, Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, was sharply criticized on Portuguese social media after it was revealed his office would spend over over $5.4 million (5 million euros) to build a 54,000-square foot altar for the final Mass of the August event. The expensive altar is not the only aspect that created controversy. In October, the Portuguese government announced that public institutions would spend around $190 million in WYD. On Jan. 31, after the uproar about the altar, the government led by socialist prime minister António Costa announced a reduction of the initial figure. But these costs may not be as astronomical as they seem? WYD is a major international event of the Catholic Church – one that brings together millions of young people from around the world to pray, learn and meet with the current pope for a handful of days every few years – and major events necessarily come with a significant price tag.

In memoriam: Sister Marie Elizabeth “Sister Liz” Koehler, RSM

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ST. LOUIS – Sister Marie Elizabeth “Sister Liz” Koehler, RSM, age 73, of St. Louis, Misourri, died Jan. 18, 2023, in hospice care at Catherine’s Residence, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Born the eldest of seven children, Sister Liz dedicated her life to serving others.

Born Jan. 25, 1949, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Sister Liz graduated from St. Edward Elementary School in 1963 and Mt. St. Mary’s in 1967, both in Little Rock. After graduating from “the Mount,” she entered the Sisters of Mercy Novitiate in St. Louis. Continuing her education, Sister Liz received her Bachelors of Arts in social studies from Maryville College, St. Louis, in 1973 with an elementary education certificate. While continuing in her ministry, she received her Masters of Science in counseling at the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, in 1986, and a certificate in spiritual direction from the Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, in 1997.

Sister Liz’s call to self-sacrifice and service sustained her through teaching at Christ the King School, Fort Smith, Arkansas; St. Patrick School, Meridian, Mississippi; St. Joan of Arc School, St. Louis; serving as a child care worker at Mercita Hall, St. Louis; parish ministry at St. Richard Church, Jackson, Mississippi; as spiritual director in Little Rock; and bereavement coordinator at Mercy Medical facilities in Hot Springs, Arkansas and Springfield, Missouri.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. Koehler, Sr., and Mary Ellen (Penny) Koehler and brother Dennis Koehler.

In addition to her love of her family, Sister Liz enjoyed scrapbooking, sewing, cake decorating, photography, reading and traveling.

Calendar of events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus, School of the Holy Spirit, Feb. 16-19. Cost $100 per person, no charge for age 18 and under. Featured speakers: Father Tom Dilorenzo, Maria Vadia and Pastor Myles Milham, with worship team of Mike McDuffee and Arianna Alberti. To register or more details visit: https://tinyurl.com/SHS-2023-locus-benedictus. Details: Magdalene (662) 299-1232 or locus-benedictus@gmail.com.

JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Men’s Retreat led by Father Anthony Quyet, Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Theme is “Bloom where You are Planted.” All men (Catholics and non-Catholics) are welcome. Details: Richard Martin (601) 540-0419.

ONLINE “Holy is His Name” Bible study with Dr. Scott Hahn and the St. Paul Center, Streaming for free during Lent. This 12-part study traces the meaning of holiness from its origins in Scripture to its appearance in our lives today. Explore Scriptural encounters with the Divine – the burning bush, ark of the covenant, burning coal and more. Details: Register for free at stpaulcenter.com/holystudy

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
BATESVILLE St. Mary/St. John, Ladies Altar Society Chili Cook-Off, Feb. 19. Details: call church office to register (662) 563-2273.

CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth School, 23rd Draw Down Mardi Gras party, Saturday, Feb. 17 from 7-10:30 p.m. at the Bank Building. Silent auction and entertainment by Groove Factor. Tickets $100/admits two. Must be 21 to attend. Details: call (662) 624-4239.

FLOWOOD St. Paul, 20th Annual $10,000 Draw Down Mardi Gras party, Saturday, Feb. 18 from 7-11 p.m. Tickets $125/admits two. You do not have to be present to win. Details: call Pat at (601) 953-6370.

GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary, Annual Fat Tuesday Chili Fest, Feb. 21. Details: church office (662) 453-3980.

HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Widowed and Divorced Gathering, Sunday, Feb. 19 from 1-3 p.m. Join us for a Mardi Gras theme event with Bingo and fellowship. Bring an appetizer. Details: sign up in Narthex or contact church office at (662) 429-7581.

MERIDIAN Catholic Community Mardi Gras Party, Saturday, Feb. 18 from 6-10 p.m. at St. Joseph (Kehrer Hall). The “Adult” Catholic Community is invited to come celebrate, fellowship and just have a good time. There is no admission charge; however all are invited to support the “goody basket” raffles at $1 each. Details: David at (601) 938-5757.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Kids Mardi Gras event, Wednesday, Feb. 15 after the Parish Dinner in the Family Life Center. For grades PreK-3 through second. There will be crafts, stories and treats explaining Mardi Gras and its Cathoic history. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, every Friday of Lent, beginning Feb. 24 from 5-7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Cost: Catfish $12; Shrimp $12; Combo $14. Dinners include fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. For grilled fish, call 30 minutes ahead. Details: Darren (601) 597-2890.

PHILADELPHIA Holy Rosary, Lenten Mission (for Holy Rosary, St. Therese and St. Catherine) with Father Dennis Berry, S.T., March 9-11. Thursday and Friday at 6:30 p.m. with Mass and Saturday at 5 p.m. followed by potluck supper in the parish hall. Details: church office (601) 656-2880.

PEARL St. Jude, “Lent: A Season of Preparation and Renewal” – Mission and Mass with Father Joseph Krafft, professor of pastoral theology at Notre Dame Seminary. He will preach at all Masses the weekend of Feb. 18 and 19. Mission on Feb. 19, 20 and 21 at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

VICKSBURG 40th Annual Vicksburg Catholic School Drawdown on the River, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Levee Street Warehouse. Join us for a chance to win $20,000 and enjoy a silent auction and food by Gary Thomas. Get your tickets before they sell out. You do not have to be present to win. Details: purchase tickets online at https://one.bidpal.net/2023vcsdrawdown.

SAVE THE DATE
JACKSON 17th Annual Sister Thea Bowman School Draw Down, Saturday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose building. Details: school office (601) 352-5441.

DIOCESE Join us in honoring 2023 Bishop Chanche service award winners. Adult awards presentation and Mass, Saturday, March 4 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson. Youth award presentation will be during the closing Mass at DCYC in Vicksburg on Sunday, March 5.

SPECIAL LENTEN NOTICE
Abstinence: Catholics abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22, 2023) and Good Friday; and also on Fridays during Lent; however, Bishop Joseph Kopacz has granted a dispensation from the requirement of abstaining from meat on Friday, March 17, 2023 in honor of the Feast of St. Patrick, as on this feast day various cultural dishes with meat are traditionally served. The dispensation is granted with the condition that those who take advantage of the dispensation will substitute another profound act of penance, such as prayer and alms giving to mark this day. Norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding on Catholics from age 14 onwards.

Fasting: Catholics fast (eating one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal) on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22) and Good Friday (April 7). Catholics 18-59 years old are bound by this obligation.

Sermón del Monte, en el día de hoy

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Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
Frente a la violencia implacable en nuestro mundo, en nuestra nación y en nuestras comunidades, nuestra fe en el Señor crucificado y resucitado ofrece otra visión para vivir. Durante este período de tiempo que llamamos Ordinario entre la temporada de Navidad y el Miércoles de Ceniza, este año tenemos la bendición de escuchar las enseñanzas del Señor Jesús del Sermón de la Montaña (Mateo, capítulos 5-7), palabras que son todo menos ordinarias.

Más bien, brindan un camino claro pero exigente a recorrer para abrazar nuestras identidades como cristianos, una forma de vida arraigada en Dios acumulando tesoros en el cielo. Los siguientes extractos del Sermón son un contrapeso al flagelo de la violencia en todo nuestro mundo sin que nadie parezca tener un rincón en el mercado con la inhumanidad.

“Bienaventurados los que procuran la paz, pues ellos serán llamados hijos de Dios.”

“Bienaventurados los misericordiosos, pues ellos recibirán misericordia”.

“Bienaventurados los que lloran, ellos serán consolados”.

“Bienaventurados los que tienen hambre y sed de justicia, pues ellos serán saciados.”

“Vosotros sois la sal de la tierra; sois la luz del mundo … Así brille vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas acciones y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos”.

“Habéis oído que se dijo a los antepasados: «No Mataras» y: «Cualquiera que cometa homicidio será culpable ante la corte». Pero yo os digo que todo aquel que esté enojado con su hermano será culpable ante la corte … Por tanto, si estás presentando tu ofrenda en el altar, y allí te acuerdas que tu hermano tiene algo contra ti, deja tu ofrenda allí delante del altar, y ve, reconcíliate primero con tu hermano, y entonces ven y presenta tu ofrenda.”

“Habéis oído que se dijo: «Amaras a tu prójimo y odiarás a tu enemigo». Pero yo os digo: amad a vuestros enemigos y orad por los que os persiguen, para que seáis hijos de vuestro Padre que está en los cielos. porque Él hace salir su sol sobre malos y buenos y llover sobre justos e injustos. Porque si amáis a los que os aman, ¿qué recompensa tenéis? ¿No hacen también lo mismo los recaudadores de impuestos? Y si saludáis solamente a vuestros hermanos, ¿qué hacéis más que otros? ¿No hacen también lo mismo los gentiles? Por tanto, sed vosotros perfectos como vuestro Padre celestial es perfecto.”

Algunos pueden responder a estos imperativos del Evangelio, pero sean realistas; esta no es la forma en que funciona el mundo. Dios podría responder a su vez; sé realista, mi mundo está roto y tu camino no parece estar funcionando.

“Bienaventurados los pacificadores.” La histórica misión de paz del Papa Francisco la semana pasada a la República del Congo, a Sudán del Sur y a otras naciones de África con el arzobispo de Canterbury, Justin Welby y el Reverendo Iain Greenshields, el moderador de la Iglesia Presbiteriana en Escocia está trayendo la luz del Evangelio a estos países cansados de la guerra y plagados de violencia. Estos embajadores de Cristo están suplicando por la paz, amonestando a los líderes políticos por su fracaso en estabilizar sus países y, en muchos casos, por su liderazgo corrupto.

Por otra parte, el Papa Francisco pronunció palabras de aliento a los jóvenes para que rompan con la violencia y exijan a sus líderes cívicos y religiosos caminos de paz, estabilidad y desarrollo. También desafió al clero, católico, presbiteriano y anglicano, a tener hambre de justicia y paz y a no quedarse al margen por miedo o desesperanza. Es el Sermón del Monte casi dos mil años después.

Oramos para que la luz del Evangelio de justicia y paz pueda traer esperanza a Sudán del Sur, a las calles de Estados Unidos, a las ciudades de Ucrania y a todos los que sufren la opresión de la violencia en todas sus formas. Como el Papa, el arzobispo y el Moderador, oramos por el deseo de tener hambre y sed de justicia y paz para que nuestra luz refleje la luz, la mente y el corazón de Jesucristo. Somos jugadores y no espectadores que debemos prevalecer en esta lucha por la humanidad, que tiene mucho más en juego que quién se lleva a casa el trofeo del Super Bowl.

Bienaventurados los pobres en espíritu, pues de ellos es el reino de los cielos.
Bienaventurados los que lloran, pues ellos serán consolados.
Bienaventurados los humildes, pues ellos heredarán la tierra.
Bienaventurados los que tienen hambre y sed de justicia, pues ellos serán saciados.
Bienaventurados los misericordiosos, pues ellos recibirán misericordia.
Bienaventurados los de limpio corazón, pues ellos verán a Dios.
Bienaventurados los que procuran la paz, pues ellos serán llamados hijos de Dios.
Bienaventurados aquellos que han sido perseguidos por causa de la justicia,
pues de ellos es el reino de los cielos. Bienaventurados seréis cuando os insulten y persigan, … por causa de mí.
Regocijaos y alegraos, porque vuestra recompensa en los cielos es grande…
Vosotros sois la sal de la tierra; pero si la sal se ha vuelto insípida, ¿con qué se hará salada otra vez?
Vosotros sois la luz del mundo. Así brille vuestra luz delante de los hombres,
para que vean vuestras buenas acciones y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos.

‘El corazón nos ardía en el pecho’

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Por Berta Mexidor
“¿No es verdad que el corazón nos ardía en el pecho cuando nos venía hablando por el camino y nos explicaba las Escrituras?” Lucas 24:32

El Ministerio de Emaús de la diócesis de Jackson, retomó su camino, después de dos años de receso forzoso, los días 27, 28 y 29 de febrero con reunión en la Catedral de San Pedro, Retiro para Servidores en Santa Teresa y clausura en Canton, respectivamente.

En la noche del viernes 27, más de 70 miembros del ministerio Camino a Emaús, hombres y mujeres, se reunieron en a la Catedral de San Pedro. Allí recibieron la primera charla de los misioneros Maggie y Juan Carlos López y tuvieron la compañía del párroco de la catedral y director de Vocaciones de la diócesis, Padre Nick Adam.

JACKSON – Los participantes del Ministerio Emaús de la diócesis de Jackson tuvieron un activo y alegre programa de tres días, en los que alabaron y reflexionaron sobre la Palabra de Dios en sus vidas. Los retiros de Emaús fueron interrumpidos por la pandemia y ahora, sus organizadores tratan de reanimar uno de los ministerios, que por más de 45 años ha ayudado a cambiar la vida de muchas personas, al unir sus almas a las del Cristo resucitado. En la foto, varios miembros se ponen en movimiento, para su caminar hacia Emaús, animados por los misioneros Maggie y Juan Carlos López, directores de la Escuela de Evangelización San Francisco de Asís (EDESFA) de Houston, Texas, durante el fin de semana del 27 al 29 de enero. (Fotos cortesía de Lorena Urizar)

El matrimonio López, colombianos, residentes en Houston, con más de veinte años de ser misioneros y encargados de EDESFA, Escuela de Evangelización San Francisco de Asís, en Houston, se dedica a educar a través de todo el país no solo a los servidores de Emaús sino a comunidades que requieren de sesiones de evangelización.

En el centro comunitario de St. Therese tuvieron un retiro, de ocho de la mañana a cinco de la tarde, con cuarenta personas, servidores y aspirantes a servidores de Emaús el sábado 28. El proceso de llegar a ser servidor es muy selectivo, requiere mucho tiempo de preparación y es considerado para muchos un honor. En la tarde terminaron con la compañía del Padre Kevin Slattery para una hora de adoración al Santísimo.

El domingo 29, en Canton, concluyó la asamblea. En cada sesión la pareja López mantuvo activos a los participantes, con cantos, oraciones y alabanzas. Lorena Urizar, de la Catedral de San Pedro y coordinadora del ministerio Emaús de mujeres en Mississippi dice que el grupo se dedicó este fin de semana a reencaminar el ministerio de Emaús, después de dos años de inactividad por causa de la pandemia.

Durante los tres días, el espíritu común de todos fue de alegría por la reapertura de los retiros de Emaús con la preparación de los servidores y el reto de incrementar el número de participantes.

El ministerio del Camino a Emaús, basado en el pasaje de Lucas 24, 13-35 y muy conocido por sus retiros, comenzó en 1978 en Miami, impulsado por el Padre David G. Russell, la señora Mirna Gallagher y varias laicas educadoras religiosas.

Por más de 45 años Emaús se ha multiplicado desde entonces y ya tiene base en varios países de América Latina y Europa, principalmente España. Su modelo de retiros es su marca. Muchos de los miles de cientos, que ha acudido a ellos, en testimonios lo califican, como” único”, “excepcional” y “místico”, entre otros adjetivos.

De ahí se deriva el éxito de esta experiencia personal que ha ayudado a cambiar, para bien, a muchas vidas y familias.

Lorena explica que un grupo de coordinadores de Houston junto al equipo local, determinaron hacer retiros en Mississippi. El ministerio de Emaús comenzó en la Diócesis de Jackson en 2017 y luego en 2019 hubo un retiro de mujeres en abril y de hombres en mayo, bajo la coordinación de Lorena Urizar e Hirvin López respectivamente. Para ambos retiros se contó con la presencia de un grupo de servidores mayormente de Houston Texas.

El retiro es inclusivo, para laicos y religiosos, incluidos sacerdotes, para ateos y creyentes, todos son recibidos. Por todos estos años muchos sacerdotes, religiosos y religiosas han apoyado esta iniciativa en la diócesis de Jackson. Algunos de ellos han sido los asesores espirituales de los retiros.

Al final de cada retiro, los familiares de los participantes los reciben, después de tres días de ausencia en el hogar mientras los apoyan con sus oraciones y mensajes de ánimo. Al final las familias tienen una Misa especial que se celebra para culminar en comunión una experiencia que les marca las vidas por su cercanía con Cristo.

Lorena invita a todos los Católicos Hispanos de la diócesis a tener la experiencia de los retiros de Emaús, que se realizan por separado para mujeres y hombres. Para participar, puede comunicarse con los coordinadores al (601) 667-9779.

JACKSON – Durante el fin de semana del 27 al 29 de enero, al menos 80 personas participaron entre una y otra de las actividades del grupo de Emaús de la Diócesis de Jackson. En la foto se ve reflejada la alegría de espíritu en las caras de (i-d) Lorena Urizar, coordinadora de Emaús – Mujeres y Maggie López, misionera de evangelización, que llegó desde Houston a animar a los participantes.

JACKSON – Miembros de Emaús compartieron alabanzas, trabajos en grupo, retiro espiritual y Hora Santa de Adoración. Al fondo, el matrimonio López, de misioneros evangelizadores, conversa con uno de los participantes. (Fotos cortesía de Lorena Urizar)

Nicaragua deporta a 222 presos políticos a EE.UU.; incluidos sacerdotes católicos, estudiantes, opositores al régimen

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Por David Agren

Nicaragua ha liberado a más de 200 presos políticos, entre ellos sacerdotes católicos, estudiantes y opositores al régimen, quienes fueron sacados de prisiones que estaban en condiciones deplorables y enviados a Estados Unidos.

Los medios de los países centroamericanos informaron que 222 presos políticos abordaron un vuelo el 9 de febrero a Estados Unidos, donde se les otorgaría refugio.

The New York Times informó que el régimen del presidente Daniel Ortega no pidió nada a cambio de la liberación de los presos políticos, pero citó a un funcionario de la administración de Biden que dijo que Nicaragua esperaba mejorar las relaciones entre los dos países.

Juan Sebastián Chamorro, uno de los más de 200 presos políticos liberados de Nicaragua, habla con los periodistas después de llegar a los Estados Unidos en el Aeropuerto Internacional Dulles en Virginia el 9 de febrero de 2023. (Foto OSV News/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters)

“La liberación de estos individuos, uno de los cuales es ciudadano estadounidense, por parte del Gobierno de Nicaragua marca un paso constructivo para abordar los abusos contra los derechos humanos en el país y abre la puerta a un mayor diálogo entre los Estados Unidos y Nicaragua sobre ciertos temas”, dijo el secretario de Estado de EE.UU., Anthony Blinken, en un comunicado del 9 de febrero.

“El desarrollo de hoy es producto de la diplomacia estadounidense concertada, y continuaremos apoyando al pueblo nicaragüense”.

El avión con los prisioneros liberados aterrizó en Washington al mediodía, hora del Este.

En una declaración en video emitida a principios del 9 de febrero, el juez nicaragüense Octavio Rothschuh ordenó la “deportación” de los presos políticos de Nicaragua.

“Los deportados fueron declarados traidores a la patria y sancionados por diferentes delitos graves e inhabilitados de forma perpetua para ejercer la función pública en nombre del servicio del estado de Nicaragua, así como ejercer cargos de elección popular, quedando suspensos sus derechos ciudadanos de forma perpetua, a esta hora los deportados ya están en Estados Unidos de América, damos por concluida la sentencia de deportación”, dijo Rothschuh.

La Asamblea Nacional despojó rápidamente a los presos políticos exiliados de su ciudadanía nicaragüense.

Los nombres de los prisioneros no fueron revelados de inmediato, pero medios nicaragüenses y sacerdotes en el exilio dijeron que la lista incluía a eclesiásticos condenados en juicios falsos por conspiración y difusión de información falsa. La lista también incluía candidatos de la oposición descalificados por Ortega antes de las elecciones de 2021, cuyos resultados los funcionarios estadounidenses y europeos se negaron a reconocer.

Juan Lorenzo Holmann, uno de los más de 200 presos políticos liberados de Nicaragua, habla por teléfono celular afuera de un hotel después de llegar a los Estados Unidos en el Aeropuerto Internacional Dulles en Virginia el 9 de febrero de 2023. (Foto OSV News/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters )

La organización independiente de noticias nicaragüense Confidencial informó que seis eclesiásticos y un comunicador diocesano, condenados a 10 años de prisión por cargos de conspiración por un tribunal nicaragüense el 6 de febrero, viajaban en el vuelo a Estados Unidos.

La lista incluye a los padres Ramiro Tijerino, José Luis Díaz y Sadiel Eugarrios; el diácono Raúl Antonio Vega; los seminaristas Darvin Leiva y Melkin Centeno; y el camarógrafo Sergio Cárdenas, todos de la Diócesis de Matagalpa. Otro sacerdote, el padre Óscar Danilo Benavidez, párroco de la comunidad de Mulukuku, quien fue arrestado el 14 de agosto y sentenciado el 5 de febrero por cargos similares de conspiración y difusión de información falsa, también se encontraba en el vuelo.

Se desconoce el estado del Obispo Rolando Álvarez de Matagalpa. El obispo, un crítico implacable del régimen de Ortega, ha estado bajo arresto domiciliario desde agosto de 2021. El obispo se negó con anterioridad a huir del país, a pesar de la creciente persecución.

Una fuente nicaragüense le dijo a Inés San Martín, vicepresidenta de comunicaciones de las Obras Misionales Pontificias de EE.UU., que el Obispo Álvarez no firmó su orden de deportación. Otra fuente en Nicaragua le dijo a OSV News lo mismo.

La liberación de los presos políticos ofreció un raro momento de alivio para los católicos en Nicaragua, pero cierta consternación ya que los expulsados fueron despojados de su ciudadanía.

El Obispo Auxiliar Silvio José Báez tuiteó el 9 de febrero: “Me alegro profundamente de que los presos políticos de Nicaragua estén fuera de la cárcel. ¡Doy gracias a Dios por ellos! Nunca debieron ser apresados. Desterrándolos, la dictadura de Nicaragua comete otro crimen, mostrando que son ellos (el gobierno) quienes no merecen ser nicaragüenses”.

El Obispo Báez sirve en la Arquidiócesis de Managua en Nicaragua pero ahora vive en el exilio en Miami. Huyó del país en 2019 después de enfrentar amenazas de muerte por criticar al gobierno totalitario del país.

La Iglesia Católica de Nicaragua ha provocado la ira del régimen de Ortega por brindar refugio a los manifestantes después de que estallaron las manifestaciones en 2018 y, posteriormente, acompañar a las familias de los presos políticos.

“La iglesia es importante porque sigue siendo una de las instituciones con mayor confianza entre la población”, dijo a OSV News Tiziano Breda, investigador del Instituto Italiano de Asuntos Internacionales.

“(El Obispo) Álvarez fue una de las voces que se expresó abiertamente y… tenía capacidad para convocar a la gente. (Su encarcelamiento) desincentiva a cualquier otra voz en la Iglesia Católica a expresar puntos de vista o reunir a la gente y criticar al gobierno”, dijo.

La persecución de los católicos nicaragüenses ha causado consternación internacional y expresiones de solidaridad de conferencias episcopales de todo el mundo.

“Seguimos con tristeza y preocupación la situación en Nicaragua, y la persecución a la que está siendo sometida nuestra iglesia”, dijo el Cardenal Jean-Claude Hollerich de Luxemburgo, presidente de la Comisión de las Conferencias Episcopales de la Unión Europea (conocida como COMECE) en una carta del 6 de febrero al Obispo Carlos Enrique Herrera Gutiérrez de Jinotega, presidente de la conferencia episcopal de Nicaragua.

“Como obispos de COMECE, estamos comprometidos a promover la libertad, la democracia y la justicia en Nicaragua a través de nuestro diálogo regular con los representantes de las instituciones de la UE”, agregó el Cardenal Hollerich.

“No duden que como COMECE haremos todo lo que esté a nuestro alcance con las instituciones europeas para (la liberación del obispo) y para promover la libertad, el estado de derecho, la justicia y la democracia en su amado país”, dijo.

El Papa Francisco ha hablado relativamente poco sobre Nicaragua, donde el régimen expulsó al nuncio apostólico, el Arzobispo Waldemar Stanislaw Sommertag, en marzo de 2022.

El papa ha expresado públicamente su preocupación por la situación en Nicaragua y ha llamado al diálogo. Dijo a los periodistas en septiembre: “Hay diálogo. Eso no significa que aprobemos o desaprobemos todo lo que hace el gobierno”.

Breda dijo que los objetivos de los diálogos que involucran a funcionarios nicaragüenses se han reducido de tratar de encontrar una solución a la crisis política, incluidas elecciones libres, que permitan a Ortega dejar el poder pacíficamente, “a tratar de persuadir al gobierno para que brinde las condiciones más mínimas y humanas para los prisioneros políticos”.

La Iglesia Católica ha promovido anteriormente el diálogo en Nicaragua para encontrar una solución pacífica a las protestas, pero interrumpió las conversaciones luego de que el régimen mostrara mala fe. Ortega y su esposa, la vicepresidenta Rosario Murillo, posteriormente clasificaron a los líderes de la Iglesia como “golpistas” y “terroristas”..