Not to be Forgotten: Saint Mother Marianne of Molokai

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Deacon Bob

 

In the news along with Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha is also Blessed Mother Marianne of Molokai. In the same decree attesting to the miracle that will lead to Tekakwitha’s canonization, Benedict XVI declared that another miracle was attributed to Mother Marianne (born Barbara Cope). Mother Marianne was a Sister of the Third Order Franciscans of Syracuse, who was born in Heppenheim, Germany and died on the island of Molokai, Hawaii on August 9, 1918.

Mother Marianne worked among the leper colonies on that island, taking up what St. Damien had done earlier on the same location.

Saint Marianne of Molokai, pray for us!

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Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Soon to be Saint Kateri

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, “the Lily of the Mohawks,” has been give the green light to canonization. Pope Benedict XVI signed a decree on yesterday recognizing a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Kateri.

Two miracles are necessary for sainthood, both of which need occur after the death of the one proposed for canonization. The second miracle acknowledged as such yesterday involved the miraculous recovery of a Seattle boy whose face had been disfigured with a flesh-eating bacteria and who almost died, but then recovered completely. (Blessed Kateri’s face had been disfigured due to small pox.)

Blessed Kateri was born in 1656 in a village on the Mohawk River called Ossernenon, New York. Her father was a Mohawk chief and her mother a Christian Algonquin raised among the French. At age 4, she survived a small-pox epidemic, although remained disfigured and with poor eyesight. She decided to be baptized and pursue the religious life, fleeing her relatives who disapproved of her conversion. She was baptized in 1676 and made her first Communion on Christmas 1677. Her holiness became widely acknowledged, and she performed “extraordinary penances.” She died in 1680, and according to eyewitnesses, her facial disfigurement suddenly disappeared after her death. Her tomb is in Caughnawaga on the St. Lawrence River, about 10 miles from Montreal.

Her sainthood cause was begun in 1932, even though Native Americans have called for her recognition since at least the mid-1800s. She was declared “Venerable” in 1942, and beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980.

Saint Kateri, pray for us!

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Not Doing Enough, Deacons? Or Too Much?

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Deacon Bob

I have been ordained now for over two years. Occasionally, I will hear a deacon say, “I don’t think I am doing enough!” (making reference to what he perceives his ministry to be in the parish or diocese).

Perhaps more frequently, my brother deacons are saying, “I have no time; I am over committed!”

Do you think you are not doing enough? Or too much? What say ye, deacon?

Diaconal ministry is not about always doing more.

It is about doing what is right in front of you with the grace of the diaconate.

Remember, the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council envisioned the restored diaconate as a ministry largely focused on bringing the sacramental presence of Jesus the Servant into the secular world…. this means our workplaces and our families.

Regardless of what your occupation is, or the particulars of your family structure and life, our primary ministry lies in our occupations and families, not in trying to keep busy with “real ministry.” For many of us, our real ministry is being Christ the Servant in our offices, factories, union shops, businesses and schools…. all places where we work and to which we are sent as deacons by God and our bishops.

Those of us who are married know full well (if we don’t we are in real trouble) that it is in the context of our marital relationship we first discover our diakonia. We fail as married deacons if we forget or neglect this foundational aspect of ministry.

So the concern, “Am I doing enough?” belies, I think, a misunderstanding of the deacon’s call. We are not primarily parochial. We are diocesan and we are to go where our bishop cannot often go…. into the places of the laity who hunger for the presence of Jesus… into marriage and family life…. and we are to go as deacons conformed to Jesus the Servant and in the name of our bishop.

Then we bring it all to the altar, in service to the bishop, and to the Lord.

Then, we proclaim the Word in the assembly, and we baptize and marry and bury.

Then we teach.

Only then we are able to let our bishop know what the needs of his flock are, and how to respond to them.

Don’t forget that for which the Church has restored the Order… and ordained us…. to be conformed to Christ the Servant and bring the Church into the daily events of our lives and the world.

Evangelize where you are. You don’t have to look beyond what is in front of you.  Bring all of that to the altar, and then notify the bishop of the needs of his people.

If you are doing that, you are doing enough. We are full-time deacons, aren’t we? Always full-time.

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Winona Now Has a Minor Basilica

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Deacon Bob

The diocese of Winona is announcing that St. Stanislaus Kostka church in Winona has been elevated the to the status of a Minor Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI. The decree from the Pope was  made on November 10, 2011 and announced to the congregation of St. Stanislaus this past weekend.

The papal decree is intended to “strengthen the relation of this church with the Chair of Peter and to make it an ideal center of special liturgical and pastoral ministry” in the diocese, said Archbishop J. Augustine De Noia, OP, the secretary to the Vatican congregation.

St. Stans, as those of us from Winona fondly call her, is a stunning building of beauty. It was built by the Polish immigrants in that city, literally by donation of dimes and nickels from the poor wage earners of the time. It has been remarkably preserved and restored.

One unspoken yet key person in all of this has been Deacon Justin Green who, with Janice Market and others, put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to gather and present all the materials and necessary paperwork for this to be forwarded to the Holy See.

Congratulations to all involved! To the rest of you, come to Winona and see St. Stans for yourselves!

Here is a copy of the press release from the diocese.

December 19, 2011

CONTACT: Joel Hennessy – Director of Stewardship and Advancement

Phone: 507-858‐1249

Email: jhennessy@dow.org

WINONA

‐ VATICAN NAMES SAINT STANISLAUS KOSTKA PARISH A MINOR BASILICA

Through the faculties granted by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has declared that Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Winona, Minn., has assumed the status of “Minor Basilica,” emphasizing the special bond that the parish has with the Pope and with the whole Catholic Church. This Decree was made on November 10, 2011 and announced to the congregation this past weekend.

In May, His Excellency, Bishop John M. Quinn of the Diocese of Winona sent a petition to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, an office of the Vatican, so that Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Winona, might take on the status of “Minor Basilica.” In November, the Congregation replied in favor of the petition, conferring this title of Minor Basilica on the parish. The decree is intended to “strengthen the relation of this important church with the Chair of Peter and to make it an ideal center of special liturgical and pastoral ministry” in the diocese, Archbishop J. Augustine Di Noia, OP, the secretary to the Vatican congregation wrote to Bishop Quinn.

One way the link is demonstrated is by celebrating feasts in a special way that are linked to the papal office, including the feast of the Chair of Peter, the feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul and the anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict XVI. The papal symbol of crossed keys may be exhibited on banners and furnishings and on the seal of the basilica and those who devoutly make a visit to the basilica on certain feast days may obtain a plenary indulgence.

”Saint Stanislaus Kostka is now a member of a small number of churches in the United States to be recognized as a Minor Basilica, and only the second in Minnesota. The other being the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, which was the first U.S. church designated as a basilica in 1926.” stated Bishop Quinn. “It is a very significant and important occasion for not only the parish and the diocese, but the entire region.”

The word basilica comes from the Greek term for “royal hall.” There are two kinds of basilicas: major basilicas, the six great Roman churches, and the minor basilicas, which are important churches in Rome and abroad which the Holy Father has honored with this title.

A church designated as a minor basilica must be a center of active and pastoral liturgy with a vibrant Catholic community and may have unique historical, artistic or religious importance. In seeking the distinction, the parish must provide a detailed report with an albumof photographs documenting the origin, history and religious activity of the church and its exterior and interior form, particularly regarding celebration of the sacraments.

Conferring the title of Minor Basilica is also a formal recognition of the beauty and dignity of the parish church. Father Thomas Hargesheimer, pastor of Saint Stanislaus Kostka, says that one of the reasons that the petition was sent was due the extraordinary architectural quality of the parish, as well as the significant Polish heritage that accompanies it.

“We really wanted to recognize the Polish immigrants that settled in the Winona area. Their heritage has had such a large impact on the development of the region. We also want to honor this parish as a faith community that contributes to not only the religious aspects of the community, but also the secular side of society as well,” said Father Hargesheimer.

This church was built and paid for by Polish immigrants and dedicated to God in honor of St. Stanislaus Kostka, a popular saint from Poland on Thanksgiving Day 1895. Now, alongwith The Polish Cultural Institute, more commonly known as The Polish Museum, Winona has truly become a destination and pilgrimage center for people of Polish heritage. Fr. Paul Breza, founder of the museum said “the news about St. Stans is very exciting – the church was built on “nickels and dimes” by the Polish immigrants during a time when wages were only around a dollar per day. This will be a great opportunity for people to learn more about the Polish heritage of Winona.”

Fr. Hargesheimer said a Mass of elevation, with Bishop Quinn presiding, will take place in 2012 at a date to be announced. For more information, contact the Saint Stanislaus Parish office by calling (507)452

‐5430 or e‐mailing ststans@hbci.com.

‐‐

End‐‐

ABOUT THE DIOCESE OF WINONA

The Diocese of Winona encompasses 13,000 square miles of the southern 20 counties of Minnesota, serving a population of more than 131,000 Catholics. Currently, there are 114 parishes/missions, over 100 active and retired priests, 365 sisters, 21 religious brothers, 21 deacons and over 180 professional lay ministers. There are 29 Catholic Schools and a Catholic university for women and men, St. Mary’s University. Bishop John M. Quinn was installed as the Eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Winona on May 7, 2009, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona, the home parish of the diocesan bishop. For more information, visit the website: www.dow.org

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Terra Santa News

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Deacon Bob

I was happy to find today a splendid You Tube site created by the Franciscan fathers in the Holy Land. It is called Terra Santa News in English. 

There are a series of wonderful videos on various aspects of our faith, especially in recent weeks Advent.

Log on to: www.youtube.com/user/videocustodiae

For those of you who are Italian lovers, they also have a site in Italian. The speakers are clear and articulate, so you will have no problem understanding them.

Even if you cannot grasp Italian, take a look anyway…. the photography is beautiful.

Log on to:  www.youtube.com/user/videocustodia

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The Holy Father Visits the Prisoners of Rebibbia

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Deacon Bob

There is a prison in Rome named Rebibbia. This morning, the Holy Father visited there, speaking to the prisoners.

If you read Italian, you can review his comments at: http://press.catholica.va/news_services/bulletin/news/28571.php?index=28571&lang=en

I want to highlight one short segment. He said: Giustizia e misericordia, giustizia e carità, cardini della dottrina sociale della Chiesa, sono due realtà differenti soltanto per noi uomini, che distinguiamo attentamente un atto giusto da un atto d’amore. Giusto per noi è “ciò che è all’altro dovuto”, mentre misericordioso è ciò che è donato per bontà. E una cosa sembra escludere l’altra. Ma per Dio non è così: in Lui giustizia e carità coincidono; non c’è un’azione giusta che non sia anche atto di misericordia e di perdono e, nello stesso tempo, non c’è un’azione misericordiosa che non sia perfettamente giusta.

My Italian translation being: Justice and mercy, justice and charity, pillars of the social doctrine of the Church, are two different realities only for we men, that we might carefully distinguish an act of justice from an act of love. A just act for us is “that which is owed another,” while mercy is that which is given through goodness. One seems to exclude the other, but not to God. In him, justice and love coincide. There is no just act that is not also an act of mercy and forgiveness and, at the same time, there is not act of mercy that is not also perfectly just.

This point is so central to the whole teaching of the Church in her social doctrine, indeed in her teachings on life and marriage and family. Justice is part and parcel of love and mercy. “It is mercy I desire, not sacrifice!” somewhere in Scripture it says, and as Jesus himself commands us, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar, and to God what is God’s.” In other words, perfect justice is found in mercy and charity.

 

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A Fourth Sunday of Advent Meditation

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Deacon Bob

The Office of Readings today offer for our reflection a section of the Letter to Diogenitus. It is a beautiful brief meditation on God’s intervention into human history. Here is one translation:

No man has ever seen God or known him, but God has revealed himself to us through faith, by which alone it is possible to see him. God, the Lord and maker of all things, who created the world and set it in order, not only loved man but was also patient with him. So he has always been, and is, and will be: kind, good, free from anger, truthful; indeed, he and he alone is good.

He devised a plan, a great and wonderful plan, and shared it only with his Son. As long as he preserved this secrecy and kept his own wise counsel he seemed to be neglecting us, to have no concern for us. But when through his beloved Son he revealed and made public what he had prepared from the very beginning, he gave us all at once gifts such as we could never have dreamt of, even sight and knowledge of himself.

When God had made all his plans in consultation with his Son, he waited until a later time, allowing us to follow our own whim, to be swept along by unruly passions, to be led astray by pleasure and desire. Not that he was pleased by our sins: he only tolerated them. Not that he approved of that time of sin: he was planning this era of holiness. When we had been shown to be undeserving of life, his goodness was to make us worthy of it. When we had made it clear that we could not enter God’s kingdom by our own power, we were to be enabled to do so by the power of God.

When our wickedness had reached its culmination, it became clear that retribution was at hand in the shape of suffering and death. The time came then for God to make known his kindness and power (how immeasurable is God’s generosity and love!). He did not show hatred for us or reject us or take vengeance; instead, he was patient with us, bore with us, and in compassion took our sins upon himself; he gave his own Son as the price of our redemption, the holy one to redeem the wicked, the sinless one to redeem sinners, the just one to redeem the unjust, the incorruptible one to redeem the corruptible, the immortal one to redeem mortals. For what else could have covered our sins but his sinlessness? Where else could we, wicked and sinful as we were, have found the means of holiness except in the Son of God alone?

How wonderful a transformation, how mysterious a design, how inconceivable a blessing! The wickedness of the many is covered up in the holy One, and the holiness of One sanctifies many sinners!

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The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Deacon Bob

The Catholic Church’s social doctrine teaches us: The family has its foundation in the free choice of the spouses to unite themselves in marriage, in respect for the meaning and values of this institution that does not depend on man but on God himself. – Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (CSDC) 215

It is important to emphasize the point that the meaning and value of marriage as an institution does not depend on man but on God himself.

The Church teaches, futhermore: No power can abolish the natural right to marriage or modify its traits and purpose. Marriage in fact is endowed with its own proper, innate and permanent characteristics. (Italics mine) CSDC 216.

The characteristic traits of marriage are: totality (complete giving of oneself to the other); indissolubility; and fruitfulness. It is ordered to procreation and education of children.

The Church has always held that marriage is both a natural and divine institution. In other words, there is something in our nature as human for a man and a woman to unite themselves to each other for their mutual welfare, the begetting of children, and the stability of society. We cannot alter our human nature or its designs. Likewise, the Church has taught for centuries that marriage has its roots in divine life, and reflects the relationship of God with his people. It is a reflection of the Trinitarian life of God himself.

Christians have fought off many erroneous teachings over the centuries, especially regarding the person of Jesus Christ, but also regarding the human person, i.e., who we are and how we understand ourselves as created in the image of God. As is so clearly stated in the teachings of the ancient Church fathers, we as human beings are not mere bodies, nor are we mere spirits. We are body-mind-spirit beings. All that we do, we do with that unity of our person, and we act as a person comprised of body, mind and soul. It is a misunderstanding of humanity to dismiss our bodies in our attempts to become “more human” just as it is a misunderstanding to dismiss our souls and spirits in the pursuit of physical ends or pleasures or perfections.

That is why it is impossibile to call “marriage” a same-sex relationship. Our physicality precludes a true union of mind-body-spirit between two persons of the same sex for it renders such a union devoid of its procreative power.

That is why one cannot call a union of a married man with an unmarried woman a “marriage” for it precludes the union of mind and spirit (which has previously been given to the man’s wife).

That is why one cannot call marriage co-habitation of a man and a woman because whereas there may be union of body, perhaps even of mind, there is no union of spirit in covenantal love.

Only the union of a man and a woman, entered into freely, with unity of body-mind-spirit and thus open to the procreation of children, can be a marital relationship, for we are persons who act as integrated individuals, not pursuing only physical, or emotional, or even spiritual unity.

Obviously, not everyone is called to marriage. Many are called to close friendships, which are very different relationships (although share in common with marriage certain characteristics). Those who have same-sex attractions are called to such chaste relationships. They are called, as are all of us, to relationships of emotional and spiritual support and commonality. They are called to live as men and women who are valued and esteemed by all.  No doubt, their calling is a difficult one. But God is with them every step of the way.

A couple of years ago, the leaders of many religious groups in the United States united together and issued a joint declaration on the protection of marriage. I included it here:

The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment

Dear Friends,

Marriage is the permanent and faithful union of one man and one woman. As such, marriage is the natural basis of the family. Marriage is an institution fundamental to the well-being of all of society, not just religious communities.

As religious leaders across different faith communities, we join together and affirm our shared commitment to promote and protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman. We honor the unique love between husbands and wives; the indispensable place of fathers and mothers; and the corresponding rights and dignity of all children.

Marriage thus defined is a great good in itself, and it also serves the good of others and society in innumerable ways.

The preservation of the unique meaning of marriage is not a special or limited interest but serves the good of all.

Therefore, we invite and encourage all people, both within and beyond our faith communities, to stand with us in promoting and protecting marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Leith Anderson, President

National Association of Evangelicals

 

Dr. Thomas E. Armiger, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, Dr. Jerry G. Pence

The Board of General Superintendents

The Wesleyan Church

 

Dr. Gary M. Benedict, President

The Christian and Missionary Alliance

 

Glenn C. Burris Jr., President

The Foursquare Church

 

Bishop H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 

Dr. Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr., Presiding Bishop

International Pentecostal Holiness Church Ministries

 

Nathan Diament, Director, Institute for Public Affairs

Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America

 

Most Rev. Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York

President

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

 

Dr. Eugénio R. Duarte,Dr. David W. Graves,Dr. Jesse C. Middendorf,Dr. Jerry D. Porter,Dr. Stan A. Toler,Dr. J. K. Warrick

The Board of General Superintendents

The Church of the Nazarene

 

The Most Rev. Robert Duncan, Archbishop, Anglican Church in North America

Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh

 

Rev. Jim Eschenbrenner, Executive Pastor

Christian Union

 

Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Gammon, Conference Minister

Conservative Congregational Conference

 

Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, President

The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod

 

John Hopler, Director

Great Commission Churches

 

Dr. Clyde M. Hughes, Bishop

International Pentecostal Church of Christ

 

Ken Hunn, Executive Director

The Brethren Church

 

Bishop Harry Jackson, Senior Pastor, Hope Christian Church

Bishop, Fellowship of International Churches

 

The Most Blessed Jonah, Archbishop of Washington

Metropolitan of All America and Canada

Orthodox Church in America

 

Dr. Richard Land, President

Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

 

Rev. Frederick J. Moury Jr., National Conference Chair

Evangelical Congregational Church

 

Dr. James Murray, Interim Executive Director

General Association of General Baptists

 

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President

National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

 

Manmohan Singh, Secretary General

World Sikh Council – America Region

 

The Rev. Paull E. Spring, Bishop

North American Lutheran Church

 

Dr. Joseph Tkach, President

Grace Communion International

 

Rev. Phil Whipple, Bishop

Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA

 

Dr. George O. Wood, General Superintendent

Assemblies of God

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Church of the Week

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Deacon Bob

St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church

Bodega Bay, California

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Holy Father’s New Year’s Message: Youth and Social Doctrine of the Church

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father has released his 2012 message to the world. It is entitled, in English, Educating Young People in Justice and Peace.

He begins by asking the question, “With what attitude should we look to the New Year?” His answer is, “I invite you to look to 2012 with (an) attitude of confident trust” even if, as he acknowledges, there is a rising sense of frustration at the “crisis looming over society, the world of labour and the economy, a crisis whos roots are primarily cultural and anthropological.”

He reminds us that the young are the reservoirs of hope and trust, and thus he turns his thoughts to them and the contributions they can make to society, and he reminds us that parents and other educators have a vital role in the education of these youth so they may come to a full appreciation of themselves and the common good of all.

He appeals to educational institutions, governments and the world of the media to contribute to the proper education of youth.

As he so often does, as did his predecessor Blessed Pope John Paul II, he reaffirms the centrality of the human person who finds true freedom in the truth, a truth found only in the recognition of each human person’s relationship with God and without which no true freedom exists. He states that the freedom which is ours can only be exercised by coming to know the natural moral law and the nature of humanity itself. This requires a disengagement from the relativism that permeates contemporary culture, a relativism that only leads to injustice among individuals and societies.

Justice, then, has transcendent roots. Because it has such roots, it is bound by the demands of charity and solidarity. (All of this is so eloquently discussed in the Church’s social doctrine.)

He states that peace “is not merely a gift to be received: it is also a task to be undertaken.” Peacemakers, without educating ourselves in compassion, solidarity, cooperation and activity with the community, a “redistribution of wealth” and the promotion of growth, will fail.

In short, the Pope’s 2012 message, though directed to the youth and their education, is a primer on the Church’s social doctrine. It is easily read and a good catechesis for all of us to absorb.

You may read it at: http://press.catholica.va/news_services/bulletin/news/28555.php?index=28555&lang=en

 

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Quote for the Day

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Deacon Bob

“When Christ walked this earth, His presence was not limited to the comfortable — the call to comfortable life was His temptation in the desert, as it is ours today. His way took Him to the uncomfortable places.” — William Wicks, SFO

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John Henry Newman’s Prayer for Discernment

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Deacon Bob

I ran across this beautiful prayer one can pray if you are discerning the call of God in your life:

God, you have created me to do you some definite service. You have committed some work to me which you have not committed to another. I have my mission – I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told in the next. Somehow I am necessary for your purposes. I have a part in the great work. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for nothing. I shall do good. I shall do his work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place. Fulfill your high purposes in me, I am here to serve you, to be yours. Amen

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More Information on the Diaconate in the United States

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Here are some more interesting facts about the permanent diaconate in the United States, according to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate(CARA) in their 2009/2010 report:

92% of permanent deacons in active ministry are married, 4% are widowed and 2% are celibate.

Greater than 60% of deacons are at least 60 years old. Nearly 40% are 60-59, and about 25% are 70 or older.

81% of active deacons are non-Hispanic whites. 14% are Hispanic or Latino. 2% are African American and 2% are Asian.

28% have a graduate degree which is twice as likely to be in a field not related to the diaconate.

Only 18% of deacons are compensated for their ministry.

Only one diocese has no permanent deacons (Diocese of Salina).

The Diocese of Fairbanks, Alaska has 519 Catholics for every deacon.

You can read the entire report at http://old.usccb.org/cclv/diaconate-post-ordination-report2009-2010.pdf

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Quote for the Day

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Deacon Bob

“Christian solidarity is not base on political optimism, but it is based on religious hope.” — Bishop Jamie Soto, Sacramento, California

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Pope Benedict’s Thoughts on Cardinal John Foley

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Deacon Bob

I would like to share with you the contents of a telegram the Vatican has made public that the Holy Father sent to Archbishop Charles Chaput regarding Cardinal John Foley, who died yesterday.

TO THE MOST REVEREND CHARLES CHAPUT
ARCHBISHOP OF PHILADELPHIA

HAVING LEARNED WITH SADNESS OF THE DEATH OF CARDINAL JOHN PATRICK FOLEY, GRAND MASTER EMERITUS OF THE EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM, I OFFER YOU MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES. AS I RECALL WITH GRATITUDE THE LATE CARDINAL’S YEARS OF PRIESTLY MINISTRY IN HIS BELOVED ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADEPHIA, HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE HOLY SEE AS PRESIDENT OF THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS, AND MOST RECENTLY HIS LABORS ON BEHALF OF THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES OF THE HOLY LAND, I WILLINGLY JOIN YOU IN COMMENDING HIS NOBLE SOUL TO GOD, THE FATHER OF ALL MERCIES. I ALSO PRAY THAT HIS LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO THE CHURCH’S PRESENCE IN THE MEDIA WILL INSPIRE OTHERS TO TAKE UP THIS APOSTOLATE SO ESSENTIAL TO THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL AND THE PROGRESS OF THE NEW EVANGELIZATION. TO ALL WHO MOURN CARDINAL FOLEY IN THE HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION, I CORDIALLY IMPART MY APOSTOLIC BLESSING AS A PLEDGE OF CONSOLATION AND PEACE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

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