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Christ’s birth brings a new day “filled with the light of an undying hope”DECEMBER 19, 2008 | On Christmas Day, the Ancient Promise is fulfilled; the time of waiting ends and the Virgin gives birth to the Messiah. On Christmas Day, Jesus is born for a humanity searching for freedom and peace. He is born for everyone burdened by sin, in need of salvation and yearning for hope. That Holy Night, when in the Silence of obscurity and poverty, Christ was born has ushered in a New Day, filled with the light of an undying hope, that dispels the darkness imposed on human hearts by fear and despair. Advent: a time of preparation for the ‘Way of the Lord’DECEMBER 5, 2008 | The Advent season arrives as our annual wake-up call. Throughout these weeks, the Scriptures tell us to “awake and be vigilant.” We remember God coming among us in time – when the Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary; we await in hope to welcome him at the end of time – when Christ will return in glory to judge us; and we ready our hearts to receive him in Word and Sacrament, for he still lives in our midst. While the secular society is already celebrating its “winter holidays,” the liturgy of Advent is sober – calling us to repentance and conversion. Indeed, the entire purpose of Advent is to reawaken our thirst for God. In last Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 13: 13-37), Jesus tells his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert. ... You do not know when the time will come.” Working to restore human ‘rights’NOVEMBER 21, 2008 | “Only in America” aptly describes what the world witnessed earlier this month as we, Americans, after a spirited – and much too long – electoral campaign peacefully participated in an election that gave us our first African-American president. This is no small accomplishment for a nation that enshrined race slavery in its Constitution. To the extent that this election signifies, at least in America, the repudiation of racism, every American, regardless for whom he or she voted, should rightly rejoice. ‘Nostra Aetate’ began important chapter in Jewish–Catholic relationshipsThe following column comes from a speech Bishop Thomas Wenski gave Oct. 17 at Temple Israel in Winter Springs. NOVEMBER 12, 2008 | Forty–three years ago, the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council — among their many teachings — issued a relatively short but immensely significant document called “Nostra Aetate,” Latin for “In our time” — the first words of the declaration concerning the Catholic Church’s relationships with non–Christian religions. So this document does not deal exclusively with our relations with the Jewish faith; however, it opened new prospects for Jewish–Catholic relationships in terms of dialogue and solidarity — and that is what concerns us this evening. And — considering that for almost 2,000 years — these relationships have been, to put it generously, strained — this is something that deserves to be celebrated. Reflect on the Last ThingsNOVEMBER 7, 2008 | Though November is the next to the last month of our calendar year, it does invite us Catholics to reflect on what spiritual writers have called the Last Things. These Last Things, of course, are Death, Judgment, Heaven (for many, if not for most of us, via Purgatory) and Hell. The month began with the Solemnity of All Saints followed by the feast of All Souls. These liturgical commemorations are for us, Catholics, a lesson in Ecclesiology, or in how the Church understands herself. The Church, as the Second Vatican Council reminded us, is essentially a communion: through Baptism we enter into the very life of God – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We become members of one body, the Body of Christ. Exercising right to vote: faithful citizens contribute to democratic processOCTOBER 24, 2008 | On Tuesday, Nov. 4, we Catholics will join our fellow citizens in exercising the right to vote. Voting is not only a right; it is a duty – for as Scriptures teach us, we are our brother’s keeper, and voting responsibly is one way to promote the common good of our brethren in society. The welfare of our communities depends on the people we entrust with public responsibilities. In “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the Bishops of the United States, while not endorsing any candidate or party, have tried to guide our people through the maze of complex moral questions that underline the public policy positions espoused by the different candidates and their party platforms. Stop work-site raids nowSEPTEMBER 26, 2008 | In recent weeks and months, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has dedicated more of its resources in conducting an increasing number of work-site raids as an immigration enforcement tool. There is no question that DHS has the authority and the right to enforce the law. However, an enforcement-only strategy cannot hope to round up and deport the estimated 11 million undocumented workers living in the U.S. The financial – and more importantly the unacceptable humanitarian – costs are simply too high. In the aftermath of these raids, husbands are separated from their wives, and children are separated from their parents. Whole communities are terrorized – work sites are invaded by law enforcement personnel brandishing weapons and the sweeping nature of the raids make it difficult for those arrested to secure basic due-process protections, including legal counsel. Priests make annual sojourn of quietude with the LordOCTOBER 10, 2008 | During the month of October, your priests will be attending one of four priest retreats held at San Pedro Spiritual Center. The retreats begin on a Monday evening and end early on a Friday. Our priests treasure this opportunity to “go off to a quiet place” in order to be with the Lord and away from the distractions and tensions of parish ministry. Stop work-site raids nowSEPTEMBER 26, 2008 | In recent weeks and months, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has dedicated more of its resources in conducting an increasing number of work-site raids as an immigration enforcement tool. There is no question that DHS has the authority and the right to enforce the law. However, an enforcement-only strategy cannot hope to round up and deport the estimated 11 million undocumented workers living in the U.S. The financial – and more importantly the unacceptable humanitarian – costs are simply too high. In the aftermath of these raids, husbands are separated from their wives, and children are separated from their parents. Whole communities are terrorized – work sites are invaded by law enforcement personnel brandishing weapons and the sweeping nature of the raids make it difficult for those arrested to secure basic due-process protections, including legal counsel. Faith calls Catholics to defend ‘human life and human dignity’SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 | In late August, the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, appeared on “Meet the Press.” In order to justify her support of abortion as a Catholic, she misrepresented the history and the nature of the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church on abortion. On behalf of all the bishops, Cardinal Justin Rigali, chair of our committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William Lori, chair of our committee on Doctrine, issued a statement refuting Ms. Pelosi’s attempt to justify the unjustifiable. No one can legitimately argue that support for abortion can be reconciled with the moral teachings of the Church. In their statement, the bishops quote succinctly from the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law” (CCC, 2271). Help support Floridians’ access to the high quality of a Catholic educationAUGUST 29, 2008 | On Nov. 4, beside the important task of choosing our elected leaders, Florida voters will be asked to vote on several ballot initiatives to amend our State Constitution. Amendment 2, which I have already written about would protect the traditional understanding of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Such an amendment would protect Floridians from the same sort of judicial activism that imposed same-sex marriages on the citizens of California. For the future stability of marriage and the family in our state, voters should approve Amendment 2. At the same time, there are two other ballot initiatives of critical importance especially, but not only, to Catholics in Florida. Both amendments concern religious freedom, especially the freedom of Floridians to provide for the education of their children without prejudice to their religious faith. Celebrating the Solemnity of Mary’s AssumptionAUGUST 15, 2008 | Christian poets have over the centuries sung the praises of Mary, the Mother of God and our Mother. The American poet, Longfellow, described her as our fallen human nature’s “solitary boast,” for Mary was sinless from the first moment of her conception. The Solemnity of Mary’s Assumption celebrated on Aug. 15 is properly understood in light of her Immaculate Conception. The Second Vatican Council reaffirming the Tradition (and Pius XII’s infallibly declaring the Assumption as a dogma of Catholic faith in 1950) taught that “the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory when her earthly life was over and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things” (“Lumen Gentium,” No. 59) “Humanae Vitae” – 40th anniversary of a profile in courageAUGUST 1, 2008 | This past July 25 marked the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s controversial and still little heeded encyclical, “Humanae Vitae” (“On the Regulation of Birth”). Many, both within and without the Church – heady from the many changes initiated by the Second Vatican Council – fully expected that the Church would change her clear and constant teachings on human sexuality and procreation. Proponents of change then argued that the development of the contraceptive pill made such change in teaching not only possible but imperative. Mass attendance and vacationJULY 18, 2008 | When I was a young seminarian, the rector, before dismissing us for our summer break, would admonish us: Remember, guys, there’s no vacation from a vocation. This was certainly wise advice – we were after all still seminarians even when away from the structured environment of the seminary with its fixed times for prayer and daily Mass. And I think this is wise counsel to all of us Catholics even as we plan for vacations that take us away from our homes and parishes. There can be no vacation from our fundamental Christian vocation to holiness. Fidelity to weekly Mass attendance is inextricably linked to that vocation. ‘Common good’ calls for defense of traditional, legal marriageJULY 03, 2008 | The imposition by judicial fiat of same-sex marriage on the citizens of California has reminded us that society’s culture wars are far from over. This example of raw judicial activism should reinvigorate efforts to enshrine in state and federal constitutions the traditional legal understanding of marriage. The stakes are high. Those who see “same-sex marriage” as progress towards a more “tolerant” society will – with characteristic intolerance – label their opponents as “intolerant,” “bigoted,” “homophobic” and so on. However, to defend marriage as a monogamous union between one man and one woman is not bigotry. Nor are the efforts of those who seek to enshrine in state or federal constitutions the “traditional” understanding of marriage intolerant. Worldwide jubilee of Apostle Paul begins June 28JUNE 20, 2008 | On Sunday, June 28, the Catholic Church throughout the world will observe a special Jubilee dedicated to St. Paul to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of his birth. Here in the Diocese of Orlando, we have three parishes associated with the Apostle to the Gentiles: St. Paul’s Basilica in Daytona, St. Paul’s in Leesburg, and Sts. Peter and Paul in Winter Park. All three parishes will observe this Pauline Year with special events and ceremonies – and I will be soon issuing guidelines on how one may receive indulgences for visits or pilgrimages to these parishes. The Festival of Faith was “a joy, a grace, a treasure …”JUNE 6, 2008 | After so many months of preparation and anticipation, our Festival of Faith was finally celebrated from May 8 to 10 at the Orange County Convention Center. I sincerely thank all the staff of our chancery, our parishes and schools, our other institutions who put in countless hours to give shape and substance to the Festival of Faith. Special thanks also is due to all the volunteers, including those from the Knights of Columbus and the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. ‘Mary opened the door of our world to God’ (Spe Salvi, 49)MAY 23, 2008 | The month of May not only brings us the occasion to honor our mothers, but also our Mother Mary – the mother of Jesus – who at the foot of the cross – and on Jesus’ word – became the mother of all believers. Mothers’ Day this year coincidently fell on the great Feast of Pentecost. The Apostles received the Holy Spirit on that day as they were gathered together in prayer in the presence of Mary. At the wedding feast of Cana, Mary interceded on behalf of the wedding party, telling Jesus that they had no more wine; at the same time, she instructed the servants to do whatever Jesus would tell them. After 40 years, “the Holy Spirit continues to breathe life” into Orlando DioceseMAY 9, 2008 | During the days and weeks after Easter, we have read from the Acts of the Apostles during the Liturgy. This short book of the New Testament recounts the early history of the nascent Church – from her beginnings on Pentecost Sunday to her expansion to the center of the then-known world, Rome. The theme of Acts could well be summarized by these words: “The number of disciples continued to grow. …” (Acts 6:1). These words describe the effectiveness of the Holy Spirit as He began to work within the Church from her very beginnings. Papal and diocesan honors expression of local church unity with PeterAPRIL 25, 2008 | On May 9, seven priests will be honored with the title “Monsignor” during a special celebration at our Festival of Faith at the Orange County Convention Center. They will join more than 100 members of our laity who will also receive Papal or Diocesan honors during this celebration which commemorates the 40th anniversary of our Diocese. What are God’s plans for you?APRIL 18, 2008 | I offer this column as an open letter to the young people of our diocese. It is an invitation to vocational discernment, to prayer. What are your plans? What do you want to do with your life? What do you want to be when you grow up? Well, today, I would ask you to consider this question from a different perspective. Instead of asking, “What are my plans? What do I want to do?” ask instead, “What is God’s plan for my life? What does he want me to do with my life?” The Pope will speak to us as a well-informed religious leaderAPRIL 11, 2008 | On April 15, “Shepherd One” will land at Andrews Air Force Base and Pope Benedict XVI will begin his brief visit to the United States — which will include an address at the United Nations. Of course, the primary purpose of the Holy Father’s visit is pastoral. The theme of the visit is “Christ Our Hope.” As Peter’s successor, Pope Benedict XVI comes to strengthen the faith, hope and love of Catholics. While he will only stop in Washington, D.C., and New York City, Catholics throughout the United States will welcome his visit. We sense that he has something to say to us. Comprehensive reform is the best way of stemming illegal immigrationAPRIL 4, 2008 | While many are distracted by this year’s seemingly unending primary season, anti-immigrant forces in Congress are trying to pass an “enforcement only” bill, HR 4088, also known as the SAVE Act. Everybody on all sides of the ongoing immigration debate agrees that the status quo is unacceptable — our nation should not tolerate the emergence of a new underclass in our society composed of undocumented workers. ‘Jesus, I trust in you’MARCH 28, 2008 | In the year 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized the first saint of the new millennium, St. Faustina Kowalska, the apostle of the Divine Mercy devotion. The canonization took place on the Second Sunday of Easter and after the ceremony, the Holy Father indicated that henceforth the last day of the Octave of Easter would be designated Divine Mercy Sunday. This designation is, as the official decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship said, “a perennial invitation to the Christian world to face, with confidence in divine benevolence, the difficulties and trials that mankind will experience in the years to come.” Encountering the risen ChristMARCH 21, 2008 | Christ is risen — and his resurrection from the dead casts a decisive light on all that preceded it. Now, in the light of the Resurrection, Jesus’ words and the words of the prophets who preceded him are understood with a new clarity; his miracles, through which he healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and even raised the dead, even his boldness in forgiving sins, acquire an even greater significance. The Cross, once rightly regarded as an instrument of cruel torture and shame, is now revealed as the Tree of Life: From now on we understand that in embracing the cross we are not robbed of life, but instead we find true life. Are we shutting out Jesus by hardening our hearts?MARCH 14, 2008 | In the prophet Isaiah’s account of the Suffering Servant, he says: “By his stripes, we were healed.” As we contemplate the image of Jesus, beaten, tortured, dying on the cross — an image represented so graphically in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” a couple of years ago — we must ask ourselves: If this was the cure, then what was the disease? And, of course, unless we recognize the disease — and recognize ourselves as diseased — we will not understand the two major catechetical lessons of Holy Week: that, first of all, he died because of us, because of our sins; but more importantly, that he died for us. Living faith as part of a community helps retain Catholic identityMARCH 7, 2008 | The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life recently released a study on religious affiliation in America. It found among other things, that “the Roman Catholic Church has lost more members than any faith tradition because of affiliation swapping. … While nearly one in three Americans were raised Catholic, fewer than one in four say they’re Catholic today. That means roughly 10 percent of Americans are ex-Catholics.” Thanks to immigration (more than half of recent immigrants to the United States are Catholic), the Catholic Church still constitutes about 25 percent of the U.S. population. One in three Catholics in the United States is Hispanic. Torture undermines dignity of perpetrators and victims FEBRUARY 29, 2008 | During Lent — and of course in the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary — our minds and hearts are turned to meditating on the sufferings of Our Lord: his agony in the garden before his arrest, his painful scourging, the mocking crowning with thorns, his carrying the cross and his crucifixion. We do well to recall how this was visited upon Jesus with state sanction if only to understand why the Church in her teachings condemns torture. Pope Benedict XVI, in a Sept. 6, 2007, address, said, “I reiterate that the prohibition against torture ‘cannot be contravened under any circumstances.’” Torture undermines and debases the human dignity of both victims and perpetrators. Evangelization begins with Catholics rediscovering the joys of being ChristianFEBRUARY 22, 2008 | When Pope Benedict XVI visited the Marian shrine of Aparecida in Brazil last May to open the Fifth Conference of the Church of Latin America and the Caribbean, he told the assembled bishops: “If we do not know God in and with Christ, all of reality is transformed into an indecipherable enigma; there is no way, and without a way, there is neither life nor truth.” We are observing the 40th anniversary of our diocesan Church as a Year of Evangelization precisely to underscore the fact that given the climate of relativism in which we are living as a culture and a society, it is all the more urgent that we as Catholics root ourselves in the certainty that Christ, the God with a human face, is our true and only Savior. The 40-day Lenten journey is a ‘memorial of our Baptism’FEBRUARY 15, 2008 | Moses led the Hebrews out of the slavery of Egypt into the freedom of the Promised Land. Forty years they wandered in the wilderness. Our Lenten observance lasts only a symbolic 40 days but, if we live its spirit fruitfully, it is meant to be for us an Exodus as well. Lent challenges us to come out of ourselves so that we can open ourselves — with trustful abandonment — to the merciful embrace of our loving and merciful Father. Saints reflect the ‘brilliance of Jesus Christ’FEBRUARY 8, 2008 | In 1922, despoiled of his titles, exiled from the land of his birth, the one-time Emperor of Austria and King of Hungry, Karl Frantz (Charles I), died in the odor of sanctity. Almost immediately after his death, a process leading to his possible canonization was opened. World Day of the Sick focuses light on healing body and soulFEBRUARY 1, 2008 | Feb. 11 marks the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Lourdes in France. The date is also observed as the World Day of the Sick. Lourdes has always been associated with the sick, who have gone there seeking cures. And even when the healing of the body may not always be granted, the sick who go to Lourdes inevitably report a healing of the soul. Recognizing 100 years of the Week of Prayer for Christian UnityJANUARY 23, 2008 | The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began Friday, Jan. 18, and will conclude Jan. 25, a day observed in many Christian confessions as the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. That the weeklong observance concludes on this day is no coincidence — for unity among those who acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior can only be the fruit of conversion. Participation in Operation Rice Bowl offers opportunity to embrace spirit of Lenten seasonJANUARY 18, 2008 | Lent comes early this year, with Ash Wednesday observed the first week of February. And so it is not too early to consider how we will respond to its call to conversion of mind and heart through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We are called to be ‘peacemakers’JANUARY 11, 2008 | In his message for the World Day for Peace (Jan. 1) titled, “The Human Family, a Community of Peace,” Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that it is within a healthy family life that “we experience some of the fundamental elements of peace.” According to the Holy Father, these elements include “justice and love between brothers and sisters, the role of authority expressed by parents, loving concern for the members who are weaker because of youth, sickness or old age, mutual help in the necessities of life, readiness to accept others and, if necessary, to forgive them.” |
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