THE NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF February 12, 2007...
Provincial’s time Fr. MacDonald is in and out of the office this week. Please remember… Fr. Antônio Nivaldo Moretti of the South Brazilian Province. He was born in 1930, professed in 1954 and ordained in 1958. SSgt. Hector Leija of Raymondville, Texas, who was recently killed in Iraq. A memorial mass was held for SSgt. Leija at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Raymondville, as well as a praying of the rosary the night before. The church was filled on both occasions with family, friends and community dignitaries. Frs. Dave Jackson, Frank Clancy, Chuck Kelly and Frank Wittouck staff the parish. Edward Prybylski the father of Ed Prybylski, who was one of the lay participants at the October Provincial Conference on the Dehonian Family. The senior Prybylski had a heart attack last Friday and underwent an emergency triple bypass. Ed says that his father is a "very stubborn 76-year-old man with a great faith and a very loving heart." If you would like to contact Ed, his e-mail is: bilskey@yahoo.com A little more info Last week we reported the death of Fr. Pascual Ignacio Belda Pérez of the Spanish Province, who died February 4. We recently learned a bit more about Fr. Pascual from Fr. Bernie Rosinski. He notes that the Spaniard was one of the first recruits of Fr. William Zicke, who founded the Spanish Province. [Fr. Bernard Zicke, Fr. William’s nephew, was an early member of the U.S. Province.] Fr. Pascual was ordained in 1933 during the Spanish Civil War. He served as the provincial superior of the Spanish Province and was also a delegate at several general chapters. “Many would consider him to be one of the ‘pillars’ in the history of the congregation,” said Fr. Bernie. Welcome! The monastery community welcomes Fr. Pawel Slowik. Fr. Pawel is originally from Poland, but has ministered in Congo for the past ten years. He has come to Sacred Heart School of Theology to take part in the ESL program. Mission intention The Holy Father’s mission intention for February is: “That the goods of the earth, given by God for all men, may be used wisely and according to criteria of justice and solidarity.” Driver’s licenses The treasurer’s office reminds SCJs to get copies of their driver’s licenses to Barb Taylor at the Provincialate Offices. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Dn. David Nagel, province treasurer. Safety bulletin Praesidium –– an abuse prevention agency –– has a quarterly safety bulletin that is available to SCJs by e-mailing the organization at: info@PraesidiumInc.com. Currently, the province is in the process of being reviewed by Praesidium in regards to its child safety protocols. The newsletter has suggestions which can be used by individuals and their ministries to ensure child safety. Vocation directors This week Sacred Heart School of Theology hosts the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors’ (NCDVD) Institute. The gathering runs February 11-17. Valentine’s tidbits Wednesday, February 14, is Valentine’s Day. The origins of the holiday are sketchy, but there are several theories. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape the harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured. According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. [Thanks to the History Channel website for the above information.] In the U.S. Province, Valentine’s Day has significance for another reason –– it is the anniversary of death of two of its members: Frs. Rosalind Russell (1991) and Wm. Denis Devine (1998). Fr. Russ, as most called him, was a native of Mississippi and a graduate of the SCJs’ school in Holly Springs. His ministry locations included St. Joseph’s Indian School in South Dakota. He was also well acclaimed for his artistic talents. Fr. Denny was from New York and did ministry in several locations, including northern Mississippi, South Dakota, Texas and Michigan. However, his longest stint was as pastor of St. Jude’s parish in East Chicago, Ind. A primarily Hispanic parish, Fr. Denny developed several programs to meet the special needs of his parishioners, including an informal ESL class.