News - June 2018 RSS Feed

In the early months of his papacy, Pope Francis felt the urgent need to courageously preach on the actual existence of the devil, and the grave dangers of not taking his existence seriously (see: 1 Peter 5:8-9). Francis said “It is true that at that time, they could confuse epilepsy with demonic possession; but it is also true that there was the devil! “And we have no right to simplify the matter, as if to say: ‘All of these people were not possessed; they were mentally ill.’ No!

Are you ready to delete your dreams and aspirations when you marry? How does that title strike you? It seems strange to even think people would have to delete their dreams in order to get married. Well, think of this. From the time when we were young children, we have been bombarded with experiences, interesting ideas, all of which contribute to our forming dreams for the future.

She is outgoing and talkative. He is gentle and quiet. Yet Ty and Derrick Salvant have forged an enviable 18-year marriage. They share their joys and struggles with engaged couples as husband-and-wife presenters at Catholic Engaged Encounter weekends. “When we give a weekend, we focus on our marriage,” Ty said, indicating the weekend is a quiet time away from the rigors of life and five children. “When you do that, the couples learn through your example.” 

The Vatican announced today that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Michael Gerard Duca, currently bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport, Louisiana, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bishop Duca succeeds Bishop Robert W. Muench, a native of New Orleans, who is retiring. Bishop Duca has been bishop of Shreveport since May 19, 2008. Bishop Muench has been Bishop of Baton Rouge since March 14, 2002.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s National Art Honor Society inducted 45 members during induction ceremonies. The National Art Honor Society(NAHS), designed specifically for high school students in grades 9-12, was established in 1978 by the National Art Education Association to inspire and recognize students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis denounced the practice of administering prenatal tests to determine birth defects that often lead to abortions, comparing it to the Nazi-era eugenics program that determined what lives were worth keeping or eliminating. Children are God’s greatest gift and should be welcomed “as they come, as God sends them, as God allows, even if at times they are sick,” the pope said June 16 during a meeting with members of Italian family associations.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), “The matrimonial covenant … is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring.”    It is important that engaged couples have a frank discussion about children before getting married. For those graced by God to be physically able to have children, the question is not whether to have them, but rather when and how many.

The Patrick F. Taylor Foundation named 18 finalists in “18 in ’18,” a Tricentennial arts competition showcasing the creative talents of high school juniors and their  connection to New Orleans’ culture. Seven judges chose the finalists from 47 high school students who submitted original essays, graphic arts, poems and videos. “As we honor the Tricentennial of New Orleans, it’s important that we capture the voices from our community’s young people,” said Phyllis Taylor, president and CEO of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, which she started with her late husband Patrick in 1985 as a charitable extension of Taylor Energy Company.

June will always be a month filled with celebration in my family. Mine and my siblings’ birthdays, my mom’s birthday, my brother’s anniversary, my anniversary and Father’s Day are just a few of the celebratory moments. This year, everything seemed a bit more poignant. It was a turning point – turning 30, struggling and facing personal crises.

Once upon a time, when there were just three classifications of high schools (2A, 1A and B), a local league was formed among the metro area’s smaller schools. Because schools from the three parishes of Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard were bisected by the Mississippi River, the fledgling was known as the Riverside League and began formal play in 1939.

Local attorney Brandon Briscoe, with his arms outstretched,  got to display his love of New Orleans history for the tour group of his life on June 15 as he escorted King Felipe VI of Spain and his wife, Queen Letizia, around St. Louis Cathedral with Archbishop Gregory Aymond, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and cathedral rector Father Philip Landry. Briscoe is pastoral council president of the cathedral and also serves as a regular tour guide.

Janet Pesce has been an advocate for people with disabilities for a long time and is currently co-chairperson of the reorganized, 16-member Archdiocese of New Orleans Commission for Persons with Disabilities.  Pesce, a diabetic since age 10, has been a teacher – first in the school classroom, and then, after diabetic retinopathy caused eyesight failure, taught living skills at the Jewish Community Center and  Lighthouse for the Blind. She’s also conducted classes for the visually impaired at nursing homes. Long-term diabetes has impacted Pesce’s organs. Thirteen years ago, she required a pancreas transplant. Now, she’s on kidney dialysis and on Tulane Transplant Institute’s list for a kidney.

Silence is a gift, said Archdiocesan Spirituality Center associate director Bonnie Chase to an all-female audience at the recent day of reflection, “The Woman I Was Created to Be.” “Breathe in the breath of God … and break out all the tenseness and destruction … to allow the Spirit to open your mind and heart,” Chase instructed the women at the beginning of the retreat. “Breathe out, to let the Spirit know what you want to know.”

El sábado 23 de junio, en la Catedral de St. Louis, usted estará ordenando a 22 hombres como diáconos permanentes para la Arquidiócesis de Nueva Orleáns. ¿Puede hablar sobre el regalo que el diaconado permanente ha sido para la Iglesia? Me siento muy positivo sobre el diaconado permanente. Es una gran bendición del Concilio Vaticano II, y fue promulgado oficialmente para la Iglesia Universal en 1968.

SUMMER SCHEDULE: Send on Thursday (10 days before each issue every other week; next issue July 7) calendar@clarionherald.org EVENTS ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA, 7 p.m. healing Mass, June 27, with 6 p.m. confession and adoration followed by healing service, eucharistic exposition and benediction. Free, lit parking behind church, 4640 Canal St., New Orleans. Celebrant: Father Mariano Velez.

That former LSU coach Les Miles is no fan of his successor is no secret. Miles made it official recently during an appearance on a Houston radio show. Miles was reacting to a comment made in the spring by head coach Ed Orgeron. Orgeron was quoted by The Advocate when asked about the LSU offense: “I ask the fans to be patient. We are not where we need to be, but we’re going to get there.” Miles reacted, telling the Houston radio host the following: 

The worst enemies in a young person’s life aren’t the problems they may face, Pope Francis said. The biggest dangers are being unwilling to find a way to adapt, mediocrity by settling for the status quo, and fear, he said at his general audience in St. Peter’s Square June 13. “It is necessary to ask the heavenly father for the gift of healthy restlessness for today’s young people, the ability to not settle for a life without beauty, without color.

In order to provide pastoral care for the people of God in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Archbishop Aymond has made the following appointments:  Pastor Rev. Ronald Boudreaux, S.J., as pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, New Orleans, effective July 1, 2018. We give thanks for the years of service that Father Eddie Gros, S.J., has given to the people of God of Holy Name of Jesus Parish.

Deacon Wilfred (“Wil”) Robichaux Jr., 76, died at his home on April 17 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was 76 and had served as a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of New Orleans since 1981. A native of Bayou Blue, Louisiana, Deacon Robichaux later moved to Jefferson Parish. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Monica, his daughter Ann-Marie, his son Julius “Butch” (Martha) and his granddaughter Ashley-Marie (Joshua). He was the honored grandfather of Vanessa (Brandon), Casey (Colton), Courtney, Cade, Erick, Lina, and great-granddaughter, Claire. 

In 1803, St. Louis Cathedral rector Father Antonio de Sedella recorded in one of his sacramental “notes for posterity,” that on Dec. 20, American Commissioners Guillermo C.C. Claiborne and Guilllermo Winkilsson (sic), in the name of the Congress of the United States, took possession of the Louisiana Province from the hands of Don Pedro Clemente Laussat, colonial prefect representing the French Republic. The transfer, the pastor added, took place “with the customary solemnity and military pomp.”