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  • Writer's pictureProfiles in Catholicism
    • Dec 21, 2018
    • 16 min read

January 2019 issue

Updated: Jan 12, 2019



A Message from the Editor


We welcome Eric LeCompte as an Editorial Advisor.


As we start a new year, we hope and pray that we remember how to love our neighbor as ourselves and reduce the explosion of hate-mongering, especially in countries with authoritarian governments and leaders. We are becoming a culture of xenophobia where hatred of “the other” defines too many of us who need to hate to exist.

For those who may have not made a New Year’s resolution, there are millions of children starving to death globally. Anyone who can help should consider supporting an organization that can provide food to keep these children alive. Saving a child’s life may be the best way to begin a new year.


Prayer of the Month


Lord God, through the covenant you established with the Jewish People, we Christians have been grafted into this covenantal tradition according to St. Paul. But very often throughout history, we have shown ourselves ungrateful for this gift given us through Jesus who imbued in his teachings this Jewish covenantal tradition through acts of antisemitism. We join with Popes St. John Paul II and Francis in confessing our sins of antisemitism past and present. Through this prayer, we commit ourselves to the elimination of any remaining anti-Semitic teachings in the Catholic community and pledge to add our public voice in denouncing any manifestations of antisemitism in contemporary society. We ask your blessing so that we may have the strength to fulfill this pledge we make in your presence.


Quote of the Month


Yet, nearly 6 decades after the Holocaust concluded, Anti-Semitism still exists as the scourge of the world. by Eliot Engel


Interviews

General Articles/Commentaries

Advocacy


Please support our organizations and people who need help

  • Please send a donation for help save the life of Alwin Rex. Please read the article How do we love our neighbor as ourselves? If just a few of our readers could send a donation of $10.00 toward his healthcare costs to Father Thomas Ayyaneth with a notation that the donation is for Alwin Rex. Father Thomas will process donations and send them to his pastor.

  • 2019 Annual Fund Drive Update by Rev. Fr. Bob Johnnene OFM

  • Aiming high: Irish charity wants to impact five million African students by Susan Gately Catholic Ireland.net

  • Donation request for mentally retarded children in India

  • Help International Rescue Committee save lives in Yemen and worldwide.

  • Help save the lives of people in Kenya who are dying from lack of access to clean water. Please read our interview with Father Joseph Mungai, FMH.

  • Whether They Are Young or Old, Hungry or Addicted, Homeless or Friendless... Catholic Charities sees the face of God in those in need. By providing food, clothing, shelter and counseling, we bring hope to the hopeless in the city of Chicago and its suburbs. With 150 programs at 153 locations throughout Cook and Lake counties, we serve virtually every neighborhood and parish in the Chicagoland area. Through our broad spectrum of services, we annually assist more than 1 million persons in Cook and Lake counties without regard to religious, ethnic or economic background. For more than 98 years, Catholic Charities has empowered families and individuals of all races and religious backgrounds to realize their full potential. Our services help people from the point of conception through the last stages of their lives. We keep mothers and their babies well-fed, prepare children in low-income families for school, keep youth in school and out of gangs, counsel and give job training to adults with economic troubles, provide affordable housing for seniors, and organize in-home care services for seniors who need help caring for themselves. donations@catholiccharities.net Only 8 cents of every dollar donated goes toward our administrative expenses; the rest goes directly to help clients. While Catholic Charities raises funds separately from the Archdiocese of Chicago, we serve as the social service arm of the church

  • Support Capuchin Community Services At the Capuchin Community Services, we support those who cannot support themselves. We are grateful to you for your support whether it be through prayer, through donated goods, or through a financial donation. Please be assured that we are careful stewards of your trust. We welcome contributions of any size. All are acknowledged and are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Capuchin Community Services is a ministry of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph. Unless otherwise directed, donations support the local ministry and the Province. To donate through the mail: Capuchin Community Services PO Box 05830 Milwaukee, WI 53205-083

Book Reviews/Commentaries

Film Reviews/Commentaries

TV Reviews/Commentaries

Theater Reviews/Commentaries

Feasting with the Saints

Prayers


A Prayer for the Indonesian Tsunami Victims Let Our Cries Come Unto You


Most merciful and compassionate God,

Giver of Life and Love,

hear our prayers

and let our cries come unto you.

We weep with your people

We hear the cries of orphaned children and laments of bereaved parents

We feel the desperation of those searching for loved ones

We behold the silence of vanished villages.

We see the devastation.

We are overwhelmed by the enormity of it all.

Our hearts are hushed, our minds are numb.

Let not our hands be stopped, our voices dumb.

God of the universe,

Open our hearts to feel your compassion

Galvanize in us the act of continued giving

Bond us to our sisters and brothers in need

Comfort and heal the injured, the bereaved, the lost

Strengthen the aid workers and medical personnel

Bolster the resolve of governments and those with power to help

Open through this tragedy pathways to partnerships and peace

In Your Name of mercy and healing and compassion we pray

- Originally Offered for the people of Japan following the earthquake and tsunami of

March 11, 2011 -

by Christian Peschken 


A Prayer for Jakelin Caal Maquin

O Lord, mighty God, at times in history your little children have been treated badly. They were drowned by Pharaoh (Ex) and massacred by Herod(Mt). Still you Son, your loving Son reminded his disciple and us, to treat the little children gently and allow them to approach (Mk). Today the story is played out once again as we see your little child Jakelin mistreated yet now called to the side of your Son for eternity. Help us to remember always “People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them The disciples scolded them, 14 but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 In truth, I tell you, anyone, who does not welcome the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ 16 Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing. (The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985) (Mk 10:13–16

by Father David Brown, O.S.M. Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer for Msgr. Jarvis


Good and Gracious Good,

The first time I met Msgr. Jarvis was at the ceremony he orchestrated on behalf of my Great Uncle to be honored as a Servant of God. This took place in 2010 and was an amazingly holy ceremony. Now, Lord, we are praying for the health of Msgr. Jarvis who is suffering from stomach cancer and the chemotherapy that is required for health.

He is the postulator (who presents his documents) for my great Uncle who is from the Archdiocese of Brooklyn, Msgr. Bernard J. Quinn. Msgr. Jarvis will present to Rome the documents for canonization on January 15 which is the earthly birthday of Msgr. Quinn. Please hold Msgr. Jarvis in a strong embrace so he will be strong enough on that day to present Msgr. Quinn's cause. May he rest in your arms, dear Lord, and assist him in his devotion to this cause. May Msgr. Jarvis receives the graces and blessings from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

by Eileen Quinn Knight Profiles in Catholicism


Prayer for the Fifth District of Police so in need of Your loving care


God Our Father who is always with us, We struggle with the interactions that have taken place in our Fifth District. Five people have lost their lives in one of the most difficult areas of our city. It is a place full of love and kindness and sadness and sorrow. It is also filled with hate and despair and longing for a better life. Many people in the area are economically poor and need the help of all of us to get out of their drastic plight. This week two of the men were killed in pursuit of making the streets safe for all. We are in desperate need of your help. Your children have rallied around the Fathers and Mothers and children who are affected by these deaths. We also implore you to remember the families of those who took their own lives, help the families to remember that You love us more than we could ever love You. Fill our hearts with the gratitude for knowing and loving You and help us support all those so drastically affected by these deaths. Fill our hearts with kindness and mercy as we realize their needs and please Lord, embrace each one of them with your love. We ask you for the blessings of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

by Eileen Quinn Knight Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer for Those Who Have Suffered Abuse by the Clergy


God, in your providential love you comfort those who are wounded and afflicted.

Hear our prayers for those who have suffered abuse by those in their families or by those entrusted with their care.

In a special way, we pray for those who suffered abuse by clergy who betrayed a sacred trust and who was meant to

stand for your loving presence in their lives.

May those who have been hurt find support and encouragement in communities of faith, hope, and love.

May they discover healing in genuinely loving and caring relationships.

May they reclaim hope for themselves.

May they be strengthened and confirmed in their resolve to set things right.

May they rest in you who make all things work for the good.

Amen

by Father Louis J Cameli Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse


God of endless love,

ever caring, ever strong,

always present, always just:

You gave your only Son

To save us by the blood of his cross.

Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,

join to your own suffering

the pain of all who have been hurt

in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.

Hear our cries as we agonize

over the harm is done to our brothers and sisters.

Breathe wisdom into our prayers,

soothe restless hearts with hope,

steady shaken spirits with faith:

Show us the way to justice and wholeness,

enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy.

Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,

heal your people’s wounds

and transform our brokenness.

Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace,

so that we may act with justice

and find peace in you.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

by Christian Peschken Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer to Prevent Nuclear War

Lord God, you created life and beauty in this world. You then entrusted the human community with caring for and enhancing, your creation. Strengthen us, we pray, in this challenging time when the power to destroy this creation has grown so dangerously. Lead us on a road of peace, a road that includes a program of removing all nuclear weapons from our earth. We cannot hope to meet this challenge without your continuing presence and support. For this, we make our prayerful plea in your name.

by John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer for Migrant Children


Good Lord, who said “Whoever receives one of these little ones, receives me,” bless the little ones who are caught in the struggle of migration, separation, and abuse.

Give all those adults who are responsible for them and for their welfare the wisdom and courage to do the children justice and to protect them.

Make our hearts more, loving and willing to do the right thing by them.

May we see in all people young and old your image and so reverence their great dignity.

We make our prayer through you who came among us as a child and who was forced to flee the threat of violence

Amen

by Father Louis J. Cameli Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer to End Racism

As we gather together for prayer and communion, we are reaffirming our commitment to love unconditionally, welcome all people and work to root out the cancer of racism that betrays our faith and country’s highest principles.”

by The Rev. Dr. Darryl Roberts, Senior Pastor, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, Washington. DC


A Prayer for East Africa

O Lord, with so much tragedy going on in our own country, children separated from their parents at our borders,

needy asylum seekers turned away,

against the spirit of all that we stand for,

as stated on the Statue of Liberty,

help us to think of, pray for, and find the means to help others

around the world,

especially the millions of people facing starvation

in East Africa.

We are called by the Jewish prophets and by Jesus

to help all in need, and our country has the resources to do so.

Help us to work together with other nations around the world

to raise awareness of the desperation of the East Africans,

and to pool our resources to send them food and medical aid,

so that they may survive

and help others to survive

and thrive.

We ask this in the name of our Loving Father, the Son who sacrificed his life for all,

and the Holy Spirit who permeates all reality and the hearts and souls of all humans.

Amen by Dr. Eugene Fisher Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer to End Gun Violence


Lord Jesus, as you approached the city of Jerusalem,

Before your passion,

As your people waved palms in your honor,

You saw the city and wept over it because of you

Loved it.

You knew of the violence and chaos you would suffer

In that beloved city

still, you loved it and wept over it.

Lord Jesus, look upon our cities, weep over them,

Love them and protect them.

Weep over us and strengthen us as we suffer

Violence and chaos.

Weep over us and love us.

Lord Jesus, weep over us and love us. (See Lk 19)

by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M. Profiles in Catholicism


Prayer for Immigrants and Refugees


Lord Jesus, when you multiplied the loaves and fishes, you provided more than food for the body, you offered us the gift of yourself, the gift which satisfies every hunger and quenches every thirst! Your disciples were filled with fear and doubt, but you poured out your love and compassion on the migrant crowd, welcoming them as brothers and sisters.

Lord Jesus, today you call us to welcome the members of God's family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence, and war. Like your disciples, we too are filled with fear and doubt and even suspicion. We build barriers in our hearts and in our minds.

Lord Jesus, help us by your grace,

To banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister;

To welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, while responding to their many needs;

To realize that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice;

To share our abundance as you spread a banquet before us;

To give witness to your love for all people, as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.

We praise you and give you thanks for the family you have called together from so many people. We see in this human family a reflection of the divine unity of the one Most Holy Trinity in whom we make our prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops


A Prayer for the End of Human Trafficking


God of freedom, beauty, and truth

we believe that your deepest desire,

your most powerful energy,

is that all creation might know abundant life.

We raise our voices in anguished prayer

for our sisters and brothers,

women and girls, men and boys,

who are modern day slaves;

They are your beloved daughters and sons,

exploited sexually or forced to work

because of human violence and greed.

Fill us with your holy anger and your sacred passion

that those who are trafficked might know healing and justice;

that trafficker will come to repentance and conversion;

that all of us might live in such a way

that other is not made to pay the price

for our comfort and convenience.

Hasten the coming of the day when all people

and our precious Earth itself

will be treated, not as a commodity,

but as radiant images of your freedom, beauty, and truth.

Amen. May it be so.

by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth ,Convent Station, N.J.


Videos

The Vatican in the Family of Nations - Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi by Christian Peschken PESCHKEN reports


Father Dan Brandt Thanks The CPD For Their Service

by CBS News


Exiting Violence: The Role of Religion Panel 7 by Berkley Center


College Students and Substance Abuse

by Beginnings Treatment Centers


How "Housing First" Puts Us On A Path to End Homelessness by Matt Hanka


Silverio Valeriani y Marcela Szurkalo bailan Solo Contigo by Marco Lo Russo







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