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Writer's pictureProfiles in Catholicism

September 1st - 15th 2019 Profiles in Catholicism

Updated: Sep 4, 2019


A Message from the Editor


I am blessed to be a cancer survivor. After 12 years of treatment for sarcoma, I am now completely healed. This is due to being treated by one of the leading oncologists - Alan David Gilman, MD FACP and his dedicated staff, and my devotion to St. Peregrine. For this reason, the subtext of this issue is Cancer.


We are also blessed to have the opportunity to review the book Jesus the Healer: St. Peregrine, OSM, the Helper and an interview with the author Father Christopher Krymski, O.S.M. plus an interview with Father John Kumar who cares for the largest cancer population of India. We pray that you will be generous in your contributions to Father John Kumar.

Special Prayers


Cancer Payer


Whom Holy Mother Church has declared Patron of those suffering from Cancer, I confidently turn to you for help in my present sickness. I beg your kind intercession. Ask God to relieve me of this sickness, if it is his Holy Will. Plead with the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Sorrows, whom you loved so tenderly and in union with whom you have suffered the pains of Cancer, that she may help me with her powerful prayers and loving consolation.


But if it should be God’s Holy Will that I bear this sickness, obtain for me courage and strength to accept these trials from the loving hand of God with patience and resignation, because he knows what is best for the salvation of my soul. St. Peregrine, be my friend and patron. Help me to imitate you in accepting suffering, and to unite myself with Jesus


God our Father and Lord, we come to you mourning senseless violence. We ask you to soothe the ailing heart of our world suffering from an abundance of hatred and terror. We ask that those who mourn may sense the comfort of your loving embrace. Please wrap the sorrowful in your arms and strengthen them to see the courage that results in life with You. For those fearing that they will never see happiness again, strengthen them as they encounter terror after terror in their community and country. May faith guide them through to see the love and hope of Your divine presence. by Ryan Brady


A Quote to Remember “Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul.” by Jim Valvano


Interviews

General Articles/Commentaries


SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT


Mass of Hope and Healing

As a survivor of childhood abuse by clergy, I want to share the attached letter from Bishop Ronald Hicks, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago. I call this letter: Seeds of Hope. In the letter, Bishop Hicks reaches out to all priests within the Archdiocese of Chicago to invite them to participate in a Mass of Hope and Healing. This Liturgy is public outreach to all who have “suffered and continue to suffer from the evil and heartbreaking issue of sexual abuse.”


This past year, I have participated in local parish and school listening sessions. Perhaps many of you have as well. I consider these to be grace-filled moments where all attending can express the pain and on-going anguish so many feels surrounding the clergy abuse crisis. Many priests, staff, church leaders, abuse survivors, and so many concerned Catholics have attended. Personally, the listening sessions I have attended have filled me with hope for our future because there is so much energy, solidarity with victims of abuse and desire for a better church for all.


It is my belief, this 8th annual Mass of Hope and Healing, is a great opportunity to continue that solidarity and support for victims and our church overall. I appreciate the leadership within the Archdiocese of Chicago for 8 years of this sacred Liturgy, all planned and coordinated by victims/survivors of clergy abuse and their families. All are welcome.


On Saturday, October 19, 2019, the Archdiocese will celebrate our 8th Annual Mass for Hope and Healing. Since 2011, this Mass has brought together people from around our Archdiocese to pray for all who have suffered and continue to suffer from the evil and heartbreaking issue of sexual abuse. I encourage you to attend the Mass for Hope and Healing and/or to invite at least two parishioners from your parish to join you in the pews. It is a great witness to solidarity and our common priesthood through Baptism for clergy and laity to sit and worship together. In doing so, you show your support for your parishioners and all who will be present, including victims, survivors and their family members, others who have been victimized by a trusted adult, and the people of God in pain over the sins of the Church. The Mass for Hope and Healing takes place at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 1080 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL. Our main celebrant will be Father Larry Dowling, pastor of St. Agatha Catholic Church. If you have any questions regarding the Mass, please contact Thomas P. Tharayil, Director Office of Assistance Ministry, at 312.534.8267 or ttharayil@archchicago.org. I pray that you and members of your parish will make every effort to attend. Peace, Bishop Hick


Thank you – Mike Hoffman

Clergy abuse survivor

Chair: Hope and Healing Committee

Board President, Prevent Child Abuse – Illinois.


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Book Reviews/Commentaries


Film Reviews/Commentaries

  • Salò Reviewed by Eve Tushnet America

TV Reviews/Commentaries

Music Reviews/Commentaries

Feasting with the Saints

Prayers


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 were 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 aright.

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

by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer to begin the school year


Good and Gracious God,

As we begin our school year we place ourselves in your presence in a special way

We are giving respect to our teachers

We are giving respect to each other

We are using our books to know about the world in which we live

We are using our Ipads to look at data with a different lens

We are using our time together to learn what others in the class know

we are using our imagination to create a world that is a little bit better, happier and holier

We are using our ability to be kind so that others may learn to be kind

We are using our ability to be generous in sharing our ability to assist others

We are making sure our world stays clean by straightening up our space

We are making sure our world stays safe by following rules laid out for us

We are asking you to keep all violence away from all parts of our school

We are praying for all those working in this school so that they will love you more

We are making sure we eat well so we can grow up strong and healthy

We are praying for our parents who pray with us at home and help us with our work

We are encouraging each other to do the best work we can

We are encouraging the teachers to teach us with energy and enthusiasm

We pray for those who are not having a good day or have friends who are sick

We pray for the good work of our principal and all who help that person

We ask you to keep all of us in your loving embrace, dear Lord

Amen

Submitted by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism

Opmerkingen


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