“dominicans: praising … blessing … preaching...
TRANSCRIPT
Internet Newsletter of the Province of St. Joseph Page 1
Lay Congress Info 1 Contemplare Corner 2 Provincial Promoter’s Letter 3 Te Deum 4 De Profundis 5 OP Moment Trivia 5 Around the Province 6 Bro. Tonto, et al 6 Preaching on Int’l Bridge 6 Links of Interest 3 Dominicana Ad 8 CREDITS 8
Vol. 11, No. 2 February 2015
In This Issue
2015 LAY CONGRESS
“DOMINICANS: Praising … Blessing … Preaching …
800 years and forevermore!”
November 4 to 6, 2015
Holiday Inn Convention Center – College Park, Maryland
My dear brothers and sisters,
May the peace and joy of Our Lord be with you!
Wow! Do I have exciting news for you! This year, 2015, is earmarked for us to gather for our 10-year Con-
gress. November 2015 is also the official opening of the Order’s 800th Anniversary Year, in which every
Province throughout the world will be holding celebratory events to commemorate this special time in our
Order. The Laity in the Province of St. Joseph will be opening the Anniversary Year for our Province. This
is such a momentous occasion on so many levels – for our Order, our Province, and our Lay members.
The Master of the Order, Most Rev. Bruno Cadore, O.P., will be opening our Congress. Yes! The Master
himself! Lay members will have the opportunity to be received into the Order and make their Promise to
the actual successor of Dominic in the 800th year of the Order! Participants will also be able to hear dynam-
ic talks from:
Very Rev. D. Dominic Izzo, O.P., Socius to the Master of the Order for North America (not to men-
tion son of our Province and former Prior Provincial);
Very Rev. Kenneth Letoile, O.P., Prior Provincial, Province of St. Joseph;
Rev. Benedict Croell, O.P., Director of Vocations, Province of St. Joseph;
Ralph Martin, popular Catholic author and television host (The Choices We
Face), Director of Graduate Theology Programs in the New Evangelization
at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Detroit, and named
by Pope Benedict XVI as a Consultor to the Pontifical Council for the New
Evangelization;
We will also be highlighting Lay Dominicans throughout our Province as
they share their stories of faith and evangelization.
Registration Fee*:
$350.00 per person / $575.00 per married couple
Fee includes “Welcome Packet”, all meals and events
NOTE: Online registration will be available by March 1st
* Watch for an “early bird” registration incentive in March’s eLumen
Newsletter of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic, Province of St. Joseph, U.S.A. Page 2
Contemplare Corner
Monthly Musings for Spiritual Edification
By Mr. Harold Koenig, O.P.
St. Thomas Aquinas Chapter,
Charlottesville, VA
The Ransom
Every first-born son you shall ransom.
-- Exodus13:13b
Surely this idea of ransom is very old.
Though here it is joined to the death of Egypt’s
first-born sons, we may trace its anthropologi-
cal roots back through the almost-sacrifice and
ransom of Isaac. Media vita in mortis sumus
(in the midst of life, we are in death), and the
precarious fragility of life is terrifyingly clear in
the newborn.
The stern logic of shepherding is simple:
some must die or the whole flock will die. For-
age, grain, and water have limits, there is not
enough for all. Some must, or all will, die. Our
lives too are held only in lease, debts which
may be called at any time. Few rams reach two
years of age.
Our Ransom is brought to be ransomed,
the Redeemer redeemed. As at Golgotha, as at
the banks of the Jordan, even here, he is num-
bered among those whose life is forfeit. Before
his body bore the marks of nail and spear, after
the Covenant was scribed in his flesh, he stood
with us for whom every breath is an unde-
served gift.
So, if we are to praise, to bless, to preach,
where shall we stand as we do so? With whom
shall we be numbered? If God dwells with the
lowly and contrite, to whom are we sent? He
who first was valued at the price of doves, then
at the price of silver, ransomed us with his
Blood. Ransom and ransomed are one. Per-
haps we also can be ransom for some.
February 2015
Hotel Fee: Single = $120.00/night (plus tax)
Double = $60.00/night (plus tax)
NOTE: Contact info for room reservations will
be made available by March 1st.
Rooms blocked under “Lay Dominican Congress”.
Rites of Reception and Promise:
As this Congress will be a “once in a lifetime” occa-
sion, we have developed a Formation “sliding
scale” that will enable those within formation the
opportunity to be received into the Order or make
one’s Promise to the successor of St. Dominic. This
“sliding scale” applies only to those registered par-
ticipants of the Congress. A letter will be sent to
Region and Chapter Presidents with more specific
detail, but the following outlines the “scale”:
1. Advancement must be approved by one’s
Chapter Council;
2. The member and Council promise the mem-
ber completes one’s Formation material fol-
lowing the event;
3. Receptions: One must have completed four
(4) months postulancy formation and have
attended four (4) consecutive meetings;
4. Temporary Promise: One must have com-
pleted nine (9) months novitiate formation
and have attended nine (9) consecutive
meetings;
5. Final Promise: Once must have completed
eight (8) months of one’s 3rd year formation
in Temporary Promise;
6. The Chapter President will notify the
Advancement Coordinator of members’
names, religious names, and status.
Volunteers:
Liturgical ministers (e.g. EMs, lectors, cantors, sing-
ers, musicians, etc.), hospitality workers, drivers,
proofreaders, artists, bookkeepers, audio-visual
techs, retailers, etc., are just a few areas in which
you can share your talents. If you are interested in
helping out in any capacity with the Congress,
please email me at:
Continued on page 3
Newsletter of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic, Province of St. Joseph, U.S.A. Page 3
Marianne Ms. Marianne Jablonski, O.P.
President, Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic
St. Joseph Province, U.S.A.
Links of Interest
Reading and studying Catholic scripture (also
available as a smart phone app):
https://verbum.com/
Our Dominican book store:
http://www.dominicanbookstores.com/
servlet/StoreFront
Father Tom’s Kids
(apostolate of the Eastern Province)
http://frtomskids.org/m
February 2015
From the Provincial
Promoter’s Desk
Fr. Bede Shipps, O.P.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Saint Dominic,
We stand now just on the threshold of Lent and of its call for us to put on the new nature and to be reconciled with God. The acceptable time is now, and once again the Scriptures, the sacra-ments, pray, fasting (which expands to simplifying or doing without), and almsgiving (deeds of loving kindness) are ways to open ourselves to God’s cleansing renewal. Let’s dedicate ourselves to a Let that will make us even more grateful, more loving and more fruitful as Christians.
Another threshold is also drawing near, as the whole Dominican Family begins its celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Order, looking back at eight centuries of prayer, study, service and com-munity life. The birthday of Saint Dominic’s char-ism, living in the Church and for the Church, is worth preparing for and celebrating with great love. What birthday gift can each of us prepare for the Order? Certainly the action of faithfully fulfilling our promises as Christians and Dominicans is the es-sential core of our gift. We can consecrate special efforts at study, prayer, ministry, and mutual sup-port as part of our birthday offering. And it would surely bring joy to angels and saints in heaven for us to live out reconciliation — to offer, ask, and give forgiveness among ourselves, so that we may be more and more of one mind and heart in God.
Our own formal celebration of the 800th birth-day is a Provincial Congress of the Dominican Lai-ty, November 4th to 7th, in College Park, Maryland, next door to Washington, D.C. The successor of St. Dominic, Father Bruno Cadoré, will be there, as
will Father Dominic Izzo, former Provincial, who works with him in Rome. A number of fine speak-ers will help us focus on our history, spirituality, ministries, and future. We’ll have opportunities for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and for confes-sion. And we’ll experience the wonderful reinvigor-ating that happens when Dominicans gather for re-flection, sharing, and prayer. I urge as many of you
Fr. Bede Shipps, O.P., Provincial Promoter
as possible to take part in the remarkable gathering. Working together, we can make the Congress an occasion for grace and rededication, and so be-come more equipped for every good work in the Lord. Please keep in your prayers the work of put-ting the Congress together.
May our Lord give to each of you a grace-filled Lent, and make us able to experience and spread the Good News of Christ crucified and risen.
With thanks for all your kindness and prayers,
Fr. Bede
Continued from page 2
More information and updates will be forthcoming
via eLumen, email, and mail. I wanted to make
sure you are able to block the dates now. This Con-
gress will truly be a “family” affair and we want
you there!
As we head into Lent, I’d like to ask that if possible,
a special prayer be added every day to one’s pious
acts of penance for the success of our Congress.
Know that you are all remembered in my daily
prayers.
God’s blessings for a holy and fruitful Lent!
Newsletter of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic, Province of St. Joseph, U.S.A. Page 4
February 2015
The Mother of Mercy Chapter (#107), in Tiver-
ton, RI, celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of
Guadalupe with Mass and promises. Making
temporary promises were Mary Lou Martins
Camara and Jean Monique Abare. Making a
life promise was Barbara Ann Gannon. A party
with friends and invited guests followed.
St. Catherine of Siena Chapter (#603), Colum-
bus, OH, announces advancements in for-
mation. On Sunday, December 14, 2014, Jarrod
Left to right: Mr Ray Biszko, O.P., Formation Dir.; Mrs. Barbara Gannon, O.P.; Mrs. Mary Lou Martins Camara, O.P.; Rev. Jay Finelli, Pastor Holy Ghost Church; Rev. Ambrose Little, O.P.; Miss Jean Monique Abare, O.P., and Mrs. Laurie Biszko, O.P. president.
The photo shows (L to R) Ms. Emily DeArdo, O.P., Fr. Reginald Lynch, O.P., Mr. Michael Murphy, O.P., and president, Mr. Thomas Gjostein, O.P.
Golden was received as a novice, and on the
same day, Emily DeArdo and Michael Murphy
made their final promises. Chapter president
Thomas Gjostein received their promises.
The Most Holy Rosary Chapter (#201), Middle-
town, NY, has two celebrations to announce.
On October 18, 2014, Paul McMahon (Peter)
made his temporary promise at St. Joseph’s
Church .
On December 13, 2014 Joseph Attanasio was
received in a ceremony at St. Joseph’s Church.
Chapter members were in attendance for this
event.
Front row: L to R: Ray Proulx, President and Joe Attana-sio and Emilie Mercuri. Back row: L to R: Angely Gil-man, Maria Vida, Irene Gifford, Christine Mary Fag-gione, and Yolanda Leary.
Left to right: Rev. Dennis A. Nikolic, pastor of Church of St. Joseph, Mr. Ray Proulx, O.P., and Paul McMah-on (kneeling) (Brother Peter),
Newsletter of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic, Province of St. Joseph, U.S.A. Page 5
February 2015
One of the Dominican Family traditions is our
regular prayers for our dead. Please have a
Mass celebrated for all the deceased members
of the Dominican Laity in the Province of St.
Joseph, U.S.A., and in particular for our sisters
below. I also ask everyone to pray one Rosary
for all our deceased members:
Name: Mrs. Mary Greaney, O.P.
Religious Name: Ann Catherine
Chapter: Mother of God Chapter #103
Location: West Springfield, MA
Final Promise: May 2, 1999
Date of Death: December 14, 2014
Name: Ms. Annamae Von Leer, O.P.
Chapter: Expectation of Blessed Mother #405
Location: Bethlehem, Penn.
Final Promise: March 8, 1996
Date of Death: January 6, 2015
Name: Miss Rita Piotte, O.P.
Religious Name: Carmelina of the Cross
Chapter: Mother of God #103
Location: West Springfield, MA
Final Promise: May 23, 1982
Date of Death: January 8, 2015
Name: Mrs. Patricia Beisler, O.P.
Religious Name: Rose of Lima
Chapter: St. Louis Bertrand #606
Location: Louisville, KY
Final Promise: October 25, 2009
Date of Death: January 8, 2014
Name: Mrs. Ruth Snyder, O.P.
Religious Name: Francis
Chapter: Most Holy Rosary #201
Location: Middletown, NY
Final Promise: December 9, 1988
Date of Death: January 29, 2015
Sorrowful Mother,
pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Holy Father Dominic,
pray for us.
OP MOMENT TRIVIA
by Mrs. Lynn Simpkins, O.P.
Which of the following confraternities is not Dominican? a. Confraternity of the Rosary
b. Holy Name Society
c. Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament
d. The Angelic Warfare Confraternity
e. The Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary
See page 7 for answer.
Please remember our sisters, Annamae, Mary,
Rita, Patricia, and Ruth, who died in Christ
with the hope of rising with Him.
Send the names and dates of members who
have died to your Regional Editor, so that they
can be included in our continued prayers for
the dead.
As a sign of our unity with the mem-bers of the body of Christ, when pass-ing the scene of an accident or passing an ambulance on the road, please pray for the people involved that they may be well.
Newsletter of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic, Province of St. Joseph, U.S.A. Page 6
February 2015
Brother Tonto, Cappa & Canis
REGION 4
On October 26, 2014, with permission, seven laity separated from Saint Catherine of Siena Chapter
(#401), Philadelphia, PA, to further the establishment of Our Lady of Victory Group, Lay Domini-
cans in Cape May, N.J. The seven Lay Dominicans are Mrs. Diane F. Curran, O.P.; Mr. Robert L.
Ellis, O.P.; Ms. Bernice Pomarico, O.P.; Mr. Edmond F. McCrane, O.P.; Mrs. Katheryne V. McCrane,
O.P.; Mrs. Patricia F. Ellis, O.P.; Ms. LizBeth A. McPherson, O.P.
Our Lady of Victory Group is hosted on the Saint John of God Campus of Saint John Neumann
Parish, North Cape May, N.J. Rev. Ernest R. Soprano, KCHS, pastor, has given generous and enthu-
siastic support to the Dominican presence in Cape May County.
Of historical significance, Our Lady of Victory Group, Lay Dominicans, Cape May, N.J. is a develop-
ment of the retired Our Lady of Victory Chapter (#408), Philadelphia, PA. Our Lady of Victory
Group has been forming since November 2010.
AROUND THE PROVINCE…news you can use
Newsletter of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic, Province of St. Joseph, U.S.A. Page 7
February 2015
Preaching on the International Bridge By Ms. Alexandria Faiz, O.P.
St. Mary’s Chapter New Haven, Connecticut
“We, oppressed and oppressors alike, need to
carry each other’s voices; voices of action and
prayer. Your voices of prayer for us through-
out our painful journey are like a walking
stick that we Iraqis use to help us stand and
keep on standing. By our mutual attention,
U.S. and Iraqi Dominicans have the ability to
bring healing and reconciliation to each other
and to the citizens of our nations. We can do
this because we are gifted by God with what
we need, everything that is
in us and among us to per-
fect the world.”
This is a quote from a reflec-
tion given in 2010 by Sr. Ma-
ria Therese Hanna, O.P., Pri-
oress of the Dominican Sis-
ters of St. Catherine of Siena,
Iraq. It’s no wonder why she
was recently named as one of
the Outstanding Catholic
Leaders of the Year 2014 by
Our Sunday Visitor.
Elected prioress in July
2004, Sr. Maria Hanna has
seen firsthand invasion, war,
sectarian strife, and persecu-
tion. On the night of August
6, 2014, she led her 40 sisters
to join 130,000 Christians as
they fled, at gunpoint, north-
ern Iraq’s Nineveh Plain as the Islamic extrem-
ists ISIS swept through the region. In January,
five Dominicans from the U.S. visited Sr. Han-
na in Erbil, Kurdistan, where most of the Do-
minican sisters and a large part of the Catholic
community have encamped. Erbil is the largest
city and capital of the Kurdistan region in Iraq.
There, the Dominicans have been providing
bedding and clothing to those families living
outside the refugee centers and camps.
The US delegation arrived on the Feast of
the Epiphany, January 6. Both Dominican friars
and sisters were in the delegation, including Sr.
Arlene Flaherty, O.P., from Blauvelt, N.Y. At
the day’s Mass were hun-
dreds of adults and at least
150 children. One member of
the delegation, Sr. Dusty
Farnan, O.P., wrote that
“words of faith and praise
are what are keeping people
alive, and it is good that the
sisters are there to minister to
them. As welcoming as they
are, however, there is a sad-
ness that lingers in their eyes
and on their faces.” The
group has already returned
to the United States and is
now preparing a full report.
One esteemed Middle
Eastern expert based in Istan-
bul, Turkey, is Fr. Alberto Fa-
bio Ambrosio, O.P. On
Christmas Eve, he wrote that
“Christians and Muslims have too many values
in common not to be directed towards the same
objectives.” He then quoted Pope Francis from
a speech he gave during his historic visit to
Turkey. “We, Muslims and Christians, are the
bearers of spiritual treasures of inestimable
worth.” Continued on page 8
Group Photo of the US Dominican Dele-gation’s last night in Iraq. (Credit: U.S. Do-minican Delegation to Iraq)
Newsletter of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic, Province of St. Joseph, U.S.A. Page 8
EXTRA, EXTRA,
Read All About IT!!!!
Please send Notices of Advancements, Obituaries, and Events of interest to
Lay Dominicans, to your Regional Editors (see below).
eLumen Credits
Ms. Marianne T. Jablonski, O.P. [email protected] Provincial Council President
Editorial Staff: Mrs. Faith Flaherty, O.P., Managing Editor [email protected]
Mrs. Helen Tice, O.P., Layout/Design [email protected]
Ms. Louise A. Mitchell, O.P., Copy Editor [email protected]
Ms. Amy Strickland, O.P., Calendar [email protected]
Mrs. Lynn Simpkins, O.P. OP Trivia [email protected]
Reg. 1 Mrs. Faith Flaherty, O.P. [email protected] Reg. 2 Ms. Maria Vida, O.P. [email protected] Reg. 3 Mr. Louis Pizzuti, O.P. [email protected] Reg. 4 Mr. Donald Wacker, O.P. [email protected] Reg. 5 Ms. Ann Devine, O.P. [email protected] Reg. 6 Mr. Michael Murphy, O.P. [email protected]
The Internet Newsletter of the Province of St. Joseph is
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To subscribe, please contact [email protected]
Copyright © 2014 .The Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic
Province of St. Joseph, U.S.A.
All rights reserved
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Last Page
February 2015
OP MOMENT Trivia
Answer to OP Moment Trivia is:
All of these confraternities were
Dominican initiatives except for (e).
Preaching on the International Bridge
Continued from page 7
Fr. Ambrosio noted that in Turkey, until very
recently, Catholic priests in the country didn’t
speak Turkish, though many knew English,
Italian, and French. He does, and this skill
allows him to have a more intimate connection
with other religious leaders. “I encourage peo-
ple to read together—and dream to read to-
gether texts of different traditions. But it’s still
a kind of dream because I have to find the
people who want really to do that. But in a
way, I’m trying to prepare people to do that.”
As Sr. Hanna said, we need to carry each
other’s voices.
Resources:
Facebook page for the 2015 U.S. Dominican
Delegation to Iraq -- https://
www.facebook.com/IHaveFamilyInIraq2015
“Sr. Maria Hanna, OP has been honoured as
Catholic of the Year” -- http://www.dsiop.org/
web/
Online posts from Fr. Alberto Fabio Ambrosio,
O.P. -- http://www.oasiscenter.eu/authors/
alberto-fabio-ambrosio
Instructions for sending donations to the Do-
minicans in Iraq -- http://www.op.org/en/
content/help-iraq-0
As a sign of our unity with Christ, when passing a Catholic Church, acknowledge the Real Presence by blessing yourself with the sign of the Cross.