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Commentator
T H E C A T H O L I C
June 3, 2022 Vol. 60, No. 8 2 021 L PA G E N E R A L E XC E L L E N C E AWA R D R E C I P I E N T news.diobr.org
‘I CHOSE YOU’
Transitional
deacons
ordained
By Debbie Shelley
The Catholic Commentators
Outshining the perfect weather on
May 28 was the joy in St. Joseph Ca-
thedral as Bishop Michael G. Duca or-
dained two transitional deacons for the
Diocese of Baton Rouge.
Even before Mass began candidates
Albert Blount and Joseph Bresowar
embraced family members and friends
as they prepared to take their next step
toward ordination to the priesthood,
scheduled in May 2023. Likewise, Bish- Bishop Michael G. Duca, center, ordained Deacon Albert Blount, left, and Deacon Joseph Bresowar as transitional deacons dur-
op Duca and clergy greeted the family ing the Rite of Ordination Ceremony on May 28 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. Deacon Blount and Deacon Bresowar are
members, with the bishop even joking scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in May 2023. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator
with some of Deacon Bresowar’s young-
er family members before the ceremony cessional, which included Bishop Duca, During the Rite of Ordination then- fayette, called them forth to approach
began. Bishop Emeritus Robert W. Muench candidates Blount and Bresowar con- the altar. Father Andrew Merrick, direc-
As the jubilant opening hymn “Lau- and fellow clergy proceeded toward the fidently responded “present” when tor of vocations for the Diocese of Baton
da Jerusalem” played, those in the pro- altar. Deacon Nick Ware, of the Diocese of La- SEE ORDINATION PAGE 20
Citizens learn the lessons of politics
By Debbie Shelley The Louisiana Conference of of legislative activities, Costanza
The Catholic Commentator Catholic Bishops sponsored the said, “It could be overwhelming,
day, with St. Joseph Cathedral as but I think they got a glimpse of
Catholics emerged from St. the gathering hub of prayer and how the Catholic Church is pres-
Joseph Cathedral Parish Hall in hospitality. ent and how they might participate
Baton Rouge on a sunny, breezy LCCB Executive Director Tom more fully in the future.”
SCHOOLS OUT! – Catholic Schools in the Diocese day May 18 after praying together, Costanza explained to the attend- After a morning of participat-
of Baton Rouge recently dismissed for summer learning about Catholic social jus- ees as they first gathered, about ar- ing in and observing committee
break. Students at Holy Family School in Port Al- tice teachings and getting updated eas of priority for LCCB during the hearings, the group returned to
len were dismissed after an awards assembly on actions being taken by the Loui- current session, which is sched- the cathedral for Mass, celebrated
which recognized students achieving academic, siana State Legislature. uled to end June 6: Stabilizing the by pastor Father Cary Bani. Lunch
faith and citizenship excellence. Rain poured as They walked down the street care of vulnerable children in in- followed, during which time four
proud parents accompanied their children to with confidence and a sense of termediate care facilities; pro-life legislators and an elected official
their cars, but students jubilantly smiled be- purpose in their step and entered issues; promoting parental choice shared how their faith played a role
cause of their upcoming summer hiatus. Pic- the Capitol to watch the legislators and religious freedom; continuing in their public life.
tured are smiling third-grade students, Melanie in action. Most importantly, they restorative justice programs; ad- Attendees then returned to the
Laurent, left, and Camden Pizzolato. Photo by Debbie gained an appreciation about their dressing poverty; and caring for Senate and House chambers to
Shelley | The Catholic Commentator roles as Catholics in the political God’s creation. watch legislators debate bills.
process. Speaking of the complexity SEE CITIZENS PAGE 19
2 The Catholic Commentator June 3, 2022
| DID YOU KNOW
Receive the Holy Spirit
Happy Birthday By Dina Dow
The Easter season concludes as we cel-
peared to the apostles in the upper room,
and “he breathed on them and said to
them, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22).
Catholic Church!
ebrate Pentecost Sunday, followed by The Then, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit poured
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. We out upon those in the upper room, the ear-
read in the Sunday Gospels of the outpour- ly apostles, and Mary, the church! From
ing of the Holy Spirit upon this moment onward they
those in the upper room, and
Life-Giving went out, filled with the
Put the candles on the cake
and let the Holy Spirit light the
Spirit enabled the disciples to
speak in many different tongues
of the joy of life in union with
the Blessed Trinity. FA I H power of the Holy Spirit to
proclaim the good news. From
fire, it’s time to wish the church a to a large crowd. To their amaze- Receive the Holy Spirit fearful to fearless.
Happy Birthday! ment, the people, who were from (Acts 2:1-22) The Holy Spirit continuous-
The feast of Pentecost, cele- different parts of the world, heard Christ Jesus makes good on his prom- ly pours out upon the church those gifts
brated June 5 this year, marks the the message in their native lan- ises! We read in Chapter 2 of The Acts of to enable us to follow the path of Jesus,
birth of the church when the Holy guage. They were shocked and be- the Apostles that the apostles, together to stay united to the will of God and to, in
Spirit descended upon the apos- wildered and some even accused with Mary are in the upper room 10 days our own way, “renew the face of the earth”
tles, Mary and the first followers the disciples of drinking too much after the Lord’s ascension into heaven, by our light. The gifts received empower
of Jesus, emboldening them to go “new wine.” where our risen Lord promised them, “you us to act in free cooperation with God, to
out and preach the Gospel. St. Peter quickly cleared up will receive power when the Holy Spirit help us lead to lives of holiness by way of
The feast of Pentecost occurs that misconception and deliv- comes upon you, and you will be my wit- virtue and to accompany others on their
50 days after Jesus’ resurrection ered a fiery speech of repentance. nesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea walk to eternal life as we witness life in Je-
and 10 days after From there, the and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” sus Christ. As such, the advocate, the Holy
his ascension. formerly timid dis- (Acts 1:8). They did receive this power 10 Spirit, dwells in our hearts, renews us and
In St. Luke’s That divine ciples went forth days later on Pentecost. In fact, the com- helps us as we pursue missionary activity
Gospel Jesus ap- from Jerusalem ing of the Spirit was so loud that those in and bring Jesus to all we meet. So when
pears to the disci- “spark” of the and preached the the streets outside the upper room gath- does this begin for us?
ples in Jerusalem Gospel. ered to see what had happened. Little did God’s gift: Life in the Trinity (Jn
after his resurrec- Holy Spirit There are vari- they know what had taken place and how 16:12-15)
tion, reassuring his ous celebrations of this moment would “renew the face of the Our life in the most Holy Trinity begins
terrified followers enabled the Pentecost through- earth.” in the sacrament of baptism, ”the gateway
that he was not out the world. The The advocate (Jn 14:15-16, 23-26) to life in the Spirit”(Catechism of the Cath-
a ghost but real, disciples to speak most notable, per- Jesus’ command to love is foundation- olic Church Para 1213), in the father’s plan
showing them the haps, is in Italy, al in his teachings. Built upon love is the for salvation through Christ’s redeeming
wounds from his in many different where Pentecost mission of the disciples who are sent out act of his passion, death and resurrection.
crucifixion and Sunday is known to proclaim the good news, the teach- Those baptized in the life of the Trinity are
asking for a piece tongues to a large as “Pascha Rosat- ings of Jesus to all the nations. Yet, Jesus regenerated and renewed by the Holy Spir-
of fish. He then um,” or “the Feast knew their mission would require much it. Each time we make the sign of the cross,
opens their minds crowd. of Roses.” Rose strength, divine strength, beyond human we are reminded of the nature of our rela-
to Scripture and petals, represent- capacity. Thus, he promised to send help, tionship with our triune God, father, son
gives them a com- ing the tongues of saying, “I will ask the father, and he will and Holy Spirit. As missionary disciples
mand, saying, “You are witnesses fire of the Holy Spirit descending give you another advocate to be with you we are called to respond to others with
of these things. And (behold) I am on those gathered, are scattered always.” And “the advocate, the Holy Spir- the same love we receive in the most Holy
sending the promise of my father from the ceiling of various cathe- it whom the father will send in my name, Trinity, united in one.
upon you; but stay in the city until drals and churches while “Veni will teach you everything and remind you God is love
you are clothed with power from Creator Spiritus” is sung at the of all that I told you” (Jn 14:15-15). Reflect- I will conclude this article with a
on high” (Lk 24:48-49). conclusion of Mass. ing on this thread, St. John Paul II wrote, powerful teaching from the catechism,
The concept of novenas takes In Rome, the rose ritual is held “The Holy Spirit comes after him (Jesus) “God is love and love is his first gift,
root in Pentecost in that after in the Pantheon. A Roman fire and because of him, in order to continue in containing all others. God’s love has
Christ’s ascension, the disciples brigade throws the rose petals the world, through the church, the work of been poured into our hearts through the
kept a nine-day vigil of prayer, on the crowd during the special the good news of salvation” (Dominum Et Holy Spirit who has been given to us. By
waiting the Holy Spirit’s arrival. Pentecost Mass, representing the Vivificantem, 3). this power of the Spirit, God’s children
Then that long-awaited day descent of the Holy Spirit on the From the cross, Jesus handed over his can bear much fruit. He who has graft-
came which is described in vivid faithful like tongues of fire. Spirit. Three days later he resurrected, ap- SEE GOSPEL PAGE 3
detail in Chapter 2 of the Acts of In Catholic and other West-
the Apostles. ern churches, priests often wear
“When the time for Pentecost red vestments during Pentecost
was fulfilled, they were all in to symbolize the “tongues of fire”
one place together. And suddenly that descended on the disciples
there came from the sky a noise from the Holy Spirit. news.diobr.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator
like a strong driving wind, and it While the church has its mo-
filled the entire house in which ments of “risings” and “fallings,” Bishop Michael G. Duca Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager
they were. Then there appeared the Holy Spirit continues working Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation
to them tongues as of fire, which and making its presence known, Richard Meek Editor Nicole Latiolais Graphic Designer
parted and came to rest on each with connections particularly Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor
one of them. And they were all seen in the sacrament of confir-
filled with the Holy Spirit and be- mation and Catholic Charismatic The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680)
Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian Thruway,
gan to speak in different tongues, group gatherings. Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must
as the Spirit enabled them to pro- Happy Birthday, church! Keep reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POST-
claim.” the flames of the candles burning MASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028.
That divine “spark” of the Holy brightly.
June 3, 2022 The Catholic Commentator 3
Educator hired as assistant schools superintendent
By Richard Meek School from 2017-2021. reimagined heading into the mittee which included Fa- of education from Vanderbilt
The Catholic Commentator “I am especially excited about 2022-23 school year, Willis said ther David, leaders from the University in secondary educa-
working with (Davis),” she add- her primary role is to help (Da- Catholic Life Center, pastors, tion and is pursuing a master of
Longtime Catholic educa- ed, praising Davis for the enthu- vis) meet her vision and to pro- principals, Davis and Dioce- business administration degree
tor Claire Willis has been hired siasm she will bring to diocesan vide support to principals and san School Board representa- from LSU – Shreveport.
as assistant superintendent of schools. teachers. tives. She also went through Willis replaces former as-
Catholic Schools for the Diocese “She brings a new perspec- She said being a part of the an extensive interview pro- sistant superintendent Michael
of Baton Rouge effective July 1. tive, which is good, especially 38-school, national Cristo Rey cess, with the final candidate Miller, who resigned earlier this
In announc- since we al- network will prove an asset in approved by Bishop Duca. year.
ing the hiring ready have a her new role. Willis said she Willis earned a bachelor of arts Davis replaces Dr. Melanie
May 16, Bishop strong school learned how to unite a large in history and English from Palmisano, whose resignation is
Michael G Duca system and number of principals, all work- LSU. She later earned a master effective June 30.
praised Willis’ strong staff. ing toward that vision.
“vision to es- She can help Also, she said that principals
Mr. D’s
tablish a team us get even acting together as one can also
of dynamic in-
dividuals in the
better,” Willis
said.
secure greater resources.
Above all, after having served Tree Service
diocesan Catho- She said at a Baton Rouge non-profit for ovEr 40 yEars ExpErIEncE
lic Schools Office having served the past year and hitting “re-
Don Decell, owner
who will build in the diocese set” on her career so she could
on our existing as a principal be home with her five children, carl BaBin, owner
• Economical
strengths and and teacher Willis is happy to be returning to • Fully Insured • Quality Work
success to elevate – she was a Catholic education in a supervi-
performance and teacher at Our sory role. CALL TODAY!
sustainability in Lady of Mer- “This is where I wanted to be,” 225-292-6756
all our schools.” Claire Willis cy School in she said, unable to conceal her
He added Wil- Baton Rouge enthusiasm.
lis is “precisely for five years – Vicar General Father Ja-
the type of team member who will work to her advantage. She min David cited Willis’ focus
will work directly with our new believes the principals already on academic rigor, intention-
superintendent Dr. Pattie Davis.” have a comfort level with her ality to increase student and
“I am thrilled to have the op- and having previously served in staff retention, and strategic
portunity to serve the Catholic that role she understands their planning experience for or-
schools in the diocese. I will be needs and priorities, including ganizational vitality as core
working with people I admire resources essential to their indi- reasons for the unanimous
and respect,” said Willis, who vidual schools. choice for her in this position.
served as principal at Cristo Rey Although the role of the as- Willis was chosen by a
Baton Rouge Franciscan High sistant superintendent will be nine-member search com-
GOSPEL
From page 2
ed us onto the true vine (Je-
sus) will make us bear ‘the
fruit of the Spirit: love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gen-
tleness, self-control. We
live by the Spirit. The more
we renounce ourselves, the
more we walk by the Spirit. Joe Skibinski, Agent
Through the Holy Spirit we
are restored to paradise, led
back to the kingdom of heav-
en and adopted as children,
given confidence to call
God ‘Father and to share in
Christ’s grace, called chil-
dren of light and given a
share in eternal glory” (Cat-
echism 733, 736).
HAPPY RETIREMENT FATHER PHIL – Most Blessed Sacrament Amen! Come Holy Spirit!
School in Baton Rouge recently celebrated the retirement of Fa-
ther Phil Spano. Father Spano served in the priesthood for 40 Dow is the director of the
years, 11 of those years at MBS. He and the students enjoyed a jazz Office of Evangelization and
reception in the courtyard. Photo provided by Cheri Gioe Catechesis for the Diocese of
Baton Rouge.
4 The Catholic Commentator NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL June 3, 2022
Diocese of Baton Rouge Seminary Scholarship Funds Pelosi
What is a Seminary Scholarship fund?
A seminary scholarship fund is an invested sum of
money, the interest of which is used in perpetuity to
Who do I contact to establish or contribute to a fund?
To create a fund or to make a contribution to an
existing fund, please send it to the Vocations and
remains
help fund the education of men studying for the
priesthood.
How does someone establish a fund?
Seminarians Department, P. O. Box 2028, Baton
Rouge, LA 70821-2028.
For information, call 225-336-8778.
defiant
It is simple. A fund may be established and named for This is only a partial list of all Seminary Scholarship
WASHINGTON D.C. (CNA)
anyone you choose – Friend, family, bishop, priest, religious, Funds.
– Responding publicly for the
etc. Anyone can name or establish a fund. Visit our website at www.diobr.org/vocations for a first time to her archbishop bar-
complete list of Seminary Scholarship Funds.
Fund Contributions November through April
ring her from Communion in her
home diocese, U.S. House Speak-
er Nancy Pelosi remained defiant
in her support of abortion.
Archbishop Antoine Blanc Jim Charleville
Archbishop Salvatore Cordil-
In Memory of: Larry P Gaspard In Honor of: Teenie and Calvin Bajon and Jo Ann Monjure
eone announced May 20 that the
By: Knights of Columbus #8878 $20.00 By: Ct. St. Francis of Assisi # 1915, Teenie Bajon,
California Democrat may no lon-
In Memory of: Vernon Roy Amar Barbara Schmitt, Lyn Deville, Gay Montealegre, Sharon Grimes,
ger receive holy Communion in
By: James/Mary Alice Robert $20.00 Sandra Creoli, Geraldine Garafola, Pat Pavlovich, Kathy Morris,
the Archdiocese of San Francisco
In Memory of: Allen “Sonny” Trabeaux Donna Calabrese, Patricia Ryan, Irene LaFleur, Mary Casey, Emily
after publicly supporting abor-
By: M/M Joseph Daigle $10.00 Seale, Barbara Graphia, Kathleen Mokry $834.00 $24,412.00
tion as a Catholic politician. His
KC #8878 $20.00 Monsignor Leonard Robin
decision, Archbishop Cordilen-
In Memory of: Leah Tatman and Mary “Patsy” McDonner By: CDA Court St. John # 1214 $50.00 $22,824.16
oe said, is a pastoral one and not
By: M/M Joseph Daigle $20.00 Rev. Danny Roussel
political.
In Memory of: Joseph C Schapaton By: Paul/Catherine Rachal $100.00
Through the years, Pelosi has
By: M/M Joseph Daigle $10.00 Ronald/Janice Beauvais $25.00
defended abortion while citing
Knights of Columbus #8878 $20.00 Alvin J. Fabre $300.00
her Catholic faith.
M/MJames Robert Sr. $25.00 Gale Roy $150.00
On May 24 Pelosi gave no indi-
In Memory of: Wiley Dial Donna/Judson King $25.00
cation that her position on abor-
By: M/M Joseph Daigle $10.00 Marilyn Morvant $50.00
tion, and how she speaks about it
Knights of Columbus 8878 $20.00 Judith Bourgeois $120.00
as a Catholic, will change.
In Memory of: Conway Rodney Karen Savoie $50.00
“I wonder about the death
By: M/M James Robert Sr. $25.00 Sheila Gassie $50.00
penalty, which I am opposed to.
In Memory of: Deceased Members of KC Council #8878 Walter/Gloria Morrison $75.00
So is the church. But they take no
By: Knights of Columbus 8878 $100.00 Elaine W. Legendre $25.00
action against people who may
In Memory of: Earline Ventress and Patterson DeCuir Joni/Vincent Russo Jr. $50.00 $7,215.00
not share their view,” she said
By: M/M James Robert Sr. $50.00 St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland
during MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”
In memory of: Virginia Valdery By: CDA of St. Margaret #2678 $282.10
show.
By: M/M James Robert Sr. $25.00 $25,447.13 In Honor of: Fr. Jamin David and Fr. Paul Gros
Pelosi did not say whether she
Louis and Nita Bonfanti By: Shirley Darouse $100.00 $16,220.80
intends to continue to present
By: Anita Bonfanti $100.00 Tomorrows Priest
herself for Communion. Arch-
By: Debra A. Bonfanti $50.00 In Memory of: Mrs. Myrrh Poche
bishop Cordileone’s order is only
By: Lisa/Louis Bonfanti $200.00 $3,815.00 By: Dr/M Carl Poche $2,000.00
applicable within the San Fran-
Fr. Maynard “Tippy” Hurst CDA Court Marie Pleine De Grace 2713
cisco Archdiocese, and Cardinal
In Memory of: Calvin Clouart $100.00
Wilton Gregory of the Archdio-
By: KC Council # 7856 $50.00 In Memory of: Vincent Miranda
cese of Washington has not in-
In Memory of: Rita Valentine By: Jack/Margaret Williams $50.00
structed priests to refuse Com-
Wade Johnson Charles/Linda Whitson $50.00 $85,770.23
munion to anyone.
Mary Ann Davis Fr. Clarence Waguespack
Pelosi reportedly received
Rita Bernard By: CDA Notre Dame de la Paix, Court #2316
Communion at the 9 a.m. Sunday
Yolande Guidry $100.00
Mass on May 22 at holy Trinity
Wilma Achee By: Karen Savoie $50.00 $28,577.00
Catholic Church in Georgetown,
Brandon Bailey Deacon Francis Waguespack
according to Politico Playbook,
Frank Catanzaro In Memory of: Louise Waguespack
but the report did not identify
Charlynn Stabiler By: Jackie/Grady Savoie $100.00
the source of that information.
Fr. Jack Nutter Julie/Pat Berry and Michael $50.00
“I come from a largely pro-life
Priscilla Bourgeois Dr/M Michael Marcello $50.00
Italian-American Catholic fam-
Randy Knight Wayne/Anne Rodrigue $1,300.00
ily, so I respect people’s views
Jimmy McKenzie Therese Friederichsen $50.00
about that,” she said, referring to
Will Browing Ann/Dale Abadie $100.00
abortion. “But I don’t respect us
Lucy Curry Eileen Rome $50.00
foisting it onto others.”
Andrew Littlefield Colt/Angela James $100.00
Pelosi also claimed that,
Jeanette Coats Tony/Natalie Harper $500.00
as a Catholic, she has tried in
Deborah Mannio John Borne $100.00 $8,705.00
vain to speak with Republicans
David Ledet
Jerry Cronin
Additional Scholarship Funds in the past about supporting
Michael Romano ................................................. $13,310.27 “what the Catholic Church was
Tony Montealegre
William and Camilla Roszko ................................ $20,000.00 asking us to do for global family
Bob Santopadre
Russo Family ...................................................... $2,000.00 planning, natural family plan-
ning, which our law allows to
happen.”
June 3, 2022 The Catholic Commentator 5
Diocese announces plans for Eucharistic Revival
By Richard Meek parish delegates to participate with a
The Catholic Commentator learning mindset so they can assist in
planning smaller eucharistic proces-
The Diocese of Baton Rouge, through sions on Corpus Christi in 2023 at their
its website, announced the three-year respective parishes.
Eucharistic Revival in the diocese will The first year of the revival focuses
begin on the feast of Corpus Christi, on reviving eucharistic devotion in di-
June 19, with an inaugural Mass and ocesan clergy, Catholic Life Center em-
procession beginning at 10:30 a.m. at ployees, church parish staffs and lead-
St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. ers from other apostolates/ministries.
The United Conference of Catho- The year will include Holy Hours,
lic Bishops has called for a three-year eucharistic retreats for priests and par-
grassroots revival of devotion and belief ish staff and additional opportunities to
in the real presence of Jesus in the Eu- learn about and abide with Jesus Christ
charist. The bishops have said they be- in the Blessed Sacrament, diocesan offi-
lieve that God wants to see a movement cials said.
of American Catholics healed, convert- Additional details will be forthcom-
ed, formed and unified by an encoun- ing.
ter with Jesus in the Eucharist and for “As the beginning of these three
those Catholics to be sent on a mission beautiful years dedicated to eucharis-
“for the life of the world.” tic devotion quickly approaches, let us
According to diocesan officials, the all begin to pray with how the Lord is
procession has a two-fold purpose, the personally calling each of us to a revival
first being the beginning of the diocesan of the heart, mind and soul,” Bishop Mi-
participation in the National Eucharis- chael G. Duca said.
tic Revival. For additional information, visit
Second, the procession will allow eucharisticrevival@diobr.org.
T H E C A T H O L I C
CCDBR ‘trucking’ into hurricane season
C O M M E N T A T O R
By Richard Meek clude 12 hurricanes, five floods, three Diocese of Baton Rouge area.
Hot-off the Press
The Catholic Commentator tornadoes, tsunami, wildfire and con-
servation. Although 17 of the 23 disas-
“Since 2005, Catholic Charities USA
has provided more than $170 million & Delivered to
You for Only
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of ters were in Louisiana, mostly in the Di- dollars in donations to the Catholic
Baton Rouge, the preeminent disaster ocese of Baton Rouge and surrounding Charities agencies in the state of Loui-
relief agency in the region, is adding an- areas, CCDBR’s expertise has been felt siana, who in turn, have assisted more
other weapon in its arsenal just in time
for the start of hurricane season, one in
which forecasters
from the New England states to Ameri-
can Samoa, Aguillard said.
than 1.3 million men, women and chil-
dren with their disaster response and
recovery needs,”
$14 per year
are predicting will Aguillard said.
be active. He added that
CCDBR re- of the 168 Catholic
cently unveiled a Charities agencies
26-foot box truck across the coun-
intended to assist try, Louisiana has
in distributing di- received human,
saster relief ma- financial and in-
terials following kind resources
a disaster. The from 110 of those
truck was pur- agencies, or 67%
chased with funds of the entire net-
raised during the work.
Catholic Charities of the Baton Rouge has purchased a 26-foot truck to aid in disaster re-
2016 flood ear- Bishop Mi-
lief services throughout the area and across the country. CCDBR purchased the truck with
marked for disas- chael G. Duca was
funds raised during the 2016 flood earmarked for disaster preparedness through Catho-
ter preparedness scheduled to bless
lic Charities USA. Photo provided by Catholic Charities
through Catholic the truck before
Charities USA. he celebrated the
“CCDBR’s expertise in disasters is Two years ago, CCDBR relief work- annual Hurricane Mass on June 1 at St.
both respected and actively sought out,” ers responded in Lake Charles when Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge.
said CCDBR Executive Director Aguil- that area was decimated by Hurricane Hurricane season in Louisiana is
lard. “Since 2005, our agency has been Laura. A year later, those same workers often a time of worry and anxiety for a TO SUBSCRIBE,
involved in or deployed to help in 23 di- donned their familiar green vests and lot of people,” Aguillard said. “We are
CALL 225-387-0983.
sasters across the globe.” loaded the visible trailers to reach out to wanting to start the 2022 season off
Aguillard said those disasters in- Hurricane Ida victims throughout the with hope.”
6 The Catholic Commentator June 3, 2022
Missing graces?/Mary’s titles
Q
I miss being able to receive the without changing the principles laid consecrated wine we also receive the pray to her to protect us during hurricane
Blood of Christ at Mass. Am I down by the Council of Trent, declared whole Christ (his body, blood, soul and season.
missing out on any graces? that Communion divinity). Some commemorate places where
under both kinds (or Mary appeared to us on earth. Exam-
A Q
You are not missing out on any species) may be grant- Why does ples: Our Lady of Lourdes (where Mary
graces. The Council of Trent, ed when the bishops Mary have so appeared to St. Bernadette in Lourdes,
which was held in the middle of see fit. In 1984, the many titles? France); Our Lady of Fatima (where
the 16th century, declared “Christ whole National Conference Mary appeared to three shepherd chil-
A
and entire, and a true sacrament, are of Catholic Bishops Our Blessed dren in Fatima, Portugal in 1917).
received under either species alone (the in America decided Lady has more Some show some aspect of her life.
consecrated host or the consecrated that the policy was left than 100 titles. Examples: Theotokos, or “God Bearer,”
wine) and they, who receive one species to the local bishop of Each one sheds some reflects she was the mother of Jesus, the
alone, are not defrauded of any grace each diocese. light on her true second person of the Holy Trinity; Our
necessary to salvation.” To summarize: identity and points to Lady of Sorrows indicates her intense
Technically, receiving the Eucharist The Council of different aspects of suffering and grief she experienced
under one species is the law. In the early Trent decided three her life. during her son’s Passion and death.
years of the church, the faithful received
Communion under both species, the
basic provisions:
Communion under Stump the Deacon Some depict events
in her life. Examples:
Some reflect her virtues. Examples:
Mother Most Pure reflects that she
sacred host and the precious blood. By one species is the law, Immaculate Concep- remained sinless her entire life; Second
the time of the Council of Trent, for var- in receiving Commu- Deacon George Hooper tion (where Mary was Eve (Mary destroyed Eve’s disobedience
ious reasons, Communion to the faithful nion under only one conceived in her moth- in the Garden of Eden, similar to how
using just the consecrated host became species one receives all er’s womb without Jesus destroyed Adam’s disobedience).
common place. So the Council declared graces possible and the church has the original sin; Virgin Mother (she became As you continue to honor Mary,
that it “has approved of this custom of authority to determine the best way the the mother of Jesus through the power of remember what she has done for us and
communicating under one species and sacraments are to be administered. the Holy Spirit). that she can help us in many ways.
decreed that it was to be held as a law; When we receive the body of Christ Some show her powerful role of inter-
which it is not lawful … to change at plea- under the form of the consecrated host, cessor for us here on earth. Examples: DEACON HOOPER is a deacon assistant
sure, without the authority of the church we receive the whole Christ (his body, Queen of Peace (we can seek her help to at Immaculate Conception Church in
itself.” blood, soul and divinity), and when we give us peace here on earth); Our Lady of Denham Springs. He can be reached at
In 1963 the Second Vatican Council, receive Communion under the form of Prompt Succor (or Quick Help), we often ghooper@diobr.org.
Commentator
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June 3, 2022 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7
Magnificat helps women find fulfillment
By Debbie Shelley She added, “Magnificat was God’s gift
The Catholic Commentator to me and will continue to be his gift.
When God blesses, He does so tremen-
As society grapples with issues of dously.”
“women’s empowerment” and “influ- Johnson noted during that break-
ence,” the international ministry Magnifi- fast she learned of redemptive suffering
cat helps women find ultimate fulfillment through her years as a young child of a
in becoming the person God created them broken marriage.
to be. “The constant fighting in my house-
Magnificat, a Catholic women’s min- hold between my father and stepmother,
istry, is canonically rooted in the church and then the agony of another divorce, I
as a Private Association of the Christian simply didn’t have anything to do with
Faithful. It began under the inspiration the pain,” she said. “I remember sitting
of a daytime Charismatic prayer group in there listening to this new idea that my
New Orleans, according to Judy Zelden suffering could be used for the greater
of Baton Rouge, who served on the first good.”
Magnificat service team and is the author “I smiled knowing that the Catholic
of two Bible studies. Church and that breakfast were right
“It began to renew our faith and to see where I was supposed to be.”
God’s word in a new light and see our faith Gwen Gillis, coordinator for the St.
in a new way but to also see that what the Elizabeth of the Visitation Magnificat
world was telling women to be and to do chapter, agrees that the opportunity to
was so far from what Scripture says,” Nicole Johnson speaks about her journey into the Catholic Church at a breakfast meeting praise and worship is a unique work of
Zelden said. of the St. Elizabeth of the Visitation chapter of Magnificat. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic the Holy Spirit in women’s lives.
She said besides the emphasis on Commentator “My very first Magnificat breakfast
equality, such as women should be paid was in 2000,” Gillis said. “When I walked
equal to men for the same job, there were beginning of the Charismatic Renewal ies and leads VBS. She also serves as co- into the prayer breakfast with the beau-
other elements, such as the promotion of movement in the Catholic Church. ordinator of the service team for the West tiful praise and worship music filling the
abortion that were incompatible with the “And we started prayer breakfasts four St. Tammany Chapter of Magnificat. room, I felt this is what my heart has been
faith. times a year. And there were women from She discussed how Magnificat longing for.
“It seemed like women were on a pre- across the river on the West Bank (of New brought healing from strained family “I could feel an outpouring of the Holy
carious journey away from God’s plan,” Orleans) who loved it and wanted some- connections. Spirit. When I left, I was full of the Holy
said Zelden. thing like it in their own area,” Zelden “I was invited to a Magnificat break- Spirit. Since then I have always belonged
As the group grew they attended a said. fast, even though I had no clue what it to Magnificat. It has helped me learn how
meeting of “Women Aglo,” a non-denom- From there, chapters sprouted in the was,” she said. “I was really struggling to pray and grow spiritually.”
inational version of Magnificat. Slidell area, then the Mississippi Gulf with the sense that God was abandoning “Today I serve on the service team,”
“Women would be drawn to it and Coast and from there expanded globally. me even when I was following where he she added. “Even with all the work, it
loved it. But they were looking for some- Zelden said she has made “many won- sent me. brings me joy. I tell everyone, I am work-
thing like that in the Catholic Church,” derful connections” through Magnificat, “I desperately longed to join in the ing for the Lord, and he blesses me with
Zelden said. and the testimonies given at their meet- heavenly banquet of souls with unend- joy. Magnificat will be the salvation of my
Magnificat founder Marilyn Quirk ap- ings are powerful. ing praise and worship that morning. soul.”
proached the late Bishop Stanley J. Ott, “The Book of Revelation says the After finishing our food, the music began For more information about the var-
who was then auxiliary bishop of the saints overcame (Satan) through the to play. We entered into a time of praise ious spiritual growth opportunities
Archdiocese of New Orleans, and the late blood of the lamb and through word of and worship. And I knew that I was home provided by Magnificat, visit magnifi
Archbishop Philip M. Hannan of New their testimony, and the love of life did during that time. I heard God whisper to cat-ministry.net. For more information
Orleans. They encouraged the women not detour them from death,” she said. my soul, ‘I haven’t forgotten you, my dear about the St. Elizabeth of the Visitation
to start a Catholic Charismatic women’s “So I think a woman who has really giv- child.’ ” Chapter, email brmagnificat@yahoo.com.
ministry. en her whole heart and soul to God has
The women prayed and felt the Holy a powerful testimony to tell that reaches
Spirit prompting them to move forward. others and touches others and encour-
The new ministry was given the name ages others that if the Lord could do
Magnificat, which was inspired by the that in her life, then he could do that in
Scripture passage of Mary’s visitation mine.”
with Elizabeth. One such testimony was April 30, giv-
“The idea of Mary and Elizabeth, two en by Nicole Johnson about her conver-
women anointed with the Holy Spirit and sion to the Catholic Church at a breakfast
coming together and sharing the won- meeting of St. Elizabeth of the Visitation
derful things that came out of that visit Chapter of Magnificat in Baton Rouge.
(Mary, as the bearer of Christ, and Eliz- Johnson spoke about how she denied
abeth as the bearer of St. John the Bap- she would become Catholic. A mother of
tist, who leapt at the sound of Mary’s voice two at the time and serving on the staff of
and would become the herald of Jesus as a Methodist church, she began the RCIA
Christ, the redeemer.)” process with the intention to show her
The first sold-out breakfast was held at Catholic husband how the Catholic faith
the St. Dominic Church in New Orleans was wrong.
Knights of Columbus Hall. The building But she received a “wake up call” in
had a capacity of 200 people. The inaugu- the middle of the night from God that he
ral speaker was Patti Mansfield, who par- wanted her to join the Catholic Church. Attendees at Magnificat prayer breakfast pray over speakers before they give their talk.
ticipated in the historic “Duquesne Week- She and her husband have three children, Those attending a Feb. 12 meeting of the St. Elizabeth of the Visitation Chapter of Magni-
end” in February, 1967, which marked the and she is also a lector, teaches Bible stud- ficat prayed over speaker singer Kitty Cleveland. File photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
8 The Catholic Commentator June 3, 2022
Deacon Blount has ‘given’ himself to Jesus
By Richard Meek is a challenge Deacon Blount embraces.
The Catholic Commentator “What does it change in you, what
does it mean, how does life now look
During the laying of hands by Bishop different?” he explained. “How does (re-
Michael G. Duca, while laying prostrate ceiving the sacraments) affect their lives
on the altar at St. Joseph Cathedral in Ba- and their walk toward eternity. How
ton Rouge as the Litany of Saints was be- does it help form them to be saints?”
ing sung, Deacon Albert Blount knew that Although living life as a celibate, Deacon
was the moment he was “all in” regarding Blount admitted he has a deep love of
his vocation. marriage and family life, so he is espe-
“Until you are ordained, until hands cially looking forward to helping couples
are laid on you (by the bishop) there is no understand the sacrament of marriage.
100% guarantee things are going to hap- He said what many couples do not under-
pen,” said Deacon Blount, whose family stand is they are actually giving the vows
moved to Houma when he was five years to each other, and it is not the priest giv-
old, said. “There is still an opportunity ing the vows.
for something to come up, for the Lord to Deacon Blount will be able to perform
change things. To be all in, the ordination several sacramental duties of a priest, in-
has happened, there is no more question. cluding marriage and funeral rites as well
No more flaking out on Jesus.” as well as assisting in RCIA classes. How-
Deacon Blount and Deacon Joseph ever, he cannot celebrate Mass or hear
Bresowar were ordained as transitional Bishop Michael G. Duca lays hands on Deacon Albert Blount during The Rite of Ordaining confessions.
deacons, the final rite before priesthood of Deacons on May 28 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic “For me, to take the opportunity to live
ordination, May 28 at the cathedral. Dea- Commentator as a deacon and to live that well to serve
con Blount and Deacon Bresowar are the people and be with the people is excit-
scheduled to be ordained to the priest- Both deacons will spend the next four at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orle- ing,” Deacon Blount said of his internship.
hood in May 2023. months away from the academic grind ans, shifting priorities to their diacon- “To some level it’s intimidating. I must
ate assignments. For Deacon Blount, a preach in front of all of these people.”
self-admitted “people lover,” he relishes Deacon Blount has taken a non-tradi-
the opportunity to be out of the classroom tional route to the seminary, having con-
and among parishioners at Immaculate verted to Catholicism 10 years ago. He
Conception Church in Denham Springs, admitted his sophomore year at LSU was
where he will serve his internship. “kind of a dark year,” figuring out “what
“You are not called to be in seminary was and what is the purpose of life. Life
but to be a priest,” he said. “What is the was kind of like all over the place.”
whole point of the class- He said a campus
room? To take (what minister at Christ the
one learns) and to give “Until you are King Parish and Ac-
what I learned to every- tivity Center in Baton
one else; to serve and ordained, until Rouge inspired him to
put all of the formation initially discern about
into practice.” hands are laid on becoming Catholic. He
Deacon Blount said said the joy and peace
the purpose of the di- you (by the bishop) he found in the cam-
aconate internship is pus minister left him
twofold: gaining an un- there is no 100% yearning for what she
derstanding of the dai- had found in her faith
ly operations of a par- guarantee things are and in her life.
ish and also learn what He initially reject-
it means to be a priest going to happen.” ed the idea of ordi-
and how to be in minis- nation but while on a
try with the people. Deacon Albert Blount silent retreat in 2015
“Seminary is a lot of in Connecticut Deacon
academics, a lot of theory,” Deacon Blount Blount, during a moment of silence in
said “My desire is to be home with the eucharastic adoration, said he heard the
people. Lord ask him. “Will you be a priest?”
“And then I’ll learn everything neces- “It was a simple yes,” he said. “I real-
sary. The Lord will determine what needs ly believe the Lord is calling me to be his
to be learned.” priest.”
He said those lessons will be offered by Although his roots are planted in Hou-
ICC pastor Father Matthew Graham and ma, and he was living in the northeast at
parochial vicar Father Taylor, although the time, Deacon Blount knows he was
there is the potential for high-level din- called to return to Baton Rouge. So his
ner conversations since all three clergy first contact was with Father Josh John-
members studied engineering at LSU, son, who became his spiritual father.
with Deacon Blount and Father Sanford “(Father Johnson) told me ‘it’s about
former classmates. time,’ ” Deacon Blount said of that initial
Administering the sacraments and conversation.
helping people to understanding the spiri- “This is it. My discernment is over,” he
tual impact and meaning of the sacrament added. “I’ve given myself to Jesus.”
June 3, 2022 The Catholic Commentator 9
‘Something more’ set Deacon Bresowar on journey
By Debbie Shelley “It was this thing of ‘I’m taking owner- couraged him to discuss it with someone The first person Deacon Bresowar
The Catholic Commentator ship of this.’ I’m putting myself into this because “you will never know if it’s for you talked to about his possible call to priest-
and taking a certain amount of pride in it, if you never ask.” hood was Father Matthew Graham, who
Knowing “there is something more giving myself to it, and it’s something that While he wasn’t ready to “sign up yet” at that time was parochial vicar at CTK.
here” set Deacon Joseph Bresowar on a is helping the church,” he said. “It’s some- there was a bit of excitement and curios- Between his junior and senior years at
path of discovery that is leading him to a thing that is a part of what the church ity and sense that maybe the priesthood LSU the process bore fruit and he was
priestly vocation. does. Just going and making music on could be fulfilling. ready to talk to Vocations Director Father
He will spend the next year as a tran- Sunday and making beautiful music to After a couple of days, Deacon Breso- Andrew Merrick, who was then parochial
sitional deacon at St. Margaret Queen of help people’s worship experience. war went back to “Plan A,” which was to vicar at CTK.
Scotland Church in Albany where he will “There were a lot of moments in (those) get a college degree, marry and have a After finishing his bachelor’s degree in
learn the finer elements of serving hu- that were really kind of watershed mo- family. civil engineering in 2017, Deacon Breso-
manity. ments.” However, it was during his college war entered seminary at St. Joseph Semi-
Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained Dea- Deacon Bresowar thought if everyone years while attending Christ the King nary College in St. Benedict.
con Bresowar in the church Church and Student Center in Baton There he found the peace and sense of
as a transition- was engaged Rouge that his call to discern a priestly community he had longed for.
al deacon May with the Mass vocation came into clearer focus. “What seminary has to teach me is not
28 at St. Joseph as he felt he “I was getting more involved in my just pertaining to knowing my vocation to
Cathedral. He was, they faith (at CTK) and experiencing a vibrant the priesthood. It also teaches me about
is scheduled to would have vi- faith community populated with people humanity and that each human person is
be ordained to brant faith. my own age who actually cared about the created in the image of God,” said Deacon
the priesthood “Singing for faith more than I did. That was new for Bresowar.
in May 2023. Mass you have me. I hadn’t experienced that before,” said He expressed excitement about his as-
A native of to be engaged Deacon Bresowar. signment at St. Margaret.
Gonzales, Dea- with what’s He said CTK caught him at the right “I’m looking forward to stretching my
con Bresowar going on,” he moment when he was ready to say, “I wings,” said Deacon Bresowar. “I’m look-
grew up in a said. “You need more of Jesus in my life.” The call to ing forward to seeing what formation has
musically tal- have to know priesthood came to the forefront and he done for me in terms of how I am able to
ented, faithful what’s coming knew he “had to deal with it, because oth- take everything I have been given and
Catholic fam- next. Even that erwise, nothing made sense until he dealt give it in an authentic, pastoral way to the
ily. His father simple act of with the fundamental question.” people that I am going to serve.”
was choir di- ‘Okay, I’m pay-
rector at St. Bishop Michael G. Duca presents Deacon Joseph ing attention
Theresa of Bresowar the Book of Gospels during The Rite of Or- to what’s going
Avila Church dination of Deacons on May 28 at St. Joseph Cathe- on because I’m
in Gonzales, dral in Baton Rouge. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Com- interested in
and his mother mentator what’s about
would travel to to come be-
various churches playing the piano. His cause I might have to sing something and
sister, Rebecca, was choir director at St. I should be prepared for that.’ ”
John the Evangelist Church in Prairiev- As he sat with the choir and listened to
ille, and she enlisted him to help out with the homily, he found himself pondering
the choir there during his high school the readings and rewriting the homily in
years. the way he would give it.
While church, itself, was in the fore- “I had these thoughts sometimes that
ground, Deacon Bresowar said the famil- ‘It’s a shame that I’m not going to be a
iarity of the church environment prompt- priest because (the inspirational thoughts
ed him to become complacent. he had) would make a really good homi-
But it’s in those “aha” moments in re- ly,’ ” said Deacon Bresowar, who grinned
flecting back that Deacon Bresowar can about “God’s sense of humor.” The Back to School special section will be in the
see the seeds “planted in darkness” led to Family members asked him if he con- July 15 issue of The Catholic Commentator.
his call to discern the priesthood. sidered becoming a priest. From the time Find out what will be happening in the
In the high school PSR program at St. he was 12 years old his cousin, a priest in
Theresa, Deacon Bresowar was one of the the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama, Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools
most outspoken and engaged of his peers. asked him, “Joseph when are you going to for the 2022-23 school year.
He was known as the “teacher’s pet” or be a priest?”
“star pupil” and jealous students snick-
ered behind his back.
He usually “wrote him off” because he
believed it was coming from the perspec-
Deadline is July 1!
But Deacon Bresowar sees how those tive that any young, single Catholic man
memories played a part in his vocational with a pulse should consider being a priest To inquire about advertising your products and
discernment. rather than there was “anything special” services to this specialized market
“When I went (to PSR class) most of about him. But he agrees it’s healthy for or space reservation contact
the high schoolers were just there be- young men to consider the priesthood to
cause their parents made them be there,” discover their true vocational call. Wanda Koch at 225-387-0983 or
he said. “I saw that and I thought ‘that His sister Rebecca, who profoundly email wkoch@diobr.org.
doesn’t seem quite right, seems like influenced his vocational call, asked him
C
there’s something more here.’ “out of the blue” one night if he had con- T H E C A T H O L I C
“I like the moreness of it, that there is sidered the priesthood. He gave the stan-
something more.” dard answer: “No, I don’t think so.”
There was a similar occurrence during She didn’t push him but said, “Well,
his time in his sister’s choir. maybe you should think about it” and en- S E R V I N G T H E D I O C E S E O F B AT O N R O U G E S I N C E 19 6 2
10 The Catholic Commentator | June 3, 2022 June 3, 2022 | The Catholic Commentator 11
[A] [B] [C] [D]
[E] [F] [G] [H]
[A] Bishop Michael G. Duca shares a light moment with the [C] Bishop Duca questions Deacon Blount, left, and Deacon [F] Deacon Blount and his family shared a laugh during the [I] The congregation joins in the Litany of Supplication while Dea-
younger members of Deacon Joseph Bresowar’s family be- Bresowar regarding their willingness to embrace the office ceremony when Bishop Duca stressed the importance of con Blount, left, and Deacon Bresowar lay prostrate on the altar.
fore the Rite of Ordination of Deacons on May 28 at St. Jo- of deacon. sisters during his homily.
seph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic [J] The newly ordained deacons lay prostrate at the altar during
Commentator [D] Deacon Bresowar expresses his joy moments after his [G] Deacon Bresowar, left, and Deacon Blount enter the ca- the Litany of Supplication.
ordination as a transitional deacon. thedral at the start of the ceremony.
[B] Women religious were in attendance to join in the ordi- [K] Bishop Duca blesses Deacon Blount’s godchild, John Pitre, son
nation celebration. [E] Emily Froeba reads one of the readings as Bishop Duca [H] Deacon Blount was vested by Nick Ware, a seminarian of Sam and Emily Pitre, during Communion.
looks on in the background. from the Diocese of Lafayette.
[I] [J] [K]12 The Catholic Commentator June 3, 2022
Bishop Duca commends
child protection advocates
By Richard Meek are much more knowledgeable about chil-
The Catholic Commentator dren abuse and are aware of the danger
signs, the bishop said.
Bishop Michael G. Duca acknowledged “We know what it truly means to be
the Catholic Church has endured previous respectful of others, what it means to
challenges and is still living through dif- really look out for the care of the young-
ficult times dealing with the profound sin est and eldest and the most vulnerable,”
in the church of sexual abuse. he said. “There is a heighten sense to
“It is one that has hit hard, hit at the make sure no one ever has to go through
heart of the church; it is one that took that again.”
away the innocence that we had, that we Bishop Duca was passionate in empha-
could believe that things that were in the sizing that in today’s society “we cannot
church were good,” Bishop Duca dur- let things slide.
ing his homily at a special Mass on April “As we get further away from some of
26 at St. Joseph Chapel in Baton Rouge the most critical moments in church life,
commemorating April as National Child we tend to become a little lax, and people
Abuse Awareness Month. begin to let things slide.”
“We were robbed of that innocence,” “If we don’t remember, if we don’t keep
the bishop told the appointed child pro- remembering and keep everyone else
tection site coordinators of institutions of aware, we run the risk of it all happen-
the Diocese of Baton Rouge attending the ing again, especially more so because the
In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, members of God’s Warriors from St. Mass. “Maybe it was kind of naïve but it sins we are talking about today seem to be
Theresa Middle School in Gonzales planted pinwheels in the Rosary Garden to raise was a good kind of naïve.” more obvious, seem to be more prevalent,
awareness and prayed for victims of child abuse. Photo submitted by Kim Lacinak | St. Theresa Today, the public and child advocates SEE ADVOCATES PAGE 13
During his homily at a special Mass commemorating April as National Child Abuse Month,
Bishop Michael G. Duca commended child protection advocates, calling their ministry
“one of the most important in the church.” Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic CommentatorYou can also read
