Category: 2024 News

(OSV News) – A profound experience with the Eucharist during Mass in his freshman year at Texas A&M University compelled Charlie McCullough to make Jesus the center of his life.

“Every decision that I’ve made after that has been a small step in that relationship and a small response to that invitation,” said McCullough, a 22-year-old north Texas native. “And now the invitation is him saying, ‘Come and follow me,’ as we go on pilgrimage across the United States.”

McCullough is one of 24 young adults who will be journeying with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament along four National Eucharistic Pilgrimage routes leading to the National Eucharistic Congress. The “perpetual pilgrims” will begin their treks May 17-19 — the weekend of Pentecost — from San Francisco; New Haven, Connecticut; Brownsville, Texas; and the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota.

Their routes — a combined 6,500 miles — will converge eight weeks later in Indianapolis for the July 17 opening of the five-day congress in Lucas Oil Stadium. Along the way, the pilgrims will go through small towns, large cities and rural countryside, mostly on foot, with the Eucharist carried in a monstrance designed particularly for this unprecedented event.

“This will be the biggest Eucharistic procession in world history,” said Kai Weiss, a perpetual pilgrim studying theology at the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington. “I think Jesus will sanctify this land in an unimaginable way, even invisibly and in an unseen way. But obviously, we will be visible and we will be easily noticed, and I just look forward to what Christ in the Eucharist can bring to other people.”

Weiss, 27, grew up in Regensburg, Germany, where elaborate Corpus Christi processions are commonplace, and people are familiar with Europe’s long history of walking pilgrimages, he said. Last year, he participated in a two-day walking pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Altötting with about 4,000 people, where pilgrims sang hymns and prayed the rosary along the way.

“That really communal aspect is so beautiful about professions and pilgrimages — that they bring us together as a church, and that since they’re also public, they can also bring in other people,” Weiss said. “It’s a wonderful way of expressing our faith and our joy.”

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and National Eucharistic Congress are major parts of the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative launched in 2022 by the U.S. bishops to inspire a deeper love and reverence for Jesus in the Eucharist. The pilgrimage is modeled on the Gospel account of Jesus’ journey with two disciples to Emmaus after his resurrection.

In October, the National Eucharistic Congress issued a call for perpetual pilgrims and received more than 100 applications. Criteria included being a baptized and practicing Catholic between the ages of 19-29, be in good physical condition and capable of walking long distances, and be committed to upholding church teachings. Backgrounds in ministry, service, leadership and pilgrimage experience were of special interest, according to organizers.

The perpetual pilgrims were chosen after multiple rounds of interviews and follow-up screenings, organizers said in a March 11 media release announcing the pilgrims.

In February, the pilgrims met for a retreat in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they received spiritual formation from Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, who serves as chairman of the National Eucharistic Revival, as well as National Eucharistic Congress staff and priests with pilgrimage and media experience.

Most of the pilgrims are graduate or undergraduate students, and some work for mission-oriented apostolates and nonprofits. “A common thread for all was a profound encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist that they were inspired to share with others,” according to the media statement.

Organized by Modern Catholic Pilgrim, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that promotes U.S. walking pilgrimages and biblical hospitality, the pilgrimage routes include stops at sacred landmarks including saints’ shrines and diocesan cathedrals.

“I am humbled by the commitment demonstrated by those selected to serve as Perpetual Pilgrims this summer,” said Will Peterson, Modern Catholic Pilgrim’s founder and president, in a media statement. “Their excitement at serving as stewards of this unprecedented National Eucharistic Pilgrimage shook the walls at our kickoff retreat. I cannot wait for the rest of the U.S. Catholic Church to walk with our Eucharistic Lord alongside these amazing individuals.”

Each day will include Mass, a small Eucharistic procession and 10-15 miles of travel. Along the way, parishes are planning to host Eucharistic devotions such as adoration, praise and worship, and lectures. Parishes, religious orders, schools, shrines and retreat centers will offer the pilgrims hospitality and offer fellowship and meals.

A support vehicle will accompany the pilgrims and transport them through legs of the journey where “safety, terrain, and/or climate may present obstacles,” according to the media statement.

The pilgrimage routes are named for key saints for North America: the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route from the east, the St. Juan Diego Route from the south, the St. Junipero Serra Route from the west, and the Marian Route from the north, which includes a stop in Wisconsin at the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, the only approved Marian apparition site in the United States.

Weiss is traveling the Marian Route with fellow perpetual pilgrims Sarah Cahill of Virginia; Matthew Heidenreich of Ohio; Danielle Schmitz of California; Jennifer Torres of Colorado; and Megan Zaleski of Illinois.

With McCullough on the Juan Diego route will be Camille Anigbogu of Texas; Shayla Elm of North Dakota; Issy Martin-Dye of Ohio; Joshua Velasquez of Texas; and MacKenzie Warrens of Missouri.

On the Serra route will be Chima Adiole of Texas; Chas Firestone East of Virginia; Patrick Fayad of Nebraska; Jack Krebs of Wisconsin; Madison Michel of Minnesota; and Jaella Mac Au of Georgia.

On the Seton route will be Dominic Carstens of Wyoming; Zoe Dongas of New York; Marina Frattaroli of Texas; Natalie Garza of Texas; Amayrani Higueldo of Pennsylvania; and Christopher Onyiuke of Florida.

Along the way, 30 Franciscan Friars of the Renewal will rotate time on the routes as chaplains. In addition, Father Roger Landry, a chaplain at Columbia University in New York, plans to accompany pilgrims the entire length of the Seton route.

Higueldo, a recent nursing school graduate, told OSV News she is thrilled to be among the perpetual pilgrims. “Through nursing school, I had no time whatsoever,” she said. “My prayer to the Lord was like, ‘Lord, I just want to spend more time with you’ … and lo and behold, here we are a couple months later, and I get to spend two whole months with our Eucharistic Lord, and to go on this crazy adventure, beautiful adventure.”

While she is grateful for what the opportunity will mean for her own life and relationship with Jesus, she is also excited for what it will bring to people they encounter along the way, including those who have questions about the Eucharist or react negatively to the pilgrimage. She is getting ready by reading Scripture, prayer and daily Mass, to “let him (Jesus) work in me and prepare me,” she said. “Because really I don’t know what it’s going to be like until we get there.”

Like her fellow perpetual pilgrims, Higueldo, 26, is also investing in good footwear and increasing the length of her daily walks. She’s noticing the difference it makes in her body.

“My calves are definitely hurting,” she said.

While she expects to carry a light load, she won’t leave behind her journal, she said, “just being able to be a witness to all the graces that the Lord wants to pour out during this pilgrimage and be able to document those and just fall back on those.”

As McCullough thinks about the people the pilgrims will meet along the way, he reflects on the way Jesus encountered people in the Gospels.

“It was always unique and different because he met them where they were at,” said McCullough, a college senior studying mechanical engineering. “I’m just so excited for the look of love from the Eucharist to be extended time and time again to whoever we encounter.”

Weiss said he thinks the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage could be a unifying balm in a polarized country.

“It’s him (Jesus) who brings us all together; he desires and yearns for all of us,” he said.

PHILADELPHIA (OSV News) – Three Philadelphia priests have been made auxiliary bishops of their archdiocese, providing “a great sign of hope and of joy” as they “walk in the midst of the people” on the journey to eternal life in Jesus Christ, said their archbishop.

Bishop Keith J. Chylinski, Bishop Christopher R. Cooke and Bishop Efren V. Esmilla were ordained as auxiliary bishops by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia during a March 7 Mass at that city’s Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, and Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre of Philadelphia served as concelebrants and co-ordaining bishops.

Pope Francis named the three auxiliaries Dec. 8, 2023, and their appointments were shared at a news conference hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that day.

Joining Archbishop Pérez at the liturgy were Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., and the permanent synod of bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church led by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk. The permanent synod members’ visit marks the first official travel to the U.S. by a Ukrainian Catholic delegation since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The permanent synod’s presence at the ordination reflected the close collaboration between the Latin Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia in prayer and support for Ukraine. Major Archbishop Shevchuk presented to Archbishop Pérez — who described Ukraine’s sufferings as “redemptive for the world” — a framed fragment of a drone that had targeted his residence in Kyiv, Ukraine, with Metropolitan Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia asking Archbishop Pérez to receive it “as a sign of our passion, which you have shared.”

In addition, Major Archbishop Shevchuk presented Archbishop Pérez with a traditional Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated in the pysanky style, as a sign of “this paschal experience” and as the “sign of Resurrection.”

Addressing the new bishops, Archbishop Pérez said, “Now you know what it’s like as my brother bishops to receive a call from ‘you know who’ (Cardinal Pierre) asking if you’re alone … and in the name of the Holy Father … (asking) you to become a bishop.

“Thankfully, you all said yes,” said the archbishop. “Very joyfully you have accepted.”

The liturgy spanned more than three hours and drew hundreds of clergy, religious, seminarians, family and friends to the cathedral and featured multiple choirs, whose members performed in Latin, English, Spanish and Tagalog.

During the ordination rite, the bishops-designate were presented to the archbishop, and promised to “proclaim the Gospel of Christ faithfully and unfailingly,” to “guard the deposit of faith” and to “build up the body of Christ, his church” under the authority of, and in obedience to, the pope.

In addition, the bishops-designate pledged to encourage and guide the “holy people of God” as “a devoted father … to reach out in kindness and mercy to the poor, to strangers and to all those in need … to seek out the sheep who stray and gather them into the Lord’s fold … to pray without ceasing to almighty God for his holy people and to carry out the office of high priest without reproach.”

Following a litany of supplication, the archbishop laid his hands on the kneeling bishops-designate, as did the co-ordaining bishops and the other bishops present. As the Book of the Gospels was placed over the head of each bishop-designate, Archbishop Pérez prayed the prayer of ordination, conferring the sacrament of episcopal holy orders, which included anointing with sacred chrism, handing on the Book of the Gospels, and bestowing the episcopal insignia — the ring (worn on the right hand), the miter and the crosier or pastoral staff.

Each bishop also was appointed to a titular see, a diocese (often ancient) that has ceased to function, but the assignment of which enables the auxiliary bishop to fulfill the canonical norm of leading a specific diocese. Bishops Chylinski, Cooke and Esmilla were respectively named to the titular sees of Gunela (formerly in what is now Tunisia), Malliana (now Algeria) and Ottana (a former Sardinian diocese restored as a titular see in 2004)

Cardinal Pierre, who had most recently held the titular see of Gunela, told Bishop Chylinski to take care of his former territory, saying it was a “very good” one.

Archbishop Pérez said that “the bishop at times walks in front of his people leading” while at other times he “walks behind the people, pushing them.”

“Most of the time, the bishop is called to be in the midst of his people,” said Archbishop Pérez.

The three new bishops already have significant pastoral experience.

Bishop Chylinski currently serves as rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. After his 2007 priestly ordination, he served at several parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In addition, he has directed counseling services at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and has been a member of the archdiocese’s racial healing commission since its formation in 2021. From 2018 to 2022, he was the national chaplain of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, which he joined in 2013.

Bishop Cooke is currently dean of men for the theology seminary at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Ordained a priest in 2006, he has served at several parishes in the archdiocese. From 2013 to 2021, he directed the spiritual year of formation at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Fluent in English and Spanish, he is a member of the archdiocesan council of priests.

Born in the Philippines, Bishop Esmilla was ordained to the priesthood in 1993. Among a range of pastoral assignments throughout the Philadelphia Archdiocese, he has served as chaplain of the Filipino apostolate since 2005, and as spiritual director of the Legion of Mary since 2001. He has served as pastor of two parishes since 2020, as well as a number of archdiocesan governance positions, and speaks English, Spanish, Tagalog, Latin and Portuguese.

In their post-ordination remarks, all three bishops expressed their profound gratitude and humility regarding their episcopal elevation.

“I’ve received such a great outpouring of love and support from so many in the church, (and) it has struck me very powerfully how the church is truly a family,” Bishop Chylinski said, adding, “It’s Jesus — that’s what this is all about. That’s why we’re here today.”

“Today did not happen because of my own efforts. I’m here because of the power of prayer. So many of you lifted me up for many, many years,” Bishop Cooke said. “I know I still have a lot to learn, and I am committed to being the best auxiliary bishop I can with both my gifts and my faith.”

“My ordination today … started from love — love of Christ, love of Mary, love of faith, love of my family and friends,” Bishop Esmilla said. “It starts with love, continues in compassion, and endures with trust.”

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs finalized March 6 its interim policy permitting abortion at VA hospitals and clinics when there is risk to the mother’s life or in cases of rape or incest.

The final rule, published in the Federal Register, which also permits abortion counseling and procedures at VA facilities regardless of state restrictions, was criticized by Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services.

The White House said that when “working within the scope of their federal employment,” VA health care workers “may provide abortion services as authorized by federal law regardless of state restrictions.”

Supporters of the provision argued female service members may be assigned to states that have restricted abortion, and that their access should be protected in difficult circumstances. Opponents argued the department exceeded its authority.

In a March 7 statement, Archbishop Broglio said the VA “has finalized an interim rule that permits abortion counseling and abortive procedures in VA Medical Centers through all nine months of pregnancy.”

“The notion that killing an unborn child can somehow be considered ‘medical or surgical care’ certainly violates the dignity of the human person and suggests that some lives are more important than others,” he said. “I deplore this decision that once more removes the right to life for the defenseless and inflicts untold physical and psychological trauma on mothers.”

The Catholic Church opposes abortion, outlining its teaching in the Catechism of the Catholic Church that human life “must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception.” Because abortion takes the life of an already conceived child, it is “gravely contrary to the moral law,” the catechism says.

The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, which are used by Catholic medical providers, reflect that teaching; that document, while forbidding direct abortions, also permits procedures where the “direct purpose” is to save the mother’s life and “cannot be safely postponed until the unborn child is viable, even if they will result in the death of the unborn child.”

Abortion supporters applauded the VA rule’s finalization. Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, said in a statement, “Access to abortion is necessary for the health and safety of veterans – and for all people – to determine their futures.”

“We’re thrilled that VA has taken this critical action for veterans seeking abortion care and counseling,” she said. “At a time when extremists are cruelly attacking reproductive rights across the nation, safeguarding access to abortion care for veterans and their loved ones is paramount. Our policymakers should be protecting our rights, not trying to strip them away.”

But Archbishop Broglio noted the U.S. Catholic bishops “raised multiple objections” to the rule, arguing it violates “section 106 of Veterans Health Care Act” which “specifically limits abortion.”

“The VA’s decision is at odds with the notion that the military protects the innocent,” he added. “Now, the Department which was established to care for Veterans of the United States Armed Forces through service-related disabilities and retirement, affirms its decision to join what Pope Francis called ‘hit men’ — those who choose ‘to do away with a human life to solve a problem.'”

He added, “It is expected that the Department of Veterans Affairs will at least respect the conscience rights of medical personnel, staff, and other employees and permit them to abstain from any involvement in immoral procedures.”

The VA reported that it received 57,901 comments on the rule during a 30-day window for the public to submit them, both in support and opposition.

The rule is scheduled to go into effect April 3, 2024.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The Catholic Church and the world itself need the gifts and contributions of women, especially in bringing people together and overcoming tensions and violence, Pope Francis wrote.

“Ours is a time seared by hatred, in which our human family, which needs to feel the power of love, is instead frequently scarred by violence, war and ideologies that stifle the noblest feelings of the human heart,” he wrote. “Precisely in this context, the contribution of women is more necessary than ever.”

Pope Francis prepared his text for an audience with people participating in a March 7-8 conference, “Women in the Church: Builders of Humanity.” While the pope met participants in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican March 7, he had an aide read his speech.

The conference, hosted by Rome’s Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, was sponsored by several pontifical universities and coincided with the celebration March 8 of International Women’s Day.

Using the example of 10 holy women — most, but not all, canonized saints — conference speakers looked at how Catholic women have contributed to the church and society through their groundbreaking work in education, spirituality and the promotion of peace or dialogue. The examples included: Sts. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Kateri Tekakwitha and Teresa of Kolkata.

In different times and places and “each in her own distinct way,” the 10 women “gave proof through initiatives of charity, education and prayer, of how the ‘feminine genius’ can uniquely reflect God’s holiness in the midst of our world,” the pope’s text said.

And “because the Church is herself a woman – a daughter, a bride and a mother,” he wrote, “who better than women can reveal her face?”

Pope Francis asked that Catholics put aside “any aggressive and divisive attitudes” and that they exercise “careful discernment to discover, in docility to the voice of the Spirit and in faithful communion, fitting ways for the grandeur and the place of women to be increasingly valued in the People of God.”

An important aspect of the vocation of women, he wrote, is to be the “builders” the conference title referenced. Being a builder is “cooperating with the Creator in the service of life, the common good and peace.”

Women “know how to bring people together with tenderness,” the pope wrote. “With their unique capacity for compassion, their intuitiveness and their connatural inclination to ‘care,’ (they) are able, in an outstanding way, to be for society both intelligence and a heart that loves and unites, to bring love where love is lacking, and humanity where human beings are searching to find their true identity.”

Pope Francis also used his text to thank the pontifical universities for holding up to their students the lives and works of the 10 women saints and he asked them and all Catholic universities to make “every effort to present students with testimonies of holiness, especially of feminine sanctity,” that can inspire them.

SCRANTON – The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, has appointed James Bebla to serve as the first executive director of the newly formed Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton. Bebla has served as Diocesan Secretary for Development for the past ten years.

Bebla will be responsible for advancing the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton in collaboration with the Foundation Board of Trustees, specifically leading efforts to establish and successfully implement strategic goals, plans and policies in support of raising endowed and non-endowed funds for Diocesan ministries.

In appointing Bebla to this position, Bishop Bambera said, “I am confident that Jim will effectively lead this important initiative to secure the future of our Diocesan ministries. Jim’s passion and commitment, his ability to build strong relationships and his dedication to our Catholic faith will serve us well in this new role.”

“I feel incredibly blessed for this opportunity and I believe the work of the Catholic Foundation will be instrumental in building up the Kingdom of God in our local Church. The focus on long-term support through the establishment of endowment funds will insure that our Diocesan ministries, parishes and schools will remain strong for our children and grandchildren,” Bebla said. “I look forward to joining with Bishop Bambera, our pastors, donors and the Catholic Foundation board of directors in this meaningful mission.”

The mission of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton is to sustain and nurture the pastoral, educational, and service ministries of our Diocese, our parishes, schools, and organizations through endowments, planned gifts, and other financial contributions. The long-term financial viability of these ministries is a sacred calling for Catholics to build up the Kingdom of God in the Diocese of Scranton.

VATICAN CITY – On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, announced the appointment of Monsignor Shane L. Kirby as substitute Promoter of Justice of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.

The Apostolic Signatura ensures that justice in the Church is correctly administered.

The Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura is composed of Cardinals, Bishops, and priests appointed by the Pope and it is headed by the Cardinal Prefect.

A native of Waynesburg in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Monsignor Kirby was ordained for the Scranton Diocese in 2004 in the Cathedral of Saint Peter. Since November 2017, he has served in the Dicastery for the Clergy at the Vatican in Rome.

Originally appointed as an official of the Congregation of the Clergy, Monsignor Kirby most recently served as coordinator for the Clergy and Administration Offices within the Dicastery.

In 2005, he was awarded a licentiate in patristic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and in 2014, a licentiate in canon law from the Catholic University of America in Washington. At the time of his appointment for Vatican service, Monsignor Kirby was serving as Chancellor and Episcopal Vicar for Canonical Affairs for the Diocese of Scranton, as well as pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish in Jermyn.

Please join us in praying for Monsignor Kirby as he begins his new role!

SCRANTON – During Lent, Saint Paul’s words to the Colossians are very appropriate: “Whatever you do, do from the heart.”

The Diocese of Scranton is blessed to have so many people putting these words into action.

The generosity of so many people who have supported the Diocesan Annual Appeal testifies to the powerful hope we can bring to the lives of so many in northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania when we trust in Christ.

Now, more than ever, we need your continued support!

Our current campaign has now reached 85-percent of its goal ($3.84 million of $4.5 million goal) but we need all faithful to participate to ensure that we get to 100-percent – and make sure there is funding for the vital ministries of our diocese that no one parish can provide on its own.

For example, in 2023, your gifts helped feed more than 107-thousand people at Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre alone.

Within the last month we welcomed one new seminarian – Peter Stec – so we now have 11 young men studying for the priesthood. Your generous response to the Diocesan Annual Appeal provides support that allows them to focus on their formation.

And as we head towards Easter – our Parish Life Office stands ready to assist the 177 people from our parishes who will fully join the Catholic Church in just a few weeks.

None of this work can happen without you.

During this Lenten season – please ask yourself how God is calling you to give of yourself to others.

Your gifts go solely to support Catholic ministries, including: formation and education of seminarians, support of retired and ill clergy, Catholic Social Services, Catholic education, Catholic communication efforts, Parish Life Initiatives as well as Faith Formation and Social Justice grants to parishes.

We invite you to prayerfully consider renewing your commitment to the Diocesan Annual Appeal this year.

The Diocese of Scranton has four easy ways to give your immediate support to our families, students, and those in need.

First, you can use your cell phone and scan the QR code below right now.

Second, you can visit AnnualAppeal.org to make your gift or learn more about all of the Catholic ministries your gift supports.

Third, you can call our Development Office directly at (570) 207-2250 to make a pledge over the phone.

Or you can mail a check payable to “Diocesan Annual Appeal” to 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503.

May God bless you for your continued generosity.