August 4, 2013

Celebrating 50 Years of Living Stewardship

Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time/ C

St. Louis Catholic Church and Covenant School7270 SW 120th Street • Pinecrest, FL 33156 • Church/School: 305-238-7562 • FAX: 305-238-6844

Web site: www.stlcatholic.org • information@stlcatholic.org • covenantschool@stlcatholic.org

Are you ready for the FIRE?Theme: “Who Do You Say That I Am?”

August 5 - 9 from 7:30 - 9:30 PMSpeaker: Jim Murphy

Praise and Worship, Teaching, Healing Prayer

Masses for the Holyday of Obligation

Día de Precepto

Thursday, August 15: 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 7:00 PM (English)

8:15 PM (Español)

The Assumption of Mary

MATTIA ADRIANO HALLANCIAson of Humberto & Adriana Hallancia

IAN JOSEPH VALDIVIAson of Alberto & Maria del Carmen Valdivia

PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

PASTORAL HISPANA

Misa en Español Los domingos - 8:15 AM, 7:15 PM Los miercoles - 7:00 PM Bautismos - En Español el último domingo del mes. Favor de llamar a la oficina con DOS meses de anticipación.

Matrimonio - Favor de llamar a la Oficina con SEIS meses de anticipación.

Hora Santa -Tercer jueves de cada mes en la Capilla a las 7:30 PM.

HOLY EUCHARIST (MASS) Sunday: (English) 5:30 PM (Sat. Vigil) 7:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM 12:30, 5:30 PM (Español) 8:15 AM, 7:15 PM 6:30 AM Monday - Friday English8:30 AM Monday - Saturday English7:00 PM Miércoles – Español

RECONCILIATION (Confessions)

Saturday: 3:30 - 4:30 PM 7:30 - 8:30 PMAnytime by appointment

MATRIMONYPlease contact the parish office at least six months prior to the proposed date.

BAPTISMS (Infants - 5 yrs. old)In English the 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sunday when there is a 5th Sunday. Please call the Office TWO months in advance.

PASTORAL STAFFPastor Rev. Paul Vuturo

Parochial Vicars Rev. Biju Vells Rev. Fredy Yara Rev. Michael Kish (vicar emeritus) Deacons Deacon Vincent McInerney Deacon John Peremenis Deacon John Green Deacon Thomas Hanlon Deacon Alex Lam Deacon Bob Yglesias Deacon Jeff Reyes Deacon George Labelle Deacon José Villena School Principal Mr. Edward Garcia

Director of Religious Education Mrs. Jeannie Modroño

Director of Youth Ministry Mr. Mark Witkowski

Director of Music Mr. Juan Salazar

Book and Gift Center 305-238-7562 X7029

The P

arish Family of St.Louis, King of France

Pinecrest, Florida

Pray for the Sick

Ministry toThe Sick

Olga Del ValleLuis DeVaronaAlba DíazLorraine DitzelDanilo Dominguez Vincent EvansMary Alice Fleming Mary Glynn Richard Goethel Doris GreenMarjorie GrossDaisy GuerreroDorothy HaiduvenJoan HawkAlyse HernándezSalvador Hernández Andrés Hidalgo James Houck Kate Y. HoughtonCarole HowardGabriela ImbimboIrene Johnson Lázaro Junco

Mary Ann KerrGerry Knowlan Robert KoppPat Krupczak Joseph KuetheHelen LabimeJosh LaneEsperanza LaraGenaro LlaveEvelyn LópezManolito LópezIsabel LuperónJohn MangialettoHarrison Margulies Jane McKeonKathleen MagrathLuis MagallanesWendy McLendonReinaldo Melendez Angela Mitchell Elizabeth MoreiraPaula MooreMichael Mulsford Ana Carolina NacifGreg PageGladys Patiño

Daphne Abraham Monty AbrahamPablo Arevalo Isabel Avila Alejandro Baldelomar Verónica BermudezJeannette BernardDaisy Bernardo Rosa Maria BestardMaria Eugenia BolañosGudrun Brandl Giana BrendekeJerry Byrne Joanne CalfoAngelita Castillo Dolly Chirino Sandra ChungJames Clark Rosemary ClarkDominick ColumbroMichael ConnorAramis Cruz Cici Culverhouse

Michael Pavloff Jim Petee Peter PickJavier Piñeda David Pritchard Karen PeguesDinorah Rangel Shawn Rice Rolando Rodríguez Clara RomeroGraciela RosasNicola RoxbyJosephine SánchezJimmy SarandisClaudia Schaefer JonesJohn ShubeckJoseph SchneiderJorge Theye Toribio TijerinoIsah Marie TomasChris WarrenAurora Van de WatersJosefina VidalConcepción Villaborres David Young Nick Zwatney

Remember the Departed

Baptisms

We are in the process of updating the prayer list for ill members of the parish. Names will remain on the list for 2 months unless you notify us to remove a name sooner. If a name is removed in error please notify the office to have it reinstated. To provide the Eucharist at home for ill parish members or family, Call Pedro Valentin at 305-251-7335 or the parish office at 305-238-7562. Si estas enfermo o impedido de asistir a la Misa y deseas recibir la Comunión en tu casa, puedes comunicarte con Adriana Morales, 305-969-0960.

William Pena

The items have been collected. The displays are almost finished. Now we need YOU. The History Museum will be open after the evening Mass on Saturday Aug. 24 and all day Sunday, Aug. 25 from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM. In order to insure that all of the items collected are well cared for, we need volunteers to stand by the exhibits for two-hour intervals. If you represent a ministry, or are an individual who would be able to share this “once in 50 years experience” please call Pat Desbiens 305-251-8988.

NEEDED - VOLUNTEERS FOR THE HISTORY MUSEUM

Looking for God?Learn Our Catholic Faith

Our Catholic Church is the original Christian community, our tradition of word, sacrament and church life dating back to the time of the apostles. We are anxious to share

with others our Catholic vision of life and faith, ancient yet ever new. RCIA – The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults– is not like going back to school, because RCIA is more of a process of growth than a project in school. RCIA means learning not just with

the head, but most importantly with the heart. Our RCIA program, also called the Catechumenate, can benefit: • Those unbaptized persons who want to become Christians. • Those baptized non-Catholic who want to join the Catholic community. • Adult Catholics who have not yet received First Communion or Confirmation.

Call the office 305-238-7562 Ext. 7010 to speak with Father Paul for more information.New Program Begins Monday, September 9, 7:30 PM

in the Religious Education Conference Room

¿Buscando a Dios?Aprende Nuestra Fe Católica

Nuestra Iglesia Católica es la original communidad Cristiana, nuestra tradición de Palabra, de Sacramentos y la vida como una iglesia que empezó en el tiempo de los apóstoles. Estamos muy entusiasmados

de compartir con otros nuestra visión Católica de la vida y de la fe, antigua pero siempre nueva. RCIA – Rito Cristiano de Iniciación para Adultos– no es volver al colegio, porque RCIA es más como un proceso de crecimiento que un proyecto escolar. RCIA es aprender no simplemente con la cabeza, sino más importante aún con el corazón. Nuestro programa RCIA, llamado también el Catecumenado, puede ayudar: • Adultos que no han sido bautizados • Adultos Bautizados en otra religión • Adultos Católicos que no han recibido los Sacramentos de la Eucaristía y la Confirmación

Para más información puede comunicarse con Olivia Baca, 786-399-0279.El programa empieza miércoles, 11 de septiembre,

7:30 PM en el Conference Room

AdultClasses

Clases

para Adultos

Each year our ministry offers a journey into the Word of God. With the help of the Holy Spirit we learn the story of God and His children. From Genesis to Revelation God’s Word takes us from the beginning of Creation to God’s final destination for man, His eternal kingdom.Along the way we read the accounts of other spirits who are messengers, guides, guardians, helpers and teachers. They are called angels. Most of the books of the Bible mention these pure spirits. This year’s study has gathered those scattered passages together to discern the truth God has revealed to us about angels. In addition we will be drawing from St. John Paul II's 1986 catechetical series on the angels, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other official documents as well as consult the early Church Fathers.

We are pleased to offer:

A Scriptural Study of Angels For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways. Ps 91:11

o 25 week study includes 10 weeks “Entertaining Angels” and 15 weeks “Angels throughout the ages”.o Commentaries and Workbookso Weekly video lectures by Fr. Mitch Pacwa.o Cost of materials $49.95Beginning: Wednesday evening, Sept. 25th, 7:30 PM Thursday morning Sept. 26th, 9:30 AM (Child care Provided)Sign ups after all Masses Aug. 3/4 and 10/11Wed night Study: Marie Rhugnanan, mbirdie@hotmail.com, 305-255-7593 Thurs. morning Study: Joan McCaffery, joanfmccaffery@aol.com, 305-595-3351

Catholic Bible Fellowship

Lectio Divina

WHAT IS LECTIO DIVINA? Lectio Divina is a Latin term for “divine reading.” A practice strongly recommended to us by our Church. Pope Benedict XVI recently said “I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina. The diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart (cf. Dei Verbum, n.25). If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – A NEW SPIRITUAL SPRINGTIME.” In the 12th century, a Carthusian monk called Guigo, described the four stages essential to the practice of Lectio Divina:LECTIO The first step is lectio (reading) where we read the Word of God, slowly and reflectively so that it sinks into us. Listening attentively with the “ear of one’s heart.”MEDITATIO The second step is meditatio (reflection) where we think about the text we have chosen and ruminate upon it so that we take from it what God wants to give us.ORATIO The third step is oratio (prayer) where we leave our thinking aside and simply let our hearts respond to God in prayer.CONTEMPLATIO The final stage of Lectio Divina is contemplatio (rest) where we simply rest in the Word of God. We listen at the deepest level of our being to God who speaks within us with a still small voice. As we listen, we are gradually transformed from within.

A Personal Encounter with the Living Word of GodMondays - beginning September 23 – 7:30 PM

Signup after Mass on Aug. 31/Sept. 1 and Sept. 7/8 or contact Bohn and Jennifer Phillips at pinyin@bellsouth.net (305) 606-1891 $20 Fee for handbook & workbook (Scholarships available)

Les invita a un encuentro profundo y personal con Jesús, contemplando la Imagen de Jesús de la Divina Misericordia a una noche de sanación interior Con el Padre Fredy Yara Martes, 13 de agosto, a las 8:00 PM, en la capilla.

Cenaculo Contemplativo De La Divina Misericordia

Para más información contactar: María de los Ángeles Expósito ocvE/mail: misericordia7@live.com o

Cell: 786-326-7969

Only One Hour Our Lady adored Jesus from the very first moment of conception through the Holy Spirit in her womb to the end of her earthly life when she was assumed into Heaven. She continued her earthly adoration throughout Jesus earthly life. The early Church Fathers wrote that after Jesus ascended into Heaven, St. John, the beloved Apostle, would have provided the Eucharist for Our Lady as he cared for her. If Our Lady spent most of her days and nights in Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament can we not as parishioners come face to face with our Creator in the Adoration Chapel?

To sign up for an hour e-mail us at peastl@bellsouth.net or call 786-242-0481.

Backpack Drive

The Humanities Ministry will be providing Backpacks full of supplies to children in the Homestead Area and others. Your donations of school supplies are most welcome during the months of July and August.

Boxes will be placed outside the Church in the vestibule area for the collection of all supplies.We will be sorting and packing on August 10 in the Family Center from 9 AM - 2 PM.

Thanks and God Bless you.

Baked Chicken due for drop off August 7

in the circular driveway from 7 AM - 9 AM & 5 PM - 6:30 PM

Contact: June England 305-235-7257 or786-493-0881juneengland@gmail.com for question and /or pans. Go to http://stlcatholic.org/parish-ministries/camillus-casserole-project/ to download the recipe.

Camillus Casserole Project

50th Anniversary News

For half a century the St. Louis Community has had a positive influence in this community far beyond the confines of parish membership. Part of the Anniversary year celebration will be a 5K Run – 1K for each 10 years – on Saturday, October 26th.

The sponsorship levels are: Platinum $1500,00 Gold $1000,00 Silver $500.00 Bronze $250.00

Each sponsor will have their name on the race application and race t-shirt. The Platinum sponsor will also have their logo on the application and the t-shirt. Please consider supporting this event. On behalf of our parish community I want to thank you for your support and kindness over the years.

50th AnniversaryJubilee Choir

Calling all singers, 16 - 106 years old!

We are forming a Jubilee Choir for our 50th Anniversary Mass on Saturday, November 23. We will be having a concert at 4:30 PM with Mass to follow at 5:30 PM.

We will begin rehearsals in August and desire singers who were previously in the choir or new to the choir.

Please call or e-mail Juan to join this Jubilee Choir.(305) 496-6840 or juan@stlcatholic.org

Sunday, August 11 at 3 PM

Attention St. Louis Cursillistas and parishioners in general:We have a Cursillo Ultreya every second Sunday of the month at 3 PM in Hospitality Room B.

Guest Speaker this month: Fr. Paul Vuturo

All St. Louis Cursillistas, family and friends are welcome.

De Colores!!!

Bereavement Support Group Line: (305) 351-7025

Bereavement Support Group for Adults - SpanishSt. Catherine’s West Rehabilitation Hospital8850 North West 122nd Street, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018 (Lobby – Conference Room)Every Wednesday from 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Breast Cancer Support GroupSt. Catherine’s Rehabilitation Hospital8850 North West 122nd Street, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018 (Lobby – Conference Room)Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Educational Support GroupMiami Springs Community Center343 Payne Drive, Miami Springs, FL 33166Every Two Months

Bereavement Support Group for Adults - SpanishPrince of Peace Catholic Church12800 North West 6th Street, Miami, Florida 33182Every Thursday from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Caregiver Support Group for Adults – English Mercy Hospital3663 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33133 (6 Carroll, Room 6104) From 12 noon – 1:00 PMEvery Other Tuesday

Bereavement Support Group for Continuous Care Staff - EnglishCatholic Hospice North Office 14875 NW 77th Ave suite 100Miami Lakes, FL 33014Every Other Tuesday at 9:30 AM

Bereavement Support Groups

CCD News Kindergarten - 6th Grade • CCD News Kindergarten - 6th Grade

CCD News Kindergarten - 6th Grade • CCD News Kindergarten - 6th Grade

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Covenant School News Pre-K2 - 8th Grade • Covenant School News Pre-K2 - 8th Grade

Covenant School News Pre-K2 - 8th Grade • Covenant School News Pre-K2 - 8th GradeCo

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Our parish school has openings for the 2013-2014 school year. We cordially invite you to consider sending your child/children to our wonderful school. The Covenant School is fully accredited through the Florida Catholic Conference and offers education for grades PK2 through 8th grade. The school offers a vibrant Catholic spirituality, top-notch education, after school sports and activities all within a warm and welcoming family community.

Summer Hours: Monday - Thursday 9 AM - 1 PMuntil the school year begins.

St. Louis Covenant School

We currently have a limited number of openings.If you would like further information, kindly contact the school office at: 305-238-7562 X 7025 or covenantschool@stlcatholic.org

Registration Now Open For School Year 2013-2014$135.00 for 1 child, $45.00 each additional child after August 1st

Baptism Certificate Required for All New StudentsCertificado de Bautismo Requerido para Todos los Nuevos Estudiantes

For Schedule of Classes, Registration Form, Fees, Curriculum, etc. please go to our website at www.stlcatholic.org or contact us at:favor de contactarnos en nuestra página Web www.stlcatholic.org o puede llamarnos a

Office of Religious Education305-238-7562, Ext 7017 (Monday - Thursday) or ccd@stlcatholic.orgOficina de Educación Religiosa, 305-238-7562 Ext. 7017 (lunes - jueves) o ccd@stlcatholic.org

CCD Volunteers needed. Adults and high schoolers welcome.Catechists, class room assistants, office help, etc.Training available.

Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade • Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade

Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade • Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade

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For more information contact our Youth Minister markw@stlcatholic.org or 305-238-7562 Ext. 7016

stlcatholic.org

For more information contact our Youth Minister markw@stlcatholic.org or 305-238-7562 Ext. 7016

stlcatholic.org

R.O.C.K.7th - 8th Grade Students

Confirmation Year 29th Grade Students

Registrations are open for our 7th – 8th grade youth group. We gather every Tuesday in the Assembly Hall. The students experience a variety of activities designed to help them spiritually, socially, physically, and emotionally. Typical meetings include games, skits, music, talks, and small group discussions of the topic presented that night. Topics range from Catholic doctrine to spiritual and social issues relevant to a middle schooler’s life and development. Go to our website to download the registration form.

Register online now to join us in September Wednesday or Sunday for Confirmation Year 2 classes. You can choose which day is better for your family. Wednesday’s class is from 7 PM – 7:30 PM followed by attendance to New Life, our high school youth group, which runs from 7:45 PM – 9:30 PM in the Lecture Hall. Sunday’s class is from 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM followed by attending the 5:30 PM Mass as a group. Go to our website to download the registration form.

When: Friday - Sunday, September 6th – 8th,Where: Orlando, FLCost: $225 + FoodCost includes: 1 ticket each to Night of Joy & Rock the Universe, Transportation, LodgingCost does not include: Food (4 meals at the hotel, 2 at the parks, 2 on the road). Register at stlcatholic.org/parish-ministries/youth-ministry/

Rock the Universe & Night of Joy

9th - 12th Grade Students

stlcatholic.org/parish-ministries/youth-ministry/

Summer Life9th - 12th Grade Students

High school Youth Group meets every Wednesday from 7:45 PM to 9:00 PM in the Lecture Hall. Meetings consist of gathering, opening prayer, live music (Christian rock and praise music), topic presentations, small group discussion time, and closing prayer. We go to Dairy Queen after the meeting to hang out. Students need their own transportation to and from Dairy Queen.

Stuebenville Retreat 2013

MASS ALTAR SERVERS LECTORS VOCATION CHALICE* 5:30 pm Alicea/Bendixen Loretta/McDonald Stephen Porter (786-837-4117)7:00 am -- Petersen/Sicking Lourdes Manning (305-245-4423)8:15 am Carrillo/Steiner Martínez-Varelas Zoraida Torres (305-562-8961)9:30 am Otrubas Scheafer/Westman Bob & Pat Desbiens (305-251-8988) 11:00 am Pérez/Mion Poozhikunnel/Waddell Lauren Chue-Sang (305-233-9494)12:30 pm Joseph/Muñiz Mello/Hart Milagros Marrou (305-234-2729) 5:30 pm Hart/Merlos Youth Miriam Columbro (786-430-0302) 7:15 pm Carbonari/Gómez Rotulos Oriele Joya-Lobaton (786-488-4298)

*These are the persons in charge of the scheduling of the Vocation Chalice for the respective Mass. Please call them.

Next Week’s Schedule

The Nursery is OPEN every Sunday for the 9:30 and 11:00

AM Masses.

Mass Intentions, Saints and Readings for the Week Intenciones de la Misa, Santos y Lecturas para la Semana

Sunday/domingo Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary TimeAug. 4th Eccl: 2; 2: 21-23; Col 3: 1-5, 9-11; Lk 12: 13-217:00 am Mass for Life/Respect Life Ministry + Violet Chance/Loving Family8:15 am + Fernando Tolosa/Pilar Carson9:30 am In Thanksgiving - Parish Staff11:00 am St. Louis Parish Family/Parish Priests + Carlos Estrada/Loving Family12:30 pm + Miguel Benitez/Loving Family Special Intention - Gaspard Family5:30 pm + Reggie Sermersheim/Miriam Columbro7:15 pm + Domanticantonio De Bonis/Giordani Family

Monday/lunes The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary MayorAug. 5th Nm 11: 4-15;Mt 14:13-216:30 am Peter Elie/Gina Elie Trina Bertor/Angélica Santibáñez8:30 am + Reggie Sermersheim/Belle & Violet + Caridad Ortiz/Olmedo-Rodriguez/Family

Tuesday/martes The Transfiguration of the LordAug. 6th Dn 7: 9-10, 13-14; 2 Pt 1: 16-19; Lk 9: 28-366:30 am + Souls in Purgatory8:30 am Special Intention

Wednesday/miércoles St. Sixtus, II Pope and companion martys; St. Cajetan, priestAug. 7th Nm 13: 1-2, 25 14: 1, 26-29, 34-35; Mt 15: 21-286:30 am + Souls in Purgatory8:30 am Special Intention7:00 pm Special Intention

Thursday/jueves St. Dominic, priestAug. 8th Nm 20: 1-13; Mt 16: 13-236:30 am Dennis Mello - Special Intention + Carlos Estrada/Hislaring Family8:30 am Roberto & Fiorella Ladsa - Happy Anniversary + George & Peggy Guarch/Carmen Valdivia

Friday/viernes St. Teresa Benedicto of the Cross, virgin-martyrAug. 9th Dt 4: 32-40;Mt 16: 24-286:30 am + Souls in Purgatory8:30 am Special Intention

Saturday/sábado St. Lawrence, deacon-martyrAug. 10th 2 Cor 9: 6-10;Jn 12: 24-268:30 am + Jose Rafael Viso/Loving Family5:30 pm + Van Blank/Loving Parents + Elaine Rembisz/Loving Family

Sunday/domingo Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary TimeAug. 11th Wis 18: 6-9; Heb 11: 1-2, 8-19; Lk 12: 32-487:00 am + Recently Deceased/Bereavement Ministry8:15 am Special Intention9:30 am + Helen Burnett/Randy & Patti Green11:00 am St. Louis Parish Family/Parish Priests + Carlos Estrada/Loving Family12:30 pm + Yolanda Diaz-Albertini/Lyden Family5:30 pm + Souls in Purgatory7:15 pm + José Ramón Montes de Oca/Gresly-Sarjonse

Stay Connected With Us!

www.facebook.com/STLCatholic twitter.com/STLCatholic1 stlcatholic.org/homilies-from-the-pastor/ stlcatholic.org/live-feed/

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Jubilee EventsJoin us as we continue to celebrate our

50th Jubilee year!August 10/11 Bumper Sticker Weekend Fr. Paul will distribute our new MAGNETIC bumper sticker with the winning logo you chose with our survey!

August 24/25 we will celebrate our Feast of St. Louis and have our long awaited History Museum.

October 25 Handbell Choir Concert

October 26 5K Run (1K for each 10 years)

November 23 Concert at 4:30 PM to celebrate 50 years of inspiring music. We will have our Jubilee Choir, Children’s Choir, Cantors, Singers, Dancers, Musicians as well as the Sunday night 5:30 PM Music Ministry perform.

November 23 50th Jubilee Anniversary Mass at 5:30 PMThis will be our only Mass of the weekend celebrated by

Archibishop Thomas WenskiBank United Center

at the University of Miami1245 Dauer Drive

Coral Gables, FL 33146

Midnight Musings / Pensamientos de Media NocheUn Papa de Sorpresas

Comezó su papado como un papa “sorprendido”. Cuando apareció en el balcón con un tímido saludo ante cientos de miles de expectadores en la Plaza de San Pedro, lucía sorprendido de estar allí. Pero pronto el sorprendido papa pasó a ser el papa sorpresa. En lugar de dar su bendición al pueblo, él pidió que el pueblo le bendijera y orara por él. El se paró, bajo la cabeza en señal de respeto y dejó que las oraciones y bendiciones del pueblo bañaran su nuevo papado. Y las sopresas no terminaron allí. ¡Sorpresa! ¡Un Jesuita llamado Francisco - una contradicción divina? Su simplicidad Franciscana y sus conocimientos Jesuitas combinan maravillosamente la manera en que desarma a los más agotados profesionales eclesiásticos. Con su actitud desdeñosa ante el innecesario boato ceremonial, sus humildes liturgias celebran el sublime misterio de la fe y su prédica toca la realidad pastoral de forma inesperada en un papa. ¡Sorpresa! La Playa de Copacabana en Brazil es el lugar perfecto para el jaraneo, libertinaje y diversión; Francisco reunió a millones en una Eucaristía. El hijo favorito de la América Latina regresa a su hogar continental como una estrella del “Rock” reuniendo a multitudes y ganando sus corazones. ¡Sorpresa! El parece tener un lugar en el reino para todo tipo de personas. Ateos: él comentó, ese tipo de no-creyentes pueden encontrarse en el cielo después de muertos. Homosexuales: Si alguien es homosexual y busca al Señor y tiene buenas intenciones, ¿quién soy yo para juzgarle? Mujeres: “Una iglesia sin mujeres es como el colegio apostólico sin María. La Madona es más importante que los apóstoles, y la iglesia de por sí es feminina, la esposa de Cristo y una madre. El papel de una mujer no termina en ser madre y la labor doméstica... aún no tenemos una verdadera y profunda teología de la mujer en la iglesia.” Jóvenes: “Quiero decirles algo. ¿Qué es lo que yo espero como consecuencia del Día Mundial de la Juventud? Quiero desórdenes. Sabíamos que en Río encontraríamos grandes desórdenes, pero quiero problemas en las diocesis... Quiero que las iglesias estén más cerca del pueblo. Quiero que el clericalismo desaparezca, lo mundano, eso de encerrarnos en nosotros mismos, en las parroquias, escuelas o estructuras. Porque esto tiene que salir afuera.” El papa sorprendido a pasado a ser un papa de sorpresas. Su estilo pastoral refleja las enseñanzas del Buen Pastor. Este estilo indudablemente sacudirá desde el Vaticano hasta nuestras individuales parroquias.

Yours in Christ, Suyos en Cristo,

The Pope of Surprises

He started his papacy looking like a “surprised” pope. Standing on the balcony with his almost hesitant waves to the crowded thousands in St. Peter’s Square, he seemed surprised to be there. But soon the surprised pope became a surprising pope. Instead of launching into his blessing of the people, he asked the people to bless and pray for him. He stopped, bowed his head and respectfully let the prayers and blessings of the crowds wash over his new papacy. And the surprises did not stop there. Surprise. A Jesuit with the name Francis– almost an divine oxymoron! His Franciscan simplicity and Jesuit erudition combine in a truly marvelous way that disarms even the most jaded professional ecclesiastics. With a dismissive attitude toward unnecessary ceremonial pomp, his liturgies humbly celebrate the sublime mystery of faith and his preaching hits the pastoral realities in a manner unexpected of a pope. Surprise. The Copacabana Beach in Brazil usually provides a venue for more rowdy and ribald frolicking; Francis convened a Eucharist for millions. Latin America’s favorite son returned to his home continent like a rock star gathering crowds and winning hearts. Surprise. He seems to have a place in the kingdom for all kinds of people. Atheists: he commented, such non believers may find themselves in heaven after death. Homosexuals: “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Women: “A church without women would be like the apostolic college without Mary. The Madonna is more important than the apostles, and the church herself is feminine, the spouse of Christ and a mother. The role of women doesn’t end just with being a mother and with housework …we don’t yet have a truly deep theology of women in the church.” Youth: “I want to tell you something. What is it that I expect as a consequence of World Youth Day? I want a mess. We knew that in Rio there would be great disorder, but I want trouble in the dioceses!… I want to see the church get closer to the people. I want to get rid of clericalism, the mundane, this closing ourselves off within ourselves, in our parishes, schools or structures. Because these need to get out!” The surprised pope became the surpriser pope. His pastoral style images the Good Shepherd reaching out. This style will undoubtedly shake things up from the Vatican to our individual parishes.