| Winter 2002 | Volume 43, 3 |
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
· Visit us on the web at www.op.org/oplaity
· Send orders or mail to Dominican Laity Office
P. O. Box 085451 Racine, WI 53408-5451
· Interview with the Master of the Order insert
· Dominican Causes promoted
· Happy new beginnings for the glory of God with His gift of the New Year
Franciscans International / OP for Justice, Peace
Reflection on Discipleship
Chapter Happenings
Memorials
Fund Drive Donors
Provincial DuesNotice
Liturgical Calendar
EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF LAY DOMINICAN FRATERNITIES
Fognano, Italy-May 20-27, 2001
"After a week's conclave in the convent of the Suore Domenicane SS Sacramento in Fognano, we all felt like a big family. Here we were 51 representatives from 21 countries, and speaking a variety of languages, English, French, Polish, Portuguese, Maltese, Russian and so on, which echoed in the vast corridors of the convent. We missed the presence of our brothers and sisters from a number of countries, such as Spain. How could they not find a single delegate from the many members? Our ages went from 20 to over 80 years. Our working languages were Italian, English and French. And dominating it all was a notice board that gave the theme of our work: ‘Messengers!?’
“The following statutes were passed by consensus: each province, depending on its numbers, can send two or three delegates to the European Assembly. However, a province can only have one vote. The Council comprises five members, all finally professed Lay Dominicans. It must meet twice a year. It is to develop links with all the Lay Dominican Fraternities in Europe, as well as with the other branches of the Order. Moreover, it must organize the subsequent European Assembly [whose proposal is to be formulated at the October 2001 meeting.]
“The Council reported on its three-year mandate. During that time, a principal task was the drawing up of its statutes. There were many difficulties, partly because of the lack of effective communications as not all Council members were equipped with such items as fax or e-mail. Some differences of opinion were notable and in the course of the mandate two members resigned. Another problem was the lack of financial support. With some notable exceptions, members financed their own expenses for their board, travel and communications, these costs were quite substantial in view of the number of meetings held. In principle, the Council funds should be adequate if the various fraternities paid their dues. Part of the reason for this may be that some fraternities are not well organized.
“It seemed that the role of the laity is still in the process of evolving in many countries; some saw themselves subordinate to the friars who took the lead, whereas others, both friars and lay, share the principal roles according the situation. We found fr. Jerry Stookey, the Order's General Promoter, in the latter camp. He never stopped telling us that we had to discover our identity….Why not have a lay promoter, even for the friars? Jerry was so taken up with this dream that he was caught referring to ‘we laity’! However, there was much more to it than that. ‘We must cease thinking of ourselves as some special interest group,’ he insisted. ‘We must become part of the Order in the most profound sense!’ To do this, we must build ever stronger ties, think and act beyond our own parish and fraternity, to be global.” (by Elena A. Griepentrog)
from I.D.I. (International Dominican Information), Number 395, September 2001, pp. 187-189
SOCIUS NAMED FOR UNITED STATES’ PROVINCES
On September 12, 2001, Master of the Order Fr. Carlos Azpiroz Costa appointed Fr. Gerald L. Stookey, OP, his socius for provinces of the United States. Fr. Gerald, of the Province of St. Albert the Great, was born on June 3, 1949; made profession in the Order on October 11, 1974; and was ordained to the priesthood on August 8, 1978. He succeeds Fr. Chrys Finn in this position. He also remains Promoter General of the Dominican Laity.
from I.D.I. (International Dominican Information), Number 395, September 2001, p. 175
PEACE AND JUSTICE UPDATES NOW AVAILABLE
Significant events, general reports and alerts will comprise a peace and justice issues update published monthly and will also be featured on the Dominican Leadership Conference website www.op.org/dlc according to Sr. Eileen Gannon, OP, our Dominican NGO (non-governmental organization) representative at the U.N. in New York. The November 2001 Human Rights Report shows significant human rights concerns have been cited by the High Commissioner of Human Rights, Mary Robinson, in her annual report to the General Assembly, which will be presented during the general debate. Major concerns exist in Afghanistan, East Timor, Israel and occupied Palestinian territories, and the Republic of Chechnya of the Russian Federation.
U.N. agencies stress there is a humanitarian crises of stunning proportions unfolding in Afghanistan. As of late September 2001, more than five million people require humanitarian assistance to survive, including more than one million who have been displaced from their homes. Nearly 20% of those in need are children under the age of five years. Major concerns include prospects of retaliatory killing and other abuses of civilians if territory changes hands; the humanitarian situation regarding access to food, shelter and medical care; ongoing discrimination against women and ethnic minorities; and forced recruitment of children as combatants.
Sr. Eileen concludes, "We commend these issues and concerns to your prayer, thoughtful study and commitment to ministry with and for the most vulnerable peoples in the world…."
FRANCISCANS INTERNATIONAL/ DOMINICANS FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE
Geneva, Switzerland—United Nations Sub-Commission on Human Rights, Sept, 25, 2001 meeting
"If peace and love are not allowed to take their rightful place at the table of negotiation, then
hatred and anger will produce a conflict that will continue for many years to come. It will
solve nothing and thousands of innocent lives will be lost. I ask you all to pray for peace,
which is such an urgent priority." Mother Teresa of Calcutta, The Joy of Living, 1996
Today, the promotion and protection of each individual's right to religious freedom,1 an inalienable, universal human right and the legitimate aspiration of all human beings, is more than ever in the international spotlight. The message of peace, justice and harmony is central to all faiths and major religions. This is not the message of terrorists and of those who manipulate religion out of prejudice or revenge. Regretfully, the tragic events of the past two weeks [since Sept. 11] have compounded hatred and prejudiced violence with violent reactions that victimize people because of their religion.
Pope John Paul II’s visit to Kazakhstan this week shines like a morning star in the clouds of destruction. His visit is a historic and hopeful moment where Christians and Muslims have prayed together. At a time of darkness and international fear, his appeals to unity, reciprocal acceptance and constructive dialogue are very welcome.
People of all confessions: the thousands of families from over 62 countries grieving over the violent deaths of their loved ones in the bombings in New York and Washington; our Franciscan friar Mychal Judge, who died while assisting a victim of the destruction of the World Trade Center; the Muslim women, who have been buried alive in Kabul by the Taliban; the Protestant and Catholic victims of hatred in Northern Ireland; the Christian minority that is discriminated against in Pakistan; [and] Arabs threatened in North America and other Western countries because of their ethnic origin are all brothers and sisters and the victims of religious prejudice and fanaticism. No religion can legitimately support the violent, methodical violence against these persons.
Today, North Americans and Afghans motivated by their own religious beliefs share a common struggle against violent narrow prejudices. They tend a flickering hope for freedom from terror, and they work for the restoration of their human dignity. Their struggles go beyond borders and are becoming international human concerns that do not discriminate between rich and poor nations, between East or West, among Islam, Judaism or Christianity. The human family needs to be protected and preserved by a solidarity of renewed, committed compliance to international human rights and humanitarian standards.
Franciscans International is gathering a team of Franciscan sisters and brothers to prepare for an international project that will address terrorism and religious fanaticism. While strongly condemning the killings in New York and Washington and the resulting violence to so many families throughout the world, Franciscans International is committed to continue its active advocacy for peace and justice with the United Nations and in the 180 countries where we live.
Together with our partners, the Dominicans for Justice and Peace, Franciscans International urges States: (1) to adopt and implement legislation, policies and measures, in accordance with U.N. human rights provisions, to protect and strengthen the freedom of religion or belief of their citizens; (2) to extend a standing invitation to the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance and to provide him with their full cooperation, including free access to minority religious communities and individuals in their countries; [and] (3) to coordinate the work against religious intolerance by establishing an independent unit of expertise within the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights that will, in cooperation with the Special Rapporteur, monitor and investigate cases of religious intolerance worldwide.
Sent by Sparkill Dominican Sr. Eileen Gannon, who is sponsored by the Dominican Leadership Conference as an NGO (non-governmental organization) representative at the U. N. in New York City. Fr. Philippe LeBlanc, OP, of the Toronto, Canada community, represents Dominicans at the U.N. Sub-Commission on Human Rights through the office of Franciscans International and Dominicans for Justice and Peace (FI/OP) in Geneva, Switzerland.
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1Article 18 of the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
“Speak, Lord, Your Servant is Listening”: A Reflection on Discipleship
by Lois Tomaszewski, O.P., Formation Director of Bl. John Dominici Chapter, Bay City, MI
"Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:10
Samuel spoke these words blindly into the night to a voice calling his name. In this way, Samuel began his service to God as leader of the Jewish people during their tumultuous transition from rule by judges to the period of kings.
I have experienced more than Samuel's calling in the night. Yes, I have an idea of what God expects of me in His calling. I am a committed Christian and a professed lay Dominican. God has revealed Himself to me through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Yet, I find times in my life when uttering these words can be difficult. I believe, however, that God will eagerly answer me if I persist in my openness to Him.
The results of this pursuit will bring increasingly clearer answers to my questions. How am I to live the gospel? As a Dominican, it is my mission to live and proclaim His Word.
I realize that I have St. Dominic and all of his brothers and sisters to show me the way and model the ideal to which I wish to give witness. I have the charisms of our Dominican Order and our lay Dominican rule to direct and guide me.
My daily life attempts to incorporate prayer, study and ministry along with the experience of living in community. I know that I do not journey alone in following the footsteps of Jesus. The mutual support of my Dominican family helps me to persevere and grow. The sharing of my struggles for His sake helps me to engage in prayer and labor and celebration in a way that no one alone can ever experience.
I live in a world that hungers to discover one's spirituality in order to discover meaning in [one's life.] In a world that longs for peace, I turn to Jesus, who tells us to follow Him "for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your soul." (Matthew 11:29)
I must learn to trust God's love totally. It is only then that I can bypass my own agenda and develop a willingness to bless everyone and everything that comes my way. It is only then that I can take the beatitudes seriously and live the social gospel, which is Truth alive, transforming me through experience, reflection and conversion-the true sign of my answering my Dominican call.
"Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening."
HAPPENINGS AROUND THE CHAPTERS
ALBUQUERQUE, NM NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LAS MONTAÑAS PROCHAPTER
Congratulations: Members, on becoming a Prochapter
An October 6 retreat was led by Spiritual Director Fr. Matt Strabala, OP, speaking on poverty, chastity, and obedience and how they relate to the Laity. Sixteen attended the retreat held at the Canossian Spirituality Center.
BAY CITY, MI BL. JOHN DOMINICI CHAPTER
Sick: Pauline Kuhn
Their corrected e-mail address is dominicanBCMI@webtv.net The book, Beliefs About Collaborative Ministry, is their current study program.
DENVER, CO ST. DOMINIC CHAPTER
Congratulations: Chapter Secretary Jim Steffens
A chapter Day of Prayer was held December 1.
DUBUQUE, IA ST. ROSE OF LIMA CHAPTER
Congratulations: Spiritual Director Sister Margery Race, OP
Deceased: Loretta McDonough
Sister Margery Race, OP, gave presentations on poverty, chastity, obedience and the wellspring of hope from Fr. Timothy Radcliffe's book, Sing a New Song, which is their new study program.
MILWAUKEE, WI QUEEN OF THE ROSARY CHAPTER
First Profession: Rose Bracker and Darlene Dlapa on November 17 in River Forest, IL
Sick: Marcie Boyer; Winnie and Belvin Dahle; and Margaret Mary Luke
Deceased: Joanne Asperheim in October
Chapter members joined River Forest, IL's St. Vincent Ferrer Chapter for their November 17 Day of Reflection.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN HOLY ROSARY CHAPTER
Received: Marlene Peters on October 28
First Profession: Robert and Mary McAuliffe on October 28
A memorial Mass for deceased chapter members was celebrated on November 3. Robert and Mary McAuliffe outlined the chapter's course of study of Pope John Paul II's encyclical, "The Gospel of Life" and "Beginning Apologetics."
RIVER FOREST, IL ST. VINCENT FERRER CHAPTER
Fifty attended their November 17 Day of Reflection, where Fr. David Wright, OP, Vicar Provincial, spoke on the origins of the Mass, preceded by viewing a videotape on the history of the Mass. An informative question and answer period followed. Chapter member and Provincial Laity Vice-President Guy Murphy offered a meditation on the Mass. Milwaukee, WI's Queen of the Rosary Chapter was welcomed to the day's activities. Thanks to Moderator Frank Pappadopoli and Spiritual Director Fr. Robert Botthof, OP, for their extra effort in hosting this second Day of Reflection for the year.
ROCKFORD, IL ST. PETER MARTYR CHAPTER
On November 8, Fr. Beauvois spoke on "Dominican Laity Preaching."
SPRINGFIELD, IL OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART CHAPTER
Members considered the lay Dominican way of looking, listening, thinking, and acting regarding the world situation since Sept. 11, 2001.
OUR PRIVATE MEMBERS
Congratulations: Marion Keegan, Crofton, MD (formerly of Springfield, MO), on celebrating her 55th anniversary of profession; and Rita C. Ward, North Aurora, IL (formerly of River Forest, IL), on celebrating her 45th anniversary of profession on Jan. 22.
Sick: Ruth Jubb, Grand Rapids, MI
PRAYERS REQUESTED FOR:
a return to health for Brother Regis Hovald, former Provincial Promoter for the Laity and for all members of the Order who are ill
an increase in vocations to all branches of the Dominican Order
the repose of the souls of frs. Patrick Michael James Clancy, on October 3; Charles Reginald Malatesta, on September 17; and Ambrose Peter Windbacher on October 8.
In Loving Memory of Father Charles Reginald Malatesta, OP
We fondly remember Father Charles Reginald Malatesta, OP, our former Provincial Promoter for the Laity, who passed away on September 17. In the pamphlet, Dominican Laity: History, Purpose and Spirituality, Fr. Malatesta addressed the subject of "Purpose." The pamphlet continues to be central in Dominican Laity formation.
In Loving Memory of Father Martti Voutailainen, OP
Evelyn Kelly, Secretary of the Holy Rosary Chapter, Minneapolis, MN, graciously informs us that she received word late last summer that Fr. Martti Voutailainen, OP, of Finland had died of cancer [in July 2001].
"Since the early 60's, he had been the head of the Studium Catholicum (Dominican Information Center) in Helsinki, which held a chapel and a library where lectures and classes were given. Holy Rosary Chapter has been donating requested books to them since 1960, totaling about 150. It is uncertain if we will continue because Fr. Voutilainen had written of extensive changes in the mission.
"Father Voutilainen was a convinced agnostic when he attended Helsinki University. He became interested in [philosopher Jacques] Maritain's writings, and [he said] 'his works led me to other books at the Dominican Information Center in Helsinki, and here I am.' He was the first priest to be ordained in Finland since the Reformation and only the third Finnish native to become a priest in modern times. When [Holy Rosary Chapter] began helping them, there was not a single family in which the parents were both Finns and both 'cradle Catholics.'"
In an Impact article on the Studium Catholicum in Helsinki, editor Fr. John McCaffrey, OP, wrote, "Finland is an extraordinary mission, and Fr. Martti, a very unusual missionary....The Dominican Library of Helsinki is a mission because it serves nearly 1200 students from the nearby Lutheran Theological College. Since every student there has to study some aspect of the Catholic Faith at least once during his four year course, it is not too surprising that Fr. Martti Voutilainen, who runs the library, finds his establishment a hub of quiet, intense activity."
He continued, "It is Fr. Martti who puts life into the rows of dead books, and supplies the human contact with the readers. If a student is perplexed by some obscure reference, it is Fr. Martti who finds it for him. If a Catholic lecturer is needed at the University to discuss ecumenism and the Vatican Council, it is Fr. Martti whom they call upon. If a foreign journalist or a troubled student requests an interview, they are equally well received. Myriad things make Fr. Martti a missionary.
"Fr. Martii's mission means many things. It means running his magazine, Documenta, with an almost complete non-Catholic readership. But he doesn't cajole. His duty is to give [the] disinterested information; to serve those who want to know about the Catholic world. He is a Finn and his people are dear to him. He knows their problems and temperament and needs. He knows their history."
TO PRAISE - TO BLESS - TO PREACH
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR FUND DRIVE CONTRIBUTIONS Paul Bisanz; Mary Jean Cauley; Denver, CO's St. Dominic Chapter; Ambrose Dolan; Robert and Joan Engel; Evelyne Hayny; Grace Hendel; Marion Keegan; James Kniery; Francis Maierhauser; Geraldine Rasmusson; Anthony and Mary Rhomberg; Milwaukee, WI's Queen of the Rosary Chapter; Jill O'Brien; Mary Lee Odders; Rockford, IL's St. Peter Martyr Chapter; Candace Randolph;Marymargaret Sauer; Jan Livens Simpson; Steve Smith; Harlean Ann Thissen; Richard Waychus; Joyce Tasch Zurek; and two anonymous donors. Additional contributions to defray our operating expenses may be directed to: Dominican Laity Office; P. O. Box 085451; Racine, WI 53408-5451. |
2002 PROVINCIAL DUES NOTICE
My Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The start of the new calendar year marks the beginning of our annual collection of Provincial membership dues for 2002. We are synchronizing our Provincial dues collection with the beginning of the new year to eliminate confusion about when to collect dues.
Fund Drive contributions and Provincial membership dues solely finance our operating budget. Yes, we need and appreciate your dues payment to support our work which benefits you. Individual dues of $30.00 or $40.00 for families are apportioned with $5 for the Challenge subscription, $5 for the Dominican Laity Provincial Council meeting, and the remainder for the dues account.
Thank you, chapter treasurers, for your invaluable assistance in the collection of Provincial dues from your respective active members. A chapter check or individual personal checks payable to DOMINICAN LAITY are to be remitted to the Laity Office.
Private members are asked to mail their annual dues payments directly to the Dominican Laity Office; P. O. Box 85451; Racine, WI 53408-5451. If on a fixed income, please pay what you can. Even paying $5 for the Challenge subscription is helpful.
Thank you in advance for your prompt response to this request.
Yours in Saints Dominic and Catherine,
Mary Lee Odders, OP, Provincial Treasurer
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -print and return - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thank you for your 2002 Provincial membership dues payment, which supports our Province's Dominican Laity work for your benefit. Please make checks payable to DOMINICAN LAITY.
NAME________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________
CITY, STATE, ZIP_______________________________________________________
| January 2002 1- Mary, Mother of God (S), Hours Week I 3- Bl. Stephana Quinzani, religious 6- The Epiphany of the Lord (S), Hours Week II 7- St. Raymond of Penyafort, priest (M) 10- Bl. Gonsalvo of Amarante, priest - Bl. Ann of the Angels Monteagudo, religious 11- Bl. Bernard Scammacca, priest 13- Baptism of the Lord (F), Hours Week I 18- St. Margaret of Hungary, religious (M) 19- Bl. Andrew of Peschiera, priest 20- 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Hours Week II 22- Bl. Anthony Della Chiesa, priest 23- Bl. Henry Suso, priest 27- 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Hours Week III 28- St. Thomas Aquinas, priest/doctor (F) 29- Bl. Villana de' Botti, lay Dominican February 2002
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19- Bl. Alvarez of Cordoba, priest March 2002 April 2002 (S) Solemnity (F) Feast We praise You, Lord. |
OFFICE OF THE POSTULATOR GENERAL:
BEATIFICATION OF
FREI. BARTOLOMEU DOS MARTIRES (1514 ? 1590)
On November 4, 2002, Pope John Paul II will add the name of Frei. Bartolomeu dos Martires to the roll of the Blessed. This beatification will bring to 208 the number of Dominican men and women who have been declared Blessed.
Bartolomeu Fernandes was born in Lisbon [Spain] on May 3, 1514. The words dos Martires refer to the Church where he was baptized, replacing the name Vale which he inherited from his grandfather.
He received the Dominican habit on November 11, 1528, and did his novitiate in the Priory of Lisbon, completing his philosophical and theological studies in 1538. He then taught in the Priories of Lisbon, "da Batalha" and Evora (1538?1557) and was later elected Prior of the Priory of Benfica in Lisbon.
It was Queen Catherine of Portugal who nominated him as successor to the Archbishop of Braga, Baltesar Limpo. His appointment was confirmed by Pope Paul IV in the Buli Gratiae divinae praemium, dated January 27, 1559. He was ordained Bishop on September 3 in the Priory of St. Dominic of Lisbon.
He accepted this honor in obedience to his Prior Provincial, the celebrated writer Venerable Louis of Granada, who had himself been nominated by the Queen, but who had urged her to put forward his confrere instead.
He began his varied apostolic mission on October 4, 1559. We mention a few of its most significant features: his introduction of pastoral visitations; his effort to preach the Gospel to the people, to which end he wrote a Catechism of Christian Doctrine and Spiritual Practices (15th edition published in 1962); his concern for the education of the clergy, therefore establishing schools of moral theology in many parts of the diocese; [and] his writing of doctrinal works. His literary output comprised a total of 32 works, outstanding among which was his Stimulus Pastorum (22 editions), copies of which were offered to the Council Fathers at both Vatican Councils; his efforts to bring about reform is shown by the material structures he put in place.
In 1560, he placed the Jesuits in charge of the schools, which later became the College of St Paul. From 1561 to 1563, he attended the Council of Trent, at which he presented 268 petitions, in which he synthesized a series of measures for the reform of the Church. In order to implement the measures called for by the Council, he organized a diocesan Synod in 1564, followed in 1566 by a Provincial Synod. In 1571 or 1572, he began the construction of the Conciliar Seminary in Campo Vinha.
On February 23, 1582, he renounced the office of Archbishop and retired to the Dominican Priory of the Holy Cross in Viana do Castello, which he himself had built in order to further ecclesiastical studies. It was there that he died on July 16, 1590, and was acclaimed by the people as the Holy Archbishop, father of the poor and of the sick. His tomb is venerated in the old church of the Holy Cross.
He was declared Venerable by Pope Gregory XVI on March 23, 1845. On July 7, 2001, Pope John Paul II recognized the authenticity of the miracle put forward for his beatification, which is to take place on November 4, on which date is kept, liturgically, the 'memory' of St. Charles Borromeo, alongside whom Bartolomeu dos Martires had worked tirelessly to implement the decisions of the Council of Trent.
from I.D.I. (International Dominican Information), Number 395, September 2001, pp. 178-179
VICE-POSTULATOR OF HER CAUSE:
IN CHILE, A 'SAINT' IN THE MIDST OF HER OWN PEOPLE
The Servant of God Maria del Carmen Benavid-es Mujica (1777- 1840) dedicated her long life to the poorest of Quillota and its region. As a child, her wish was to enter the monastery of the Nuns of the Roses, cloistered Dominicans who are still in Santiago. However, after much prayer she realized that the way [to which] God was calling her was not to flee the world but to be right in it by living an authentic lay Christian life.
At the age of 18, she joined a group of Lay Dominicans who were already at that time meeting in the church of Saint Dominic at Quillota. When she was professed as a Lay Dominican, she also privately vowed herself to perpetual virginity, taking as a model Saint Rose of Lima. She then obtained the permission to wear the habit of the Dominican nuns. However, she always remained a lay person by vocation and destiny.
By disposition she was joyous and determined. She kept her promises to the limit of her aspirations. A witness testified that "she was a saint" beyond compare; very similar to Saint Catherine of Siena, by her life of penance, charity to the poor, and an active life in favor of her people. Her life of prayer was accompanied by a many mystical phenomena such as ecstasies, the gifts of ubiquity, of healing and of prophesy. In over half a century, she dedicated herself entirely and without any remuneration to all types of acts of mercy. So as to devote more time to her meditation and to widen the scope of her mercy, she adopted six orphaned nieces, with whom she founded a 'universal shelter.' At that time there were no hospitals, hospices for the elderly or foundling homes in Quillota. It was with her initiative and prophetic originality that she accomplished her considerable good works, with no other help than from her grateful admirers.
Over the years, the people have maintained great confidence in the protection of the one whom they lovingly named 'Blessed Little Benavides.' Many visit her tomb to express gratitude for the graces and healing they have obtained through her intercession. What a great day it will be for the whole of Latin America when one will see this outstanding disciple of Saint Rose of Lima raised to the altars!
Surely there have been few cases where an entire town has acted to promote the cause of beatification. On June 1, 1999, the 150th anniversary of the death of Maria del Carmen Benavides Mujica was celebrated. The town mayor, a great admirer of the 'Little Blessed,' awarded her the title of the 'illustrious Daughter of Quilotta.' This Lay Dominican, a model of a lay person committed to promoting the Kingdom of God, might one day be the patron of social workers and Christian volunteers.
(Text from fr. Emilio Calderon de Castro, OP, Vice-Postulator of her Cause)
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Mary Lee Odders OP Editor
P O Box 85451
Racine WI 53408-5451
E-mail: mlodders@execpc.com