Commentary
The Southwest Kansas Register
January 17, 2010 Page 5
The best Christmas gift
Sister Julitta Elsen, ASC, 1902-1995; Part I
hen I was eight years old, my
friend Gina introduced me to
her grandmother. I was a very shy
child anyway, but this introduction
took me completely by surprise and
I was speechless. How could this
woman be a grandmother? She wasn’t
old. She didn’t have white hair. I was
convinced my friend had been cheated.
This…this woman, whoever she might
be, was definitely not a grandmother.
At eight years old, I didn’t know evBy Terri
erything, but I did know what a grandReinhart
mother was supposed to look like.
My grandmother was 49 years old
when my mother was born. That means by the time I was born,
she was in her 70s. I never knew her before she was tiny and
white haired. She was grandma. All grandmas were like this,
I was sure of it. All grandmas used magnifying glasses to read
the prayer cards that were kept in their little black prayer books.
I was sure that if I’d peek into the little black prayer book of any
grandma, the words would not be anything I could recognize,
even when I was old enough to know how to read. Grandmas
had a secret language. All grandmas ironed clothes with those
heavy black irons that were heated on the stove and, of course,
all grandmas wore corsets when they went to church, even if they
needed a daughter to lace it up for them. They also had pretty
dishes filled with candies and cookie jars filled with cookies. Any
grandma worth anything would also have a backyard where their
grandchildren could make mud pies. My grandma did. She was
a grandma’s grandma.
All this came back to me last weekend when I got the call
from my son saying that his wife was in labor and could I come
to pick up the dogs? Two enthusiastic Labradors in the back of
our car, a reassurance from our son that the midwife was there
and everything was going as it should; we went home to wait
for the call that would let us know that our grand baby had arrived safely.
We waited. We waited all day and all night. We brought them
some groceries that first evening and got an update. Everything
was going well, just slowly. This baby was taking its own sweet
time in coming into the world. They probably would have had
time to get to Bethlehem via donkey. They had opted for a home
birth and while their house wasn’t much larger than a stable, it
was definitely warmer and more comfortable.
We waited for another day and night and finally got a call at 6
a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. We were grandparents!! Our little
grandson had arrived! The labor had taken just long enough that
they made the decision to go to the hospital for his birth, just to
make sure everything was okay. A few hours later, Chris and I
were sitting in the hospital room, holding our tiny grand baby in
our arms. Nothing can compare to that.
Nothing could compare that is, except perhaps watching our
son hold his tiny baby in his arms. This was our son and he had
changed right before our eyes, from a young man and husband,
to a father. Our daughter-in-law had become a mother. What
advice could I give them?
After watching them for awhile, I realized that there was
only one bit of wisdom that I had to pass down to them. It was
something that was once told to me and I hope that it is the only
advice I’ve ever given that anyone has taken seriously. It is
this: You are your child’s mom and dad. You know him better
than anyone else ever will. You know what he needs. Don’t let
anyone else try to tell you otherwise. They are adults now and are
fully capable of making their way and taking care of their little
family. My job now is to trust them and let them be.
Trusting John and Coco is easy. They are much stronger, more
knowledgeable, and infinitely more patient than I was at their
age. I listened as John calmly explained to his wailing baby,
“It’s all right. You’ve just had a long trip. It’s tiring. It’s cold,
too, after coming from the tropics, but this is a good place. This
is a good world.” Later, I listened from the next room as Coco
encouraged her little one to nurse. She has such patience! She
is a singer and even her speaking voice has a beautiful, musical
quality to it, especially when she speaks to the baby.
I never knew my grandfathers, but I know that Chris will make
an excellent Grampa. He’s getting ready. He brought several
Editor’s Note: The following is Part I of a two-part
series. Part II will run in the next issue.
After reading the very inspirational book of Sister
Loretta Gegen, A.S.C (who served the Diocese of
Dodge City as Director of Leadership Formation and
Strategic Planning from 1991 to 1998) entitled “Julitta
Elsen … She Walked in Faith,” I knew that she was one
who could truly be called a Holy One of Our Times.
Sister Julitta’s story was printed by the International
Center of ACS Spirituality in 2007. Gratefully, I received the permission of the author to write a part of
Sister Julitta’s story for the Southwest Kansas Register.
All my information is based on Sister Loretta’s book.
-- Sister Irene
• • •
Part I: Who is Sister Julitta Elsen?
bag of dreams and the skill of nurturing marked
Pauline Elsen’s life from day one -- which
was April 19, 1902, when she was born to
Nicholas and Anna Elsen in Colwich,
Kansas -- until her death 93 years later
on March 27, 1995. Her lifetime mantra seemed to be words of encouragement, “You can do it. I know you
can.” Sometimes this was the mantra
she used for herself; often it was used
to encourage others. In either case,
she was indeed a woman of faith.
Growing up as the fourth child in a
farm family of nine, Pauline learned the
virtues of orderliness and hard work as she
helped with the chores of gathering the eggs,
working in the garden, helping with the laundry. Life
was simple and marked with Catholic traditions which
her parents had brought from Germany. Sunday Mass,
dinner on a clean white tablecloth, a meal with homemade pies or cakes for dessert, an afternoon of games
and fun, family Rosary. There was a wise grandmother
who lived with the family and made taffy or popcorn
for the children while parents were away enjoying some
well deserved social event.
A three-quarters mile walk brought the children to Sacred Heart School where they were taught by the Adorers
of the Blood of Christ. Pauline was an avid reader and
the little school never seemed to have enough books for
her pleasure. The family was generous to the Sisters and
the children vied for the privilege of bringing them some
gift of food every Saturday morning.
Life was good for Pauline for the first 11 years. Dur-
W
(See Christmas Gift, Page 16)
A
Holy Ones of
Our Time
By Sister Irene
Hartman, OP
ing the summer of 1914, Mr. Elsen suffered a serious
accident and was never able to work again. He died a
year later. His death was a sad blow for Pauline and
she grieved his loss. But she was soon to suffer another
loss when her older sister, companion, and dear
friend, Mary, decided to join the postulancy
in Wichita, and soon became known as
Sister Serena. Pauline was later to join
her in September of 1918 and became
known as Sister Julitta. As a postulant,
she was sent to Ruma, Illinois for formation. Two months into her period of
training, she received the sad news of
the death of her beloved Sister Serena,
a victim of the deadly Spanish influenza.
There was not much time for mourning
for soon Sister Julitta was to make her first
profession.
Her elementary teaching days were spent in
classrooms in North Kinsley and in Windthorst. Then
she was assigned to St. John’s Academy in Wichita
to care for the young girls in school. Everywhere she
went, Sister Julitta endeared herself to her students.
She was assigned for a short time to the hospital in
Carlsbad, New Mexico, then back to the Academy.
It was at this time, at the invitation of Pope Pius XII
and the Redemptorists, that the community became
interested in doing missionary work in the southern
hemisphere. Sister Julitta submitted her name as a volunteer, and as the Council sorted out the names, Sister
Julitta spoke up saying, “I will go. I know Spanish.”
Immediately she regretted her words, but her superior
said, “Go to the sewing room and be measured for
white habits.” She and Sister Evelyn Gorges were
commissioned to make an exploratory trip to Brazil. To be continued in the next issue...
A new year arrives, the old one slips away
A
n old Spanish Christmas carol sings thus: “El
año nuevo se viene, tururú, el año viejo se va, y
nosotros nos iremos y no volveremos más.” (A new year
is approaching, the old one is going away, and we too
will depart never to return again). The first part tells us of
the traditional year-end rituals of saying goodbye to the
old year and welcoming the new one with cheer, while
the second one reminds us that life goes by in the blink
of an eye and we had better live it to the fullest because
we do not know when our time will be up.
And so, while we balance what the old year has left
behind in our individual and collective memories, we
also look to the future with confidence in God and our
feet on the ground.
My list of impressions of 2009 includes the inauguration of the first president of color in the United States,
the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the
Supreme Court of Justice and of a Latino theologian,
Miguel Díaz, as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. Also,
the unending and at times difficult debate on health
care reform which, as I write these letters, continues
unresolved in the Senate.
The Year 2009 also brought us high unemployment
not seen in the U.S. in decades, and the lament of those
who lost their houses because of unsustainable mortgages and medical bills that put them into bankruptcy.
By Mar MuñozVisoso
Assistant Director of
media relations, USCCB
The ones who got us in this hole needed our help to
get all of us out of it, and, ironically, it was necessary
to save them first.
As every end of year, our homes and work spaces fill
up with the buzzing of incessant activity as we resolve
pending issues, and seek to get done in a few days what
we did not accomplish in the whole year.
And in the midst of all this, once again, a little child
brings us hope and invites us to look at the future with
confidence, acknowledging that the most important gift
is life itself. He invites us to contemplate the mystery
of life and to welcome it like Mary and Joseph did:
with amazement and without fear, procuring the best
(See Old Year, Page 16)
Around the Diocese
Page 6 January 17, 2010
The Southwest Kansas Register
Timken PSR students, parishioners
spread Christmas cheer
Photos by Myrtle LaFond/St Joan of Arc, Elkhart
Father Christmas comes to Elkhart
On Dec 6, Father Pascal Klein from St Joan of Arc Church in Elkhart came to the
parish Advent Celebration dressed as St. Nicholas. He blessed the food, passed out
the candy and listened to the children’s Christmas wishes.
Sister Helen Prejean to speak at workshop in Wichita
Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, author of
“Dead Man Walking,” will share how her
correspondence with a death row inmate
changed the direction of her life. She is one
2 column x 7 inches
Courtesy photos
BRINGING JOY TO THE ELDERLY
-- Prior to the Holy Trinity, Timken,
Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec.
13, Father Rene Labrador, the PSR
students, and parishioners spread
some holiday cheer by caroling at
of two speakers at the March 5-6 workshop. More information will be included
in the next SKR, or call (316) 689-4081,
or email [email protected].
1 column x 9.5 inches
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the Rush County Nursing Home,
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Above, Father Rene leads the singers on his guitar at the Rush County
Nursing Home.
Local News
The Southwest Kansas Register
January 17, 2010 Page 7
‘Quince Años’ tradition celebrates the gift of life
By David Myers
Southwest Kansas Register
T
he closer the day came, the more José
Franco, 15, had butterflies; first there
would be the church celebration during
which he would take part in age-old ceremonies in front of dozens of people; and
then there would be the reception, where
he would have to dance a Waltz under the
spotlight – all eyes on him.
At least he wasn’t alone. With him at
the Nov. 14 event were Mario Espino and
Luis Fernando Espino, who, like José, were
celebrating their quince años, a rite of passage for 15-year-old boys and girls. Quince
años literally means 15 years. While the
celebration has come to be more popular
among 15 year old girls, the event has never
been relegated to one sex; it has always
been offered to both girls and boys. Boys
are called quinceañeros while the girls are
called quinceañeras. Also with each of the
boys were their special “honored guests,”
a girl to dance the Waltz with them.
Sister Angela Erevia, MCDP, has spent
more than 35 years helping young people,
families, and parishes prepare boys and
girls for this ancient cultural tradition.
She has been successful in putting this
celebration in a spiritual context instead of
it being a purely social event.” [It should
be noted that in the Diocese of Dodge City,
the event is often celebrated as a “blessing
ceremony” (as it was at Prince of Peace in
Great Bend) and not a Mass, and does not
include Communion.] “At their celebration, the quinceañeros and quinceañeras
are accompanied by other young men and
women known damas and chambelanes.
Sister Angela introduced the idea of calling
them faith companions to put in a spiritual
context of faith.
“When celebrating the Mass, it’s the
same for boys and girls,” Sister Angela explained. “It’s really a Mass of Thanksgiving
to thank God for the gift of life and for an
opportunity for the young people to renew
their faith before the community. Some
Christian religious symbols representing
Photo by David Myers
Mario Espino, José Franco, and Luis Fernando Espino recently celebrated their
quinceañeros, a right of passage for 15-year-old boys and girls (quinceañeras for
girls), which celebrates the gift of life.
the gift of life, baptism, and confirmation
are brought forth and their meaning explained to the assembly while the symbols
are placed on a table in the sanctuary.
“After the homily, the young people
renew their baptismal promises,” she said.
“Then they make their Profession of Faith.
After communion, their names are called
to come forward before the altar. A rose
is given to them and together they pray
an act of consecration to Our Lady. While
still standing before the altar and before the
last blessing by the celebrant, the parents
or guardians are asked to come forward to
bless them. Accompanied by their parents or
guardians, they offer the rose to Our Lady
as a family.” Sister also added that the fiesta
or the party should be an extension of the
Eucharist while they continue to thank God
and celebrate this wonderful gift of life with
family and friends.
José, Mario, and Luis are among only a
handful of boys in Great Bend who have
taken part in the celebration. The idea was
instigated by Mario, who had earlier attended
a quinceañera celebration as an “honored
Tell us about a priest who changed your life
Msgrs John Steines and George Husmann
Editor’s Note: The letter below was
submitted in answer to a request for letters about how a priest positively influenced their life.
How has a priest influenced your life in
S
a positive way? Send your story to: Priest
Stories, Southwest Kansas Register, 910
Central, P.O. Box 137, Dodge City, Kan.
67801 or email skregister@dcdiocese.
org.
everal priests
have influDecember
27, 1993
12, 1962
his priestly duties
enced my life in a posiwas so imprestive
way
throughout
my
life.
sive. Rather than
Msgr. George Husmann
n Steines
Here are two who did so early
delegate other
in my life.
people to minister
Msgr.
was born Jan. 14,
Steines was
born Husmann
on March 16,
Msgr. John Steines influto the poor of the
1916,
in Fowler.
wasa ordained May
onsdorf,
Luxemburg.
HeHe
immienced
my
life when
I was
parish, he would
30,
1942,
byhisBishop
Winkelmann
in St.
he United
States
his
mother
young
boy with
by
example.
He
personally deal
He wasAnthony
ordained
Sept.
9,Fowler.
1912,
was
one ofChurch,
the
most
kind
and Msgr. John
with businesses to
Msgr. George
gentle
priests
I
have
known.
I
acquire
the needs
During
his assignment
as Rev.
an assistant
Immaculate
hael’s Church,
Chicago,
by the Most
Paul P. at
Steines
Husmann
was
especially
impressed
by
for
them,
and then
Windthorst
(1942-45),
he was charged with
xiliary Heart
bishopofofMary,
Chicago.
He celebrated
his first
the way
he treated
children
with
hisHe
lovesecured
he would
deliver
it to them. With this and
establishing
a parish
in Bucklin.
an old
oil field
16, 1912,
in St.
Joseph
Church,
Oneida,
N.Y.,
and caring disposition. Looking back, other works, he was always excited and
shack
which
was converted
into
a church. The parishioners
brother,
Msgr.
Michael
Steines, was
pastor.
I realize what a Christ-like example he full of energy. He gave me much good
named
churchatSt.
George
to honorand
their
pastor.
ght French
andthe
German
DePaul
University
was for
me.
advicefirst
when
I was a young man, and he
He
served
as an
assistant
at St.was
Mary’s
Cathedral,
. Boniface
andalso
St. Benedict’s
parishes
in Chicago,
Msgr.
George
Husmann
also
influenced
a great
example to follow.
Wichita
and St. Joseph,
Andale
(1945-47). Between
ng to Immaculate
Conception,
Skidmore,
Texas.
my life (1945),
by his
devotion
to
the priestLe Roy Thill
hood.two
The
endless
showed
Joseph Parish, Ellinwood
these
assignments
hehe
was
administrator
o the Wichita
Diocese
inenergy
1916.
All
but
oneinof his for St.St.Michael
in La Crosse
for six City
months
in 1945.
ts wereParish
in parishes
in the Dodge
Diocese.
Husmann’s
pastorates
St. Joseph,
ignments Msgr.
included:
St. Nicholas,
Kinsley,included:
with
Ashland,
with St.(1916
Mary’s,
Sitka (1947-49);
rt, Larned,
as a mission
to 1918);
chaplain St. Lawrence,
guest” of a 15 year old girl, which required
him to take part in the rehearsed Waltz.
When his parents later approached him about
having the event for himself, he asked if he
could “get a couple of friends to do it with
me. It sounded like a lot of fun.”
When asked if he had the same butterflies
as José, Mario responded, “It’s stressful.
We had to practice and practice the dance.
And we had little girls practicing, too. It
was hard for them.” The little girls were
family members who also took part in the
dances, which are an integral part of the
reception.
When asked what José’s mother thought
of her son taking part as a quinceañero,
she answered in Spanish that she was very
happy, and then added something that left
the boys laughing. “She said she knew I
had fun because I danced all night,” José
translated, smiling.
“Before, I thought it would be embarrassing, but once I was there I wasn’t embarrassed,” José added.
“After the little dance,” Luis explained,
“our parents could have a surprise dance to
make us dance to the song they wanted. We
had the beginning dance and another one we
chose, and another our parents chose that
we didn’t know about.
“After that they had someone bring in a
surprise gift. I got a soccer ball, cologne
and clothes. Then we ate our cake. It was
pretty fun.” Each had their honored guest,
a sponsor, and dozens of friends and family
members who took to the dance floor later
in the evening.
Prince of Peace Parish offers quince
años preparation retreats three times a
year.
According to Mercedes Helms, pastoral
minister at Prince of Peace, “In order to
celebrate the quince años, Luis, Mario and
José fulfilled the requirements of the parish
(among others: to be registered members of
the parish, attend the Religious Education
classes, and attend one of the classes offered
through the year offered as a retreat with
their parents).
“All three participated with high enthusiasm and interest at this last retreat held on
Aug. 1, learning about moral issues, liturgy,
tradition, development of stronger relationship with their parents, a catechetical moment, and much more with lots of fun.”
Helms facilitates the classes with the assistance of Ana Martinez. While the roots of this celebration are
traced to Mexico, it is not only for those of
Mexican heritage. “In fact, most indigenous
groups around the world had and continue to
have initiation or puberty rites,” Sister Angela
said. The quince años tradition is traced to the
indigenous groups of Mexico according to
historian records. She said that while ministering in other dioceses, she organized an annual
diocesan celebration presided by the bishop
for all 15-year-olds of the diocese. Some of
these diocesan celebrations included kids
of various ethnic groups -- Anglos, African
American, Vietnamese, Sudanese, German,
Italian, Polish, and Czech. Other Christian
communities are using materials prepared by
Sister Angela for this celebration.
(See Quince Años, Page 12)
Year For Priests: In Remembrance
Father Austin Herrmann, C.P.P.S.
Father Herrmann was born
Rome at Holly, Colo.
Aug. 9, 1922 in the Sts. Peter
Father Herrmann began 12
and Paul settlement north of
consecutive years of service
Kinsley. He was named for
in the Dodge City diocese in
Father Austin Hull, the first
1980. He served at St. Anthony,
resident pastor of the parish.
Lakin (1980-85); St. Raphael,
In 1940 he joined the Society
Syracuse, with St. Bernadette,
of the Precious Blood. He was
Johnson (1985-1990); and was
ordained May 16, 1948, by the
senior priest in residence at Our
Most Rev. Joseph Marling,
Lady of Guadalupe, Dodge City
C.PP.S., bishop of Jefferson
(1990-92). This assignment
City, Mo., at St. Charles Semi- Father Austin Herrmann included parish work and visinary, Carthagena, Ohio.
tations to the hospital and rest
He served as an assistant pastor at three homes in Dodge City.
parishes: St. Francis, Jefferson City, Mo.,
His remaining assignments were in Linton,
(1948-53); St. Mary, Garden City, (1953-58); N.Dak., and Coleman, Tex. He retired from
and St. Bridget, Xenia, Ohio, (1958-65).
active ministry and moved to Kinsley where he
In 1965 Father Herrmann became a mem- assisted at St. Nicholas Parish. He moved to the
ber of the Kansas City Province. He served St. Charles Center in Carthagena in 2005.
in North Dakota (1965-74) at St. Michael,
Father Austin died Jan. 18, 2007. Father
Emmons County; St. Joseph, Killdeer, with Aloys Ebach, vice provincial of the Kansas
the missions in Grassy Butte and Fayette. City Province, celebrated the funeral Mass.
In 1974, he became pastor at St. Frances of Burial was in the community cemetery.
Page 8 January 17, 2010
La Voz Católica
The Southwest Kansas Register
A Section of the Southwest Kansas Register
Honrando Nuestra Virgen
(Vea más fotos en la Página 3)
ocenas de feligreses de la Parroquia San Antonio en Liberal,
y siete tropas de danzantes a lo largo
de Liberal tomaron parte en la procesión musical y de oración desde
el Parque Blue Bonnet en Liberal
hasta la Parroquia San Antonio como
parte de la celebración de la Fiesta de
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, el 12
de diciembre.
“Fue sorprendente para mí que
cada año la devoción de los Hispanos
produce tal entusiasmo y esfuerzo.
Muchos de los grupos danzantes co-
D
Fotos Victor Mencos
menzaron a prepararse en septiembre.
El número de la gente joven involucrada era sorprendente también.
“Es us hermoso esfuerzo de fe.”
Los danzantes, de acuerdo a la
Hermana Angela Erevia, MCDP, no
sólo son danzantes para entretener.
“Su danza es una oración de agradecimiento, de esperanza y comunidad.”
La celebración de la Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe honra la historia de Juan Diego y su reunión con
la Santa Madre en las montañas fuera
de lo que se convirtió en la Ciudad de
México en 1531.
El año nuevo se viene, el año viejo se va
U
n viejo villancico español canta así:
“El año nuevo se viene, tururú, el
año viejo se va; y nosotros nos iremos y
By Mar Muñozno volveremos más.” La primera parte
Visoso
nos recuerda el ritual de cada fin de año
Assistant Director of
—despedir el año viejo y dar la bienvenida
media relations, USCCB
al nuevo con alegría—, mientras que la
segunda nos recuerda que la vida es un
suspiro y que más nos vale vivirla a fondo
porque no sabemos cuándo nos va a llegar
la hora de irnos definitivamente.
Y así, mientras hacemos balance de lo
El 2009 también deja tasas de desempleo
que el año viejo dejó en nuestra memoria
individual y colectiva, nos disponemos tam- como no se habían visto en décadas y el
bién a mirar hacia el futuro con confianza en lamento de los que perdieron sus casas
ahogados por hipotecas insostenibles y
Dios y con los pies firmes sobre la tierra.
Mi lista de impresiones del 2009 incluye por facturas médicas que los llevaron a la
la inauguración del primer presidente de quiebra. Los que nos metieron en todo este
color en los Estados Unidos, el nombra- lío necesitaron nuestra ayuda para sacarnos
miento de la jueza Sonia Sotomayor a la de él, e irónicamente fue necesario salvarlos
Corte Suprema de Justicia y de un teólogo a ellos primero.
Como cada fin de año, en nuestros hoglatino, Miguel Díaz, como embajador de
los Estados Unidos ante la Santa Sede. ares se siente el ronroneo incesante que
También el interminable y crispado debate nos impulsa a resolver asuntos pendientes
sobre la reforma de salud, que al tiempo de en el último momento y queremos hacer
escribir estas líneas todavía está sin resolver en tres días lo que no hicimos en todo
el año.
en el Senado.
Y en medio de todo esto, una vez
más, un niño pequeño nos trae esperanza y nos invita a mirar al futuro con
confianza reconociendo que el don más
importante es el de la vida misma. Él
nos invita a contemplar el misterio de
la vida y a acogerla, como María y José,
con asombro y sin miedo, procurando
lo mejor para el extraño encomendado
a su cuidado aun con los medios escasos de dos peregrinos, inmigrantes
forzados víctimas de las políticas de la
época, cuyo hospedaje temporal es un
establo. Lo único que tienen que ofrecer
es ellos mismos.
Les invito a acoger el Año Nuevo con
la actitud de María y José. Que nunca
deje de admirarnos la vida; que nunca
dejemos de esforzarnos por hacer lo correcto. Que valoremos a la familia y a los
amigos por encima de todo y que seamos
bendecidos con muchos de ellos.
El 2010 nos traerá su propias preocupaciones y aventuras, momentos en los que
el viento sople de cara y otros en los que
habrá que remar contra la corriente. Ya se
escuchan vientos de intentos de reforma
migratoria; mientras que otros han lanzado
un desafío a la Iglesia y a las escuelas católicas para que acrecienten dramáticamente el
número de niños latinos en sus aulas en la
próxima década. (http://catholicschooladvantage.nd.edu).
Y en mayo, la Convocatoria sobre Diversidad Cultural en la Iglesia reunirá en
la Universidad de Notre Dame al liderazgo
eclesial para conmemorar el décimo aniversario del Encuentro 2000 (¡no puedo creer
que ya pasaron diez años!) y continuar el
diálogo iniciado allí, reflexionar sobre qué
significa ser católico en una Iglesia culturalmente diversa y seguir encontrando formas
de construir la unidad en la diversidad. Y
con la ayuda de Dios decimos, bring it on!,
¡estamos listos!
El año nuevo se viene, el año viejo se
va… Salud (y un doctor cerca que podamos
pagar), trabajo (mucho trabajo, sobre todos
para los desempleados), paz y muchas bendiciones a todos en el 2010.
Mar Muñoz-Visoso es subdirectora de
prensa y medios en la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos.