News from San Antonio Church – August 6, 2023

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin August 6, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday we honor the Transfiguration of Jesus. Churches who celebrate the Transfiguration on August 6th are Syriac Orthodox, Indian Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, and the Anglican Church.  This feast has existed since the 9Th Century and during the reign of Pope Callixtus III (1455-1458) who would then establish the Transfiguration as a Universal Feast to be celebrated on August 6th and to commemorate the lifting of the siege of Belgrade in 1456.  The Transfiguration is one of the five major milestones in the life of Jesus along with the His Baptism, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and the Ascension. Because of its importance, Pope John Paul II in 2002 introduced the “Luminous Mysteries” to include the Transfiguration in the Rosary. 

The Transfiguration is the occasion described in the first three Gospels when the divine glory of Christ was shown in a comprehensive way, according to the gospel, Jesus along with Peter, James, and John would go to a secluded mountain to pray.  For three years the three disciples followed Jesus, seen his miracles, and have done miracles in his name and that is why he took them away from the other disciples.  The three apostles witnessed Jesus’ change in his outward appearance that shone with bright rays of light as Jesus himself became the connection point between Heaven and Earth.  Saint Maximus the Confessor stated that the senses of the Apostles were transfigured to enable them to perceive the true glory of Christ, as Jesus was transfigured before them with his garments turning white as the light.  Paul the Apostle referred to the “Transfiguration of Believers” as Jesus was transfigured before them.

The narrative of the Transfiguration explains the further revelation of the identity of Jesus as the Son of God to some of His Disciples.  It is thought that the spiritual transfiguration of the believer continues to remain a way for achieving a closer union with God, as the transfiguration echoes by Jesus’s teachings; that God is not “the God of the dead, but of the Living.”  The Transfiguration is seen as a preview for us as we anticipate the Resurrection.  Several churches and buildings were named to honor the Transfiguration and since the 3rd Century, some Christians have named Mount Tabor as the site of the Transfiguration.  It is thought that Mt. Tabor is where Jesus, Peter, James, and John joined together to pray and at present where many pilgrims still make their journey.  Mount Tabor, located in Lower Galilee, Israel is located eleven miles west of the Sea of Galilee and is shaped like a half sphere reaching 1,886 feet. 

The mountain is the location of a Roman Catholic Church of the Franciscan that was built between 1919 and 1924.  The Church of the Transfiguration is built on the peak of Mt. Tabor on the ruins of a 5th Century Byzantine and Crusader Church from the 12th Century and is visible from afar.  The entrance of the church welcomes visitors with a rock engraved in ancient Greek next to an engraving of a cross.  Every August 6th, on the Feast of the Transfiguration, the church will be illuminated by the sunbeams that are reflected off the glass plate on the floor for a memorable display.  For the faithful who visit the site, there is also an Eastern Orthodox Monastery and a Franciscan Cemetery located on Mt. Tabor.

San Antonio Parishioners sends their condolences to the Andriacco and Scriveri families on the passing of Mackenzie Mc Carthy.  She was the daughter of Geri and Chris McCarthy. She passed away on July 27th at the age of thirty and leaves siblings, Daniel, Mariah, and Megan to mourn their loss.  Her celebration of life service was held on Friday, August 4th at St. William Church.  Please keep her many family members and friends in your prayers in their time of mourning.  We also mention the passing of Vincent “Vinny” Scriveri from a large family with many connections to South Fairmount and our church. A resident of Saddle Brook, New Jersey he was the son of Audrey and Frank Scriveri and brother to Patty, Francine, Carolyn, Pam, and Frank. Vincent leaves wife Diane, children Tara, Anthony, Victoria, and Grandson Sebastian. 

On Saturday, August 5th at 10:30 AM, San Antonio Church held a remembrance Mass for Fern (Bonaventura) Webster whose namesake was the late, Fern (Romelli) Roberto.  She passed away on July 26th and leaves son Michael (Josie) Webster and Grandchildren Hailey, Zachary, and Madison.  She also leaves her beloved sister Estelle (Bonaventure) Ruehl and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

News from San Antonio Church – July 23, 2023

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin July 23, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we honor the feast of St. Bridget of Sweden born in Upland, Sweden in 1303.   Bridget’s parents were Birger and Ingeborg Peterson, part of the reigning family of the country.  Bridget’s father Birger went to confession every Friday and made many pilgrimages to the Holy Land.    At the age of ten, her mother died leaving her sister Katharine aged nine and a newborn boy Israel to live with their maternal aunt who promoted her devotion to her faith and education.  When Brigit was in her teens she married and over the years, gave birth to 4 daughters and 4 sons with all of them surviving infancy.    In the early years of her marriage, Bridget   was requested by the King of Sweden, Magnus Erickson to serve as a Lady-in-Waiting to the young Queen, Blanche of Namur a position she continued to serve in the Court of the King and Queen of Sweden for 10 years.  At the age of 41 she lost her husband Ulf Gudmarsson when they returned from a pilgrimage to Santiago di Compostela.  Bridget was devastated and during   her long mourning period, spent many long hours in prayer near Ulf’s grave.  She prayed for guidance in the Abbey at Alvastra while seeking God’s intercession and an answer to what her next mission in life would be.  She consulted with her children, took care of her affairs, and soon, her answer was for Bridget   to find   a new religious order for women.  The new order would be seen as a “vineyard full of grapes” with the wine made from those grapes to be used to revive the Church.   In the vision she received, Bridget was told of   plans for the Abbey Church and how it was to be built, of the clothing and of the prayers for the nuns and for the number of priests and chaplains. 

There would be two communities with 60 nuns, 13 priests, 4 deacons, and 8 lay brothers, ruled by an Abbess who represent the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Bridget requested and received a plot of land and a small palace donated by the King of Sweden for the new Monastery.  In 1349, Brigit needed to consult the Pope for his blessing for the new Order and   traveled to Rome, to await his return from France. She resided in Rome all during the Holy Year of 1350 and was finally given the support of Pope Urban V in 1370, never to returning to Sweden.  During the last years of her life, Bridget had visions concerning the future and fought for Church reform.  Bridget went on to direct those in authority to make the changes she had hoped for the Church.  Her one desire to become a nun never happened and she never visited the Convnet Church of the Pax Mariae Abbey in Vadstena, the first Bridgettine Monastery.  None of her desires took form and she died in Rome on July 23, 1373, tired and worn from all her failed plans with her body returned for her burial in the Monastery at Vadstena.   She was Canonized by Pope Boniface IX on October 7, 1391, eighteen years after her death and to some she is thought of as the Patroness of Failures.  Bridget is considered the foundress of the religious Order, the Bridgettines Nuns and Monks primarily for women with permanent chaplains and an Abbess in charge and dedicated to devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ.  The brothers within the Order had a Confessor General responsible for the spiritual business of both convents.  The Bridgettine Monks are in Amity Oregon at the Monastery of Our Lady of Consolation founded in 1976 and is the only monastery of men since the 1st of the 19th century. 

There were Monasteries from Scandinavia although Europe and into Italy.  It expanded into Spain in 1629, Rome in 1911, United States in 1970, and Mexico in 2012.  The Motherhouse where Bridget once lived is located on the Piazza Farnese in Rome.  and at present there is one male convent in the U.S.A.  St. Brigit is the patroness of Sweden and once said “True wisdom, then, consists of un the works, not in great talents which the world admires; for the wise in the world’s estimation are the foolish who set at naught the will of God, and know not how to control their passions.” 

A prayer to St. Brigit: “Brigit, you were a woman of peace.  You brought light into darkness.  You brought hope to the downcast.  May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled or anxious, and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and our world.  Inspire us to act justly and to revere all God has made.”  In 1999, The Holy Father added 3 women as Patron saints of Europe:  St. Brigit of Sweden, St. Catharine of Siena and St. Edith Stein.

On July 30th we will celebrate “World Day for Grandparents and Elderly.”  This was established by Pope Francis near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

News from San Antonio Church – July 16, 2023

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin July 16, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 15th Sunday in ordinary time, our San Antonio Church Community sends its heartfelt condolences to the Ellerhorst and Ruehl Families on the passing of Audrey Rose “Sissy” Ellerhorst at the age of 19 years.  Sissy was the daughter of our parishioner and volunteer Gregg and Lisa (Ruehl) Ellerhorst and beloved sister of Virginia and husband Nick Zieleniewski, Ashley and husband Andrew Curtis and brothers Robert and William Ellerhorst.  Sissy was the cherished Aunt to Jackson, Cameron, Eli, and Ella; leaving behind many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and her fairy godmother Barbara Graham to mourn her.  She was an inspiration to all and was a proud 2023 graduate of the Margaret B. Rost School.  Audrey Rose “Sissy” Ellerhorst left this earth on June 28, 2023, and her Funeral Mass was held at St. Catharine of Siena Church on July 6th.  Memorials may be made to the Trisomy 18 Foundation at P.O. Box 320, Flushing, Michigan 48433.  Please keep their extended family members and friends in your prayers. 

We also announce the death of Fern (Bonaventura) Webster on June 28, 2023, at the age of 76.  Being a member of the large Bonaventura family, Fern has connections with many of the families who have attended San Antonio Church.  She was the daughter of Carmine Bonaventura and Carmela Smeraldo who were married in the 2nd temporary San Antonio Church building on May 23, 1936, with her namesake, Fern (Romelli) Roberto the flower girl witnessing her parents wedding.  Fern (Bonaventura) Webster along with her sister Estelle grew up in the Little Italy section of South Fairmount and were part of the Sunday gatherings held on Biegler Street that united all the aunts, uncles and cousins for the traditional home cooked Italian meal.  She resided in northern Kentucky at the time of her passing and there will be a memorial scheduled sometime in August.  Fern was a proud graduate of Mother of Mercy High School, attended Thomas More College and retired from Cincinnati Bell as a purchasing agent.  She leaves her son Michael, his wife Jose, 3 Grandchildren, her sister Estelle (Bonaventura) Ruehl, nieces Donna, Gina, Linda and their families.  Please keep her many family members in your prayers. 

On June 29, 2023, Joyce (Thinnes) Roberto (1940-2023) passed away at the age of 83.  She was the wife of the late Robert J. Roberto (1942-2016) who was a United Sates Navy Veteran serving on the USS Intrepid.   Joyce was a loving mother to Tina Martini, Debbie Roberto (Lonnie Tingle) Katy Marston (Phil) and Tracy Roberto (Tate Bailey).  Joyce also leaves 11 much loved Grandchildren, cousins Tina, LuAnn, Gina and many family members from the Bomkamp, Schmerber, Blome, Kuhling, Thinnes and Bley families who mourn her passing.  Joyce ‘s mother and father-in-law were the late Mildred (Wittkamp) (1917-2012) and Jospeh Vito Roberto (1914-1987) who along with her sister the late Lorraine (Wittkamp) Roberto (1921-2015) were long time members of San Antonio Church.  Those past generations of the Roberto family who were active members of San Antonio Church were Pasquale Roberto (1892-1953) and Louise( Di Stasi) Roberto (1891-1942)and their family Joseph Roberto (1914-1987),  Anthony H. Roberto (1917-1984), Patrick Roberto (1920-1972), Alexander J. Roberto (1922-1990), Vito Joseph Roberto (1924-2000), Louis Roberto (1928-2000 ), Angelina (Roberto ) Buck (1913-1969) and Rose (Roberto) Baudendistel (1917-1964).  The Roberto family resided in the Upper Lick Run Section of South Fairmount with their homestead located at 2153 Queen City Avenue and were active in the Men’s Club and the St. Ann’s Married Ladies Sodality in the early years of the church.  They were also active in the Felitto Club that united the next generations from the first wave of Italians who settled in Cincinnati from the small towns and villages in southern Italy.  Pease keep the large Roberto and Thinnes family in your prayers.

News from San Antonio Church – July 9, 2023

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin July 9, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On Saturday, July 8th San Antonio Church welcomed members from the Van Cleave, Schiesz, Nieves-Taranto and Wilder Families for the baptism of Sophia Van Cleave who was born on January 1, 2023.  Sophia is the daughter of Sarah (Schiesz) and John Van Cleave from Seville, Ohio and is the 5th generation of one the original founding families from South Fairmount.  Her Great Great Grandparents, the late Dena (Panaro) and Silvano Minella were longtime residents of Little Italy and parishioners of San Antonio Church.  The Great Grandparents to baby Sophia were the late Mary (Minella) and Anthony Schiesz who was married by Fr. Caesar Kron on July 4, 1947, at our church and resided at 1990 Queen City Avenue.  Mary and Tony Schiesz were active in the church sodality’s, festivals and fundraisers.  Their children: Grandfather and Grandmother of Sophia, Anthony (Tony) and Beth (Wilder) Schiesz who were married by our then pastor in 1981, Fr. Albert Senn.  Other members of their immediate family, Great Aunt Mary Jo (Schiesz) Cini who married the father of her children, the late Pat Monahan at San Antonio Church on December 27, 1967, Great Aunt Rita (Schiesz) Miller our dedicated Sacristan, and Great Aunt Nancy (Schiesz) Harnish.  The Godparents for baby Sophia’s Christening are her Aunt, Ashley Schiesz and her Uncle, Francisco Nieves-Taranto from Orlando, Florida. 

Fr. Louis Gasparini a Comboni Missionary presided at the Christening and celebration.  Fr. Louis, Director of Hispanic Ministry and Local Superior for the Comboni Mission Center for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati arrived from Italy after World War II and was ordained in 1966.    After he was ordained, Fr. Louis advised the Grandfather of Sophia, Anthony (Tony) Schiesz while he attended a pre–Seminary High School, Monroe Catholic High School in Michigan when the Verona Fathers were part of the Comboni Missionaries.   We are excited for his visit as Fr. Louis Gasparini has worked with the Pastor of Holy Family and San Antonio Churches, Father Rodolfo Coaquira Hilaje, a Peruvian Comboni Missionary.  These extraordinary   Missionary Priests have carried on the work of their founder, St. Daniel Comboni who dedicated his life and mission to the Sacred Heart.  Our church community wishes many blessings upon baby Sophia her parents Sarah and John and all her family members who have traveled many miles to witness and celebrate her Baptism at San Antonio Church, the parish of past generations of family members. 

On this Sunday, July 9th San Antonio Church parishioners welcome the La Societa Fuscaldese Femminile for their annual Mass and Breakfast to honor their patron Saint, San Francesco di Paola who was born in 1416 and Canonized in 1519.  In 1943, Pope Pius XII named San Francesco the patron saint of seamen and in 1963, Pope John XXIII designated San Francesco di Paola the patron saint of Calabria.   We are honored to host their organization for this feast day and all the parishioners are honored to have the likeness of their revered saint, San Francesco di Paola adorn our church.   The history of their club dates to the time when their members immigrated from Fuscaldo, Italy and settled in Cincinnati, as they continued their familial ties and traditions.  The men from those original families established their own organization, Societa’ O.M.S. Fuscaldese Maschill in 1931 as a way to keep their connections with each other. 

Their first picnic was well attended and when they held their next reunion outing at Gutzwiller’s Grove, in 1932, there were over 200 in attendance.  The Men’s organization continued for 71 years until 2002 and that is when the La Societa Fuscaldese continued their service organization and involvement in the community while being a strong presence at Sacred Heart Church in Camp Washington.   After the Sacred Heart Italian Church (the parent church for San Antonio, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Churches) was relocated from 527 Broadway, the Parishioners joined Sacred Heart Church in Camp Washington in 1970   under the direction of the Scalabrinian   Fathers.  After the move, they established a group of volunteers with many from these families assisting with the renovations.  One of their priorities was to move the mural from the sanctuary of Sacred Heart Italian Church, which is now displayed in the Italian Center at Marshall and Massachusetts Avenues. 

The La Societa Fuscaldese Femminile continue to do community service and hold fundraisers to restore the church from their village in Italy.   We are honored by their visit as they celebrate their Saint, and we are appreciative of Pompilio’s for donating the delicious breakfast for all to enjoy.   We thank all our kitchen crew volunteers for preparing the breakfast and all the members of the Men’s and Ladies Club from San Antonio Parishioners who worked during this past week to make this morning a special event.

News from San Antonio Church – July 2, 2023

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin July 2, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we continue to pray for the canonization of Sr. Blandina Segale, Servant of God and the next step on this process, her being declared Venerable.     Our San Antonio Church community has been actively following the process of our beloved Sister of Charity who had a significant presence and impact on all the past generations of our family members, and we were honored to be a part of the special aired on Channel 12 in December that portrayed her works in the Southwest and in Cincinnati.  This documentary Produced by Patricia McGeever has introduced Sr. Blandina to many new followers about her life and    since it’s airing, the documentary has won numerous awards.   In May, Patricia McGeever and Bryan Dykes attended the Ohio Associated Press Awards and won 1st Place for Best Documentary or Series.   On June 8th Patricia flew to Baltimore, Maryland to pick up a National Gabriel Award (given out by The Catholic Media Association) for a 1st Place win for Special or Documentary-Local Release category against 1500 other Entries.  On June 22nd, the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of The Society of Professional Journalists awarded Producer, Patricia and Commentator, Bob Herzog a win for the Best Documentary.  

The next award show for Sister Blandina Segale:  A Cincinnati Saint will be the Regional Emmy Awards to be handed out on July 29th.  We wish Producer, Patricia McGeever, Director of Photography and Editor, Bryan Dykes, Host Bob Herzog and Ricky Henry, Graphics good luck!   There were also awards given to Tomas Sanchez who wrote, produced and directed the first instalment of the 80-minute movie at “The End of The Santa Fe Trail” covering Sr. Blandina’s years in Colorado and Albuquerque.    The first part of her journey, “At The End of The Santa Fe Trail,” was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in May; and in New Mexico, at the Santa Fe Film Festival, where Tomas Sanchez was awarded the Best Director in a Feature Film for 2023.   We are hoping the film will continue to complete her life story especially what she accomplished for the immigrant Italian population of South Fairmount and throughout Cincinnati.   There has also been interest in Sr. Blandina’s life with actress Robin Wright, as the executive producer and director developing a new series in the making, “Trinidad” – focusing on her years while being sent to the Colorado Territory in the late 1880’s.     

On Tuesday, we celebrate the 247th Fourth of July and recall the day in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia after the approval of a resolution of independence.  The resolution was proposed in June by Virginian, Richard Henry Lee declaring the United States independent from the rule of Great Britain.  The legal separation of the 13 Colonies had actually occurred on the 2nd of July to declare the United States independent from Great Britian’s rule.  Thomas Jefferson, the principal author, wrote the Declaration of Independence over a 17-day period between June 11, 1776, and June 28, 1776.  At that time, Thomas Jefferson was residing on a rented 2nd floor of a 3-story home at 700 Market Street within walking distance of Independence Hall.  There was much debate over the wording of the Declaration because of Thomas Jefferson’s not holding back on the denunciation of King George III.  This took place on July 2nd with final approval taking place on July 4, 1776, in a closed session of Congress.  This important document needed to become public, and it was John Hancock the president of the Second Continental Congress, who then commissioned the Editor and printer of the Pennsylvania Packet, John Dunlap to print 200 broadside (large pieces of paper printed to be posted in public spaces) copies of the Declaration of Independence.  The task for printing took place the day after the Declaration was adopted and became known as the Dunlap Broadsides.  

Distributed throughout the 13 colonies/states then to General Washington and his troops at New York with the directive that the Declaration be read aloud.  Copies were also sent to Great Britian and other countries throughout Europe.   Upon receiving them, many states issued their own broadside editions.  The only names on that version of the Dunlap broadside were the president of Congress, John Hancock and Secretary Charles Thomson and it was not until January 18, 1777, that Congress ordered another copy to be sent to each of the 13 states with the names of the signers.  This copy was the first to list all the names of the signers and is referred to as the Goddard Broadside.  Many of the founding fathers of our country would go on to hold important roles in the early government of the United States.    Two signers of the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson and John Adams   went on to serve as President of the United States with both passing away on the 50th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1826.    Another elected President, James Monroe also died on July 4, 1831.  Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872, 96th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 

There is a Memorial to the 56 Delegates to the Second Congress who were signers of the Declaration of independence in Washington, D.C.  The memorial was authorized by Congress in 1978 as a gift from the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration and was dedicated on July 4, 1984.  The memorial is between Constitution Avenue and the Reflecting Pool close to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and is governed by the National Park Service.   The 56 stone blocks portray a facsimile of the signers actual signature, his occupation and his place of residence.  Happy 4th of July America!        

News from San Antonio Church – June 25, 2023

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin June 25, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Catholic Church and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops invites all Catholics “to pray, reflect and act to promote religious freedom” during Religious Freedom Week that starts of June 22nd and ends on June 29th.  The beginning of the movement then called Religious Liberty started in 2012 to defend the Catholic Church in the United Sates against attacks by the Federal Government.  It was called the Fortnight For Freedom, then a 14-day prayer and for public action during the Obama administration’s contraception mandate.  Starting on June 22nd, it has since become an annual event called Religious Freedom Week taking place on the feasts of Saints Thomas Moore and John Fisher, English Martyrs who practiced their deep faith for Christ and His Church, fought religious persecution; were charged with treason and executed in 1535 during the reign of King Henry VIII.  They opposed to King Henry’s divorce when the King claimed to be the supreme head of the Church in England while asserting sovereign power over English Christians.  During   Religious Freedom Week, we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24th) and on June 28th with the Solemnity of Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, who were Martyred in Rome.  The theme for 2023 is Embracing the Divine Gift of Freedom.  Pope Francis once said in 2021: “Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all”.  During this week, we are encouraged to pray and act each day for the goal of religious freedom and help Catholics come together in solidarity with other people of faith to carry out the mission of the Catholic Church in the United States.   

Every day during this weeklong vigil, many areas affecting our religious freedoms will be highlighted and prayed for by all those within the Catholic Church throughout the United States.  The U.S. Catholic Bishops have introduced topics to educate us about these issues and to act and to advocate for policies that promote religious freedom, as these concerns affect Catholic families in many aspects of their lives.   The week of religious freedom begins with us offering prayers to stop the attacks on our churches and to convert hearts to faith in Jesus Christ, and that people of all faiths will be free to gather in sacred places without fear.   Our next prayer of intention is for us to pray that governments will respect the seal of Confession; as Church law forbids Priests from divulging what is revealed to them by penitents during the sacrament of reconciliation.  We as a faith community are called to include our brothers and sisters who are suffering in Nicaragua in our prayers. 

On this Sunday, June 25th we need to pray for religious student groups at colleges and universities that the policies of this new administration should not be used to prohibit religious student groups from ensuring their members and leaders share their beliefs.  The Department of Education is working to repeal a Trump era rule that would protect faith-based student organizations from discrimination by universities and colleges.  The USCCB supports the Equal Campus Act of 2023 which would codify those rules that protect the rights of student groups allowing them to carry out their distinctive mission. 

On Monday, June 26th, we are asked to stand in solidarity with people throughout the world who have suffered for their faith because of the persecution of the Catholic Church and to be aware of the religious tensions taking place in Nigeria.  Another concern during the Religious Freedom Week is for all Catholic Institutions such as schools, hospitals and all those child welfare providers who will suffer because of changes to federal regulations.  On Tuesday, June 27th please offer prayers so that business leaders promote a culture that welcomes faith at work.   For Wednesday, June 28th we in the Catholic Church are asked to pray for all migrants and refugees that the Lord grants them protection at this very difficult time in their lives.  On Thursday, June 29th we continue to offer prayer intentions as the Biden Administration has proposed new rules to remove protections from health care institutions and individuals.  We pray that our government will respect all individuals and institutions that care for the sick and vulnerable.  Through prayer, education, and public action during Religious Freedom Week, we can work to promote the essential right of all Catholics as well as those who practice other faiths, that they will be treated with dignity and respect.

News from San Antonio Church – June 18, 2023

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin June 18, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday we honor   fatherhood and all father figures for the celebration that was thought to have been established and brought to the Americas by the Spanish and Portuguese who at that time   honored Saint Joseph “the punitive father of Jesus” as the fatherly Nutritor Domini (Nourisher of the Lord).   St. Joseph is seen in the Catholic Church as the Patron Saint of family life with The Franciscan Order founding the celebration to honor all fathers on the feast of St. Joseph as early as the 14th Century.  In the United States, the origins of Father’s Day took   years to finally make it a statewide celebration.  The first church sermon solely directed to fathers was in 1908 when a Church in West Virginia held their Sunday sermon to honor the 362 men (250 fathers) who perished in the coal mines while working for the Fairmount Coal Company.  The next documented Father’s day was held in Washington State in 1910 where the 1st statewide Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910.  In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson promoted the day, but it wasn’t until 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge made a plea to state governments to observe Father’s Day but was defeated by Congress.  Maine Sen.  Margaret Chase Smith wrote in her proposal that Congress had been ignoring fathers for the last 40 years while honoring mothers and singling out one of our two parents.  In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the 1st Presidential Proclamation to honor Fathers by designating the 3rd Sunday in June as Father’s Day.    Six years later, In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the proclamation finally making Father’s Day a Federal Holiday.  There will be family dinners and cookouts with special gifts to show him how much he is revered within their family.

Our San Antonio Church Community thanks all our father figures, our dedicated Priests who have served our parishioners at Mass, mentored to us through all the joys and sorrows in our lives, and visited with the sick in the hospital   We are all honored that you are a part of the history of San Antonio Church, and we appreciate you more than you know.  Our church also wants to thank all the men from our parish who have given their time each week to help the church that our immigrant grandparents help establish.   Those men are all products of the men in the dedication picture of 1922 and are present for our Lunch on the House program and are in the Hall every Sunday baking the delicious loaves of bread that helps provide funding for the many needs for our church building.   We are appreciative for all the work the men from San Antonio Church and their families did for the benefit of San Antonio Church at the St. Catharine of Siena Parish Cincitalia Fest.  We send our heartfelt thanks to the   men from the La Rosa Family (Buddy, Mike, Mark) who donated all the products (Bruschetta mixture, prep station and all booth items) for our church to have the best 3-day event ever!    We can never thank them enough or the chairman of the event, Harry Panaro for scheduling all the shifts of workers and for being always on site for the 3-day event for the Bruschetta Booth.  San Antonio Church had many parishioners and their families who donated their time and efforts for the good of our church and St.  Catharine’s School.  The great group of volunteers:  DEE & JOHN BESL, JO ANN LYONS, MIKE RIEF, LISA & TED ARTHUR, CARLA & CHARLES RICE, VICKIE & JOHN SPADE, TINA & GREG KROEGER, MARIA & FRED JEANNET, STEPHANIE PANARO, KRISTY & DON MACKE, HARRY MACKE, SALLY & JOE OLDING, LARRY VICKERY, DANA & SCOTT MEIER, MATT FARRELL, TOM MATHEWS, and DAVE GUIDUGLI.   San Antonio Church sends all of you many blessings for the volunteer spirit you have shown in the dedication to our church.  Dio Benedico te e la tua famiglia   God Bless you and your family.

News from San Antonio Church – June 11, 2023

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin June 11, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On Sunday, June 11th, our church celebrates Corpus Christi Sunday, the Feast that honors the Real presence of Christ in the Eucharist also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  Corpus Christi, Latin for the Body of Christ, is 60 days after Easter and the Sunday after the Most Holy Trinity.  The Feast of Corpus Christi was proposed by Doctor of the Church, Thomas Aquinas to Pope Urban IV to create a day to focus on the joy of the Eucharist which is the Body and Blood and the Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.   With the proposal and after the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena in 1263, the Pontiff established the feast of Corpus Christi as a Solemnity to include the whole Roman Catholic Church.  This Eucharistic Miracle occurred at the time Pope Urban IV was living in Orvieto, Italy, when the German Priest, Fr. Peter was on his pilgrimage to Rome, stopped in Bolsena, Italy to celebrate Mass.  Fr. Peter had just consecrated the Host when he noticed there was blood flowing from it.  After the Mass was stopped, Fr. Peter traveled to the papal residence about 12 miles away.  The Miraculous Host and the blood-stained linen altar cloth were investigated, and the authenticity was confirmed with Pope Urban IV establishing   the Feast of Corpus Christi in August 1264.  Pope Urban IV would enshrine the blood-stained Corporal (linen) relic in a silver and glass reliquary above the altar at the Cathedral of Orvieto.  On the Feast of Corpus Christi, a major public holiday for the city of Orvieto, the Corporal of Bolsena along with the tapestry depicting the Miracle of Bolsena is paraded throughout the city.   Many centuries later, the blood-stained Corporal of Bolsena is still venerated as a major relic in the Cathedral in Orvieto.   The Renaissance Painter Raphael was commissioned to depict   the Miracle of Bolseno for the left half of a large fresco in the Apostolic Room of the Vatican Palace   titled, The Mass at Bolsena (1512-1514).   

The practice of Eucharistic Processions on Corpus Christi began around the 14th Century and on this Sunday   after parishes conclude their morning masses, many faithful will gather to pray and march with the Monstrance following the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.  In Rome, Pope Francis will preside over the procession that will begin at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran and conclude at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major with the Benediction.  Pope Francis has said: “Every year the Feast of Corpus Christi invites us to renew the wonder and joy for this wonderful gift of the Lord, which is the Eucharist.”  In Cincinnati, St. Teresa/St. William/St. Lawrence will have a Eucharistic Procession starting at 2:00PM at St. Teresa of Avila Church to march along the side streets to St. William Church.  Please park your car at St. William School parking lot to board the shuttle bus taking you to St. Teresa Avila Church at 1:00PM. 

Today, we also celebrate the feast day of our Patron, St. Anthony of Padua, (1195-1231), canonized in 1232 by Pope Gregory IX, one year after his death. St. Anthony’s one ambition was to convert Muslims to Christianity before joining the Franciscans in 1221 as an obedient young priest and kitchen assistant.  By 1224, he was given permission to teach Theology to other Franciscans in Italy by St. Francis of Assisi. St. Anthony would become a much-revered missionary in France, Italy and Spain as a worker of miracles to those who sought his intercession.  His followers referred to St. Anthony, as “wonder worker” and hammer of the heretics” with many miracles attributed to him during his life and since his death.   He preached the Gospel throughout Lombardy while taking other teaching posts at the Universities of Montpellier and Toulouse in France but later returned   his missionary work in Italy.  After his death, a great Basilica was begun with domes and a bell tower built with Minarets in honor of the work he hoped to do converting Muslims in Morocco to become faithful Christians.  The tomb of St. Anthony of Padua lies behind the altar of his chapel in the north transept of the Basilica di Sant Antonio.  At mass on this Sunday, Fr. Bill Ferris will   bless the St. Anthony Bread, a tradition San Antonio Church established since the start of our church in 1922.  The loaves of St. Anthony Bread considered a Sacramental (sacred signs and objects possessing a likeness to the Sacraments) of the Church, reminds us of the devotion he had to the poor all through his life.   All the donations and those monies placed on the ribbon of the St. Anthony statue will be given to the Franciscan Order for their many good works.  These almsgivings   are made in thanksgiving to God for the Blessings received through the prayers of St. Anthony of Padua.

News from San Antonio Church – June 4, 2023

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin June 4, 2023

by Terrie Evans

As we come together for the celebration of our 9:00 AM Mass on this Trinity Sunday, remember today is the final day of the Cincitalia Fest at Harvest Home Park which runs from 1:00-9:00 PM.  There will be many events on the last day of the fest starting with the Marian Procession with our statue of Mary to honor the Blessed Mother.  This will be the last day San Antonio Church operates our Bruschetta Booth so please visit us to sample the delicious homemade recipe that also helps the students at St. Catharine School and our church.   Also, today there is a celebration of life at the annual family friendly 2023 Cross the Bridge for Life in Newport.  This prayerful and peaceful day that started in 2005 takes place on Newport’s Riverfront between the Purple People Bridge and the Taylor Southgate Bridge with face painting, balloon artists music and free t-shirts.   This celebration of the gift of human life starts at 1:00PM. 

On this 1st Sunday after Pentecost, we honor Trinity Sunday to celebrate the central doctrine of the Christian Faith that states that the one God is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Three Persons sharing one nature with the Three Persons being co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial, and are to receive the same worship.  Trinity Sunday follows Pentecost Sunday and eight weeks after Easter.   A day to honor the Trinity Sunday   was ordered by Pope John XXII (1316-1334) for the entire church on the 1st Sunday after Pentecost as a Double of the Second Class in the Liturgical calendar.  In the history of the church, feasts were labeled as ordinary doubles, major doubles and doubles of the second and first class.  Later, Trinity Sunday was elevated to the dignity of a primary feast of the First Class in 1911 by Pope Pius X.  The official title for this Sunday in the Catholic Church is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity and is earmarked for this Sunday in the Latin Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, the United Church of Christ and Methodist Churches.  Traditionally in Western Churches, white altar and vestments will be displayed but in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, green is sometimes used.  

The Month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart which is a symbol of the love of Christ has for humanity.  In the Scriptures, the term “Sacred Heart of Jesus” represents the complete mystery of Christ with the devotion to the Sacred Heart as one of the most widespread and popular in the Church.  This devotion occurred when St. Margaret Mary Alacoque welcomed visions of the Sacred heart between the years 1673-1675.  The Sacred Heart of   Jesus communicated through Christ in a private revelation to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1675.   Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary: “BEHOLD THIS HEART WHICH HAS LOVED MEN SO MUCH, AND YET MEN DO NOT WANT TO LOVE ME IN RETURN.  THROUGH MY DIVINE HEART WISHES TO SPREAD ITS LOVE EVERYWHERE ON EARTH.”  The 12 Promises to those devoted to the Sacred heart are:  1.  I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.  2.  I will establish peace in their families.  3.  I will console them in all their troubles.  4.  They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.  5.  I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.  6.  Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.  7.  Tepid souls shall become fervent.  8.  Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.  9.  I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.  10.  I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.  11.  Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.  12.  The all-powerful love of My heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday on Nine consecutive months the grace of the final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.   In these apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, The Sacred Heart reminds all the compassion and mercy of the Almighty.  Devotion to the Sacred Heart was also an essential component of Pope John Paul II’s hopes for the “New Evangelization” called for by the Church. 

On this 1st Sunday of June, we also have the feast day of St. Francis Caracciolo, patron of Naples, Italy and Italian Cooks who was Beatified by Pope Clement XIV on June 4, 1769.  He was born Ascanio Pisquizio, (1563-1608) he chose a religious life at the age of 22 and chose the name Francis in honor of Francis of Assisi.   He founded the Order of the Clerics Regular Minor -the Adorno Fathers. The Order was approved by Pope Sixtus V on July 1, 1588, confirmed by Pope Gregory XIV in 1591, and reconfirmed by Pope Clement in 1592.  One of the pillars of their Order is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He died on the Vigil of Corpus Christi in 1608 and is buried in the church of the Clerics Regular Minor of Santa Maria di Monteverginella.   On June 11th San Antonio Church will celebrate the feast of our patron saint, St. Anthony of Padua with the blessing of Saint Anthony Bread.  Our church community will offer the loaves after they are blessed with all donations given to the Franciscan Order for their many good works.

Upcoming event within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati are:  On Wednesday, June 7th there will be a Healing Mass and Service at St. Ignatius Church on North Bend Road in Montfort Heights.  The Healing Service consists of Songs, Scripture, and Anointing.    On Sunday, June 11th, St. Teresa of Avila/St. William/St. Lawrence Churches will hold the 24th annual West Side Corpus Christi Procession.  The afternoon will start at 2:00 PM with a prayer service at St. Teresa of Avila Church with the Eucharistic Procession traveling down the side streets to St. William Church.  For those who would like to participate, please park your car in the St. William School parking lot as a shuttle bus will transfer you to St. Teresa of Avila Church at 1:00 PM for the start of the procession.

News from San Antonio Church – May 28, 2023

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin May 28, 2023

by Terrie Evans

This Sunday, 50 days after Easter, we honor the Liturgical Feast of Pentecost with the coming of the Holy Spirit.    The term Pentecost originates from the Greek Pentekoste which means 50th is considered one of the Great Feasts in the Eastern Orthodox Church and is a Solemnity in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. In some European countries, on the vigil of Pentecost, there is a long-standing traditional custom to bless flowers, fields and fruit trees.  In the early days of Western Christianity, Pentecost became a day to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism.    This Sunday is also known as White Sunday in Ireland and the United Kingdom for the white robes worn by those newly Baptized on Pentecost.  A poplar practice in those towns and villages is to ascend hilltops in the early dawn to pray and “catch” the Holy Spirit.  Afterwards, families will take carved painted wooden doves and suspend them over their dining tables to venerate the Holy Spirit.  This significant feast celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus when the Holy Spirit was poured out onto the Apostles and the Disciples in the form of tongues of fire.  The events of this day are foretold by Jesus in the 1st chapter of the Acts of the Apostles just before His Ascension.  When His followers were with the Risen Christ, he told them, “John Baptized with water but, you will be Baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  He then continued, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. “

            In the Middle Ages churches and cathedrals were outfitted with a small circular opening in the roof as an entrance for the Holy Spirit to descend on the faithful.  At Pentecost, these holes would be decorated with flowers, or a dove figure may be lowered into the church or cathedral during the reading of the narrative of the Pentecost.  In Italy, rose petals are thrown from the church gallery over the parishioners to recall the tongues of fire.  This practice is still used along with paper origami doves suspended from the ceiling.  On Pentecost Sunday, a red color will be used by Priests, Ministers and Choirs and may also be worn by lay people to symbolize joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit.  Red flowers such as roses are used (Festa Rosalia) to adorn altars and to welcome the start of warm weather to also celebrate the renewed season of life.  Some congregations will display banners hung from their rafters to recall the mighty wind of the Holy Spirit while other denominations will display red balloons to remember Pentecost as the Birthday of the Church.  At other church services, trumpets and brass ensembles will provide special music to resemble the Sound made by the mighty wind, especially in the Moravian Church.  While we honor Mary during the month of May, remember the presence of the Blessed Virgin reflects the main role she had in the divine concession of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles.  In Catholic and Orthodox Churches, the Mother of God is accorded a special form of veneration called hyperdulia, the extended praise or respect reserved for the Blessed Mother. This refers to the special power of intercessory prayers dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary over those of all saints.  Pope John Paul II at his General Audience May 28, 1997, spoke of the Blessed Mother in this way: “In contemplating Mary’s powerful intercession as she waits for the Holy Spirit, Christians of every age have frequently had recourse to her intercession on the long and tiring journey to salvation, to receive the gifts of the Paraclete (The Holy Spirit) in greater abundance.  In the Church and for the Church, mindful of Jesus’ promise, she waits for Pentecost and implores a multiplicity of gifts for everyone, in accordance with each ones personality and mission.   Pentecost is an opportunity for Christians to honor the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives and to celebrate the birth of the Christian Church.   In the Roman Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday closes the Easter Season with the Paschal Candle now moved from the Sanctuary.      

On Saturday, May 20th San Antonio Church held the funeral Mass for Christine (Stath) Wong Glenn who passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 11, 2023, in Michigan.  She was the daughter of Arthur Stath (1919-1991) and Christine Grace (Delseno) Stath (1918-2012) and leaves many   friends and cousins within our church community.  Christie attended our Lunch on the House and worked at our Bruschetta Booth at the St. Catharine Parish CincItalia Fest in the past with her close friend Alana (Murvine) Rudemiller.  She leaves her beloved husband Thom Glenn, sons Brad and Brent Wong and close cousins Linda (Delseno) Panaro and Phyliss (Delseno) Spade.  Fr. Bill Farris officiated at her Mass.  Please keep all her family members in your daily prayers.  

The CincItalia Fest (The Cincinnati Italian Festival) will take place on June 2-3-4 at Harvest Home Park at 3961 North Bend Road to benefit St. Catharine of Siena parish and School.  A big part of the scheduled events is the Big Italian Raffle.  Tickets are $100 each with limited tickets available for the drawing on Sunday, June 4, 2023.  The 1st and every 100th ticket that is drawn wins $300.  The Grand Prize is $10,000 to be awarded to the last ticket drawn.  To buy the BIG ITALIAN RAFFLE TICKETS online go to CincItalia.org before the deadline on June 1, 2023.