Category: News

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 March 14, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this 4^th Sunday of Lent, we celebrate Laetare or Rejoice Sunday, the midpoint of this solemn time in the Liturgical season, exactly 21 days before Easter.     Laetare Sunday is also known as Dominica de Rosa or Rose Sunday for the Golden Rose that Pope Francis will bestow on Catholic Sovereigns as a way to thank them for their dedication to the Catholic Church.  Also on this Sunday; Notre Dame will announce the recipient of the Laetare medal.

The Friar Works, Franciscan Ministry and Mission has  provided our church with a daily Reflection booklet, Lent with 20^th Century Saints. The Franciscan Media wanted to introduce  us to Saints who lived during the last century.  One of those saints, St. Guido Maria Conforti (PAGE 22) has  family members from the Conforti and Stath families living in Northern Kentucky and Southern  Ohio who were invited to his Canonization on October 23, 2011 at St. Peters Square by Pope Benedict XVI.  St. Guido Maria Conforti; an Italian born in 1865, entered the Seminary in Parma being drawn to the life and works  of St.  Francis Xavier, the Jesuit Missionary.  Guido developed a unknown lung  illness that delayed him being ordained until 1888.  He felt his calling was missionary work, but because of his health, Guido was assigned to assist seminary students.  He founded the Xaverian Missionary Fathers in 1895 and planned to do work in China just as Xavier had done. 

The Pope felt his work was in  “The China of Italy “ in Parma so Guido founded The Catholic Action to defend the rights of workers, assist  prisoners of war, work with veterans, and those displaced by war.  He finally made the journey to China where  he visited Xaverian Missionaries in 1928, that he established before he passed in 1931 at the age of 66 years.  Sadly St. Conforti  was not able to establish a women’s community, the Xaverian Congregation Sisters, as he stated, “For I consider it of great importance”. 

 A woman  with ties to Cincinnati and Parma, Italy was also inspired by St. Conforti to establish a Missionary Order, the Xaverian Missionaries of Mary in 1945 when she was 50 years old.   Venerable (Judged to have lived the heroic virtues) Celestine Bottego was born in Glendale, Ohio on December 20^th, 1895.  At the age of 15, her Irish Mother, Mary Healy  and Italian Father Giambattista  Bottego  moved back to Parma, Italy to care for the aging Bottego Grandparents.  After her sister Maria entered the Congregation of Franciscans Missionaries of Mary, she visited  Maria in India and decided at the age of 40 to devote her life to missionary work.  

Within the Xaverian Congregation of sisters, her 1st first assignment was in Massachusetts (1954), Brazil ( 1957), Japan(1959), and Burundi (1961).  Other missions were established in Italy, United States, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Chad, Congo and Thailand.  Celestine  died in 1980 at the age of 85 and on December 1, 2013  Ven. Celestine Bottego  was declared a Servant of God.  The Xaverian Sisters lived and worked among  people whose journey, sufferings, hopes, and expectations became theirs.

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 March 7, 2021

by Terrie Evans

Our San Antonio Church Community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jo Ann Metz (1929-2021).  Although  she would soon celebrate her 92^nd birthday,   we  believed she would be there with us at our 100^th Anniversary in 2022.  Jo Ann grew up in South Fairmount across the street from the Esposito and Panaro families when her parents Frank and Mary (Herdeman) Metz relocated to Queen City Avenue along with sisters Mary Jane, Rosemary, and Carol.  Jo Ann attended St. Bonaventure School, graduated from St. Xavier Commercial High School and went on to college where she studied law.  She took learning  very, seriously a trait that was with her throughout her life.  When she joined the workforce, her soon to be husband, Victor Jelen entered her life.  He was much like Jo Ann, smart and driven to succeed.  They welcomed three children Andrew, Jean and Peter while building their dream home together with Jo Ann being elected  the President of the Oak Hills School Board.  Even though Jo Ann moved up on the hill, she still kept close ties with those families from the Little Italy section of South Fairmount.

By this time she had earned her law degree and knew she could put her knowledge to good use when she heard about decisions being made concerning the future of St. Bonaventure and San Antonio Church.  Being from a German family she felt an alliance to St. Bonaventure but San Antonio was her home parish where her mother Mary, was welcomed and became President of the St. Ann Married Ladies Sodality.  She knew she had to help and soon took the helm for the lengthy ordeal to keep San Antonio Church open for worship.  All the parishioners grew up with Jo Ann, knew her sisters and respected her ideas.  Jo Ann became the litigator for the series of meetings and rallies that got everyone involved.  All the members from the founding  families of san Antonio Church  listened to her plan after our San Antonio Church Committee  met with the office of the Archbishop to plead our case.  Those unknown years in the 1980’s were a very sad time for the parishioners who built, were baptized and  married in the little church.  

Jo Ann  fought hard and enlisted those brave men and women who presented us with the gift we have today, a beautiful church for us to worship in.  Jo Ann will be remembered for not only  saving our church, but working to stop the blight of South Fairmount as the area around the church was changing, and not for the better.  She bought homes to rehab so there would not be empty buildings  in the place she referred to as “the Healing Valley”.  She attended  Commission meetings, presentations at MSD  and met with the South Fairmount Association  every month.  Jo Ann leaves too many family members and friends to mention who along with all of us will never forget her.  She was the last of her sisters and sadly she buried her son Andrew in 2009.  She leaves her son Peter, daughter Jean and beloved granddaughter Kali Alyssa Jelen.

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 February 21, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this 1^st Sunday of  Lent, Invocabit Sunday, we begin our journey  through prayer, penance and almsgiving  as a part of  our Lenten sacrifice.  Lent in Latin is Quadragesima which means Fortieth, the number of days until Easter Sunday.  On Ash Wednesday, Christians begin a period of reflection, self-examination and spiritual redirection.  This liturgical season is observed in the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Moravian, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic Churches.  During these 40 days, we recall Jesus Christ’s journey into the desert as we fast and sacrifice a luxury during this somber Liturgical season. In some parishes, they have an annual Lenten Event asking those to donate the value of what they have given up for the benefit of their church’s fundraiser.   Many Christians will pray a daily devotional  every morning or observe the Stations of the Cross.  The colors used during Lent  are violet or blue except in the Anglican church who will  use unbleached linen or muslin known as Lenten array.

Our San Antonio Church Annual Pizza Party is scheduled for Saturday, March 6^th with NO DINE IN and CARRY OUT ONLY.  With all the COVID restrictions in place this is the best way to get our delicious LADIES OF THE LOT pizzas to our loyal customers.  We will offer the many varieties of deep dish pies for $12 each and new this year we will offer our homemade San Antonio Pizza Sauce available in quart size for $10.  You can pre order your pizza’s after Mass in the Hall,  by phone or on line with  all the details listed on San Antonio’s Face Book Page.  To pre-order check our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/SanAntonioItalianChapelCincinnati  or by calling  Dave Sabatelli at 513-405-6444.  Dave will also be available after Mass to purchase tickets or for further info.  Our Carry Out Service starts at 11:30 AM and lasts until 7:45 PM on Saturday, March 6^th.  Also, Split the Pot Tickets are available at $5 each.  Please  consider buying  your “Take Out Pizza Event” tickets early as there are only a  limited amount of tickets and this popular yearly event always sells out. 

During this trying time we have missed many regulars at Mass due to health issues or the extra precautions they might need to take for their own protection.  Over the last few months we have welcomed  Gregg and Lisa Eilerhurst and  Dave Sabatelli’s sister and brother-in-law, Larry and Eileen Vickery.  They have been attending  our 9:00 AM Sunday Mass and volunteering  with our twice monthly Lunch on the House Tuesday’s.  Our church community always welcomes new faces at our Mass so, please introduce yourself to make them feel a part of San Antonio.   

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 February 14, 2021

by Terrie Evans

Our San Antonio Church community sends its heartfelt condolences to Fred Brandewiede and his family on the passing of their beloved Matriarch Dixie.  We have missed Fred and Dixie at Mass while she battled many health issues.  They were dedicated to San Antonio and were there with us for our many milestones and  celebrations.  Dixie (Klemme) and Fred met when they both worked for the FBI and were married at St. Lawrence Church on May 26, 1962.  They were together for 59 years and shared  their love to their family and friends. She leaves sons Mark, Matthew,  daughter Melissa and their spouses.  Dixie’s  children were  her greatest assets as were the grandchildren she adored,  Allison  Molly, Jessica, Emma, Nikki, Michelle and her 4 great grandchildren.  We will always remember Dixie and her infectious smile as  Fred, and his family and friends mourn their great loss. 

We also send our condolences to Deacon John and Colleen Gerke  on the passing of their Patriarch, Paul Gerke.  Paul was a  resident of St. Bernard and was married to the late Rose Marie (Strum) for 60 years.  Together they raised Cathy, John, Sue, Peggy, and Rob in the Catholic Faith and welcomed 18 Grandchildren and 27 Great Grandchildren with the same religious values.  Paul was a descendant of the  Gerke Brewing Family who operated the Company from 1882-1912.  He was a member of IBEW 212 for over 60 years and passed down his electrical expertise to his son John who tackled our much needed repairs at San Antonio Church..

On this Sunday we celebrate World Marriage Day to honor the lifelong commitment and love a  husband and wife share while working through good and bad times.  In 1982, 43 Governors proclaimed the day as a celebration  that was changed to World Marriage Day in 1983.  In 1993, Pope John Paul II gave all married couples a special Apostolic Blessing .  A Prayer for Married Couples:  “Almighty and eternal God, You have blessed the union of married couples so that they might reflect the union of Christ with His Church:  look with kindness on them.  Renew their marriage covenant, increase your love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace so that, with their children, they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing.  We ask this through Christ our Lord – Amen.”

On Wednesday, February 17^th we enter the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday and 46 days of penitence before Easter.  The ashes we receive are from the burning of those palm leaves from the past Palm Sundays.  In ancient times, ashes were used to express grief and to show sorrow for sins and faults.  Christians all over the world will make a Lenten sacrifice during this liturgical season.  Fr. Len will officiate at our 12:00 noon Mass and distribute ashes for us. 

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 February 7, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this 5^th Sunday in Ordinary Time we honor all those men and women religious on this World Day for Consecrated Life.  This day is set aside to commemorate  those in the Catholic Church who have lived to follow Jesus Christ.  Consecration – is any formal designation of a person, place or thing for the service of God  that is characterized by the public profession of poverty, chastity, and obedience.  Those faithful following this stable form of living strive for dedicated service for the kingdom of God with  different forms of Consecrated Life that may be lived in institutes or individually.  Congregations were not recognized until the 16^th when only institutions granted solemn vows as most simple vows were bestowed on those oriented toward social service and for the evangelization throughout Europe and in mission areas. It wasn’t until December 8, 1900 that they were finally approved and recognized as religious.

During  the French Revolution, the government tried to abolish the Christianization of  the country of France.  The French government had forbidden any form of religious life when the Jesuit, Fr. Pierre-Joseph Picot de Cloriviere founded a new society,  the Institute of the Heart of Jesus.  He also founded The Daughters of the Heart of Mary.  In other Catholic Countries, congregations increased as a result of  depriving thousands of monks and nuns  their income that was  always controlled and held by their communities.  This forced them to find a new way for them to continue their way of living a religious life as a secular institute to avoid being a religious society by the government. 

On February 2, 1947, Pope Pius XII recognized secular institutes as a new category of the state of perfection and in 1983, the Code of cannon Law recognized secular institutes as a form of consecrated life.  Secular institutes are those “in which the Christian faithful, living in the world, strives for the perfection of charity and work for the sanctification of the world especially within”.    

Prayers of the Faithful for Consecrated Life:  “For those Consecrated to God by the vows of Chasity, Poverty, and Obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits.  We pray to the Lord…. For those who have responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to be a consecrated person that they may experience the support of the Church as they continue their growth in holiness.  We pray to the Lord…”

Please remember Ash Wednesday and the start of the season of Lent is February 17^th.  San Antonio Church will have Mass and a distribution of Ashes at 12:00 noon with Fr. Len Wenke officiating.  

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 January 31, 2021

by Terrie Evans

During the first week in February, we celebrate and honor The Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas (Tuesday) and also the Feast of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr (Wednesday).  On February 2^nd, we commemorate Candlemas also called the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.  It falls 40 days after the birth of Jesus  and  is also a day when churches have processions  in the Methodist, Lutheran, Orthodox or Roman Catholic Churches as parishioners  bring their candles from home to be blessed for the New Year.  These blessed candles represent Jesus Christ as  the Light of the World for them  to bring that light into  their homes.  Candlemas is considered a feast of Hope, Renewal, Purification and Humility.

The Presentation of Jesus is also commemorated on February 2^nd according to the account of the Presentation of Jesus in Luke 2:22-40.  In ancient times, laws were in accordance for when a new mother could enter the Temple after giving birth.  A new mother was considered unclean for 40 days after delivering a first born son and not allowed to touch anything holy or even go out in public.  After the 40 days had passed, the parents were expected to present their son at the Temple and offer a sacrifice.  The offering usually was a lamb  or if no means were available, two pigeons or turtle doves could be given.  The Presentation of Jesus is the 4^th Joyful Mystery and  the first of Seven Sorrows of Mary.  A Collect Prayer in honor of the Presentation of the Lord:  Almighty ever-living God, we humbly implore your majesty that just as your Only Begotten Son was presented on this day in the Temple in the substance of our flesh, so, by your grace, we may be presented to you with minds made pure.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

On Wednesday, we commemorate the Feast of St. Blaise one of the  Fourteen Holy Helpers; who became one of the most popular saints from the Middle Ages.  He had many followers  throughout Europe in the 11^th and 12^th Centuries who started out as  a physician and later became the Bishop of Sebastea now Turkey.  In his early life, Blaise was known  as a healer of ailments that attack the body.  Once he concentrated on their bodily afflictions, St. Blaise worked on their spiritual ills.  He became known for his  holiness, miraculous ability, good will and piety while performing  miracles on people as well as animals.  There is documentation of him healing a choking child and on the feast of St. Blaise, a special blessing is given to protect against injuries and illnesses of the throat.  A priest will take two blessed candles and recite a prayer as he touches the throats of those being blessed.  In Italy he is known as San Biagio; where his remains rest in the Basilica over the town of Maratea.