New parish built on faith, persistence

When Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church celebrates its first Mass on Sunday, opening its wide double doors and stained-glass sanctuary to one of East San Jose’s poorest neighborhoods, seats will be reserved up front for three elderly nuns and a gray-haired monk.

They’ve been praying for this day since the mid-1990s, when they first held Mass on a dirt lot in the midst of the crime-ridden Santee neighborhood near Story and McLaughlin roads. They set up an altar in front of the communal laundry room, opening umbrellas to block the sun and rain.

Moving into rundown apartments on Tami Lee Drive, they opened their tiny living rooms for choir practice and their spare bedrooms for Bible study. Sister Miriam ran off drug dealers in the alley and took on landlords whose rentals were infested with cockroaches and mold. Brother Paco broke up gang fights and sheltered frightened children from drive-by shootings. Sister Catherine Irene, well into her 70s at the time, slept on a futon in a converted storage room with no heat.

This was an immigrant neighborhood, the newcomers found, filled with Catholics whose marriages weren’t blessed by the church, whose babies weren’t baptized, whose teenagers never received their First Holy Communion. The nuns remember when then-Bishop Pierre DuMaine, wearing full white regalia in a tall peaked hat and wooden staff, came to the vacant lot, which Santee residents dubbed “the Dustbowl,” to serve Mass in 1995. He asked

the humble congregation, “What do you need?”

Esperanza Fernandez, who was raising five children in Santee, stepped forward and said: “We need a church!”

Nearly two decades and one bishop later, those prayers have been answered. The 3 p.m. dedication ceremony at Our Lady of Refuge, where Bishop Patrick McGrath will preside and a procession of 50 priests in white robes will follow, is the first new parish to open in the San Jose diocese in 20 years.

It’s the diocese’s response to the tremendous influx of Catholics — mostly Mexican, Vietnamese and Filipino immigrants — in south and east San Jose who have been crowding into St. Maria Goretti and other parishes in the area. Our Lady of Refuge, which will now occupy a large church on Lucretia Avenue vacated by another Christian congregation, seats 1,000 — 250 more than St. Joseph Cathedral downtown. It will serve not only as a place of worship on Sundays, but also as an extension of what the nuns have been doing at the Santee Mission for years: providing a safe gathering place for young people, social services for families and lessons in English.

Along the way, the nuns and Santee families have forged deep bonds. For many who left behind their own relatives when

they crossed the border, the sisters became like grandmothers. They shared advice for family and legal problems, wrote letters of recommendation and translated traffic tickets. The families cooked them meals and invited them to quinceañeras. When Sister Miriam Daniel Fahey lost her brother, the neighbors sent flowers and attended the funeral. When Sister Catherine Irene Thoeni had a series of surgeries, they visited the hospital.

“The people here love, love all the sisters very much,” said Fernandez, 59, who first spoke up to the bishop all those years ago. “They’re my second family.”

For the nuns, being so close to family life has been a rare gift.

“We are families intertwined, this whole community,” said Sister Catherine Irene, 89, her voice breaking. “This was the most meaningful experience in my 70 years as a sister.”

Although both she and Sister Miriam, 84, recently moved to the Sisters of the Holy Names retirement center in Los Gatos, and Sister Catherine Irene now walks with a cane, they wouldn’t miss the Mass of Dedication. Brother Paco Gomes, a Marianist monk who moved back to his home state of Hawaii a decade ago, is flying in for the ceremony.

Of the original four nuns, only Sister Guadalupe Johnston, 77, still lives in the Tami Lee apartment. She runs the choir and plays the piano (she’s so petite she sits on a phone book to reach the keys). And a year-and-a-half ago, Sister Mary Becker moved to the neighborhood to help.

Sister Martha Bendorf, who started a lending library in a storage room, didn’t live long enough to see the new church.

Over the years, many city, police and nonprofit programs have worked to help the people of Santee, with varying degrees of success. Carports were torn down and apartments fixed up, but the neighborhood is still considered a “hotspot” for crime. But throughout it all, the humble presence of the nuns living in the residents’ midst has had a profound and lasting effect.

“I’d like to think that we still would have done good things” even without the nuns, said Kip Harkness, who ran the city’s Strong Neighborhoods Initiative program for years before joining the city manager’s office. “But I was personally moved by the sisters’ commitment. They were fierce and determined to make sure the voice of the poor and the immigrants were heard loudly. They were a living symbol that this community is not abandoned.”

In the 1990s, many Santee residents certainly felt that way. Their neighborhood was a haven for crack dealers and gangs. Sagging carports lining the back alleys provided street thugs with perfect hiding places from the circling police helicopters with searchlights.

Upon the request of pastors Tim Kidney and Kevin Joyce at St. Maria Goretti, Brother Paco began knocking on doors, inviting the residents to join the parish. He soon realized how few had received the holy sacraments. Many didn’t have transportation to the church four miles away. Some were illegal immigrants afraid to venture too far.

“We thought if they won’t come to us, we’ll go to them,” Brother Paco said. “So we decided to pack up and move over to them.”

Within a year, the four Sisters of the Holy Names, all retiring teachers from the area in their 60s and 70s, began moving in. Instead of habits, they wore simple street clothes, with crosses or religious medals around their necks. Three of them brought what Sister Guadalupe called “quiet things” — Spanish language skills, music talents, and relationships with Catholic parishes that sent food, clothes and toys.

Sister Miriam brought fearlessness. At public meetings, she berated landlords for the deplorable living conditions. In dark alleys, she chastised suspicious characters: “Do I smell marijuana? It’s not allowed here!”

She remembers hearing rocks hit the window upstairs to get the attention of the drug dealer who lived there: “He would come for Mass on Sunday, I might add.”

Chimed in Sister Guadalupe: “He asked about ashes on Wednesday!”

Faith was the focus of the Santee Mission, a religious outreach center intended to be transitional, not permanent. It was built around dedicated families yearning to practice their faith. Many in the congregation volunteered to help with liturgies, religion classes and luncheons after Sunday Mass.

Over the next 18 years, the growing outdoor Mass moved to a portable trailer at Santee Elementary School down the block, then to the school cafeteria, then on to a larger cafeteria at Kennedy Elementary nearly a mile away.

Almost 400 people spilled out the doors every Sunday for the 10 a.m. Mass. Until the final Mass there last weekend, a core group arrived two hours early to set up chairs and decorate the altar, and they stayed late to put it all back in a shed across the parking lot. Sister Guadalupe brought the statue of the Baby Jesus home during the holidays because it “suffered greatly,” she said, having broken an arm in a tightly packed storage unit.

It will have a safe home at Our Lady of Refuge.

Still, a tinge of sadness comes with the move. Children will no longer gather at the nuns’ door for First Communion classes. Choir voices will no longer waft out the windows and down the alleys of Santee. Sister Guadalupe, who has lived in the same apartment since 1995, doesn’t know how long she will stay.

“We are going to miss this,” said Laura Morales, 67, who has been part of the Santee Mission since the earliest years. “But we are going to be better over there.”

During Sunday’s ceremony, Brother Paco and sisters Miriam and Catherine Irene will hand Bishop McGrath the key to unlock the sanctuary doors. Inside, Sister Guadalupe will be playing the piano. And the choir will be singing.

Contact Julia Prodis Sulek at 408-278-3409.

if you go

What
Dedication of the first new Catholic Church in the San Jose diocese in
20 years. Bishop Patrick McGrath will preside.
When
3 p.m. Sunday
Where
Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church, 2165 Lucretia Ave., San JoseFUNDRAISING FALLING SHORT
Led by Monsignor Francisco Rios and co-pastor Brendan McGuire, Masses at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church will be held in three languages: English, Spanish and Vietnamese. A $6 million fundraising campaign to pay for the church and renovations, including large pledges from several wealthier San Jose parishes, is still $1 million short.
Because most members of the congregation are too poor to contribute much financially, many have spent recent weekends pulling weeds from the church property, offering to sew altar cloths and cooking for Sunday’s celebration. Those who would like to donate to the new church should visit www.dsj.org/ways-to-give/our-lady-of-refuge-appeal. Contact Melanie Lara at lara@dsj.org or 408-983-0246 with questions.

‘Catholicism’ series comes to Boston viewers

Print

Email

Comment

Posted: 2/17/2012

WATERTOWN — It took several months, but a documentary series detailing elements of the Catholic faith has finally reached Boston television audiences in February.

“Catholicism,” a documentary series hosted by Father Robert Barron, premiered on the CatholicTV Network on Feb. 8. In 2011, producers made four episodes of the program available through the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), but Boston affiliate WGBH opted not to air the program.

Word on Fire Catholic Ministries released the 10-part DVD series last fall and CatholicTV recently picked up the six episodes available to Catholic television stations and started first-running episodes on Wednesday nights.

“We have had the opportunity to work with Father Barron and his producers in the past on his ‘Word on Fire’ series, and we were really looking forward to airing whatever we could of the ‘Catholicism’ series, because it really shows the richness, the beauty, and the roots of our Catholic faith,” said Bonnie Rodgers, director of programming at CatholicTV in Watertown.

“Catholicism” will take viewers across the world to more than 50 locations in 16 countries, showing how the Church’s influence on humanity has created a global culture.

“Our engaging guide, Father Barron clearly explains what Catholics believe and why — and answers questions both Catholics and non-Catholics have about Jesus, God, Mary, the saints, the last things and much more,” said Nancy Ross, a producer of the documentary.

The first episode to air on CatholicTV Network, “Happy are We: The Teachings Of Jesus” covered the revelation of Jesus as God.

In that episode, Father Barron highlighted the Beatitudes — the path of mercy and lessons of forgiveness, care for the poor, and our relationship with God — while on pilgrimages to Poland, Germany, Spain and New York City.

The episode premiered Wednesday Feb. 8 at 8:30 p.m. on the CatholicTV Network. Boston area viewers can catch re-broadcast episodes on Friday morning at 8 a.m., Sunday night at 10:30 p.m. and Monday at noon.

Successive episodes “A Body Both Suffering and Glorious: The Mystical Union of Christ and the Church,” “Word Made Flesh, True Bread of Heaven: The Mystery of the Church, Sacrament, and Worship,” “A Vast Company of Witnesses: The Communion of Saints,” “The Fire of His Love: Prayer and the Life of the Spirit,” and “World Without End — The Last Things” will run on the same schedule as the first episode.

“The purpose of the ‘Catholicism’ series is not only to tell the Catholic story, but to show it — in a way that’s never been done before. We take viewers on a journey all around the world to illustrate the beauty and truth of the faith in stunning, high-definition cinematography,” said Ross.

Catholic Athletes for Christ and Christina Wirth: Growing in Faith Through …

GRAND RAPIDS, MI–Christina Wirth lives the dream of every girl who loves basketball. She has been the Most Valuable Player of an NCAA major conference tournament, a WNBA second-round draft pick, and a leading scorer for a first-place European team.

But Christina loves something much greater than basketball, and the sport has given her a platform to share that love with others. “At the end of the day, basketball is just a game,” she told Catholic Online. “I always need to remember that my faith is more important than anything I will ever do on a basketball court. When I find myself devoting more time, thought, and energy to my sport that I devote to cultivating my relationship with God, I need to take a step back and get my priorities straightened out.”

As a member of Catholic Athletes for Christ, Christina helps others recognize these priorities as well.

Christina’s basketball resume is impressive. After four years at Vanderbilt University–where she averaged almost twelve points a game–she was selected in the second round of the 2009 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, where she played in the WNBA Finals. From there Christina seized the opportunity to play in Europe; she is currently with Alges in Portugal’s Liga Feminina, where she is a leading scorer.

Throughout her career, Christina’s Catholic faith has grown in tandem with her basketball skills. “Playing basketball has been a tremendous tool for growth in my faith life,” she said. “There have been many times in my career in which I just didn’t feel like working out or putting in that extra effort, but in order to be successful in sports, you often have to do things that don’t feel good at the moment, but you know that those things will be worth it in the long run.”

Christina has connected that lesson to her faith. “There are times when my prayer life seems dry or when I’m struggling against temptation,” she said. “The easy thing then is to give in to that temptation or to just neglect setting aside time for prayer, but I have learned that it is pleasing to God when I struggle against my flesh and do what is right even when it isn’t easy. God will always grant us sufficient grace to live for Him is we only ask for it.”

Catholic faith and sports have been integral to Christina’s life literally from the beginning. Her father, Alan Wirth, was a pitcher for the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants. He and his wife Diane (a former Jehovah’s Witness who converted to Catholicism) made sacrifices to send their six children to Catholic schools. “For as long as I can remember, my family attended Sunday Mass together,” said Christina. “I look back now and I am very thankful for that strong, Catholic foundation.”

That foundation served her well when she enrolled at Vanderbilt University. “College was the first time in my life where I wasn’t surrounded primarily by Catholics,” she said. “I had great friends from all kinds of different Protestant denominations, and we would often get into discussions about various faith-related topics. I was challenged by many of my Protestant friends to defend Catholic teaching on things such as the Eucharist, Mary’s perpetual virginity, and Purgatory.”

Christina did not always know how to answer those questions, and it motivated her to learn more about Catholicism. “I remember thinking I need to know why I believe what I believe,” she recalled. “I was not content with simply remaining Catholic because that’s how I was raised.”

Like an athlete not backing away from a challenge, Christina searched for answers and grew stronger in her faith. “I absolutely fell in love with the Mass and the Eucharist,” she said. “I found rich and compelling answers to all of my questions.”

One of those college teammates who challenged Christina to defend Catholicism was Jennifer Risper, a non-denominational Protestant. “As I began to learn more about my faith I would start discussions with her about things that she had asked me about,” said Christina. “These discussions lasted for almost a year, after which Jennifer converted to Catholicism.” Jennifer is her best friend, and they are teammates once again in Portugal–this time in faith as well as in basketball.

Christina has discovered two role models who continue to influence her: Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed John Paul II. “Mother Teresa’s love for the poor and her servant’s heart inspire me to find ordinary ways in my daily life to show great love for those around me,” she said. “Blessed John Paul II was a courageous leader. I was blessed to be able to attend his beatification in Rome last May, and ever since then, I have been drawn to learning more about his life.”

What she has learned has made a great impact. “From World Youth Day to the Theology of the Body to the New Evangelization, Blessed John Paul II had such a great gift for spreading …

The theology of birth control politics

Looked at through the lens of legal precedent, President Obama’s February 10^th announcement settled the issue of health care insurance covering contraception as preventive medicine.  The president’s compromise guaranteed both that religiously affiliated institutions would not be obliged to pay for such services but also that individuals might obtain them.  The distinction he drew followed current legal norms that both respect and also to limit religious conscience.

A young participant holds a placard and a rosary during a pro-life demonstration in front of the White House in Washington on February 16, 2012. Park police detained at least six religious activists while they were protesting against US President Barack Obama in response for mandating religious institutions coverage of abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization and contraception in their health plans. T
(JEWEL SAMAD – AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
The Supreme Court ruled in 1990 (
Employment Division v. Smith: 494 U.S. 872) that individuals in the workplace — smoking peyote according to their Native American religion – cannot claim that religious freedom exempts them from the law:  

When followers of a particular sect enter into commercial activity as a matter of choice, the limits they accept on their own conduct as a matter of conscience and faith are not to be superimposed on the statutory schemes which are binding on others in that activity.

View Photo Gallery: Scenes of religious faith meeting politics in the 2012 campaign.

The author of that majority opinion in 1990 was Justice Antonin Scalia, who added: “To permit this would be to make the professed doctrines of religious belief superior to the law of the land, and in effect to permit every citizen to become a law unto himself.” 

The 1990 decision concerned persons employed by non-religious organizations and it must be paired with the 2012 Hosanna-Tabor Decision.  That later ruling protects the theology within church practice from government interference.  Taken together, both decisions provide the fair approach to religious liberty that balances individuals and churches, as the president’s compromise was intended to affirm. 

Instead of putting the issue to rest, however, Washington has witnessed a new round of acrimony including proposed legislation that allows individuals to nullify provisions of law objectionable to that person’s theological beliefs.  No longer would it be enough to protect individual practice and the independence of religious institution: the law would enable one person’s theology to restrict what others may do.  The right to practice of my own religion, according to this thinking, allows me to limit the rights of others. 

Two children hold a placard as they join other Christian religious activists during a pro-life demonstration in front of the White House in Washington on February 16, 2012.
(JEWEL SAMAD – AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
But if, as the Supreme Court has ruled, religion cannot be invoked to make peyote legal when it is illegal, can religion be invoked to make illegal the birth control pill when it is legal?  The theocratic principle that religion trumps the state is ably defended by On Faith blogger Jordan Sekulow, among others, would give any employer’s theology the power to overrule everyone else’s practice.  Taken literally, his stance might also justify, for example, the beliefs of radical Islamists who, as a matter of theology, think that government must sit under the authority of religion. Perhaps this prospect explains the fear of Justice Scalia that legalizing legal exemption for one religion will lead to anarchic surrender to all of them.

It should not come to this.  Theology also explains to believers how to treat non-believers.  I think the “other” Scalia – Elizabeth – insightfully identifies the importance of the Catholic theology of cooperation with governmental laws that do not perfectly reflect one’s religion. She scolds the president for not paying greater heed to this theology.  She’s right: but I would ask if “listening to the bishops” requires that Obama obey them.  Moreover, are not also the bishops supposed to pay attention to the theology of cooperation?

If the bishops so chose, writes Dr. Stephen Schneck, they could avail themselves of the theology of indirect cooperation invoked by other Catholics such as Sister Carol Keehan, head of the Catholic Health Association. This theology already allow us to pay taxes that support capital punishment that violates church teachings or which finance unjust wars. Similarly, Pope Benedict XVI has lifted the absolute ban on use of condoms in order to fight AIDS – a greater good.  Our theological argument is and has been since the time of Augustine (De Ordine 2:4) and Aquinas (ST 2-2.62.5.2) that Catholics can give indirect support to laws in conflict with church teaching because such support is not the same as directly engaging in sinful behavior.   Moreover, both saints argue for situations where a greater good is accomplished by following the code of civic order than in disrupting it. 

Choosing the theology of the pope and Doctors of the Church about such political matters is something the USCCB should seriously consider.

 

 

Borgia: Faith and Fear – …

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the lengths the producers of the gritty and provocative drama Borgia: Faith and Fear went to in order to accurately depict violence during this period of history. Available on DVD and Digital Download on February 21, 2012.

 

Created by Emmy® winning drama veteran Tom Fontana (HBO’s Oz, TV’s Homicide: Life on the Street), the sweeping international TV series Borgia: Faith and Fear follows the rise of the world’s most notorious crime family, which would open the most infamous chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.

 

Canada’s cardinal designate looks to the past for future guidance

Enlarge Image

Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins poses for a portrait at St. Michaels Cathedral in Toronto on Friday, January 6, 2012. Collins, 65, is about to become the 16th Canadian to be elevated to the position of cardinal, an elite group of advisers handpicked by the Pope. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Pawel Dwulit

TORONTO – The picture on Thomas Collins’ desk depicts a 16th-century cardinal who fought to return the Catholic faith to its roots while managing one of the largest religious communities in his country.

The present-day Archbishop of Toronto now plans to look to that image for inspiration as he prepares to follow in his idol’s footsteps.

Collins, 65, is about to become the 16th Canadian to be elevated to the position of cardinal, an elite group of advisers handpicked by the Pope. Collins and 21 new appointees will don their red hats on Saturday at an official ceremony at the Vatican.

Hundreds of Catholic supporters — as well as a government delegation including three senior cabinet ministers — will be on hand to watch Collins join the body of men tasked with shaping the institution’s future and even selecting the next pope.

For Collins himself, however, the added responsibilities are simply the outward trappings of the faith that’s shaped his life.

“Being a cardinal is simply an office in the church, but being a Christian for each one of us is the most fundamental thing, to live a life with the lord,” Collins said in a telephone interview from Rome.

Religion was part of Collins’ life from his childhood spent in the southern Ontario town of Guelph. He was first educated in the province’s Catholic school system before moving on to attain a string of degrees at universities in Canada and Europe.

His master’s degree in English from the University of Western Ontario and doctorate of theology from Rome’s Gregorian University allowed him to immerse himself in his two driving passions.

His pursuit of academic credentials did not slow his clerical career, which began in 1973 when he became a priest in Hamilton, Ont. He moved on to become the Bishop of Saint Paul in Alberta, followed by an eight-year stint as Archbishop of Edmonton that ended in 2007 with his move to Toronto.

The four years he has spent as head of the largest archdiocese in the country has cemented his reputation as a driven leader whose scholarly bent has not interfered with his desire to connect with the people around him.

“He’s shown himself to be a great teacher, a man of good insight, a man who is able to articulate those insights well in ways that people can understand,” said Richard Smith, who is president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and describes Collins as a personal friend.

“It makes him a genuine shepherd, a genuine leader within the Church.”

That leadership brought Collins to the attention of Pope Benedict VI years ago, Smith said.

The pontif personally appointed Collins to a team probing rampant allegations of sexual abuse in Ireland in 2010, Smith said, adding his friend was also pegged to serve on the Vatican communications council before his elevation to cardinal.

Collins said connecting with the wider community is a high personal and institutional priority, adding it’s the best way to fight the social tides that threaten to erode the Catholic support base.

Over his career he established chapels in commercial hubs to make it easier for would-be worshipers to fit prayer into their schedule, led community scriptural sessions for those seeking to deepen their biblical knowledge and worked to bring more youth into the fold.

The greatest obstacle to these outreach efforts, he said, is a pervasive cynicism that can take root in countries where the fight for religious freedom has become a distant memory. One of his goals as a cardinal will be to urge Catholics to “be more zealous in our faith,” he said.

“I think that’s the danger, taking our faith for granted and not realizing what a wondrous and splendid reality it is.”

Although Collins has publicly denounced the Church’s long-running sex abuse scandals in strong terms, he toes the line on most points of Catholic doctrine.

His staunch pro-life stance prompted him to hope that “the scourge of abortion be lifted from our land,” while his views on chastity for the clergy are best summed up in a 2006 editorial he penned for the Western Catholic Reporter entitled “Celibacy can be lived with joy.”

Collins said any influence he brings to bear in his new role won’t involve changing the status quo.

“The 10 commandments never have been the 10 suggestions,” he said. “The fundamentals are solid and clear. There’s no doubt about them at all.”

Although nearly 200 Catholics are following Collins to Rome for the consistory ceremony, some religious faithful were chagrined by his elevation to cardinal.

Ted Schmidt, editor of the New Catholic Times, said Collins’ contentment with the current system won’t prompt him to push for the sorts of changes the institution needs to survive.

The pope’s tradition of surrounding himself with yes men who uphold an outdated worldview — in which women are barred from the clergy and laymen are excluded from key decisions — is driving people away from the Catholic Church, he said.

Collins’ appointment will do nothing to staunch the bleeding, he added.

“There’s going to be continued tension as long as the Vatican keeps imposing … their people on us,” Schmidt said. “It really is a tragedy of failure to adjust to the signs of the times.”

Collins anticipates some trying days as he adapts to life as a cardinal while staying at the helm of the Toronto Archdiocese.

The demanding travel schedule and responsibilities may cause him stressful days, but won’t shift his focus from what he sees as his primary goal.

“The greatest thing a bishop can do for the universal church is to try to be a good bishop in his local church,” Collins said. “If every bishop does that, we’ll be in good shape.”

Scripture Unlocked

View Comments     Email Article
     
Printable Version

Published: February 16, 2012

A new series of dynamic talks led by Biblical theology and hilosophy scholars

Monday, March 5th, 2012 at 7:00pm
John Paul the Great Catholic University • 10174 Old Grove Road, San Diego

Discover the treasure of Scripture!
Dr. Christine Wood on “Opening the Book of Mark”

Dr. Wood received her Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Marquette University, Milwaukee in 2011.

Her dissertation was on “The Metaphysics and Intellective Pscychology in the Natural Desire for Seeing God: Henri de Lubac and Neo-Scholasticism.”

She has an M.A. in Theology, as well as a Certification in Catechetics, both from Franciscan University of Steubenville.

For more information, contact Colleen Monroe at John Paul the Great Catholic University, by phone (858.653.6740 ext. 1713) or cmonroe@jpcatholic.com.

---

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 3:21 AM By ANNE

I don’t know Ms. Wood, but I went to Marquette University. This is a ‘Catholic’ University in name only – like many other Jesuit institutions. Read your CCC to make sure you know when and if the truth is spoken.

---

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 6:45 AM By FHKJ

Another “catch word” which must go: “Scriptures Unlocked”! My Catholic Bible does not have a lock on it!

---

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 6:57 AM By JMJ

Sounds as though Miss Wood might be missing something. Hilosophy? How about Jesus and obeying Him? Much easier and not so corny. +JMJ+

---

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 10:43 AM By John F. Maguire

In reply to Anne: The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is a catechism. As such, the CCC does not directly, let alone extensively, discuss questions on the order of those addressed by Christine Wood in her Marquette University doctoral dissertation on “The Metaphysics and Intellective Psychology in the the Natural Desire for Seeing God: Henri de Lubac and Neo-Scholasticism” (2011). For comparative purposes, I would recommend Lawrence Feingold’s study, _The Natural Desire to See God According to St. Thomas and His Interpreters_, second edition (Sapientia Press of Ave Maria University, 1910). For my part, I look forward to reading Christine Wood’s dissertation as well. In the meantime, for the simple purpose of evoking the daunting character of the truly difficult terrain Christine Wood has chosen to explore, I’ll confine myself to quoting from Steven A. Long’s review of Lawrence Feinberg’s book on the question of the natural desire to see God. “Lawrence Feinberg,” Long writes, “has perfomed an invaluable service to all who seek to understand the profound and difficult question of the character of the natural desire to see God. His magisterial command of the doctrinal tradition, exegetic care, and capacity to unfold an argument while appreciating all the delicate reticulations of commentatorial interpretation highly commend this book.” That Feingold’s book is directly relevant to Christine Wood’s dissertation on Henri de Lubac is conveyed incidentally by Stephen Long’s comment that the scope of Lawrence Feinberg’s book includes “all the principle commentators engaged with this question, up to and including Laporta and de Lubac.”

---

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 10:49 AM By Paul

OK. I was at the first presentation in this series of studies that is being offered at the John Paul the Great University. It wasn’t great, but it did offer me some food for thought.

---

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 2:46 PM By Clinton

de Lubac perpetuated a “new theology’ that has lead to the loss of Catholic tradition after Vatican II. We instead should be focusing on Pius XII’s encyclical humani generis which condemns falsehoods that undermine Catholic Doctrine.

---

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 6:02 PM By John F. Maguire

In reply to Clinton: Pope Pius XII’s Encyclical Letter HUMANI GENERIS is a splendid document, and Henri de Lubac’s work should — need I say? — be studied in the light of HUMANI GENERIS. At the same time, we need to keep in mind that theology advances as a science in its own right, that is, on analogy to the empirical sciences, which is also to say, by way of the collaborative critique and revision of one’s fellow theologians’ work. On this point, Fr. de Lubac would have been the first to agree. ~ Pope John Paul II, in acknowledging the work and the ethos of Henri-Marie de Lubac, “appointed the holy and beloved theologian a Cardinal” on February 2, 1983 (Tracey Rowland [book notice], Rudolf Voderholzer, _Meet Henri de Lubac: His Life and Work_ [San Francisco: St. Ignatius Press, 2007], Ignatius Insight, online).

© California Catholic Daily 2012. All Rights Reserved.

One Day Left to Register Online for Republican Convention

Those interested in attending the California Republican Party spring convention later this month in Burlingame have until Feb. 17 to pre-register online.

GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich will headline the convention, and the current guest list also includes House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, the third-highest ranking Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Darrell Issa, a congressman from Southern California.

The convention includes two seperate town-hall events specifically for Asian and Latino republicans. A catholic mass will also be held at 5 p.m. on Feb. 25. A full schedule is available here.

The convention runs from Feb. 24-26 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport hotel in Burlingame, and Gingrich will be the keynote speaker on Feb. 25 at 12 p.m.

Patch will interview San Mateo County Republican Party Chair Chuck McDougald, resident of South San Francisco, at the convention.

“Speaker Gingrich brings energy and vision to the Convention during a critical election year,” said Tom Del Beccaro, the state’s Republican Party chairman.

To learn more about the convention, visit: www.cagop.org/index.cfm/convention.htm

Martin County Community Calendar, Updated Feb. 16

Martin County Community Calendar

NEW Listings

LOOKING AHEAD

“Annie” Musical: StarStruck Performing Arts Center, 2101 South Kanner Hwy., Stuart, 2 pm Feb. 18, 19; 8 pm Feb. 17, 18. $24.99-$39.99. Ticket: 772-283-7787; StarStruckFL.com.

Palm Beach Jewelry, Art Antique Show: PBC Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 11 am-7 pm Feb. 18-20, 11 am-6 pm Feb. 21. $15-$25. 561-822-5440; palmbeachshow.

Sunset Tour: Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Museum, 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter. Sunset, Feb. 17, 22. $15-$20. RSVP: 561-747-8380 ext. 101.

“From Jupiter With Love”: Improv, sketch comedy musical comedy w/ audience participation. The Atlantic Theater, 6743 W. Indiantown Rd. #34, Jupiter, 8 pm, Feb. 18. Teens+. $17. Ticket: 561-575-4942; theatlantictheater.com.

Thin Mint Sprint 5K Race: Chip-timed race. Carlin Park, Jupiter, 6 am registration 7:30 am start, Feb. 18. $35-$40. Also: Tagalong Trot 100-yd dash for children ages 8 and under; $10. Register: https://register.gorun.org/thinmintsprint. Info: 561-427-0192; gssef.org.

First Communion Time: Door prizes, informal modeling, measuring, trunk show of communion dresses. Dress Collection, 311 E. Indiantown Rd., Jupiter, noon-4 pm, Feb. 18. Ages: 7-9. RSVP: 561-529-2379; info@thedresscollectiononline.com.

Flea Market Exhibit Show: Fundraiser for women’s ministries. Hope Fellowship, 3900 SW Citrus Blvd., Palm City, 8 am-1 pm, Feb. 18. 772-418-2199; Palmcityhope.com.

Rio Flea Market Bake Sale: Antiques, jewelry, toys, household items, breakfast, lunch. Rio Civic Club, 1255 NE Dixie Hwy., 8 am-1 pm, Benefits Rio Civic Club scholarship fund. Feb. 18. Reserve a table, 334-2039.

Miss Palm Beach County Scholarship Pageant: Eissey Campus Theatre, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens, 7:30 pm, Feb. 18. $10. 561-254-6727; mspalmbchcounty@aol.com.

SpringFest Flea Market/Exhibit Show: Hope Fellowship Campus, 3900 SW Citrus Blvd., Palm City, 8 am-1 pm, Feb. 18.

Introduction To Nature Journaling: Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 13640 SE US 1, 10 am-noon, Feb. 18. Ages 6+. $3. Reservation: 772-546-2067; info@hobesoundnaturecenter.com.

Atlantic Classical Orchestra: Chamber music series; “Enoch Arden” by Strauss. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us. 11 am, Feb. 18.

Mar. 24: piano quintets by Beach Schumann.

Great Backyard Bird Count: Learn how to participate in annual four-day bird-counting event. Hobe Sound Public Library, 10595 SE US 1, Hobe Sound, 11 am, Feb. 18. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Blessing Of The Animals: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5150 SE Railway Ave., Stuart, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am services, Feb. 19. 772-286-5455; stlukesfl.org.

Chinese Year Gala Reception: U.S. China People’s Friendship Association. Eissey Campus Theatre, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens, 4 pm, Feb. 19. $10-$40. 561-207-5810.

Fine Art Craft Show: This is re-schedule from last week. Jensen Beach Art League. Indian RiverSide Park, Jensen Beach, 1707 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach, 10 am-4 pm, Feb. 19. 772-692-1191.

“Sitting Bull”: Screening of documentary, discussion led by Prof. Robert R. Farley. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart, 3 pm, Feb. 20. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

“La Traviata” by Giuseppe Verdi: Eissey Campus Theatre, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Feb. 20. $35-$55. 561-278-7677; SunsetEt.com.

Tax Day: Those with surnames of presidents, vice presidents other offers 50% off their tax preparation fees. Liberty Tax Service, 3970 NW Federal Hwy., Jensen Beach, 9am-9pm, Feb. 20.

Boating Education Safety: Recreational Boating Safety taught by Coast Guard Auxilary Flotilla 59. Sandsprit Park, 3443 St. Lucie Blvd., Stuart, 7-9 pm, Feb. 20, 23. $40. (discounts available). Register: 772-342-0971.

Walkathon: T5C Treasure Coast Community Counseling Coaching Walkathon. Memorial Park, 322 SE Georgia Ave, Stuart, 9 am, Feb. 20. $25. Register: 772-600-8950; info@t5cinc.org.

Movie Night: “Bill Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” Coffee Bar Blue Door, 38 SE Osceola St., Stuart, 7:30 and 9:30 pm, Feb. 20. 772-221-7707.

Coastal Lecture Series: Kathryn Tiling, “Associations Between Seagrass Morphological Traits and Genetic Identity”.Florida Oceanographic Society. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 7 pm, Feb. 20. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Mar. 5: Lucille Rights, “Early Coastal Prehistoric Indians”.

Mar. 26: M. Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., “Submersed Plants of the Indian River Lagoon: A Floristic Inventory and Field Guide”.

Apr. 9: Vincent Encomio, Ph.D., “FL. O.O.R.: Florida Oceanographic Oyster Restoration”

Apr. 23: Bob Montanaro, “Ospreys of Pelican Island: An Exploration into the Life of the Fish Hawk”

Yard Lecture Series: Proper Pruning Practices with Farmer Fred. Robert Morgade Library, 5851 SE Community Dr., Stuart, 2:30-4:30 pm, Feb. 21. 722-885-5654; martin.ifas.ufl.edu.

Tarot Card Readings: Ambika Devi. Coffee Bar Blue Door, 38 SE Osceola St., Stuart, 4-6 pm, Feb. 21. 772-221-7707.

Allapattah Ranch Hike: SFWMD leads hike in western Martin County. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and Nature Center, 13640 SE US 1, Hobe Sound, 9 am, Feb. 21. Ages 6+. free. Reservation: 772-546-2067; info@hobesoundnaturecenter.com.

Sunset Tour: Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Museum, 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter. Sunset, Feb. 17, 22. $15-$20. RSVP: 561-747-8380 ext. 101.

Jewels Of The Reef: Hawksbill Turtle of South Florida: Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and Nature Center, 13640 SE Federal Hwy., 7:30 pm, Feb. 22. Ages 6+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; info@hobesoundnaturecenter.com.

BBC History of World War II: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, 10 am 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Feb. 22: “Battle of the Atlantic — Keeping Secrets”

Feb. 29: “Battle of the Atlantic — The Hunted”

Mar. 7: “Battle of the Century — High Hopes”

Mar. 14: “Battle of the Century — Spiral of Terror”

Discover Opera: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 2 pm. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Feb. 22: “Romeo Juliet”

Mar. 21: “Lucia di Lammermoor”

Women in Literature: Six-part Women in Literature Book Study Group. Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Rd., Stuart, 2-3:30 pm, Feb. 22-Mar. 28. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Book discussion schedule:

Feb. 22 The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (Jeri Butler)

Feb. 29 Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett (Kim Carvel)

March 7 The Help by Kathryn Stockett (Gail Johnson)

March 14 Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay (Jeri Butler)

March 21 The Book Thief by Markus Zuszk (Gail Johnson)

March 28 Crossing to Safety by Wallace Earle Stegner (Kim Carvel)

Green Industry Best Management Practices: Indian Riverside Park, 1707 NE Indian Riverside Park, Jensen Beach, 8 am-4 pm, Feb. 22. $25. Reservation: 772-288-5654; martin.ifas.ufl.edu.

BMP Workshop: Training, testing for anyone working in lawn, landscape, pest control, municipal grounds areas; CEUs available. Indian Riverside Park, 1707 NE Indian Riverside Park, Jensen Beach, 8 am-3:30 pm, Feb. 22. $25. Pre-registration: 772-288-5654.

What’s All That Jazz About…For Kids!: Interactive presentation by jazz saxophonist Shenole Latimer. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 6:30 pm, Feb. 23. Grades K-4. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Honda Classic Kickoff Party: Cocktails, music, prizes. Gardens Mall, Palm Beach Gardens, 7-10 pm, Feb. 23. $50. 561-844-1778.

“Barrage”: Music and dance. Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Feb. 23. $25-$30. Ticket: 561-207-5900; eisseycampustheatre.org.

Public Auction: Dinners, jewelry, massages, ice-cream maker, espresso machine, handyman, pocketbooks, trips. Treasure Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, 21 SE Central Pkwy., Stuart, 6:30-9:30 pm, Feb., 24. 772-223-5020; tcuuc.com.

Winter Concert Series: Sound of Music by Hobe Sound Bible College Music Department. Hobe Sound Bible College, 11295 Gomez Ave., Hobe Sound, 7 pm, Feb. 24-25. $5. Ticket: 772-546-5534.

“The Sound Of Music”: Full-length Broadway musical production. Hobe Sound Bible Church, 11295 SE Gomez Ave., 7 pm, Feb. 24-25. $5 donation. Ticket: 772-545-1400; masterfulmusic@gmail.com.

Art Centers Of The United States: Dr. Terryl Lawrence presents California Bay Area. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 2 pm, Feb. 24. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

2 pm, March 9: York City

2 pm, March 23: Miami’s South Beach

Civil War Series: Illustrated talks by Josh Liller. Cummings Library, 2351 SW Matheson Rd., Palm City , 3-5 pm. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us. 3-5 pm, Feb. 24: Causes of the Civil War.

3-5 pm, Apr. 6: Grant Shiloh.

3-5 pm, May 25: McClellan the Peninsular Campaign.

3-5 pm, June 15: The War of 1812.

Video Art Jazz: Pioneer video artist Carol Goss’s selected abstract live jazz performance videos. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 2-3:30 pm, Feb. 25. 772-221-1403; improvart.com/blake.

Dance Performance: Fundraiser by many dance organizations. South Fork High School, 10205 SW Pratt Whitney, Stuart, 3 pm, Feb. 25. All proceeds benefit Replay for Life.

Lunafest Treasure Coast 2012: Women’s film festival, reception, exposition, silent auction. Charles Rae Kane Center, 900 SE Salerno Rd., Stuart, 6 pm, Feb. 25. $25. Ticket: lunafesttreasurecoast.info.

OPUS Flea Market: Booth 9, garage sale alley. The BA Flea Market, 2201 SE Indian St., Stuart, 8 am-3 pm, Feb. 25.

Treasure Coast Community Singers: Sentimental Journey: Songs of the War Years concert. North Stuart Baptist Church, 1050 N US 1, Stuart, 3 pm, Feb. 25-26, Mar. 4. $15. 772-224-8807; tccsingers.org.

Stuart Art Festival: Osceola St., downtown Stuart, 10 am-5 pm, Feb. 25-26. artfestival.com.

“A Tribute to Andrea Bocelli Friends”: Eissey Campus Theatre, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Feb. 25. $35-$45. 561-207-5900; FrancoCorso.com.

Have A Heart Dinner Dance: Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, 1500 SW Capri St., Palm City, 5 pm, Feb. 25. $60; Benefits 4Cs. Reservation: 772-220-1090.

Flea Market: Montego Cove Clubhouse, 6120 SE Martiique Dr., Stuart, 8 am-noon, Feb. 25. 772-283-2149.

Yard Lecture Series: Proper Pruning Practices. Morningside Library, 2410 SE Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie, 10 am-noon, Feb. 25. 772-288-5654.

Genealogist Organization Conference: Classes, organization for all family history researchers. Go Paperless. 2755 Woodfield Blvd., behind Indian River Mall, Vero Beach, 8:30 am-3:30 pm, Feb. 25. Adults. $8. Register: 772-567-7463; ckirkfirst@comcast.net.

Lundin Kudo Empty Bowls Project: Enjoy soup bread, keep your bowl. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 623 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 10:30 am-2 pm, Feb. 26. $15 donation. Benefits Treasure Coast Food Bank Mary’s Kitchen. 772-288-2535; somanyemptybowls.blogspot.com.

Copeland Davis: With Indian River Pops Orchestra. Eissey Campus Theatre, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens, 7 pm, Feb. 26. $25. 561-207-5900; IndianRiverPops.org.

Spirituality Speaker Series: “God vs. Gay” by Jay Michaelson. Temple Beth David, 4657 Hood Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, 7 pm, Feb. 27. 561-712-5236.

MARS Lecture Series: Underwater Moments — Bringing the Underwater World into Focus, JD Valerie Gaynor. Environmental Studies Center, 2900 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach, 7 pm, Feb. 27. Ages high school+. 772-334-4643; escmc.org.

Mar. 5: Synopsis of Photo-identification Dolphin Research in Indian River Lagoon, Marilyn Mazzoil, Senior Research Associate, Harbor Branch/Florida Atlantic University.

Mar. 19: The Secret Lives of Goliath Groupers, Sarah Frias-Torres, Ph.D., Adjunct Researcher ORCA.

Mar. 26: The State of our Local Rivers, Leon Abood, chairman, Rivers Coalition.

Hello, Dolly! The Movie: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Rd., Jupiter. Feb. 27, 7 pm. 561-972-6124; jupitertheatre.org.

Gloria Steinem: Live telecast, part of NYC-based 92nd Street Y lectures. BallenIsles Country Club, 100 BallenIsles Circle, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Feb. 28. $15. Ticket: 561-712-5226; jcconline.com.

Southampton Day: Hot dogs, tables, benches, light grills available. Dubois Park at Jupiter Inlet, South side, Jupiter, 11 am, Feb. 28. 772-872-6981; southamptonday@verizon.net.

Prostate Cancer Screening: Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, 501 E. Osceola St., Stuart, 4-6 pm, Feb. 28. Men 40-75; must not carry diagnosis of prostate cancer. RSVP 772-223-5945 ext. 3736.; martinhealth.org.

Fashion Show Luncheon: To benefit Mary’s Shelter. Willoughby Golf Club, 3001 SE Doubleton Dr., Stuart, 11 am- 2 pm, Feb. 28. $60. Reservation: 772-223-5000; maryssheltertc.org.

Tuesday Nite Big Band: Eissey Campus Theatre, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Feb. 28. $15. 561-207-5900.

Weddings 411: Taking the leap this Leap Year. Plan your wedding stress free. Harborage Yacht Club Marina, 955 NW Flagler Ave, Stuart. 6-9 pm, Feb. 29. $10-$20. Reservation: 772-349-1989; eventfull1@aol.com.

MARCH EVENTS

Women In Literature Part X:”Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout Hoke Library, 1150 NW Jack Williams Way, Jensen Beach, 2-3:15 pm. Feb. 16. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Mar. 15: “Sophie the Rising Sun” by Augusta Trobaugh

Mar. 29: “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter Sweet” by Jamie Ford

Legal Tips For Families: Course for parents about legal, financial documents needed to plan for family’s future. Palm Beach Tots, Furniture for Kids, Ste. 3107, Downtown at the Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens, 5:30-6:30 pm, Mar. 1. RSVP: info@PalmBeachTots.com.

Student Showcase, Open House: Culinary Institute at IRSC; program information, financial aid information, kitchen tours, free food samples. Indian River State College Mueller Campus, 6155 College Ln., Vero Beach, 6 pm, Mar. 1. 772-226-2511; irscculinaryinstitute.com.

Arias: Palm Beach Opera. Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, Mar. 1. $25. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

Food Drive: Treasure Coast Food Bank, 1172 SW 30th St., Suite 3, Palm City, 9 am-5 pm, thru Mar 2. 772-219-4454; edwardjones.com.

Atlantic Classical Orchestra: Featuring violinist Elmar Oliveirs. Lyric Theater, 59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, 4 pm, 8 pm, Mar. 2. $55-$60. Ticket: 772-286-7827; acomusic.org/store/Stuart-Lyric-Theatre.html.

Bobby Collins: Stand-up comedian. Atlantic Theater, 6743 W. Indiantown Rd. #34, Jupiter, 7:30 9:30 pm, Mar. 2. Ages 13+. $27. Ticket: 561-575-4942; TheAtlanticTheater.com.

Celtic Crossroads: Traditional Irish music, dancers. Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 8 pm, Mar. 2. $40. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

Spirituality Speaker Series: “Here I Am” by Leonard Felder. Temple Beth Am, 2250 S. Central Blvd., Jupiter, 7:30 pm, Mar. 2. 561-712-5236.

Focus On Foreign Film: Cinema club screens discusses movie. Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, 2 pm, Mar. 2, Apr. 13, May 4, June 1. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Home Garden Show: Vendors needed; exhibitor spaces $400-$500. MC Fairgrounds, Mar. 2-4. Sponsorships available. 772-219-1719; stuartmartinchamber.org.

Strawberry Festival: First Presbyterian Church, 482 Tequesta Dr., Tequesta, 9 am-1 pm, Mar. 3. 561-746-5161; tequestapres.org.

Bull Run 5K: Individual or team runners. Merrill Lynch Building, 2301 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 6:30 am, Mar. 3. $25-$30; benefits United Way. Register: 772-223-6761; LIVEUNITEDmc.org.

Night Hike, Campfire Program: Owl pellet dissection, live owl exhibit, guided hike, ‘s’mores, hot cocoa. Jonathan Dickinson State Park, 5:30-9pm, Mar. 3. $10. Register: t 772-334-4643; escmc.org.

Strawberry Festival: First Presbyterian Church, 482 Tequesta Dr., Tequesta, 9 am-1 pm, March 3. 561-746-5161; tequestapres.org.

Le Bal Masque: Greek dinner, auctions, entertainment. Mariner Sands Country Club, Stuart, 6:30 pm, Mar. 3. $125. Benefits United for Families’ Road to Success program. uff.us/le-bal-masque.

Ham Radio Class: Palm Beach Gardens Fire Station #61, 10500 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. 9 am-3pm, Mar. 3, 9am-noon, Mar. 4. $15. 561-714-6673; ag4bv@jtrg.org.

Le Bal Masque: United for Families event. Mariner Sands Country Club, 6500 SE Mariner Sands Dr, Stuart, 6:30 pm, Mar. 3. $125. Register: 772-398-2920; uff.us/lebalmasque.

Pearls Of Wisdom Gala: MC Library Foundation celebrates 20th anniversary. Sailfish Point Country Club, 1648 SE Sailfish Point Blvd., Stuart, 6:30-10:30 pm, Mar. 4. Ages: 21+. $350. Ticket: 772-221-1409; libraryfoundationmc.org.

“Yesterday, A Tribute To The Beatles”: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, Mar. 4. $40. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

Slam Breakfast: Knights of Columbus, 7251 SW Gaines Ave., Stuart, 8-11:30 am, Mar. 4, Apr. 22. $2-$5. 772-286-7507; Wilmafritz@att.net.

Piano Men II: Jim Witter, 1970s and 1980s music. Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Mar. 4. $25-$30. Ticket: 561-207-5900; eisseycampustheatre.org.

Art Of The Age The Story Of English: Thomas Gainsborough 1727-1788 film followed by related film on story of English. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, March 6. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Apr. 3: Buddhist Art — Ajanta Caves in India

May 8: Alfred Stieglitz 1864-1946

Beach Dynamics: Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 13640 SE US 1, Hobe Sound, 10 am, Mar. 6. Age 6+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; info@hobesoundnaturecenter.com.

Secret Gardens Tour Kick-Off Party: Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, 1500 SW Capri St., Palm City, 5-7 pm, Mar. 7. $10. RSVP: 772-220-1090.

Kindergarten Round-Up: Register your kindergarten student. Jerry Thomas Elementary, 800 Maplewood Dr., Jupiter. 1 pm, Mar. 8. Ages 5 on or before Sept. 1. 561-741-9102; sharon.huffman@palmbeachschools.org.

“Ballroom”: Musical. Barn Theatre, 2400 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 8 pm, Mar. 9, 10, 14-17, 21-24; 2 pm, Mar. 11,18,25. $25. Ticket: 772-287-4884; barn-theatre.com.

Bingo Night: Unity of Stuart, 211 SE Central Parkway, Stuart, 7 pm, Mar. 9. 772-286-3878; unityofstuart.org. $2 cards, $6/10. 772-286-3878.

The Curious Life Of An Everglades Ecologist: Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 13640 SE US 1, Hobe Sound, 7:30 pm, Mar. 8. Age 6+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; info@hobesoundnaturecenter.com.

Angling For Awareness: Inshore trout, snook, redfish and flounder catch/photo/release tournament to benefit Dandy-Walker research. Jensen Beach Causeway, near the pier, 7 am-2 pm, Mar. 10. $20 plus $5 per angler big fish. Pre-registration: 863-956-6993; djouppi.tcb@gmail.com.

Doug MacCraw: Comedy, hypnotism. Atlantic Theater, 6743 W. Indiantown Rd. #34, Jupiter, 8 pm, Mar. 10. Ages 13+. $20. Ticket: 561-575-4942; TheAtlanticTheater.com.

“Steppin’ out in Style” Fashion Show: St. Christopher Council of Catholic Women fundraiser. Miles Grant Country Club, 5101 SE Miles Grant Rd., Stuart, noon, Mar. 10. $30. Ticket: 772-224-0824; omaopajack@aol.com.

Treasure Coast Oyster Fest: Sandsprit Park, 3443 SE St. Lucie Blvd, Stuart, 10 am-6 pm, Mar. 10-11. Benefits Oyster Reef Restoration. 772-486-4867; julie@uniqueeventsfl.com.

All Breed Dog Shows: South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, 8 am-6 pm, Mar. 10-11. Benefits local animal rescue organizations. southfloridafair.com.

Art Fest By The Sea: 1 mile of 300 juried artists, live music, kids art competition. A1A from Marcinski Road in Jupiter to Donald Ross Road in June Beach, 10 am-5 pm, Mar. 10-11. 561-746-6615; info@artfestival.com.

“Voices of Legends in Concert”: Starring Bobby Brooks Wilson. Eissey Campus Theater, 11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, 7:30 pm, March 11. $30-$35. 561-207-5900; johnnytunes.com.

Kane Cabaret Series: Sunday afternoon concert series benefiting the Council on Aging. Kane Center, 900 SE Salerno Rd., Stuart, 2 pm, Mar. 11. $12-$20. Ticket: 772-223-7800; kanecenter.org.

Conservation Program: Turtle research, Inwater Research Group. Knights of Columbus Hall, 7251 Gaines Ave., Stuart, 12:15 pm, Mar. 12. RSVP: 772-334-2584; gardenclubofstuart.org.

“Hello, Dolly!”: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., Mar. 13-Apr. 1. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

Horse Drawn Wagon Ride: Listen to tales, 45 minute ride. Jonathan Dickinson State Park, 16450 SE US 1., Hobe Sound, 10 am, Mar. 13. Ages 8+. $10. Reservation: 772-546-2067; info@hobesoundnaturecenter.com.

Painting Still-Lifes: Quickly and easily with Marlene Evans Putnam. Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, 1 pm, Mar. 14. njdct@aol.com.

Native American Medicinal Plants: For the Florida garden. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 13640 S.E. US 1, Hobe Sound, 7:30 pm, Mar. 15. Ages 6+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; info@hobesoundnaturecenter.com.

Sandra Day O’Connor: Live telecast, part of NYC-based 92nd Street Y series. BallenIsles Country Club, 100 BallenIsles Circle, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Mar. 15. $15. Ticket: 561-712-5226; jcconline.com.

Surf Contest: Single Fin Showdown is a unique surf contest that challenges surfers to ride retro surfboards. 8 am, Mar. 17, South end of Stuart Beach, 889 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, $45. Registration: Benefits United Way. 772-287-0041.

“Breakfast Brushes”: Watercolor class, breakfast; no experience necessary; all supplies included. Fish House Art Center, Studio B, 4745 SE DeSoto Ave., Port Salerno, 9-11 am, Mar. 17, 31, Apr. 14. Ages 18-80. $35. Reservation: 772-343-8189; watercolorgallery.net.

Spring Training Classic Road Race: 5K and 10K road race. Roger Dean Stadium, 4751 Main St., Jupiter, 7:30 am, Mar. 18. $35. Register: springtrainingclassic.com. Also: Cops-N-Kids Fun Run: 6 pm, March 17.

Talking Graphics with Waterscapes©: Jane Davis Doggett art exhibition. Maritime Classic Boat Museum, 1707 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach, Opening reception 5-7 pm Mar. 18. Exhibit Mar. 19 – Apr. 18. Reservations: 772-692-1234; mcbmfl.org.

Shop to Give: Lunch event combines shopping, philanthropy for the Library Foundation. Yacht and Country Club of Stuart, 3883 SE Fairway East, 11:30 am-2:30 pm, Mar. 19. Ages 21+. $150. Ticket: 772-221-1409; libraryfoundationmc.org.

The Big Taste: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach, Martin counties event. Evergreen Club, 4225 SW Bimini Cir. South, Palm City, 5 pm, Mar. 20. TheBigTaste.net; 772-283-8373.’With The Marines At Tarawa’: Presented by Martin County’s U.S. Marines F.M.F. Corpsmen. Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Rd., Stuart, 10 am, March 21. PG-13. 772-781-8176; drobinbar@aol.com.ARTtalk Lecture Series: Cristina de la Vega, Dennis Aufiery, “Evolution of Painting.” Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, 2 pm, Feb. 15. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Mar. 21: Janet Batet, Jose A. Navarrete, “the Art Fair: How Basel, Venice Miami Are Influencing the Production of Art”

Apr. 18: Jane du Brin, “The Influence of Modernist Ideals on Artists’ Treatment of the Figure”

May 16: Niurka Barroso, Deborah Gooch, Amarilis Velis, “Three Women Artists: Aesthetics Identity”

Palm Beach International Boat Show: Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach, noon-7 pm, Mar. 22; 10 am-7 pm, Mar. 23-24; 10 am-6 pm, Mar. 25. $0-$14. 800-940-7642; ShowManagement.com.

Wildlife Management Challenges: Changing climate, concerns for wildlife. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 13640 SE US 1, Hobe Sound, 7:30 pm, Mar. 22. Ages 8+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; info@hobesoundnaturecenter.com.

South Florida Music Fest: Bluegrass, acoustic music. Abacoa Town Center, Jupiter, 1-10 pm Mar. 23, 11 am-10 pm Mar. 24. $20-$30; benefits Healing Touch Buddies. Tickets: 561-744-1760; SouthFloridaMusicFest.info.

Mutt Derby: Fur Seasons, 1310 SW Treasure Coast Commerce Way, Stuart, 8:45 am-12:30 pm, Mar. 24. $10 to race; benefits Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. 772-286-8283; thefurseasonsresort.com.

ArtsFest 2012: Memorial Park, 80 E Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 10 am-5 pm, Mar. 24-25. Donation: $3. 772-287-6676; martinarts.org.

Secret Gardens Tour: Garden Club of Stuart, 10 am-4 pm, Mar. 24-25. $25. Ticket: 772-485-9092; gardenclubofstuart.org.

Our Sister’s Place Casino Night: 3rd Annual, food; fun. Mangrove Bay, 110 Mangrove Bay Way, Jupiter, 5 pm, Mar. 24. Ages 21+. $60. Reservation: 561-744-6997; oursistersplace.com.

Cattle Barons Ball: Rockin H Ranch, Hendry Family Ranch, Palm City, 6 pm, Mar. 24. $200. Register: 772-287-7467.

Evening Of Excellence: Music by Eclipse; Bids for Kids auction. Mariner Sands Country Club, 6500 SE Mariner Sands Dr., Stuart, 6 pm, Mar. 24. $150/per person; Benefits Education Foundation. Ticket: 772-215-0075; educationalfoundationmc.org.

Previvor Conference: Admirals Cove Clubhouse, 200 Admirals Cove Blvd., Jupiter, 7:30 am-1:30 pm, Mar. 24. Registration: 561-427-0172; mfrantz@jupitermed.com.

Gardens Tour, Ramble: Martin County gardens, 621 Palm Beach Rd., Stuart, 10 am- 4 pm, Mar. 24-25. Ticket: 772-971-4977; gardenclubofstuart.org.

John Pizzarelli Quartet: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, Mar. 25. $50. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

PosiPalooza: Concert, New Thought artists. Unity of Stuart, 211 SE Central Pkwy., Stuart, 7 pm, Mar. 25. $20. Ticket: 772-286-3878; unityofstuart.org.

Jay And The Americans: ’60s pop legends. Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, Mar. 26. $50-$65. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

You Go Girl!: Women’s charity trade show. Frenchman’s Reserve, 3370 Grande Corniche, Palm Beach Gardens, 2-7 pm, Mar. 27. $10. Ticket: 561-747-9550; yougogirljupiter.com.

Barley Barber Swamp: Guided tour through cypress preserve. Seminole Inn, 15885 SW Warfield Blvd., Indiantown, 7:30 am, Mar. 28. Ages 8+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; info@hobesoundnaturecenter.com.

Every Woman Is My Sister Fundraiser: A celebration of survivors, featuring Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos. Willoughby Golf Club, Stuart, 5:30, Mar. 29. $125. 772-223-2399; jborowicz@safespace.org.

Atlantic Classical Orchestra: Featuring Luis Gomez, Double Bass. Lyric Theater, 59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, 4 pm, 8 pm, Mar. 30. $55-$60. Ticket: 866-310-7521; acomusic.org/store/Stuart-Lyric-Theatre.html.

Filming Nature’s Wonders Around The World: Award winning cameraman shares film work. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 13640 US 1, Hobe Sound, 7:30 pm, Mar. 30. Ages 6+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; info@hobesoundnaturecenter.com.

Romeo Juliet: Florida Classical Ballet Theatre. The Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, 7:30 pm, Mar. 30-31; 2 pm, Mar. 31. $22-$32. Ticket: 561-207-5900; palmbeachstate.edu/x13030.xml.

Centerstage: Acts by Mo’s Danceworks, JB4, Jensen Beach High School Choir, South Fork High School Choir, Stuart School of Music; Eileen Hatt Craig Galvin, etc. The Lyric’s Flagler Center, 201 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, 6 pm, Mar. 31. $60. Ticket: 772-233-2393; connectingmartinkids.com.

Baby, We’ve Got It!: St. Luke’s fashion show, lunch. Miles Grant Country Club, 5101 SE Miles Grant Rd., Stuart, 11 am, March 31. $35. Reservation: 772-219-7350; stlukesfl.org.

APRIL EVENTS

Mark Bittman: Live telecast, part of NYC-based 92nd Street Y series. BallenIsles Country Club, 100 BallenIsles Circle, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Apr. 10. $15. Ticket: 561-712-5226; jcconline.com.

Ballet Folklorico: Mexican dancers, musicians. Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Apr. 11. $25-$30. Ticket: 561-207-5900; eisseycampustheatre.org.

Creative Cocktails Creative Couture: Woman’s Club of Stuart, 729 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 5:30-8:30pm, Apr. 13. Ages 21+. $30-$35. Ticket: 772-834-8508; womansclubofstuart.com.

2012 Stuart Sailfish Regatta: Benefits USS Sailing Center, Children’s Museum and Maritime Museum. Stuart Causeway. 10 am, Apr. 13-15. stuartsailfishregatta.org.

Taste of Success International Wine Tasting: Harbour Bay Plaza, 3766 SE Ocean Blvd., Sewall’s Point, 6 pm, Apr. 14. $50-$150; benefits Helping People Succeed Foundation. Reservation: 772-320-0776; hpsfl.org.

MAY EVENTS

Madeleine Albright: Live telecast, part of NYC-based 92nd Street Y series. BallenIsles Country Club, 100 BallenIsles Circle, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, May 3. $15. Ticket: 561-712-5226; jcconline.com.

“Henry And Mudge”: Kids Korner Series. Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 6 pm, May 4. $12. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

“Pippin”: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm May 18-19, 2 pm May 20. $15-$20. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

JUNE EVENTS

“Bye Bye Birdie”: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, June 29-30. $15-$20. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

JULY EVENTS

“Willy Wonka Jr.”: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, July 27-28. $15-$20. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

My memories of Ojukwu (1)

My memories of Ojukwu (1)
By Robert Obioha, robobioha@yahoo.com
Friday February 17, 2012

I saw Biafra as a child. I was still in the early stage of primary education when the Nigerian Civil War, known variously as the Nigeria-Biafra War, or the Biafran War, broke out. The only language I knew very well then was Igbo. Though we were taught in both English and Igbo, my knowledge of English could not enable me communicate effectively in it or understand others using it for discourses outside the classroom environment.

When I listen to my older brothers speak English, it sounds strange like the Latin language used by Irish reverend fathers during Catholic mass. All the same, I was in love with the flow of both English and Latin. While the pronunciation of Latin words resembles the Igbo pronunciation patterns to a large extent, those of English is entirely different.

At times, two teachers do not pronounce the same words alike thereby creating more confusion. We depend on our teachers as models to copy in speaking the language. Regrettably, some of the models, as I later discovered, were themselves bad in articulation of some of the English words. Their knowledge of the language was not deep enough.

English names were difficult to pronounce because the way they are written is not the way they are pronounced. We have corrupt versions of almost all English names. The Igbo names do not have such problems. This might explain why some people dropped their English names and not necessarily because of nationalistic feelings.
Thank God today that I have overcome my earlier linguistic problems and even majored in English at both undergraduate and post-graduate studies.

So, when the first military coup d’etat took place on January 15, 1966, I was wondering the meaning of ‘coup’ plus ‘d’etat.’ The word did not quite make sense to me then. Though, I have heard the word ‘army’ and ‘soldier’, I have not seen one in my then rustic inhabitant of Amaokwe, Awo-Idemili. I have seen policemen and court messengers but never a soldier.

In all the calendars called almanacs that my dad, Nwadiugwu Obioha, used to decorate his parlour, I was conversant with the images of the then major political actors like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, Kashim Ibrahim, M.I Okpara, Mbazulike Amaechi, Adegoke Adelabu, S.A. Akintola, K.O Mbadiwe and others.

Each year, I relish my dad’s collection of these political calendars and the education it gave me. It raised my political consciousness to know that we have Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and other tribes in Nigeria. From them, I learnt of the major political parties then, the NPC, NCNC and AG.
In my village, most people speak Igbo. I listened to my father and other elders converse in Igbo. They laced their speeches with Igbo proverbs and aphorisms. At times, they speak only in proverbs that I find it extremely difficult to decode.

My dad was a traditional religious worshipper which white missionaries called ‘pagan’ or ‘heathen’ in ignorance. All traditional worshippers bore Igbo names. They did not have Christian names as me and my friends. I love their names because they are Igbo and sound sweet when pronounced. I had wished that the Christian missionaries never came to Africa at all, so that all of us can have Igbo names, worship Igbo gods and use Igbo language for all our education. I still dream of such possibility.

The traditional religion is good. It has lots of rituals and ceremonies that adherents feast on. Almost, every month, there is a ritual to perform either with chicken or a goat but mostly chicken. I relish the foods and the ritual incantations or prayers. Traditional modes of worship and prayers are still the best. Even as a Christian, I still add that mode of prayer.

After the army take over of January 1966, the calendars in my father’s parlour changed. Instead of men in agbada, I saw men in starched military uniform. There was the picture of the then Head of the State and Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, Major-Gen J.T. U Aguinyi-Ironsi. Lt.Col C. Odumegwu-Ojukwu became the governor of Eastern Region and Lt.Col Hassan Usman Katsina was that of the Northern Region while Lt Col Adekunle Fajuyi and Lt Col David Ejoor were governors of Western and Mid Western regions respectively.

When I was told that Aguinyi was the new leader, I asked, where is Zik whom I knew was President? My only reference to Aguinyi then was the crocodile, which his name means in literal translation. And behold the man had a crocodile swagger, which he brandished along.
My reference to Ojukwu then was the type of palm nut by that name that we don’t eat of either the kernel or the palm oil. Our not eating them might stem from cultural practices. We sell them to others. As an infant, I did not know that people can bear such name we call a certain palm nut.
That was my first encounter with the name Ojukwu.

Before I knew what was happening, there was another coup. We were told that the Head of State was kidnapped. To me, the word meant two things, ‘kid’ and ‘napped.’ While I could liken ‘kid’ to mean a child, I could not understand ‘napped.’ I could not understand then why a big and brave soldier like that, bearing the name of a dangerous sea animal, could be kidnapped like that in such a way that his whereabouts was unknown. I was terribly confused with events unfolding in my country.

Later, we were told that Lt-Col Yakubu Gowon had assumed power as the new Head of State and that Ojukwu kicked against that because he was not the next most senior ranking officer in the army. The July 1966 counter coup led to the death of Ironsi, many Igbo officers and many civilian Igbos. It led to the massacre of Igbos in the North, Lagos and other Nigerian cities. That led to the exodus of many Igbos to the East for safety.

Our teacher showed us a cartoon in the Daily Times showing a tree with three branches, with one of the branches about to be cut-off from the rest, an allusion that the East will assert its independence. But I could not decode the riddle then. To me, let the branch fell off if it wants to and let the tree remain with two branches if those branches wish. I did not see anything wrong in that then and even now.

With time, we began to hear that there will be war. In my little understanding, I thought that war will be like street fight. I didn’t know that the war will change my nationality overnight from Nigeria to Biafra and later back to Nigeria again within a space of three years.
Before one could shout Orie Awo, the name of a market in my town, Biafra was born with great pomp and enthusiasm. The aroma was in the air.

There were great expectations from the new nation with the rising sun emblem. I transited from Nigeria to Biafra but my village and town did not change in nomenclature. The green-white-green Nigerian flag was replaced with a more colourful Biafran flag with half of a yellow sun embossed in the centre. That flag has been appropriated by MASSOB, a pressure group that wants to actualize Biafran Republic. Its leader is Chief Ralph Uwazuruike.

With time, I started seeing soldiers in my town in Biafran Army uniforms, some with rifles and some without. Their uniforms had the Biafran sun emblem with eleven straps on both sides of their arms. The war had started in far-flung areas like Gakem and Nsukka. Apart from the news that the war was on and the soldiers that return from the war fronts to inundate us with their heroic exploits, often exaggerated, there was nothing yet to suggest to me that the war was on. I still went to school and carried on with my life as if nothing was happening.

How to Make N450,000 online Monthly. Easy, Simple Legitimate

Earn $1,000 weekly, online workers needed worldwide. Download free e-book

Looking for a Job? Apply to current jobs in Nigeria

Internet Telecom Biz, Laptops, Loans. Only 60 slots. Click Now!

Read This and Money Will Never be Your Problem Again!

Nigerian Student Makes N385,044 in 55 Days? Click Here for FREE Info

EXPORT BUSINESS TRAINING: Get Trained, Discover, Export and Surely Profit