Via Sacra VOLUME VII, NUMBER 1 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN CANTIUS AUGUST 15, 2005

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1 Via Sacra VOLUME VII, NUMBER 1 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN CANTIUS AUGUST 15, 2005 COORDINATING COUNCIL Rev. C. Frank Phillips, C.R. Fr. Director Rev. Burns Seeley, S.S.J.C. Fr. Assistant Director Rev. Albert Tremari, S.S.J.C. Bursar Rev. James Isaacson, S.S.J.C. Member BOARD OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS AND ADVISORS Rev. Regis Barwig, O.S.B. Rev. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R. Rev. John Hardon, S.J. (deceased) Dr. James Hitchcock Bishop Basil Meeking Rev. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem. Bishop Joseph Perry Msgr. Richard Schuler Msgr. James Turro Telephone: Fax: FROM THE SUPERIOR S DESK Dear Friends and Benefactors, As I write to you, eight long months have already passed since our last issue of Via Sacra and many of you probably wondered why you didn t receive the usual Spring/Holy Week issue. We know that many of you look forward to the photos and articles, so that you can keep up with everything that is happening in the Society of St. John Cantius. To be honest there have been so many things happening in the life of the Society since January that sometimes we were barely able to keep up with everything. Easter came exceptionally early this year and seemed to catch us all off guard. Barely had Lent begun when we found ourselves standing in front of Holy Week, which is the most intense week of the year for us. The Easter vigil brought us the joy of the Risen Lord but the next day we were already plunged into preparations for a two-day wake and funeral of a prominent parishioner, 1 with thousands of mourners from the United States and abroad. On the heels of this sad occasion, we were August 5, 2005 Our Lady of the Snows then thrown into mourning once again with the death of our beloved Pontiff, John Paul II. This was changed into The cover to the souvenir booklet for Our Lady of the New Millennium at St. Anne s Chapel was designed by the Society s own graphic designer, Br. Joshua Caswell.

2 the anxious anticipation of the papal conclave and finally into jubilation with the election of Benedict XVI. We experienced those weeks with a great intensity. How many times in one s lifetime does one have the opportunity to experience the death and funeral of one of the great popes of all history, followed by the election of his successor? But this wasn t the end of it. At the beginning of May we anticipated the return of our seminarians from Connecticut and the ordination of Deacon Brendan Gibson later that month. And interwoven with this was extensive planning and preparation for an exciting, but exhausting, two-week series Members of the Society have to get away once in awhile for a little recreation. So in January, they took a day off to visit parishioners, who live in northwest Indiana and headed out to the Indiana Dunes State Park for a good healthy hike. Here they take a break to pose on the snow-covered beach of Lake Michigan. (PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID TUTWILER) of events at our St. Anne s Chapel in Lawton, Michigan connected with the arrival of the 33-foot statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium. So, as you can see, God has kept us very busy the last several months. Now, in this expanded edition of the Via Sacra, I would like to update you in more detail about all that has happened since January and share with you some of the many interesting photos from these activities and events. Rev. C. Frank Phillips, C.R. Founder-Superior On the morning of January 24, 2005, Fr. Jim Isaacson said Mass in the chapel of the Dominican House of Studies near the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. for the group from St. John Cantius Parish, who were getting ready to take part in the March for Life. Front row (left to right): Eileen Dziak, Anne Dziak, Ashley Michalowski. Middle row: Br. Chad McCoy, Sean Dempsey, Trevor Karas, Sarah Michalowski, Kathryn Michalowski, Br. Joshua Caswell, Fr. Jim Isaacson, Br. Brian Schafer. Back row: Anselm Karas, Aaron Pfauth, Charlie Geters. 2

3 DECEMBER 2004 Shortly after last Christmas, when all of our brothers were back home from Holy Apostle Seminary, Cardinal George joined us for an evening of dinner and conversation. This year s meeting with him was especially exciting because he outlined his perspective of the Society s ministry at St. John s, as well as the Society s future at St. Peter s Parish in Volo, Illinois. We all realize that many challenges face the Society as we continue to grow, but all the men are eager to work in the vineyard of the Lord. JANUARY 2005 During January, Brother Scott Haynes directed the music for a Mass, which he recently composed. I myself gave a presentation to the Trevor Karas (center) and other young parishioners from St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago joined members of the Society of St. John Cantius in this year s March for Life in Washington, D.C. on January 24, Catholic Citizens of Illinois on the formation of the Society of St. John Cantius in the context of the parochial life. Portions of my presentation were later published in the archdiocesan newspaper, The New World. Later in the month, Father Jim Isaacson organized a trip to Washington, D.C. to take part in the annual March for Life. Brothers Chad, Joshua and Brian, as well as a number of young adults from the parish, accompanied him on that trip. While in Washington, they met our Brothers from the Seminary, who had driven down to Washington from Connecticut for the March. As I understand it, our young adults brought a great enthusiasm to the March. Taking part in this year s March for Life in Washington, DC January 24, 2005, were (left to right) Deacon Brendan Gibson, Fr. Jim Isaacson, Br. Alexander Schimpf, Br. Brian Schafer, Br. Joshua Caswell, Br. Anthony Rice. 3 A while back, Cardinal George appointed me as chaplain to the Patrons of the Vatican Museums, which is a wonderful organization that raises monies to assist the Vatican in restoring works of art. At the end of January, I was able to host a small reception at St. John s for the group in order to familiarize them with our beautiful church and some of our collections of sacred art.

4 On the way back from this year s March for Life in Washington, DC the participants from St. John Cantius Parish stopped at St. Anthony s Relic Chapel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Fr. Jim Isaacson said Mass for the group. Sitting (left to right): Fr. Jim Isaacson, Trevor Karas, Anne Dziak, Sean Dempsey, Br. Chad McCoy; standing: Aaron Pfauth, Anselm Karas, Charlie Geters, Sarah Michalowski, Eileen Dziak, Kathryn Michalowski, Ashley Michalowski, Br. Joshua Caswell, Br. Brian Schafer. While they were here, I sent them on a Treasure Hunt of various works of art in the church, which they had to discover and learn more about. Is this Batman and his sidekick Boy Robin? No, it s Br. Alexander Schimpf and Deacon Brendan Gibson running to catch up with the others in this year s March for Life in Washington, DC January 24, MARCH 2005 In March, an opportunity arose to travel to Rome along with Fr. Jim, Br. Robert and Br. Joshua. During our stay there, we met with Cardinal Arinze and presented to him the music for two Masses, which Br. Scott Haynes had composed. During our conversation, the Cardinal told us about the work his office does and the many challenges, which face them every day. As a parting gift, he presented us with a book, which he had just written on Divine Providence, and then he gave us his blessing. Fr. Isaacson and I also were fortunate to briefly meet with Monsignor Charles Mangan from the Congregation of the Clergy, who is well known to members of the Institute on Religious Life. All four of us were also able to meet with the Rector of St. Mary Major Basilica, Monsignor Jagosz. David Carrollo, a good friend of the Society, who was with us, acted as translator. During our visit, Monsignor Jagosz gave us a private viewing of the Basilica s crypt museum. While in Rome one can always be assured of the opportunity to visit many churches. While we were there, we were able to visit almost 90 churches and chapels. And in light of the fact that our stay in Rome took place during Lent, a majority of them were the Lenten Stational Churches. For nearly 6 years, we were fortunate to have Father James Downey, O.S.B., former director of the Institute on Religious Life, as a resident in our rectory. During this time he assisted in teaching the Novices,

5 hearing confessions and offering a daily Tridentine Mass in our church. But due to age and declining health, he decided to return to his monastery in Kansas. On Laetare Sunday, before he left us, we presented Father Downey with the Golden Rose for his many years of service in the life of the Church. We bid farewell to a man of great faith and one who supported both the work in our parish, as well as the men of the Society. On the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, we were very pleased to have Father Michael Alcantara, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, celebrate his 40th Anniversary of Ordination at St. John s. Father Mike is one of the Society s supporters and views us as his adopted religious family. Finally, as we approached the final days of Lent, everyone realized the extent of the work, which had now come upon us. In order to make the ceremonies of Holy Week perfect, much time needed to be spent in preparation of the Sacred Music, vesting of the altars, set-up and takedown of decorations as each day of the Holy Week progressed. It was a blessing to have three of our seminarians home for the Triduum. Our fourth seminarian, Brother Anthony Rice, requested to visit his For the occasion of the Polish National Alliance s 125 th Anniversary, its president, Edward Moskal, requested a Tridentine Solemn High Mass at St. John Cantius Church where he was a life-long parishioner. Fr. Dennis Kolinski (left to right) assisted in the role of deacon, Fr. Frank Phillips, C.R. was the celebrant, Fr. Regis Barwig, O.S.B. delivered the sermon and Fr. Jim Isaacson assisted in the role of Subdeacon. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDRZEJ BARANIAK) family in order to take care of some personal family matters. Each day of Holy Week was laden with grace. The Office of Tenebrae on Wednesday Parishioners Dorothy and David Carollo look over some of the paintings at the opening night of the Second Annual St. John Cantius Art Show on April 8, (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL) 5 has always been one of the popular days of Holy Week at St. John s. We were blest with good weather, so nearly 600 individuals attended. The splendor of Holy Thursday night with the Eucharistic Procession to the Repository always fills people with emotion as they then watch and wait with Our Blessed Lord in the Garden of

6 On the evening of May 26, Deacon Brendan Gibson was waiting anxiously for the ordination Mass to start. Gethsemane. Hundreds of individuals visited our church this year as part of the Holy Thursday night pilgrimages. We ourselves sent four busloads of pilgrims to various churches on that night after the Mass. Members of the Society (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC) either took turns in adoration at the Repository here at St. John s or took part in the pilgrimage. On Good Friday, we were once again blest with good weather, so the church was filled for the Solemn Liturgical Service. I must add that our priests heard many hundreds of confessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Holy Week as we approached the Great Sabbath on Holy Saturday. This Mother of all Vigils seems to be attracting more and more people because each year our attendance increases. It is upon the three sacred days of the Sacred Triduum Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday that the entire Year of Grace rests. From this Triduum grace upon grace flows into our lives, sanctifying everything we do, for as we pray in the blessing of the Paschal Candle, ALL TIME BE- LONGS TO HIM. Then, with the entire church adorned with flowers and decorations, St. John Cantius Church was full for the funeral of former parish council president, Edward Moskal, who had also been president of the Polish National Alliance and the Polish American Congress for many years. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA) we were finally ready to celebrate the joy of Easter. The Tridentine Solemn High Mass was the crowning point of the Easter celebration. The church was filled to capacity and the Resurrection Choir and Orchestra rendered the Sacred Music with great fervor. But it was during the Easter season, this time of great joy, that we also experienced great loss in both the parish and the Church. Long time parishioner, parish president and supporter of the Society of St. John Cantius, Edward Moskal, entered eternity during Holy Week and already on Easter Monday we were preparing for his Wake, which was to be held in the church because we knew that there would be large numbers of mourners. He was President of the Polish National Alliance and Polish American Congress for many years and many dignitaries from the United States and Poland came to pay their last respects. It is a fair estimate to say that between the two-day Wake and the Requiem Mass on Wednesday of Easter Week, over 3000 people attended. Mr. Moskal had always liked the Mozart Requiem in D Minor, which we do every year at St. John s for the Mass on All Souls Day, so we thought it only fitting that the parish s Sine Nomine Choir and Orchestra 6

7 Members of the Society were so elated with the election of Benedict XVI as the new Roman Pontiff, that on April 20, the day following his election, they spontaneously organized a march with young people and parents from the parish. The group of over 100 decked out in white and gold, marched from St. John Cantius Church to Holy Name Cathedral where they took part in a rally in support of the new pope. (PHOTO COURTESY OF JAKUB RZEPKA) should sing this same Requiem Mass for his funeral. With a statue of Our Lady of Fatima towering above them, the march organized by the Society of St. John Cantius on the day following the election of Pope Benedict XVI, seemed to be the center of attention along the entire route from St. John Cantius Church to Holy Name Cathedral. (PHOTO COURTESY OF JAKUB RZEPKA) APRIL 2005 But we had barely said farewell to a dear parishioner, when we were struck again with sadness, for it was just a few days later, that along with the Church and the entire world we began to mourn the loss of Pope John Paul II. Those were days of great emotion for the members of the Society, who felt the very real loss of a dear and great Holy Father. Our sorrow was also mixed with a feeling of anticipation about who would who could suc- 7

8 ceed him. We were all able to watch the Wake on television, as hundreds of thousands of mourners came to St. Peter s Basilica for the visitation. We made it a point to get up in the early morning to view the Papal Funeral Mass, which took place on St. Peter s Square something that one does not experience often in a lifetime. During those days of the Holy Father s Wake, Funeral Mass and nine days of Masses for the repose of his soul, we all prayed the Novena to the Holy Spirit here. Knowing with confidence that the Holy Spirit guides His Church, we nonetheless wondered: Who will the In January 8, 2005, some of the members of the Society traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan to visit the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Fr. Jim Isaacson has known the community s founder, Mother Assumpta Long for many years and Br. Joshua Caswell s sister Patsy had just entered the community. Standing here are (left to right): Sr. Mary Samuel, Fr. Jim Isaacson, Sr. Patsy Caswell, Br. Joshua Caswell and Br. Brian Schafer. Cardinals elect as the next pope? But imagine the surprise when only During his to visit the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in January 2005, Fr. Jim Isaacson conferred his first priestly blessing on all of the sisters at the convent 8 several days after the conclusion of those intense days of mourning, we saw the new Holy Father emerge on the balcony of St. Peter s Basilica Benedict XVI, formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. We wondered what would develop in the life of the Church with our new Holy Father, but we knew for sure that this man was chosen under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and as such will lead the Church wisely. In the midst of these historic events, Brother Chad continued to organize and coordinate the Second Annual Cantius Art Show in the St. John Cantius Parish Hall. A number of parishioners, as well as other local artists, submitted art works for the show. Considering that this event required hours and hours of preparation over and above the Society s regular schedule, Brother Chad was extremely busy trying to make this event a success. MAY 2005 As many of you know, we ordered a set of cast bronze bells for the St. Anne s Chapel in Lawton. We dedicated them to Pope John Paul II on the 25 th anniversary of his papacy, which he declared as the Year of the Rosary, and each bell was named after one of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. On May 3 rd we were delighted to have Bishop Joseph Perry from the Archdiocese of Chicago

9 consecrate the bells. A number of parishioners and local families attended this impressive ceremony. After this, our own Uncle Bob from Lawton and a crew of expert workmen from the area set up the bell tower in front of the St. Anne s Chapel and mounted the bells on the it. As we approached the end of May, the activities of the Society reached fever pitch as we made final preparations for the ordination of Deacon Brendan Gibson. Cardinal George ordained him on May 26 th, the original date of the Feast of Corpus Christi, with a number of priest concelebrants in attendance. Father Brendan offered his First Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, May 29 th, the External Feast of Corpus Christi. At the conclusion of the Mass, he presided over a Procession with the Blessed Sacrament on the parish grounds. Later that afternoon, members of the Society, as well as family and friends of Father Brendan gathered for a wonderful banquet to bring to a close a wonderful event in the life of the Church, the Society and Father Brendan s family. The very next day, May 30, a number of the members of the Society went to Lawton, Michigan to prepare for the arrival of the statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium the culmination of The statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium was at the St. Anne s Chapel from June 5 through June 11. As seen here, many visitors came to visit the statue and chapel. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL) weeks of intensive planning. Unfortunately, due to Michigan laws, oversize loads were prohibited on the Memorial Day Weekend, thus making it impossible for the statue to arrive on the scheduled day, May 31. Throughout the week, Father Jim and myself contacted every possible person we could to see if there was some way to get the statue to Lawton. JUNE 2005 As the week literally dragged on, the hope of having the statue seemed to fade away, until the Hour of Mercy on First Friday, June 3 rd, when everything finally fell into place. Permissions were finally granted, so that the statue of Our Lady could be delivered on Sunday, 9 June 5 th. With a sigh of relief and a prayer of thanksgiving all of us, who were at Lawton during that rather tense week without the statue, were finally at peace. On Sunday, June 5 th, it seemed that the day exploded with excitement. Not only was the statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium to arrive, but the blessing of a carved statue of Our Lady of Ludzmierz was also planned for that day. Two busloads of Polish pilgrims in native costumes drove in from Chicago, along with many others in private cars. Over 200 Górale (Polish Highlanders) from Chicago came for this event in honor of Our Lady of Ludzmierz, Patroness of their region in the Polish mountains. There were also many people from the local area. The heat was blistering that day but everyone was in good spirits. A little past noon, as we were preparing to begin the ceremonies for the enthronement of the statue in St. Anne s Chapel, the statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium finally arrived. So, everything was put on hold until the large statue was set in place near the chapel. When that was done, the statue of Our Lady of Ludzmierz was solemnly blessed by Father Waclaw Lech, OCD. The Górale (Polish Highlanders) then carried Her in a beautiful procession to the chapel in their colorful traditional costumes.

10 Following Fr. Brendan Gibson s First Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving on May 29, he led the parish s annual Corpus Christi procession. Here, he gives the benediction with the Blessed Sacrament at the first altar. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA) After She was enshrined in St. Anne s Chapel, Father Lech and our own Father Dennis Kolinski offered the Mass in Polish for the pilgrims. The Knights of Columbus of the Hennepin Province acted as honor guard and occupied places of honor in the Choir area of the chapel, along with the standard bearers of many of the Highlander organizations. After the Mass, our Polish pilgrims then gathered in various places on the grounds for an outdoor picnic, but this was cut short when gale force winds suddenly hit. As the pilgrims scrambled back to their buses and cars, a torrential downpour put a complete stop to everything. But now that Our Lady was finally in Lawton, things began to happen. Each day we offered the regular Canonical Hours of the Divine Office (Matins, Lauds, None, Vespers, Compline), two Masses, the Divine Mercy chaplet and a Rosary Procession. On Thursday, we held a beautiful Eucharistic Procession, which a large number of pilgrims attended. We estimate that during the second week, over 5,000 individuals visited St. Anne s Chapel to see Our Lady. This included Catholics and non-catholics alike. And I think that to this day, 10 people are still talking about this special event. But as all good things come to an end, so too was this week with Our Lady. On June 11 th, we conducted the final services, packed up and made our way back to Chicago. In mid-june, our newly ordained Father Brendan accompanied Brother Joshua Caswell to his home in northern Saskatchewan, Canada to assist in the summer camp, which Mr. and Mrs. Caswell conduct each year for the children in their town. Brother Joshua s sister, Sister Patsy, a Postulant in the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, was also able to make a home visit together with her brother. Aided by your prayers, the Society of St. John Cantius continues to grow. On June 22 nd this year, we received four men into the Postulancy program Nathan Caswell, brother During the Mass of Ordination on May 26, Fr. Brendan Gibson distributed Holy Communion to parishioner Pam Ahearn, assisted by Br. Alexander Schimpf. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA)

11 Following the Ordination Mass on May 26, newly ordained Fr. Brendan Gibson stands with Cardinal George and the other clergy, who were present. To the left of Cardinal George are Fr. Frank Phillips, C.R. and Bishop Joseph Perry. To the right of Fr. Gibson are Bishop Basil Meeking and Bishop Thomas Paprocki. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA) to Brother Joshua Caswell, Robin Kwan, Matthew Lewis and Trenton Rauck. The first days of entrance are always difficult because one is not only adapting to a new schedule but also to different prayers, classes, work and recreation. We ask you to continue to pray for vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life, especially to the Society of St. John Cantius. JULY 2005 As we continue to grow, more obligations are placed on the Society, and as a result, more is expected of us. In connection with this, Cardinal George requested Arch- Abbot Lambert, O.S.B. to conduct our very first Canonical Visitation. During his visitation at the beginning of July, Abbot Lambert met with each member of the Society in order to get a good sense of our community for his report to Cardinal George. In addition, he gave us some guidance on religious life that he himself had learned through his life as a Benedictine monk and then later abbot at St. Meinrad s Abbey. Through the generosity of many donors, a number of the brothers were able to accompany Abbot Edmund F. McCaffrey, O.S.B. on his last pilgrimage to Fatima during the second half of July. Fathers Al, Jim and myself also joined them. During the pilgrimage, we kept all our benefactors in our prayers. AUGUST 2005 But now that the summer is rapidly coming to an end, we pray that you may all enjoy the remaining days of summer ahead of you. We ask that you pray for Brother Nathan Caswell, Brother Robin Kwan, Brother Matthew Lewis and Brother Trenton Rauck, who will receive the habit on August 14 th. We also ask that you pray for Brother Robert Maresh, Brother Chad McCoy, Brother Anthony Rice and Brother Alexander Schimpf, who will renew their vows on August 15 th. In addition, Brother Joshua Caswell and Brother Scott Haynes will profess first vows on that day. As we prepare to celebrate the solemnity of Our Blessed Mother s Assumption into heaven, I pray that She will always guide you along the path that will lead you to Her Divine Son. 11

12 At the beginning of the Rite of Ordination at St. John Cantius Church on May 26, 2004, Deacon Brendan Gibson prostrated himself on the floor of the sanctuary during the chanting of the Litany of the Saints. Kneeling in front of him are (left to right) Deacon Bart Juncer, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., and Fr. C. Frank Phillips, C.R. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC) After the imposition of hands Cardinal George recited the prayer of ordination surrounded by all of the other priests in attendance. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA) 12

13 Deacon Brendan Gibson knelt before Cardinal George and all of the other attending priests as he awaited the Cardinal s final prayer of ordination. In attendance at his ordination on May 26 were (left to right) Bishop Thomas Paprocki, Bishop Basil Meeking, and Bishop Joseph Perry. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA) During the ordination ceremony the newly ordained priest kneels in front of the ordaining bishop, who anoints his hands with sacred chrism to signify the sacredness of those hands, which from that time will consecrate bread and wine and hold the Most Precious Body and Blood of Our Lord. Fr. Brendan Gibson knelt for the anointing of his hands before Cardinal George on May 26, assisted by Deacon Bart Juncer (left) and Fr. Frank Phillips (right). (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA) 13 Deacon Brendan Gibson knelt before Cardinal George and all of the other attending priests as he awaited the final prayer of ordination. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA)

14 After the imposition of hands, by which the ordaining bishop calls down the Holy Spirit configuring the ordinand to Christ the High Priest, all of the other priests in attendance also lay hands on the newly ordained in solidarity with the bishop. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA) After the ordinand is called by the bishop at the beginning of the Rite of Ordination, he then kneels in front of the bishop, who clasps the ordinand s folded hands within his own, as the ordinand makes his solemn promises to the bishop. On May 26, Deacon Brendan Gibson proclaimed to Cardinal George his readiness to accept the responsibilities of the priesthood. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA) On May 29, the Feast of Corpus Christi, Fr. Brendan Gibson celebrated h (PHOTO COURTESY OF 14

15 At the conclusion of the Rite of Ordination on May 26, after the Fr. Brendan Gibson had been vested in the chasuble of the priesthood, Cardinal George welcomed his new priest. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA) ted his first Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving at St. John Cantius Church. SY OF PAUL VARGA) Although it is not a part of the formal Rite of Ordination there is a beautiful and touching custom that one sees at many ordinations. At the conclusion of the Ordination Mass, the ordaining bishop kneels in front of the newly ordained priest to receive his first priestly blessing. Here, Fr. Brendan Gibson imparts that blessing on Cardinal George. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL VARGA) 15

16 THE BELLS OF ST. ANNE S CHAPEL 1 3 Bishop Joseph Perry began the solemn ceremony of consecration for the Society s new bells in Lawton, Michigan with the assistance of Fr. Frank Phillips, C.R. (left) and Deacon Bart Juncer (right). Members of the Society, friends from the Lawton-Paw Paw area and youth from St. John Cantius Parish, were present for the elaborate ceremony. (PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. DENNIS KOLIÑSKI, SSJC) Following the sprinkling with Holy Water during the consecration of bells, the bishop then incenses the bells. Bishop Perry is assisted by Deacon Bart Juncer. (PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. DENNIS KOLIÑSKI, SSJC) 2 4 After he reads the opening prayers for the consecration of bells, the bishop sprinkles each bell with Holy Water. Bishop Perry is assisted by Deacon Bart Juncer. (PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. DENNIS KOLIÑSKI, SSJC) After the incensation of the bells during the ceremony for the consecration of bells, the most interesting part is the anointing of each bell with Sacred Chrism by the bishop. The Sacred Chrism is generously poured over the bell. Then, the bishop calls the bell by its name, marking the Sign of the Cross on it in the Chrism and reciting the prayer of consecration. (PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. DENNIS KOLIÑSKI, SSJC) 16

17 After the blessing of the new bells on May 3, 2005 at Lawton, Michigan, members of the Society posed for this photo with Bishop Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago. (left to right) Br. Chad McCoy, Br. Brendan Bartlett, Br. Anthony Rice, Br. Scott Haynes, Deacon Bart Juncer, Bishop Joseph Perry, Fr. Frank Phillips, C.R., Br. Joshua Caswell, Br. Alexander Schimpf, Fr. Jim Isaacson, Br. Brian Schafer, Keith Manna, Fr. Brendan Gibson, Br. Robert Maresh, Fr. Dennis Koliñski. Recently installed outside the entrance to St. Anne s Chapel is a set of five church bells custom-designed for the Society of St. John Cantius by the oldest bell-makers in central Europe, Ludwisarnia Felczynskich. Their family-owned and run bell foundry based outside of Gliwice in southern Poland, has been in business since The bells they produce are all individually handcrafted according to a centuries-old tradition of bell making and no two bells are alike. Each of the five bells in the set at St. Anne s Chapel is named for one of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, and they are hung according to size and mystery the smallest bell, representing the First Mystery, at the top and the largest bell, representing the Fifth Mystery, the institution of the Holy Eucharist, at the bottom. The entire set of bells was dedicated to Pope John Paul II in 2003, the 25th year of his pontificate and the Year of the Rosary. Because the new bells at St. Anne s Chapel still hadn t been hooked up to an electrical control mechanism, they had to be rung the old-fashioned way by hand. The brothers had so much fun doing this that they might be disappointed once they are electrified. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN CICHINNI) 17

18 FAREWELL & GOLDEN ROSE PRESENTATION TO FR. JAMES DOWNEY, O.S.B. After residing for almost six years at the Society of St. John Cantius motherhouse, Fr. James Downey, O.S.B. decided that it was time to return to his home abbey in Atchinson, Kansas. During that time, although not a member of the Society himself, Fr. Downey had become a close member of the Society s family and a regular part of its parish life in Chicago. His departure was the occasion to specially honor him for his contributions as a defender of the Faith. The following is a portion of the presentation made to Fr. Downey on March 6, Laetare Sunday: The custom of blessing a golden rose by the pope is so old that in 1051 Pope Leo IX spoke of it as an ancient practice. Popes often presented them to notable churches, kings, queens and distinguished persons as a mark of their fidelity to the Church and their promotion of the Faith. And a number of years ago, Fr. Frank Phillips, C.R., Founder of the Society of St. John Cantius, decided to institute this same custom at St. John Cantius Parish as a way to recognize those individuals among us, who have done much to promote our Catholic Faith. For the 2005 Golden Rose Award, there was no one more worthy than Fr. James Downey, O.S.B., who had done much to promote the teachings of the Catholic Church. He will probably be remembered most for his work as the Executive Director of the Institute on Religious Life, overseeing its efforts to support and promote authentic religious life that is faithful to the magisterial teachings of the Church. When the Institute decided to move its main office to Chicago in 1999, he took up residence here with the Society of St. John Cantius and its parish in Chicago for what was to be a few months and ended up just staying there. This turned out to be a great blessing for the Society. He helped with Masses & Confessions in church and taught some classes to the novices. For the entire Society of St. John Cantius, Fr. Downey had been not only a constant source of inspiration and a model for us as religious, but also a very dear friend. In a time when the ministerial priesthood is being attacked by many people from without and within the Church, Fr. James Downey gave all of us an example of a good and faithful priest. But this award is not only a special recognition of his fidelity to the Catholic Church. Now, after being a part of the Society s life for nearly six years, when Fr. Downey has decided that it was time to return to his monastery in Atchison, Kansas, this award is also a fitting farewell to one, who was one of the family. After Fr. James Downey s last dinner with the Society of St. John Cantius the evening before his departure to St. Benedict s Abbey in Atchison, Kansas, he spent some time reminiscing with them. (PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. DENNIS KOLIÑSKI, SSJC) 18

19 THE STATUE OF OUR LADY OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM In a surprise appearance, members of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist from Ann Arbor, Michigan came to Lawton on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 to visit the statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium and St. Anne s Chapel. In this photo taken in front of the statue are their Postulants (front row), Novices (white veils second and third rows) and Professed Members (black veils third row). Behind the Sisters are members of the Society of St. John Cantius. Fr. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem., Director of the Institute on Religious Life, stands to the right. (PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN RYAN) 19 The late Carl Demma desired to bring the Blessed Mother to others by making a large statue of Her that could tour various parishes. He initially received the inspiration to build a large statue of Mary as a child, when he mistook for the Blessed Mother, a huge statue of the Roman goddess Ceres, atop the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building in downtown Chicago. When informed of his error by some priests, the young Demma replied, Well, you know what? Someday I will build a statue of Mary that big and bring it to everyone. The idea remained dormant until 1984, when he saw the statue of Our Lady Queen of Peace that was visiting Quigley Seminary, but the project lay dormant over the next ten years due to insufficient funding. Then, in 1994, he realized that he would have enough money to finish construction of the statue if he sold his 35- year business. Work on the statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium began in 1997 and was finished in time to have it blessed by Pope John Paul II during his visit to St. Louis, Missouri, in Since its completion, the statue has visited hundreds of parishes and has moved thousands to a deeper devotion and love for our Blessed Mother. At 33 feet tall and 8,500 pounds, the statue is the largest portable likeness of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the world

20 OUR LADY OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM STATUE VISITS ST. ANNE S CHAPEL IN LAWTON, MICHIGAN Despite the great disappointment that the statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium didn t arrive at St. Anne s Chapel as expected on May 30, frustrations quickly turned into rejoicing when the statue arrived the following Sunday, June 5. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN CICHINNI) When the statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium arrived at St. Anne s Chapel on June 5, it had to be carefully guided as the driver backed the trailer carrying it down the long narrow path to the chapel. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN CICHINNI) THE FIRST PUBLIC EVENT AT ST. ANNE S CHAPEL I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue (Sirach 24:24-25). Our Lady of the New Millennium, the largest portable statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the world was scheduled to visit St. Anne s Chapel in Lawton, Michigan this year, from May 31 to June 11. However, due to unforeseen complications beyond the Society s control, it did not arrive at the chapel until Sunday, June 5. In order to be transported, the statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium is mounted on a flatbed trailer. 20 (PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN CICHINNI)

21 Once the statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium arrived on June 5 and was backed into place, it had to be raised at the site near St. Anne s Chapel. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN CICHINNI) Once the statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium was raised, She was truly an imposing sight. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN CICHINNI) Various events were scheduled for the two weeks that the statue was to be there. Mass was celebrated every morning and evening. The Blessed Sacrament was exposed in the chapel each day after the morning Mass for prayer and adoration throughout the day. Vespers and Benediction took place in the evening. Then, each day, concluded with Compline and a Rosary procession with a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which the Society had purchased in Fatima. Among the special activities organized at St. Anne s Chapel during the first two weeks of June this year, a Rosary procession with a statue of Our Lady of Fatima (brought from Fatima) concluded each day. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC) 21

22 During the time the statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium was at St. Anne s Chapel this past June, the local Knights of Columbus lent a golf cart to the Society of St. John Cantius to help transport the elderly and infirm back and forth to the statue and chapel. Here, Fr. Jim Isaacson takes some children from St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago for a ride. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC) A lot of people were expected at St. Anne s Chapel for special Masses and devotions on Sunday, June 5. While waiting for them to arrive in the hot summer sun, Br. Alexander Schimpf (left) and Br. Joshua Caswell (right) apparently differed in their opinions about how to handle the situation. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN CICHINNI) Many people from the Lawton-Paw Paw area were very generous in volunteering to help with all of the set-up and events at St. Anne s Chapel this past June. One of these volunteers, Susan Cichinni, stands in front of the chapel with Fr. Frank Phillips, C.R. (PHOTO COURTESY OF DANITA COVINGTON) During the first week of June, the Handmaids of the Precious Blood, a contemplative community of nuns, traveled from their monastery at Lake Villa north of Chicago, to Lawton, Michigan for a special day of retreat at St. Anne s Chapel. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN CICHINNI) 22

23 The long procession with the statue of Our Lady of Ludzmierz to St. Anne s Chapel, attended by a large number of Polish Highlanders, was very reminiscent of traditional village processions in their homeland. Br. Alexander Schimpf and Fr. Frank Phillips, C.R. led the procession, followed by the local Knights of Columbus. (PHOTO COURTESY OF DANITA COVINGTON) ENTHRONEMENT OF OUR LADY OF LUDZMIERZ Some of the Polish Highlanders, who were present at the Mass for the enthronement of Our Lady of Ludzmierz in St. Anne Chapel on June 5 posed outside the chapel for this photo. In front center, are two Polish Albertine Sisters and Fr. Waclaw Lech, OCD, who was the main celebrant for the Mass in Polish. Behind them are Fr. Frank Phillips, C.R. (left) and Fr. Dennis Koliñski, SSJC. Br. Alexander Schimpf stands to the left of the sisters. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC) 23

24 On Sunday June 5, a large crowd of Górale (Polish Highlanders) drove to Lawton from Chicago for the enthronement of a figure of Our Lady of Ludzmierz in St. Anne s Chapel. For centuries, Our Lady of Ludzmierz has been the Patroness of the Polish mountains where St. Anne s Chapel was made for the Society of St. John Cantius. Fr. Waclaw Lech, OCD from St. Camillus Parish in Chicago, first blessed an exact replica of the fifteenth-century statue. The Polish mountaineers, dressed in their colorful traditional costumes, then carried the figure of Our Lady in procession to this chapel from the Polish mountains where the Patroness of the Polish mountains was then officially enthroned. A Mass in Polish followed. Left: On June 5, Highlanders from the mountains of southern Poland (now living in Chicago) carried an exact copy of the statue of their patroness, Our Lady of Ludzmierz, for enthronement in St. Anne s Chapel. They came for the special occasion in the traditional dress that is characteristic for that region of their homeland. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC) THE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN CANTIUS WISHES TO EXTEND A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF THE INDIVIDUALS WHO GENEROUSLY GAVE OF THEIR TIME FOR THE EVENTS RELATED TO OUR LADY OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM AT ST. ANNE S CHAPEL IN LAWTON, MICHIGAN. IN ADDITION, THE SOCIETY WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF THE BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS, WHO MADE CONTRIBUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE EVENTS. 24

25 St. Anne s Chapel now even has its own postcard designed by the Society s own graphic designer, Br. Joshua Caswell ST. ANNE S CHAPEL Crafted in the mountains of southern Poland in 2003, using the traditional style of architecture that has been employed in that region since the Middle Ages, this chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin s mother was reassembled that same year at the Society of St. John Cantius future retreat center in Lawton, Michigan. The walls of the chapel are made from spruce logs from the mountains of southern Poland. They are joined at all of the corners with an elaborate method of lock-notching that does not require the use of any nails an architectural technique that has been employed for centuries by craftsmen in that region of the Polish mountains. The interior of St. Anne s Chapel in Lawton, Michigan. Above the altar is a beautiful statue of St. Anne. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC) 25

26 The new bells at Lawton, Michigan are now mounted on a tower in front of St. Anne s Chapel. Traditionally, bells have always been given individual names. These five bells are named after the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, beginning with the smallest at the top to the largest at the bottom: i.e. The Baptism in the Jordan, The Miracle at the Wedding Feast in Cana, The Proclamation of the Kingdom, The Transfiguration, The Institution of the Holy Eucharist. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC) ST. ANNE S RETREAT CENTER In 2001, the Dietz family donated to the Society of St. John Cantius 96 acres of farmland outside of Lawton, Michigan, which will be the site of a future retreat center and possible novitiate house. The site is already home to St. Anne s Chapel, which was completed in The parents of the Deitz family were named Anne and Thaddeus, so in their honor the chapel was dedicated to St. Anne and a statue of each of their patron saints has been enshrined in the chapel. 26

27 On July 5, 2005, some members of the Society of St. John Cantius went to Lawton, Michigan for a day of much needed maintenance work around St. Anne s Chapel. Here, new postulants Robin Kwan (foreground) and Matthew Lewis clear brush and weeds. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC) On July 5, 2005, some members of the Society of St. John Cantius went to Lawton, Michigan for a day of much needed maintenance work around St. Anne s Chapel. Here, Br. Brian Shafer weeds the flowerbed behind St. Anne s Chapel. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC) On July 5, 2005, some members of the Society of St. John Cantius went to Lawton, Michigan for a day of much needed maintenance work around St. Anne s Chapel. Here, Br. Alexander Schimpf mows the grass and fields around St. Anne s Chapel. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC) 27

28 THE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN CANTIUS The Society of St. John Cantius is a Public Association of the Christian Faithful in formation as a new religious community of men formed with the approval of Cardinal George and the Congregation of the Resurrection. Its mission is the Restoration of the Sacred in the Church through solemn liturgies, devotions, sacred art and sacred music, as well as instruction in Church heritage, catechesis, and Catholic culture in the context of parish ministry. The community s eighteen members include six priests, four seminarians, two professed religious brothers and six members in formation. HELP RESTORE THE SACRED You too can help Restore the Sacred through your tax-deductible contribution or as an Associate Member of the Society of St. John Cantius. In addition to men who are seeking a vocation in religious life, the Society s statutes also allow the laity male or female, married or single to affiliate themselves with the Society as Associate Members in order to aid in the advancement of its mission. For more information about how to become an Associate Member, write to: Fr. C. Frank Phillips, C.R., Superior, Society of St. John Cantius, 825 North Carpenter Street, Chicago, Illinois You can also send your check made out to Society of St. John Cantius to the above address. VISIT US ON THE WEB Learn more about the Society of St. John Cantius on its website You can also learn about the Society s work by visiting the St. John Cantius Parish website where you can visit the community s mother church on a cybertour or view an exhibit of Sacred Art from the Society s collections. GET THE WORD OUT! Do you know of someone who you think should know about the Society of St. John Cantius? Please send us their names and addresses, so that we can add them to our Via Sacra mailing list. Via Sacra The Society of St. John Cantius 825 North Carpenter Chicago, IL