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| August 2003Statement from Archbishop Michael Sheehan Concerning Letter Released to the Media Today by Ben Kulina: (Aug 8) "I am deeply saddened to receive the news that Ben Kulina and his mother were so unhappy. I did the best I could to apologize to him and her for the abuse he suffered. I tried to listen with my heart to what was said and apologized without trying to explain away the real concerns he has. Ben's anger is quite deep. I pray for healing and reconciliation between us." Statement by the Diocese of Phoenix Regarding (Aug 7) "As always, we continue to keep all victims of sexual abuse and their families in our ongoing thoughts and prayers for healing and recovery. Concerning the letter sent to our office that was given to the media today, we are surprised by both its content and its release to the public. In regards to the two lawsuits, we have not been served and will follow the legal process through its entirety. We do not plan to try these cases in the press. As for the release of a 1962 document to the press, the use of this document from the Vatican is misleading and unfair. The 1962 Vatican document (which dealt only with solicitation in the confessional) was replaced by the 1983 Code of Canon Law and the 2001 norms for handling serious crimes dealing with the sacraments." Archbishop Sheehan will be back in Phoenix on Friday, Aug. 8 and again on Monday Aug. 11. Tilma of Tepeyac Comes to Arizona (Aug 4) The Arizona State Council of the Knights of Columbus proudly announces that the Tilma of Tepeyac Tour will stop in Arizona. The exhibit features a small patch from St. Juan Diego's garment on which a miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared. The relic will be displayed with a 17th century statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. "The faithful believe that the image on the tilma, or cloak, of a poor Indian named Juan Diego was miraculously created by the Virgin Mary in 1531." This image, according to a release by the Apostolate for Holy Relics based in Los Angeles, California. "is now the most recognizable religious symbol in Latin America, and devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe is a favorite of Catholics throughout the Americas." The Tilma will arrive in Tucson, Arizona on October 30, 2003. "Although
the exact itinerary has not been firmed up," says Pedro Najera of
Tucson, "the tilma will make two stops in Tucson that day (October
30th)." Najera is the State Deputy, or chief executive for the Knights
of Columbus in Arizona. "The Knights of Columbus are proud and deeply "The Diocese of Tucson awaits with great expectation, the Tilma of Tepeyac," said the Most Reverend Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson. "Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego continue to be a source of great inspiration for this community," added Bishop Kicanas. A Mass to celebrate the relic's visit to Southern Arizona is scheduled for the evening of October 31, 2003 during the tilma's visit to Florence. Bishop Kicaanas is expected to officiate. From Tucson, the tilma will travel on the morning of October 31, 2003 to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nogales. Thousands from both sides of the border are expected to visit the sacred relic that day. Saint Juan Diego was canonized July 31, 2002 in Mexico City in front of a crowd of over 5 million people. It is estimated that nearly 20 million people visit the shrine in Mexico City annually, making it the most visited religious shrine in the world. According to translations of Aztec writings made by Indian scholar Antonio
Valeriano, the Virgin Mary appeared before Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill
outside of Mexico City in 1531. To help Juan Diego convince the local
bishop that her message was real she miraculously imprinted her image
on the tilma (cloak) worn by Juan Diego. The Virgin Mary later became
known as the Virgin of Guadalupe. In 1533, a sanctuary was built Mary's message of love and compassion has spread throughout the Americas.
Millions make the pilgrimage to see the tilma at the Basilica of Guadalupe
in Mexico City each year. An incredible number of miracles, cures and
interventions are attributed each year to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Catholics
believe that she (the Virgin) is the patroness of From Nogales, the tilma will travel to Florence where a Mass will be said in the newly renovated Chapel of the Gila, adjoining the Church of the Assumption. "This is an auspicious occasion for the tilma to visit the Chapel of the Gila," says Richard Jeffrey, Chairman of the Tilma Tour for the Knights in Arizona, "The Knights of Columbus raised over $100,000 to help complete a 30 year renovation on the chapel." The Chapel of the Gila, built in the late 1800's, is the first Catholic parish established in central Arizona. The chapel is on the registry of historic buildings. On November 1, 2003, the tour will come to Phoenix. Venues in Phoenix for the morning of the 1st include the Church of the Immaculate Heart and St. Mary's Basilica in downtown Phoenix. During the afternoon and evening of that day, the tilma will be on display at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. "One of our greatest beliefs as Catholics is our love for our Lady of Guadalupe," said Most Reverend Archbishop Michael Sheehan. "I hope many, many people will come out to honor our Lady through the Tilma of Tepeyac and Saint Juan Diego," commented Archbishop Sheehan, who was recently appointed Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Phoenix. During the morning of November 2, 2003, the tour will go to Tepeyac Hill in the town of Guadalupe, Arizona. This site is named for the locale of Mary's visit to Juan Diego in Mexico City. The tilma will wind up its Arizona tour at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Gilbert, Arizona on the afternoon of November 2, 2003. The tour is conducted by the Apostolate for Holy Relics, based in Los Angeles. The Knights of Columbus is a sponsor of the tour. For more information contact John Garcia, State Public Relations Chairman for the Knights of Columbus at telephone (602) 525-4424. A photograph of the tilma can be found at the following website. You will have to cut and paste the entire link into your browser. For additional information on the Knights of Columbus go to http://www.kofc.org |
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