Bahama Catholic - June/July 2020

JUNE/JULY 2020 Follow us @archdioceseofnassau RESUMPTION OF PUBLIC WORSHIP A masked Fr. William Quiamjot celebrates the Feast of Pentecost assisted by Deacon Dennis Mackey at St. Bede Parish on Sunday, June 7, 2020. Masses throughout the Archdiocese of Nassau were publicly celebrated for the first time since March 18, 2020. Celebrating graduation during COVID-19 “ This is an annual exercise for us but we cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared whether a hurricane actually makes landfall on our shores or not. We must never risk Caps, gowns and face masks ”being caught unprepared! | Archbishop Pinder My Brothers and Sisters in Christ: We are once again in the Hurricane Season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season is from June 1 to November 30. Weather experts inform us that this is the sixth year in a row that we have had a named storm before the official start of the Hurricane Season. This year we have already had two such named storms before the start of the Hurricane Season. This Hurricane Season meets us in the midst of a global pandemic and all that that entails including practicing social distancing. After months of wondering whether a graduation ceremony would be possible, 86 seniors The islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama are still rebuilding from Aquinas College, twenty of them from the devastated islands of Abaco and Grand and restoring following the destructive force of Hurricane Bahama received their diplomas on June 25, 2020. Congratulations Class of 2020 ! Dorian last September. We are informed that this season will be more active than average. Certainly we must take our preparations and precautions more seriously. Continued on page 2

2 JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition Atlantic Hurricane Season - ARE YOU READY? Continued from page 1 The islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama are still rebuilding and restoring follow- ing the destructive force of Hurricane Dorian last September. We are informed that this season will be more active than average. Certainly we must take our prepara- tions and precautions more seriously. At this time all remote preparations should be taking place. 1. We should have on hand: •adequate canned goods •adequate drinking water (enough to last a week) •prescription medicines (at the very least a week's supply) •flashlights, batteries, a transistor radio, a manual can opener •a first aid kit. 2. We should ensure that all our hurricane shutters and the tools necessary for put- ting them in place are available. Our advance preparation can eliminate the last minute rush to purchase supplies. Having an adequate supply of food, water and medicine is critical for coping during the difficult days of post hurricane recovery, should we come to that. 3. Every household should have clear evacuation plans in the event of flooding or Malik Knowles, head boy receiving awards from Principal, Shona severe winds which your structure may not be able to withstand. Plan to seek Moss-Knowles at graduation awards ceremonies on June 25, 2020. shelter with a relative or friend whose home is more secure than your own and who is willing and able to accommodate you. You are a resilient group of young people who will chose to write your senior class history in 4. If you plan to seek refuge in a designated Hurricane Shelter, you should know where the nearest suitable shelter is. Then gather the necessary provisions and “ your own unique style. You will rise above all arrange to go to the shelter with relatives and friends who also need to seek shelter. odds because you are Aces! Do so before the weather conditions pose a danger to your venturing outdoors. Shona Moss-Knowles | principal, Aquinas College This is an annual exercise for us but we cannot stress enough the importance of This June for many high school seniors, the experience of one of being prepared whether a hurricane actually makes landfall on our shores or not. the most exciting and significant milestones in a student’s life, We must never risk being caught unprepared! was shattered when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the clo- sure of all schools, resulting in an abrupt end of school year. There As we prepare let us pray to be spared from hurricanes this year. would be no traditional graduation ceremonies, no proms and cele- brations. Prayer During Hurricane Season - After months of wondering whether a graduation ceremony would be O Heavenly Father, all the elements of nature obey Your commands, including hur- possible, 86 seniors from Aquinas College, including twenty from St. ricanes. Calm the storms that threaten us and turn our fear of Your power into Francis de Sales School on the devastated island of Abaco, received their praise of Your goodness. diplomas on June 25, 2020. | Continued on page 3 Grant this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G. Archbishop of Nassau

3JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition From page 2 20 displaced students of St. Francis de Sales School With strict enforcement of social distancing protocols and the wearing of graduate masks, the students celebrated their accomplishments over the last twelve years of school, in four separate combined graduations and awards ceremonies. These ceremonies took place in the parking lot in front of the school’s administration building, as proud family and friends viewed the 30 -minute ceremony from the school’s parking lot. Aquinas principal, Shona Moss-Knowles, told students not to allow the absence of the traditional senior year and the usual glitz and glamour of pomp and circumstance to determine their inner strength, faith and true character, in her principal’s address. “You are a resilient group of young people who will chose to write your senior class history in your own unique style. You will rise above all odds because you are Aces!”, she said. Leandra Kelly-Adderley, principal of St. Francis de Sales School says, Abaco Strong | Twenty students from St. “like a Phoenix that rises from the ashes, the graduates of the Class of Francis de Sales School, Abaco, who were dis- 2020 from St. Francis de Sales School proved that while their dreams of placed due to Hurricane Dorian were among sharing and creating memories with their families and friends on the the 86 seniors who graduated from Aquinas beautiful island of Abaco were shattered, they certainly were not College on June 25, 2020. Some of them are destroyed.” pictured with their proud Principal Leandra Kelly-Adderley, who was also displaced and “The courage, tenacity and perseverance demonstrated by these amazing serves as Administrator at Aquinas College. students are phenomenal. ’’ Kamea Curry (bottom photo) flaunting her “Abaco Strong” facemask. Kelly-Adderley, who feels as though the children are her own, shares that, “undoubtedly, we all knew that failure was not an option and that SENIOR SPOTLIGHT we had to continue to make excellence our hallmark. And above all, we had to release our fear, exercise our faith and put our trust in God to see St. Francis de Sales student us through.” Celeste Parker | Vice Principal's Award recipient Danae Morrison, valedictorian, in her address shared that she is not sad- In September, after Hurricane Dorian devastated dened that this milestone was not celebrated with the usual “pomp and the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama many circumstance”, and choose to be happy, despite the fact that life as we students were forced to relocate to New knew it, may never be the same again. She added that, “We have made Providence to complete the academic year. it this far by God’s grace, shouldn't we all, then, be happy? Meet 17-year-old Celeste Parker, who was one of The valedictorian shared that the 2019-2020 year has taught her to those students from St. Francis de Sales School, always be prepared for change. She acknowledged that although change Abaco. She was forced to make a new life in New is constant there are some things that should never change; be lifelong Providence, and start at a new school just as she learners who are Christ-centered, loving, healthy, appreciative of our was beginning her senior year. A move to the “big God-given environment, optimally rounded, financially-adept and aca- city” was a scary one for Celeste, who at one point demically- capable. lost motivation to learn. However, she quickly real- ized that failure was not an option and she had “These are goals to which we should always aspire. Only when we worked too hard to fail. embrace these attributes can we truly succeed. Thus, we would have realized the school’s theme: Learn, Serve, Lead, Succeed. Let us press toward the mark of the high calling and, in love, serve one another. Our chaotic, ever-changing world demands it,” she said. Zyhria Curry was the Class of 2020’s salutatorian. She graduated from Aquinas College on June 25, Congratulations Class of 2020 2020, and was St. Francis de Sales School top achiever overall. | Continued on page 12 Celeste proudly displays her diploma and awards.

4 JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition Mary, Star of The Sea Catholic Academy, Gabriel Strachan and his proud mother, Rayette student, Marvanique Smith and her family pose for a photo following Grade 6 Awards and proudly display her awards. Bottom photo: Prize Giving drive up ceremony. Gabriel Devesh Sivan receiving diploma from Dr. received awards for “Male Mentoring and Renee Mortimer, principal, St. Thomas Basketball.” More School. Sts. Francis & Joseph Primary School grads jump with excitement prior to prize-giving drive up ceremonies. Message to the students of Catholic Primary St. Cecilia School, student Steven Swaby Schools completing the 6th Grade receives his diploma from principal, Denise from Archbishop Pinder Louis at drive-thru graduating ceremony. Steven was among the 51 students who graduated May your future plans be built on this firm from the School on July 1. foundation of your primary education. Erine Bongon, a transfer student from St. Matthias Turnquest receiving his diploma from My Dear Students: Francis de Sales School, Abaco, ranked third Mrs. Jacintha Goffe, principal of Xavier Lower place in her class. St. Francis de Sales School School. Matthias, also achieved a cumulative The custom is for us to have a joyful celebration of the was damaged during Hurricane Dorian. average of 90-94 for grades 4-6, was among the Exodus Mass in our Cathedral. Unfortunately, the current 42 students who graduated. pandemic of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has rendered such gatherings too risky and a danger to public health. Still, this is a very special, important and joyful time for you and for your parents and all your family and friends. I take this occasion, despite all the distractions which sur- round us, to focus on what is most important. I wish to con- gratulate you students, your teachers and administrators and all those who have supported, assisted and encouraged you to attain this achievement in your academic life. May your future plans be built on this firm foundation of your primary education. May you have success as you now move on to continuing your education in high school. May Almighty God bless you: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen Devotedly your in Christ, Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G. Archbishop of Nassau

JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition 5 Drive-thru graduation ceremonies are rite of passage in the coronavirus era Edilzabeth Newball, is in line to receive her diploma at the school’s first ever drive-thru graduation ceremony. Teria McFall (left) waves from the sunroof after receiving her diploma. Cortez Rolle, honour student, of Mary, Star of The Sea LEFT PHOTO: Kofi Bowe (in cap and gown) and Catholic Academy receiving his diploma from princi- his family are all smiles as they await the begin- pal, Mrs. Joy Ritchie-Greene, on Wednesday, July 1, ning of Mary, Star of The Sea Catholic Academy’s 2020. See excerpts from Mrs. Ritchie-Greene’s Graduation Mass on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. remarks on page 12. St. Augustine’s College graduates Wearing their caps, gowns and masks one hundred receive diplomas drive-thru and eleven graduates from St. Augustine’s College class of 2020 received diplomas in a drive-thru ceremony on Tuesday, June 31, 2020. It was a fes- tive event, which brought the students back to campus after a nearly three-month closure due to the coronavirus outbreak. They lined up in cars, (many decorated with balloons and banners and in the school’s colors) with their families and then got out of the car to have their name called, receive their diploma, and have photos taken. Valedictorian, Donovan Bulter accepts his diploma during the Class of 2020 drive-thru commence- Valedictorian Donovan Butler, told his peers in his virtual ment from Mr. Paul McWeeney, Chairman of SAC Board of Directors. Right photo: Salutatorian, address that, “We can no longer sit idly by and allow things Christie Cambridge poses with her diploma. to continue the way that they have for decades. We are the ones who must take the reins and steer our country towards a brighter future.” Donovan, who graduated with a 4.00 grade point average (GPA), also told the class of 2020, that they are no longer the future, but instead, the present, and that The Bahamas is now their country to shape.

6 JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition RESUMPTION OF Parishioners celebrated Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral wearing masks and PUBLIC WORSHIP following social distancing rules. Record numbers of the faithful tuned in on social media Since the resumption of public after weeks of watching Sunday celebrations of Mass around Mass live streamed online. Provision was made for parishioners to sanitize their hands before entering the the Archdiocese on June 7, church. 2020, only a small percentage of the The turnout at many parishes was faithful are allowed to enter for initially “sparse.” Many parishioners Sunday Mass, wearing masks and still don't feel comfortable returning observing social distancing proto- to church just yet. But for others it cols. was time! In a pastoral letter, Archbishop And that joy extends to many of the Patrick Pinder outlined a number of clergy including Fr. Jay Cartwright of guidelines and protocols to be Holy Family Church. Fr. Jay observed, as well as the special pre- Cartwright said his parishioners were cautions for the liturgy, prior to the excited to be back, and it was good reopening of churches. seeing so many of them after so many months. He wrote, “We must keep in mind that it is not business as usual. The “I truly missed sharing the word novel coronavirus (COVID 19) will with my parishioners in person,” not make an exception for us Father said. because of the sacred nature of our gathering.” Face masks, hand sanitiz- One Deacon admitted that he was ing and social distancing must be the happy to return to the sanctuary, norm, said the Archbishop. however, felt a sense of emptiness as he looked into the sparsely populat- Despite this mandate, Catholics ed pews. “I never thought I would were eager to finally physically gath- see days like this, these are some er again in their parishes to worship strange times,” he said.

JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition 7 We must keep in mind that it is not business as usual. The novel coronavirus (Covid19) will not make an exception for us “ because of the sacred natured of our gathering. - Archbishop Pinder ”Sharon Thomas shared, “it was a joy Julie acknowledged that during the our faith via YouTube. and a privilege to finally be able to lockdowns, she used the opportunity worship with my family in the sacred for private prayer, she faithfully par- For a parishioner of Sacred Heart, it's place of our beloved Cathedral.” She ticipated in our virtual Masses, an issue of being turned away. For added, “God has been good to us throughout the week and on now attendance is on a first come throughout the pandemic, and we Sundays, and joined in Spiritual basis until the limited capacity is must remain grateful and hopeful.” Communion through prayer. reached. \"It's great to be back,\" said a 67-year- However, despite all of the neces- Given the need for social distancing old, who is considered to be in the sary protocols in place, many the seating capacity were reduced to high-risk category. “I trust the Catholics are still not ready to return 30 % for each parish. process and feel comfortable with and opted to continue to watch Mass the guidelines that were implement- online every week. “While I understand the restrictions ed.” are necessary, I don’t want to chance Once such churchgoer, a member of driving from west to east to be disap- Under these guidelines, face cover- St. Paul The Apostle Parish shared, pointed and told that there are no ings are to be worn in and around “When the announcement was more seats available,” he said. church, parishioners are required to made that we could return to the sanitize their hands before entering building (which I missed over these He too says he would continue to the church and sit 6 feet apart except past months) I knew immediately watch Sunday Mass on the those from the same household. that I was not yet ready to return. My Archdiocese social media platforms. main concern was wearing a face Despite the changes, Julie Bingham mask. This would definitely pose dif- Livestreams will be continued for say she attended the 7:00 a.m. Mass ficulties for us, as the duration of the those in the high-risk categories or at her home parish of St. Anselm Mass time would be too much.” who aren't ready to go back to with much anticipation and excite- church in person. ment. “I didn't know how different it She noted that she has begun a would be or what to expect in this “regime of gradual mask wearing” As we’re taking gradual steps toward ‘new normal,’ but to finally receive and will be ready to join her church the resumption of public worship, the Eucharist again for the first time family in person in the next few hopefully one-day we will return to in weeks, I felt a sense of comfort, weeks. our full experience of Catholic wor- being in the sacred space again with ship. my parish family.” She has plans to Until then she added, we never miss attend services as often as she can. a Sunday morning gathered as a fam- ily in our living room to celebrate

8 JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition The coronavirus pandemic is affecting our everyday lives in many different ways — Whether you're concerned for the safety of older MINDING family members or worried about balancing working from home with a partner or children - managing anxiety is key to making the YOUR best decisions possible for you and your family. Here are a few tips and strategies from Yvette A. Elliott, MFT, Marriage & Family MENTAL HEALTH Therapist\\Substance Abuse Specialist and Rickell Curry, Child & Adolescent Therapist that can help you keep anxiety in check as During COVID19 you cope with the coronavirus pandemic. Tips to strengthen your spousal relationships during and after a crisis Yvette A. Elliott, MFT |Marriage & spouse’s needs ahead of others will pay also healthy. As a therapist, I know that movie night; spending quality alone Family Therapist\\Substance Abuse dividends later. Spending too much great work takes place in the silence so time with your spouse (not discussing Specialist time focused on the needs of others, having alone time where you can think, any problems) keeps you both grounded including your children, friends or even plan and relax is very important. in the relationship. Typically, the wedding day is one your job, while neglecting your spouse of the most joyous days for a cou- will create cracks in your foundation When frustration & anger come, take a Have a grateful heart and express it to ple. We have all heard “For better that will negatively impact all your sec- break before engaging. Anger is a nor- your spouse. With so much going on or worse and forsaking all others…” ondary relationships. mal human emotion; the problem is not around us that is negative and anxiety being said by the priest, reverend or the anger but our response to the anger. provoking it is often difficult to remem- officiant, but while it’s said on that day Turn towards your spouse and not Our bodies give us physical clues that ber to have an attitude of gratitude. As a but how often do we really consider away. In times of trouble it is important were becoming angry, increased heart way to strengthen your relationship with what that means in difficult times? On to remember that you need to turn rate, increased temperature, rapid your partner take the time to be grateful that beautiful day with stars in their toward your spouse instead of turning breathing etc. When you find that you for them in your life and take the next eyes, not a lot of people are thinking away from them. You can’t solve a prob- are getting to a point where you can’t and most important step in expressing about the challenges they will face, but lem within your relationship by going control your actions, take a break from to them your gratitude, in thoughts, challenges come to us all and remem- outside of the relationship (unless seek- the conversation and address the issue words and deeds. Express thanks for the bering and keeping those promises dur- ing therapy). Your spouse is your partner at a different time. In anger manage- meal that was prepared, the bathroom ing the storm, is what can make or and the person that you’ve committed ment training we use the Time Out rule, that was cleaned, the coffee that was break your relationship. Let’s look at a to working with to face life’s challenges. both parties have agreed previously to made. Show physical signs of affection few tips for maintaining a healthy rela- Some people have a tendency to with- fight fairly, by having the option to call with hand holding, a kiss or a hug; find tionship during and after a crisis. draw when problems arise because they time out for at least 10 minutes to cool the things that are meaningful to your have a hard time dealing with the stress, off and then re-joining the discussion to spouse and express your gratitude in The spousal relationship is the primary if that’s you, then resist the urge to iso- decide if it con continue or needs to be those ways. When was the last time you relationship in the family. When I say late yourself emotionally from your tabled for another time. It’s a wonderful said that you were grateful that this per- the primary relationship, I mean that it spouse, let them in to your feelings and tool when used correctly to aid in deal- son was taking this life journey with is the foundation of the family from received their support and comfort. Try ing with issues that provoke high emo- you? which everything else grows and is also not to overwhelm your spouse with tions and to avoid doing further rela- maintained. There are many things and your partner with your thoughts and tionship damage. Find things to laugh at together. You people that compete for your attention emotions but respectfully share them in and your spouse may not have the same after you’re married, but it is crucial to a way that they can be well received. Plan alone time together. Making alone sense of humour, but we all like to remember that time spent putting your time together a priority is a way to safe- spend time in the company of persons Personal time is important. Both you guard your relationship. Even while we that we enjoy. Laughter soothes the soul and your spouse were and are individu- are all dealing with this universal Covid and breaks the monotony, so take every als who chose to spend your lives 19 crisis, it’s important to make the opportunity to laugh or share a joke together; but it’s not a prison sentence. effort to plan and execute alone time with your partner. These are trying It’s important to have your own individ- with your spouse. This is a way to con- times, and with so many things to be ual interests and to spend time away tinue to grow your relationship in a concerned about, and so much that is from your spouse pursuing healthy healthy way and to remind yourself and anxiety producing, laughter can help habits that will strengthen you as an others about the importance of this pri- you to decompress, relax and maintain individual and you both in the relation- mary relationship. Take the time to have a healthy spousal relationship. ship. Shared interests are healthy for the dinner alone outside with your spouse, relationship, but individual interests are have a pamper night or an at home

JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition 9 Parent, child relationships during the pandemic For the past 3 confined to their households on a daily basis. in the morning before everyone wakes up, or late months The Within this context, the parent - child relationship at night when they are asleep. If you are an Bahamas has has both suffered and grown. In some households, essential worker this applies even more. Going been in quarantine parents are taking this time to learn and help their from one high stressed environment to another will due to the outbreak child foster their emotions. While in others, the create higher levels of impatience, annoyance and of COVID -19. increased tension and struggle has created a can lead to anger outburst. It may help if you set a Persons have been chaotic atmosphere in the home. reminder to take a break. If you have been confined to their watching television for the last 5 hours, you can homes, schools In addition to the lockdowns, with schools being turn if off and maybe sit outside for a few. Try not closed, parents now have the dual relationship of to focus on what you can’t do, and remain present Rickell Curry |Child & Adolescent Therapist being both the parent and the teacher. The added in what can be done. responsibility has been reported to create stress for were closed and the unemployment rate has parents, and anxiety for children. However, daily It is important to remember that the entire world is skyrocketed. The country as a whole has changed conversations of constant reassurance and words going through this process, so you are not alone. tremendously due to the pandemic, which has of encouragement are some of the ways you can Remember that children are still learning from generated many conversations around Mental help your child through this period. you, thus how you deal with their processing is Health, and Economic inequalities. At the forefront crucial to their growth and development. of Mental Health, many professionals have Parents, if you find that you are having a tough Remember that you are only human, and God is established a platform to discuss how to cope time managing your own emotions, take some on your side. Continue to believe that He will give during the Pandemic. time to yourself. Journal, re-read your favorite you strength to face any battle, and He will see you book, re-watch your favorite movie or enjoy an through. In many homes people are dealing with anxiety, activity that calms you. If you live in a household depression, anger, boredom, and numbness. They that won’t allow breaks, this is where you become are overwhelmed by the forced obligation to be intentional with finding the time. That can be early Remembering with Gratitude - Sister Cecilia Albury, OSB (1936 - 2020) Abeloved daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, caregiver and friend. Sister Cecilia was probably most well-known as a Benedictine Sister, who still wore a veil. She was a member of this religious community of Saint Martin Monastery, Nassau, Bahamas for some 65 years. Sister Cecilia was born in Harbour Island on July 20, 1936 to George and Romalia Albury. Her forst vows were pronounced in 1955 and final vows in 1960. There followed her first teaching experiences - first at Our Lady’s then Holy Name , Bimini, St. Bede’s in Nassau. She served as principal at St. Vincent de Paul, Grand Bahama, St. Joseph in Nassau and Holy Name, Bimini. When she retired from teaching Sister Cecilia became Administrator of St. Joseph Day Care Centre for the Aged, until the centre closed its doors. Sister Cecelia was Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, Sister Cecilia performed with the well- known Renaissance Singers, and a member of the Diocesan Chorale under the direction of noted Bahamian musican Andrew Curry (deceased). Whe After a lifetime of dedicated service to her family, her religious community, the Bahamian com- munity and even communities abroad, Sister Cecilia died on March 28, 2020. May her soul rest in peace!

10 JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition RESPONDING TO NEEDS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC Care packages Archbishop Pinder (fourth from the left) is shown with members of Knights of Columbus and volunteers responding to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by preparing pre-packed bags of food to be delivered at various parishes throughout the Archdiocese. These packages will be distributed to persons impacted by the pandemic. Members of the Knights of Columbus assisted in the distribution. Knights of Columbus Wheelchair Mission Faith in Action | The Knights of Columbus Bahamas Council changed the lives of many Bahamians with disabilities in recent weeks by distributing wheelchairs to those in need of help with mobility. The Grand Bahama 10647 delivered several wheelchairs to The Rand Memorial Hospital satellite clinics, The Home Away from Home Nursing Home, Raybertha's Nursing Home, Burrows Nursing Home, Grand Bahama home for the aged, as well as individuals. Nassau Councils focused on the needs of individual recipients. The Knights of Columbus USA donated the wheel- chairs to the Archdiocese of Nassau.

JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition 11 The Mystery and Power of Personal Prayer By Dr. Jeff Mirus ( bio - articles - email ) | Oct 12, 2007 middle of the night (Lk 11). Both the judge and the neighbor, neither of whom loved as God loves, suc- I am continually amazed at how many Catholics forget the cumbed to the onslaught of personal entreaty. Moreover, power of personal prayer. There are priestly, consecrated and Jesus sometimes demanded that same persistence from lay apostles who make significant commitments to the active others, as in the case of the Canaanite woman who actu- Christian life, including the Church’s liturgical life, but fail to ally had to argue with the Son of God that even dogs get nourish that commitment through personal prayer. There are the crumbs from under their master’s table (Mt 15, Mk Catholic parents who take their Faith seriously but seldom 7). The result was that He healed her daughter. remember to pray for their children. And of course there are many relatively casual Catholics who fail to cultivate a person- After the story of the importunate neighbor, Our Lord so al prayer life of any kind. stressed persistence in prayer that it became a proverb: “I tell you, ask and it will be given you; seek, and you Personal and Private Prayer will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to There is certainly great power in public prayer, especially the him who knocks it will be opened” (Lk 11:9-10). But his Mass and the Sacraments, by which Christ makes His divine next point is even more dramatic. What father, Jesus life available to us in a pre-eminent way. Christ also taught that asks, will give his son a serpent when he asks for a fish, wherever two or three are gathered together in His name, He or a scorpion when he asks for an egg? This question is will be in their midst (Mt 18:20). But the power of Christ’s the prelude to Our Lord’s final and greatest lesson about presence, offered to us in all the various forms of public prayer, prayer: If we who are evil know how to give good gifts cannot be absorbed and released into our own lives without to our children, “how much more will the heavenly personal prayer. For a deep combination of spiritual and psychological reasons, if we fail Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Lk 11:13) to pray personally, we not only miss many opportunities to do good, but we slowly smother our own relationship with Christ—no matter how many times we go through The Holy Spirit in Prayer the motions of public or group prayer. Here Our Lord teaches us that the Holy Spirit is always at work in prayer. By way of Although liturgical prayer can and should be intensely personal, we cannot learn to pray introduction, I’ll offer an exceedingly small proof, but of a kind that is commonly expe- personally, or ever excel at it, unless we are willing to pray privately. Our Lord tells us rienced. On one occasion when I went to Church for my hour of Eucharistic adoration, this point blank when he warns us not to be hypocrites, who pray only in public, but to there was a man sleeping in the back pew of the small chapel where the Blessed go to our rooms, close our doors and pray privately to our Father, who reads the secrets Sacrament was exposed. He was stretched out, flat on his back, and snoring loudly of our hearts (Mt 6). In fact, the New Testament speaks repeatedly about private prayer enough to distract even the greatest of saints! This annoyed me, but I decided to wait to (and says comparatively little about any other kind). Jesus prayed at his baptism (Lk take action until I’d spent a little time attempting to pray. Paradoxically, as time went on, 3:21), He frequently went aside to pray alone (see Mt 14, Mk 1 & 6, Lk 5 & 6, etc.), He the louder he got, the less it bothered me. Occasionally he stirred and muttered some- prayed at the time of his Transfiguration (Lk 9), He prayed that Peter would not fail in his thing like “Oh my God”, so perhaps he was praying too. In any case, left to my own faith (Lk 22), and He prayed mightily during his Passion (Mt 26, Mk 14). Even his great devices, I would have been driven to anger, yet his unseemly noise soon sounded more priestly prayer at the Last Supper (for all those the Father had given Him in the world) like the music of another soul. Clearly, I wasn’t being left to my own devices. was an intensely personal prayer said in the presence of the Twelve (Jn 17). Thérèse of Lisieux often fell asleep at prayer, and it caused her to glory in her littleness. I Not surprisingly for one who prayed so frequently, Our Lord also taught often about per- don’t recommend the technique, which was also employed by the apostles in sonal and private prayer. He enjoined us to pray for our enemies and those who perse- Gethsemane, yet I leave it to God to understand the effort at wakefulness and render it cute, curse and calumniate us (Mt 5, Lk 6); He told us to pray for vocations (Mt 9, Lk fruitful, even if it fails. In any case, our topic is not sleep, but the Holy Spirit, Who is 10); He urged us to pray against the temptations and trials of the end times (Mt 24, Mk actively involved in all prayer. The magnitude of Christ’s teaching is precisely this: 13); and He warned us to pray unceasingly (Mk 13, Lk 18, Lk 21). He also explained Personal prayer is a continuous motion of the Holy Spirit between the one who prays that we would receive whatever we asked in prayer (Mt 21, Mk 11), and He taught us and the Father (or, indeed, the Son). the Our Father so we would know both how to pray and what kinds of things to pray for It is the Holy Spirit whom the Father continually gives in prayer, and the Holy Spirit (Mt 6, Lk 11). The evidence abounds in the gospels, and this emphasis on personal whom the Father continually receives back. St. Paul explains it this way: prayer continues in both the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; and Persistence in Prayer not only the creation, but we ourselves who have the first fruits of the Spirit groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies …. Likewise In the many New Testament texts on prayer, we see Our Lord emphasizing again and the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but again the need to pray persistently, without losing heart. He told two wonderful stories the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches about the importance of persistence, one concerning a widow and an unjust judge (Lk the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for 18), and the other about a man who needed to borrow bread from his neighbor in the the saints according to the will of God. (Rm 8:22-27)

12 JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition The Mystery and Power of Personal Prayer The challenge for us is that this astonishing and growing according to our capacity. The intention and the habit of ful than a person at prayer. Nothing is better calculated to action of the Holy Spirit—this ever-deepening exchange of personal prayer can be built on whatever beginning is overcome any conceivable obstacle, and we can give or the Holy Spirit between ourselves and the Father—does not within our power. It is up to us to practice, to exercise this receive no greater gift than prayer. Indeed, the success of take place within us unless we pray personally, by which I initially limited ability to pray. everything else depends on our interaction with the Holy really mean interiorly. There is nothing automatic about it, Spirit in prayer. Are we not foolish, then, to so often over- and the mere external use of rites, group prayers, or verbal When we do this over time, the Holy Spirit becomes a look what should be first, last, and always in our lives? formulas avails nothing. True prayer requires our personal, fountain of life and power within us, uniting us to God interior participation—that is, our determination to com- Himself. Just as the theological virtues enable us to believe Taken from CatholicCulture.org municate with the Father, honestly lifting ourselves to God with God’s conviction, hope with God’s strength, and love Jeffrey Mirus holds a Ph.D. in intellectual history from Princeton with whatever capacity we possess at the time. Even if all with God’s love, so too is our capacity for prayer uplifted, University. A co-founder of Christendom College, he also pio- we can do is throw ourselves toward God in an occasional amplified and perfected by the power of the Holy Spirit. neered Catholic Internet services. He is the founder of Trinity moment of fear or longing, we have made a beginning For this reason, there is nothing on this earth more power- Communications and CatholicCulture.or SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: from page 3 Celeste shares her journey in her own words: However, the worst part about relocating was that I had Jasmine Clarke, honour student, of Mary, Star of The to start all over again and forget about the life I once had Sea Catholic Academy receiving her diploma from BC: Describe the transition relocating from Abaco to in my beloved Abaco. Principal, Mrs. Joy Ritchie-Greene, on Wednesday, July New Providence. 1, 2020. I was also very disappointed that I had to start a new Celeste: Wow, where to begin? The transition from school; I was so excited to experience the 12th grade Joy Ritchie-Greene, Principal of Mary, Star of The Abaco to New Providence was a scary one, and one I activities with my original classmates from Abaco. Sea Catholic Academy described the 2019/2020 never really wanted to make. To be completely honest, I Although I wasn’t very happy about moving to New academic year as one of, “resilience, strength, had lost all motivation in school after I was forced to Providence I was able to make the best out of this sad fortitude, courage and faith,” in her address at the relocate to a new school, due to Dorian. However, I situation. Baccalaureate Mass under the theme “Ending of knew that I couldn’t give up because I was so close to Story, Beginning of a Legacy’, on July 1, 2020. the finish line. Many nights I sat in my room and cried, I One thing that stands out is that, I was forced to step out was so overwhelmed. I would think back about all the of my “shy little box” and interact with others more. This “We have lived through one of the worst hurricanes hard work I did at my previous school and I just couldn’t was very scary for me to do, however, I am thankful and ever recorded in history, as well as one of the worst let it go in vain. I told myself just because, I went grateful it happened, I am definitely more outgoing now. health crises the world has ever seen, we are still through a negative situation, I can overcome this once I here; we are still standing; we made it through to refocused and put my mind to it. BC: What are your future plans now that you the end.” Despite all the trails and tribulations, 96 graduated? % of the class met the 2:30 GPA requirement, she Despite the challenges I faced, I was able to push proudly said. through to make the best out of this relocation. I plan to further my education at The University of The Bahamas. I want to become a pharmacist. This group of 28 graduates was the first group to BC: Share some of the challenges and adjustments you matriculate through the newly amalgamated Mary, encountered as you began a new academic life in New BC: Do you plan to go back to Abaco? Star of The Sea Catholic Academy. They received Providence. How did the ACES family receive you and their high school diplomas via drive-through fol- your fellow students? Of course, I plan to return to Abaco, that is my home, it lowing the Mass. is where I belong. Once I have obtained my degree, I It wasn’t very challenging adjusting to this “new life.” plan is to start a business of my own on my beloved Although the class sizes were twice the size of the class island of Abaco. I feel like it is important for the youths size at my previous school, we were able to fit in just to return to Abaco, because if we don't, who will rebuild fine. The students were welcoming to us. They treated us our island? no different from the classmates they already had. Celeste says she is thankful that she made it, after losing BC: What was the best and worse part of moving to everything, starting over was hard. “Reaching this mile- New Providence and a new school? stone had many struggles and it was not an easy journey, but I had many supportive people around me.” I met new friends, whom I will hold dear to my heart and will never forget. Most importantly, I developed The graduate is hoping her experience can motivate closer relationships with family members that I hadn’t other students that they too can adapt to change and seen in years. achieve their goals.

JUNE/JULY 2020 e-Edition 13 CONGRATULATIONS! fully initiated members Communicants Confirmands