The
2007 Year in Review
National
Immigration,
Iraq War named
top stories of 2007,
Pope top newsmaker
By Nancy Frazier O’Brien
Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON — The national debate over immigration issues was the
top religious news story of 2007 and Pope Benedict XVI was the top newsmaker,
according to the annual poll of client editors of Catholic News Service.
Catholic response to the war in Iraq took second place among the 30 news
stories on the ballot, while developments in the stem-cell field came
in third.
Pope Benedict dominated the newsmakers list, with 20 of the 24 first-place
votes cast. U.S. President George W. Bush was a distant second, followed
by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
The poll was the 46th annual survey of CNS client newspapers. This year’s
ballots were distributed Dec. 4 and the deadline for returns was Dec.
13.
When the editors’ poll was first conducted in 1962, the overwhelming
choice for top story was the opening of the Second Vatican Council. Last
year, editors chose Islam’s relations with church and society as
the top religious story of the year and Pope Benedict as the top newsmaker.
Editors were asked to vote for the top 10 news stories from a list of
30 selected by CNS staff, and the top five newsmakers from a list of 20.
Votes were weighted by the rankings editors gave — 10 points for
a first-place vote, nine points for second, etc., and five points for
top newsmaker, four for second, etc.
With 24 editors in the United States and Canada submitting ballots, the
maximum points a story could have received was 240. The most a newsmaker
could receive on the five-point scale was 120. Some editors’ ballots
included ties, resulting in half-points in some cases.
The year’s immigration developments included multiple efforts —
all ultimately unsuccessful — to bring federal legislation to a
vote in Congress. The nation’s Catholic bishops called for just
treatment of immigrants and joined in protests against anti-immigrant
sentiments.
At the local level, Church charitable agencies were called to assist those
caught up in Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids at workplaces,
which often left families separated and without income.
On the war in Iraq, the bishops called the present situation “unacceptable
and unsustainable” and urged a “responsible transition”
leading to the end of the fighting. The flight of hundreds of thousands
of Christians from Iraq could lead to the end of a Christian presence
there, they said.
A pair of breakthrough studies later in the year that showed success in
creating stem cells without destroying human embryos brought praise from
Catholic and pro-life officials around the world, along with hope that
embryonic stem-cell research will soon be abandoned. Bush vetoed legislation
that would have expanded federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research,
and New Jersey voters rejected a bond question that would have dedicated
millions of state dollars for that purpose.
Rounding out the top five for religious news stories were developments
in Catholic dialogue with Muslims and Jews and Pope Benedict’s ruling
allowing wider use of the Tridentine Mass.
That decision — along with his landmark letter to Chinese Catholics,
his travels and an upcoming trip to the United States, his naming of 23
new cardinals from 14 countries and a new encyclical and book —
earned Pope Benedict the top spot as 2007’s religious newsmaker.
Bush was second for his vetoes of the embryonic stem-cell bill and legislation
expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, his first
meeting with Pope Benedict and the continued criticism directed at him
over the war in Iraq.
Ten years after her death, Mother Teresa was the third top newsmaker of
2007 as a new book of her writings revealed her doubts about her faith,
which Vatican officials said revealed her spiritual strength. She also
moved closer to sainthood when an Indian priest said he experienced a
miracle through her intercession.
Also in the top five newsmakers were Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston,
the first U.S. cardinal serving in the American Southwest, and Venezuelan
President Hugo Chavez, who often clashed with his nation’s Catholic
bishops.
Here is the editors’ choice of top 10 stories and top five newsmakers
of 2007, followed by points received in the weighted ballot count and,
in parentheses, the number of first-place votes received.
Stories
1. Immigration, 172 (6).
2. War in Iraq, 136 (8).
3. Stem cells, 123.
4. Interreligious dialogue, 86.
5. Tridentine Mass, 84 (2).
6. Abuse settlements, 82 (1).
7. Papal writings, 73 (3).
8. Politics, 72 (1).
9. Environment, 64 (2).
10. Cardinals, 49.
One first-place vote also went to the Virginia Tech shootings.
Newsmakers
1. Pope Benedict, 113 (20).
2. President Bush, 60.
3. Blessed Mother Teresa, 37.
4. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, 23.5.
5. Hugo Chavez, 22.
Other first-place votes went to presidential candidates Rudy Giuliani
and U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec,
Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago and Bishop William S. Skylstad of
Spokane, Wash.
Local
News
A look back: 2007 in review
CS&T Report
In a year of numerous happenings both good and sad, and people living
quiet lives while striving for holiness, these local Catholic stories
stand out in particular, though in no particular order:
1. 200 years of the Catholic Church in Philadelphia
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia began the year-long celebration marking
its bicentennial as a diocese beginning in April with the official proclamation,
followed by numerous events. A plenary indulgence was granted during the
bicentennial year. The Amazing Race for Grace youth carnival and Mass
at St. Charles, along with Catholic Quest involving historical stops in
the city, drew thousands. The Bicentennial Chorus and Orchestra gave a
rousing concert at the Kimmel Center. A commemorative history book was
released in time for Christmas. More events are slated this year before
the close of the celebration in April.
2. Good news on the fight for life
The annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., drew hundreds of thousands
of marchers, and an unprecedented 8,000 worshipers attended the vigil
Mass in Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Abortion was reported down 3 percent for the previous year in Pa., reflecting
the trend of the lower abortion rate nationwide. Many Catholics participated
in “40 Days for Life,” a nationwide prayer campaign to end
abortion, in Philadelphia in the fall. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the
Partial Birth Abortion Ban. President Bush vetoed the embryonic stem cell
research bill that had passed the Congress. Later in the year, that bill
became moot as researchers reprogrammed adult stem cells to a form previously
thought only obtained through embryonic cells, but without the destruction
of human life at the embryo stage.
3. Prayers, actions to end violence on Philadelphia’s streets
With murders at nearly the same tragically high level as the previous
year, Catholics in the Archdiocese did not sit idly. In January, 390 people
attended a peace vigil at Visitation B.V.M. Church in Kensington to end
violence in the city. In May, Hands Across Lehigh, a children’s
peace march and rally against violence was well attended and sponsored
by the North Philadelphia Catholic Coalition and four area Catholic parishes.
In the summer, priests walked through neighborhoods experiencing violence
in St. Martin de Porres Parish. Other parishes joined Fire on the Fourth
Friday, an effort of many Christian churches to offer prayerful witness
on street corners. The North Philadelphia Catholic Coalition and Beacon
schools held a peace festival joined by Cardinal Rigali, and teens in
the leadership program at Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center, Kensington,
made a Pathway to Peace memorial.
4. The funeral of Officer Chuck Cassidy
The viewing and funeral Mass for the murdered Philadelphia police officer
at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul drew thousands in the
church, outside it on screens and in homes watching on TV and the Internet.
5. Affirming the value of marriage
In February, Cardinal Rigali wrote about married love and the gift of
life, beginning a year-long effort to raise awareness of the value of
traditional marriage. Bishop McDevitt High School sponsored a colloquium
for teens on papal teaching concerning human and divine love. In September
a major educational initiative in support of a marriage amendment in Pennsylvania,
urged state legislators to support the initiative. It included workshops,
web sites and activities of PA4marriage, a statewide coalition for the
amendment. Later in the fall, the Cardinal spoke at a marriage workshop
at St. Charles Seminary.
6. Ordained servants of God
In the Archdiocese last year seven new priests were ordained, as well
as 14 permanent deacons and three transitional deacons from St. Charles
Seminary, which celebrated its 175th anniversary of preparing men for
the priesthood. Cardinal Rigali began his term as chairman of the U.S.
Bishops’ Pro-Life Activities Committee, and was named to the Vatican’s
Congregation of Bishops. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the
canonization of Philadelphia’s fourth bishop, St. John Neumann,
and the beginning of Pope John Paul II’s cause for canonization.
7. Not a “pro-choice” city
City Council’s vote to declare Philadelphia a “pro-choice
city” met with vigorous opposition, led by Cardinal Rigali. One
week later, the resolution was rescinded.
8. A vibrant practice of the faith
Black Catholics marked milestones and participated in many events last
year. The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary celebrated 30 years,
and the first African-American permanent deacons in the Archdiocese, 25
years. Other events included an interfaith prayer service for the birthday
of Martin Luther King Jr.; a Mass for black history month at St. Therese
Church; a seminar on Black Catholic spirituality; a revival at St. Martin
de Porres Church; and the 45th annual St. Martin de Porres Mass at the
Cathedral. Also, 65 delegates from the Archdiocese attended the National
Black Catholic Conference in Buffalo, N.Y.
9. Hispanic Catholics share gifts of faith
Cardinal Rigali and Msgr. Hugh Shields, vicar for Hispanic Catholics,
urged Congressional lawmakers not to abandon immigration reform after
the Senate failed to pass reform legislation. Nevertheless, the strong
faith of 1,000 Spanish-speaking Catholics was evident as they attended
the Hispanic Heritage Mass at the Cathedral in the fall. Hispanic Catholics
in numerous parishes of the Archdiocese celebrated the feast of Our Lady
of Guadalupe through Eucharistic celebrations and joyous feasts.
10. Archbishop John P. Foley becomes Cardinal
Cardinal Foley was named to the College of Cardinals, and many Catholics
from the Archdiocese made the trip to the consistory in Rome. When he
returned to the Archdiocese, celebrations included a well-attended Mass
that he celebrated at the Cathedral.
11. A big year for West Brandywine, Chester County
Students began attending the new, state of the art, $12 million Pope John
Paul II Regional Catholic School in West Brandywine in January. In March
Cardinal Rigali dedicated the school that can accommodate 900 students.
Also that month, members of St. Peter’s Parish in West Brandywine
entered through the doors of their new church for the first time. Dedicated
by the Cardinal, the church can accommodate more than 1,000 worshipers.
Last year also saw the announcement of a new 25-acre cemetery in West
Brandywine. Set to open later this spring, All Souls Cemetery will be
sufficient for burials over the next 50 to 60 years.
12. Golden year for the silver screen
Filming of the movie, “Our Lady of Victory” wrapped up at
Immaculata University and St. Colman Church in Ardmore. The movie celebrated
the Mighty Macs’ 1972 national women’s basketball championship
team. Over several weeks, the movie “Bella” was screened at
various theaters locally before its successful national release. The award-winning
movie told a positive, life-affirming tale.
13. Good reading from the Vatican
Three Vatican documents called local Catholics to deeper reading and reflection:
one allowing wider use of the Latin Mass of the 1962 missal; another clarifying
the concept of the unity of the Church, with respect to ecumenical dialogue;
and the third, the new encyclical “Spe Salvi” by Pope Benedict
XVI, on the virtue of hope.
14. Youth was served in the Archdiocese
Catholic Underground began holding their faith-affirming “coffeehouse”
events in Philadelphia. Run by Franciscan friars at St. Gabriel Church,
young adults enjoyed three hours of music, fun, Eucharistic Adoration
and the sacrament of penance. The first event drew 500 young people; another
in March, joined by Cardinal Rigali, attracted 600.
Approximately 150 teens gathered at St. Titus Church, East Norriton, for
Holy Hour and confessions in February, while about 50 teenagers met at
SS. Simon and Jude Church, West Chester, for two hours each Sunday night.
At West Catholic High School, 39 students were preparing to become Catholic
in the school’s R.C.I.A. program; 15 became Catholic at Easter last
year.
15. May perpetual light shine upon them
Father Kevin Trautner, pastor of St. Francis Parish in Norristown, died
suddenly at age 59. A leader of the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day
Observance, he entered into eternal life two days after concelebrating
the Mass for St. Patrick with Cardinal Rigali, and was buried on the saint’s
feast day. Father Henry Birkhead, pastor emeritus of Christ the King Parish
and avid fan of the old Philadelphia Athletics, died on Easter Sunday
at age 82. That day the As, now playing in Oakland, defeated the Angels,
2-1. Lacey Gallagher, a senior at Little Flower High School, died suddenly
in a traffic accident. Her family was consoled by an outpouring of faithful
love from the Little Flower community and beyond.
Web
Exclusive
More
significant events happened in 2007 than can fit on the printed pages
of The Catholic Standard and Times, so this online exclusive recalls a
few more notable events in the Archdiocese from last year. Look for more
exclusive content on this web site in this new 2008.
Catholic radio pioneer passes
2007 started off with celebration, of course, but also sadly with the
death of Dom Lettieri, longtime Catholic radio evangelist. He built the
successful In His Sign radio network and was later in the year succeeded
in the network’s leadership by Kathleen McCarthy. He was 73.
Church renovations
Renovations to the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul included a
significant change: moving the tabernacle to a new marble reredos (altar
piece) behind the main altar, so that Christ remains in the center of
the church, and the center of our lives. Our Lady of Good Counsel Church,
Southampton, also renovated its sanctuary with a new tabernacle and reredos.
Schools close
St. Casimir School in Philadelphia and St. Charles Borromeo School in
Drexel Hill closed their doors for the final time, due to declining enrollments.
Marketing Catholic schools
The archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education launched a major marketing
initiative, “Keeping Faith in Mind,” to spread the good news
of Catholic schools and contribute to higher future enrollments.
Tax credits go to Catholic kids
The office of BLOCS (Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools)
announced that almost $300,000 had been obtained for scholarships to students
attending Catholic schools through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement
Tax Credit (EITC) the previous year.
Funds raised for brothers and sisters in need
As a sign of hard work, generosity and global solidarity, students of
St. Alphonsus School in Maple Glen raised more than $6,000 in a coin drive
to benefit Bosnian orphans. Other students in the Archdiocese also worked
hard to raise and donate $15,000 for uniforms for students of the new
Drexel Neumann Academy in Chester.
Catholic athletes pray together
More than 1,500 Catholic athletes from youth programs in the Archdiocese
made for a colorful Cathedral when they gathered there for Mass in February.
Roman Catholic grad in Super Bowl
Marvin Harrison, a graduate and multi-sport standout from Roman Catholic
High School, played in the 2007 Super Bowl. His Indianapolis Colts won
the NFL football championship.
Evangelizing during Lent
The Archdiocese launched an evangelization effort during Lent called “Turn
to Me,” using the season to call the faithful to a deeper practice
of faith.
Cardinal Rigali on YouTube
Cardinal Justin Rigali turned to the Internet and the wildly popular video
file sharing web site YouTube.com to air two-minute reflections on each
Sunday Gospel during Lent and throughout Easter.
Holy Father’s representative visits
The papal nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, visited
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in late March.
Middle East Muslims in cultural exchange
Muslim scholars from Egypt, Jordan and Syria visited St. John’s
Hospice to witness and participate in serving the hungry and homeless
men who make use of the archdiocesan facility, and learn how Americans
volunteer their time, talent and treasure for the needy. The visitors
also toured St. Charles Seminary and learned how it forms men for the
Catholic priesthood.
New gym facility for Feasterville
Assumption B.V.M. Parish, Feasterville, opened a new 8,500 square foot
gym. A highlight was a banner for the parish’s CYO boys basketball
team, which capped a 17-0 season by winning the Region 19 championship.
A new playground in Lansdale
Outside in the fresh air, the children of St. Stanislaus School, Lansdale,
raised $30,000 to build a new playground that they named for their beloved
pastor, Msgr. Joseph W. Murray.
High-level Catholic education talks
St. Joseph’s University hosted a symposium on Catholic education
led by John DiIulio, University of Pennsylvania professor and first director
of the White House’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives. Cardinal
Rigali participated in the conference.
Domestic violence training
Seminarians of St. Charles Seminary participated in a workshop on domestic
violence in April. They learned how to address the needs of victims with
pastoral care and sensitivity.
Holy week prayers
Holy Week Masses and ceremonies drew thousands of Catholics to the mysteries
of the death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to
the sacred Triduum and Easter Masses at the Cathedral, hundreds joined
Cardinal Rigali at the seminary for an outdoor Way of the Cross procession
and stations-of-the-cross prayer service.
15 college students receive sacraments
Later in April, the Cardinal confirmed or gave first Communion at the
Cathedral to 15 students associated with Newman Centers or enrolled in
Catholic colleges in the Archdiocese.
Virginia Tech victims remembered
Catholics in the University City section of the city gathered at St. Agatha-St.
James Church for an interfaith prayer service remembering the victims
and families of the Virginia Tech shooting rampage that left 32 persons
dead and 20 injured.
Pilgrimage to Mary’s Shrine
In May, more than 2,500 Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese joined Cardinal
Rigali for a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.
Charismatics confer in prayer
The Catholic Charismatic Conference drew 400 faithful from the Archdiocese
to the Valley Forge Convention Center.
Church Ministry Institute notes grads
Sixty-four graduates of the Church Ministry Institute attended a Mass
at the Cathedral after completing the three-year archdiocesan program
in preparation to serve the Church in a specific ministry.
Hispanic family celebration
Pia Britnall and 300 family and friends gathered at St. Francis de Sales
Church in Philadelphia for her Quinceanera celebration, marking her 15th
birthday.
Top academic achievers
One hundred thirty students, representing the top 2 percent of their class
in archdiocesan high schools, were honored for their academic high achievement
at a Mass at the Cathedral in late May.
Big gift for a good cause
A generous benefactor gave a $2 million gift to Our Mother of Sorrows
and St. Ignatius Parishes to assist families who struggle to afford a
Catholic education for their children.
Choir marks milestone
The Cathedral Choir marked its 27th year of raising voices in beautiful
song at the mother church of the Archdiocese.
Conwell-Egan girls amaze again
The girls softball team of Conwell-Egan Catholic High School did the amazing,
again: They beat St. Hubert’s 4-0 on a Angel Bunner two-hitter to
claim the team’s 24th Catholic League softball title in 37 years.
New vicar for Philadelphia-North
Msgr. Herbert Bevard, pastor of St. Athanasius Parish, was installed in
July as the vicar for the Philadelphia-North Vicariate.
New priests in Nigeria have local link
Cardinal Rigali ordained 10 priests in the Diocese of Onitsha, Nigeria,
during his visit there in July. One priest from the diocese currently
ministers within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
New rosary garden in South Philadelphia
Father Gary Pacitti, pastor of Annunciation B.V.M. Parish in South Philadelphia,
blessed and dedicated a new outdoor rosary garden at the church in August.
Beacon speaks out on violence
Teens and young adults of the Beacon Program at Our Lady of the Blessed
Sacrament Parish in Philadelphia produced a video against violence in
their community. The program, one of 10 such operating at Catholic parishes
in the city, offers after-school activities and services to youth in at-risk
areas.
Summer excursion in China
Two officials from the Office of Catholic Education joined 800 American
educators for a tour and cultural exchange in China for two weeks in the
summer.
West Catholic’s rich harvest
West Catholic High School celebrated the fact that over its history, it
has produced a bountiful harvest of vocations: 600 priests, 1,000 religious
sisters and 300 Christian Brothers.
Justice Scalia at Red Mass
At the annual 56th Red Mass at the Cathedral for members of the legal
profession, Cardinal Rigali welcomed Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
It was followed by a dinner hosted by the St. Thomas More Society.
Media Affairs Department formed
The Cardinal announced in October the formation of the Media Affairs Department
in the Archdiocese, to facilitate the closer and more effective collaboration
between the Office for Communications and The Catholic Standard and
Times.
Catholic Life Congress a success
The annual Catholic Life Congress at Archbishop Carroll High School welcomed
1,100 participants for a day or workshops, talks, information and Mass.
Catholic youth nationwide gather
More than 20,000 young people gathered for the National Catholic Youth
Conference in Ohio in November, including 71 from the Archdiocese.
Young adults study Theology of the Body
Days later, 300 young adults met for a day of talks and Mass concerning
Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, at the National Shrine
of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown.
New facility for newest parish
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Limerick broke ground on its new
parish education center in November.
1,500 stand up for life
Approximately 1,500 faithful dedicated to the pro-life cause met for the
Stand up for Life dinner in Philadelphia.
New ideas for Advent evangelization
Parishes tried innovative ways to help their parishioners prepare spiritually
in Advent. They reflected on the lyrics of Christmas carols, studied the
Gospel infancy narratives from a historical perspective and even used
pizza boxes to call people back to church and a deeper appreciation of
their faith.