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Father Gabriel Morales shares new details about his near-fatal car accident and reflects on the meaning of suffering When law enforcement officers saw the crumpled car, they did not think anyone survived. The missing engine, ejected from the engine compartment, underscores the violence of the collision between Father Gabriel’s sedan and the semi-truck. (Courtesy Photo/Father Gabriel Morales) By Philip A. Janquart  ICR Assistant Editor  His sedan looked more like a mangled pop can than a car after it smashed into a semi-truck on the morning of March 24, 2023.  Snow, ice, wind and fog contributed to a crash that by all rights should have taken the life of Father Gabriel Morales, then 40 and pastor at Presentation of the Lord Parish in American Falls, Blessed Sacrament in Aberdeen and St. John’s in Pingree.  However, as is often the case, God had other plans. Unexpected intercessors seemed to corroborate the fact.  In an April 11, 2025, interview, seeking an update on his progress more than two years after he escaped death, Father Morales, now 42, told the Idaho Catholic Register  ( ICR ) that a woman appeared to him while he was unconscious.  “Oh, yes,” he said when asked if he experienced anything spiritual in his unconscious state.  “There was a woman,” continued Father Morales. “She was a woman I would see at church when I was a boy in Mexico. I wasn’t close with her, but my memories about her…she was old and very devout. She was the aunt of my brother-in-law Gildardo Juárez, and she passed away. But I saw her there with one of her brothers, praying for me. I can tell you about her clothes, the colors…she was wearing a yellow sweater and a blue square skirt. “The surroundings were something like inside a church,” he continued. “She was kneeling and praying. Along with her brother, I believe other people were praying for me. It was as though she would come and go, come and go every day. After I woke from anesthesia, I asked my mom and my sister if they could see her, but they said ‘no.’” It is not clear whether the woman, whom Father Morales knows as Angelina Tapia, came to him immediately after the crash or during his 15-day induced coma in Portneuf Medical Center’s (PMC) intensive care unit (ICU) in Pocatello.  Either way, he says that she brought him comfort despite his not knowing what was happening.  “I think she was like an intercessor for me,” he said. “She was always very devout; I knew that about her. I think she is very holy and was there to pray for me. I have a devotion for souls in Purgatory, and after confession, I almost always ask penitents to say a prayer for souls in Purgatory as an act of penance. I can’t say whether Angela is in Heaven or Purgatory, but to me, she was an intercessor during that difficult time.”   The Crash  On the day of the incident, Father Morales was driving from his home in Aberdeen, west of Pocatello, to his parents’ house in American Falls to have breakfast with his mother, Marta Morales, and then to offer the morning Mass at St. Mary’s Chapel.  Father Morales’ route took him along State Highway 39, a roughly 15-mile drive that would have taken him across American Falls Dam at the southwest end of American Falls Reservoir and into the city of American Falls, but he didn’t make it that far.  The two-vehicle crash occurred near South Pleasant Valley Road, about two miles from the dam.  A Power County Sheriff’s report stated that “high winds, fog and snow contributed to hazardous road conditions.” The agency’s investigation showed that Father Gabriel’s car “lost control on the icy roads and slid into the oncoming lane of travel.”  A photo of the aftermath clearly shows the crumpled car’s engine missing from the engine compartment, underscoring the force and violence of the collision.  Upon witnessing the condition of Father Morales’ vehicle, an unnamed responding officer said he initially believed there would be no survivors. To his surprise, however, he received a response when he attempted to speak with Father Morales. Father Morales was quickly transported by ambulance to the medical center in Pocatello, where he was admitted to the facility’s ICU.  “Many people from Presentation of the Lord Parish in American Falls, Aberdeen and Pingree, as well as Catholics throughout the state, joined in prayer, pleading for the recovery of Father Morales,” wrote Vero Gutiérrez, ICR  assistant editor, in her May 26, 2023, article.  Despite the severity of his 2023 accident, Father Morales continues to recover, offering up his physical and emotional pain for many intentions and people. (Courtesy Photo/Jessica Gallegos)   The Injuries  He received five blood transfusions and was put into an induced coma due to the extent of his injuries, which included complications with his lungs. The coma also stabilized him in preparation for multiple surgeries.  Weeks after his initial admission, doctors performed surgeries to repair his broken legs and shoulder. Later, two surgeries were performed on his left arm at the Orthopaedic Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City to graft nerves from his legs to his left arm, which had sustained extensive nerve damage, causing him to lose mobility and feeling in his fingers. Father Morales had to learn how to walk again, but was already making progress a few months after the crash with the help of physical and occupational therapy, a treatment he still receives twice a week for both his legs and left arm.  For now, appointments with various medical specialists will continue to be a regular part of his life.   Rising from the Dead  “It was confusing,” said Father Morales, describing what it was like waking from his coma. “I tried to understand what was going on. Some of the people who were there to visit me said this and that, but it was very confusing. Even now, I don’t have a memory of that day. I just know that I lost control of the car and crashed into a semi-truck, but I don’t have any memory of it.”  He was released from the hospital on May 5, 2023. At that time, he told the ICR  that he was still processing everything that happened, trying to comprehend his close brush with death.  Father Morales would later say, after seeing crash photos, that he was surprised he wasn’t ejected from the car and killed.  He said the prayers he received and the visit from Angelina and her brother drew him closer to God. He added, however, that even after two years, it’s still too early to understand the purpose behind his experience.  He said that when proclaiming the Lazarus reading during Lent (at the Mass with those in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults program), he felt like Lazarus coming out of the tomb. “I don’t yet understand why it happened, but I think of it as an opportunity God has given me. I am grateful to God because I believe this is a new chance to be faithful to Him.”  Father Morales has returned to some of his regular duties and has been celebrating Mass as he did before. However, he requires assistance distributing Communion because his left hand is still healing. “There is a minister of the Eucharist who helps me while I’m giving Communion,” he explained. “They hold the Paten, and I give Communion to the faithful with my right hand.”  He added, “Things happen to us, and we can’t always see the purpose, but I decided that instead of being angry, I am going to continue on this journey. I’m offering my pain for so many intentions and people. I know it will be a long recovery, but the process is going well.”  Father Morales recognized a specific doctor who expressed considerable kindness to his mother following the crash. “He performed the surgeries while I was in the Portneuf Hospital in Pocatello,” he said. “His name is Kevin O’Halloran, and he gave a Rosary to my mom. I am not sure if he is Catholic, but my mom said the Rosary belonged to his family, and he wanted to give it to her. I know he is skilled, but he also did his job with his faith.”

Uniting personal pain to Jesus’ suffering on the cross is transformative About 100 women attended the Council of Catholic Women’s annual retreat on April 5 at Holy Apostles Parish in Meridian. Above, CCW members participate in an affirmation exercise that offers encouragement and support. By Philip A. Janquart ICR Assistant Editor Most of us recoil from suffering. No one likes pain, but can there be salvific or redemptive value in it? Tracy Janis, one of two guest speakers at this year’s Council of Catholic Women (CCW) retreat, said emphatically, “Yes.” “I’d like to share with you a message of hope, a message that tells us that suffering, when seen through the lens of faith, can be redemptive, and that God’s promise to help us is certain,” she said, addressing over 100 women at Holy Apostles Church in Meridian on April 5. “Jesus’ suffering on the cross was not a meaningless event,” Janis said. “It was through His suffering that the world was reconciled to God. His pain, His agony and His death were the very means by which we are offered salvation. This is what we call the ‘Paschal Mystery.’ When we suffer, we are invited to join our struggles with those of Christ.” Spirituality Commissioner for the CCW board, Krista Murphy, coordinated the retreat. “Since it’s Lent, we decided the theme would be, ‘Hand-in-Hand with Our Lady of Sorrows,’” she told the Idaho Catholic Register ( ICR ). “We wanted to talk about suffering and finding healing and hope through suffering.” Murphy said the retreat was marketed in the ICR , on Salt and Light Radio and in parish bulletins, drawing women from several parishes, including Sacred Heart in Emmett. “It was a great success,” she said. “Father Emmanuel Chinedu explained the seven sorrows, giving examples ( ncregister.com/blog/what-are-the-seven-sorrows-of-mary ), and it was really neat hearing some of his background. He is a wonderful speaker and teacher. We had a Q&A with him, and it was great hearing the ladies ask him different questions and learning from them.” Father Chinedu and Father Roger Fernando are parochial vicars at Holy Apostles. Father Vitalis Onyeama is the pastor. “Tracy (Janis) was very relatable,” Murphy said. “She was entertaining, a lot of fun and very inspiring.” Janis, a St. Mark’s Boise parishioner, has served on all CCW levels, including St. Mark’s CCW, the Idaho Council of Catholic Women (ICCW) and the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW), representing Oregon, Idaho and Montana as director of the Province of Portland under the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). She also served on the Deanery board and is the current ICCW secretary. Tracy Janis, guest speaker, leads the 2025 CCW retreat. (ICR Photo/Philip A. Janquart) The suffering begins “I’m originally from Alabama and moved to Idaho by way of Germany way back in 1988,” Janis told the ICR . The former military police officer added, “I was in the U.S. Army. When I got out, I had married someone from Idaho, and we ended up here.” The marriage didn’t last, and the fallout became a source of her suffering as she attempted to raise two daughters as a single mother, which involved working three jobs. She is currently a compliance officer for Wells Fargo Advisors, but at the time, she also worked at Cracker Barrel and Hugo’s Deli. Despite the long hours, Janis continued to help with altar care at St. Mark’s. “When I was learning how to become a single parent of traumatized teenagers, I felt horribly alone and lost,” she said during her talk. “No one could possibly understand what I was going through, or so I felt. The world was suddenly a very lonely and dark place. I would talk, or rather complain, to God when doing my chores. It would go something like this: ‘God, this isn’t fair. I didn’t do anything wrong. Why am I having to do all the chores after working my three jobs? Why won’t the kids listen to me? No one loves me. It isn’t fair,’ Blah, Blah, Blah, right?’” Janis explained that suffering affects us not only in itself but also in its duration, sometimes causing us to slip into the perception that we are living a provisional existence, not knowing when it will end. But that perception can disintegrate in a single moment, as she joyfully discovered while mowing the lawn. Small miracles “One day in July, I was cutting the backyard, and I started my typical ‘conversation’ with God, and I felt that I could not feel any lower than I felt at that moment,” Janis said. “I remember stopping in the middle of the yard and saying to Jesus, ‘I can’t do it any longer. I’m so alone. I have no one.’ “Suddenly, in the hot, dry July heat, I am in the middle of a swirl of rose petals,” she said. “I stood there in shock, knowing that as bad as it felt to me at that time, I was not alone. I had Jesus, and he sent His Mother to support me in my crisis. I won’t say that my life suddenly turned around, and everything was ‘rosy,’ but I found the strength to keep moving forward.” On another occasion, the Lord enlivened her when she was polishing pews at St. Mark’s. She didn’t think she had the energy to finish before leaving for one of her jobs. “I’m sitting there, doing my normal prayer, which is talking to God and complaining, ‘Oh, I’m so tired,’” Janis recalled. “And then, suddenly, I stop. Have any of you ever been shocked by electricity? Well, that electricity started in my toes, went up into my ankles, knees, hips, hands and then my head. Suddenly, I wasn’t tired anymore. “I’m telling you, I had so much energy that not only did I finish those pews, I got the windows done, too. And let me tell you, there are a lot of windows at St. Mark’s,” she said. Is it my fault? Janis expressed what many feel, that we must have done something wrong to deserve what we are experiencing or that the suffering is random and meaningless. It turns out that’s not the case, she said. “We often think of suffering as a punishment or something pointless that we must endure,” she related. “It’s easy to believe that pain, whether it’s loss, illness, betrayal or hardship, is just something that happens to us without reason. But in the Catholic faith, we believe that God doesn’t simply stand by while we suffer—He is right there with us, and through our suffering, He is at work in ways we might not always understand.” Janis noted that the idea of redemptive suffering is central to Catholic theology, teaching that our pain and challenges are not wasted, that “in some mysterious way, suffering can be used for a greater purpose,” and that “just as Jesus, the Son of God, suffered and died on the Cross for our salvation, so too can our suffering, when united to His, have redemptive power.” She stressed that faith is key to redemptive suffering and prayer is our lifeline. “Suffering, when offered to God, becomes a means of grace, growth and transformation,” she said. “God is with us, and He will never leave us or forsake us.”

El Padre Germán Osorio reflexiona sobre los beneficios espirituales de este grupo parroquial El Padre Germán Osorio, Rector de Saint John’s Cathedral y Director Espiritual de la Legión de María en Idaho, con el grupo de legionarios durante su reunión anual 2025, para la renovación de su consagración. (Foto ICR/ Vero Gutiérrez) Vero Gutiérrez Editor Asistente El Padre Germán Osorio, Rector de la Catedral y Asesor Espiritual de la Legión de María compartió que, contrariamente a lo que muchos creen, la Legión de María no es un grupo mariano, sino más bien un grupo del Espíritu Santo. Así como en la Anunciación, la Encarnación ocurrió con el poder del Espíritu Santo, la Legión de María es un grupo que se fortalece del Espíritu Santo y tienen a la Virgen como el ejemplo de lo que el Espíritu Santo puede hacer en nosotros y por medio de nosotros cuando somos dóciles a sus inspiraciones. Ser miembro de la Legión de María es permanecer en un trabajo activo como fruto de la oración, su trabajo consiste en apoyar cada una de las actividades de su parroquia con un espíritu de fe y unión con María. La legión de María nació en Dublín, Irlanda el 7 de septiembre de 1921 fue fundada por Frank Duff, quien actualmente es siervo de Dios y se encuentra en proceso para su canonización. El Padre Osorio, fue legionario desde los 14 años en su pueblo natal en Colombia. Al compartir su testimonio como legionario, el Padre precisó que, cuando se incorporó a la Legión de María, estaba discerniendo su vocación sacerdotal. “Me gustaba ver como los legionarios visitaban y cuidaban a los ancianos en los asilos y a las familias que vivían en las periferias”. Gracias a estas visitas, los legionarios podían conocer las necesidades de las familias y buscar la forma de ayudarlas.  “Esa fue la razón por la que me uní a ese grupo y después me ayudó a madurar mi vocación sacerdotal. Por eso yo atesoro muchísimo la espiritualidad de la Legión de María”, dijo el Padre. “Tuve el honor de ser el presidente del Praesidium María Auxiliadora allá en Colombia cuando solo tenía 16 años”. El Padre Osorio, comentó que la Legión es un grupo muy bien organizado, y no es que te dé más cosas para hacer, sino que te brinda una espiritualidad para hacer lo que ya tienes en tu agenda. Es decir, te da esa motivación espiritual para hacer el trabajo. En la Catedral de Saint John The Evangelist, hay dos grupos de la Legión de María: El grupo de la comunidad hispana está dedicado a Nuestra Señora del Tepeyac y se encarga de la limpieza de algunas áreas de la Catedral y de la decoración para las celebraciones; el otro es el grupo de los anglosajones dedicado a Our Lady of Mercy. Este grupo ayuda en los funerales, acompaña y asiste a las familias durante las celebraciones y ofrece intenciones en su nombre. El Padre Osorio, invitó a los sacerdotes para apoyar a los grupos de la Legión de María y puntualizó que ellos están entrenados para hacer solamente aquello que sus párrocos les permitan y no pueden hacer nada sin el permiso y la autorización de ellos. Agregó que la Legión de María no es un grupo para decirle al Padre que tiene que hacer y cómo, sino que ante todo debe actuar con obediencia y respeto hacia el párroco. Por ello, recomendó que, si hay sacerdotes que tienen algún grupo de parroquianos que deseen formar un grupo de la Legión de María, los anima para apoyarles y ver las bendiciones que pueden traer a la parroquia. Comentó que uno de los primeros pasos para adherirse a este grupo es participar durante tres meses de las sesiones semanales como aspirante para ingresar a la legión y hacer un trabajo legionario activo, el cual siempre se hace en pareja. Después de tres meses se hace la promesa legionaria que se renueva cada año y que cambia la vida de todos los que la hacen y la mantienen año tras año. Hay miembros auxiliares, quienes hacen todas las oraciones la Téssera (palabra en latín que significa el tesoro) y el Rosario. Este grupo de auxiliares no hacen algún trabajo activo. Los miembros activos realizan actividades como visitar a los enfermos y ancianos en sus casas u hospitales, recoger y distribuir alimentos entre personas necesitadas, y colaborar con otros grupos como los Caballeros de Colón y Respeto a la Vida. Aclaró que este grupo no solo está integrado por mujeres y no es un grupo de oración. No es solo un grupo que se reúne para rezar el Rosario, sino que hay muchas otras actividades y exhortó a quienes tiene inquietud por pertenecer a la Legión de María para asistir a las sesiones semanales y conocer más de cerca el trabajo que se realiza. El Padre, puntualizó que la Virgen es la gran comandante de esta legión que está organizada bajo una estructura militar. La batalla espiritual, explicó el Padre Osorio, es una batalla constante que se libra con las herramientas del cristiano: la oración y “hacer el trabajo de Dios con Dios”. Respecto a la batalla espiritual constante a la que se enfrentan los seres humanos se debe a la debilidad de la naturaleza humana, al pecado original y también a que porque el enemigo no descansa en su empeño de destruir lo que Dios ha creado. Mujeres de la capilla de Our Lady of Tears en Silver City renuevan su consagración en la Catedral de San Juan Evangelista en Boise. (Foto ICR/ Vero Gutiérrez) Como cada año, previo a la celebración de la Anunciación a la Virgen, los miembros de la Legión de María se reúnen para participar en la celebración de ACIES para la renovación de su consagración a María en Saint John’s Cathedral en Boise, Idaho. El Padre Germán Osorio, Rector de la Catedral y Asesor Espiritual de la Legión de María presidió la Eucaristía y el Padre Emmanuel Chinedu, SMMM, Vicario Parroquial de Holy Apostles concelebró. La palabra ACIES es una palabra en latín que significa línea de combate, los legionarios de María están en una batalla espiritual como parte de la línea frontal y la renovación de la consagración es la celebración más importante para todos los legionarios, explicó el Padre Germán Osorio. El Padre Osorio destacó que, hablando de la vida de los santos, no conoce a ninguno que no haya sido devoto de la Santísima Virgen. Al leer sus biografías, se observa que el amor a la Eucaristía y a la Santísima Virgen María, es algo común en sus vidas. Esa dijo es la enseñanza que nos deja la Santísima Virgen María cuando nos manda “hagan lo que Él les diga”. La Legión de María tiene como santos patronos a El Sacratísimo Corazón de Jesús, el Inmaculado Corazón de María, San José, San Juan Evangelista, San Luis de Monfort, los arcángeles Miguel, Rafael y Gabriel, las potestades del cielo, los coros angélicos, San Juan Bautista, San Pedro y San Pablo. Teresa Ramírez es la actual presidenta de la Curia de la Legión de María y ella comentó que actualmente, alrededor de 40 parroquias en la Diócesis de Boise cuentan con un grupo de la Legión de María. Aseguró que como legionarios lo más importante es dar gloria a Dios y buscar la santificación de las almas. “El objetivo es imitar a María, y ser un instrumento en sus manos” dijo Ramírez, “Hacer la promesa a la madre de Jesús es algo serio que debe tomarse con responsabilidad”. Según los datos de la página web de la Legión de María, al día de hoy se estima que hay cerca de cuatro millones de miembros activos y más de siete millones de auxiliares en todo el mundo. Las oraciones legionarias se rezan ya en 125 lenguas distintas. Ha sido aprobado por los seis Papas y fue aprobado por el Concilio Vaticano II.

David y Blanca Simón, una de las parejas que recibió el Sacramento del Matrimonio después de vivir el Fin de Semana del Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial. (Foto ICR/ Vero Gutiérrez) Vero Gutiérrez Editor Asistente Parejas de esposos que han vivido el Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial (EMM), renovaron sus votos durante la celebración del Día Mundial del Matrimonio en una Misa concelebrada por el Padre Germán Ruis, Párroco de Sacred Heart en Emmett y el Padre Carlos Camargo, quien actualmente está retirado. Durante la homilía de esta celebración preparada para las parejas del EMM, algunas de las parejas compartieron sus testimonios de cómo han cambiado sus vidas como pareja después de vivir el encuentro de Fin de Semana con este movimiento. El Padre Germán, también destacó el empeño de las parejas por hacer de su matrimonio la oportunidad para formar una familia estable, con valores y esforzándose cada día por ser fiel a este sacramento. Realizó una reflexión del capítulo tres del libro del Éxodo, comparándolo con el llamado de Dios a Moisés a través de la zarza ardiente y la vocación al matrimonio, a través de la liberación, la confianza y la conversión. Así como a Moisés la curiosidad le llamó a acercarse a Dios y de ahí surgió la encomienda que Dios le dio para ser el líder que guiara al pueblo de Israel hacia la liberación de los egipcios; también a las personas en algún momento durante el noviazgo, les surge el interés y deseo de acercarse para conocer más acerca de su pareja. Después viene el dialogo y el deseo de establecer a través del sacramento del matrimonio una alianza que los conduce al compromiso y la responsabilidad con su pareja. Rafael y Annet Cancino, pareja con 15 años de matrimonio presenta la ofrenda a Padre Germán Ruis. Esta pareja vivió su fin de semana en noviembre de 2004 y pertenecen a la parroquia de Sacred Heart, en Emmett. ( Foto ICR/Vero Gutiérrez) El Padre Germán recordó que la libertad no se da con simpleza y siempre conlleva responsabilidades porque una libertad sin restricciones afecta a los derechos de otras personas. En el matrimonio dijo, la libertad nos debe comprometer y reanimar para seguir creciendo y dando un buen testimonio en la sociedad. Agradeció al movimiento el trabajo que ha realizado y que ha ayudado a fortalecer los lazos de amor ayudando a la mutua comprensión y porque han sido muchas familias que se han beneficiado de este movimiento y del deseo de compartirlo. El Padre Germán, animó también a las parejas a seguir trabajando por fortalecer los lazos de amor brindado elementos para el cuidado mutuo, la comprensión y el perdón. Reconoció que no es fácil la misión en un matrimonio, pero ante todo les motivo para seguir rescatando la esencia de este sacramento y buscar la estabilidad. Dentro del matrimonio hay diferentes etapas tanto los matrimonios jóvenes que tiene pocos años de haberse casado como aquellos que tienen muchos años, siempre es importante seguir cultivando los detalles con la pareja. Recomendó que los matrimonios pueden tener momentos difíciles, y por ello, es importante hacer un espacio para renovarse y buscar la forma de mejorar la relación, ya que forma parte del crecimiento como pareja. Cuando llega ese tiempo de crisis hay que renovarse para no perecer. Como parte del ofertorio, algunas de las parejas que participaron ofrecieron algunos objetos a los que les dieron un significado especial para el matrimonio. Presentaron unos anillos matrimoniales que simbolizan el compromiso con el Sacramento Matrimonial, ofrecieron una canasta de artículos para bebé como símbolo de la nueva vida y de su compromiso de amor. Otra de las ofrendas que presentó una de las parejas con más años de casados fue una rosa con espinas. Las espinas representan el dolor en el matrimonio, mientras la flor y su fragancia simbolizan la belleza y la alegría del matrimonio. Padre Germán Ruis, párroco de Sacred Heart en Emmett, y el Padre Carlos Camargo, sacerdote retirado de la Diócesis de Boise, bendicen a las parejas del Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial Boise , durante la renovación de votos matrimoniales. Antonio y María Chaidez , tienen 39 años de casados, originarios de Durango, México y pertenecen a la parroquia de Saint Paul en Nampa. (FotoICR/Vero Gutiérrez)

OCIA candidate from Sacred Heart Parish, shares her faith journey Elizabeth Welchel and her daughter Sophia at Sacred Heart Parish in Boise. (ICR Photo/Phil Janquart) By Philip A. Janquart ICR Assistant Editor It never occurred to her that she could become Catholic. Yet, on Thursday, March 27, Elizabeth Whelchel, 66, was among hundreds at the West Central Deanery Rite of Election held at Holy Apostles Church in Meridian. Catechumens and Candidates from Sacred Heart, St. Mark’s, and Holy Apostles gathered for a service marking the next step in their respective journeys toward full initiation into the Catholic Church. They entered the stage of preparation that directly precedes the reception of the Easter sacraments, known as the period of “Purification and Enlightenment.” Now a member of the “Elect,” Whelchel looks forward to being confirmed on Holy Saturday night at the Easter Vigil. Her five-year-old daughter, Sophia, will be baptized at the same Easter liturgy. The Rite of Election at Holy Apostles is one of six Bishop Peter F. Christensen conducts in each of the Diocese’s deaneries during the Lenten season. “The season of Lent; that’s when we do this,” the Bishop explained. “It’s kind of an interesting season to welcome people into the Church. It’s a season, as you know, of choices, so it fits. It’s also a season of sacrifices as we strive to grow closer to our Lord.” During the Rite of Election, parish catechists present the Book of the Elect to the bishop, who signs the page under the signatures of all the catechumens who will enter the Church that year. The symbolism is closely related to the Biblical idea of having one’s name written in the Book of Life (see Revelation 3:5, 20:12, 21:27, and Philippians 4:3). “Soon, you will be living the gifts God intends for you to receive: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist,” he told the catechumens and candidates. “I always ask people, ‘What happened in your life that brought you here today?’ I trust your journeys have been interesting.” Bishop Peter F. Christensen signs the Sacred Heart Parish Book of the Elect at the Rite of Election on March 27 at Holy Apostles Parish in Meridian. (ICR Photo/Vero Gutiérrez) The Journey Little did she know at the time, but Whelchel’s particular journey to the Catholic faith began years earlier when she was a member of the Church of Christ. “I had a very profound experience,” she explained. “I don’t know if you’ve ever had this experience where you feel like your heart is going to blow up with love because the Holy Spirit comes into you. I had that experience, and it was pretty overwhelming. I realized I wanted Christ to be my savior. I was baptized after that.” She continued as a member of the Church of Christ for a time but left when she realized something was missing. She gave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a try but left not long after joining. “They were all good people, wonderful people, but there were so many things that didn’t feel quite right,” she said. Meanwhile, Whelchel struggled with two separate relationships that left her heartbroken. Elle Kaster from Sacred Heart Parish in Boise greets Bishop Peter at the Rite of Election on March 27. (ICR Photo/Vero Gutiérrez) The Struggle “I fell in love with a man after he had chased me for some time, but he left to be with someone else,” she said. “He was 28, and I was 25.” She later met someone else, but the relationship fell apart. Once the dust settled, she was left to fend for herself. With only three aging members of her immediate family still alive, she felt herself becoming more and more heartbroken and alone. “By this time, I was probably too old to have kids,” said Whelchel, who was 61 at the time. “Those two relationships really hurt me, and I thought I would try in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is not approved by the Church. That was before I knew anything about the Catholic Church.” To her surprise, the procedure worked, and she became pregnant, but the baby was premature and was delivered via Cesarean section. Whelchel almost died in the process. “When you come that close to death, it makes you think about whether you are living the kind of life God wants you to live, you know? Am I the kind of person I was born to be?” she explained. “I needed to make sure I was living the kind of life God wanted me to live because now I had a child,” she said. “I was never ‘bad,’ but I don’t think I was necessarily walking in step with God.” Whelchel explained that Sophia is her whole life now, and she views her as a special blessing from God, given the rarity and danger of having a child after the age of 60. “Everything started moving pretty fast after that.” A record number of Candidates and Catechumens throughout Idaho attended the Rite of Election this year. The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist was full on March 25. (ICR Photo/Emily Woodham) A Simple Call Whelchel still needed to find a church to call home. She took her first active step toward Catholicism when she visited a hair salon. “It all actually started because I was looking for a hairdresser,” she said. “At the time, I wanted a style that was feathered back, and I didn’t think anybody could still do a ‘70s or ‘80s hairstyle.” That’s when she walked into The Bushwhacker Salon in Boise, where she met stylist Gene Sanchez. “He is older and used to do the hair for the cheerleaders at Boise State (University),” Whelchel explained. “I noticed a Sacred Heart Parish calendar on the wall of his salon, and I asked if he was Catholic. We started talking about it, and he said I should check it out sometime. I called Sacred Heart, and Debbie Fisher answered the phone. I filled out the paperwork, and she enrolled me in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), and I started classes. “That’s how it all happened—by walking into a hair salon and seeing that calendar. It never occurred to me that I could become Catholic,” she recalled. Whelchel worked as a secretary for the Idaho National Guard at Gowen Field for 34 years and retired in 2019, the year she gave birth to Sophia. She says converting to Catholicism is one of the best moves she ever made, for both herself and her daughter. “It was the right choice because I’ve studied for six months, and I’ve learned a lot of things I didn’t learn anyplace else, plus there are so many Catholic resources,” she said, adding she particularly loves the Church’s teaching on the Holy Trinity, the Eucharist and Mary’s role within the Church. After signing the Book of the Elect, Bishop Peter shakes hands with Debbie Fischer, coordinator of Faith Formation for Adults and Children at Sacred Heart Parish in Boise. (ICR Photo/Vero Gutiérrez) Whelchel said a big part of the reason she is becoming Catholic is the Church’s 2,000-year history. “I like the part of Bishop Peter’s homily where he was talking about when the various churches were formed,” she noted. “They all broke off from Jesus’ Church, the Church He founded.” Whelchel said Jesus has been gently nudging her toward Catholicism for many years. “I’ve been through a lot, and I think God is getting me ready for the next stage in my life,” she said. “I wanted a place for Sophia that is biblically accurate, and God led me here. He wants to make sure my daughter is in the right place, and He wants me in the right place. I know this because He called me. “It’s as if my life has been leading up to this point,” Whelchel said. “I don’t know how much time I have left; nobody does, but He wants to get me to the point where I’m ready for whatever comes.” More people entering the Church at Easter At the Rite of Election at Holy Apostles, Bishop Christensen stated that the number of people entering the Church this Easter has significantly increased over his 10-year tenure as Idaho’s bishop. “Every year since I’ve been here, about a thousand people have come into the Church at Easter,” he said. “This year, there is more than that. I may be exaggerating, but I think it’s approaching 2,000. Something is going on. You feel it; I see it.”

The Exsultet proclaims the story of salvation on the ‘mother of all holy vigils’ The Easter Vigil begins with a new fire (above) that is blessed by the bishop or priest. The Paschal Candle is lit from the new fire. Tapers held by the assembly are lit from the Paschal Candle during the Service of Light (Lucernarium) that proceeds the singing of the Exsultet. (ICR Photos) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer The Exsultet is sung at no other Mass except the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. Those who have never participated in the Easter Vigil, which begins after sundown on the night before Easter Sunday, may be unaware of the significance of the “Easter Proclamation,” as it is also known. The Exsultet, Latin for “Give praise” (or more literally, “Let (it) praise”), proclaims the history of salvation and its fulfillment in the mystery of Easter. Whenever possible, the Exsultet is sung by a deacon. If no deacon in the church can sing it, then a priest may sing it. However, if none of the parish clergy can sing the ancient chant, then a lay cantor may do so. A portion of the Exsultet must be omitted if it is sung by laity. “These rubrics are meant to be taken very seriously,” said Tish O’Hagan, director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Boise. The Exsultet is part of the Vigil’s introductory rites. It follows the “Lucernarium” or “Service of Light.” According to the Roman Missal and documents from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Vigil must be celebrated at night so the symbolism of a “blazing fire” outside the church (or suitable substitute as circumstances demand) is not diminished. The ritual of preparing and lighting the Paschal candle from a new fire blessed by the priest as the liturgy begins, which is then used to light tapers held by the faithful, manifests through these symbols the movement of the people of God from darkness to light. After the candlelight procession into the church and the placing of the Paschal Candle by the altar, the lights in the church are turned on while the faithful continue to hold their burning tapers. Only the altar candles remain unlit. The priest blesses incense, and the deacon who will chant the Exsultet incenses the missal and the Paschal Candle. Then he sings. (If a layperson is singing, the incensing of the candle and book are omitted.) The congregation continues to stand with their lighted tapers as the deacon chants. It is not until after the end of the Exsultet that the congregation extinguishes their candles and sits for the Liturgy of the Word. (The altar candles are not lit until the Gloria.) For centuries, the Exsultet has served as a liturgical jewel of unsurpassed beauty on this, the “mother of all holy vigils,” as St. Augustine aptly described the Easter Vigil. As the Exsultet exhorts us, ‘Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her, ablaze with light from her eternal King, let all corners of the earth be glad, knowing an end to gloom and darkness’ (“Christ Our Light,” usccb.org ). There were various forms of the Exsultet by the ninth century. The one used today by the Catholic Church is believed to be from a text by St. Ambrose. It begins with an exhortation to praise, then leads into a history of salvation from Adam to Christ, and ends with an entreaty for blessings for the Paschal Candle so that its flame will continue through the night. For centuries, an extended portion of the Exsultet was dedicated to the praise of bees because they contributed wax for the Paschal Candle. The bees were also esteemed in the text as symbols of the Church and, in particular, the chaste fruitfulness of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1570, the portion about the bees was omitted. In 2011, in the new English translation of the Latin promulgated by Pope St. John Paul II, the praises of the bees and their work were readmitted, but only in two lines. The Exsultet is challenging for singers for many reasons. Cathryn Gardner, music director at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Boise, suggests that singers prepare well before the Easter Vigil. “The Exsultet is physically challenging because Easter Vigil Mass is so late. People are already tired from two days of celebrating the Triduum,” she said. “Another physical aspect is how long the Exsultet is. Sustaining singing for that long can be taxing on the voice, especially when you have been talking or singing already that day.” It is also mentally demanding because singers are so exposed, she added. “You are standing at the ambo in front of the entire congregation, often singing completely by yourself, with all eyes on you. It is taxing even for the most experienced singers, and the length mentioned earlier does not help. You are essentially singing the story of Easter and praises to God while everyone listens to only you.” It’s because of these difficulties that there is flexibility to have a trained musician, a cantor, sing instead of someone from the clergy, she explained. Although it is ideally sung a cappella, there is no prohibition against it being sung with an instrumental accompaniment. However, the accompaniment must be kept simple so that it does not detract from the message of the chant. For those preparing to sing the Exsultet, Gardner recommends a vocal care regimen that includes sufficient sleep, hydration and vocal warm-up before singing. “You don’t want to strain your voice from overuse or poor use. Some singers use tea, hot water with lemon, or a specific brand of cough drops to help their voice recover and last longer. Use this time we have before Easter to find a process that works for you so your voice stays healthy despite all the use it will get during Holy Week. Also, make sure to rest in between Triduum liturgies.” Cantors should consider the spiritual aspect of chanting the Exsultet. “I would highly encourage anyone preparing to sing this to really meditate on the words and allow them to speak to your heart as you prepare. Some themes present in the text are redemption, joy and hope. Use these themes to guide you and prepare your heart,” said Gardner. She noted that attending the entire Triduum helps a cantor better understand the Exsultet. “Observing all of Holy Week can help one gain a deeper understanding of each specific day, as you see them all linked together.” When it comes time to sing, she suggests that cantors be present in the moment and sing with joy. “The Easter Vigil is a joyous celebration of hope and renewal!”     "Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her, ablaze with light from her eternal King, let all corners of the earth be glad, knowing an end to gloom and darkness.”                                                  — the Exsultet Cathryn Garnder, Director of Music, Our Lady of the Rosary, Boise.

Mental health awareness event brings needed information and experts to Northern Idaho Randal and Lisa Ormond on the beach in Florence, Ore. (Courtesy Photo/Lisa Ormond) By Lisa Ormond For the ICR When I noticed that the Diocese of Boise was hosting “Mental Health: The Catholic Perspective” on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, at St. Thomas Parish in Coeur d’ Alene, I knew I would attend. I’m a Catholic, I live in Northern Idaho and I am also a wife whose husband has a mental illness. My story is neither special nor particularly unique. I have friends who have loved ones with diagnosed mental disorders. A mental health crisis in your life is not something you choose. Often, it just happens, coming out of nowhere and toppling you to your knees. It can happen in any family, and its arrival leaves a lasting impact. My husband struggles daily to see the light in his life. I am an active member of the Coeur d’Alene National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Group. We meet twice a month in Post Falls. We share, we cry, we laugh and we support one another on the lifelong journey of choosing to stand by our loved ones who have mental illness. Like so many others in communities across this state, we silently but courageously carry a cross that is heavy and constant. The unseen grooves are deep in our shoulders and backs from the weight. It is a willing choice of the heart, a sacrifice. They hurt, we hurt and we need others in our communities to stand by us with understanding, empathy, and kindness. Why Care? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI, nami.org ), mental illness can include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The numbers are staggering:  1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year. 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. Half of U.S. adults report experiencing a severe mental health crisis in their families. At least 8.4 million people in the U.S. provide care to an adult with a mental or emotional health issue. Public awareness, stigma-busting, and advocating for better healthcare are a must. Mental Health Ministry comes to Idaho In late 2021, the Diocese of Boise received a grant from the National Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. This led to the formation of the Catholic Mental Health Ministry Team, an eight-person group composed of diocesan leaders and mental health professionals. A portion of those grant funds will cover the costs of the two-day workshop in April in Coeur d’Alene. “I would encourage anyone who struggles with mental health or has a family member to attend,” said Jay Wonacott, Chair of the Diocesan Mental Health Committee. The Ministry Team hopes that parish staff and ministers will attend both sessions of this two-day event, which will plant seeds among local parishioners. “Our role as a diocese ministry is to help coach and encourage,” Wonacott said. “The real-life ministry happens at the parish level. We hope local parishes will develop their own parish-based mental health teams and provide faithful, practical care to their church communities.” To learn more about the Coeur d’Alene event, “Mental Health: The Catholic Perspective,” or to register, visit dioceseofboise.org/event . Making sense of the unknown Randal and I married in 1989. During our Catholic wedding, I felt as though the Holy Spirit had ignited a spiritual fire within us. When we married, I knew I was where I was meant to be: by his side. Over our 35 years of marriage, we have traversed tough trails like most couples—raising children, coping with deaths in our families from Alzheimer’s disease to cancer, the loss of jobs and security, relocation, etc. But nothing could have prepared us for these past years of coping with Randal’s crippling mental health disorders. Looking back, we agree his mental health hurdles began surfacing about eight years ago with mood changes, increased anxiety and anger and general depression. He sought medical care for his symptoms but was told he was fine. In May of 2023, Randal suffered his first severe panic attack and couldn’t breathe, causing an emergency room visit. Since then, we have been on a journey to find him comfort and wellness, discovering and uncovering the mysteries of the mind and body. He has been admitted to two different hospital psychiatric units, visited emergency rooms two more times for mental symptom support and attended intensive outpatient therapy for nearly three months. He has been under the care of nearly 10 different psychiatrists and 10 mental health therapists/counselors; the list of the prescribed medications he has taken since is too long to share here. Recently, we relocated from Moscow to the Coeur d’Alene area to gain access to more comprehensive medical and mental health care services. There are no clear answers, no agreement about diagnoses and confusion continues about what might be the ‘right’ path for him. We attempt to make sense of the information we read in books, online and from numerous medical professionals. We have learned to navigate the grey areas of the situation. There have been many nights when I have asked God for mercy and guidance. Faith matters In 2020, I returned to my Catholic roots, sensing I needed to reconnect with my faith and the Lord. I was raised Catholic by my father, Ron, who died around Christmas 2020 during the COVID pandemic. He had Alzheimer’s. I couldn’t attend his California funeral because I was immune compromised. We were close. I was desperate, alone and lost. I began to attend Mass by myself, even though I knew no one in my local parish. I began to read the Bible and felt a deepening sense of God’s presence in my life. It wasn’t long before I was able to return to the sacraments. I quickly discovered my faith was offering me a way to cope and embrace the unsettledness. I just wanted to sense peace and be at peace. I practiced Centering Prayer daily, fell to my knees before the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration, started writing, joined a church Bible study, and volunteered. I looked for the ‘angels’ in my life and began to experience joy. I was strengthened spiritually and mentally. I also found nature to be a place where I could find silence and a beautiful space to listen to the Lord. Transformation began to take place within me. I learned to trust instead of fear. I was making strides to surrender to His will. It changed everything for me. Inner peace and healing came to my soul. One day, after Mass, when tears welled up in my eyes, my parish priest offered me a simple piece of advice that I still hold dear: he pointed upward and said, “Just look up; God is there for you.” Finding hope Our journey is not over, and we realize it never will be. This wisdom allows our Lord to mercifully guide us in seeing and living with peace, freedom and acceptance. There can be light, hope and love despite pain and suffering. Jesus taught us this through His Passion and Resurrection. This is the Jubilee Year of Hope, and we are called to be pilgrims of hope. And as one Coeur d’Alene priest recently announced at the end of a Saturday Mass, “As Catholics, we never give up.” Mental illness is no longer an unknown adversary. We treat it like any medical condition that can unexpectedly strike a person or a couple. We face it with respect, patience and, most of all, love, knowing mental illness isn’t all we are. We still have so much love to offer one another, as well as to others. Healing can happen, and God is faithful if we are patient. I asked my husband, Randal, what he wanted  ICR readers to know. He said, “Tell them to seek help and not give up hope.” Mental Health: The Catholic Perspective Friday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. St. Thomas Parish, Coeur d’Alene For more information and to register, scan the QR code or call: 208-664-9259 x 2

Head of medical team now acknowledges Pope faced near-death experience Massimiliano Strappetti, the nurse who is Pope Francis’ primary medical caregiver at the Vatican, adjusts a microphone for the Pope as he greets a crowd of well-wishers at Rome’s Gemelli hospital before returning to the Vatican March 23, 2025. (CNA photo/Pablo Esparza) By Philip A. Janquart ICR Assistant Editor Editor’s note: the following is an update concerning the medical condition of Pope Francis as of April 2, 2025. Pope Francis signaled his continued healing and recovery with a wave and a “thumbs-up” as he sat in a wheelchair on the balcony of his Gemelli Hospital room, acknowledging a crowd of hundreds that gathered outside his window on Sunday, March 23. He was later discharged after a 38-day stay due to pneumonia and other health issues. The 88-year-old pontiff was showing “improvements’ in both his breathing and speech as a result of the triple therapy he is receiving—pharmacological, respiratory and physical—according to a Friday, March 28, Vatican report, which states he will continue to receive those treatments in Santa Marta, the Vatican guest house where he lives. In a brief message during the midday Angelus on Sunday, March 30, the Pope shared that he is experiencing healing “in my soul and my body.” The pontiff’s condition has been guarded since being admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis. He later developed bilateral pneumonia and received oxygen and blood transfusions. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) noted that Pope Francis faced a near-death experience on Feb. 28 during his stay at Gemelli Hospital. The USCCB cited a Mar. 25 interview with Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the coordinator of the Pope’s medical team, who said, “We were all aware that the situation (on Feb. 28) had deteriorated further and there was a risk that he might not make it.” The Holy Father’s condition had “deteriorated to the point where doctors considered halting his treatment to allow him to die peacefully.” Dr. Alfieri said, “We had to make a choice between stopping and letting him go or pressing on and trying all the drugs and therapies we could, running the very high risk of damaging other organs. And in the end, we took that path.” The USCCB noted that Pope Francis had delegated healthcare decisions to Massimiliano Strappetti, his personal healthcare assistant. Strappetti directed the hospital’s medical team to “try everything; don’t give up.” “For days, we were risking damage to his kidneys and bone marrow, but we went ahead, and his body responded to the drugs, and his lung infection lessened,” Dr. Sergio Alfieri told media. The Holy Father was prescribed a further two months of home rest to fully recover. “I think that for the moment, only the most important issues will be submitted to the Pope, issues that require a decision on his part…so as not to tire him too much,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state. “Then, as he recovers, we will return to the normal rhythm.” Pope Francis had been scheduled to celebrate Holy Mass at St. Peter’s Square for the Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care workers on April 6, followed by several Lenten season Masses, including Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Saturday Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. He was also scheduled to celebrate Mass for the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis on April. 27.

Major renovation planned for 37-year-old facility An artist’s rendering of the future St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store at 6464 W. State Street in Boise. Slated for completion in Oct. 2026, the 24,000-square-foot facility will feature a complete redesign of the exterior facade, with a refreshed and reconfigured interior, as well as a new café that will enhance customers’ shopping experience. (Courtesy Photo/St. Vincent de Paul) By Philip A. Janquart ICR Assistant Editor Thursday, March 27, was a big day for St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Southwest Idaho and its Executive Director Ralph May. “I’ll be signing the loan papers today,” said May. Time has taken a toll on the nonprofit organization’s 24,000-square-foot thrift store which was constructed in 1988 through the efforts of a passionate and committed group of local Vincentian volunteers. Located at 6464 W. State Street in Boise, it is set to undergo a $2 million renovation, bringing it into the 21st century. “We are expecting construction to be complete in October 2025; it’s going to be quite impressive,” May told the ICR . Only a genial smile betrayed his excited anticipation as he casually strolled through the now-empty retail area. The walls had been stripped of signage and decor, and rows of merchandise had been removed, exposing bare concrete. The current Spanish-style SVdP facade obscures the floor to ceiling windows. (Courtesy Photo/St. Vincent de Paul) Volunteers were busily sorting items in the warehouse area at the back of the facility where donations continue to be processed and trucks loaded for delivery. May said donation intake, processing and delivery will continue onsite throughout the renovation. In October 2024, most of the merchandise from the now empty retail area had already been transferred to an 11,000-square-foot space SVdP is leasing within the Collister Shopping Center, approximately 1.5 miles east of the thrift store at 4614 W. State Street. Once the renovation is complete, the Collister location will remain open and serve as SVdP’s home goods outlet. Customers can search for couches, side tables, chairs, coffee tables, bookshelves, lamps, footstools and home decor. “We still need to determine exactly what the split will be, but since the stores are only a mile and a half apart, we want them to be complementary,” May said. “It’s a quick trip between them, and we don’t want to be competing with ourselves.” Improvements A 14-page SVdP case statement provided to the ICR explains that the future viability of the 1988 building is at risk without renovation. Appraisals indicate that without a substantial investment, the declining property could become “ripe for redevelopment rather than continue to serve as a vital community resource. This underscores the urgency of our campaign,” the case statement said. Despite regular maintenance, exterior and interior painting, carpet removal, wall adjustments and other improvements over the decades, the structure is slowly becoming obsolete. SVdP Executive Director Ralph May describes how bicycles are repaired and tagged to be sold in the store or made available as voucher items. (Courtesy Photo/St. Vincent de Paul) Key components of the renovation include a fresh facade and entrance to attract more visitors and create a welcoming atmosphere. The facade has largely remained unchanged and is currently composed of grey stucco in an arched, Spanish-style architectural design that was popular at the time of construction. There will also be enhanced parking for shoppers and donors, with the interior retail space upgraded to “offer a brighter, more functional, and enjoyable shopping experience.” Modernized roadside signage will help “effectively communicate our mission and strengthen our community presence.” Finally, coffee drinkers will be pleased to learn that the renovation includes a new café space, which will be available for lease to an independent operator. “By embracing this transformation, we aim to attract more traffic and sales, increase awareness through rebranding and strengthen our ability to serve those in need, all while adapting to the dynamic changes in our neighborhood.” The project manager is Holy Apostles parishioner Nick Guho, owner of Guho Construction Co., headquartered in Eagle. “Nick is an outstanding member of the Catholic community,” May noted. “He has been a huge supporter of this project and is essentially shepherding us through it all. It makes our world so much better. It’s a big deal, and he’s looking out for us. He wants the project to be amazing.” ACHD Road Improvement The thrift store is located on the northwest corner of Pierce Park Lane and State Street, one of the state’s most traveled corridors. The Ada County Highway District recently began construction on its planned $11 million project to widen a section of the corridor to seven lanes. The Pierce Park intersection, which runs at a southwest angle, will become a four-way stop. The gas station on the northwest corner, adjacent to the thrift store, has already been demolished to accommodate the new street alignment. The 13-month-long project is fortuitous since it mandated the closure of the thrift store, giving SVdP the time needed to complete its own project. “We knew we would have to close the store during construction,” May said. “There’s no way to get customers in and out because the parking is going to be impacted. ACHD is going to tear out half of our parking lot and put in new.” Housing Units Additionally, a $250 million, 800-unit housing development is slated for construction on 60 acres of property across State Street. It was formerly owned by The River Club Golf Course, previously known as Plantation Country Club. May said the golf course was under financial strain and decided to sell some property to continue operating. The course itself will undergo reconfiguration. When the housing development is complete, the SVdP thrift store will be strategically located in one of the most prominent sections of State Street. May anticipates the revitalized SVdP thrift store will benefit from higher foot traffic at an already thriving store. The ACHD project has increased the store’s visibility. “The building was a little obscured because there were trees, bushes and a berm, but that’s all gone, along with the service station, which partially blocked your view from the street,” he said with a gleam in his eye. “And because of the way everything is shifting, all of a sudden, this is going to be one of the highest profile corners on all of State Street. We’ll have a lot of traffic through here for sure.” Bishop Sylvester Treinen, left, reviews plan for the SVdP Thrift along with Bob Donovin, Paul Mais and Bob Kleffner during a 1988 planning session. (Courtesy Photo/St. Vincent de Paul) -- St. Vincent de Paul’s Mission, Services St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho defines itself as a “network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, working to prevent homelessness by providing fundamental needs and help to our neighbors.” Donations, grants and thrift store revenue allow SVdP to assist the local community through food pantries, home visits, reentry services provided to men and women exiting prison and seasonal programs. Home visits provide personalized assistance to individuals and families, which can be scheduled through the SVdP helpline. The nonprofit helps with housing instability, clothing needs and household items. Its voucher program allows recipients to shop at any Southwest Idaho SVdP thrift store. SVdP also assists those transitioning back into society after incarceration through Reentry Services and Career Development Programs. Working with the Idaho Department of Corrections (IDOC), SVdP provides pick-up from prison upon release and first-day-out services such as food, clothing vouchers, and bus passes. The nonprofit also helps those released from prison develop workplace skills and find jobs. Learn more about St. Vincent de Paul Southwest by visiting svdpid.org .

Lucas 8, 1-11 Quinto Domingo de Cuaresma La misericordia se encuentra en el corazón de la Cuaresma. Nuestro pasaje evangélico nos invita a renovarnos en la misericordia de Dios y nos prepara para recibir más plenamente la gracia de la Pascua que nos libera de toda esclavitud, no por nuestros méritos, sino por la abundancia del amor de Dios. Si somos capaces de imaginarnos valientemente como la mujer que va a ser apedreada, el salmo responsorial nos conmoverá profundamente: “Ten piedad de mí, Dios, según tu amor misericordioso; en tu abundante compasión borra mis transgresiones. Lava a fondo mi culpa; y de mi pecado límpiame”. (Sal 51,3-4). Ante tal despliegue de generosidad divina, nos preguntamos con el salmista: “¿Cómo podré pagar al Señor el gran bien que me ha hecho?”. (Sal 116,12). En el Evangelio de Juan, Jesús explica que el Padre envió al Hijo no “para condenar al mundo, sino para que el mundo se salve por Él” (Jn 3,17). Hoy vemos esta misericordia amorosa actualizada en una demostración de perdón y curación: “Yo tampoco te condeno. Vete y no peques más” (Jn 8,11). Con esta actitud, Jesús revela las características de su misericordia. Jesús no niega las prohibiciones legales de la Torá, sino que pone de relieve su dinámica interior de amor con su gesto de misericordia. Lo que es propio de la misericordia del Padre no está limitado por el legalismo. La ley y la justicia, estrictamente dadas, sin la bondad y la misericordia, son frías e inhumanas, incapaces de cambiar a nadie. El Papa Francisco nos recuerda que “la misericordia es la plenitud de la justicia y la manifestación más radiante de la verdad de Dios” (Amoris laetitia, 311). En su misericordia, Jesús sabe esperar, creyendo en la posibilidad de nuestro cambio y conversión. Jesús también desafía a sus discípulos a hacer lo que Él ha hecho. Debemos imitar al Señor en su misericordia: “No juzguen, para no ser juzgados. Porque con el criterio con que ustedes juzguen se los juzgará. Y la medida con que midan se usará para ustedes”. (Mt 7,1-2). Es parte de la auténtica conversión que busquemos vivir la caridad cristiana: “¡Ay de ustedes, escribas y fariseos, hipócritas! Que pagan el diezmo de la menta, del hinojo y del comino, y descuidan lo esencial de la Ley: el juicio, la misericordia y la fidelidad”. (Mt 23,23). Jesús afirma claramente que sus discípulos deben ser como su Maestro: “Les doy un mandamiento nuevo: ámense los unos a los otros. Así como yo los he amado, ámense también ustedes los unos a los otros. En esto todos reconocerán que ustedes son mis discípulos: en el amor que se tengan los unos a los otros”. (Jn 13,34-35). En este pasaje del Evangelio, Jesús reprende la actitud puramente legalista de los escribas y fariseos que reclamaban la autoridad de Dios para quitar una vida mientras malinterpretaban profundamente el corazón misericordioso de Dios. Jesús revela que estos jueces santurrones eran tan pecadores o más que la adúltera. En el bautismo, nos incorporamos a Cristo y recibimos corazones nuevos. El profeta Ezequiel dice: “Les daré un corazón nuevo y pondré en ustedes un espíritu nuevo; les arrancaré de su cuerpo el corazón de piedra y les daré un corazón de carne”. El Rito del Bautismo proclama que los bautizados son una “nueva creación”. Una vez más, la Cuaresma nos ha llevado a reflexionar sobre nuestro bautismo y el modo en que vivimos nuestra unidad con Cristo. Nos acercamos cada vez más a su Sagrado Corazón, donde escuchamos los latidos de su corazón. Oremos cada día: Señor, enséñanos a amar perdonando. This Lent, draw near to the heart of mercy Luke 8:1-11 Fifth Sunday of Lent Mercy is found at the heart of Lent. Our Gospel passage invites us to be renewed in God’s mercy and prepares us to receive more fully the grace of Easter that frees us from all bondage, not because of our merit, but because of the abundance of God’s love. If we can bravely imagine ourselves as the woman who will be stoned, the responsorial psalm will touch us deeply: “Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions. Thoroughly wash away my guilt; and from my sin cleanse me” (Psalm 51:3-4). Before such a display of divine generosity, we ask ourselves with the Psalmist: “How can I repay the Lord for the great good done for me?” (Ps 116:12). Earlier in the Gospel of John, Jesus explains that the Father sent the Son not “to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (Jn 3:17). Today we see this loving mercy actualized in a demonstration of forgiveness and healing: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more” (Jn 8:11). With this attitude, Jesus reveals the characteristics of His mercy. Jesus does not deny the legal proscriptions of the Torah, but, by His gesture of mercy, highlights its inner dynamic of love. When law and justice are applied without goodness and mercy, they are cold and inhuman, incapable of changing anyone. Pope Francis reminds us that “Mercy is the fullness of justice and the most radiant manifestation of God’s truth” ( Amoris Laetitia , 311). In his mercy, Jesus knows how to wait, believing in the possibility of our change and conversion. Jesus also challenges His disciples to do as He has done. We are to imitate the Lord in His mercy: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you” (Mt 7:1-2). It is part of authentic conversion that we seek to live Christian charity: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and faithfulness” (Mt 23:23). Jesus clearly states that His disciples must be like their Master: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn 13:34-35). In this Gospel passage, Jesus rebukes the purely legalistic attitude of the scribes and Pharisees who claimed God’s authority to take a life while profoundly misunderstanding God’s merciful heart. Jesus reveals that these self-righteous judges were as sinful or more sinful than the adulteress. In baptism, we are incorporated into Christ and receive new hearts. The prophet Ezekiel says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” The Rite of Baptism proclaims the baptized are a “new creation.” Once again, Lent has led us to reflect on our baptism and the way we live our unity with Christ. We are drawn ever closer to His Sacred Heart, where we listen for His heartbeat. Let us pray daily: Lord, teach us to love by forgiving!

New Vatican document published on the 30th anniversary of Evangelium Vitae Dear Brothers and Sisters, every human life, unique and unrepeatable, has value in and of itself; it is of inestimable value. This must always be proclaimed anew with the courage of the Word and the courage of actions. It calls us to solidarity and fraternal love for the great human family and for each of its members.   “Life is Always a Good: Initiating Processes for a Pastoral Care of Human Life” begins with these powerful words of Pope Francis, who was commenting on Pope St. John Paul II’s 1995 seminal pro-life encyclical Evangelium Vitae . The new document from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life is addressed to the Family and Life Offices of the Bishops’ Conferences and dioceses worldwide, serving as a framework for the pastoral care of human life. “Life is Always a Good” is organized into ten sections, each covered in a total of 33 pages. Unlike most Vatican documents, which are usually all text, this document utilizes images, flowcharts and step-by-step infographics to help the reader with the practical application of its content. Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, writes, “The pastoral framework does not aim to provide preset and ready-to-use ‘recipes.’ Instead, it aims to initiate ‘processes’ to develop a pastoral care of human life for all.” Cardinal Farrell explains, “To this end, I encourage every bishop, priest, religious man and woman, and lay person to read this pastoral framework and strive to develop an organic and structured Pastoral Care of Human Life, which can provide workers, educators, teachers, parents, young people and children the right formation to respect the value of life.” I encourage you to take some time with “Life is Always a Good,” especially if you advocate for the dignity of human life in the Diocese of Boise. Download a free copy. The document addresses many issues that surfaced during the Ad Limina Apostolorum visits of bishops worldwide who meet with Pope Francis every five years. The document presents an infographic that shows the top life issues discussed at these meetings with the Holy Father. The graphic includes abortion, contraception, IVF (invitro fertilization), sexual morality/gender, violence against women, human trafficking, euthanasia, assisted suicide and many more. Section 6, “Needed Aptitudes,” caught my attention as the document outlines the necessary skills for those seeking to be leaders in this important pastoral work. The document calls attention to six qualities that each pro-life leader should have:   Creative fidelity  refers to the ability to understand the richness of Church teaching and the aptitude to apply it to the present. Discernment  is a profound look at reality and oneself. The human being listens to a reality that surpasses him and through which the Holy Spirit speaks. This means allowing the Lord to illuminate our conscience with His Spirit, enabling us to discern what is good. Such discernment is experienced in prayer, listening to the Word, the Magisterium, and reading the signs of times. Discernment within a church community enables the faithful to listen to what “the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7). Such listening allows parishes to avoid making decisions based solely on human criteria. Operational consistency  is the ability to harmonize the difference between the vision you would like to follow and the current reality. It enables us to develop potential strategies based on available resources. The mentality of abundance  enables members of a parish working on pro-life issues to see the diversity of its ideas as an opportunity rather than a limitation. The mentality of abundance enhances ecclesial communion and fosters greater sensitivity to cultural and historical differences. Generative accompaniment  is the virtue that invites dialogue with a high level of consideration for the other, resulting in the ability to listen, as well as a high level of courage in making proposals. The logic of synergic integration  considers the good of all, creating solutions that are better than the previous alternatives. Such integration brings forth new solutions rather than forcing compromises from one party or the other. It listens for the possibility of a “third” way.   As I reflect on the good work happening in many of our parishes in our Diocese, I believe our leaders possess many of these essential qualities. While all six aptitudes are rarely found in one person, larger teams working together toward a common goal often have all the qualities needed to be successful. It’s the old adage, “All of us together are smarter than any of us alone.” We are fortunate to have many solid and active parish-based Respect Life teams. From Bonners Ferry to Boise and from Boise to Preston, these dedicated groups accomplish a great deal of practical good. I am reminded of the educational and healing work of the leaders at St. Edward’s in Twin Falls, as well as the great work done with our youth at Our Lady of the Rosary’s Ignite for Life youth group. I applaud the human formation offered through the Treasure Valley Teens for Life or the Bishop Kelly Knights for Life. The St. Mark’s Respect Life leaders have been present for years, helping to bring the Gospel of life to both young and old. I must mention the healing work that our own diocesan Miscarriage Ministry is doing to help those who have suffered the loss of a child. This June, Holy Apostles in Meridian will launch Heart of a Child Ministry, dedicated to teaching youth about human development. Many positive developments are occurring throughout the Diocese, particularly in education and the formation of consciences on a range of life issues. For all those who do this vital work, please keep it up and be inspired by this new framework which may enrich your leadership and help make your efforts even more effective in upholding the dignity of each human person, all of whom are made in God’s image and likeness.   This pastoral framework emphasizes that “we cannot separate faith from the defense of dignity and human life . . . Dignity exists and can never be lost because the individual exists; it extends to the entire person, regardless of his abilities, in any conditions and situations they may be, from conception to natural death. Today, this truth must be explained, narrated, and proclaimed.”                                                   —Life is Always a Good

Father Ron Rolheiser There is an incident in the Gospels where the disciples of Jesus were unable to cast out a particular demon. When they asked Jesus why, he replied that some demons can only be cast out by prayer. The specific demon he was referring to in this instance had rendered a man deaf and mute. I want to mention another demon that seemingly cannot be cast out except through prayer, namely, the one that forever fractures our personal relationships, families, communities and churches through misunderstanding and division, making it challenging to be in a life-giving community with one another. What particular prayer is needed to cast out this demon? The prayer of a shared silence, akin to a Quaker Silence. What is a Quaker Silence? A brief bit of history first: Quakers are a historically Protestant Christian denomination whose members refer to each other as Friends, but are generally called Quakers due to a famous statement once made by their founder, George Fox (1624-1691). Legend has it that in the face of some authority figures who were trying to intimidate him, Fox held up his Bible and said: “This is the word of God, quake before it!” For the Quakers, particularly in the early days, their common prayer primarily consisted of sitting together in community in silence, waiting for God to speak to them. They would sit together in silence, waiting for God’s power to come and provide them something they could not give themselves: genuine community with one another beyond the divisions that separated them. Though they sat individually, their prayer was radically communal. They were sitting as one body, waiting together for God to provide them a unity they could not give themselves. Might this be a practice that Christians of every denomination could practice today in the light of the helplessness we feel in the face of division everywhere—in our families, in our churches and in our countries? Sitting together in silence, we would await God’s power to give us community that we are powerless to give ourselves. Practically, how might this be done? Here’s a suggestion: each day, set aside a time to sit in silence, alone or ideally with others, for a set period of time (fifteen to twenty minutes) where the intent, unlike in private meditation, is not first of all to nurture our personal intimacy with God, but rather to sit together in community with everyone inside the Body of Christ (and with all sincere persons everywhere) asking God to come and give us communion beyond division. This could also be a powerful ritual in marriage and family life. Perhaps one of the most healing therapies within marriage is for a couple to sit together regularly in silence, asking God to give them something they cannot give themselves: an understanding of each other beyond the tensions of everyday life. I remember praying the rosary together as a family each evening as a child, and that ritual having the effect of a Quaker Silence. It calmed the tensions that had built up during the day and left us feeling more peaceful as a family. I use the term Quaker Silence, but various forms of meditation and contemplation share the same intentionality. For example, the founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (the religious order to which I belong), Saint Eugene de Mazenod, left us a prayer practice he called Oraison. This is its intention: as Oblates, we are meant to live in community, but we are a worldwide congregation scattered across sixty countries worldwide. How can we maintain community with one another across such distances? Through the practice of Oraison. Saint Eugene asked us to set aside a half hour each day to sit in silence, a time when we are not just in communion with God but are also intentionally in communion with all Oblates around the world. Akin to Quaker Silence, Oraison is a prayer where each person sits alone in silence, yet in community, asking God to form one community across all distances and differences. When Jesus says some demons are only cast out by prayer, he means it. And perhaps the demon to which this most particularly refers is the demon of misunderstanding and division. We all know how powerless we are to cast it out. Sitting in a communal silence, asking God to do something for us beyond our powerlessness, can exorcise the demon of misunderstanding and division.