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Bishop Peter Christensen presides at the Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by Father Hippolytus Ezenwa, SMMM, on the occasion of his 25th priestly anniversary, together with priests from the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy (SMMM), other diocesan priests, and Father Caleb Vogel, Vicar General. (ICR Photo/Vero Gutiérrez) By ICR staff Father Hippolytus Ezenwa of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy (SMMM) celebrated 25 years of priesthood on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Sacred Heart Parish in Boise, where a celebratory Mass, presided over by Bishop Peter F. Christensen, was held in his honor. The Nigerian-born priest, known affectionately as Father "Hippo” by his congregation at Sacred Heart, was ordained into the priesthood on July 22, 2000. Idaho Catholic Register Assistant Editor Vero Gutiérrez asked him a series of questions prior to the Mass on Sunday. The following are her questions and Fr. Hippo’s subsequent answers. Father Hippolytus Ezenwa, SMMM, celebrates 25 years of priesthood — from his early days as a newly ordained priest Father Hippolytus Ezenwa of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy (SMMM) celebrated 25 years of priesthood on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Sacred Heart Parish in Boise, where a celebratory Mass, presided over by Bishop Peter F. Christensen, was held in his honor. The Nigerian-born priest, known affectionately as Father “Hippo” by his congregation at Sacred Heart, was ordained into the priesthood on July 22, 2000. Idaho Catholic Register Assistant Editor Vero Gutiérrez asked him a series of questions prior to the Mass on Sunday. The following are her questions and Fr. Hippo’s subsequent answers. Bishop Peter Christensen was accompanied by Fathers Hipolytus Ezenwa and Celestine Eberechi, who are priests of the same religious order, as well as by some priests and deacons from the Diocese of Boise . (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez) How did you discover your calling to the priesthood? “Every priest has his story to tell about how his journey to the priesthood began. I would say that I did not just wake up one day to discover that I was being called, nor did I hear any voice calling me like Samuel in the Scriptures was called. “My journey started in the context of my family associating with priests who served in places where we resided. As deeply religious Catholics, my parents would occasionally invite our priests to eat lunch or dinner with us. Thus, the expression that, ‘nothing happens in a vacuum,’ is particularly true in my case. “On the whims of encountering these different priests, the desire to become a priest was planted in me because I saw in them the joy of the Gospel and the glory of God.” Was there a key moment or person in that process? “There was no key moment in my discernment process, but there were experiences that led me to this part; the experience of a good Catholic family upbringing is top on the list. “My parents were practicing Catholics and my grandparents from my mother’s side were staunch Catholics as well, so both blending, formed a springboard to my vocation. Their role model of prayer life, decency, modesty, moderate lifestyle, simplicity, selflessness, tenacity, and patience, to mention a few, inspired me. “Apart from my family, there are also key persons that planted, nurtured and propelled me to answer God’s call. For example, Sister Bruno Onyebuchi of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy (DMMM), encouraging me to join the Altar Boy’s Association at St. Charles parish Achina from where my faith continued to grow. Serving at the Altar was and is my favorite activity. “Through participation at the altar, I discovered how wonderful it is to serve the Lord. This is why I made up my mind in my childhood to become a priest. Also, joining the Sacred Heart of Jesus group at St. Charles Achina was helpful in forming my young mind towards dedicating myself to the service of the Gospel. “Mother Casmire Nwadiukwu was also a candle that lighted my part towards the priesthood of Christ. My association with the late Father Aaron Ekwu, a priest of the diocese of Awka, greatly inspired me as well. “Whenever I visited him during my high school days, Father Ekwu would always encourage me to go the Blessed Sacrament to ‘say hello to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.’ His life of simplicity, humility and holiness greatly inspired me. Father Ezeokafor, who is now the Bishop of Awak diocese, whom I met at St. John’s Catholic Church, Nneni, also gave me a lot of encouragement in my desire to serve God. “It was not only priests and religious who were my heroes in this journey. The late Sir Andy (Ideh) and Lady Ngozi Umeorji (Adagbaodu), being close friends to my parents and marriage sponsors, also influenced my formation. Their wise council, love and care was a light even in darkness. Their continued support for my family after the passing of my mother is an example of perfect charity.” Bishop Peter Christensen gives a blessing as the gathered community joins in prayer to bless the two priests at the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration . (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez) What has been the most challenging and the most rewarding part of these 25 years of priesthood? “The most challenging time was the passing of my mother. Her irreparable loss was a blow to my family. Although I was devastated, her words of comfort are always a source of courage. “There are many things to thank God for in my ministry, but the most rewarding thing is that God is using me every day as an instrument of salvation. When I see many Catholics who strayed, come back to the faith and participate again in the sacraments, and new people being converted to the Catholic faith, I am filled with thanks at what God is using us priests, deacons and lay faithful to accomplish.” Have you ever thought about leaving the ministry? What keeps you going through the tough times? “Absolutely not! I have never contemplated leaving the priesthood; it is not because of my strength but by his grace. I love being a priest. I pray and hope I remain faithful to the end.” How has your understanding of God changed since you were ordained? “I would say that my understanding of God has grown deeper, like Moses’ experience of the burning bush in the Holy Bible, the closer you come, the deeper you experience this awesome God. On the other hand, the deeper you introspect, the more you realize how little you know and understand this mysterious God. “When you are privileged to encounter God in the sacraments, especially as a priest, you are filled with wonder at the mystery of salvation and how much you cannot unravel it, no matter how hard you try.” What aspect of African culture enriches your experience of the Gospel? “African culture, especially in my part of Africa, Igbo/Nigeria, for the most part, is theocentric. Everything we do is centered on God; this is evident in the names the Igbo people give their children, which reflect God or his interventions or interactions with the Igbo person. “And so, this understanding of God as one in whom we live, move and have our being informs me that God is everything. Secondly, that God is not a distant God; if he is embedded in our names, then we must see him in everything that he created, humans and nature. Hence, the concept of a Being reflecting Himself in his human creatures and nature shedding light on Divine Incarnation tells us that God is with us and in us. We are theologically connected with God, sociologically connected with one another and ontologically connected to nature.” Priests from the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy (SMMM) sing and applaud Father Hippolytus Ezenwa and Father Celestine Eberechi, both celebrating their priestly ordination anniversaries. (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez) How is faith lived out in your local community? Are there any religious customs you would share with us? “Faith is the bedrock of our African life; we believe not just in anything out there but in God, the Creator of all that exists (Chukwu Okike). We have faith that Chukwu Okike will always see us through, even in our challenging moments. And so, we do not easily give up. We subscribe to hard work, believing that no challenge is insurmountable because we also believe that God, who is our ‘Okike,’ is all-powerful.” What are you most proud of in your priestly service? “I am proud of many things; however, I am particularly grateful that despite my unworthiness, God has continued to use me as an instrument of salvation for his people.” Fathers Celestine Eberechi, SMMM, and Hippolytus Ezenwa, SMMM, were seminary classmates and now celebrate 25 years of priesthood together. (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez) What dreams do you still have for your ministry? “My dream is that all people will come to the knowledge of God, that we Christians would continue to model ourselves after Christ, who came to serve and not be served. That those entrusted under my care will find their way to Christ and receive salvation. And so, my ultimate dream is that all I have served and will serve in this ministry will receive eternal salvation, and I as well, behold him who by his grace has called me to his service.” What words would you give to young priests? “Courage in the face of adversity, constancy in doing what is right, humility in your approach to things you do not know or understand, docility to God at all times, tenacity in your defense of truth and justice. Prayer, it is the key. “Learn to say sorry when you make mistakes, you are not the all-knowing God; learn to appreciate even the least favor, and learn to say please when asking for a favor; nothing and no one should be taken for granted.” How are you celebrating this anniversary? What does it mean to you to reach this milestone? “In this celebration, I am celebrating the eternal priesthood of Christ in which I am honored to participate. I will celebrate it in a simple way for and with my parishioners and later with my family, community and friends in my home country. “I am honored that the Chief Shepherd of our diocese Bishop Peter Christensen, will preside over at the oly Mass during the celebration. The aim of this celebration is simply for the promotion of priestly vocation in our diocese; a recognition that God had led me thus far, in spite of me.” What message would you leave the Church about the value of the priesthood today? “That the priesthood of Christ is invaluable. Think of it: that Christ gave the continuity of His ministry on earth not to kings, not to the rulers of the earth, but to those whom he called and chose as servants of His words and sacraments. So, the priesthood is invaluable for the salvific actions of God to continue to the end of time. It is not about the personality of the priest; some priests are more intelligent, some more likable, some not so much likeable, some loud, some quiet. “We bring our talents, our competencies, our idiosyncrasies, our family upbringings and cultural backgrounds, imperfect though we are, (perfection towards we must strive), yet he has made us the carriers of his treasures, all to and for his glory and for human salvation. My plea will be that we pray for our priests, that we support them, that we hold up their arms like Moses’ were raised up, so that even in the moments of human weakness this salvific plan of our God would continue, and the story of God’s victory will continue to be told.” What are you asking God for as you look toward the next 25 years? “I ask that his goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; that I will continue to live as a priest after the mind of Christ, the Good Shepherd and Eternal High Priest. My song everyday is ‘Father nearer to thee, draw me nearer, nearer to thee.’” Father Hippolytus Ezenwa with members of the Sacred Heart parish community in Boise after the Sunday celebration. (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez)

Mark Renick, program manager of the Reentry program, is with Stacey LaRoe, program manager of Reentry Career Development and Navigation. (St. Vincent de Paul of Southwest Idaho Facebook photo) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer   For more than 12 years, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Southwest Idaho (SVdP) has had a reentry program for those leaving prison. When Mark Renick, program manager for the Reentry Program, left prison 17 years ago, he wanted to use his experience to help others. His team at SVdP, which is a part of the “First Day Out” program, has all experienced incarceration. They approach each person they help with the understanding of the relief of being free and the fears of what is to come. Each former resident is given transportation to temporary housing and is given the opportunity to receive assistance with getting a job, clothing, food, access to mental health and addiction support, and finding permanent housing. Stacey LaRoe joined the Reentry Program four years ago and is program manager of career development and navigation for formerly incarcerated residents. However, the bulk of her work is not when residents are released. LaRoe and her team reach out to residents while they are still in prison. Currently, there are almost 9,000 residents in Idaho prisons. Idaho has the highest rate of incarceration per capita of any other democratic country in the United States. Although the crime rate is considered low in Idaho, 761 out of every 100,000 people are in a jail, prison, juvenile justice center or immigration detention center. The impact of the high incarceration rate reverberates from families to society, as one out of every 12 children has a parent who is incarcerated. These statistics are provided by SVdP, which works closely with the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC). “Education levels definitely reflect the risk of someone going into prison,” said LaRoe. * “However, also connected with the risk of being incarcerated is whether a parent has been in prison. Because just like a disease that gets passed down from parents to kids, kids whose parents were in prison are likely to follow that pattern,” LaRoe explained. “Considering how many kids have a parent who has been incarcerated, that’s a lot of kids who are potentially on track to go to prison themselves in Idaho.” The circumstances for people who become residents in prisons can seem hopeless. The longer a person is incarcerated, the more difficult it can be for them to return to society and function well, let alone thrive. “Imagine being in prison for 10 years, and how much the technology has changed in just 10 years. Then imagine how much technology and society have changed in 20, 30 or more years. It’s like entering a whole new world when leaving prison.” The hurdles that residents face when they leave prison contribute to the rate of recidivism — the tendency of people with convictions to relapse into criminal behavior. “We want to make a resident’s transition from prison into society as smooth as possible,” LaRoe explained. “We realized that the best way to do this is to address concerns and prepare residents before they leave the prison doors through a pre-release program.” LaRoe and her team began by teaching classes on how to secure a job, sometimes even before residents leave prison. Their classes address the many aspects of getting a job and keeping it, from résumés to appearance and communication. About 18 months ago, Dave “Buck” Fry, a parishioner of Risen Christ Parish in Boise and a supporter of SVdP, became the pre-release facilitator for the IDOC and the Idaho State Correctional Center (ISCC). Fry wrote a manual and recreated the pre-release program. Fry, who is a retired educator with decades of curriculum experience, came out of retirement to help with education in the Idaho prison system. Although there are opportunities to further high school or higher education for residents long before they are released, Fry developed a specific program for residents that begins months before their release dates. His pre-release program incorporated the efforts and expertise of SVdP. Residents are invited to participate, but they are not required to join the program. Those who decide to join are divided into cohorts of about 40 to 60 who attend six weeks of classes, which include the SVdP courses on finding a job, how to navigate questions about their past, money management and having a positive mindset. Fry’s program also has educators who specifically address mental health difficulties, self-care and maintaining healthy relationships. Most recently, LaRoe began incorporating her training in trauma-informed responses. “All residents have been through some sort of trauma,” LaRoe said. “They need to know how to deal with their triggers so that they don’t respond to those triggers in the old way, which is what probably got them into trouble in the first place.” In 2024, SVdP gave 30 pre-release career development courses in several IDOC facilities in which 530 residents participated. SVdP also gives individual consultations to residents. Last year, 593 residents participated. Of those, 200 continued to use the post-release career development services at SVdP. Because the pre-release program has been running for only three years, it is too soon to know the long-term impact of the SVdP program. However, among the residents who have been helped, the recidivism rate appears to be half of the usual rate of about 38%. Their efforts have been so successful that LaRoe and others on the reentry team presented a workshop on the pre-release program at the national St. Vincent de Paul conference in August. A part of the success with the SVdP program is making sure that residents take responsibility for their part in ensuring their future outside of prison. “We give everyone homework,” LaRoe said. “For example, they have to spend time on their own making a master résumé — a résumé they can refer to and edit as needed as they apply for jobs. They have to take the time to think about their skills. We also tell them to think about the skills they used that got them into trouble and how they can use those skills to do good. Everything is a learning experience.” The homework is a requirement to make sure that residents have skin in the game, LaRoe explained. “If they don’t do their homework, I let them know that I’m only meeting with people who are ready to do work. If they aren’t ready, that’s OK. We want people to understand that we are not there to do the work for them. However, if they are willing to put in the work, we promise that we’re going to work with them.” LaRoe believes their success also comes from a holistic and heart-centered approach. “We’re looking at pre-release from the perspective that each person has value just as they are. Maybe they can’t see it for themselves, but we want to find a way to allow that value to come out.” Aside from donating funds to support SVdP and its programs, people can help through volunteering. LaRoe said her program is looking for community mentors in particular. “We need people who want to have crucial conversations with people in prison. It helps to end the ‘us versus them’ mentality. We also need volunteers in the office. Truly, all someone has to do is contact us and let us know that they want to help, and we’ll find something for them to do.” To find out more about the reentry programs at SVdP, visit svdpid.org/reentry-services . *Correction from print edition: In the print edition, this statement was included and has been omitted in the online post: "The connection between literacy and the likelihood of being imprisoned has been observed so consistently that many states use standardized test results in elementary schools to determine how many beds they will need in their prisons in the future." This statement was made in erro r. The National Center on Education, Disability and Juvenile Justice reported that at least one state used elementary reading scores to forecast future prison beds before the center closed in 2006. This was quoted in other publications and at least one book, with numbers becoming exaggerated. This was later refuted as unsubstantiated. The Idaho Catholic Register apologizes for the error in the Oct. 24, 2025 issue.

Coordinado por el Ministerio Hispano/Latino, la Oficina de Matrimonio y Vida de la Diócesis de Boise y la parroquia Saint Jerome Parejas de Jerome, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls y Boise participaron del primer Taller Vida Exitosa en Pareja impartido por el diácono Juan Carlos Urquijo. (ICR foto/Vero Gutiérrez) Vero Gutiérrez Editora Asistente JEROME.- Del 24 al 26 de octubre se realizó el primer taller “Vida Exitosa en Pareja”, en un trabajo conjunto entre las oficinas del Mi- nisterio Hispano/Latino, la Oficina de Matrimonio y Vida de la Diócesis de Boise y la parroquia de Saint Jerome. Participaron 17 parejas provenientes de Jerome (ciudad sede), Twin Falls, Idaho Falls y Boise. El taller fue impartido por el diácono Juan Carlos Urquijo, de la diócesis de Santa Clara (Cuba) y actualmente profesor del Instituto Pastoral del Sureste. Los temas de esta primera fase se centraron en el autoconocimiento personal, de la pareja, las familias de origen, la relación interpersonal con la familia y la relación con Dios. Urquijo explicó que el propósito de estos talleres es fortalecer la vida de la pareja de manera integral, promoviendo su crecimiento humano y cristiano, lo cual repercute de forma positiva en los hijos. El fundador de los talleres es Ignacio Marquínez, psicólogo, sociólogo de origen español, doctor en Ciencias de la Familia por la Universidad Pontificia de Comillas (Madrid), quien además recibió un entrenamiento en psicoterapia por 6 años. Al concluir su entrenamiento, Marquínez inició la práctica clínica, y fue entonces cuando comenzó a observar en las parejas dos carencias recurrentes: la falta de una preparación seria y profunda para vivir en pareja y la ausencia de un mantenimiento continuo de la vida conyugal. Para subsanar esa carencia, creó un método que ha desarrollado durante muchos años con parejas en España, Perú y Cuba, porque considera que en esos y otros países hace falta una cultura de preparación profunda para la vida en pareja. En entrevista con Jesuitas Familia, Ignacio Marquínez señaló que, para profesiones como medicina, ingeniería, o aviación se requieren muchos años de estudio y práctica, mientras que para algo tan trascendente y complejo como vivir prolongadamente con otra persona — logrando equilibrio, felicidad, realización personal y una adecuada paternidad — hay pocos estudios y preparación en la mayoría de las parejas. Los talleres están estructurados en tres intervenciones: 1. Autoconocimiento : revisar el origen de cada miembro de la pareja (cultura familiar, experiencias previas de pareja, y familias de origen). 2. Comunicación : Profundizar en la importancia de la comunicación y el manejo de los sentimientos. 3. Vida afectiva y sexual: Trabajar la relación afectiva y sexual para mantener el entusiasmo y las pequeñas atenciones que sostienen el matrimonio. El diácono Urquijo destacó también la necesidad de que la Iglesia acompañe a los matrimonios y familias cristianas, partiendo del amor a Dios, al prójimo, la fidelidad a la Iglesia y al matrimonio sacramental. Sobre cómo llegaron los talleres a Cuba, explicó que, por obra del Espíritu Santo, una religiosa María Fe Sierva de San José conoció al fundador en Madrid e invitó a Marquínez a Cuba para trabajar inicialmente con las vocaciones religiosas de su orden, y luego propuso ampliar la experiencia a las parejas. Posteriormente, Urquijo y su esposa María del Carmen —en ese momento, coordinadores de la Pastoral familiar de la Diócesis de Santa Clara— colaboraron en la implementación. El Padre José de Jesús González celebró la Misa dominical y clausura del Taller Vida Exitosa en Pareja. Los diáconos Juan Carlos Urquijo y Jeffrey Powers asistieron al párroco durante la Eucaristía celebrada en Saint Jerome . ( ICR foto/Vero Gutiérrez) El diácono aclaró que el objetivo no es crear un movimiento, sino ofrecer los talleres y formar a los matrimonios. Una vez completadas las tres etapas y después de un tiempo de práctica, se sugiere realizar un taller de mantenimiento para evaluar los logros alcanzados. El fundamento teórico y metodológico de los talleres incluye: la psicología Gestalt (que ve al ser humano como un todo integrado: mente, cuerpo y emociones), la teoría de sistemas del lenguaje del cuerpo (que sostiene que el cuerpo es un sistema de comunicación integrado con la mente y las emociones) y la Teología del Cuerpo (enseñanza de San Juan Pablo II sobre el significado del cuerpo humano, el amor, la sexualidad y la vocación del amor según el plan de Dios). Los talleres están divididos en tres áreas fundamentales de la vida de la pareja, basadas en la realidad actual. La primera área es el autoconocimiento personal, ya que se ha descubierto que muchas personas llegan al matrimonio sin haberse conocido a sí mismas ni desarrollar una vida interior profunda. También se trabaja el autoconocimiento de la pareja y el análisis de las familias de origen, las necesidades individuales y compartidas, las siete asignaturas — elementos básicos en los que la pareja debe llegar a consensos—, la formación de valores en la familia y la relación con Dios. En la segunda área se descubre la importancia de la comunicación en la vida de la pareja, partiendo del reconocimiento y la expresión de los sentimientos. Muchos especialistas en pastoral familiar han encontrado que el 80 % de las separaciones se deben a la ausencia de comunicación. En la tercera área se aborda la vida afectiva y sexual, un tema esencial porque con los años se puede perder el entusiasmo por las pequeñas atenciones cotidianas — tomarse de la mano, mirarse a los ojos — que sostienen la intimidad. El trabajo busca que la relación afectiva sea el fundamento de una vida conyugal y sexual más profunda. El fundador inició los primeros talleres en Cuba. De las personas que cursaron los tres talleres se hizo una selección de 15 parejas para recibir un entrenamiento especial de acompañamiento matrimonial y familiar durante dos años. Los talleres no solo fortalecen a las parejas, sino también a las comunidades; muchas personas que participan luego se entusiasman por ayudar a otras parejas y dar formación a jóvenes. Cualquier pareja puede participar, independientemente del nivel académico, solo se requiere un nivel básico de comunicación para leer y expresar opiniones. La metodología se basa en pequeñas charlas y dinámicas participativas, reflexión personal, trabajo en pareja, intercambio con otras parejas y dinámicas grupales. El número ideal de participación es entre 15 y 18 parejas para trabajar con mayor profundidad. La fe es un fundamento del taller: el sustrato profundo es el amor a Dios, a Jesús resucitado y a la Virgen María. Por ello, cada jornada comienza y termina invocando su intercesión, y al concluir el taller se celebra la Eucaristía. Para este encuentro, el Párroco de Saint Jerome, José de Jesús González, presidió la Misa. Durante el encuentro, varios matrimonios compartieron las valiosas experiencias que vivieron a lo largo de las dinámicas y reflexiones del día. Vicente Guillén y Jazmine Guerrero Vicente Guillén “Me gustó mucho este taller; mi pareja y yo aprendimos cosas nuevas. Ahora estamos en la etapa de preparación para nuestro matrimonio por la Iglesia. Nos enseñaron cosas muy prácticas para mejorar nuestra relación de pareja: a ser mejores personas, a ponernos de acuerdo, a respetarnos, y a tener paciencia. Nos llevamos muchos consejos de las parejas con más experiencia. Les recomiendo a otras parejas que lo tomen. Nosotros no solemos participar en retiros, pero este sí nos gustó y esperamos con ilusión el segundo. Me gustaron las dinámicas porque me ayudaron a identificar en qué he fallado con mi pareja para poder solucionarlo”. Jazmine Guerrero “Me gustó mucho; fue algo diferente y nuevo para nosotros. Estamos empezando nuestro matrimonio y, qué mejor que hacerlo de la mano de Dios. Lo recomiendo porque todos lo necesitamos; estoy emocionada por continuar con el segundo taller”. María y Antonio Granados María Granados “Dios nos enseña que el amor verdadero nace de un corazón que primero ha aprendido a amar a Dios y así mismo. Solo cuando reconocemos que somos hijos amados del Padre podemos amar al otro con libertad y madurez”. Antonio Granados “Fue una gran experiencia vivir el taller. A veces pensamos que ya lo sabemos todo, pero eso es un error. Nos falta comunicación, comprensión mutua y atender esas pequeñas pero importantes necesidades: escuchar a tu pareja, prestarle más atención, darle un abrazo, un beso o invitarla a salir durante la semana, solo ella y yo. Me gustó compartir este tiempo con otras parejas; aprendí algo de cada una de ellas. Gracias al diácono Urquijo y todas las personas que hicieron posible este taller” . Aracelí y Gustavo Gómez Aracelí Gómez “Me llevo muchas enseñanzas de este día. En una de las dinámicas aprendí que podemos amar lo que hacemos con un simple cambio de palabras: en lugar de decir ‘debo hacer esto’, decir ‘quiero hacer esto’. Ese pequeño cambio hace una gran diferencia. Entre los muchos aprendizajes de hoy, destaco también haber comprendido cómo comunicar mejor mis sentimientos con mi esposo, con quien llevo 45 años de matrimonio, y él también puede expresarme los suyos”. Gustavo Gómez “Me gustó mucho; fue una experiencia muy bonita. A pesar de que soy una persona muy tímida, me llevo una gran experiencia y definitivamente se la recomiendo a otras parejas. Me encantó compartir este tiempo con todas las parejas que participaron y con el diácono Juan Carlos Urquijo”.

On October 27, a meaningful celebration took place at the Saint Paul Seminary in Minnesota. During the celebration, seminarians from the Diocese of Boise received the Ministry of Acolyte from Bishop Gerard W. Battersby of the Diocese of La Crosse. This rite is an important step in their formation for the priesthood. Seminarians John Dyson, Ronald Onyekwelu, Nathan Ribb, and Guillermo Gutiérrez. (Photo Courtesy Bessie Geilenfeldt)  Seventeen seminarians — four from the Diocese of Boise and thirteen from other dioceses across the United States — were instituted as acolytes at St. Mary’s Chapel. The ceremony was celebrated by Bishop Gerard W. Battersby of the Diocese of La Crosse at the Saint Paul Seminary in Minnesota. Pictured (from left): Seminarian Ryan Olenick (Theology I); seminarian John Dyson (Theology II); Dianna Decker, president of the Serra Club of Northern Idaho; Bessie Geilenfeldt, representing the Diocese of Boise and the Serra Club of North Idaho; and seminarians Ronald Onyekwelu, Guillermo Gutiérrez, and Nathan Ribb (all Theology II). (Photo Courtesy Bessie Geilenfeldt)

Jn 2:13-22 Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome In all religions, the temple is a sacred place where divinity is believed to be present to receive worship and bestow favors upon its followers. Of course, the Divine Being's true home is not of this world. However, the temple is identified with the Divine Being in a way that allows humans to enter into communion with the Divine Realm. This fundamental symbolism is also found in the Old Testament, where the Temple in Jerusalem is a sign of “God’s presence among men.” However, this is only a temporary sign that will be replaced by a different sign in the New Testament: the body of Christ and his church. The Temple in Jerusalem, with all its symbolism—from a physical temple to a spiritual one—did not ensure the presence of Yahweh (Jeremiah 7:14). Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel foresaw Yahweh abandoning this dwelling place he had chosen and announced its destruction as punishment for national sin (Jeremiah 7:12-15; Ezekiel 9-10). The authentic character of worshiping Yahweh matters more than the material sign to which he had linked his presence. In this Sunday’s Gospel passage, we see Jesus expelling those who have turned the temple into a “place of business.” In the face of the resulting scandal, Jesus announces the new, indestructible temple: his own body. When he rose on the third day, his disciples remembered what he had said and believed in him. Let us also keep in mind the fundamental theme of John’s Gospel, which he announces in the prologue: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” A new temple. After Pentecost, the early Christians underwent a period of transition in which they realized they constituted the new spiritual temple as an extension of the Body of Christ. St. Paul explicitly teaches this in 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, 2 Corinthians 6:16‑18 and Ephesians 2. The Church is a distinguished temple in which Jews and pagans have access, without distinction, to the Father in the same Spirit (Ephesians 2:14-19). The members of this church are also temples of God and temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:15; Rom. 8:11), as well as members of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 6:15; 12:27). These two concepts are linked because the risen body of Jesus, in whom divinity dwells bodily, is the temple of God par excellence (1 Cor 2:9). The Christian members of this body are the spiritual temple, and they must cooperate in its growth through faith and charity (Ephesians 4:1-16). Let us remember that Christ tells us: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (Jn 14:23). Moreover, let us be aware that we were anointed as living temples of the Holy Spirit in baptism.

The new rectory for Good Shepherd Station in Driggs was completed this year. It will be a place for priests to stay after celebrating Mass and not have to make the arduous journey back to their home parishes in inclement weather. (Courtesy photo) By Good Shepherd Staff For the ICR Years of planning and strategizing have finally come to fruition at Good Shepherd Station in Driggs, Idaho, where construction of a new rectory was recently completed. A Mass of dedication and blessing of the new structure is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 28. “The beauty of the Teton Valley in the Driggs and Victor Communities and Good Shepherd Station have been a mixed blessing,” said parishioner and project team member Stephen Earney. “The parishioners have access to all the things that the area has to offer: world-class hiking, skiing, fishing, kayaking and more. However, that also means long, snowy winters and difficult traveling conditions.” The logistics are daunting, Earney said. The priest serving Good Shepherd, who is currently Father Boniface Osuafor, typically arrives just before Mass and leaves immediately afterward to attend to obligations at the other parishes in the cluster, which includes Good Shepherd, St. Patrick Chapel in Rexburg, and Mary Immaculate Parish in St. Anthony, the parent parish of the cluster. “Our community had no priestly presence,” he said. “Three years ago, parishioners got together to address the issue, with pastors citing difficult travel conditions and distance.” Good Shepherd Station in Driggs is part of a three-parish cluster with the parish office located some 50 miles away in St. Anthony. With an average snowfall of 145 inches in Driggs, at the base of the Teton Mountains, travel for the assigned pastor - there have been 10 of them in the last years - in winter is difficult and dangerous. Two years ago, the road between St. Anthony and Driggs was closed 13 times, according to Earney. Meanwhile, growth has created a greater need for a pastor’s presence at the station. “Teton County, Idaho, was listed in the most recent census as the fourth fastest-growing county west of the Mississippi River,” Earney said. “About 10 years ago, Mass attendance was in the teens. Today, the two Sunday Masses draw between 300 to 350 attendees. With the rapidly growing parish, the demands, particularly the sacramental demands, on the pastor have also increased.” The kitchen are dining area are large enough for guests. (Courtesy photo) Building for the future As part of a long-term plan, the Pastoral Council in 2022, under then-Pastor Father John Kucera, approved the construction of a rectory. The new home allows the current priest to stay in Driggs during busy winter events, making the drive from St. Anthony more manageable. The rectory includes three bedrooms and three baths, with one bedroom temporarily serving as a parish office. “A Capital Campaign was concurrent with the construction, and enough money was raised to cover the entire cost of construction,” Earney noted. “However, it was the donated labor costs of the contractors that made this project debt-free. Generous contractors and donors contributed 45% of the total cost for materials and labor.” The benefits of the new rectory are already being felt. Pastor Father Boniface has expanded the daily Mass schedule from one to three days a week. He now arrives on Tuesday and stays through Thursday, giving parishioners more opportunities to attend Mass and visit with him during office hours. Long term, Earney said parishioners at Good Shepherd hope the parish’s rapid growth and expanding ministries will lead the Diocese to consider assigning a full-time resident priest. Plans are already underway for a fully functional parish hall attached to the church to accommodate celebrations, classrooms and future expansion to meet the needs of a growing congregation. A corner of the rectory is dedicated to the priests who served at Good Shepherd Station. (Courtesy photo) Until a full-time priest is assigned, the new rectory will serve as a place for vacationing clergy. The only requirement is that they celebrate the Holy Mass during their stay. “From its humble beginnings in the 1980s, when parishioners gathered for Mass in their homes, Good Shepherd has taken a major step forward with the construction of a rectory, moving closer to becoming the kind of parish community many others already enjoy,” Earney said. Father Caleb Vogel will represent the Diocese on Oct. 28 by presiding over an 11 a.m. Mass and blessing of the new rectory. All former pastors have been invited, and attendees will be treated to a reception afterward. Earney said he and his fellow parishioners can’t help but gaze optimistically toward the future as they watch their station expand. “These are exciting times for Good Shepherd, and the best is yet to come!” The new rectory, left, sits adjacent to Good Shepherd Station, right, in Driggs. (Courtesy photo)

Sister Mary Joachim, above, founded the Mission of Hope to help “those no one serves, in places where no one wishes to go.” (Courtesy photo) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer It can be difficult for American Catholics to imagine the nearest church being more than 400 miles away. While most U.S. Catholics have the opportunity to go to Mass and Adoration daily, in Gode, Ethiopia, Mass is celebrated only when a missionary priest can make the long trek to the military town on the border of Somalia. “We have Mass about every two weeks,” said Sister Mary Joachim, who established the Mission of Hope in Gode, where infrequent Mass is not the only hurdle that she faces. “We do have Adoration every day, in the morning and in the evening. That is our source.” When Ethiopian children point in public to the cross around Sister Joachim’s neck and ask her, “What is that?” she has to choose her words carefully. “It’s mine,” she replies. The answer is truthful, simple and will not give government authorities reason to deport her. The dominant religion of the area is fundamentalist Islam. Although there is religious freedom in the constitution of Ethiopia, if she says too much about the cross in public, she could be accused of proselytizing. Sister Joachim buys food for the Mission of Hope at the local market. (Courtesy photo.) Because she is a foreigner, the community is more lenient with her, but to proselytize would completely upend the witness she brings through her missionary work. Her efforts to save women and children from abuse and poverty shout the love of Jesus more effectively than getting into an argument with government officials. “Thankfully, the governor of the area is supportive of us, and we are more welcomed by the poor,” she said. Although the work in Gode is enormous, Sister is undaunted. “We have to believe that God uses, as Mother Teresa would say, all our little acts of love to open doors,” she said. Sister Joachim and the Mission of Hope are the focus for this year’s Church Builders of Hope fundraiser. The event is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the Pioneer Room at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP)in downtown Boise. Sister Joachim She was born into a devout Catholic family in Watford, England, in 1959, and eventually entered St. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in 1980. She served for more than 30 years, mostly in Poland, when she felt called to do even more for the marginalized in society, especially for “those no one serves, in places where no one wishes to go.” In 2011, she began the Mission of Hope. Three years later, while serving homeless psychiatric patients in Cebu, Philippines, a bishop invited her to visit the Ethiopia-Somali region. While there, she met a missionary priest, Father Christopher Hartley, who had lived in Gode for six years. He had requested assistance from various religious congregations, but no one offered any help. Gode is a large city with a military base. The job opportunities in restaurants attract young women and girls from around the country to work as waitresses, cooks and kitchen girls. However, after coming to Gode, they feel pressured to work in prostitution, which provides more income. Most of these young women become single mothers and are unable to break out of prostitution or other abusive situations until they are infected and seriously ill from HIV, tuberculosis or sexually transmitted diseases. Unable to work, these women and their children become homeless. Volunteers give school lessons to children whose mothers are in training for jobs in textiles. (Courtesy photos) “In 2015, we started to work with these women and their children, offering them the opportunity immediately to leave the world of prostitution and begin the road to recovery of their dignity,” Sister Joachim said. Through the Mission of Hope’s Tamara Project, women are invited to learn a skill and have their children cared for while they are in training. Additionally, women regain their sense of being important and precious to others, “rather than being a commodity which is consumed.” The Mission of Hope also provides nutrition and medical care. Last year, the United Nations said an estimated 16 million people in Ethiopia were in need of some form of food assistance. The needs and expenses are significant, and the Mission of Hope is entirely dependent on donations from private individuals. However, Sister Joachim does not want the Mission of Hope to be defined by worries about money. “The people have a right to have the Gospel preached in any way that we can,” she said. “I believe that we have to walk, and God will provide the road.” One Christmas Day, Sister Joachim went to the market to get some things for the children, when it occurred to her how unaware the people around her were. “I was in the middle of the market when it struck me so strongly: They don’t know!” she said. “None of them in the market know that God is their Father, that Christ came to earth, that they are loved. It’s the 21st century. How can this be? Three-quarters of the world hasn’t had a credible witness of the Gospel yet. My mother’s family are all Irish. Thank God for missionaries who went to Ireland. We have received, but then we have a duty to pass it on in whatever way we can. Mother Teresa said the drop in the ocean is essential, even if it is just a drop.” Sister Joachim sews clothing for her mission. (Courtesy photo) Although the work of Mission of Hope is focused in Gode, it has assisted in other areas at the invitation of a bishop and under the guidance of parish priests. Sister Joachim has a team of lay volunteers whom she also invites to assist on short-term missions. When a task entrusted by a bishop is completed, or when others come forward who are willing to take over projects in a sustainable way, the missionaries then move to where they are most needed. To purchase tickets to hear Sister Joachim speak about her work in Ethiopia and the Mission of Hope at the Church Builders of Hope fundraiser, visit ChurchBuilders.us. Table sponsors are eligible for a 22% discount. If You Go: Church Builders of Hope Fundraiser What: Fundraiser supporting Sister Mary Joachim and the Mission of Hope in Gode, Ethiopia When: 5:30–8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 Where: Pioneer Room at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP), downtown Boise Details: The evening includes dinner, guest speakers and updates on Mission of Hope’s outreach to women and children in Ethiopia. Tickets: Available at ChurchBuilders. us. Table sponsors receive a 22% discount.

Lc 18, 9-14 Trigésimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario Conviene que nos situemos en la primera página del libro del Génesis, que nos habla de la creación, especialmente del último día, para escuchar a Dios, decir: “Hagamos al hombre a nuestra imagen y semejanza”. También podemos observar cómo visita con la brisa de la tarde a nuestros primeros padres, en el ‘Jardín del Edén”, y cómo, al no encontrarlos, exclamó: “Adán, ¿dónde estás?”. Estaban escondidos en su pecado, despojados de su dignidad original… Y, desde entonces, Dios no cesa de buscarnos. Esta búsqueda ‘angustiosa’, nos revela la esencia misma de Dios, que es precisamente comunicativa, como lo entenderemos más tarde en la revelación de un Dios trinitario: Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo, un ministerio en el que Jesús nos invita a participar. Así nació la Historia de Nuestra Salvación. La historia de un Dios con nosotros, del Hijo de Dios encarnado en nuestra historia, que no quiere que perdamos la vida eterna que nos ofrece. En la vida, olvidamos que Dios nos busca. La vida cristiana no consiste tanto en lo que tenemos que hacer por Dios, sino en dejarnos encontrar, penetrar y convertir por Dios que nos buscó antes de que lo comenzáramos a buscar. Para que Dios nos convierta y libere, debemos reconocer que lo necesitamos. Necesitamos salvación. Somos pecadores. De Él nos viene todo lo que es la fe, esperanza y amor. Esta es la humildad. Entrar en el radio de acción de la misericordia del Padre por nuestra pobreza de corazón. “El que se humilla será enaltecido”, es decir, quedará perdonado y purificado. Si el publicano del Evangelio de hoy “bajó a su casa justificado”, fue precisamente por esa actitud. Lo único que podía ofrecer a Dios, era su actitud de miseria y sus pecados, pero creía en su misericordia. Se dejó encontrar y santificar por ella. Lo malo del fariseo no era que cumpliera con sus obligaciones religiosas. Lo que sucedía con él era que, por eso, se creía “convertido”, justificado, religioso. No consideraba que necesitara que Dios lo sanara ni lo convirtiera. En su autosuficiencia religiosa, se había puesto fuera del alcance de la misericordia de Dios. Por eso volvió a su casa igual que antes, sin haber sido justificado. Hay una actitud de Jesús, que, sin duda, refleja una convicción y un estilo de actuar que sorprendieron y escandalizaron a sus contemporáneos: “No necesitan médico los sanos, sino los enfermos. No he venido a llamar a los justos, sino a los pecadores”. El dato es histórico: Jesús no se dirigió a los sectores piadosos, sino a los indignos e indeseables. El peligro es que Dios, por nuestra suficiencia religiosa, Dios no haga mucho más por nosotros. Por esta razón, no olvidemos lo que dijo Jesús: “Solo salió limpio del templo aquel publicano que se golpeaba el pecho di- ciendo: “¡Oh, Dios, ten compasión de este pecador!”.

El mes de octubre está dedicado al Rosario en relación con la celebración de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, instituida por el papa Pío V porque el 7 de octubre se conmemora la victoria obtenida por los cristianos en la batalla naval de Lepanto en 1571. Esta victoria es atribuida a la Madre de Dios, invocada por la oración del Rosario y cuando lo rezamos nos unimos a la Virgen María meditando los misterios de Cristo porque ella estuvo asociada de un modo especial a la encarnación, la pasión y la gloria de la resurrección del Hijo de Dios. No basta con llevar el Rosario en el cuello, en el bolsillo, o colgado en el automóvil. Es necesario usarlo para orar, como medio para acercarnos más a Dios y crecer en la vida espiritual. En un artículo publicado por ACI Prensa, se afirma que la Iglesia ha querido enriquecer esta devoción con santas indulgencias para quienes lo recitan con las debidas disposiciones de fe y devoción. Según la Concesión 17 del Enchiridion Indulgentiarum (Manual de Indulgencias) de la Penitenciaría Apostólica, se concede indulgencia plenaria al fiel que “recite devotamente el Rosario mariano en una iglesia u oratorio, en familia, en una comunidad religiosa, en una reunión de fieles o, en gene-ral, cuando varios se reúnen con un fin honesto”. También se puede obtener indulgencia plenaria cuando el fiel se une devotamente a la recitación del Rosario transmitido por el Santo Padre a través de la televisión o la radio. En otras circunstancias, la indulgencia será parcial. El documento precisa además que, en la oración vocal, debe añadirse la meditación devota de los misterios. En el rezo público, los misterios deben enunciarse conforme a la costumbre aprobada en el lugar; mientras que, en la recitación privada, basta con que el fiel medite los misterios durante la oración. La indulgencia plenaria puede ganarse una vez al día (excepto en peligro de muerte) y requiere cumplir las condiciones generales establecidas por la Iglesia: • Confesión sacramental. • Comunión eucarística. • Oración por las intenciones del Papa. • Deseo sincero de obtener la indulgencia. Además, la indulgencia puede ofrecerse por un difunto, aplicando así la riqueza espiritual de la Iglesia en favor de las almas del purgatorio. Respecto a la bendición de los rosarios, el artículo de la página web del vaticano señala que de acuerdo con la norma 17 de la doctrina de las indulgencias “si un fielemplea con devoción un objeto de piedad —como un crucifijo, cruz, Rosario, escapulario o medalla— bendecido por un sacerdote, gana una indulgencia parcial”. Asimismo, si el objeto ha sido bendecido por el Santo Padre o por un Obispo, el fiel puede obtener indulgencia plenaria el día de la fiesta de los Santos Apóstoles Pedro y Pablo, añadiendo una fórmula legítima de profesión de fe. El Padre John Phalen, C.S.C., gran propagador del rezo del Rosario en familia, recuerda que usar devotamente un objeto de piedad significa rezar con fe: “Llevar una cruz o un Rosario es, en cierto modo, una profesión de fe. Pero el Rosario, más que un objeto, es una oración. Hay que rezarlo. De lo contrario, se corre el riesgo de tener demasiada fe en el objeto y no en Dios. El objeto nos ayuda a comunicarnos con Él”. En el sitio web católico Desde la Fe también se afirma que no basta con portar el Rosario como adorno o símbolo religioso. Su verdadero valor espiritual está en la oración, que nos une a Cristo por medio de María. El rezo del Rosario es saludar a nuestra Madre repitiendo las palabras con que el ángel Gabriel saludó a María, y las de Isabel cuando la Virgen fue a visitarla antes del nacimiento de Juan el Bautista. A través del Rosario, pedimos la intercesión de la Virgen María ante su Hijo y ante Dios Padre. San Luis María Grignion de Montfort, profundamente enamorado de la Virgen y de esta forma de oración cristocéntrica, recomendaba rezar el Rosario cada día. Enseñaba que esta devoción: 1. Facilita la práctica de las virtudes. 2. Enriquece con gracias y méritos. 3. Aviva el amor a Jesucristo. 4. Nos obtiene de Dios toda clase de bendiciones. El Rosario, rezado con fe y meditado con el corazón, es un camino seguro hacia la gracia y la paz interior.

Ministerio de la Prisión: Fe, dignidad y una nueva oportunidad para quienes regresan a la sociedad Beatriz y Jorge de Varona, juntos iniciaron hace 25 años su apoyo al ministerio de prisión participando como voluntarios. Actualmente esta pareja se mantiene activa en el nuevo ministerio llamado San Dimas que también brinda ayuda a las personas que han estado en prisión para reintegrarse a la sociedad . (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez) Por Vero Gutiérrez  Editora Asistente   Hace más de veinte años, Jorge de Varona y su esposa Beatriz respondieron al llamado del Padre Jesús Camacho para servir en el Ministerio de la Prisión de la Diócesis de Boise. Todo comenzó en el año 2000, cuando el sacerdote —entonces encargado del ministerio— los invitó, durante una Misa en la parroquia del Sagrado Corazón, a participar como voluntarios. Así iniciaron una misión de servicio que se extendería por dos décadas. Durante ese tiempo, los voluntarios se dieron cuenta de una gran necesidad: muchas personas que salían de prisión, ya fuera por haber cumplido su condena o por libertad condicional, no recibían ayuda alguna para reintegrarse a la sociedad. Sin apoyo, la mayoría terminaba reincidiendo; más del 60% regresaba a prisión. Buscando una solución, algunos miembros del ministerio —entre ellos Dick  Gallegos y  Mike  Gallagher fueron los principales en fundar la conferencia y establecieron una colaboración con San Vicente de Paúl, lo que permitió ofrecer ayuda básica como ropa, artículos de higiene y orientación. En 2012 fundaron la Reentry Conference  en Idaho, que luego inspiró la creación del actual ministerio San Dimas, llamado así en honor al ladrón arrepentido que pidió a Jesús estar con Él en el paraíso. El nuevo ministerio se enfoca en acompañar a quienes salen de prisión, ofreciendo asistencia inmediata con ropa, alimentos y orientación. Además, colaboran con agencias y empresas dispuestas a contratar a personas que buscan una segunda oportunidad en la vida. Aunque no son una agencia de empleo, ayudan con la elaboración de currículums y la conexión con compañías que contratan aprendices en construcción, plomería y electricidad. Las empresas que trabajan en colaboración con este ministerio, explicó de Varona, están conscientes de que se trata de personas que acaban de ser liberadas de la cárcel y están dispuestas a contratarlas. La discriminación hacia las personas que salen de prisión ha disminuido porque saben que son muy buenos empleados y agradecen con su trabajo la confianza que se les otorga nuevamente. Jorge de Varona en la capilla de la estación de Radio Sal y Luz donde continuamente acude para promover los ministerios de prisión. (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez) Gracias al trabajo conjunto con el Departamento de Prisiones, ahora los reclusos pueden obtener su identificación y solicitar su tarjeta del Seguro Social antes de ser liberados, eliminando una de las principales barreras para conseguir empleo. Un parteaguas en este ministerio sin duda fue la epidemia del COVID  19, cuando todo se tuvo que cancelar. Después de la pandemia, los voluntarios ya no quisieron continuar colaborando, de tal manera que todo se tuvo que reestructurar y se creó un nuevo ministerio llamado San Dimas, para ayudar a las personas que salen de prisión. Actualmente, el Ministerio San Dimas cuenta con alrededor de doce voluntarios en el condado de Ada, y una conferencia hermana opera en el condado de Canyon, bajo el patrocinio de San Maximiliano Kolbe. Cada mes, brindan apoyo a 30 y hasta 40 personas. Los resultados son alentadores: la tasa de reincidencia entre quienes reciben ayuda es apenas del 18%, mucho menor que el promedio estatal, agregó de Varona. El grupo se reúne el primer y tercer lunes de cada mes en las oficinas principales de San Vicente de Paúl, en 5256 Fairview Avenue, todo su trabajo se coordina por Internet, y los voluntarios visitan a las personas necesitadas para ofrecerles ayuda directa: vales de transporte, artículos básicos, apoyo económico limitado y, sobre todo, acompañamiento humano y espiritual.  Jorge de Varona dijo que muchos de los ciudadanos que han estado en prisión al salir se sienten temerosos, sobre todo aquellos que no tienen familia.  No se discrimina a nadie, añadió, lo único que tienen que hacer es solicitar el apoyo para que reciban ayuda de uno de estos ministerios.  Jorge de Varona explicó que también existe otro grupo de ayuda denominado Reentry Services, el cual, aunque no es parte de la conferencia, pero ayuda específicamente a las personas en su salida de la cárcel con ayuda inmediata el primer día fuera de prisión, llevándolos al lugar donde se van a alojar, les proporcionan ropa, comida o estampas para alimentos.  Pero con la pequeña ayuda que se les proporciona, se tranquilizan y al final no pueden creer que haya personas que los ayuden de esta manera.          “Lo más importante es que las personas se sientan acogidas y dignificadas”, comparte Jorge de Varona. “Muchos tienen miedo de salir y no saber qué hacer, pero cuando encuentran ayuda sincera, recuperan la esperanza.”  Se estima que actualmente a través de este ministerio se brinda ayuda a al menos a 40 personas cada mes.  En algunas ocasiones dijo, pueden ser hasta 6 personas por día. Aunque muchos voluntarios son católicos, el ministerio trabaja hombro a hombro con cristianos de otras denominaciones, unidos por un mismo propósito: servir con amor y restaurar la dignidad de quienes buscan una nueva oportunidad. Los interesados en colaborar pueden hacerlo de diversas maneras: con donaciones económicas a través del sitio svdpidaho.org , con oración por el ministerio o uniéndose como voluntarios, tanto de habla inglesa como española.  Indicó que una de las metas de este programa es que en un futuro cercano puedan dejar todo en manos de los mismos ciudadanos que han tenido que ir a la cárcel y que al salir se reintegren a la sociedad. Para que ellos que han pasado por esta situación sean mucho más empáticos con quienes están ahí y sobre todo que saben cómo ayudarles mejor porque “no es lo mismo ser voluntarios que haber pasado algún tiempo en prisión”. “Nuestra misión es simple”, dice de Varona. “Ayudar a que cada persona que sale de prisión recupere su dignidad, para nosotros no son expresidiarios sino ciudadanos que regresan a la sociedad porque nos interesa mantener la dignidad de la persona y su fe en que Dios nunca abandona a nadie”.

Members of the permanent diaconate program for the Diocese attended the fall formation weekend with Father Tim Segert, parochial vicar, who was one of the speakers. (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez) By Philip A. Janquart ICR Editor BOISE – On Friday, Oct. 11, the Office of the Diaconate offered its Fall Formation Weekend, with Bishop Peter F. Christensen presiding over a Mass where he installed six Lectors and four Acolytes as they continue their journey through the formation process for the permanent diaconate. Bishop Peter also recognized seven men, who, during this weekend, had officially begun their formation. Father Joe Mcdonald, who presided over Saturday Morning Prayer, admitted into Candidacy eight men who completed their first year of formation. Deacon Salvador Caranza, director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, thanked the staff at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Boise, where the Mass was held on Friday and morning prayer and acceptance into Candidacy on Saturday. During his homily at Friday’s installation Mass, Bishop Peter referenced our walk on earth, noting that the Lord always asks more of us and that the work we accomplish is never finished until we are in Heaven, in His presence. “I’ll begin by saying something we all know: and that is, in our life, in our Christian life, and in our walk with the Lord, we don’t ever arrive; the journey doesn’t end. It ends, or becomes complete, when we are forever with Our Lord in His Heavenly Kingdom. “How many times have we said, ‘Just when you think you’ve seen it all?’ In our walk with our Lord, it’s important to realize the fact that we don’t come to a place of arriving – there’s always more to be done.” Aside from full-time jobs and helping to raise families, the Lectors and Candidates were called by the Lord to serve Him in another way, to continue His work in their lives and the lives of others. Installed as Lectors were Nicholas Pettinger, Juan Guillermo Macias, Price Lockard, Leonardo Guillermo (Memo) Gutiérrez, Jerry Craft and David Behrend. Installed as Acolytes were Rodney Geilenfeldt II, Colin Meyer, Keith Meyer, Keith Pettyjohn and Jeremy Westmark. Keith Pettyjohn, a St. Mary’s parishioner in Boise, is president of the board of Salt & Light Radio and also serves as its executive director. He said he had always felt drawn to the diaconate but wanted to wait until the time was right to answer that call and fully commit to the formation process. “With a full-time job, a wife and four kids, I just didn’t have the bandwidth and wasn’t sure if I should pursue it,” he said. “But then I decided, ‘OK, let’s at least discern, go through the discernment process. You know, deacons are the pack mules of the parish … and you learn, through the process, that it isn’t about you; you are there to serve. It’s been humbling and another way of surrendering yourself to whatever God wants you to do.” During his homily, Bishop Peter addressed the Lectors and Acolytes directly. “Those to be installed as Lectors, understand that you are entering into an even deeper call to share in the grace of God’s gift of Sacred Scripture, receiving and proclaiming a transformative Word for yourselves and for those with whom you share this gift of the Living Word of God,” he said. “Those to be installed as Acolytes, understand that you are entering into a deep, lived-faith as you are at the service of the Lord. You will be in close proximity with Him as you partake in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the meal of Christ, His very presence as He desires to offer himself to those who hunger for Him as the Sacrificial Lamb of God, providing life and nourishment forthe World.” In closing, he said, “Walk with our Lord who offers us His yoke, which is easy and a burden that is light for those who join Him, proclaiming His Word and Offering service in His name. And think about the term ‘yoke.’ What is that? I see the yoke as Jesus putting his arm over our shoulders.”

Mike Martinez stands by Sophie Martinez as she is baptized by Bishop Peter Christensen. (Courtesy photo) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer The seventh annual Sun Valley Tour de Force drew to a close July 20, 2024 under clear skies and ideal racing conditions. The charity event’s “No Speed Limit” high-speed run at Phantom Hill started with the roar of sports cars attempting to beat a record of more than 250 mph. But just after reaching the finish line, Ron Martinez and his friend, Zach Alder, a passenger, crashed at 211 mph. After flipping more than 15 times, Martinez was transported by air to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. Doctors had given him no more than a 35% chance of surviving and doubted he would make it beyond 24 hours. “Ron had to be put in a medically induced coma and placed on a ventilator for about four weeks,” said Sophie Martinez, Ron’s daughter-in-law. “It was a miracle he survived.” Alder, whose injuries were not as critical, also survived. Sophie had just become engaged to Ron’s son, Mike, about one month before the crash. “We were suddenly thrown into this roller coaster of emotions, and I saw how Mike and his family clung to their faith in the worst of times,” she said. “It was amazing how his mom would pray a rosary every morning with Ron while holding his hand, even when he was in a coma. The Martinez family would pray together every day in the trauma ICU.” Idaho Bishop Peter Christensen, whom she had met at a family dinner before the crash, visited them at the hospital. He anointed Ron and brought him the Eucharist even though the Bishop was still recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome, which had resulted in his admittance to the intensive care unit at Saint Alphonsus just weeks earlier. Seeing such sacrifices of love in Mike’s family, Bishop Peter’s commitment to providing pastoral care, and how their Catholic faith sustained them during such a critical time, solidified her decision to come home to the Catholic Church. “I just knew that I needed to be Catholic,” she said. The journey home Sophie, whose maiden name is Warda, was raised in a nondenominational Christian church in Central Valley, California. Her mother was Catholic, and her father was an evangelical. “Our family was very faithful. I have two brothers and a twin sister, and we were all involved in our church. We had the best childhood,” she explained. “I was very involved with sports, but we always made time for church. We went several nights a week for different youth groups and service projects, and every Sunday, even when we traveled.” Sophie only attended Mass once during her childhood. “During a visit to see my grandma, my mom’s mom, we went to Mass. I knew it was special, but I wasn’t old enough to make a decision about the Catholic Church,” she said. She attended the University of California, Davis, following high school, where she excelled, pursuing a double major in psychology and communications, and gained an internship working for the football team. Mike and Sophie Martinez at the Easter Vigil at St. John's Cathedral. Sophie was baptized and confirmed at the Vigil by Bishop Peter. (Courtesy photo) “I still considered myself religious and prayed, but I stopped feeling God’s presence in my life,” Sophie admitted. In 2019, she went with her family and maternal grandmother to Rome. “We went during a time that was probably the lowest point in my entire life,” she said. “I was sorting out some bad relationships in my life and was at a crossroads. I felt like the trip to Rome with my family was very good timing.” Their time seeing the sights in Rome and Vatican City, Sophie conveyed, was fantastic, but breakfast at the Vatican was the pinnacle of the trip. “Pope Francis came and blessed our food,” she beamed. “I recognized very quickly that it was very special what we were able to do, and I held that very close to my heart.” Despite her experiences in Rome and conversations with her mom and grandma, she still didn’t feel the need to become Catholic. Life takes a turn Sophie graduated from UC Davis in 2020, completing her two degrees in three years, and became a full-time nanny for a coach’s family, for whom she had frequently babysat before. “They were practicing Catholics, but they never pushed their faith,” she said. “They just lived it.” She ultimately moved with them when they relocated to Boise. “I was so close to them that it was a no-brainer to go with them to Boise,” Sophie said. The family joined Sacred Heart Parish in Boise, and the children went to Sacred Heart Catholic School. As she became more involved with the Catholic community through the children, she became more curious about the Church. While the children were in school, she worked for the Boise State University football team and pursued her master’s degree in sports leadership. She also became close friends with the players, especially with quarterback Hank Bachmeier and his then-girlfriend (now fiancée), Jenna Vitamanti. In 2022, Hank and Jenna invited Sophie to go with them to Mass on Easter morning at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. “When I stepped inside the cathedral for the 10 a.m. Mass, I suddenly became so emotional,” Sophie recalled. “I hadn’t felt God’s presence for so many years, but when I walked in there, I felt Him. I pulled my phone out and took a picture, right then, because I didn’t want to forget that moment.” Because it was so crowded, she and her friends had to stand in the back of the church for the Mass, which Bishop Peter celebrated. After the Mass, Hank introduced Sophie to another friend of his, Mike Martinez. Hank was sure that Sophie and Mike would hit it off. Mike was born and raised in Boise and graduated from Bishop Kelly before playing basketball at a small university in Iowa. After completing his degrees in communications and sports management, he began working for the New Orleans Saints. He is currently an assistant to head coach Kellen Moore, a former Boise State quarterback. “Because the Saints were in the offseason, Mike was staying in Boise with his family. About a month after we met, we saw each other at a birthday party for a mutual friend,” Sophie explained. “We sat together and talked about ourselves and football for two hours.” They bumped into each other in McCall during the Fourth of July, and that’s when Mike asked her out on a date. “We went to Bardenay in downtown Boise and the rest is history, as they say. He had to go back to New Orleans, so we had to keep up with our relationship long-distance,” she said. “But we were really drawn to each other: our values, morals and our views on relationships. We also talked a lot about faith. We even talked about Bishop Peter’s homily from Easter.” Sophie finished her master’s at Boise State in 2023 and soon after accepted a job in New Orleans so she could pursue her relationship with Mike. The couple were engaged in June 2024. Not long after, Sophie was introduced to Bishop Peter during a dinner with Mike’s family. “The Church can be intimidating because its history and rituals are so rich, but Bishop Peter put me at ease,” she said. “After meeting him, I knew I wanted to be baptized in the Church. I knew that I didn’t want to get married if it wasn’t in the Church and if it wasn’t Bishop Peter who married us. Because marriage is a union, a team, I did not want to walk into marriage without sorting out my own faith. I wanted to commit to being on the same ground for our future family.” Mike with his father, Ron, at Easter Vigil at St. John's Cathedral.  (Courtesy photo) The crash Mike’s dad was in the near-fatal Sun Valley Tour de Force crash just weeks later. “Ron is doing so much better now,” Sophie said. “It’s a miracle that he’s alive and walking and talking.” Certain that she wanted to become Catholic, she signed up for OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) at a parish in New Orleans. “It was so fulfilling. I was raised knowing the Bible, but I felt like going to OCIA was a fresh start,” she said. “It helped me hack away at some worldly stuff in my life and to really focus on praying and meditating. The blessings that we have in this world are so beautiful and abundant, but we need to know how to let go of them. We need to be ready to go to heaven one day.” When the time came to be baptized, she was concerned that the trip to New Orleans would be too difficult for Ron, who was still recovering from the crash. Not wanting him to miss her baptism, she sought permission from the Archdiocese of New Orleans to be baptized and Confirmed during the Easter Vigil at St. John’s Cathedral in Boise. Permission was granted. Just before the Easter Vigil, Sophie looked again at the photo she took of the cathedral three years earlier. As she looked closely at the people near the altar, she recognized someone very dear to her, whom she did not know at the time of the photo. Mike and Sophie Martinez on their wedding day. (Courtesy photo) “My photo of the cathedral was photobombed by Ron, my future father-in-law,” she said with a chuckle. “There are no coincidences!” Just as she had hoped, Bishop Peter baptized and Confirmed Sophie at the cathedral. He then presided at the wedding Mass for Sophie and Mike on the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on June 28 of this year. “Everything in our lives is God working to bring us all home,” she said.