Ecclesial Biodiversity
CNEWA’s mission is preserving and promoting “ecclesial biodiversity,” Msgr. Robert L. Stern, the agency’s Secretary General, told the U.S. Catholic bishops on 13 November 2001 during their annual fall meeting in Washington, D.C.
The East, the homeland of Christianity, still has a rich variety of churches, with unique and precious traditions, disciplines and ways of praying. Most people are familiar with the one dominant variety, the great Western Church, he said, but the patrimony of Christianity would be impoverished if the others were lost.
Haven for Children
More than 600 Christian and Muslim children in Alexandria, Egypt, headed off to class in a new school last fall, thanks in part to the generosity of CNEWA donors. The Abou Kir Center, run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Cross, provides quality education beyond the elementary level.
The center, serving a poor population with few resources, also houses a much-needed medical unit and a special school for blind children.
The center was founded more than 20 years ago by a Franciscan priest, Tarcisio De Piano, who died in 1995.
Still a Best-Seller
Marking the 10th anniversary of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, some 500 scholars attended a CNEWA-funded symposium in Vatican City, 19 through 23 November 2001.
As part of its 75th anniversary, CNEWA made a gift of the latest English translation of the Code to every Latin bishop in the United States, to all Eastern Catholic bishops throughout the world and to officials of the Holy See.
Arm in Arm for Peace
Religious leaders of many faiths linked arms with Jerusalem residents on 23 October 2001 to promote peace in the Holy City. Marching unchallenged from Tantur Ecumenical Institute on the Bethlehem-Jerusalem border through several Israeli checkpoints, participants held a prayer vigil at St. Catherine Church, adjacent to the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. CNEWA staff and associates in Jerusalem were among the marchers.
‘My Greatest Joy’
What’s the best part of being a priest? After 68 years of priesthood, Father Joseph P. Pagliuca says it’s helping promote vocations of future priests and sisters. Father Pagliuca retired to Italy about 18 years ago after serving as a priest of the Diocese of Burlington, Vt., since 1943. A longtime participant in CNEWA’s sponsorship programs, he has personally provided support for 33 seminarians and more than 100 women religious around the world. “My greatest joy are my seminarians and novices,” Father Pagliuca told Msgr. Denis J. Madden, Associate Secretary General, during a recent visit. Father Pagliuca lives in Pescino, a farming community located about 100 miles northwest of Rome in the foothills of the Apennines. He celebrates Mass in the two village churches and visits the sick daily. He reported that one of his favorite activities is corresponding with “his” priests, novices and seminarians.
New Editor of CNEWA World
CNEWA has named Patricia Lynn Morrison Executive Editor of CNEWA WORLD, the bimonthly magazine.
Miss Morrison had been Editor and General Manager of the Catholic Chronicle of Toledo, Ohio, since 1995. During her tenure, the diocesan newspaper garnered more than 35 awards for excellence. A native of Chicago, she has more than 25 years experience in Catholic Publishing, both nationally and internationally.
Miss Morison succeeds Michael J.L. La Civita, who became Communications Director.
Thank you, Peg!
Peg Maron, the indomitable Production Editor at CNEWA WORLD, retired on 1 January 2002. She joined the agency in 1990 and was named Copy Editor in 1992, becoming known for her dogged determination to track down every fact, not leave any participle dangling, have every verb and subject agree. Her tenacious dedication to detail and accuracy earned her the respect of all.
With Brother David Carroll, F.S.C., Assistant to the Secretary General, she interviewed former directors of CNEWA overseas offices for an oral history and also contributed many articles to the magazine.