Category: Bulletins and Newsletters

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin September 3, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 22^nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, we send condolences to the LaRosa family on the passing of two of their family members.   They lost Peter Schmidt husband of Jean Schmidt and beloved father to Emilie (Schmidt) LaRosa, father-in-law to Nick, (Grandson of Donald “Buddy” LaRosa) and Grandpa to their children, Michael, and Anthony LaRosa.  Peter passed away on August 20^th at the age of 73.   Peter was buried on August 25, 2023, from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.  We also send our heartfelt sympathies to the LaRosa and Ciambarella Families on the loss of Joseph Ciambarella who passed away suddenly on August 24, 2023, at the age of 70.   Joseph “Joe” was the much-loved husband to Denise (LaRosa) Ciambarella and cherished father to the late Jenna Ciambarella and Nicole (Ciambarella) Staley, son-in-law, Todd Staley and proud Papa to grandsons, Elton, Lennon, and Simon Staley.    Joseph “Joe” was the son of the late Joseph Sr. (1919-1990) and Mary (Nesi) Ciambarella and son-in-law to Donald “Buddy” and the late Jo Ann (Augustine) LaRosa.  Joe also leaves his two sisters Lena (Denny) Doppes, Patty (Tom)Martin, and brothers-in-law, Michael (Lisa), Mark (Cara), Tommy (Maria) LaRosa and many nieces and nephews.  Always a West Sider, Joseph “Joe” kept up with those many friends he grew up with, especially those from the Ramundo Family who will mourn his passing.   Please keep all these grieving family members in your daily prayers at this very difficult time.                                        

On Monday, September 4^th we Commemorate the Federal Holiday created by the labor movement when the average American worked 12 hours days during the long 7-day work week.  At that time most workers toiled in mills, factories and mines in dire conditions that were unsafe for the recent immigrants who were not allowed breaks or sanitary facilities. The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882, and by 1885 was celebrated in industrial centers throughout the country.  In 1887, the state of Oregon became the 1^st state to officially recognize Labor Day as a holiday.  When it became a Federal Holiday in 1894, there were already 30 states celebrating Labor Day.  On September 4^th we honor the American laborer and the contributions and achievements of all those past and present American workers who helped build our great country and are big a part of our country’s history.  We remember all those past generations of men from our families who toiled and sacrificed at menial jobs to feed their families and worked to help establish prosperity and the well- being for a better community in their new home. 

On Tuesday, September 5^th, we commemorate the International Day of Charity on the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who died on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87.  Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 with her work in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress which she felt was a threat to peace.  The International Day of Charity was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness to call all of us to become involved in charitable, philanthropic, and volunteer organizations.   The date for this annual event was chosen to honor Mother Teresa of Calcutta and to never forget her dedication to those in need.  The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution which was co-sponsored by 44 Un Member States that represented all 5 Regional Groups of the United Nations.  These Member States commemorate the International Day of Charity by encouraging charity through education and public awareness activities.  This day is a call for us to give back and by doing so find causes we can promote.   By 2014, there were International Day of Charity fundraisers and events scheduled around the world to fund charities, volunteer, or attend a charity event.   Within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Catholic Church provides social services and other ministries that promotes the goodness that leads to peace, joy for all of us to lead a full life.      

On Thursday, September 8^th we celebrate the Christian Feast day of the birth of Mary, nine months after the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8^th.  The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated in Western Christianity and in some of the Eastern Churches. The legend states that St. Maurilius from the Diocese of Angers in France instituted the feast around 430.  The earliest documentation that commemorates Marymas (Birth of the Virgin Mary) originates from a hymn written in the 6^th Century taken from the Georgian Chant book of Jerusalem.  The first Liturgical celebration of this feast is connected to the Marian Basilica built in the 5^th Century on the site known as Shepherd’s Pool and thought to be the home of Marys’ parents.  The Basilica Sanctae Mariae ubi nata est was dedicated in the 6^th Century and is now called the Church of Saint Anne in Jerusalem.  Under the Marian title, the devotion to Mary is widely celebrated in cultures around the globe with various prayers and hymns, especially the Novena in Honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  In France, Marymas is known as “Our Lady of the Grape Harvest” for those winegrowers who bring their best grapes for a blessing from the local church.  At the blessing, there will be a statue of Mary with the best of the harvest placed in her hands and around her feet.  A special blessing will be said before the meal with some dishes prepared with the grapes from the harvest.  In Goa, India on the feast of Mary’s Nativity, the family celebration called Monti Fest, this thanksgiving festival celebrates the harvest of new crops and blessing of the grain.  Flowers will be adorned on the statue of Mary; and before lunch is served, the priest will bless a branch of grain that will be added to the dishes being served.   There are Cathedrals dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Milan, Italy, Juneau, Alaska, and Biloxi, Mississippi.  In Lorain, Ohio the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish was founded in 1898 to serve the Polish American Community; and in High Hill, Texas the historic church was dedicated to Mary was built in 1906.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin August 27, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 21^st Sunday in Ordinary Time we thank all those parishioners from Holy Family and San Antonio who came together for our annual church picnic on August the 13^th.  We appreciate all those who organized the afternoon, especially Dave Sabatelli who was in charge of the event. 

On Monday August 28^th we celebrate the feast of Augustine of Hippo, (354-430), born in Algeria to parents Monica (St. Monica) and Patricius and two siblings who were fluent in Latin.  He who went on to form a monastic community in Africa before becoming the Bishop of Hippo in 396 and is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers during the Patristic Period of the Latin Church.  He is the Patron of the Augustinians and is recognized and celebrated in the Catholic, Eastern orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican Communion Churches.  During his life, Augustine dominated the Christian world by writing against heretics, publishing sermons and composed two great works that went on to inspire Christians ever since.  He was considered one of the most prolific Latin authors whose works consist of more than one hundred separate titles.   The first of his works is an autobiography, Confession to an interesting read full of self-knowledge and amazing honesty.  The second was The City of God which took thirteen years to write the total philosophy of history showing the fundamental contrast between Christianity and the world.  Augustine imagined the Church as a spiritual City of God, distinct from the Earthly City.  Protestants, especially Calvinists and Lutherans consider Augustine one of the theological Father of the Protestant Reformation for his writings on salvation and divine grace.  Martin Luther, who was a member of the Order of Augustinian Eremites from 1505-1521 held him in preeminence among the early Church fathers.  He was Canonized in 1298 by Pope Boniface VIII and is considered the patron saint of printers, theologians, brewers and is invoked for sore eyes.    Words of wisdom from St. Augustine “Pray as though everything depends on God.  Work as though everything depends on you.”

On Tuesday August 29^th, we honor The Passion of Saint John the Baptist, born in the hill country about five miles west of Jerusalem.  John’s mission was to precede Jesus “in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare people fit for the Lord”.  During the years between 27-29, John would receive inspiration from God while in the Judean desert and then started to gather the disciples who he would teach and ask to repent and then Baptize with water.  John called on Tax Collectors, Soldiers, Religious Leaders, Townspeople and Herod to repent with many responding to his plea.  The feast of St. John is one of the oldest within the Catholic Church for the Memorial of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.  John the Baptist made the commitment to selflessly give himself to the mission he received.  Two of the Gospels narrate the story of John’s death:  Matthew 14:1-12 and Mark: 6:14-29.   “Saint John the Baptist, you were given a holy mission and sanctified in the womb of your mother in preparation for that mission.  You never deviated from your calling and always pointed the way to Christ, the savior of all.  Please pray for me, that I will have the same courage you had and the resolve to fulfill my duties, no matter the cost.  Saint John the Baptist, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.  

On Friday September 1^st we celebrate the World day of Prayer for the care of Creation that begins the Ecumenical Season of creation that commences on October 4^th, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The Synod (an assembly of Bishops chosen throughout the world with the task of meeting for deliberation when requested by the Pope who is president of the synod) on Synodality will open its first session in October with the Pope inviting all People of God to an immersive journey of dialogue and hopefully conversion.  Pope Francis established the first World day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in 2015 to encourage the faithful around the world to pray for our home that God created for all of us.  “With the help of God’s grace, Pope Francis says, “Let us adopt lifestyles marked by less waste and unnecessary consumption, especially where the processes of production are toxic and unsustainable.” The theme for this celebration on September 1, 2023 “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, that helps Catholics to fully live the Season of Creation together with Christians of other denominations.  The theme was inspired by the Prophet Amos who said, “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-falling stream”.  In his appeal the Pope states “Like a river basin with its many tiny and large tributaries, the Church is a communion of countless local Churches, religious communities and associations that draw from the same shared waters.  Each source adds its unique and irreplaceable contribution, until all flow together into the vast ocean of God’s loving Mercy.”   In his closing statement, he said “let us be mindful as we can about our habits and economic decisions so that all can thrive-our fellow men and women wherever they may be, and future generations as well.”

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin August 20, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On Friday August 18^th San Antonio Church held a funeral Mass for Vincent “Butch” Accurso beloved husband of the late Juanita Grischy Accurso (1942-2023) who passed away February of this year.  Vincent leaves four children:  Lisa, Angela, Kathrin, and Anthony and nine grandchildren:  Lauren, Megan, Hannah, Andrew, Allie, Annie, AJ, Luken, and Bodie.  Father Jim Meade officiated.  Our church community sends prayers and condolences to the Accurso, Grischy, Win, Garrison, Rooney, and Einhaus families.

On this 20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, San Antonio Church welcomes members of the Kafiti, Trotta, Mazzie and Reenan Families for the Baptism of Mila Rose Kafiti after our 9:00 Am Mass.  She was born on June 29, 2023, and is the daughter of Lindsay (Trotta) and Bill Kafiti and joins brother Lucas Kafiti who was also Baptized at San Antonio Church on May 20, 2021, by Fr. Westerhoff.  The Trotta Family has ties to many old established Italian Families with Lindsay’s great- great- Grandfather Anthony Frank Trotta’s marriage to Angelina Beratta.  Lindsay’s great grandfather Francisco Anthony Trotta married into the Ramundo family with his union to Theresa Ramundo and from the Mazzie Family with the union of Frank Mazzie, Lindsays Great Grandfather to her Great Grandmother, Elvira-Seta Mazzie.  The Trotta Family has always been a presence at San Antonio Church and our parishioners all remember Mila Rose’s Great Grandfather, Joseph “Joe” Trotta who attended our church until his passing in 2019 at the age of 99 and his late wife, Mila Rose’s Great Grandmother, the late Constantine (Connie) A. (Mazzie) Trotta who passed away in 1986.  Lindsay’s parents and Mila Rose Kafiti’s Grandparents are David Stephen and Kimberly Philomena Reenan-Trotta who were married at San Antonio Church in 1980 by Fr. Elliot and a few years later would Baptized Mila’s mom Lindsay Maureen Trotta Kafiti in 1984 by Fr. Senn.  The God parents for Mila are Kelly and Eric Kroger who are also sponsors for older brother Lucas Kafiti.  Our church community sends their prayers and congratulations on this new addition to the Kafiti Family and this milestone event for all the members of their large extended family. 

On Monday, August 21^st we celebrate the feast day of Pope Pius X (Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto (1835-1914) known for promoting liturgical reform while head of the Catholic Church from 1903 until his death in 1914.  Pope Pius X lowered the age for those making their First Communion and strongly encouraged receiving Holy Communion regularly.  He was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and gave sermons from the pulpit which was a rare practice at that time.  In 1908 when the earthquake hit Messina, Pope Pius X took in those refugees devasted by the destruction into the Apostolic Palace before the Italian Government steeped in to aid them.  He was noted for his humility and simplicity waking at 4:00 AM before saying Mass at 6:00 AM, at his desk by 8:00 AM with statues of the saints he was beatified during his Papacy – John Vanney and Joan of Arc nearby.  He conducted an audience with pilgrims at noon, lunch at 1:00 PM and returning to work until dining at 9:00 PM at the end of the day.  Pope Pius X was immensely popular with Catholics in America with fifteen new dioceses created in the Unted States during his tenure.  He also named 2 American Cardinals and was respected and revered, while seen as an ordinary man from a poor family who was raised by God to the Papal Throne.  Pope Pius X died at 1:20 AM on August 20, 1914, shortly after he kissed the little crucifix that was clasped in his hands.  On May 29, 1954, his Canonization ceremony was taped and recorded by NBC and other early television news broadcasters.

On Tuesday, August 22^nd, we celebrate the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a feast that was established by Pope Pius XII in 1954.  The Pope stated that Mary deserves the title because she is the Mother of God and is strongly associated as the New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work and her intercessory power and her preeminent perfection.  As Jesus was to be King of all creation, Mary in dependence on Jesus, Mary was to be Queen of Angles and Men, Queen of Heaven, and Earth. 

On Wednesday, August 23^rd, we honor the feast day of Rose of Lima born, Isabel Flores de Oliva on April 20, 1586, who died on August 24, 1617, at the age of 31.  She was a lay member of the Dominican Order who cared for those poverty stricken throughout the city of Lima, Peru.  She was beatified on May 10, 1667, by Pope Clement IX and was Canonized on April 12, 1671, by Pope Clement X as the 1^st Catholic in the Americas to be declared a Saint.  The 1^st Governor of the state of California donated a plot of land in downtown Sacramento for a park to be named in her honor.  The Fiesta de Santa Rosa is celebrated on the last weekend in August in Dixon, New Mexico and in Maywood, California Saint Rose Church is the largest dedicated to her.  She is considered the patroness of the Americas, the Indigenous people of the Americas and of Lima, Peru.  There are sixty-six churches in the United States dedicated to her.

On Thursday 24^th, we celebrated St. Bartholomew, the Apostle who along with Jude “Thaddeus” is thought to have brought Christianity to Armenia in the first century.  Both Saints are considered the patron saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church. There is a 13^th Century St. Bartholomew Monastery constructed at the site of the martyrdom of Apostle Bartholomew around 69/71 AD in Greater Armenia now part of southeastern Turkey.  It is thought that St. Bartholomew preached the Gospel throughout India before his journey to Greater Armenia.  He is the patron saint of Gambatesa, Italy Florentine cheese merchants, butchers, and leather workers.  In the Church of England, Bartholomew the Apostle is celebrated on August 24^th with a Festival in his honor.    

On Friday August 25^th we honor the feast day of Saint Louis of France (1214-1270) who at his coronation as King of France, Louis IX pledged as an oath to   be true to God, to be the father of his people, and the feudal lord as the King of Peace.  During his reign he brough peace and justice with regulations to reform laws and encouraged written records in court.  His patron was Saint Frances with Louis becoming patron of the Secular Franciscan Order who went on to establish hospitals and would visit the sick; even caring for those with leprosy.  He brought prosperity to France by unifying its people in all levels of society to townspeople, priests, knights, and lords.   Also, on August 25^th we honor Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648) a Spanish Catholic Priest and educator who founded the Pius Schools to provide free education to sons of poor families.  He knew he wanted to be a priest at the age of fourteen as the youngest of eight children.  He attended a college run by Franciscans and would later move to Rome where he resided for 56 years.  Joseph was Beatified on August 7, 1748, by Pope Benedict XIV and Canonized by Pope Clement XIII on July 16, 1767.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin August 13, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 19^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, San Antonio Church is excited to announce that the “Sister Blandina Segale: A Cincinnati Saint” won 4 Emmy’s at the 59^th Annual Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Award on Saturday, July 30, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio.  To be eligible, entries were submitted from work by television stations covering cities Athens, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton in Ohio and Bowling Green, Lexington, and Louisville in Kentucky and in Indiana, Evansville and Terre Haute.  The National Academy of Television of Arts and Sciences recognizes those in the Arts and Sciences of Television and the documentary highlighting Sr. Blandina Segale, Servant of God, won 4 Emmy’s in the News Special Category.  The Local 12 Team tracked the journey of Sr. Blandina Segale from Cincinnati, Colorado, New Mexico and back to Cincinnati as they filmed her amazing story on location covering every aspect of her tireless good works from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s.   Our parishioners from San Antonio Church congratulates Patricia McGeever, Bran Dykes, Richard Henry and Bob Herzog on their Emmy’s and the wonderful work they did to honor Sister Blandina Segale and for including our humble church in their special.   They have not only won these regional Emmys, but every other award their special was nominated for.

On Monday, August 14^th we remember St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe, Polish Priest and Conventual Franciscan Friar who died in Auschwitz-Birkenau on August 14, 1941, at the age of forty-seven and is venerated in not only the Catholic Church, but also in the Anglican Communion and Lutheran Churches. He was ordained in 1918 and was strongly opposed to the leftist communist movements.  During World War II the monastery he founded in Niepokalanow sheltered Jewish refugees until it was shut down by German authorities on February 17, 1941.  He was then sent to Pawiak Prison until May 28, 1941, and later transferred to Auschwitz as prisoner number 16670. 

While at Auschwitz, the deputy camp commander Karl Fritzsch chose 10 men to be sent to an undergrown bunker to be starved to death   Maximilian Maria Kolbe who argued with the guards that he was old and useless gave his life when he volunteered to die in place of Franciszek Gajowniczek who cried out “My wife, My Children”  at the German Death camp.    He comforted each one as he was the last to die after being injected with carbolic acid on August 14^th and was cremated on August 15^th, on the Feast of the Assumption.  St. Maximilian was recognized by the Holy See as a Servant of God on May 12, 1955.  He was then Beatified on October 17, 1971, by Pope Paul VI with Holocaust survivor Franciszek Gajowniczek present at both the Beatification and the Canonization Ceremonies by Pope John Paul II on October 10, 1982.   St Maximilian Kolbe was dedicated to the Veneration of the Immaculate Virgin Mary and is known as the Apostle of Consecration to Mary for his work promoting consecration and entrustment to Mary.  He organized the Army of the Immaculate One to work for the conversion of enemies and sinners of the Catholic Church.   St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe will always be remembered as a brilliant scientist, mathematician, and religious journalist.

On Tuesday, August 15^th we celebrate the Assumption of Mary, with the month of August dedicated to her.  The word Assumption derives from the Latin word ASSUMPTIO meaning taking up. The Assumption is defined as a doctrine of the faith on November 1, 1950, by Pope Pius XIII stating that Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven after completion of her earthly life, her dormition (or falling asleep in the Lord) since by reason of her Immaculate Conception, she should not suffer the consequences of Original Sin.  The Church has long held on to the basis of theological reasoning and tradition the implied belief in our Lord’s taking His mother to Himself from the moment of her passage from this life.   Many Catholic areas will celebrate Mary with festivals and parades and in Canada, Assumption Day is called the Fete Nationale of the Acadians where she is their Patron Saint.  

In Italy, the name of the Holiday is called Ferragosto and in the Maltese Islands, the Virgin Assumed in Heaven is their patroness as local churches celebrate her with great solemnity.   On August we celebrate the feast of St. Stephen I of Hungary, the King who worked for the transformation of Hungary into a Christian state throughout his reign.  He was King of Hungary from 1001-1031 and established an Archbishopric, six Bishoprics, and three Benedictine Monasteries with the help of Benedictine Monk, Gerard from the Republic of Venice.  He led the Church in Hungary to be independent from the Archbishops of the Holy Roman Empire and invited foreign priests to Hungary to evangelize his kingdom.  During his reign, Hungary enjoyed a prolonged period of peace and was a preferred route for merchants and pilgrims journeying between Western Europe, the Holy Land and Constantinople.  Stephen 1 of Hungary survived all his children and died at the age of sixty-two on August 15^, 1038, and was laid to rest in his new Basilica, dedicated to the Holy Virgin. 

Next Sunday San Antonio Church will welcome the Trotta and Kafiti Families for a family Baptism on Sunday August 20^th.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin August 6, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday we honor the Transfiguration of Jesus. Churches who celebrate the Transfiguration on August 6^th are Syriac Orthodox, Indian Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, and the Anglican Church.  This feast has existed since the 9^Th Century and during the reign of Pope Callixtus III (1455-1458) who would then establish the Transfiguration as a Universal Feast to be celebrated on August 6^th and to commemorate the lifting of the siege of Belgrade in 1456.  The Transfiguration is one of the five major milestones in the life of Jesus along with the His Baptism, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and the Ascension. Because of its importance, Pope John Paul II in 2002 introduced the “Luminous Mysteries” to include the Transfiguration in the Rosary. 

The Transfiguration is the occasion described in the first three Gospels when the divine glory of Christ was shown in a comprehensive way, according to the gospel, Jesus along with Peter, James, and John would go to a secluded mountain to pray.  For three years the three disciples followed Jesus, seen his miracles, and have done miracles in his name and that is why he took them away from the other disciples.  The three apostles witnessed Jesus’ change in his outward appearance that shone with bright rays of light as Jesus himself became the connection point between Heaven and Earth.  Saint Maximus the Confessor stated that the senses of the Apostles were transfigured to enable them to perceive the true glory of Christ, as Jesus was transfigured before them with his garments turning white as the light.  Paul the Apostle referred to the “Transfiguration of Believers” as Jesus was transfigured before them.

The narrative of the Transfiguration explains the further revelation of the identity of Jesus as the Son of God to some of His Disciples.  It is thought that the spiritual transfiguration of the believer continues to remain a way for achieving a closer union with God, as the transfiguration echoes by Jesus’s teachings; that God is not “the God of the dead, but of the Living.”  The Transfiguration is seen as a preview for us as we anticipate the Resurrection.  Several churches and buildings were named to honor the Transfiguration and since the 3^rd Century, some Christians have named Mount Tabor as the site of the Transfiguration.  It is thought that Mt. Tabor is where Jesus, Peter, James, and John joined together to pray and at present where many pilgrims still make their journey.  Mount Tabor, located in Lower Galilee, Israel is located eleven miles west of the Sea of Galilee and is shaped like a half sphere reaching 1,886 feet. 

The mountain is the location of a Roman Catholic Church of the Franciscan that was built between 1919 and 1924.  The Church of the Transfiguration is built on the peak of Mt. Tabor on the ruins of a 5^th Century Byzantine and Crusader Church from the 12^th Century and is visible from afar.  The entrance of the church welcomes visitors with a rock engraved in ancient Greek next to an engraving of a cross.  Every August 6^th, on the Feast of the Transfiguration, the church will be illuminated by the sunbeams that are reflected off the glass plate on the floor for a memorable display.  For the faithful who visit the site, there is also an Eastern Orthodox Monastery and a Franciscan Cemetery located on Mt. Tabor.

San Antonio Parishioners sends their condolences to the Andriacco and Scriveri families on the passing of Mackenzie Mc Carthy.  She was the daughter of Geri and Chris McCarthy. She passed away on July 27^th at the age of thirty and leaves siblings, Daniel, Mariah, and Megan to mourn their loss.  Her celebration of life service was held on Friday, August 4^th at St. William Church.  Please keep her many family members and friends in your prayers in their time of mourning.  We also mention the passing of Vincent “Vinny” Scriveri from a large family with many connections to South Fairmount and our church. A resident of Saddle Brook, New Jersey he was the son of Audrey and Frank Scriveri and brother to Patty, Francine, Carolyn, Pam, and Frank. Vincent leaves wife Diane, children Tara, Anthony, Victoria, and Grandson Sebastian. 

On Saturday, August 5^th at 10:30 AM, San Antonio Church held a remembrance Mass for Fern (Bonaventura) Webster whose namesake was the late, Fern (Romelli) Roberto.  She passed away on July 26^th and leaves son Michael (Josie) Webster and Grandchildren Hailey, Zachary, and Madison.  She also leaves her beloved sister Estelle (Bonaventure) Ruehl and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin July 23, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 16^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we honor the feast of St. Bridget of Sweden born in Upland, Sweden in 1303.   Bridget’s parents were Birger and Ingeborg Peterson, part of the reigning family of the country.  Bridget’s father Birger went to confession every Friday and made many pilgrimages to the Holy Land.    At the age of ten, her mother died leaving her sister Katharine aged nine and a newborn boy Israel to live with their maternal aunt who promoted her devotion to her faith and education.  When Brigit was in her teens she married and over the years, gave birth to 4 daughters and 4 sons with all of them surviving infancy.    In the early years of her marriage, Bridget   was requested by the King of Sweden, Magnus Erickson to serve as a Lady-in-Waiting to the young Queen, Blanche of Namur a position she continued to serve in the Court of the King and Queen of Sweden for 10 years.  At the age of 41 she lost her husband Ulf Gudmarsson when they returned from a pilgrimage to Santiago di Compostela.  Bridget was devastated and during   her long mourning period, spent many long hours in prayer near Ulf’s grave.  She prayed for guidance in the Abbey at Alvastra while seeking God’s intercession and an answer to what her next mission in life would be.  She consulted with her children, took care of her affairs, and soon, her answer was for Bridget   to find   a new religious order for women.  The new order would be seen as a “vineyard full of grapes” with the wine made from those grapes to be used to revive the Church.   In the vision she received, Bridget was told of   plans for the Abbey Church and how it was to be built, of the clothing and of the prayers for the nuns and for the number of priests and chaplains. 

There would be two communities with 60 nuns, 13 priests, 4 deacons, and 8 lay brothers, ruled by an Abbess who represent the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Bridget requested and received a plot of land and a small palace donated by the King of Sweden for the new Monastery.  In 1349, Brigit needed to consult the Pope for his blessing for the new Order and   traveled to Rome, to await his return from France. She resided in Rome all during the Holy Year of 1350 and was finally given the support of Pope Urban V in 1370, never to returning to Sweden.  During the last years of her life, Bridget had visions concerning the future and fought for Church reform.  Bridget went on to direct those in authority to make the changes she had hoped for the Church.  Her one desire to become a nun never happened and she never visited the Convnet Church of the Pax Mariae Abbey in Vadstena, the first Bridgettine Monastery.  None of her desires took form and she died in Rome on July 23, 1373, tired and worn from all her failed plans with her body returned for her burial in the Monastery at Vadstena.   She was Canonized by Pope Boniface IX on October 7, 1391, eighteen years after her death and to some she is thought of as the Patroness of Failures.  Bridget is considered the foundress of the religious Order, the Bridgettines Nuns and Monks primarily for women with permanent chaplains and an Abbess in charge and dedicated to devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ.  The brothers within the Order had a Confessor General responsible for the spiritual business of both convents.  The Bridgettine Monks are in Amity Oregon at the Monastery of Our Lady of Consolation founded in 1976 and is the only monastery of men since the 1^st of the 19^th century. 

There were Monasteries from Scandinavia although Europe and into Italy.  It expanded into Spain in 1629, Rome in 1911, United States in 1970, and Mexico in 2012.  The Motherhouse where Bridget once lived is located on the Piazza Farnese in Rome.  and at present there is one male convent in the U.S.A.  St. Brigit is the patroness of Sweden and once said “True wisdom, then, consists of un the works, not in great talents which the world admires; for the wise in the world’s estimation are the foolish who set at naught the will of God, and know not how to control their passions.” 

A prayer to St. Brigit: “Brigit, you were a woman of peace.  You brought light into darkness.  You brought hope to the downcast.  May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled or anxious, and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and our world.  Inspire us to act justly and to revere all God has made.”  In 1999, The Holy Father added 3 women as Patron saints of Europe:  St. Brigit of Sweden, St. Catharine of Siena and St. Edith Stein.

On July 30^th we will celebrate “World Day for Grandparents and Elderly.”  This was established by Pope Francis near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin July 16, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 15^th Sunday in ordinary time, our San Antonio Church Community sends its heartfelt condolences to the Ellerhorst and Ruehl Families on the passing of Audrey Rose “Sissy” Ellerhorst at the age of 19 years.  Sissy was the daughter of our parishioner and volunteer Gregg and Lisa (Ruehl) Ellerhorst and beloved sister of Virginia and husband Nick Zieleniewski, Ashley and husband Andrew Curtis and brothers Robert and William Ellerhorst.  Sissy was the cherished Aunt to Jackson, Cameron, Eli, and Ella; leaving behind many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and her fairy godmother Barbara Graham to mourn her.  She was an inspiration to all and was a proud 2023 graduate of the Margaret B. Rost School.  Audrey Rose “Sissy” Ellerhorst left this earth on June 28, 2023, and her Funeral Mass was held at St. Catharine of Siena Church on July 6^th.  Memorials may be made to the Trisomy 18 Foundation at P.O. Box 320, Flushing, Michigan 48433.  Please keep their extended family members and friends in your prayers. 

We also announce the death of Fern (Bonaventura) Webster on June 28, 2023, at the age of 76.  Being a member of the large Bonaventura family, Fern has connections with many of the families who have attended San Antonio Church.  She was the daughter of Carmine Bonaventura and Carmela Smeraldo who were married in the 2^nd temporary San Antonio Church building on May 23, 1936, with her namesake, Fern (Romelli) Roberto the flower girl witnessing her parents wedding.  Fern (Bonaventura) Webster along with her sister Estelle grew up in the Little Italy section of South Fairmount and were part of the Sunday gatherings held on Biegler Street that united all the aunts, uncles and cousins for the traditional home cooked Italian meal.  She resided in northern Kentucky at the time of her passing and there will be a memorial scheduled sometime in August.  Fern was a proud graduate of Mother of Mercy High School, attended Thomas More College and retired from Cincinnati Bell as a purchasing agent.  She leaves her son Michael, his wife Jose, 3 Grandchildren, her sister Estelle (Bonaventura) Ruehl, nieces Donna, Gina, Linda and their families.  Please keep her many family members in your prayers. 

On June 29, 2023, Joyce (Thinnes) Roberto (1940-2023) passed away at the age of 83.  She was the wife of the late Robert J. Roberto (1942-2016) who was a United Sates Navy Veteran serving on the USS Intrepid.   Joyce was a loving mother to Tina Martini, Debbie Roberto (Lonnie Tingle) Katy Marston (Phil) and Tracy Roberto (Tate Bailey).  Joyce also leaves 11 much loved Grandchildren, cousins Tina, LuAnn, Gina and many family members from the Bomkamp, Schmerber, Blome, Kuhling, Thinnes and Bley families who mourn her passing.  Joyce ‘s mother and father-in-law were the late Mildred (Wittkamp) (1917-2012) and Jospeh Vito Roberto (1914-1987) who along with her sister the late Lorraine (Wittkamp) Roberto (1921-2015) were long time members of San Antonio Church.  Those past generations of the Roberto family who were active members of San Antonio Church were Pasquale Roberto (1892-1953) and Louise( Di Stasi) Roberto (1891-1942)and their family Joseph Roberto (1914-1987),  Anthony H. Roberto (1917-1984), Patrick Roberto (1920-1972), Alexander J. Roberto (1922-1990), Vito Joseph Roberto (1924-2000), Louis Roberto (1928-2000 ), Angelina (Roberto ) Buck (1913-1969) and Rose (Roberto) Baudendistel (1917-1964).  The Roberto family resided in the Upper Lick Run Section of South Fairmount with their homestead located at 2153 Queen City Avenue and were active in the Men’s Club and the St. Ann’s Married Ladies Sodality in the early years of the church.  They were also active in the Felitto Club that united the next generations from the first wave of Italians who settled in Cincinnati from the small towns and villages in southern Italy.  Pease keep the large Roberto and Thinnes family in your prayers.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin July 9, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On Saturday, July 8^th San Antonio Church welcomed members from the Van Cleave, Schiesz, Nieves-Taranto and Wilder Families for the baptism of Sophia Van Cleave who was born on January 1, 2023.  Sophia is the daughter of Sarah (Schiesz) and John Van Cleave from Seville, Ohio and is the 5^th generation of one the original founding families from South Fairmount.  Her Great Great Grandparents, the late Dena (Panaro) and Silvano Minella were longtime residents of Little Italy and parishioners of San Antonio Church.  The Great Grandparents to baby Sophia were the late Mary (Minella) and Anthony Schiesz who was married by Fr. Caesar Kron on July 4, 1947, at our church and resided at 1990 Queen City Avenue.  Mary and Tony Schiesz were active in the church sodality’s, festivals and fundraisers.  Their children: Grandfather and Grandmother of Sophia, Anthony (Tony) and Beth (Wilder) Schiesz who were married by our then pastor in 1981, Fr. Albert Senn.  Other members of their immediate family, Great Aunt Mary Jo (Schiesz) Cini who married the father of her children, the late Pat Monahan at San Antonio Church on December 27, 1967, Great Aunt Rita (Schiesz) Miller our dedicated Sacristan, and Great Aunt Nancy (Schiesz) Harnish.  The Godparents for baby Sophia’s Christening are her Aunt, Ashley Schiesz and her Uncle, Francisco Nieves-Taranto from Orlando, Florida. 

Fr. Louis Gasparini a Comboni Missionary presided at the Christening and celebration.  Fr. Louis, Director of Hispanic Ministry and Local Superior for the Comboni Mission Center for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati arrived from Italy after World War II and was ordained in 1966.    After he was ordained, Fr. Louis advised the Grandfather of Sophia, Anthony (Tony) Schiesz while he attended a pre–Seminary High School, Monroe Catholic High School in Michigan when the Verona Fathers were part of the Comboni Missionaries.   We are excited for his visit as Fr. Louis Gasparini has worked with the Pastor of Holy Family and San Antonio Churches, Father Rodolfo Coaquira Hilaje, a Peruvian Comboni Missionary.  These extraordinary   Missionary Priests have carried on the work of their founder, St. Daniel Comboni who dedicated his life and mission to the Sacred Heart.  Our church community wishes many blessings upon baby Sophia her parents Sarah and John and all her family members who have traveled many miles to witness and celebrate her Baptism at San Antonio Church, the parish of past generations of family members. 

On this Sunday, July 9^th San Antonio Church parishioners welcome the La Societa Fuscaldese Femminile for their annual Mass and Breakfast to honor their patron Saint, San Francesco di Paola who was born in 1416 and Canonized in 1519.  In 1943, Pope Pius XII named San Francesco the patron saint of seamen and in 1963, Pope John XXIII designated San Francesco di Paola the patron saint of Calabria.   We are honored to host their organization for this feast day and all the parishioners are honored to have the likeness of their revered saint, San Francesco di Paola adorn our church.   The history of their club dates to the time when their members immigrated from Fuscaldo, Italy and settled in Cincinnati, as they continued their familial ties and traditions.  The men from those original families established their own organization, Societa’ O.M.S. Fuscaldese Maschill in 1931 as a way to keep their connections with each other. 

Their first picnic was well attended and when they held their next reunion outing at Gutzwiller’s Grove, in 1932, there were over 200 in attendance.  The Men’s organization continued for 71 years until 2002 and that is when the La Societa Fuscaldese continued their service organization and involvement in the community while being a strong presence at Sacred Heart Church in Camp Washington.   After the Sacred Heart Italian Church (the parent church for San Antonio, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Churches) was relocated from 527 Broadway, the Parishioners joined Sacred Heart Church in Camp Washington in 1970   under the direction of the Scalabrinian   Fathers.  After the move, they established a group of volunteers with many from these families assisting with the renovations.  One of their priorities was to move the mural from the sanctuary of Sacred Heart Italian Church, which is now displayed in the Italian Center at Marshall and Massachusetts Avenues. 

The La Societa Fuscaldese Femminile continue to do community service and hold fundraisers to restore the church from their village in Italy.   We are honored by their visit as they celebrate their Saint, and we are appreciative of Pompilio’s for donating the delicious breakfast for all to enjoy.   We thank all our kitchen crew volunteers for preparing the breakfast and all the members of the Men’s and Ladies Club from San Antonio Parishioners who worked during this past week to make this morning a special event.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin July 2, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 13^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we continue to pray for the canonization of Sr. Blandina Segale, Servant of God and the next step on this process, her being declared Venerable.     Our San Antonio Church community has been actively following the process of our beloved Sister of Charity who had a significant presence and impact on all the past generations of our family members, and we were honored to be a part of the special aired on Channel 12 in December that portrayed her works in the Southwest and in Cincinnati.  This documentary Produced by Patricia McGeever has introduced Sr. Blandina to many new followers about her life and    since it’s airing, the documentary has won numerous awards.   In May, Patricia McGeever and Bryan Dykes attended the Ohio Associated Press Awards and won 1^st Place for Best Documentary or Series.   On June 8^th Patricia flew to Baltimore, Maryland to pick up a National Gabriel Award (given out by The Catholic Media Association) for a 1^st Place win for Special or Documentary-Local Release category against 1500 other Entries.  On June 22^nd, the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of The Society of Professional Journalists awarded Producer, Patricia and Commentator, Bob Herzog a win for the Best Documentary.  

The next award show for Sister Blandina Segale:  A Cincinnati Saint will be the Regional Emmy Awards to be handed out on July 29^th.  We wish Producer, Patricia McGeever, Director of Photography and Editor, Bryan Dykes, Host Bob Herzog and Ricky Henry, Graphics good luck!   There were also awards given to Tomas Sanchez who wrote, produced and directed the first instalment of the 80-minute movie at “The End of The Santa Fe Trail” covering Sr. Blandina’s years in Colorado and Albuquerque.    The first part of her journey, “At The End of The Santa Fe Trail,” was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in May; and in New Mexico, at the Santa Fe Film Festival, where Tomas Sanchez was awarded the Best Director in a Feature Film for 2023.   We are hoping the film will continue to complete her life story especially what she accomplished for the immigrant Italian population of South Fairmount and throughout Cincinnati.   There has also been interest in Sr. Blandina’s life with actress Robin Wright, as the executive producer and director developing a new series in the making, “Trinidad” – focusing on her years while being sent to the Colorado Territory in the late 1880’s.     

On Tuesday, we celebrate the 247th Fourth of July and recall the day in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia after the approval of a resolution of independence.  The resolution was proposed in June by Virginian, Richard Henry Lee declaring the United States independent from the rule of Great Britain.  The legal separation of the 13 Colonies had actually occurred on the 2^nd of July to declare the United States independent from Great Britian’s rule.  Thomas Jefferson, the principal author, wrote the Declaration of Independence over a 17-day period between June 11, 1776, and June 28, 1776.  At that time, Thomas Jefferson was residing on a rented 2^nd floor of a 3-story home at 700 Market Street within walking distance of Independence Hall.  There was much debate over the wording of the Declaration because of Thomas Jefferson’s not holding back on the denunciation of King George III.  This took place on July 2^nd with final approval taking place on July 4, 1776, in a closed session of Congress.  This important document needed to become public, and it was John Hancock the president of the Second Continental Congress, who then commissioned the Editor and printer of the Pennsylvania Packet, John Dunlap to print 200 broadside (large pieces of paper printed to be posted in public spaces) copies of the Declaration of Independence.  The task for printing took place the day after the Declaration was adopted and became known as the Dunlap Broadsides.  

Distributed throughout the 13 colonies/states then to General Washington and his troops at New York with the directive that the Declaration be read aloud.  Copies were also sent to Great Britian and other countries throughout Europe.   Upon receiving them, many states issued their own broadside editions.  The only names on that version of the Dunlap broadside were the president of Congress, John Hancock and Secretary Charles Thomson and it was not until January 18, 1777, that Congress ordered another copy to be sent to each of the 13 states with the names of the signers.  This copy was the first to list all the names of the signers and is referred to as the Goddard Broadside.  Many of the founding fathers of our country would go on to hold important roles in the early government of the United States.    Two signers of the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson and John Adams   went on to serve as President of the United States with both passing away on the 50^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1826.    Another elected President, James Monroe also died on July 4, 1831.  Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872, 96^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 

There is a Memorial to the 56 Delegates to the Second Congress who were signers of the Declaration of independence in Washington, D.C.  The memorial was authorized by Congress in 1978 as a gift from the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration and was dedicated on July 4, 1984.  The memorial is between Constitution Avenue and the Reflecting Pool close to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and is governed by the National Park Service.   The 56 stone blocks portray a facsimile of the signers actual signature, his occupation and his place of residence.  Happy 4^th of July America!        

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin June 25, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 12^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Catholic Church and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops invites all Catholics “to pray, reflect and act to promote religious freedom” during Religious Freedom Week that starts of June 22^nd and ends on June 29^th.  The beginning of the movement then called Religious Liberty started in 2012 to defend the Catholic Church in the United Sates against attacks by the Federal Government.  It was called the Fortnight For Freedom, then a 14-day prayer and for public action during the Obama administration’s contraception mandate.  Starting on June 22^nd, it has since become an annual event called Religious Freedom Week taking place on the feasts of Saints Thomas Moore and John Fisher, English Martyrs who practiced their deep faith for Christ and His Church, fought religious persecution; were charged with treason and executed in 1535 during the reign of King Henry VIII.  They opposed to King Henry’s divorce when the King claimed to be the supreme head of the Church in England while asserting sovereign power over English Christians.  During   Religious Freedom Week, we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24^th) and on June 28^th with the Solemnity of Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, who were Martyred in Rome.  The theme for 2023 is Embracing the Divine Gift of Freedom.  Pope Francis once said in 2021: “Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all”.  During this week, we are encouraged to pray and act each day for the goal of religious freedom and help Catholics come together in solidarity with other people of faith to carry out the mission of the Catholic Church in the United States.   

Every day during this weeklong vigil, many areas affecting our religious freedoms will be highlighted and prayed for by all those within the Catholic Church throughout the United States.  The U.S. Catholic Bishops have introduced topics to educate us about these issues and to act and to advocate for policies that promote religious freedom, as these concerns affect Catholic families in many aspects of their lives.   The week of religious freedom begins with us offering prayers to stop the attacks on our churches and to convert hearts to faith in Jesus Christ, and that people of all faiths will be free to gather in sacred places without fear.   Our next prayer of intention is for us to pray that governments will respect the seal of Confession; as Church law forbids Priests from divulging what is revealed to them by penitents during the sacrament of reconciliation.  We as a faith community are called to include our brothers and sisters who are suffering in Nicaragua in our prayers. 

On this Sunday, June 25^th we need to pray for religious student groups at colleges and universities that the policies of this new administration should not be used to prohibit religious student groups from ensuring their members and leaders share their beliefs.  The Department of Education is working to repeal a Trump era rule that would protect faith-based student organizations from discrimination by universities and colleges.  The USCCB supports the Equal Campus Act of 2023 which would codify those rules that protect the rights of student groups allowing them to carry out their distinctive mission. 

On Monday, June 26^th, we are asked to stand in solidarity with people throughout the world who have suffered for their faith because of the persecution of the Catholic Church and to be aware of the religious tensions taking place in Nigeria.  Another concern during the Religious Freedom Week is for all Catholic Institutions such as schools, hospitals and all those child welfare providers who will suffer because of changes to federal regulations.  On Tuesday, June 27^th please offer prayers so that business leaders promote a culture that welcomes faith at work.   For Wednesday, June 28^th we in the Catholic Church are asked to pray for all migrants and refugees that the Lord grants them protection at this very difficult time in their lives.  On Thursday, June 29^th we continue to offer prayer intentions as the Biden Administration has proposed new rules to remove protections from health care institutions and individuals.  We pray that our government will respect all individuals and institutions that care for the sick and vulnerable.  Through prayer, education, and public action during Religious Freedom Week, we can work to promote the essential right of all Catholics as well as those who practice other faiths, that they will be treated with dignity and respect.