From the Pope

Homily from beatification of Sr. Marija Propetoga Isusa Petkovic

"Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mk 10:17). This was the question asked by the young man who met Jesus that day and knelt down before him.

Today, dear brothers and sisters, gathered in this liturgical assembly as disciples of the "Good Teacher", we too put this question to Jesus, for we wish to know the path which leads to undying life.

Jesus’ response is simple and immediate: "Keep the commandments!". It comes from the One who is the true source of truth and life. Gathered for this joyous celebration, the people of Dubrovnik, together with the pilgrims who have come from the rest of Croatia, from Bosnia-Hercegovina, from Montenegro and from other countries, accept with trepidation the invitation of the Good Teacher, and they implore his help and grace in order to be able to respond with generosity and conviction.

In the footsteps of my predecessor Pius IV who was Archbishop here, I have come with joy to this ancient and glorious city of Dubrovnik, a city proud of its history and its traditions of freedom, justice and the advancement of the common good. This is seen in the lapidary phrase inscribed on the fortress of Saint Lawrence: Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro ("Freedom cannot be sold for all the money in the world") and above the door of the Council Hall in the Governor’s Palace: Obliti privatorum, publica curate ("Forget all private interests, and tend to public concerns").

It is my hope that the patrimony of human and Christian values, accumulated down the centuries, will continue, with the help of God and of your Patron Saint Blase, to be the most precious treasure of the people of this country.

" Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mk 10:17). This is the question that Sister Marija of Jesus Crucified asked her Lord from the time of her youth in Blato on the island of Korcula, when she took active part in the life of her parish and devoted herself generously to others in the Association of the Good Shepherd, in the Association of Catholic Mothers, and in the people’s Kitchen.

The response echoed clearly in her heart: "Come and follow me!" Overwhelmed by the love of God, she chose to consecrate herself to him for ever and to fulfil her aspiration to total devotion to the spiritual and material well-being of those most in need. Later she founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Mercy of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, with the specific task of "spreading knowledge of God’s love through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy." Difficulties were not lacking, but Sister Marija persevered with indomitable courage, offering up her sufferings as so many acts of worship and supporting her Sisters by her words and her example. For forty years she guided her Institute with maternal wisdom, opening it to missionary commitment in various countries of Latin America.

The figure of Blessed Marija Propetoga Isusa reminds me of all the women of Croatia, those who are wives and mothers, those whose lives were for ever changed by the grief of losing a family member in the cruel war of the 1990s or by other bitter troubles which they have endured. I think of you, dear women, because by your sensitivity, generosity and strength, "you enrich the world’s understanding and help to make human relations more honest and authentic" (Letter to Women, 2). In a special way God has entrusted children to your care, and thus you are called to become an important support in the life of every person, especially within the context of the family.

The frenetic pace of modern life can lead to an obscuring or even a loss of what is truly human. Perhaps more than in other periods of history, our time is in need of "that ‘genius’ which belongs to women, and which can ensure sensitivity for human beings in every circumstance" (Mulieris Dignitatem, 30).

Women of Croatia, conscious of your lofty vocation as "wives" and "mothers", continue to see every person with the eyes of the heart. Continue to reach out to them and to stand beside them with the sensitivity born of your maternal instinct. Your presence is indispensable in the family, in society, and in the ecclesial community.

In a particular way, I think of you, consecrated women, like Marija Petkovic, who have accepted the invitation to follow with undivided heart Jesus Christ, chaste, poor and obedient. Be tireless in responding faithfully to the one Love of your life. For the consecrated life is not only a generous commitment on the part of a human being; it is first and foremost a response to a gift from on high which cries out to be accepted in complete openness. May the daily experience of God’s freely-given love inspire you to give your lives unreservedly to the service of the Church and of your brothers and sisters commending all things, present and future, to his hands.

" Jesus looking upon him loved him" (Mk 10:21). God turns a loving gaze upon all those who desire to do his will and to walk in his ways (cf. Ps 1:1-3). All people, each according to his or her specific vocation, are called to bring about within themselves and all about them the plan of God. That is why the Spirit of the Lord fills God’s faithful ones with "compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience" (Col 3:12). Only thus can the earthly city be built in the image of the heavenly city.

May your Christian community grow and be strengthened in mutual forgiveness, charity and peace: this is the prayer that the Pope today raises to the Lord for all of you.

" And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col 3:17)

Interview Steven M. Clifford

Steven M. Clifford was born and raised in Utah as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS,or Mormons as they are often called). After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force in Europe (West Germany), he returned to Utah with his Catholic wife, Anne. He graduated in 1975 from Weber State College in Ogden, Utah, with a BA in Foreign Literature and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. Steve also has an MS in Information Systems from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, where he graduated in 1992. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in January 1995 from his last assignment in the Pentagon. He has two daughters and a granddaughter. Steve currently works at a software development company where he is involved in developing Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) applications for the Internet and the worldwide web. Steve has been involved with computers and telecommunications since 1982. He operates a number of Web sites out of his home. He enjoys sharing his knowledge of Mormonism as he evangelizes on the computer networks. He is active in Catholic apologetics on the Internet and is an officer in the Legion of Mary.

Steve, please tell us about your religious roots?
I was born and raised in Utah, the oldest of two children. We were brought up in a nominally religious home, and yet religion played a major part in our lives as we were growing up. My parents were also born and raised in Utah in families with connections back to the early Mormon pioneers who settled the Great Salt Lake Valley in the mid-1800's.

My great-great-great grandfather on my mother's side was probably the first in my family to join the Mormon church on February 14, 1832, less than two years after Joseph Smith founded the church. Grandpa Alva Benson convinced his wife, father, mother, and the rest of his father's family to join the church in the winter of 1832. They moved to Jackson County, Missouri, in November of 1832 but were driven out of the County by a mob because they were Mormons. In 1834 they moved to Clay County to join with the main body of the church. Four years later, they were forced out of Missouri by a combination of militia troops and vigilantes after Governor Boggs issued his infamous EXTERMINATION ORDER on October 27th, 1838. The order described the Mormons as being in "open and avowed defiance of the laws, and of having made war upon the people of this state." It stated that "the Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary for the public peace - their outrages are beyond all description." My family eventually settled in Utah in 1852.

All of my extended family since those early pioneer ancestors were born and raised as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons, as they are more commonly known). It was only natural that my sister and I were brought up in the religion as well.

What about the religious practises of your family?
Mormonism in Utah was not just practiced on Sundays; it was a way of life. School, social activities, scouting, dancing, music, theater, sports, and much more revolved around the church. My parents did not go to church regularly, but they were very adamant that my sister and I not miss out on anything the church had to offer. They paid their Fast Offerings and welcomed the visiting Home Teachers in an effort to maintain their ties with the church and thereby remain in good standing. In those days, anyone who was less than an active member of the church was ostracized by the majority. Approximately 77% of the population of Utah was Mormon, and my parents did not want me or my sister to become one of those unmentionable, disenfranchised "others".

What do the Mormons believe?
Mormonism is still thriving in Utah and growing all over the world. The LDS have a very carefully groomed image of family togetherness and steadfast moral values. Mormons believe that strong families make a strong nation, and strong nations make a strong world. They have a program called "Family Home Evening", in which each participating family sets aside one evening per week to gather and discuss issues concerning the church. The goal of every faithful Mormon is to go to the temple and to be sealed for time and eternity as a family unit. In order to enter the temple, each individual needs a temple recommend from his Bishop and Stake President. The recommend is only granted to Mormons in good standing with the church (i.e. those who live the Word of Wisdom, pay 10% tithing, attend church regularly, etc.).

In addition to ministering to their own members, there are over 40,000 men and women missionaries around the world who dedicate two years of their lives, at personal expense and great sacrifice, to spread the word about Mormonism to others. The missionary's appeal comes from his or her youthful appearance and enthusiasm and from the social programs the church offers, such as dancing, sports, scouts, and genealogy.

Most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have complete and unquestioning trust in all that is Mormon. They believe with all their hearts that their faith represents the only true church on earth, and it is their goal (and responsibility) to spread that belief to everyone else.

Did you have friends of other religions?
As I was growing up, I had very little contact with people outside the LDS church. The few non-Mormons I knew were viewed as outsiders and were treated differently than the members. Even Mormons who did not attend church regularly or who did not live according to the teachings of the church were still considered "better" than non-members. I experienced this social exclusion first-hand when I decided not to attend the church-sponsored seminary program during my first year of high school. Although it was outside the normal curriculum and even located across the street from the school, almost everyone who was Mormon attended the seminary classes. It was difficult for me to relate to my friends as they exchanged stories about the things they were learning in seminary and the activities in which they were involved. I did not make that mistake again! I participated in the three-year seminary program rather than the normal four years and was once again content to find myself included in conversations with my friends.

What are the writings upon which the Mormon doctrines are based?
Mormons consider the "Standard Works" to be the basis of their doctrine. These four books are the Bible (King James Version), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. They believe the Bible to be incomplete, because many "plain and precious parts" have been taken away by the "great and abominable church". The Book of Mormon is regarded as a volume of holy scripture. It supposedly contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel. Joseph Smith described the Book of Mormon as "the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion". The Doctrine and Covenants consists primarily of revelations given to Joseph Smith and is full of instruction for the church regarding Mormon beliefs and practices involving baptism for the dead, celestial marriage, priesthood, and polygamy. The Pearl of Great Price is a collection of smaller writings and contains the 13 Articles of Faith, a summary of the beliefs of the LDS church.

What did you think about the Catholic Church as a Mormon?
I was taught that the Catholic Church was the "great and abominable church" mentioned in the Book of Mormon. Furthermore, the Catholic Church had intentionally removed the "plain and precious parts" from the Bible that were essential for a full understanding of the teachings of Christ. As a result, there was a "Great" or "Total Apostasy" of the Gospel, and it became necessary for the church to be restored by Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith. As a Mormon, it was easier to relate to members of the Protestant churches because they had a common disdain for the Catholic Church. I agreed with the Protestants in their recognition of the Catholic Church as an apostate church, but felt that they had only the incomplete Bible as their source for doctrine. It was easy to use the Bible to support the Mormon position where possible and then to claim that it was not translated correctly when it conflicted with what I was taught to believe as a Mormon.

Have you always been an active member of the LDS church?
When I left Utah in 1968 to join the military, the Mormon bishop gave me a metal dog tag. Engraved on one side was a picture of the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City. On the reverse side were the words, "I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints". When times were hard, I would often wear my dog tags with the Mormon medal as a reminder of my roots and my heritage. It gave me comfort to recall that I was at heart just a simple Mormon boy from Utah, protected from the evils of the world by my family, friends, and church.

Despite the consolation it provided, I became inactive in the Mormon church. About a year later, I met Anne, a Catholic, and we were married by a Catholic priest in Germany in 1971. Our two daughters were raised Catholic. For many years I attended Catholic Mass, often as a musician with the choir. While stationed in San Francisco, I played the guitar at the local Army chapel along with a Baptist piano player. We often joked that we knew the words to the Mass better than most Catholics in attendance.

I continued to proudly proclaim my Mormon affiliation although I did not attend their services. I had no intention of joining any other church, especially not the Catholic Church. I knew how much it meant to my family back in Utah that I remain a member of the Mormon church. I dreaded visits from the Home Teachers, but I always made sure that my church records followed me to my new duty station. I did not let the Mormons get too close to me, afraid that they would talk me into coming back to church again. I made good friends with another Mormon service member who kept me informed with the latest news from the church. Otherwise, I kept my distance from the Mormons, comfortable to just sit on the fence.

What was the first step to your conversion to the Catholic Church?
We moved to Virginia in January of 1993 for an assignment at the Pentagon, and I began attending Mass regularly. I joined the contemporary choir because I enjoyed the music, and I thought it was a nice, neutral way to worship God. When asked to do a newsletter for the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign, I jumped at the opportunity to display my computer talents. Through the preparation of the newsletter, I was first introduced to the Rosary and to Mary's special role in the life, suffering, and death of Jesus. I could not help but be touched by the things I was reading. I began to ask questions. Anne was, of course, excited about my interest and began dropping Catholic literature around the house for me to find.

In the early part of November, I asked Anne if she was trying to convert me. She said she was not and reminded me that she had NEVER pressured me to become a Catholic. For over 22 years of married life, I had gladly called myself a Mormon, and I told Anne that I had no intention of becoming a Catholic. "I was born a Mormon, I was raised a Mormon, and I'm going to die a Mormon!", I exclaimed. But something was happening to me. The power of all the prayers that were being said for me by Anne and by many others was having an effect. The Holy Spirit was working on me.

What caused you to investigate the claims of the Catholic Church?
On November 20th, 1993, I sacrificed a Saturday to attend a seminar given by Scott and Kimberly Hahn. Scott told his story of assuming the role of detective in an attempt to prove once and for all that the Catholic Church was wrong. In the process of his studies, he became a Catholic. I remember thinking to myself that obviously he did not research very well, or he would have become a Mormon instead of a Catholic. I decided to try the detective thing myself, just to prove the Catholics wrong and the Mormons right.

I began reading and researching like there was no tomorrow. I read books on Mormonism, Protestantism and Catholicism. I listened to audio tapes and watched videos. I grabbed at anything I could get my hands on to confirm beyond a shadow of a doubt that the only true church on earth was the one restored by Jesus Christ to the "Prophet" Joseph Smith and his followers. Much to my chagrin, every direction I turned and on each point I investigated, I found overwhelming evidence against the Mormon position. The more I researched, the more problems I found with the Mormon doctrines I had been taught.

I discovered that the Mormon teaching of a "Total Apostasy" in the early Church established by Jesus Christ was simply not true. The overwhelming historical evidence available supports the Catholic teaching on Apostolic succession. It was first demonstrated in the replacement of Judas by Matthias (Acts 1:15-26). The chain has been unbroken from Peter to Pope John Paul II (Matthew 16:18). Without a great and total apostasy, there is no need for a restoration.

Another truth I uncovered through my research is that there is only one God. I could no longer accept basic Mormon principles, such as the plurality of gods made of flesh and bones, God's humanity, and man's progression to an exalted god of his own world. Through the mystery of the Holy Trinity, I began to understand the one divine nature of God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Lastly, I came to know that God is the "first cause" of everything and that our souls and bodies are created at the moment of conception. I could no longer accept the Mormon plan of eternal progression, consisting of a pre-mortal existence where each person is born into this world according to his previous merits in the spirit world. I started to believe that nothing exists that does not owe its existence to God the Creator. The next logical step was to realize that Mary was created as the most exalted creature on earth. I began to see her as the daughter of God the Father, the spouse of God the Holy Spirit, and the mother of God the Son. I saw that through a better understanding of the virtues of the Blessed Virgin, we can more nearly follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

What did you do after realizing all of this?
By Christmas, I was absolutely convinced that the Mormons were wrong. I was devastated! How could so many good people be deceived? What about all the sacrifices my ancestors had made for the church? How could I turn my back on my heritage, my upbringing, my family and my childhood friends? I wanted to pretend that I had never started on this journey. I wished I could go back to the way things were, but it was too late. I had found the truth.

Once I had decided that I wanted to become a Catholic, I had a wonderful feeling of peace because I knew that I was doing the right thing. I was certain that God was prompting me along the way and giving me the grace to open my mind and heart to accept the truth of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Was it hard? Did you have difficulties?
At the same time there was a tremendous battle raging about me that left me wondering what was going to happen next. I was challenged from all directions in what seemed like a concerted effort to prevent me from trusting in God. The spiritual warfare even manifested itself physically. One morning, about two weeks before my baptism, another driver ran into the back of my car on the way to work. I was verbally attacked by members of my family in Utah and some of my co-workers at the Pentagon. On Ash Wednesday, I was heckled by my supervisor for having "dirt" on my forehead. The distractions and obstacles seemed constant and unrelenting. I just kept reminding myself that I must be on the right track since all these bad things were being thrown at me. I accepted my sufferings as the devil's desperate attempt to steer me away from the Church.

Were there any consolations during those moments?
Not to be outdone, God gave me some loving affirmations that He was there with me. One evening at church, I was overcome with joy and drawn almost uncontrollably to an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I genuflected toward the tabernacle and made the sign of the cross for the first time in my life. Also on Ash Wednesday, just days before my baptism, I had a very moving experience confirming the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. During my first confession the next day, I had another nudge that assured me of the authority of the Pope as the successor to Peter and the Vicar of Christ. By that time, I had no problem discerning which combatant was sending the good messages and which was sending the negative ones.

When did you make the definitive step towards the Catholic Church?
On the 19th of February, 1994, I received the Holy Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, First Communion, and validation of the Sacrament of Matrimony performed over 22 years earlier. It was a sacred day that I will cherish forever. Many wonderful things have happened to me and my family since my Baptism. I consecrated my life to Jesus Christ through Mary and joined the Legion of Mary. With the help of the Blessed Mother, the Lord has done many amazing things to me, and I am truly grateful.

What do you think it was that influenced you to leave Mormonism?
I have often been asked what caused me to suddenly open myself to the Catholic Church and to leave Mormonism. I can point to a number of different things that happened simultaneously, but I cannot isolate any one event to say with certainty, "This planted the first seed." Over the years many seedlings have taken root in my mind and in my heart. Scott Hahn's lectures certainly poured on lots of water and food for thought. The prayers of my wife and many others were undoubtedly the light that warmed and nurtured those tender seeds of my budding faith.

What can we say to the people in this sect to help open their eyes to the fullness of truth in the Catholic Church?
Each person we encounter should be approached with a spirit of love and patience, rather than interrogation or rebuke. Know your faith, live your faith, and be ever ready to explain your faith. Plant the seeds of truth with humbleness and charity. There are countless loopholes and inconsistencies in the Mormon church that are easy targets of attack. The better approach is to engage instead in a friendly discussion about the theory of the "Great" or "Total Apostasy". If no universal apostasy of the Church took place, the whole basis of Mormonism collapses. The Sacred Scripture of the New Testament shows that Christ left a Church that he promised would last until the end of time (Mt 16:13-18). He told His Church, "Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:20). The writings of the early Church Fathers (like Saints Clement, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Polycarp, and Irenaeus) are well-documented in books like the three-volume set from William A. Jurgens called, "The Faith of the Early Fathers". When read carefully, these writings clearly show that the very early Fathers did not teach Mormon doctrines (plurality of gods, pre mortal existence, eternal progression, polygamy, baptism for the dead, celestial marriage, etc.), but rather consistently preached Catholic doctrines (the Mass as a sacrifice, Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, Primacy of Peter and his successors, etc.).

How did your Mormon family respond to your conversion?
It has not been easy for my family in Utah to accept my conversion to Catholicism. To my knowledge, I am the first of our family members to officially leave the Mormon church to become a Catholic. My relationship with my family has therefore been very strained. My wife and I continue to pray that my parents will someday understand why I chose to leave Mormonism for the true Church established by Jesus Christ.

Mamie's Fervour

Before seeing whether or not Mamie was fervent and in what sense she was, we should clarify our concepts.

Fervour is the spirit, devotion or enthusiasm and interest that is invested in a practice, a sentiment or an activity. Christianity has defined devotion, which is a synonym of fervour, as the fidelity to the service of God through personal and liturgical prayer.

The word is commonly used to designate the practices of piety and the zeal with which they are performed: to do one’s devotions. It also designates the person who is sincerely committed to prayer and to the service of God, as St. Francis de Sales indicates in “The Introduction to the Devout Life”. Some, like the French writer Molière, have attacked false devotion from a position that could not exactly be described as that of a believer, presenting devotion as something marked by hypocrisy and falsehood. However, the concept of devotion has not lost its relevance. Sometimes it is applied to particular aspects of the spiritual life. For example: the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to the Cross of Christ, to the Eucharist, to the Blessed Virgin Mary...

In the Bible we are told of the great fervour of King David who danced and sang before the Ark of the Alliance: “David and all the house of Israel danced before Yahweh with all their strength, with singing and with citharas, harps, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals.” (2 Sam. 6, 59.)

Was Mamie a fervent, devout person?...

Devotion and its form of expression depend on the psychological makeup of each person and on the graces they have received. Not all people react in the same way to similar realities.

Mamie liked to place herself among the front benches in the liturgical functions, not to be seen by people or to give herself importance, but rather so that she wouldn’t be distracted and could concentrate on the sacred rites, following the gestures and words of the priest. Also, she was a little deaf, and as time went by her deafness worsened, and she was a foreigner, which increased the difficulty in understanding the words. She loved the liturgy. And she didn’t want to miss a single moment of being in God’s presence through faith. This was why she never liked to arrive late. And when the time approached to set out for Church, she would immediately get ready, put on her coat and her headscarf, pick up her handbag, tie her shoes - later on, more often than not, someone had to tie them for her because as she got older it became impossible for her - and head off with plenty of time to spare.

Sister Inmaculada, missionary of the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother in Ecuador, accompanied her many times. I myself was parish priest of Rielves (Toledo) for five years, and in that period Mamie couldn’t come with me because I had other priestly obligations to perform after Mass. She spared no effort or expense in order not to miss Mass. She used to go to San Julián, the church run by the Jesuit Fathers in Toledo. And she had to take a taxi. She and the young Inmaculada Doncel used to go to Mass together.

In the church, in the first bench, recollected and in silence, she would concentrate on her preparation so that the Lord would fill her with his love. She couldn’t stand people talking in church. Or wasting their time.

The fruit of her prayer during those celebrations of the Eucharist was a progressive identification with the One who visited her in his Word and in the Sacrament. She became more and more modest, humble, patient, grateful. To such an extent that those of us who knew her couldn’t get enough of the personal charm that radiated from her soul so full of God. She knew how to be a complete mother, in spiritual tension, like the strong woman of the Bible. She possessed a great harmony of infused gifts, and the depth of her counsels was not a simple derivation of a powerful intellect.

The mystery of her radiant personality proceeded from her union with God, from her fervour, from the promptness with which she devoted herself to the opus Dei, that is, to prayer. Her constant dialogue with God, who is love, gave her a new capacity. She always recognised that “God had made her like that”, but it is equally true that she cultivated and responded with generosity to the graces that she had received from Him. Her fervour gave her a simplicity and a quiet serenity that reflected the face of Christ. In her was fulfilled the ejaculatory prayer, “Lord, may those who look at me, see You”.