Monatsbote
May 2008
Volume 120
Issue 5
The Newsletter from Holy Trinity, "the
German Church", published since 1899.
Dear Monatsbote Readers,
The Holy Trinity is the
central mystery of our religion. Until
Christ first revealed it, man never knew there were Three Persons in the one
Godhead – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, distinct in Person but coequal in
nature, majesty, and glory. Each of the
Three Persons is God and yet our God is one.
This mysterious truth we
cannot fully comprehend or understand.
We accept its reality on God’s word alone. “Let us make man in our image and likeness,”
God said in Genesis. The mark of the
Holy Trinity is on us and all His creation. We thus adore the Triune God in His
triple personally. He who created and
redeemed us daily sanctifies us for our eventual union with Him in glory.
Most blessed Trinity, three Person in one God, may all humankind be one in love and
peace as you are in unutterable perfection.
May your peace pervade our national and international life. May your unity mark Christ’s Church. May your love
be reflected in our homes, families, and our occupations as well as within each
one of us.
…Franciscan
Mission Associates
Commentary
A HALF CENTURY AGO IN THE SOUTH END
Much has changed in the physical appearance of Boston’s South End even in just the past 50 years. This article began in the March issue. Here is the third and final installment of a first person recollection from one “who was there.”
Beside the
Fire Department station was a general store: a mere hole
in the wall but one could see men going in for the newspaper or cigarettes or a
quart of milk. These were small
concerns, often “mumma and puppa”
made a better go of it then others.
There were no qualified shops around.
An excellent place was the South End Hardware up Washington Street a
ways, around West Newton Street. This
was an exception with ample stock and knowledge-able clerks. Outsiders came here; tradesmen used it. Around there too on Washington Street was a
kind of Five and Ten – but not a Woolworth’s.
Some lady ran it and, distant from downtown, the local population frequented
it. It worked out OK; that is, it was in
healthy condition, economically.
People lived
above the stores on Washington Street, had children and lived lives. (I take this as the spine of the South
End.) They had normal lives despite the
banal incongruity outside their walls. Rents had to be very low. Here and there was a rare wooden house on the
side streets. Once again, rooming houses
were part of the urban texture here. The
elevated railway rumbled above one’s head.
People took it in stride. The
same goes for the shrieking of the fire engines.
Despite the
tawdry and below standard details, the South End had a kind of charm that
currently eludes it with newly built sterile buildings guarding a new
residential population. It had character
then and was not especially dangerous.
It was economically deprived to a state-of-the-art degree.
Urban
renewal initiated by Mayor Collins began a change. The project, with its own challenges,
signaled this. Bit by bit yuppies
entered, taking good care of their premises after perceiving favorable
possibilities. Property
appreciated. Square foot by square foot
prices went up and the El came down.
Later, apartments and condos came upon the scene. That was a way off, but come they did. It was no longer Boston’s slum scene, venue
of the disadvantaged.
This reflection is brief and wanting in detail, but
it provides some feel for the area “back when”.
Father Fred O’Brien
Dankeschön
If I try to name names, I know
I’ll leave someone out. So I won’t! During these past four months I have been
laid low by a serious medical problem.
The prayers, cards, telephone calls, enrollments, gifts and flowers from
my Holy Trinity family are the morale boosters that now have me on the road to
recovery. The hydrangea plant from the
Catholic Women’s Guild has been planted in our garden. Some perky pansies smile at us from the porch
planter. And Spring
is here! Rich joins me in this grateful Dankeschön.
God bless all of you for your kindness and caring. How blest we are! Dolores Miller
Archdiocesan Reorganization News
As reported last month the
Presbyteral Council considered on March 14 the recommendation to close Holy
Trinity. Transcribed below is the letter
which Bishop Hennessey read to the Council in the presence of His Eminence, Seán Cardinal O’Malley.
Last May’s Monatsbote contained reports on formal appeals that were made to
Cardinal O’Malley and to the Congregation of the Clergy in Rome concerning the
Cardinal’s decision to transfer our Latin parishioners to another parish. In a decree dated
Transcription
of letter read to the Presbyteral Council by Bishop Robert Hennessey on
His Eminence, Seán Cardinal O’Malley
Archdiocese of Boston
2121 Commonwealth Avenue
Brighton, MA
Re:
Holy Trinity German Parish, Boston
Your Eminence:
Holy Trinity German Parish on Shawmut Avenue in South
Boston has a long and distinguished history of service to German speaking
immigrants beginning in 1844. It also
served as the home for the Tridentine Mass under the diocesan indult for nearly
20 years. It has a long tradition of
beautiful liturgical music, including the benefit of the pipe organ as part of
its musical program. The parish was
administered by the pastor of Saint James the Greater Parish for nearly 20
years, and before that by the Rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The current administrator is the Rector of
the Cathedral, Father John Connolly.
In 2004, the reconfiguration of parishes in the
Archdiocese included a review of Holy Trinity.
Since that time, the Latin Mass under the indult has moved to Mary
Immaculate of Lourdes Parish, Newton, whose pastor, Father Charles Higgins,
tends to the Tridentine faithful on a regular basis. The liturgies that take place at Holy Trinity
are no longer celebrated in German, as that language has fallen out of use
among the faithful who gather there.
They do sing hymns in German, however.
At this time Mass attendance on a weekend is fewer than 50 people, and
other sacraments are rarely celebrated at the church.
The social service agencies located on the property,
the Medeiros Center and Bridge Over Troubled Waters,
are in the process of relocating. The
Medeiros Center is moving to Our Lady of Victories Parish on Isabella Street,
and Bridge is actively engaged in seeking to acquire and move to a new
location.
At this time, I recommend that you discuss the
possibility of the parish closing, having fulfilled its’ mission of welcoming
German language Catholics in Boston. The
parishioners would be welcomed most warmly by the Cathedral of the Holy Cross
Parish, just over a half mile away, where their long tradition of beautiful
music, and their interest in German heritage can all continue under the
pastoral care of the Rector, Father Connolly or whoever would succeed Fr.
Connolly.
With every best wish, I am
Devotedly
yours in Christ,
(signed)
Most
Reverend Robert Hennessey
Auxiliary
Bishop of Boston
May 2008 Calendar
|
Thu
1 |
Ascension Thursday.
Low Mass in Latin. The Mass
will be offered for the intentions of “a parishioner”, |
|
Sat
3 |
Holy Trinity German Choir rehearsal, |
|
May 4 |
9 AM Low Mass in Latin. The Mass will be offered for the most abandoned souls in Purgatory. May Procession and Benediction follow Mass. Brown Scapular induction will take place in St. Joseph’s Chapel after Benediction. 11 AM Mass in English/German. Frauenbruderschaft. The Mass will be offered for Frank and Louise Freier. |
|
Sat 10 |
Holy Trinity German
Choir rehearsal, |
|
May 11 |
Pentecost Sunday. 9 AM High Mass in Latin. The Mass will be offered for Miriam Marra. Holy Name Society will recite the Holy Name Litany after Mass. Pentecost Sunday. 11 AM Mass in English/German. Männerbruderschaft. The Mass will be offered for all the deceased mothers of Holy Trinity parish. |
|
Wed 14 |
Holy Trinity German
Choir rehearsal, |
|
Sat 19 |
Holy Trinity German
Choir rehearsal, |
|
May 18 |
Trinity Sunday. 9 AM Low Mass in Latin. The Mass will be offered for Carolyn A. Sizensky. Trinity Sunday. 11 AM Mass in English/German. Holy Trinity German Choir. The Mass will be offered in thanksgiving for all the valued friendships fostered throughout the history of Holy Trinity Parish. May Procession follows Mass. |
|
May 25 |
Corpus Christi. 9 AM High Mass in Latin. The Mass will be offered for Vera Rothwell. Corpus Christi. 11 AM Mass in English/German. Immaculate Conception Sodality. The Mass will be offered for the living and deceased members of the Catholic Women’s Guild. |
|
Jun 1 |
9 AM Low Mass in Latin. The Mass will be offered for John T. Donovan. 11 AM Mass in English/German. Frauenbruderschaft. The Mass will be offered for Frank and Louise Freier. |
Ø
Fifty seven years have passed since a
faithful steward of God, Father James Curtin, vowed to serve Him and His
people. How grateful and fortunate are we
at Holy Trinity to have Father offering the Holy Sacrifice each Sunday “come rain or come shine”.
Ad multos annos!
Ø
Memo to C. N. Faulstich:
We pray your illness is temporary and that you’ll soon be making your wry comments,
worldly observations, etc. while recuperating at Marist Hill in Waltham. Your coast-to-coast Kinder and your beloved Frau Anna are providing “boost” for their dear patriarch
and almost nonagenarian. Mr. Commentator:
You are to Holy Trinity what Andy Rooney is to “Sixty Minutes”! See you soon!
Ø
Gratefully, our “Sick List” is shrinking
to an “On the Road List” and “Well List”.
Arthur C.; Frank D. Sr.; Dolores M.; and Joan R. are now in one of these
categories – en-route to complete health.
We and they know that power of prayer.
(Poor M. M. O’Hare, where ever she is.)
Ø
Six years ago, on May 25, Harry Kaufman
was ordained. As Father Kaufman, of
Sacred Heart Church in Weymouth, he has adapted to its school children, the “churchatorium” necessitated by the devastating fire, the
church rebuilding, and “treasure hunting” with a committee for the location
of appropriate stained glass windows and lighting fixtures, etc. His scavenging was successful and once again
the new Scared Heart edifice is serving its congregation. However, at this writing, Fr. Harry, upon
returning from a justly deserved vacation, will learn of his expected
reassignment. Where he does not know. We trust he’ll not be too far so that we may
have the “pleasure of his company” on occasion.
Ad multos annos!
Ø
We join parents, Stephen & Joan, the
family and all parishioners in offering congratulations to Clare Pepin who will
receive her First Holy Communion on May 4, at the 9 o’clock Mass. This will be followed immediately by a May Procession
at which Clare will have the privilege of crowning Our Lady. Precious memories to be cherished
forever! God Bless All!
Ø
The month of May - “traditionally
dedicated to Mary, Mother of God by Catholics” - (that’s us) as noted in a
generic encyclopedia. Our hymns, prayers
and sonnets continue to declare our love and devotion. As laic songwriters proclaim: “Mary is a
grand old name!”, “Mary,
the rose of Tralee”, etc. Fortunate are her namesakes – Maria, Mae, Mahree, Marian, Miriam (to name a few) to share her joy in
their shared month. We praisefully sing: “O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms
today, Queen of the Angles, Queen of the May.”
Ave Maris Stella. And O Maria, Gnadenvolle.
Ø
May we offer birthday greetings to these
“May-born” lasses ‘n’ lads: 4) Joe
Reiss; 5) Jeanne Logan and Michael Foley; 6) Clare Mueller; 18) George Geden; 28) George Krim; 29) Joe Wessling
and Mason Roberson. What a beautiful
time of the year to celebrate! Here’s to
another candle on your cake and an added “Spring” in
your steps!
Ø
While speaking of celebrations, the
whole parish joins (belatedly) in wishing our love birds of Dedham a joyous
Golden Wedding Anniversary this past April 12.
How different the world was in 1958 when Joseph Reiss stood impatiently
waiting for his bride, Lillian Barton, to walk down that long aisle. And how constantly these two stalwart members
of our parish family have been providing love, support, humor and camaraderie
to any and all who cross the thresholds of Heilige Dreifatigkeits Kirche. Fünfzig Prosits to you both!
Ø
Felicitations to Heidi Elise Moesinger, Mom Doreen Miller and Oma and Opa (Dolores and Dick) upon her completion of studies at
the Massachusetts College of Art and the reception of her well-earned sheepskin
– with distinction – on May 23. Heidi is
prepared to be an elementary schoolteacher – a most noble profession. We wish her good fortune in her permanent
placement and trust her students will realize their good fortune in having her
as their trusted, capable mentor.
Ø
Also: Kudos to Michael Roberson, his Mom
Rhoda and family, upon his high school graduation on June 12. Michael will matriculate at the University of
Massachusetts in Amherst. Success,
health, happiness and God’s Blessings!
Michael, your goal is our prayer.
Ø
F.Y.O
(Feasts and Observances) in May:
1) Ascension Thursday (Holyday of
Obligation) The Holy Trinity is reunited in
Heaven. (National Day
of Prayer – an extra petition for peace and prosperity for all).
2)
St. Joseph – Jesus’s foster father and our own. P.F.U. We pray or
sing: “Geht alle zu
Joseph, dem Vater der Armen, Er
stillet den Kummer, er heilet den Schmerz;
Sein Vaterherz glühet von Lieb und Erbarmen. Fleht innig und öffnet
ihm kindlich das Herz.”
11) Pentecost – The Holy Spirit blesses all gathered
in the Cenacle. (Mothers’ Day – need we
be reminded of their love and care?)
15) Most Holy
Trinity – our titular feast “Heilige Dreifatigkeit”
(our present church was
dedicated on
25) Most Holy Body and Blood – Corpus Christi (“Come unto
me, Redeemer mine, Though I unworthy be; Thy Body and Thy precious Blood will
save and strengthen me.”)
26) Memorial Day – “Day is done, gone the sun, from
the lake, from the hill, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest. God is
nigh.” (Taps)
30) Sacred Heart of Jesus – We raise our voices: “To
Jesus Heart All Burning” (Dem Herzen Jesu Singe.)
31) The Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth –
soon to be the mother of St. John the Baptist.
P.F.U.
“Hail Mary, full of grace”, “Ave Maria, gratia
plena”, “Gegrüsset seist
du Maria.”
Ø
As the ringmaster of the circus might
say: “People of all ages!” It’s a sweet
season to plan a Sunday pilgrimage/outing to Holy Trinity. Revisit your traditional place of worship! Evoke great memories and chat with “auld:
(and not so auld) acquaintances, classmates, friends ‘n’ “kissin”
cousins! Meet you there!
|
Lectors
for English/German Masses |
|
May
4 |
Richard Doucette |
|
May 11 |
Dolores Miller |
|
May 18 |
Hildegarde
Dreist, Herbert Pflanz |
|
May 25 |
Roland Horst |
HTParish@aol.com