Hopkins County Catholics Affirm Selection of New Pope
by Bobby McDonaldFather Joe
Sulphur Springs, Texas........As many residents in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County were remembering the tenth anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombings, over 1400 residents of the area were focused on their televisions Tuesday morning for the confirmation of the new Roman Catholic Pope. As a somewhat distorted message arose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, it was soon determined that it was a "white" smoke signal that confirmed the selection of a new pope had been made. The ballots were burned and a new head of the Roman Catholic Church would be announced.
Soon, news reports from around the world proclaimed that German born, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger had been selected on the fourth ballot and from thence forward would be known at Pope Benedict XVI, the 265th man to hold the office in the Roman Catholic Church. He walked out on the balcony and spoke to the thousands that were assemble in Rome, proclaiming, "I entrust myself to your prayers!"
"It came as really no real surprise to many of us," declared Father Joe Kannampuzha priest at the local St. James Catholic Church in Sulphur Springs. "We had observed and understood the way that Pope John Paul II had prepared the church for his own death and felt that he had structured the College of Cardinals in such a way that Cardinal Ratzinger would be a very logical choice. Cardinal Ratzinger had served as the Chairman of the Vatican Council of Cardinals and had maintained a key position in doctrinal decisions during the reign of Pope John Paul II."
While some Roman Catholics around the world had expressed a desire for a much younger man, from possibly a third world country, to serve as the new pope, Father Joe expressed that he felt Pope Benedict XVI would continue the outstanding legacy of his predecessor and at 78 years of age, could continue the tradition that has led the successful previous reign. "I feel that at 78 years of age, Pope Benedict XVI will continue the great leadership of the previous reign and he will offer stability to the papacy," offered Father Joe. "Our new leader is noted for his conservative stance on church doctorine and for his deep grasp of the law, and that is something that the world needs so desperately during these times."
And, while members of the local parish were affirming the selection, mixed reactions to the selection of the new leader were surfacing throughout the United States, which is noted for its more liberal beliefs, on the world scale. As the bells tolled in St. Peter's Square, the more liberal members of the U.S. Roman Catholic faith began anguishing over the conservative influence the selection might have. Concerns over Pope Benedict XVI's "hard-line" conservatism and strict adherance to doctrine, were voiced by those who espouse gay and lesbian relationships, abortion, birth control, and more active roles for women in the church.
However, in typically conservative Hopkins County, local parishioners seemed to endorse the selection as a positive move toward maintaining fundamental moral values and a way for the church to continue in a role of serving as a moral standard for the world. "The law doesn't change to the whims of society. You have to maintain a moral standard or you have no basis for your faith," espoused Father Joe. "And, I'm delighted that the College of Cardinals reaffirmed that our church will not 'bend' to the whims of society."
The St. James Parish and its Cooper Mission serves approximately 1,000 Hispanic parishioners and over 400 Anglo members in the local diocese, where masses are conducted in both Spanish and English.
Local St. James Catholic Church member, Rick Flannery echoed Father Joe's sentiments regarding the selection of the new pope as a positive move for the Roman Catholic Church. "Traditionally the reign of a pope has been a shorter term than we have been afforded with the twenty-six year reign of Pope John Paul II. I see it as a transitional role that allows for maintaining stability in the church and I'm delighted with the choice that the cardinals made," stated Flannery. "I strongly believe in the conservative values of our church and feel that Pope Benedict XVI will uphold those values that are important to the world today, more than ever!"
"From all that I know and read about Pope Benedict XVI and his leadership in the church, I feel that he will be a teaching and studying pope," denoted Father Joe. "He will continue the world travel itinerary that was such an example of Pope John Paul II's reign, and he will encourage all Catholics to study the word."
Pope Benedict XVI has worked closely with Pope John Paul II and has continually upheld the more traditional Catholic beliefs and articles of faith. He is the first German born pope in almost a 1,000 years and was forced to join Hitler's Youth Organization during the Nazi Regime. He was born April 16, 1927 to Josef and Maria Ratzinger, and served as Cardinal of Munich and Freising, before taking assignment in Rome. He was ordained in 1951 in Freising, Germany, amidst a rebuilding period, following WWII.
"I feel blessed and delighted with the selection of Pope Benedict XVI," declared Vickie Allen, a lifetime member of St. James Parish. "You must believe that the Holy Spirit directed the selection of our new leader and that he was the man that is to lead our faith toward the future. God has chosen this man as the person that is appropriate for the faith, at this time, and through His selection, continues to reaffirm that life is sacred and that true spiritual love is worshiping our God according to His will."
"Most Catholics that I know are very pleased with the selection and only a small minority of our faith espouse more liberal views," denoted Allen. "As in any large religious body, you will have those groups that have a more liberal interpretation of the law, and many times they are more vocal. However, as a whole the Roman Catholic Church has always been a positive moral influence on the world and will continue to uphold the sanctity of life and adherance to God's will."
"Troubled times call for great leaders, and I think almost anyone would agree that our world today is full of troubles," suggested Father Joe. "With the threat of terrorism at almost every corner of the world, the war in Iraq, world hunger and the recent tsunami devastation, and many individuals seeking hope in a rampant drug culture, the times are desperate for a leader that can bring people back to the basic beliefs in God as our creator, and serve as the moral guide for troubled times."
The selection of the pope was by secret ballot and required a 2/3 majority vote, or a minimum of 77 votes of the 115 cast. The selection process was one of the shorter processes in recent history and affirms the influence of the new leader.
As a local parish, the St. James Parish continues to influence a large segment of the local community with a variety of outreach programs, educational efforts, and continued spiritual guidance. With the local affirmitive endorsement of the new pope, the future looks bright for an even more enthusiastic program within the local community.
Father Joe Kannampuzha, a native of Kerala, India, has directed the work in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, for the past three years. He formerly served in a pastorate at St. Mary's in Longview and was the founder of a two and one-half year mission in Hallsville, Texas.
