Denver Catholic

6 I WORLD/NATION DECEMBER 11, 2013 I DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER Pope Francis lauds Mandela's creation of a 'new South Africa' VATICAN CITY (CNA/EWTN News)—After the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis issued a letter offering condolences to his family and praising the politician's commitment to promoting human dignity. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the South African revolutionary who headed the country's anti-apartheid movement, fighting to replace it with a multiracial democracy, died Dec. 5 at the age of 95 in his Johannesburg home after a long battle with illness. On the occasion of his death, the pope sent a Dec. 6 telegram to current president of South Africa Jacob Zuma paying tribute to the "steadfast commitment" of the former president in "promoting the human dignity of all the nation's citizens and in forging a new South Africa built on the firm foundations of non-violence, reconciliation and truth." In his letter, published in the Vatican Press Office's "Bulletin," the pontiff said, "It was with sadness that I learned of the death of former President Nelson Mandela." Expressing his "prayerful condolences" to the Mandela family, the pope also expressed sympathy "to the members of the government and to all the people of South Africa." "In commending the soul of the deceased to the infinite mercy of Almighty God, I ask the Lord to console and strengthen all who mourn his loss." South Africa's apartheid was LaJoie strictly enforced by the country's National Party government, which implemented the movement as a means of racial segregation, seriously restricting the rights of the majority of the country's black population. After the 1994 overthrow of apartheid, Mandela, who had previously been imprisoned for 27 years due to his opposition to the government, was elected as South Africa's first black president. He worked tirelessly to dismantle the remaining legacy of apartheid ORDINATION From Page 1 bestowing a blessing on them. The archbishop urged Father LaJoie to be a humble, understanding priest while administering the sacraments. He also thanked Father LaJoie's parents for encouraging their son's faith and giving him to the Church. "You give up your mother and father, your brother and sister to follow Jesus Christ," Archbishop Aquila said. "He comes first before anything else." The days leading up to the ordination were filled with excitement and pride for his family. "When he entered the seminary, his great-grandmother was so excited," his mother, Vicki said. "She told us she wished to live long enough for Joey to say her funeral." Great-grandmother Ann Dohmen, 96, watched the ceremony via a live computer feed from the cathedral to her Nebraska home with other family members there. Video: To watch the ordination, scan the QR code or visit http://new. livestream. com/accounts/ 3170708/ events/ 2598859. Photos: to see photos of the ordination, visit www.Denver CatholicRegister.org. PHOTO BY DANIEL PETTY/DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER FAMILY members pose with newly ordained Father Joseph LaJoie and Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila following the new priest's ordination Mass Dec. 7. The ordination can be viewed initially conflicted when their here: http://new.livestream. son, the first to attend college, announced he wanted to quit com/accounts/3170708/ school and enter the seminary. events/2598859. "When I finally allowed my"As parents, we raised our kids to be good people and we self to be open to the priestalso want them to be happy," hood, I left both my degree in his mother said. "Joey has put progress and my job in a matso much time and effort into ter of months to enter seminary," Father LaJoie said. this and he is so happy." He attended Colorado State A few days before the ordination, Father LaJoie reflected on University in Fort Collins his eight-year journey to the and the University of Colorapriesthood. His parents were do at Denver and had only a semester of college left for his accounting degree. He said his return to the sacrament of confession, after a 10-year absence, helped him reach his decision not to delay entering the seminary. "He wrote me a letter from his heart explaining his decision and I finally understood," his father, Joe, said. "I broke down and wept because he was able to articulate his passion and why this was his career path." His mother said the priesthood is her son's true calling. "Anyone who knew Joseph before the seminary and sees him now understands how he until the end of his term in 1999. Lauding the "commitment" of the political icon's efforts promoting human dignity as well as unity in the country, the pontiff also prayed "that the late president's example will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations." "With these sentiments, I invoke upon all the people of South Africa divine gifts of peace and prosperity." has transformed," Vicki said. While he continued his college studies and eventually received a degree in philosophy, his sister, Ashley, completed her master's degree in counseling. "We definitely were shocked when he told us he wanted to go to the seminary," Ashley, 28, said. "But he was so ready to go; so while it was a surprise it was very cool, too." Father LaJoie acknowledged he faced challenges while in the seminary, including the death of his young aunt and a few weeks later the passing of Pope John Paul II, who he considered a hero. "The struggles came on and off but that is good because it actively engaged me to really believe this is what Jesus wants me to do," he said. He credits the Blessed Mother and reciting the rosary daily for helping him find the right direction in his life. Father LaJoie will continue to serve St. Michael's through until Jan. 7. The next day, he'll begin a new assignment as parochial vicar at St. Stephen Parish in Glenwood Springs. Starting the week of January 8, 2014, instead of newspaper carrier delivery, you will be receiving the Denver Catholic Register via the U.S. Postal Service. We want to ensure you know what is going on in your archdiocese every week and this is the best way to get the job done. For news that touches Catholics everywhere, every day, we welcome you to visit us at www.denvercatholicregister.org

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