May 9, 2004

Pictures and penance

No, that’s not my picture in its usual place a couple lines farther down the page. The photo belongs to Father Richard Klajbor. And this is penance.

There are a couple of truths in journalism, as in life. One is that mistakes happen. The other is that some mistakes, because of timing or other considerations, sting more than others. This is one of those.

In the last issue of The Catholic New World we acknowledged the jubilees of archdiocesan clergy—deacons and priests marking the 25th anniversary of their ordinations and priests celebrating 50 years. It’s something we do each year, because these milestones are important. And it’s important that we honor people who spend their lives in ministry.

Unfortunately, an incorrect photo of Father Klajbor was used in the jubilee issue. It was an error, an egregious one, especially from his perspective. He was not happy—and appropriately so. But that’s another truth of journalism—and life. Seldom can you undo something once done. But you can try to make amends.

Father Klajbor was distressed that family and friends from around the county and “around the world,” he said, would be in town the weekend of May 8-9 for the celebrations at his parish, Holy Innocents, where he’s been pastor since 1990. They’ll see the jubilee issue—and they won’t see him. A priest of the archdiocese marking 25 years deserves better, he said.

And he’s right. Clergy these days sometimes take a beating in the public’s eye. There is much criticism of the many for the sins of a few. There is often precious little affirmation for the men who labor in the fields of the Lord, and who labor well.

So here’s our penance: a Page 1 apology and his photo in this column instead of mine. Also, copies of this issue of The Catholic New World will have made it to his celebration in time, we expect, for his guests to appreciate it.

I’d also hope that since Father Klajbor is having many out-of-town guests in for his celebration that he’ll point out some of the sights of our town to them using the Guide to Catholic Chicago that’s part of this edition (see pull-out section inside).

Visitors and residents alike often miss the flavor of faith that weaves through this area like a golden thread. That thread shows in our colorful history, soaring church architecture, prayerful shrines, places of learning and inspiration as well as the diverse ethnic connections we enjoy.

The Guide to Catholic Chicago is, as far as we know, the first of its kind to pull together such information and showcase it. Inside this edition of The Catholic New World is a primer, an eight-page section detailing many of those places. After appearing here for our many readers, the information is going to be expanded, recast into a guidebook and distributed through tourist bureaus, airports and places of lodging in the metropolitan area. Some of the distribution will be handled in cooperation with the Illinois and Chicago tourism boards.

The Guide reminds us of the heritage we have as Catholics, and the mark our faith has left here in Northeastern Illinois. And, since we plan on at least annual updates of the Guide, readers are invited to make suggestions. We know there’s a lot more.

Finally, the long-awaited Vatican document, “Redemptoris Sacramentum,” addressing liturgy and the Eucharist, was released after the last issue of The Catholic New World went to press.

By now, lots of information about the document has been filtered through the secular media and the perceptions of people. You can get the real story here, and in a depth not possible elsewhere.

PS: My picture should return next issue. Unless we make another large goofup.