|
|
 
NEWSLETTER Xavier Society for the Blind Congratulations Cardinal Dolan! |
Vol. 3 No. 2
February 2012
|
|
|
WHAT'S NEW AT XSB!!!!
The color at the top of the Newsletter is, of course, in honor of New York's new Cardinal. Father John went to Rome for the Consistory and that story is below. He also visited with The Apostolic Movement for the Blind, and had a special meeting at the Vatican Museum, where they have a new program for blind visitors.
We also have news in this issue about friends, and some developments in the blind community, a raffle from the NABV and of course, SAVE THE DATE for our upcoming event at the NY Athletic Club.
Thank you for being a friend of the Xavier Society for the Blind.
Our web address is:
www.xaviersocietyfortheblind.org
|
|
THE MAKING OF A CARDINAL
|
I was privileged to be among the group of pilgrims who traveled to Rome for the elevation of Archbishop Dolan to the College of Cardinals. I got to concelebrate Mass at the 4 great churches of Rome, I was present at the Consistory on Saturday and at a private papal audience on Monday.
 | |
Waiting to enter the Consistory on Saturday. Not everyone was able to get in, even with a ticket.
|
There were two lunches and a dinner with the Cardinal, and we had a private tour of the Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel. I was with Cardinal Dolan at several informal events, and while in Rome, I met with several different groups and individuals who are working with the blind. A longer narrative of my time in Rome is available on the web site, and more pictures than I am able to include in this Newsletter.
 | | New Cardinals O'Brien and Dolan share a moment after the consistory |
The group of pilgrims who came together to support Cardinal Dolan numbered almost 1,000 and they came from Milwaukee, St. Louis, Oklahoma and Texas, Ohio and Florida, and there was even a priest from Ireland. That alone speaks volumes about our new cardinal, but the joy that he had in greeting family and friends throughout was equally impressive.
Priests waiting to concelebrate at St. Peter's At one Mass there were 80 priests, two cardinals, one archbishop and seven bishops.
One of the new cardinals is a Jesuit, Fr. Joseph Becker, SJ from Germany, who had been a teacher for many years. He is 91, and will not be able to vote, but he was present, and received his red hat along with the others. |
|
JOIN US AT THE NYAC
|  Are you superstitious? For many people, the number 13 is actually lucky. Fr. John, for instance, was born on a Friday the 13th, was ordained a priest on June 13th, and of course, December 13 is the feast day of St. Lucy, patron saint of the blind.
This year we will celebrate the 13th time we come together for an elegant reception at the New York Athletic Club, to celebrate the work of (and raise money for) the Xavier Society for the Blind. The reception hosts a Silent Auction, and there is also an online auction that starts on April 9th, at www.BiddingforGood.com/xaviersociety
It all takes place the day after Mother's Day, and what better way to celebrate than to give your wife or mother a ticket to this special event.
More information will be forthcoming, and invitations will be out shortly. But mark your calendars, save the date, and make your plans, so you don't miss this annual - and very lucky - event. |
|
THE VATICAN MUSEUM
| |
One of the special treats that Cardinal Dolan arranged for his pilgrims was a private visit to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. The museum was closed to all others, and each small group had a private guide to take them through and explain the most important exhibits. The tour concluded at the Sistine Chapel, and at the end of the evening, Cardinal Dolan appeared to say a few words and give his blessing to everyone who had assembled.
 | | Fr. Mark Haydu and Fr. John |
I got to meet Fr. Mark Haydu who works with the Museum, and who explained go me that the Vatican Museum is the first museum in Italy to have a special program for the blind and for the deaf. To quote from one of the Museum's folders:
In addition to the tactile tours, which enable visitors who are blind or visually impaired to explore a selection of original sculptures on display in the Gregorian Profane Museum, a new multisensory itinerary has been developed, enabling the blind and visually impaired to explore a selection of works in the Vatican Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery). The aim of this tour is to enable these visitors to understand iconographically a selection of masterpieces, by allowing them to touch thermoformed panels and scale reproduction bas-reliefs, equipped which Braille legends and black print descriptions.
During the tour, the visitors' idea of the work of art is stimulated through other senses, so as to facilitate the re-elaboration of the artistic message. Multidisciplinary didactic communication systems are used, such as literary and musical stimuli as well as multisensory systems using analytic and synaestetic references.
Reservations are required, but there is no charge for the blind visitor and one person to accompany him or her. |
|
Wounded Warrior to Win Free Trip
to the National Convention of the
NFB
| |
The National Association of Blind Veterans (NABV), a division of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), has announced a free lottery for wounded warriors who have lost their sight during Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. The winner will receive a free trip to Dallas, Texas, to attend the national convention of the NFB, which will take place from June 30-July 5, 2012.
The first prize will include airfare to the convention for the winner and a companion, hotel accommodations, the convention registration fee and a banquet ticket, and the opportunity to meet and spend time with a whole organization of blind veterans. Entry to the contest is available on the National Association of Blind Veterans Web site and there is no charge to enter. Only one entry per person is permitted.
For more information about the contest or the National Association of Blind Veterans, please visit http://www.nabv.org or call Dwight Sayer at (407) 877-8668.
|
|
|
CLOSING THOUGHTS
In the last Newsletter, I announced in this column that we would be cutting back on some of our outside activities. That is one of several ways we hope to cut back on expenses, and focus on continuing to provide services to our clients. We are most definitely having the reception and silent auction at the New York Athletic Club, and we are most definitely continuing to provide services.
It is no news to anyone that times are tough, and will probably remain so in the immediate future. Contributions continue to be critical, and the success of the event in May is very important. And we may be faced with having to take more measures in the future.
In the meantime, though, we continue to spread the word about the Xavier Society for the Blind. I am still available to help out at local parishes, and to talk to groups about what we are doing. I am pleased to speak at schools, luncheons or service organizations on what I learned from my training about the many things blind people can do, a presentation that is funny, educational and perhaps even inspirational. There is no charge, so if you know of a school or group or service organization that would enjoy something different, please don't hesitate to have them contact me.
If you know someone who could use our services, please recommend us to them. Visit our web site, "like" us on Facebook, and thank you for being a friend of the Xavier Society for the Blind.
Sincerely,
 | | I am also Chaplain for American Legion Post 2001, the 9-11 Memorial Post. |
Fr. John R. Sheehan, SJ
Xavier Society for the Blind
Phone: (212) 473-7800
|
|
|
|
WE'RE ON YELP!!
| | |
We're not a restaurant or a hotel or even a tourist attraction. But if you would like to write a review on how we're doing, we are on Yelp, the online service that provides reviews.
Go to the Yelp site (www.yelp.com) and search for Xavier Society and it will take you to the place where you can write a review or make a comment.
|
| OUR WEB SITE | |
The web site for the Xavier Society for the Blind was made possible by a generous grant from the Order of Malta, and we thank them for their support of our work.
The web site is designed to be accessible to screen reading programs, and those who have registered with the XSB have a special section where they can make address changes, order books from the library and download or sign up to receive periodicals. For more information on how to register, or how to get online, contact
clientservices@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org
| |
|
100 YEARS OF JAZZ
|  On Friday, March 16, Les Lieber will celebrate his 100th birthday in the same way he celebrates most Fridays - he will lead a jazz band, playing sax, calling the tunes and acting as emcee. In 1967, Les brought together a group of businessmen - doctors, lawyers, ad men, writers - who were also musicians and who wanted the chance to play. In over 20 different venues around Manhattan, Jazz at Noon has enriched the musical world each week. The roster of Guest Artists who have played with the group reads like a "Who's WHO" of jazz. (www.jazzatnoon.com) The group currently plays at The Players Club on Gramercy Park South right next to the National Arts Club from noon until 2. Lunch is available, and there is a $10 cover charge. And on March 16, there will be special celebrations for a 100th birthday. Reservations are always recommended but for March 16th, they will be particularly important. |
|
FACTS ABOUT THE XSB
| |
"I'm confused. In your newsletter you advertise a raffle for the National Blind Veterans, you promote an event for a 100-year old musician, and Fr. John just went to Rome. What do any of these things have to do with the Xavier Society for the Blind?"
In the Gospels, we read about the sower who sows the seed. In one sense, that is how we approach sharing the news about the Xavier Society for the Blind. We don't know where we will find people who need our services, but we believe that if more people know about us, the chances are better that word about what we can provide will spread.
We try to be involved with many groups. Fr. John is national chaplain and serves on the Board of the National Association of Blind Veterans. Our office is in the Archdiocese of New York, and going to Rome was one way we could show our support of our new cardinal. Fr. John also had a meeting with the President of the Italian Society for the Blind and had the chance to tell many people who went to Rome about the Xavier Society. In May, Fr. John will be returning to Rome to present a paper at an international conference at the Vatican on the Church and people without sight.
Friends help one another, and so as people help us, we also try and help them. Jazz at Noon and the musicians and fans have been great supporters of the Xavier Society for several years, so it seemed most appropriate to help Les Lieber celebrate his 100th birthday.
To learn more about how you can get involved with the Xavier Society for the Blind, how you can help spread the word, or to get more information about what we are doing and providing, please visit our web site at:
www.xaviersocietyfortheblind.org or for more specific information or questions (or to volunteer), send us an email at:
|
| SERVING THE BLIND
AROUND THE WORLD
|
 |
Mr. Salvatore Leone, Ms. Paola Matricardi, Fr. Renzo Migliorini, and Fr. John Sheehan, SJ. |
While I was in Rome, I also had the chance to visit with the staff at the Movimento Apostolico Ciechi (The Apostolic Movement for the Blind) who work with a number of agencies around the world to help the blind in various countries. We shared our experiences, and I had the chance to tell them of the work of the Xavier Society for the Blind. The director and I joined several other friends for lunch after our meeting. The organization was founded in 1928 by a blind woman who had been inspired by a group for the blind founded by a Jesuit in France. Pope John XXIII approved the group, and today their work is in three main areas: they help to promote full participation in the life of the community; the work for the rights of the blind in education and work; they have a special interest in the elderly, and they also work with more than 500 missionary centers throughout the world by providing educational material of all kind, including equipment. They help coordinate economic aid for projects promoting health and community. I will be returning to Rome in May to resent a paper at a Vatican conference, and we have already arranged to hopefull share another meal. |
|
NEWS ITEMS OF GENERAL INTEREST
|
NEW NLS DIRECTOR
Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has announced the appointment of Karen A. Keninger as director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), effective March 26, 2012. Keninger succeeds Frank Kurt Cylke, who retired from federal service on February 28, 2011.
As director of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for eight years, from 2000-2008, Keninger managed the statewide library program, the machine-lending agency, instructional materials center, braille production, and audio production units. Her initiatives included the planning and implementation of a new, in-house digital recording program with a state-of-the-art recording studio and a corps of volunteers to expand and transform the state's audio-production program.
She served on the Digital Long-Term Planning Group established by NLS in 2001 to guide planning for the now successfully completed digital talking book transition, and on the successor Digital Transition Advisory Committee.
Keninger holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Drake University in Iowa and a master's degree in English, business and technical writing from Iowa State University. She completed graduate courses in library and information science at the University of Iowa.
Karen Keninger was born and raised in Vinton, Iowa, the third of seven children. When she was 16 months old her parents discovered that she could not see very well, and she was later diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. Although she had some vision as a child, she was completely blind by the age of 20. She attended school at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton, graduating in 1970. In 1973 she graduated from Drake University with a B.A. in Journalism.
TSA HELP FOR DISABLED TRAVELERS
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the launch of TSA Cares, a new helpline number designed to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions, prior to getting to the airport. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787 2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.
All travelers can contact TSA using Talk To TSA, a web-based tool that allows passengers to reach out to an airport Customer Service Manager directly, and the TSA Contact Center, 1 866-289-9673 and TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov, where travelers can ask questions, provide suggestions and file complaints.
Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can e-mail
TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov
|
| BE OUR FRIEND | 
The Xavier Society for the Blind is on Facebook, and we would like you to be our "Friend." Find us, and "like" us. It helps us get more exposure, and if you "share" some of our news items or articles with your FB friends, more and more people will learn about us and what we do. (And it won't cost us anything! Or you either.)
You can help spread the word about who we are and what we do without ever leaving home. Thank you for helping us, and sharing us with your friends.
|
|
CALENDARS ARE HERE!
| |
The 2012 calendars have arrived, and if you are on our regular mailing list, you should have received yours by now. If you are NOT on our list, and would like a calendar, or if you would like extra copies, please let us know, and we will send them out to you.
|
|
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 22 - ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, February 29
Fr. John speaks at the Yorktown Rotary Club
Friday, March 16 - Les Lieber's 100th Birthday Party
At the National Arts Club, from Noon to 2
Jazz at Noon - great musicians, an elegant atmosphere
and great fun. $10 cover - lunch available. For reservations, call 212 674-7360 or 212 475-6116
May 4-5 - Vatican Conference on the Church and Non-Sighted Peoples. Fr. Sheehan will present a paper as part of the conference.
SAVE THE DATES!!!
Monday, April 9 - Online Auction opens
Monday, May 14 - Reception and Silent Auction
at the New York Athletic Club
|
For more information on these or any events, please contact our office or check our web site.
|
Now On
Our Web Site |
The good news is that all four of Father John's CD's are now available on our web site. CDs are $15, or a set of all four for $50. Price includes shipping and handling. You may also order any combination of CDs at a discount of 2 for $25, but we are only able to handle those orders over the phone. Available are:
Father John Sings Sacred Songs
16 of your favorite sacred songs, including Ave Maria, O Holy Night, Panis Angelicus and How Great Thou Art.
 The Several Sides of Father John
Includes operatic arias, Broadway show tunes with full
orchestral accompaniment, and the song Fr. John's father
sang to his new bride at their wedding breakfast.
Father John LIVE in Concert
Recorded at several live concerts in different places, the
songs reflect the electricity of live performance,
with Fr. John singing in 8 different languages.
 Amo, Amas, Amat Have Yourself A LATIN Little Christmas
19 Christmas carols, all sung in Latin, including not only
"traditional" favorites but also Frosty the Snowman,
Rudolph and White Christmas. A word book is included
so you can sing along (and there is a braille version available as well).
Fr. John is joined by soprano Christina Holms, pianist Woody Regan,
jazz guitarist Bill Wurtzel, and cellist Marisol Lynch.
| |
Go to: www.xaviersocietyfortheblind.org
(Go to the "Contributions" page)
or call (212) 473-7800 to place your orders.
|
| Secure Server |
On our web site, we have a secure server connection. This means you can contribute money to the Xavier Society using your credit card in perfect safety. When you get to the web site, there is a button "Donate." If you click on that, you will be taken to the Secure Server area where you can make any contribution in complete safety. (If the server is not working, please call our office at 212 473-7800 and ask for Manuel.)
|
|
|
