Tucson Area News
Area Co-Councillors for the Diocese of Tucson
Dame Karen and Sir William McEwen
EOHSJ Tucson Virtual Advent Retreat, November 2020
The Diocese of Tucson Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem gathered via Zoom for an Advent Retreat on 14 November 2020. Twenty-Four Dames and Knights participated from cities around the Diocese of Tucson and from Oregon and Virginia. Brother Silas Henderson served as the Retreat Master. Brother Silas is the Executive Director of the Tucson based Jordan Ministry Team. Brother Silas is a catechist and retreat leader and has authored four books. His reflections and articles on discipleship, liturgy, spirituality, Mary, and the Saints have appeared in a variety of prominent Catholic publications.
Brother Silas led the Dames and Knights on a journey as told by Saint Luke – “Magnificat: My Soul Magnifies the Lord.” Saint Luke sees salvation in three parts:
1) Israel is the law and prophecies as told in the Old Testament
2) Jesus is the centerpiece of history as told in the Gospels
3) The Church is the continuation of the mission of Jesus until the Son of Man returns
As God works through us and in us bringing meaning to our lives our souls proclaim the greatness of the Lord. We are looked upon with favor and he has mercy for those who fear him in every generation.
Is Mary a Prophet? Luke 1:26-38 is The Birth of Jesus Foretold. Mary exhibits all of the attributes of a Prophet per the Old Testament except she was not afraid and did not initially say no. A prophet is one who sees, thinks, and acts spiritually. She spoke the truth on what was happening in the world, what God was doing, and what could happen. She transitioned from her recognition of what God had done for her, to praise for what God is doing and will do for all creation. Mary reminds us that we owe everything to God and each of us has something to offer to the world.
The definition of mercy is to have a sad heart. God has a sad heart for us, and He responds with love. God has blessed us so that we can continue God’s plan for us with the same fervor and devotion as Mary.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer summarizes the case of Mary as a Prophet – “This is not the gentle, tender, dreamy Mary…” Brother Silas speaks of Mary the Prophet as a woman of faith, conviction and strength while yielding passion and love.
The Advent Retreat provided many opportunities to reflect on the Gospel of Luke and Mary as a Prophet. The participants reflected and shared on the following topics:
1) How does it feel to think of Mary as a Prophet?
2) What does it mean to rejoice? How is joy part of your spirituality?
3) How have you experienced the gift of salvation in your life?
4) When do you feel that God has looked with favor on you?
5) How does it feel to think of yourself as blessed and called?
6) How is human mercy different from God’s mercy?
While everyone looks forward to the time when Dames and Knights can gather in person, this Zoom retreat provided a unique opportunity to prepare for the season of Advent. Brother Silas was knowledgeable and thought provoking as Retreat Master. Comments such as “What a great retreat! One of the best, if not the best I’ve ever attended” and “It was a whole new way to view Mary as Prophet. This was just the right retreat for Advent for me.”
In this season of Advent spend some time reflecting on how Mary can “Raise Us Up.”
Submitted by Sir David Ball, KCHS, EOHSJ Tucson.
Helena Christine and Ann Dickson Elected to Board of Directors of the
Bethlehem University Foundation
3 August 2020
Bethlehem University Foundation is pleased to announce the April 2020 election of Helena Christine and Ann Dickson to the Board of Directors of the Bethlehem University Foundation.
As a joint venture between the De La Salle Christian Brothers and the Vatican, Directors of the Bethlehem University Foundation, once elected to the Board, must be confirmed by the Superior General of the Christian Brothers and the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. Helena and Ann’s election was confirmed earlier this week.
Reflecting on the election, Sister Irene O’Neill, Chair of the Board of Directors said, “The Foundation is honored to welcome Helena and Ann to the Board. They bring years of professional experience and personal support to the Foundation. The Board is very fortunate to have both women join in our ministry of supporting and promoting Bethlehem University in the Holy Land.”
Both Helena and Ann are Patrons of the Bethlehem University Foundation and are Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Their terms will commence in November of this year.
Mrs. Helena Christine, Esq: Helena Christine is legal counsel at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, with a focus on economic development and institutional management. She is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys. Helena holds a Bachelor of Jurisprudence and Master of Jurisprudence from Oxford University. She and her husband Brian are members of the Southeastern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and are Patrons of the Bethlehem University Foundation.
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Mrs. Ann Dickson: Ann Dickson plays an active role in the charitable works of the Diocese of Tucson, Arizona, and other Catholic philanthropic organizations. She was the Catechumenate Director at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sierra Vista, Arizona (1999-2008). Ann is a Dame Commander with Star of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and is the Justice and Peace Coordinator for the Tucson Section of the Western Lieutenancy. Ann was instrumental in creating the Most Reverend Sir Gerald F. Kicanas KC*HS Endowed Scholarship at the Bethlehem University Foundation. Ann received the “Archangel Award” of the Western Lieutenancy for her work in establishing the endowed scholarship.
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First Monday Rosary in Sierra Vista, Arizona
The Knights and Dames of the Order in Sierra Vista, AZ pray the First Monday Rosary at the same time as members in Tucson. However, as they are 70+ miles apart, they do it separately!
The Sierra Vista members recently met for social time with others, including some parishioners, who had expressed interest in the Order. They gathered in the parish rectory for the January 2020 social time, while celebrating the New Year. They hope to meet more often for social time in the future.
In this photo are Sir Thomas McCloskey, Dame Ann Dickson, Dame Maryann Hockstad, Sir Paul Angelo, Rev. Sir Greg Adolf, Rev. Sir Rob Neske, Sir Louis Gasper (Knight of the Southwestern Lieutenancy), and Fr. Amal Sebastiar, MSFS, newly assigned International Associate at St. Andre the Apostle Parish.
Children of Sir Thomas and Mary Ellen McCloskey with parishioners Ann Lund and Deacon Lauro Teran. We pray they all become Knights and Dames in due time.
Submitted by Dame Ann Dickson, DC*HS
Photos: Sir John Ratcliffe, KHS
Diocese of Tucson Lenten Retreat – February 2020
The Diocese of Tucson Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem (EOHSJ) gathered for a Lenten Retreat on February 29, 2020. The retreat was held at the beautiful Redemptorist Renewal Center where on the wall of the Our Lady of the Desert Church at the Center is a saying that paraphrases Hosea 2:14: “desert will lead you to your heart where I will speak.” This setting provides an opportunity to reflect on the Lenten season.
Rev. Sir Martin Martinez, KHS, Pastor San Martin de Porres Parish served as the Retreat Master.
He is a proud native Tucsonan. He shared his family’s history with the city of Tucson including that his grandmother was the sacristan at Saint Augustine Cathedral in the 1920’s.
The Retreat began with Mass. Fr. Martin was assisted by Deacon Ken; Janna Todd shared her gift of music. In his homily Fr. Martin spoke about the Lord being present and available. The Lord uses grace to join Him and reach out to others. Remember, that prayer makes Jesus Christ present and available.
Fr. Martin asked that everyone reflect on our graces and become instruments of God.
Deacon Ken during Mass
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EOHSJ Members after Mass
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Retreat gets going
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The theme of the retreat, “Life of Prayer”, is apropos for the Lenten Season. Prayer is a mysterious encounter with God and satisfies an internal desire for God. The beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday, is a time when Catholics outwardly share the faith with an ashen cross on the forehead. Lent is time to “recapture” prayer every day. Fr. Martin offered suggestions in overcoming difficulties in finding the time to pray. Steps to finding time include:
- When are you most receptive?
- Pray realistically, consistently and begin slowly
- Pray with inspiration using the rosary, the bible, scripture or the daily readings
- Pray inspirationally by asking what do I want or desire?
- Pray hoping to receive answers, connection, help, peace or solace
- When are you most un-interrupted?
- What time is most consistently open?
- When do you not have commitments to a spouse or family?
- When do you not have commitments to others?
Prayer requires recollection, meditation, and calmness. Finding the time is a fundamental element of spiritual growth. Prayer is about spending time with God. Prayer is the foundation of spiritual life and is the time we see God in ourselves:
- Acknowledge the presence of God by making Him the focus of prayer
- Relate to God as a friend by praying what is in your heart
- Receive the response remembering that God may speak in silence, but we must learn to listen
- Respond knowing that prayer is not static saying “what is done – Amen”
- Begin with gratitude as we are continually blessed by God even if we are not aware of it.
- Petition knowing God and that God knows us
- Review where God was in my day and how did I respond
- Respond by asking for forgiveness of our failings
- Look ahead for spiritual progress
Praying everyday strengthens our relationship with the Lord and during the time of Lent, prayer can bring you closer to God. Fr. Martin shared the four steps of prayer:
St Ignatius of Loyola offers a format of prayer in five steps known as The Examine, using the principles of Consolation (moving toward God) and Desolation (moving away from God). The goal is to work on prayer and pray more. The Examine is a process to improve our prayer life and make it more purposeful.
Fr. Martin made the case that praying is an important aspect of spiritual life and provided a guide to a meaningful prayer experience and how prayer can and does improve our relationship with God. He asked that we make prayer a part of our day.
He also asked for prayers for all members of the EOHSJ.
Submitted by Sir David Ball, KCHS
Photos: Sir Bill McEwen, KGCHS
Tucson Advent Retreat – November 2019
The EOHSJ of the Diocese of Tucson held an Advent retreat on November 9th at St. Thomas Apostle Church. Reverend Greg Adolf, KCHS, served as the retreat leader. He celebrated Mass to honor the feast day of the Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica. The basilica was consecrated in AD 324. At every annual feast day celebration, the Catholic faithful are encouraged to keep strong ties to our past and to the universal Catholic Church.
In his homily, Father Greg spoke about the history of the basilica being rebuilt despite fires and earthquakes. While structures can be rebuilt and updated, the real beauty of any Church is in the people. People provide the living witness of the good news of Jesus and share the Catholic faith.
The theme of the retreat was a “Pilgrimage with Mary from Nazareth to the Cross.” The journey includes seven stops.
1. Nazareth – While Mary was considered of minimal importance because she was a woman, young, and poor she still spoke her unconditional yes to God’s invitation. The retreat participants reflected on the question of being baptized and cleansed from original sin, but place conditions on responding to God’s invitation.
2. Ein Karem – The visitation is where Mary, as the first evangelist, shares with Elizabeth the good news she received from the Angel. Mary is the living tabernacle. The group reflected on what occurred when these two women met and how the Holy Spirit was present in the encounter.
3. Bethlehem – The journey to Bethlehem was depicted as solitary. It was most likely, though, that Mary and Joseph shared the road with many others as they traveled to Bethlehem. Crowds and lines are a good thing in that we have the opportunity to meet and interact with fellow pilgrims. The retreat participants reflected on how the people sharing the road affect a journey.
4. The Temple – The Presentation is a multi-generational event with an infant, young parents, and aged people in attendance. While the actual time of the encounter was most likely brief, it changed the lives of each of those involved. The retreat participants reflected on when the “routine” of religion suddenly opens up new, and perhaps, unsettling realizations of God’s presence.
5. Finding Jesus in the Temple – In “losing” Jesus, the Holy Family apparently suffered from a breakdown in communication. Mary and Joseph each thought Jesus was with the other. The “loss” of a child, even temporarily, is very traumatic. The retreat participants reflected on what difference does it make that adolescence was part of Jesus’s human experience.
6. Cana – If a person is cash poor, then hospitality is the medium of exchange. Do not underestimate the power of the table. In changing the water to wine, Jesus ensures that no shame comes from a hospitality failure. Pope Pius XII stated that Mary spoke her yes to God’s plan during the wedding celebration. The retreat participants reflected on what this event teaches us about Mary’s intercession.
7. The Cross – Mary tried to protect Jesus as he was whipped, kicked, and driven like a beast. She could count every wound. Jesus and Mary both shared martyrdom. They hid no pain or sorrow from each other’s eyes. Saint Ambrose said “Mary did not stand beneath the cross waiting for her son to die; she stood beneath the cross waiting for God to redeem the world.” The retreat participants reflected on believing more in the power of the resurrection than the power of death.
Father Greg made many connections to a pilgrimage in the Holy Land. The references to scripture, personal experiences, and antidotes brought the journey “alive”. The retreat ended with the praying of the Rosary. Fr. Greg reminded everyone that praying the Rosary is not routine, just as breathing is not routine. It is an essential part of living each day.

Happy attendees. Knights (back row): Dcn Ken McNealy, Steven LeGendre, Richard Fuchs, Fr Greg Adolf, Dan Torrington, Ernie Nedder, Jim Ronstadt, Dr Don Ewing, Dr Alejandro Sanguineti, Henry Sarnoff, David Ball, and Dame Maryann Hockstad.
Dames (middle row): Margaret Kordsiemon, Iris Taylor, Ann Dickson, Kathy Nedder, Cindy Nuttall, Chris Ronstadt, Carol Ewing, Pat Brucker, Jordan Taillon, Margaret McNealy, Maria Sarnoff.
Dames (front row): Karen McEwen, Pat Torrington, Elaine Ball, Sandy Kolasa.
Submitted by Sir David Ball, KCHS
Bishop Emeritus Kicanas Receives Bethlehem University Foundation Award
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On November 14, 2019, the Most Reverend Christophe Pierre, Papal Nuncio, hosted the Bethlehem University Foundation Annual Awards Reception at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, DC. His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (EOHSJ) graced the occasion. Over 150 guests attended the event.
During the evening the Most Reverend Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop Emeritus of Tucson, received The Archbishop Pietro Sambi “Star of Bethlehem” Award for services to the Bethlehem University Foundation (Foundation). The award, presented by Sister Irene O’Neil CSJ, Chair, Board of Directors of the Foundation and Brother Peter Bray, FSC, Vice Chancellor, Bethlehem University (BU), recognized the endowed scholarship in Bishop Kicanas’ name at the Foundation which provides perpetual tuition assistance for students at BU. The Tucson Area of the Western Lieutenancy initially established the Endowed Scholarship in 2016.
In accepting the award Bishop Kicanas expressed that Palestinian students at BU are making a big impact on their society. He said, “whatever we can do to support them in developing their talents and gifts will contribute to the realization of the world of peace and justice that God intends. During my visits at BU, I found it a vibrant place, teeming with energy and hope, even in the midst of often very difficult circumstances.”
His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien was invested as an Honorary Patron of the Foundation. The Foundation thanked Cardinal O’Brien and the Knights and Dames of the EOHSJ for their continuous support. The reception was an outstanding success, raising more than $400,000 in financial support for the work of the Foundation.
The Northwestern Lieutenancy of the EOHSJ was presented “The Pio Cardinal Laghi” Founders Award for outstanding support to BU and the Foundation for years of generous support and creation of the Sir John McGuckin Mentoring and Internship Program and the new Sir John McGuckin Endowed Fund.

The honoree with Knights and Dames and guests:
(Rear) L to R , Dame Ann S. Dickson, Honorable Sir Charles Irwin, Most Rev Sir Edward J. Weisenburger, Prior of the Tucson Area, Most Rev Sir Gerald Kicanas, honoree, Dame Karen and Sir Bill McEwen, Tucson Area Co-Councillors, Sister Dame Lois Paha OP;
(Front) Dame Ginny Clements, Dame Gracie Marum, Sister Charlotte Anne Swift OP (Executive Assistant to Bishop Kicanas for 17 years), Dame Maryann Hockstad. Photo by Bethlehem University Foundation.
Submitted by Dame Ann Dickson, LC*HS
Special Celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
On October 7th, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem held a special First Monday Rosary celebration with the Knights of Columbus Council 4584 at St. Andrew’s the Apostle parish in Sierra Vista, AZ. Over 100 people from the parishes of St. Andrew’s and Our Lady of the Mountain attended the celebration.
Rev. Sir Robert Neske, KHS and Rev. Sir Michael Bucciarelli, KCHS, along with the Dames and Knights led the rosary, praying for peace in the Holy Land and for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Present at the celebration was a Silver Rose, one of nine, making its way throughout North America to highlight the dignity of human life. The presentation of the Silver Rose will continue through New Mexico and Texas, before going to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico.
Click here for more information on the Silver Rose program .
Submitted by Sir Thomas McClosky, KHS
Bishop Weisenburger to Lead Holy Land Pilgrimage
The Most Reverend Edward J Weisenburger, KC*HS, Bishop of Tucson will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land October 19 – 31, 2020. Dame Sister Lois Paha, 0P, DCHS, is the group coordinator. For more information, please contact Sister Lois at
lpaha@diocesetucson.org or call (520) 838-2545. Please join us “Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus” next October.
Click here for Save-the-Date flyer.
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Dame Ann Dickson, DC*HS Chair for the Justice & Peace Committee
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Dame Victoria Ana Sanguineti, DCHS Diocese of Tucson’s Liaison for the EOHSJ Legacy Society
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Dame Ann Dickson was invested in the EOHSJ in 2008 and became involved in Justice and Peace soon after. She has been on Pilgrimage or Study Trips to the Holy Land 10 times since her investiture, many of those with EOHSJ Pilgrimages. She is a retired Civil Servant having worked in Maryland, D.C., Germany, Virginia, and Arizona where she then retired after 30 years of service. Dame Ann has done graduate studies in Business Administration and Pastoral Ministry and was employed as the Director of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sierra Vista, AZ where though now “retired,” she continues to volunteer in various ministries. She would say the Holy Land is her home away from home and a “ministry” to which she is joyfully committed!
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Dame Dr. Victoria Ana Sanguineti was invested in 2014 with her husband, Sir Dr. Alejandro Sanguineti. Since her investiture, she has participated in the Order’s project to help cover the educational expenses of seminarians in the Latin Patriarchate of the Holy Land. In 2016, she had the privilege to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land led by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas and received her pilgrim shell. In 2016 she was named the Diocese of Tucson’s Liaison for the Order’s Legacy Society. Dame Ana recently retired from her medical career as a physician and educator at the University of Arizona. She is very active in her parish, Saints Peter and Paul, in multiple ministries – as a member of the Pastoral Council, the Finance Council, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector. She continues to enthusiastically endorse the various projects in the Holy Land sponsored by the Order.
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Most Rev. Sir Edward Joseph Weisenburger, KC*HS,
Introduced as Prior for the Diocese of Tucson
Most Reverend Sir Weisenburger, KC*HS, was a member of the EOHSJ for 15 years before his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Tucson. As Prior, he has always included in diocesan liturgies the Knights and Dames of the Tucson Area in their robes. He was previously Bishop of the Diocese of Salina, Kansas, where he was the only EOHSJ member.
Bishop Weisenburger’s biodata (from the Tucson Diocese website).
Bishop Edward Weisenburger was born in Alton, Illinois on December 23, 1960, to Edward John Weisenburger and Asella (Walters) Weisenburger, the third of their four surviving children. His father was a military officer and his mother a homemaker. He grew up primarily in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he graduated from high school in 1979.
He attended Conception Seminary College in Missouri, graduating in 1983 with honors. He then attended the American College Seminary at the Catholic University of Louvain in Leuven, Belgium, earning the Pontifical S.T.B. in Theology, an M.A. in Religious Studies, and a Masters in Moral and Religious Sciences. In the spring of 1987, he returned to Oklahoma and began three years of ministry at St. Mary Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma.
Bishop Weisenburger was ordained to the priesthood on December 19, 1987. He attended the University of St. Paul in Ottawa, Canada from 1990-1992, earning the pontifical J.C.L. degree in canon law. Upon his return home he was appointed Vice chancellor and Adjutant Judicial Vicar. In addition to chancery and tribunal duties he did weekend parish and prison ministries from 1992 to 1995 and served as an on-site chaplain for rescue workers in the weeks following the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
In the fall of 1995 Bishop Weisenburger began 17 years of service on the Council of Priests and the College of Consulters. He also served as a member of the Seminarian Board for 15 years. In June 1996 he was appointed Vicar General of the Oklahoma Archdiocese. He was an officer with the Archdiocesan Tribunal for almost 20 years and served as Promoter of Justice for the cause of canonization of Blessed Stanley Francis Rother. In October 2009 he was appointed a Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, with the title Reverend Monsignor.
He served as pastor of two parishes: Holy Trinity in Okarche, Oklahoma (1995-2002) and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City (2002-2012).
In February 2012, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Weisenburger as Bishop of Salina, Kansas. In October 2017, His Holiness, Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Tucson.
Bishop Weisenburger enjoys his membership in the EOHSJ and the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Conception Seminary College and the national Catholic Rural Life organization. When time permits, he enjoys reading and occasional travel.
(Click here for a printable copy of this story.)
Submitted by Bill & Karen McEwen
Area Co-Councillors for the Diocese of Tucson