Book traces Catholicism’s roots in the Southwest

Publication arrives in time for diocese’s Dec. 2 anniversary

By Ambria Hammel | Nov. 16, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

The nearly 44,000 square miles that make up the Diocese of Phoenix contain a rich, complex history dating to the 1500s — and it’s finally documented in one place.

Boxes of the diocese’s first comprehensive history book, “The Diocese of Phoenix: 1969-2009, Encountering the Living Christ,” arrived from its French publisher last month. That’s just in time to celebrate the diocese’s 40th anniversary Dec. 2.

The book is available for purchase in English or Spanish at most parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix. It is also available at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

The 216-page book is filled cover to cover with information and images detailing the diocese’s “prehistoric times,” the leadership of its four bishops, a declining number of priests serving a growing population, large-scale events, diocesan celebrations and challenges.

The anniversary book also dedicates a page to each of the diocese’s 93 parishes, marking the first time all the parishes are together in a work other than the official diocesan directory. Photos of the church’s exterior, altar and sometimes images of its patron saint or another significant artwork line the top and bottom of the page. A synopsis of the parish’s history and ministry fill the middle.

“It was kind of like we were writing our own detective story,” said Sr. Jean Steffes, CSA, chancellor, who oversaw the book’s compilation since late 2007.

Sr. Jean, alongside Jim Neal, former archivist for the diocese, had all of the “clues” at their disposal and simply had to piece the timeline together paying particular attention to facts, dates and photos. They spent the summer fact checking and ensuring photos — a mix of images from the archive, The Catholic Sun, the public library and the Phoenix Museum of History — were in the right place.

“The photographs in the anniversary book are terrific,” said Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, who reportedly received the first copy. “They draw you into the narrative and give a sense of the vitality of the faith in our diocese.”

Many local Catholics, priests and laity alike, knew something of the diocese’s history, but not the whole story. The new book fills in the gaps.

Neal described the book as an overview of how the ministry of the Church has been formed and shaped throughout the region. Maps chronicling the area’s changing boundaries close out the book.

Many parishes personalized the inside front cover with their choice of photos when they pre-ordered them earlier this year.

Inside are accounts of Franciscan Father Marcos de Niza’s arrival as a missionary, Jesuit Father Eusebio Kino’s settlement in the late 1600s and the area’s changing leadership from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in New Mexico to the Diocese of Tucson, to Phoenix.

It also highlights the influence of various religious orders, deacons and laity who have served the diocese. Examined are milestone events such as visits from Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II.

Many Catholics will recall the work cartoonist and local Catholic Bill Keane did for the diocesan Charity and Development Appeal. Some of his artwork appears in the book as do photos showcasing the diocese’s rich ethnic diversity.

“I was struck by the importance of the Hispanic community in Arizona and in our Church, from the time that Arizona was part of Mexico and the majority of people who lived here were Mexican, until now when so many of our families are of Mexican or Hispanic heritage,” said Fr. Richard Felt, who was ordained in 1969 and is currently pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Mesa.

He said Phoenix has always been a missionary and growing diocese with priests from France and Ireland, especially, filling needs in its infancy.

The book covers 2009 through the installation of Bishop James S. Wall, former diocesan vicar for priests, as bishop of the Gallup Diocese. With other landmark events including the Knights of Columbus supreme convention and the international Guadalupe festival happening months later, the book is already poised for expansion.

“It’s a beautiful history, a beautiful presentation and a great story of the growth of Catholicism,” said Sr. Jean, who has worked in Phoenix since 1993. “It lets us look at the past with preparation for going into the future.”

Some people, including Fr. Steve Avella, a history professor at Marquette University who wrote the book’s first section, expect a more detailed and scholarly account of the diocese, but that may be saved for the 50th anniversary at best.

Meanwhile, reading the first volume of the Church’s history in Phoenix will show God’s providence at work, Bishop Olmsted said.

“As parishioners read it,” he added, “it will deepen their confidence in God’s love for us now, in AD 2009, as we strive to fulfill our vocation and mission from the Lord.”