Archive for October, 2009
All Hallows’ Eve
Saturday, October 31st, 2009
You got it! This is an awesome depiction of the Church Triumphant: all those heroic souls that have received the reward of heaven in Jesus Christ.
The observance of “Halloween” – All Hallows’ Eve – reminds us that we are beginning a night of solemn and powerful remembrance and communion with all the holy ones in paradise. This is a feast day that shows us in personal and tangible ways what holiness looks like, and of what God’s grace can do in each of us, if we allow it to work.
So, Happy All Hallows’ Eve, and a Blessed All Saints’ Day!
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The Sacred Heart and Week Four
Saturday, October 31st, 2009
Yesterday morning, it was a grace to offer the daily Mass on a Friday at the Altar of the Sacred Heart in St. Peter’s Basilica. A priest friend concelebrated the Mass with me (that’s him in the picture above). Friday is the traditional day of penance in the Church, in solemn remembrance of the day that the Lord Jesus died for humanity. The Sacred Heart apparitions were a reminder by the Lord Jesus of his immense love and compassion for humanity. What better way is there to start a Friday then to be reminded of those truths, and to celebrate the Mass?!
I offered my Mass for the repose of the soul of a man who recently passed away, and the for the consolation of his family.
Classes went well, and then I made some revision on my thesis bibliography. All of the works and writings of the Pope and his major departments (called Congregations) are recorded in a series called the Acta Apostolica Sedis. In bibliographies, whenever you quote from the Pope, it’s expected that you’ll cite the Acta, which sounds wonderful. But, then, try to find the reference in the thing! Watch out. Part of the problem is that the vast majority of the Acta is in Latin, and then it’s naming of the documents is different from the popular names, etc. Any way, I was able to spend some real quality time with the Acta.
After lunch, I had an appointment with my thesis advisor. He’s a very good scholar and a sharp thinker. He indicated a few changes to the proposal, but said it should be ready for submission on Monday! Thanks be to God!
In the early evening, I worked some on the “Miscellany” columns, and then met up with a young couple that live here in Rome. The husband and I attended the same college and knew each other there. It’s been awhile, but the three of us met up. It was a very relaxing conversation and such a good time.
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Boys Soccer Team – Aiken
Friday, October 30th, 2009
Well, the slogan says it all: CONGRATULATIONS to the Boys Soccer Team in Aiken, South Carolina, which won the championship game last night! I heard they played very well, skilled athletes and good sportsmen. The word is that the girls soccer team was there with signs and posters! Awesome. It’s what we all about as Christians: helping and encouraging one another! So, congratulations, to St. Mary’s School and to the Boys Soccer Team!
The MANY athletic, academic, social, service, artistic, and spiritual activities and accomplishments of St. Mary’s School are a clear indication of the excellence that Catholic Schools form and nurture in the young Church of today and in the leaders of our Church and society of tomorrow.
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Studies and Thesis Proposal
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
This morning I had the opportunity concelebrate Mass at the Altar of St. Petronilla in St. Peter’s Basilica. St. Petronilla was the “daughter” of St. Peter. We’re not sure if she was an actual biological daughter or a spiritual daughter (her name literally means “little Peter”). Either way, her altar in the church is beautiful. Sadly, Petronilla died young. The mosaic behind the altar (pictured above) is of St. Peter (in blue) burying the young woman. Jesus is in the heavens ready to receive her soul. Altars like this remind us that St. Peter was a real man with real experience and emotions. We can only imagine his sadness in burying this young woman, his daughter.
I offered my Mass for all parents who have lost a child.
Yesterday was full of studies and work on my thesis proposal and bibliography. I’m meeting with my thesis advisor again on Friday, and I pray that the proposal and bibliography will be acceptable, and ready for submission to the Segretaria Accademica (like a Registrar in the US). Once that’s done, the real research starts! I realized the other day how much more work the thesis will be than what I had originally anticipated. Oh, let the fun begin!
I finished classes this morning, and now I’m on my way out to Regina Apostolorum for my bioethics classes. In between all of these things, my mental break is the work on the column series for “The Catholic Miscellany.” If anyone has been able to read the first column, I hope it was helpful and encouraging to you. My physical break has been some running, but I’ll have to save those thoughts for a different e-mail.
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Have you heard this?!
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Yeah, not kidding! Are you up for some thoroughly Catholic, awesome music?! Check out Bryan Murdaugh’s stuff. It’s powerful! Bryan has a great gift of song! He has a new CD that’s about to be released. He’s allowing a blurb on this website’s “Store.” The song, “Glory” from the new CD can be heard, and it’ll take you to the temple of the heart and help you to cry Glory! It’s that good. Check it out!
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Blessed John XXIII
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Yesterday was a real day of divine providence! In the morning, a priest friend and I were really blessed to celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Altar of St. Jerome, whose altar holds the body of Blessed Pope John XXIII. It’s normally a hard altar to get because Pope John is so popular among so many priests and bishops. But, thanks be to God, the altar was open, and I was able to celebrate the Mass there. It was an awesome experience for many reasons.
Pope John XXIII was the pope who called the Second Vatican Council, whose reforms are today reaching an abundant springtime. ”Good Pope John” opened a lot of doors and windows of the Church to the world, and called the Church to a deeper and more universal understanding of itself and of the Gospel. In his homily for the opening of the Second Vatican Council, Pope John XXIII challenged the world’s Bishops to find new ways to present eternal truths. Later, Pope John Paul II will call this effort the New Evangelization.
Throughout his life, Pope John had an immense wit. Once, when he was asked how many people worked in the Vatican, Pope John responded, “About half.” Before going to bed every night, he would pray, “Lord, it’s your Church. I’m going to bed.”
I’ve always felt close to Pope John. He died in this world over a decade before I was born, but I’ve always felt his presence in the Communion of Saints.
For Pentecost, 2001, the body of Pope John was moved from the Vatican Grottoes underneath the main floor of the basilica to the current Altar of St. Jerome. During the Pentecost Mass, the body – in a glass coffin – was carried through the congregation in St. Peter’s Square. In his homily, Pope John Paul II praised his beloved predecessor (whom he made a “Blessed,” the last step before Sainthood, in the Year 2000). JPII said that Pope John’s greatest gift to the Church was not the Second Vatican Council (although that is a great gift), nor his noted humor and good will (also cherished gifts), but his greatest gift to the Church was himself, “his witness of sanctity.”
As a newly graduated MA student in philosophy, I was in St. Peter’s Square for that Pentecost homily and celebration of the Eucharist. And, what a sight! What an experience! The whole power and zeal of the Holy Spirit was tangible – you could feel it. It was a small glimpse of what God the Holy Spirit is doing in the life of the Church. It’s hard to believe that was almost eight years ago!
What a privilege and honor it was to celebrate Mass over the body of this holy priest and great reformer. It makes me examine my conscience and ask how I can be a better person, Christian, and priest.
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Wednesday’s Word from Rome
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
All right! Is everyone ready for the Word from Rome? Bravo to all the students who answered last week’s word!
Today, the Church throughout the world celebrates the Apostles Simon and Jude (Thaddeus). These were two of Jesus’ original Twelve followers and friends. They were (and are) ”pillars” and the “foundation” of the Church.
The Bible readings today reflect the Apostles’ feast day: Ephesians 2:19-22; Psalm 119; and, Luke 6:12-16.
Our word for the day is APOSTLE. The challenge: explain what it means that we also are called to apostles in our world? Have fun!
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St. Michael and all the Angels…
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
Check out this altar! Yesterday morning, I concelebrated Mass at this Altar of St. Michael in St. Peter’s Basilica. The altar is in the back, on the right side of the church. The Mass reminded me of the importance of the angels, and our need for their prayers and protection.
I offered my Mass for a priest friend who is suffering some pretty serious back pains.
After Mass, I headed to classes. After class, I had lunch at the priest house, and then had some meetings and errands in the afternoon. Afterwards, it was back to my room for some reading and a re-organizing of my thesis proposal. Things will be a little more difficult than I expected.
There’s a beautiful prayer to St. Michael. Some of you may know it, “St. Micheal the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, o prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust in hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”
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Monday Church Jeopardy
Sunday, October 25th, 2009
All right, we better wake up! The week is here, and the grace of God is flowing! Come, Lord Jesus!
I want to thank all the folks who sent in an answer to last week’s church joepardy. I especially want to applaud Reid, Ashlee, Hagan, Drew, and Payton for getting the right answer! I know it can be tough. Remember, part of this is to review some research skills (and have some fun).
The answer was the Basilica of Sts. John and Paul. John and Paul were fourth century martyrs for the Faith. In the eighteenth century, the basilica was entrusted to the care of the Passionist Order (which is why their Founder, St. Paul of the Cross, is buried in the church).
Every Cardinal in the church has a special church in Rome (what is called his “titular” church). This basilica was the titular church of Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, who later became Pope Pius XII (who was the pope during World War II). The church is currently the titular church of Cardinal Egan, the retired Archbishop of New York.
All right, the church above is going to be a tough one. Some hints (I’ll give you two): this is the only predominant Neo-Gothic church in Rome, and it is devoted exclusively for the offering of Masses and prayers for the poor souls in Purgatory. The feast of All Souls’ (November 2) is this church’s huge patronal celebration. The challenge: name the church AND tell me one fact about it (not counting the two hints above). Have fun!
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“Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”
Sunday, October 25th, 2009
As I’ve tried to do on Sundays, I’d like to offer a few passing thoughts. Today, the Gospel story bluntly speaks for itself! Who of us can not be impressed (and intimidated) by Bartimaeus, who knows that he needs Jesus and will not allow himself to be silenced?!
Do we realize how much we need Jesus? Are we too quick to let ourselves be silenced?
Bartimaeus was blind. He depended on other people. The world was dark, and he was totally vulnerable, but he was willing to risk it all: ”Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” He knew who Jesus was, and how much he needed Jesus.
Jesus responds to the call, and has the blind man brought to him. Only in seeking Jesus, could the blind man be ready to accept the invitation. Hearing the summons, the blind man threw off his cloak and sprang up. He wanted to be with Jesus!
Jesus asks a simple question. It’s Jesus’ question to each of us today: “What do you want me to do for you?” What do we want? What is on our heart? What are our fears, concerns, successes, anxieties? What do we want? And what do we want Jesus to do for us? The blind man knew.
He tells Jesus: ”Master, I want to see.” Do we want to see? Do we want this freedom from spiritual blindness, fear, and the passing allurements of this world? Or, are we too comfortable in our blindness?
Jesus healed the blind man, and Jesus can heal each of us of our afflictions. Do we believe that? Are we willing to cry out to Jesus, to throw aside our cloak, and to turn to the Lord Jesus with everything in ourselves? Until we’re ready to do that, Jesus cannot work. In such a state, we are looking to something or someone else. We want Jesus and something else. But, such a divided heart will not open itself and let the Lord work within us.
After the blind man was healed, the Gospel tells us that he followed Jesus “on the way.” This is a biblical reference to discipleship and the community of believers. Before we were called Christians, we were known simply as followers “of the way.” Bartimaeus saw what Jesus accomplished in him, and he followed Jesus.
Do we see what Jesus has accomplished in us? Are we following him “on the way”? Or, have we accepted the gifts from the Lord Jesus, and then turned and walked our own way (and even led others on our way)?
Today, the blind man is our guide. He shows us the path to faith and to discipleship. Will we imitate him, and turn to Jesus with everything? ”So they called to the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you’.” Jesus is calling us!
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