Benedictus Deus

Divine Mercy Sunday and Osama bin Laden

2011-05-02T12:48:00.009-05:00

This Sunday marked the Second Sunday of Easter in the Catholic Church. Traditionally known as Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church celebrates the revelations of Our Lord's love and mercy towards mankind, as given to St. Faustina. The Church also celebrated the beatification of Pope John Paul II this Sunday in Rome. Over 1 million pilgrims from around the world gathered in St. Peter's square (Rome) to celebrate the life of the late Holy Father who died on April 2, 2005.

As celebrations came to an end this Sunday, word spread quickly that well-know Al-Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden, had been killed by a team of U.S. troops in Pakistan.
Bib Laden was widely known as being responsible for the September 11th attacks and his death is an apparent victory for Americans and their allies around the world. Media networks around the country are reporting that many filled the streets last night in celebration of bin Laden's death.

Having just celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday, I personally find it disheartening to see fellow Catholics and Christians praising the death of Osama bin Laden. While he may have been responsible for death of countless Americans, celebrating his death goes against our Christian principles. In the book of Ezekiel, the Lord God says, "As I live, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live" (Ezekiel 33:11). It is clear that God, the author of life, does not want to see the death of his creation, no matter how wicked we may think they are. And instead of rejoicing at the death of bin Laden, should we not be praying for him, especially if we just celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday?

It would be understandable if many shared the sentiments of Mark Twain, who said, "I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure." Osama bin Laden was responsible for terrible acts and it would seem that he would not merit heaven. But when we are honest with ourselves, we must all admit and realize that we do not merit heaven as well. We are all selfish and sinful in our own way and very often live for our selves. It's easy for us to think we are good when we compare ourselves to someone like bin Laden, but I believe we can still echo the sentiments of John Bradford who said, "but for the grace of God, there go I" when we think about bin Laden. While we may not be responsible for the physical death of thousands of people, we are all guilty of rejecting Christ in others through our thoughts, words or actions, ultimately leading to the spiritual death of a person.

It's always good for us to do some self reflection, especially if we are tempted to "notice the splinter in [our] brother's eye" (Matt. 7:3). Let us never waver of repeating the words of the tax collector in Luke 18:13, "O God, be merciful to me a sinner". And may we always trust in Our Lord's love and mercy towards mankind, for as Christ said to St. Faustina, "(Let) the greatest sinners place their trust in My mercy. They have the right before others to trust in the abyss of My mercy"(Diary 1146).

Lent: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving

2011-03-12T16:15:00.006-06:00

Throughout Lent, Catholics strive to deepen their union with God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These three practices are recommended as a means to more closely unite believers to Jesus Christ as they commemorate the forty days He spent in the desert before beginning His public ministry.

A helpful practice in praying is using the “A.C.T.S.” formula, which includes prayers of adoration, contrition, thanksgiving and supplication. This type of prayer is more informal and personal, which may be helpful for those that may struggle with prayer. Fasting acts as a means of purifying oneself of those things that one may have a strong attachment to, such as one’s favorite foods or recreational activities. The key to fasting is to be practical! And if you really get a craving for the item you’ve given up, remember that Sundays in Lent do not count as days of fasting! Almsgiving is the voluntary gift of one’s money to help those that are need. The most common form of almsgiving is making a donation to a charitable organization. But one will get more out of this practice by actually interacting with those that are associated with the charity that one is donating to.

The following article was written for "Youth Adult Ministry of Chicago" and will be featured at http://www.awakenlentenreflections.blogspot.com/

"What Child Is This": A Theological Reflection

2010-12-20T07:47:00.019-06:00

Ever since I was a little boy I've loved Christmas, especially listening to Christmas music. I can thank my mother for my love of Christmas music, as she would always play her two cassette tapes of Christmas music over and over again at our home when I was a child.

My all-time favorite Christmas song is "What Child is This". This song is very rich theologically and can offer one a nice break from songs like "Jingle Bells" and "Frosty the Snow Man" during the Advent season. "What Child is This" was composed by William Chatterton Dix in 1865 while he was gravely ill. Many recognize this song because it was written to the tune of "Greensleeves", which is said to have been written by King Henry VIII.

The following is a theological reflection on the song "What Child is This".

1.) What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?

Michelangelo's "Pieta" comes to mind at the beginning of this verse! The sweet child that has come to bring salvation to man is born as a small, vulnerable child! Mary, the Mother of God, holds Him in her arms after His birth. But did she know that she would also hold Him in her arms after His death? Did she recall the prophesies of Isaiah about the sufferings of the Messiah? Soon she would hear the words of Simeon at the Presentation of Our Lord: "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34). But how immense was Mary's joy, despite the future of her child, as she gazed on the face of Jesus

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

If only we could see the many angels surrounding the manger scene! I imagine all the angels, like little children, smiling in amazement. The salvation of mankind has finally come! The long awaited Savior has been born!

The babe gathers shepherds around Him! But how is this, for the shepherds were men that were outcasts from society, trusted by no one? Nonetheless, Christ gathers all people to Himself!

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:

I love how the shepherds guard the Christ child, just as they would have guarded their sheep! Such is a foreshadowing to the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John: "I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep...I will lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10: 11.15).

Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

Christians believe that Jesus was born, suffered and died, and was raised from the dead for the forgiveness of sins. As Catholics, we also believe that Jesus is present in the Holy Eucharist. But do we "hasten" to greet Him, present in the tabernacles in our parishes, schools and hospitals? Do we realize that every time we receive Holy Communion that we are like living tabernacles, bringing Christ into our homes and workplaces? Like Mary, who ran to tell the good news of the Annunciation to her cousin Elizabeth (the Visitation), let us "hasten" to bring Christ laud (or praise)! Let us not be afraid to tell others about Christ, to say "Merry Christmas", and to have a dynamic faith!

2.) Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

Jesus humbles Himself not only to become a man, but a poor man, being born in the midst of smelly animals. I recently told my students that Jesus being born in a stable in the fist century would be like being born behind a "Pizza Hut" today-not the noblest of places to give birth to the king of kings!

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Jesus came for one purpose-the salvation of mankind! Although we love to imagine the Christ child wrapped in swaddling clothes, we must recall that Christ would also be "wrapped" in pain in order to save us from our sins: "He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, Upon Him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by His stripes we were healed" (Isaiah 53:5).

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant king to own Him,
The King of kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Incense, gold and myrrh were given by the "three kings", but, according to Dr. Scott Hahn, they were most likely sorcerers from the East*. These items would have been used by them when performing the Black arts (curses and spells). By laying these items at the feet of the Christ child the sorcerers are saying, "No more shall we use such things! We have found the truth by following the light of the star of Bethlehem!" And how appropriate are their words, for we know that this child will later proclaim, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Christ the King: This feast was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 in response to nationalism around the world. This feast reminds us that Jesus Christ is Our Lord and King. We owe our allegiance to Him alone!

Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

Soon Jesus Christ shall be born to us, the Savior of the world! How blessed are we to be able to know Our Lord and receive Him! Like the angels, let us "raise the song on high" and sing out, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests" (Luke 2:14).

*Read Dr. Scott Hahn's Article Here

Friday Feature Films

2010-12-17T11:31:00.003-06:00

This week has been crazy with the last days of first semester classes and final exams. But, nonetheless, I've managed to find a few fims!

Video One: Interested in going to a Catholic graduate school? Consider attending Franciscan University of Steubenville!

(Source: Franciscan University Facebook Page)

Video Two: Part One of a video series by Fr. James Farfaglia called "The Battle to be Chaste"

(Source: Mr. Gabriel Castillo)

Video Three: Talk about having some free time! Watch these guys as they travel from San Francisco to New York City via Google Maps.

(Source: Aggie Catholics)

How Romanticism Ruins Marriages

2010-12-11T11:34:00.002-06:00

(Article from America Needs Fatima)

Romanticism is the real yet unseen cause of so many Catholic divorces.

How is Romanticism ruining marriages? Because:

“Romanticism by its very essence and its very definition is made of illusions, of whims, of uncontrolled passions, and hypothetical affections for people who could exist only in dream worlds.”

In others words, because of Romanticism, people build their marriages on illusions. Soon, the romantic feelings that were the only “glue” of their marriages start to dissolve.

And many couples sit there and wonder:

“What went wrong?”

First, let us recall some of the kinds of “heroes” and “heroines” of romanticism.

There is the “sensitive” type of hero. He can be imagined as a youth (there is nothing less romantic than fifty years of age) with fine, clean features. His large melancholic eyes are lost in the empty horizon. His hair and clothes are disheveled. His chest heaves with burning aspirations, undefined, torturing, seeking the complete happiness of true love.

But no-one understands him. In the deep recesses of his soul are awesome horizons. There are indescribable desires that need, seek, and beg to be understood by a “sister soul.” There must exist in the vastness of this world a being created to understand him. He is searching for her, for only in finding her will he have happiness... And so he wanders sadly through life until he meets her.

Then there is the romantic hero of the “terrible” type. He is morally identical to the previous type, though somewhat different in appearance. He exudes manliness, has an athletic physique, and a rather dark attractiveness, like a character from one of Wagner’s operas. He commands a great fortune, high social status, immense influence, everything, in short, that life can offer... But (and here is the “romance” of the scenario) there is a deep wound in his heart: a burning love, a tremendous disappointment, a weight as heavy and as cold as a tombstone, that will never find on the face of the earth a love that matches his heart’s desires.

Symmetrical to this is the figure of the “heroine.” It would not be difficult to find a couple of typical examples.

The first is the “delicate” type. She is charming, delicate of soul and body. Any pain and she begins to cry, any abrasion of her soul makes her suffer. Simple as a child, she carries in her heart an immense desire to dedicate herself to someone and to be wanted by someone. She needs to be protected because of her complete fragility, a fragility that is reflected in the meekness of her gaze, in the sweet inflections of her voice, in the refinement of her features, in the delicacy of her complexion.

The other example would be the heroine of the “grandiose” type. A dazzling beauty with the stature and bearing of a queen. She is the natural center of attention, esteem, and dedication. A dominating and fatal presence! But of course, deep in her heart is a hidden trembling, a profound sorrow, a great and hidden pain. It is the bitterness of a past disillusionment, the anxious and hopeless search for someone who truly understands her.

At her feet, poets, dukes, millionaires uselessly groan and plead. She is uninterested. With a gaze that is haughty, yet profound and very sad, she searches far and wide throughout her life for that which she will never find. And what is it that she seeks? It is the happiness of a great love, as she understands love, according to her most “noble” and tormenting aspirations. She carries all this in her heart like a secret and unending flow of blood.

The reader will perhaps smile. Doesn’t all this seem outdated? Could anyone who sees a young man or a young woman passing by in a cheerfully colored car, in this age of levity, recreation, and fitness, doubt that we are light-years away from romanticism? The young man is practical, strong, joyful, seems well set in life, and is full of the desire to succeed.

The young woman is also practical, independent, enterprising, and often avid for action. She is happy with life and wants to live it to the full. So what has she in common with the romantic heroine that moved our grandmothers to tears?

We agree that modern utilitarianism has created a climate of tolerance for marriages that are inspired by cynically financial motives. Nor do we deny that calculations based on careers and social standing influence marriages nowadays much more than before. But if the numerous examples of such marriages today lead us to conclude that this is the general rule, we would be greatly mistaken.

“Sentiment” remains very influential despite all the utilitarianism. And if we analyze this sentiment we will see that it is simply a very superficial up-dating of the old romantic themes.

In our democratic age, distinguished and exceptional characters are no longer acceptable. Today’s “hero” is the popular guy, and the damsel is the “glamour girl.” These popular guys and glamour girls are all exactly the same as so many others. The mechanization of modern life forces them to be less outstanding than the “heroes” of yesteryear, and with fewer of those endless wanderings of the mind.

All this somewhat restricts the effusions of imagination and sentimentality. But these restrictions notwithstanding, when it comes to matters of love it is always the same sugary sentimentalism, the same vague desires. It is the same misunderstandings, the same search for affinities, the same crises, the same desires for affectionate and unending happiness, and the same and chronic precariousness of all these “happinesses.”

To prove this we don’t need a psychological study of second-rate literary and film fare that abounds today and that truly forms the spirit of the masses. I think it sufficient that the reader have just a little bit of common sense to see how just our observations are. In fact, the great majority of marriages today that result from “falling in love” are based on ideas thoroughly imbued with romantic sentimentalism.

And this is the problem. We have some marriages based on mercenary self-interest and others on affection. And those that are based on affection are generally influenced by romanticism. This being so, the stability of a marriage will depend in large measure on how long self-interest or romanticism will enable the spouses to endure one another.

There is no reason to dwell on self-interest; I think it is clear enough. Let us concentrate instead on the influence of romanticism.

Above all, we need to emphasize that romanticism is essentially frivolous. It eagerly presupposes the greatest virtues in the “heroine” or the “hero.” But in the final analysis these virtues count for very little in the survival of mutual affection. Sentimentalism is generally very forgiving of real moral defects, ingratitudes, injustices, and even outright betrayals. But it does not forgive trivialities!

So for example (and let’s take our examples from the flesh and blood of real life), it will be a ridiculous way of snoring at night, it will be bad breath, or it will be any other small human misery that can kill romantic sentiments without any right of appeal. Romantic sentiments which, it must be remembered, have turned a blind eye to the most grave reasons for complaint.

Now, daily life is a fabric woven of trifles. And there is no one who does not have some that are rather difficult to bear. Because of this it has already become commonplace to talk about the disillusionments that come after the honeymoon. “After this period,” someone once told me, “my wife didn’t deceive me, but filled me with disillusionment.”

Romanticism by its very essence and its very definition is made of illusions, of whims, of uncontrolled passions, and hypothetical affections for people who could exist only in dream worlds. Consequently, in a short time the feelings that were the only psychological basis of marital stability begin to dissolve. Naturally, persons in this state do not go to the bottom of things. They do not understand how totally unattainable their desires were, and purely and simply assume that they made a mistake. They thus conclude that they can yet find in someone the happiness that this marriage did not give. Accustomed to living only and exclusively for their own happiness, accustomed to seeing happiness exclusively as the gratification of sentimental diversions, such persons will judge their life incurably ruined -- unless, of course, they are able to satisfy these illusions in another way.

Moreover, they will judge equally ruined the lives of all the many other people who fell into the same “mistake.” So divorce will become as absolutely necessary as the air we breath.

What impression will a serious argumentation against divorce, reinforced by the cold language of statistics, possibly have on a person in this state of mind?

Accustomed to mental wanderings, but not to thinking, this person detests any form of argumentation, above all when it is serious. The mere language of numbers seems ridiculous to such a person. And to talk to this person of the sociology of marriage and love will seem to him about as shocking as speaking of the most technical aspects of botany to a poet who is entertaining himself by admiring the beauty of a flower.

Thus one can see that those who uphold the Church’s traditional teachings concerning the indissolubility of marriage would strike the wrong target by trying to use argumentation based on morality or on the common good with people who are only interested in their own individual happiness in a world of dreams and fantasy.

And here we approach the end.

In the final analysis, romanticism is sheer egoism.

The romantic does not seek anything but his own happiness. He can only think of love in the sense that the other is an instrument for his happiness. He desires this emotional happiness so much that if free rein is given to his sentiments, they will jump all barriers of morality, will ignore all considerations of the common good, and he will brutally satisfy his instincts. And nothing is built on egoism... especially the family.

It is necessary, therefore, to begin a tremendous anti-romantic offensive. It is necessary to explain the fundamental difference between Christian love (charity) and the romantic sentimentalism still in fashion. It is necessary to explain that Christian love is something imbued with the supernatural, full of common sense and balance; profoundly pious, authentic and generous. It triumphs over all wild wanderings of the imagination and the rebellious senses, and over the sensual, egotistical love of unrestrained passions.

It is false to imagine that true Christian spouses are the heroes of a romance who by a happy coincidence build an authentic marriage, according to Canon Law, as a preliminary step to the mere satisfaction of their passions.

As long as sentimentalist-romantic concepts influence the outlook of engaged couples, every marriage will be precarious, because it will be built on the soft, shifting, volcanic ground of human egoism.

It is commonly said that the family is the basis of society. But, as Saint Augustine teaches, there are two societies: the City of the Devil is built on the love of self to the exclusion of God; the City of God is built on the love of God and neighbor to the exclusion of self.

Marriages based on romantic sentiments and egoism are not the foundations of the City of God.

Read the Original Article Here

Friday Feature Films

2010-12-10T07:50:00.006-06:00

Hello and welcome to the second installment of "Friday Feature Films"!

Video One: Here Father Robert Barron of "Word on Fire" reflects on people leaving the Catholic Church, the notion that grace can be found outside of the Church, and the reasons why people are leaving the Church.

(Source: Word on Fire)

Video Two: Here we have the classic story of Christmas, as told by Linus on "A Charlie Brown Christmas"!
(Source: YouTube)

Video Three: An interesting documentary on the Transalpine Redemptoris Monks. Living in Papa Stronsay, Scotland, these monks are part of a religious order that recently entered into full communion with the Catholic Church.
What is interesting about this film is to see the way the reporter begins and ends his day long experience with the monks!
(Source: YouTube)

Survey: Catholic College Students

2010-12-07T08:41:00.005-06:00

(Photo: http://helpmepaymyloans.com)

This morning I received an email from Bishop Joseph Martino of the Cardinal Newman Society. Reflecting on today's Gospel (Matt. 18:12-14) about the need to leave the ninety-nine sheep to find the one sheep that is lost, Bishop Martino shared some statistics about college-age Catholics.

First and foremost, one in eight Catholic students at Catholic colleges abandon their Catholic faith. A recent Cardinal Newman Society survey also found that:

-27% of students at Catholic colleges view pornography

-59% say their friends regularly use drugs

-Nearly one in five students know another student who had or paid for an abortion

-61% disagree with the Church's infallible teaching on the male priesthood

-60% think that abortion should be legal (and even 50% of those who attend Mass weekly!)

-60% think that premarital sex with someone you care about is not a sin

-78% disagree that using a condom is a serious sin

-58% support "gay marriage"

Knowing such numbers, it is very clear that the evangelization of young Catholic adults is necessary! Thankfully, organizations like the Cardinal Newman Society and FOCUS are working hard to spread the Catholic faith to young Catholic adults. Many dioceses in the United States are also implementing groups like "Spirit & Truth", which help to gather and teach young adults, centered around Eucharistic Adoration.

As we continue to pray and prepare for the coming of Christ in this season of Advent, let us:
-Thank God for the blessings of our Catholic faith.
-Thank God for the many ways in which He has blessed us with an abundance of knowledge about our Catholic faith.
-Let us pray for the success of all Catholic organizations that are work tirelessly to evangelize young Catholic adults.

New Blog Feature: Friday Feature Films

2010-12-03T09:52:00.009-06:00

Today I am introducing a new feature to my blog called "Friday Feature Films". I've always loved watching movies and especially enjoy using them as a teaching tool for my Catholic theology classes! So, in order to assist in what Pope John Paul II called the "New Evangelization", I hope to do my part and display videos related to the Catholic faith every Friday. Enjoy!

Video One: Here's a video produced by some Irish Dominicans called "Reason for the Season". This video introduces the liturgical season of Advent, which the Catholic Church is currently celebrating in anticipation of Christmas.

(Source: Dominican Interactive)

Video Two: In this video we see some rare footage of St. Padre Pio. Known for having the stigmata, for healing people and for his ability to read souls, St. Padre Pio is one the most popular saints in the Catholic Church.

(Source: Hermeneutic of Continuity)

Video Three: Who says religious can't have fun! Here we see some Irish Dominicans again, only this time having some fun in the snow. This snowball fight reminds me of my seminary days!

(Source: Dominican Interactive)

St. Louis Vocation Director Named Auxiliary Bishop

2010-12-01T08:19:00.004-06:00

Press Conference-New Bishop Announcement from Archdiocese of Saint Louis on Vimeo.

Monsignor Edward M. Rice, vocation director for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, has been named the new auxiliary bishop by Pope Benedict XVI! This announcement was made following the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. Hermann.

In response to his appointment, Monsignor Rice said, “I am profoundly touched by the confidence the Holy Father has placed in me. I have asked him to keep me in his prayers and I have assured him of my prayers, respect, and obedience.

At the same time I am honored that I can in some way assist Archbishop Carlson in his pastoral service to the Archdiocese of Saint Louis.

I have a great love for the Church in St. Louis, and relying on the example and support of Bishop Hermann, who served so faithfully, I too look forward to serving them in this new capacity.”

Click here for more information (St. Louis Review)

CIA surprised by Pope Benedict's Election

2010-11-29T14:05:00.002-06:00

This is just funny! It looks like the secrecy of the papal elections still remains!

Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine

2010-11-29T14:01:00.000-06:00

(Photo: www.benedictineoratory.com)

Recently my fiancee and I began attending Holy Mass at the Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine. We were first introduced to the Oratory when our friend's Charlie and Christine had their son Luke baptized there. As the godfather, I had to prepare well for Luke's baptism as it was celebrated in the form before the Second Vatican Council (I made sure to brush up on my Latin). I was deeply impressed by the rituals and gestures used during the baptism, many of which are no longer used in the baptism of the Novus Ordo rite.

The Oratory is located on the campus of St. Anselm parish and Priory High School in Creve Coeur, Missouri and offers traditional Roman Catholics opportunities for spiritual, intellectual and human growth. Instituted by His Eminence, Raymond Cardinal Burke, in December 2007, the Oratory offers the traditional Latin Mass and sacraments according to the rite of 1962. All sacraments are celebrated by Fr. Bede Price OSB, the rector of the Oratory.

On Sundays adult members meet at 10:00am for a catechism class given by one of the professors of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. These professors attend the Oratory with their families. Children also gather together for CCD classes. Everyone comes together to attend Holy Mass in the small Oratory chapel at 11:00am. The Oratory offers the dialogue Mass, which means that both the priest and participants say the prayers together. Such is of great assistance for those that are new to the Latin Mass. After Holy Mass everyone gathers together to talk and enjoy refreshments. On warm days some of the younger men will play soccer or football, while the women usually gather and talk about family life, homeschooling and other such things.

I highly recommend that others attend Holy Mass at the Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine at least once to experience the Holy Mass as it was celebrated before the Second Vatican Council! You'll be sure to feel welcome by all and may even feel inclined to attend Holy Mass there again!

Regular Schedule at the Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine:
Daily Low Mass: 7:30am
Sunday Mass: 7:30am, 11:00am
Confessions: Thursday 7:30pm-8:30pm, Sundays 10:00am-10:50am
Eucharistic Adoration: Thursdays evenings

Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine Website

Click here to listen to a recent podcast with Fr. Bede

Cardinal Burke: What the Pope Really Meant

2010-11-24T08:43:00.005-06:00

Recently there has been a lot of "buzz" over some comments made by Pope Benedict XVI about condom use. Naturally, many media outlets have taken this to mean that the Roman Catholic Church is changing her stance on the use of contraceptives. The following is a response by Raymond Cardinal Burke, former archbishop of St. Louis, Missouri. Also included are some reflections from Burke about having recently becoming a cardinal.

"What the Pope Really Meant"
National Catholic Register-John Burger

Cardinal Raymond Burke is prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the court of final appeal at the Vatican.

The Wisconsin native is the first American to hold that curial position. Pope Benedict XVI, who appointed him to the post in 2008, elevated him to cardinal Nov. 20, along with American Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., and 22 other bishops and archbishops from around the world.

In the midst of activities related to the consistory of Nov. 22, Cardinal Burke took some time to read an advance copy of Light of the World: The Pope, the Church, and the Signs of the Times, Pope Benedict’s book-length interview with German journalist Peter Seewald, just as a controversy about the Pope’s views on condom use broke in the press. Cardinal Burke discussed the issue by phone Nov. 22 with Register news editor John Burger.

In Light of the World, Peter Seewald poses the objection that “it is madness to forbid a high-risk population (AIDS) to use condoms. To which Pope Benedict answers, in part, “There may be a basis in the case of some individuals, as perhaps when a male prostitute uses a condom, where this can be a first step in the direction of a moralization, a first assumption of responsibility, on the way toward recovering an awareness that not everything is allowed and that one cannot do whatever one wants. But it is not really the way to deal with the evil of HIV infection. That can really lie only in a humanization of sexuality.”

Seewald asks for a clarification: “Are you saying, then, that the Catholic Church is actually not opposed in principle to the use of condoms?” The Pope answers, “She of course does not regard it as a real or moral solution, but in this or that case, there can be nonetheless, in the intention of reducing the risk of infection, a first step in a movement toward a different way, a more human way, of living sexuality.”

What is the Pope saying here? Is he saying that in some cases condoms can be permitted?

(Burke) No, he’s not. I don’t see any change in the Church’s teaching. What he’s commenting on — in fact, he makes the statement very clearly that the Church does not regard the use of condoms as a real or a moral solution — but what he’s talking about in the point he makes about the male prostitute is about a certain conversion process taking place in an individual’s life. He’s simply making the comment that if a person who is given to prostitution at least considers using a condom to prevent giving the disease to another person — even though the effectiveness of this is very questionable — this could be a sign of someone who is having a certain moral awakening. But in no way does it mean that prostitution is morally acceptable, nor does it mean that the use of condoms is morally acceptable. The point the Pope is making is about a certain growth in freedom, an overcoming of an enslavement to a sexual activity that is morally repugnant [unacceptable] so that this concern to use a condom in order not to infect a sexual partner could at least be a sign of some moral awakening in the individual, which one hopes would lead the individual to understand that his activity is a trivialization of human sexuality and needs to be changed.

Is “the world” assuming too quickly that the Pope all of a sudden is open to “compromising” on condoms, that this may be a small yet significant opening toward “enlightenment” for the Catholic Church? For example: In rare cases, Pope justifies use of condoms (New York Times). “Condoms OK” in some cases — Pope (BBC). Boston Herald quoting male prostitutes saying “too little too late, but it may encourage condom use, and that’s a good thing.”

From what I’ve [been] seeing of the coverage in the media, I think that’s correct, that that’s what they’re trying to suggest. But if you read the text there’s no suggestion of that at all. It’s clear that the Pope is holding to what the Church has always taught in these matters. He starts out — the context of the question — he starts out by saying that when he was asked this question on the plane on his way to his pastoral visit to Africa, he felt that he was being provoked, and he wanted to draw attention to all that the Church is doing to care for AIDS victims. In Africa, the Church is the main agent of care for the AIDS victims, and so he was trying to draw some attention to that.

The text itself makes it very clear that he says the Church does not regard it as a real or moral solution. And when he says that it could be a first step in a movement toward a different, more human way of living sexuality, that doesn’t mean in any sense that he’s saying the use of condoms is a good thing.

If the media has misunderstood it, is this perhaps a failure of Pope Benedict XVI and the Vatican to communicate effectively? Is there a need to “dumb things down” so the media gets it?

I hope now the fact that the media has interpreted this in a way, at least from what I can gather from the communications that I’ve received, this false interpretation is rather widespread, that it will be rather important for the Holy See now to clarify the matter. [The Vatican Press Office did indeed issue a clarification Nov. 22, saying, “The Pope again makes it clear that his intention was not to take up a position on the problem of condoms in general; his aim, rather, was to forcefully reaffirm that the problem of AIDS cannot be solved simply by distributing condoms, because much more needs to be done: prevention, education, help, advice, accompaniment, both to prevent people from falling ill and to help them if they do.]

That’s what’s going to have to happen now, because even some of the commentators who might be in general well disposed to the Holy See could misinterpret this and take it that indeed the Holy Father is making some change in the Church’s position in regards to the use of condoms, and that would be very sad.

Did you see any Catholic commentary on this, e.g., Janet Smith, who holds the Father Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit? Do you agree with her interpretation?

I did. I thought it was a good commentary. It’s quite accurate. She goes into it quite in depth. She might have underlined a little bit more the words of the Holy Father himself, although she does: When she was asked if the Pope is indicating whether heterosexuals who have HIV could reduce the wrongness of their acts by condoms, she says No. “In his second answer, he says the Church does not find condoms to be a real or a moral solution.” Again, she repeats, “the intention to reduce the transmission of an infection is a first step in a movement toward a different way, a more human way, of living sexuality.” That is, the intention is the first step, but that doesn’t mean that the Holy Father is justifying the means by which the person wants to fulfill that intention.

So, if nothing has changed in Catholic teaching on sexuality or the use of condoms, has this conversation changed anything?

I don’t see it at all. What I see is the Holy Father is presenting a classical position of the Church from her moral theology. I imagine that self-mastery and self-discipline is not an immediate accomplishment, so we have to understand that it may take people time to reform their lives. But that doesn’t suggest that he’s diminishing the moral analysis of the immoral actions of the male prostitute, for instance.

It seems that perhaps some of what he says in the answers to Seewald’s questions might lead to a renewed conversation on the nature of married love and sexuality.

That’s what I would hope, and I think that’s what the Holy Father was suggesting in the beginning of that part of the conversation with Peter Seewald, where he engages in that whole point about the trivialization of human sexuality. He says, for instance: the fact of the matter is people have access to condoms. That shows us in fact, as he points out, that condoms don’t resolve the question, and that’s when he begins, “the sheer fixation on the condom implies a sort of banalization of sexuality, which after all is precisely the dangerous source of the attitude of no longer seeing sexuality as an expression of love, but only a certain sort of drug that people administer to themselves.” He talks about the whole fight against the banalization and dehumanization of sexuality and the need to see human sexuality as a positive good. And sexual activity as having a positive effect on the whole of man’s being, being an expression of man’s goodness. So that’s the context, and I would hope that this matter going forward, in being clarified, there’s a real possibility of teaching more clearly about human sexuality.

Did anything else about this conversation between Pope Benedict XVI and Peter Seewald surprise you?

I think that what is remarkable about it, in general, is that the Holy Father granted the interview and speaks really very directly about a whole wide range of very complex questions, and there’s a great deal of his usual erudition and knowledge of Catholic teaching. And he’s very straightforward too. Peter Seewald, when he gets things mixed up, for example, at one point in the conversation about ecumenism, Seewald said he was quoting then-Cardinal Ratzinger, talking about the dialogue with the Orthodox and so forth, that Cardinal Ratzinger held the position that the pope was “first among equals” — which of course, as the Pope points out to him, is not what he said at all. The pontiff has certain responsibilities in the Church, so he can’t be equal to all the patriarchs, for instance, of the Orthodox Church. There are a lot of excellent clarifications that the Holy Father makes, but I would say that what’s most striking about it is the wide range of topics and the Holy Father’s willingness to comment on them.

Seewald also brought up a question in regard to the declaration Dominus Iesus, and the Holy Father simply said that it’s too complex an issue to deal with in the setting of the interview.

In that discussion about unity with the Orthodox that you reference, Seewald asks, “Will Pope Benedict restructure the papacy in order to foster the unity of Christianity?” The Holy Father corrects Seewald in his interpretation of the phrase “First among equals” applying to the successor of St. Peter. He says it is not the formula we believe as Catholics and adds, “The pope has specific functions and tasks. … The question (for the Orthodox) is precisely whether the pope has specific tasks or not.” What tasks is he speaking of?

The pope is the principal foundation of the unity of the Church. That can’t be carried out by a group of people. That is the function of Peter as the head of the apostolic college, the Prince of the Apostles. To put it very plainly, that’s the first task. He is the bishop of the universal Church, and it’s a difficult point for the Orthodox to accept, but one can’t be faithful to Catholic teaching and say that the Roman pontiff is simply one more patriarch. No, he has a service to unite all — all the patriarchs, all the particular churches into one. And that involves a direct and universal governance.

He also says, “These are contentious issues, which I would have to say more about than I can right now.” Does that suggest that something is going on in Catholic-Orthodox dialogue that will be major news?

I don’t know that. I can’t comment on that. It’s not my area of responsibility in the Holy See, and I would not be competent to talk about it. I do think there’s been a constant effort to try to help the Orthodox understand the Petrine ministry as the Catholic Church understands it, obviously to achieve a greater unity, and I do believe that over years there’s been progress in that regard. On the other hand — I know (and this is just from my own conversations) it’s a very difficult point for the Orthodox. He starts out that section pointing out that Bishop Gerhard Mueller of Regensburg [thinks that Catholic and Orthodox have achieved 97% of ecclesial unity]. The Pope himself says he would shy away from saying that because it’s clear that we’re not 97% on the way to unity with the Orthodox and that the question of the primacy of Peter is a big question. It’s not something that’s just 3% concern. It’s much bigger than that.

The book gives us a fascinating glimpse into the life of this Pope. From your own perspective, what’s it like working in the Curia under Pope Benedict?

The Holy Father is a deeply spiritual person. I’ve had many contacts with him, strikingly for me, for instance during his apostolic visits, both the one in April of 2008 in the United States and the recent one in Great Britain. People say How is it that visits from this elderly man who holds these difficult doctrines wins over the people? Those who think the visit is going to be a disaster — suddenly they’re captured by the Holy Father. I think that the first thing that captures them is simply his goodness. He’s very close to Our Lord. Secondly, he’s a very gentle soul, a very kindly and understanding person. And thirdly, he’s got a remarkable wisdom and knowledge. I think he has an extraordinary gift for teaching, in putting the most profound truths into language that’s very accessible. People come to Rome, they love to listen to our Holy Father because of his teaching, and so those would be some of the aspects of working with him that I know that are a great comfort to me and also an encouragement and help in carrying out my service.

And you yourself: You came from relative obscurity, having been the bishop of remote La Crosse, Wis. Now, at least in many Americans’ eyes, you’ve become a rather prominent cardinal at the Vatican and a great defender of orthodoxy. Have you ever had a kind of “how did I get here” moment?

I’ve been a priest now for 35 years. I think back to when I entered seminary, and the great inspiration for me was the various priests in my home parish and the desire to be a parish priest, the pastor of a parish. Of course, I went in the seminary and I learned as a priest to show obedience and respond to the degree I was morally able to do whatever I was asked to do. As it turned out in my life, for the most part, I’ve had a good amount of parish priestly work and ministry. But I’ve been asked more and more to give that particular service which sort of supports pastors but doesn’t involve me so directly in the pastoral work of a priest, now more so than ever because of the intensity of the matters I have to study and about which I have to write, so that it’s not possible for me to administer a parish, which obviously wouldn’t be appropriate for me either as a cardinal, but I don’t have a particular flock; my service is to the Roman Curia.
So, yes, I’ve had those moments wondering how did I get here, and I’ve often said to people, especially now in the case of this consistory, that I never forget where I came from, my beginnings in rural Wisconsin. … My life as a priest and as a bishop is in my mind, even as I carry out my work here, is an inspiration for me. I try to never lose sight of the fact that what I do here ultimately is at the service of guiding parishes and dioceses.

Why do you think the Pope chose you to head the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura?

You’d have to ask him, but what would be the most obvious response to that question is that I am well prepared in canon law and that I worked in that tribunal for five years, from 1989-1995, when I was ordained a bishop and took the office of Bishop of La Crosse. So being an archbishop and now having more years of experience I was in a certain sense a logical choice for the position — not that there wouldn’t be many others who are, I’m sure, more able than myself. But I wouldn’t have been mostly a strange or unexpected choice for such a position.

What kind of cardinal do you hope to be or will strive to be?

Simply one who is 100% with the Holy Father, using whatever gifts God has given me to help the Holy Father, to give him any counsel he asks me. Also in daily activities, simply to be supporting and promoting what he wishes and desires. I would hope to keep that focus always before me. That’s what being a cardinal is all about.

Read the article here

(Picture used from Orbis Catholicus Secundus)

Watch the Dominican Sisters on Oprah....Again!

2010-11-18T14:48:00.003-06:00

(Photo taken from www.naplesnews.com)

Dear Friends,
The Dominican Sisters of Mary will be featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show on Tuesday, November 23rd.

This is a new show that includes interviews with Mother Assumpta, Sr. Joseph Andrew, Sr. Mary Samuel, Sr. John Dominic and other Sisters; as well as on-site filming of the First and Final Profession Masses and this year’s Entrance Day, during which we welcomed 22 Aspirants.

The show will feature the experience of a Sister entering religious life and the meaning of religious profession as being ‘married’ to Christ.
You may recall that Oprah first reached out to our community on February 9th of this year due to an interest in the hidden aspects of religious life. Click here to watch an excerpt from that program.

The response from the first show was so positive that the Sisters were asked if we would be open to another opportunity to share our life. We have accepted this invitation in the hopes of reaching an audience we might not otherwise reach with the witness of our life and the Gospel. Please join us in praying that the show will be for the good of souls and the honor of God.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, let us give thanks to God for His bountiful goodness. May God bless you and your families during this holiday season.
In Jesus and Mary,

The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

To learn more, click here!

Pope Benedict XVI: Sport a School of Values

2010-11-16T11:07:00.004-06:00

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 15, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Sport can become a school of "human and Christian values," Benedict XVI said today upon receiving in audience a delegation of Italian ski instructors.

The Pope reflected in his comments to the delegation that "sport, practiced with passion and ethical sense, in addition to exercising a healthy competitive spirit, becomes a school to learn and deepen human and Christian values."

"Through sporting activity, the person understands better that his body cannot be considered an object, but that, through corporeity, expresses itself and enters into relationship with others," he continued.

"In this way, the balance between the physical and spiritual dimension leads not to idolizing the body, but to respect it, not to make it an instrument to develop at all costs, using perhaps means that are not even licit," the Pontiff added.

In particular, Benedict XVI said, skiing allows us "to ask ourselves about the meaning of creation, to look on high, to open ourselves to the Creator" and reminds man of his responsibility "in conserving and cultivating the work of God" with "gratitude and recognition."

Because, he added, if on one hand "progress in the scientific and technological realm gives man the possibility to intervene and manipulate nature," on the other there is always the risk "of wanting to substitute the Creator and to reduce creation virtually to a product to be used and consumed."

Hence, addressing the ski instructors, the Pope reminded them of their role directed to "a healthy sports formation" and to "education in respect of the environment," "to act not in an isolated way, but in agreement with the families, especially when your pupils are minors, and in collaboration with the school and the other educational realities."

"Important also is your testimony of faithful laymen," the Holy Father concluded, "that even in the context of sports activity, are able to give the right centrality to fundamental moments for the life of faith, especially to the sanctification of Sunday as day of the Lord."

Read the original article here

October Update

2010-10-28T10:15:00.005-05:00

Well, it's been some time since my last post and, as you can imagine, life has been pretty crazy this month! Here are a few things that have been happening recently:

1.) I finally received the books for my first graduate school class at Franciscan University of Steubenville. I will be taking "Biblical Foundations" with Dr. Minto and will officially begin the class on Monday, November 1st. My goal is to finish all classwork before April 2011.

3.) Wedding plans are moving right along! You may recall that Erin and I are getting married on May 13, 2011-the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima-in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Holy Mass will be celebrated by my former spiritual director, Msgr. Eugene Morris.
Our reception will take place at "Villa Antonio" winery in Hillsboro, Missouri. Erin has picked out and ordered a wedding dress and we are continuing to discuss plans for flowers, invitations, our honeymoon and other such details. We just recently finalized our photographer and hope to design a "wedding website" very soon!

The most important part of our wedding preparation has been preparing for our vocation to marriage. Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Natural Family Planning and marriage preparation classes with Fr. Mark Chrismer have been a big help in this area! We are very excited to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony together and we're constantly discussing ways to form a Catholic family in which we both know our roles and work together in preparation for children!

4.) My freshman theology classes are going very well! We recently finished a chapter on the Paschal Mystery and are beginning to look at the mission of Jesus Christ at work in the Church. I feel much more relaxed in the classroom this year and my students are all a lot of fun to have in the classroom.

5.) In late September I became part of the core-team for "Spirit and Truth", a Catholic young adult group in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. This group meets on Thursday evenings and includes a presentation by a priest or deacon, followed by Eucharistic Adoration and some time for socializing. My main responsibility with this group is to introduce our speakers and make known any announces for those participating in the group. This group has been a real blessing for Erin and I, mostly because we're able to meet and pray with other young adult Catholics that are striving to live out our Catholic faith in society.

7.) Archbishop-emeritus of St. Louis, Raymond L. Burke, will become a cardinal on November 20, 2010! Archbishop Burke was in St. Louis from 2004-2008 and, in my opinion, is truly a great spiritual father. I was blessed to come to know Archbishop Burke as a seminarian and he's always reminded me of my late grandfather, Robert L. Mottert. We both share a great love for the Traditional Latin Mass and St. Therese, and I will never forget our many visits and conversations. Archbishop Burke is currently acting as the Apostlic Signitura at the Vatican in Rome, Italy.

Well, that's all for now! Please continue to keep my students, my fiancee Erin, and myself in your prayers!

Modern Teen to Be Beatified Saturday

2010-09-24T10:06:00.004-05:00

By Carmen Elena Villa

ROME, SEPT. 23, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Chiara Badano was a modern teenager: She liked to sing, dance, play tennis and skate, until cancer took her life at age 18, only two decades ago.

Now, on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the shrine of Divine Love in Rome, Chiara will be beatified in a ceremony presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, in representation of Benedict XVI.

Chiara was a member of the Focolare Movement, founded in Italy by Chiara Lubich in 1943.

Also on Saturday, thousands of Focolare members will gather in Paul VI Hall to celebrate the first beatification of someone from the movement.

At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope's secretary of state, will offer a Mass in thanksgiving in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

Birth and youth

After 11 years of marriage, Ruggero and Maria Teresa Badano had the joy of the arrival of their first and only daughter, Chiara, who was born on Oct. 29, 1971, in the small village of Sassello, in the region of Liguria in northern Italy.

Her mother said: "She was not only our daughter. She belonged, in the first place, to God and as such, we had to educate her, respecting her liberty."

In 1981 Chiara discovered the Focolare movement, thanks to a friend called Chicca who invited her to be part of the GEN (New Generation) movement.

Maria Grazia Magrini, vice-postulator of Chiara Badano's cause for canonization, told ZENIT: "She put Jesus in the first place. She called him 'my spouse.'"

As a young girl, she liked to sing, dance, play tennis and skate. She loved the mountains and the sea. "She also tried to go to Mass every day," said Magrini.

One day, at age 17, while playing tennis the adolescent felt an acute pain. Her mother recalled: "She returned home and was very pale. She went upstairs."

The mother asked her: "Why did you come back, Chiara?" The youth explained, "Because during the match I felt such an sharp pain in my back that I dropped the racquet."

The pain worsened. Doctors soon discovered bone cancer. As the disease progressed, Badano faced repeated hospitalizations and increasing pain. She often repeated, "For you, Jesus. If you wish it, so do I!"

Her mother still remembers when she came home after the first session of chemotherapy. She did not want to talk. Maria Teresa recalled: "I looked at her and I saw the expression on her face, all the struggle she was combating within herself to say her 'yes' to Jesus." After 25 minutes, she said to her mother "now you can talk."

Going to meet Jesus

Chiara underwent surgery, which was unsuccessful; from that moment she lost the use of her legs.

According to her vice postulator, this young athlete, notwithstanding the very painful moment, exclaimed: "If I had to choose between walking or going to paradise, I wouldn't hesitate, I'd choose paradise."

At that time her friendship with Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare movement, who decided to call the youth Chiara "Luce" Badano, became very close.

She spent several months in agony, preparing for her encounter with Jesus. "The most beautiful moments were during the last summer," said her friend, Chicca. "She was motionless in her bed," she recalled.

Magrini highlighted Chiara's attitude: "She didn't cry, didn't lament, she looked at the image of Jesus."

Chicca recalled how Chiara wished to prepare her own funeral: the songs of the Mass, the dress and hairdo: Everything was for her a celebration. The friend recalled, "She told me she wanted to be buried in a white dress, as a bride that goes to meet Jesus."

Chiara made one last exhortation to her mother: "When you dress me, you must repeat three times: Now Chiara is seeing Jesus." Chiara also asked that the cornea of her eyes be donated to two youths.

She died on Oct. 7, 1990. Her last words to her mother were: "Be happy because I'm happy."*

*Article taken from Zenit

"The Naked Truth About Modesty"

2010-09-08T18:05:00.003-05:00

The dictionary defines modesty as "the regard for decency of behavior, speech and dress" and is "designed to prevent inadvertent exposure of parts of the body" (www.dictionary.com).

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" (1 Cor. 6:19) St. Paul is reminding the Corinthians of the need to "avoid immorality" so as to serve Christ and one another. He continues saying, "you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6:20).

Because man is made in the "image and likeness of God" (Genesis 1:26), we must strive to imitate God. One way that we describe God is that He is hidden or mysterious. We too are called to be hidden and one way that we do this is by "hiding" our bodies. In one sense covering our bodies is good, because lets face it, we don't all have bodies like "Abercrombie and Fitch" models! But more importantly, we hide our bodies because they are sacred and are not to be revealed to everyone.

When going to Holy Mass we will see that the tabernacle is covered with a veil, despite the fact that we already know what it contains (the Body of Christ). How similar should be our bodies! By dressing modestly we are showing God and others that we understand our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. We also show respect to others, as is displayed in the following video:

"The Naked Truth About Modesty" Part One

Special thanks for Mr. Gabriel Castillo for producing this film and defending our Catholic faith!

Youth Ministry: Yes or No???

2010-09-06T14:51:00.006-05:00

I watched an interesting movie trailer today from "The National Center for Family-Integrated Churches" (NCFIC). "Segregation" is a "movie-in-the-making" which discusses youth ministry in Protestant churches in the United States. It appears that the main questions being asked in this documentary are, "Is youth ministry good for churches?", "Is youth ministry effective in the long run?" and "Is segregated ministry biblical?"

Although this video highlights non-Catholic churches, I can't help but wonder if the same questions could be asked about Catholic parishes in the United States. According to the NCFIC, "65% and 85% of Christian youth leave the church when they enter college" (www.ncfic.org). Such numbers are shocking, to say the least! I would only hope that the Catholic Church could boast of having fewer numbers.

Watch the trailer here

Back to School

2010-08-31T22:22:00.007-05:00

This year is my second year of teaching Catholic theology on the high school level. I am teaching five theology classes, which makes for roughly 140 freshman students.

While preparing for this year, I decided to use the book "Catholic Essentials" by Ave Maria Press. This one series book was made to help bridge the gap between the current high school theology curriculum and the new curriculum framework given by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. The focus of the new framework is not only to teach students the Catholic faith, but to help them build a relationship with Jesus Christ.

As a second year teacher I can definitely feel a difference in the classroom! I feel much more relaxed and organized as a teacher! I believe my brother, who is also a second year teacher (music), said it best: "The nice thing about being a second year teacher is that you're no longer a first year teacher" (paraphrase). Because I have developed a more organized routine for each day and have implemented consistent discipline in the classroom, I feel more like a teacher and not someone that is just getting by! This new comfort allows me to teach the Catholic faith passionately, intelligently, and in a way that makes the faith attractive and fun for high school students!

The most important aspect of teaching the faith, in my opinion, is being faithful to Christ and the Church! I could care less about whether or not students think "Mr. Flannigan" or "DFlann" (as some of my students call me) I'm cool-NO! Teaching theology faithfully is the most important task, because the souls of my students are at risk! I do not have the authority or luxury to deviate from the Church's teachings, which is good because I don't want to anyways! Students may look at me and say, "You're crazy, Mr. Flannigan" or "Modesty? Why be modest?" or "I'll pray when I get old, Mr. Flannigan"! Teenagers have so many temptations these days and they need a good, solid foundation on which to learn and grow. I pray that I can provide such a foundation in my classes! Let's talk more about my classes!

This year I wanted to add more Catholic art in my classroom (special thanks to my fiancee for her help). I've hung up banners with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary one the wall, a picture of Pope Benedict XVI, plus a small section devoted to our Blessed Mother with a small poster saying, "Behold Your Mother-John 19:27" and which has various images of her. There is also a sacred space in my classroom, which is basically a makeshift altar with a white tablecloth, a crucifix and statues of St. Joseph and Our Blessed Mother.

Each day I begin class by taking attendance while my students get settled. When I'm ready to start class, I proclaim to my students, "Praised Be Jesus Christ", to which they respond, "Now and Forever". I made sure to tell them that the response is "Now and Forever", not "Yeah, whatever". Class proceeds with a short description of the saint of the day and a short prayer. I then proceed with the day's lesson, which is give to the class via a Powerpoint Presentation.

Please take a moment to pray for me and my students. It is my hope that I will lead them closer to Christ and help them to fall in love with their Catholic faith!

Summer Update

2010-06-22T18:32:00.008-05:00

Hello everyone! It's been some time since my last entry, so I thought I'd provide an update all on how my summer has been going!

1.) This summer I have been busy working at the high school supervising students that are working for tuition money. The students have mostly been cleaning classrooms, painting, and helping with the construction of our new football field press box (i.e. cleaning up drywall, moving large windows, etc.). I do my best just to supervise, but I inevitably find myself helping the students, especially when they start getting lazy or complain about the heat!

2.) My best friend is a dad! Charlie and Christine Raymond are the proud parents of their first child, Luke Sebastian Raymond. Luke came into this world weighing 9 pounds, 7 ounces and was born on Friday, June 18 via home birth. Everyone is doing very well and I can't be more proud of Charlie! Luke will be baptized on July 16 using the Traditional Rite of Baptism (Pre-Vatican II) and I have been asked to be his godfather!

3.) I finally received word that I have been accepted into the Distance Learning Program at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio to begin studies towards a Masters of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry. I am very excited to be attending this school, as it is home to some of the greatest Catholic professors in the United States (i.e. Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr. Mark Miravalle). This is also the school that my fiancee attended for her bachelors and masters degrees in theology. All the materials for classes will be mailed to me and I will have six months to finish each course. Thankfully I was able to bypass taking the college prep classes (i.e. philosophy) because of my training in the seminary.

4.) Although I've never really been much of the athletic type, this summer I've been playing in an indoor soccer league. We have games on Wednesday evenings and have been playing against some very difficult teams, mostly because we're placed in the wrong league. I've been playing very well overall, though I did get injured in late June. A player on the opposing team kicked the ball right into my face, which resulted in a black eye for about two weeks. Our last regular season game is on July 14 and we're hoping to have our first win of the season! We will also have a playoff game in late July.

5.) I was told at the end of the last school year that I would be taking over as the director of the pro-life club at the school where I teach. This summer I've been meeting with the club officers to discuss of future of this organization and to begin planning our trip to the Pro-Life March in Washington D.C. I've never coordinated a pro-life group before, but I am very excited about this group and happy with the ideas we have to help make our school more pro-life in the next academic year!

Well, that is what I've been up to so far this summer! I hope everyone is having a nice and relaxing summer-God bless!

Praised Be Jesus Christ...

2010-06-02T20:48:00.010-05:00

...now and forever!

The past few weeks have been filled with many blessings and I just wanted to share them!

First, congratulations to the eight new priests in the Archdiocese of St. Louis! I was fortunate to be a part of this ordination class for a year while in the seminary and can truly attest that these men are happy, healthy and holy men that are ready and willing to serve Christ and His Church!

(Photo Credit: Jeff Geerling)

My fiancee and I were able to attend the ordination of these new priests at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis and it was a very powerful experience for both of us! We actually sat with three of my former college seminary classmates and afterwards I joked around with them about our seminary days.

On Sunday, my fiancee and I attended the first Holy Mass of Father Jason Schumer at St. Vincent's parish in Perryville, Missouri. Father Schumer has been studying at the North American College in Rome, Italy and it was a real blessing to participate in his first Mass with our friends and his family. Father Schumer and I attended college seminary together and became close friends my junior year of college. I have always admired his strong love and devotion to Christ, Our Lady and the Church and have great confidence that he will be a holy shepherd!

After Holy Mass was complete, my fiancee and I met up with some old friends and received a blessing from Father Schumer. It was also here that we received news of the second blessing that I wish to write about!

My friends Kaitlin and Ted have been married for two years and in my eyes are a model Catholic couple. Kaitlin has been trying to get pregnant ever since her wedding and, although she has done everything in accordance with the Church's teaching in regards to marriage and sexuality, has been struggling to conceive a child. Despite being a difficult journey for her and her husband, they have always trusted in Our Lord and have remained hopeful that one day He would bless them with a child. Well, Our Lord has finally blessed their faithfulness!

Kaitlin and Ted are finally pregnant and I have never seen a couple more excited! You can follow her journey through infertility and, thanks be to God, her pregnancy on her blog "More Like Mary, More Like Me".

Photo: Kaitlin and Ted receive a blessing from Fr. Jason Schumer after his ordination

These two blessings help to remind me to give thanks to God daily! It is truly a blessing to have friends that are trying to live out the faith authentically, whether as a newly ordained priest or as a young married couple that have been blessed with the gift of life!

"School's Out For Summer"

2010-05-21T12:42:00.004-05:00

As of today, I have officially finished my first year of teaching high school theology!

I believe I had a very good first year and I definitely learned a lot about myself and working with others. The biggest lesson I learned in working with high school students is to remain consistent (Matthew 5:37) and to not express any frustration I may with them.

Next year I will be teaching five freshman theology class each semester, plus band first semester and campus ministry second semester. I will also be directing the Pro-Life Club and Campus Ministry Club.

This summer I will be supervising students at school that are working towards their tuition. The students will be doing various projects around the school and hopefully I won't have to do the work for them! One priority is to continue reading about classroom management and work on lesson plans for next year. I also hope to begin graduate studies for a Masters in Theology at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. Yesterday I was told that my application for the Distance Learning Program was sent in for review!

Outside of school, I hope to attend a few drum & bugle corps shows, go to the Lake of the Ozarks, and continue planning my wedding with my fiancee, Erin! I also want to read a lot this summer (I'm notorious for starting a book and never finishing it). I'm currently reading "Amish Society", by John Hostetler, and I want to finish reading Dr. Scott Hahn's "A Father Who Keeps His Promises".

So, let the summer begin!

"Do You Desire Holiness?"

2010-05-12T08:34:00.015-05:00

For the past month or so one question keeps coming up in prayer and my daily life: "Do you desire holiness?"

The reason this question keeps presenting itself is for multiple reason, the first of which I believe is the grace of God. Our faith teaches us that God produces all good things in our lives and He Himself gives us the gift of faith and holiness. I see the placing of this question about holiness in my heart as an invitation from God and as a reality check. God wants everyone to be in union with Him, not so He can have ultimate control over our lives, but so He can be our Father and we can be His children. By placing small questions in our hearts, Our Lord is in a sense asking us to examine our lives to see if we are on the right path, a path that leads us to Him. The one sure way that Our Lord has done this is by first giving man a conscience. If we live in accordance with God and the Church we will have a well-formed conscience that will assist us in knowing the truth and living in accordance with the truth. If, however, we feed our conscience with the things of this world, it would only seem fitting that one live for this world, for things that pass away.

Another reason why this question keeps presenting itself is because I am regularly asked if I truly desire holiness in spiritual direction. Without going into great details, I can honestly say that the priest which assists me does so with one purpose: to make me a saint! To some such a task seems impossible, especially today. But this priest is not your ordinary priest! As a priest of Opus Dei, my spiritual director believes all men and women are called to holiness, not just priests and religious. Following the direction of St. Josemaria Escriva, priests of Opus Dei assist everyday Catholic men and women in becoming holy, primarily through their work. Whether one is a doctor, teacher, or a ditch digger, St. Josemaria Escriva came to realize that God calls all to holiness: "There is something holy, something divine, hidden in the most ordinary situations, and it is up to each one of you to discover it. Our ordinary everyday life can be a path to holiness." But how does one come to realize such a reality and actually become holy? Where does one begin?

I have come to realize that the first step that must be taken if we are to find holiness in this life and in our work is to desire holiness. Desiring holiness should be the first task of every believer. Holiness is that which makes us like God, makes us resemble God and is given only by God. We acquire holiness by placing ourselves in God's presence at all moments of our lives: “The ordinary life of a Christian who has faith, when he works or rests, when he prays or sleeps, at all times, is a life in which God is always present” (Josemaria Escriva, Meditations, 3 March 1954). If we live with this understanding we begin to see all things in a different light. By always being present with God, we are inclined to examine our thoughts, words, and actions, doing only that which is pleasing to God and which helps us to love others. We will also live more fully in reality and in the truth. By being united more closely to the truth, which is "some body", namely Jesus, and not "some thing", we will also see that the world in which we live in cannot bring us ultimate happiness, that we are only in this world for a short time and that we must live for the world that is to come!

As I have reflected on the need to desire holiness, I have come to see just how easy it is to go through the motions in life. Matthew Kelly, well-known Catholic author, states that we cannot just survive in our faith, but we must flourish in our faith! I believe many Catholics in the Church today are only surviving in their faith, and for many reasons.

First, like Matthew Kelly, I believe many Catholics do not feel at home in the Church. Many do not understand that they should be striving for holiness and they do not understand why they should be striving for holiness. The Second Vatican Council, like Opus Dei, has helped lay men and women to see that they have an important role in the Church and that they too are called to holiness. Despite this call, many still do not know "how" to become holy. "Are we just to spend our whole lives praying?", many ask.

One answer to this problem may be that the Church has lost its sense of awe and the sacred! When we attend a religious service with modern day jokes, music and the like, it's very difficult for us to feel as though we are stepping into that which is beyond this world. Catholics attending Sunday Mass are receiving Our Lord in the Sacraments, but I wonder if they are truly encountering Christ? I believe the Church needs to recall why she was established by Christ: not to make people feel good or to entertain them at Holy Mass, but to lead souls to Christ and to assist them in getting to Heaven. This is the Church's primary goal! By becoming more familiar with the sacred, we are able to become more fully aware of the presence of God, the need for silence and that which is not of this world.

In order for the Church to flourish, individual members have to flourish in their faith. We have to be people that truly believe in and seek God in our lives! We have to live for Christ and the Church and spread our love to those around us by living our lives well in the midst of our work and daily life. Such a call demands our all and may mean that others around us will think we're crazy, that we're "wasting our lives", or that we're even "holier than thou". But I believe authentic faith and holiness, when done with love, speaks to others, even when it challenges them.

Second, many Catholics have not been taught the faith, and I mean really been taught the faith. Making banners and collages in a Sunday C.C.D class is not enough! And watering down the faith to make it attractive is doing a great disservice to the children of God! As Catholics, we have been given the greatest gifts of all, namely the Sacraments and the fullness of truth in the Church's teachings! With such gifts comes a great responsibility to know and understand our faith, and then to bring the fruits of our faith to the world!

One aspect of the faith that has really inspired me recently is that fact that God lives within us: "Regnum Dei intra vos est" (The kingdom of God is within you)! We are blessed as Catholics to become children of God at our baptism and to receive the Lord's body, blood, soul and divinity in the Holy Eucharist! Do we strive to understand this reality? Are we thankful for this reality? And what are we doing to bring Christ, whom we have received, to others? These questions are very important for us to ponder as Catholics, especially after we receive Holy Communion. Too many times, however, I believe many are prone to just watching the priest after Communion to see when he sits down so they can stop kneeling and sit in back down in the pew. And it also doesn't help that many times there is always music being played after Holy Communion. It seems that as a Church we lack true contemplation and have a fear of silence. Part of this may be because we don't know what to do when there is nothing happening (i.e. music, gestures, the homily, etc.). How hard it can be for us to just sit or kneel down to soak in the silence, to ponder the fact that Our Lord is truly with us in a spiritual and substantial way, and then pray in thanksgiving for this gift which gives us eternal life!

In receiving the Sacraments we come to realize that God is with us and that we are not alone. Because of such, I believe we can then ask Our Lord to increase our faith! This was the plea of the apostles, those rather simple men that Christ called to follow Him and to lead His Church. "Aduage nobis fidem" (Increase our faith), the apostles said to Christ! If we are going to truly desire holiness and truly believe in Christ and the Church then we need a constant increase of faith. Having faith today can be very difficult, because we live in a world that is all about "believing by seeing or feeling". Society has trained us see results and to do most, if not everything, based on our feelings. And we want everything in life "right now, at this very moment". True faith can only be fruitful when we have patience, the desire to serve despite our feelings and trust in the Lord, who gives what we truly need, when we need it.

Let us pray to Jesus through Mary, that we may truly desire holiness, strive to find holiness in our work and daily lives, that we may discover the kingdom of God within us, and that we will have an increase in faith!

+St. Josemaria Escriva, ora pro nobis+

"The Dress Dare"

2010-05-04T13:31:00.007-05:00

Attention female readers!

A friend of mine recently wrote an excellent article about the need for women to dress respectfully, especially during Holy Mass. Here are just some of my thoughts on the matter!

As an engaged man in my mid twenties, I can attest to the fact that women need to dress with more dignity and respect! Men are constantly being bombarded by sexual images on television, billboards and the Internet, making the temptation to only view women in terms of their physical makeup very strong. Seeing women who dress inappropriately "in the flesh" makes it even more difficult! I am more and more convinced that women do not understand the effect they can have on men when they do not dress appropriately.

My fiancee Erin started wearing dresses and skirts more after reading the book "Dressing with Dignity" and I love her all the more for it! It's such a blessing to be with a woman that dresses in a fashionable, yet respectful manner. By dressing with dignity, my fiancee helps me to elevate my image of women and to strive to become more of a gentleman. And let's face it, dressing with respect is very attractive!

Read Kaitlin's Article Here

Check Out "The 31 Day Dress Dare"

"Fear Not-There is Truth" Fr. Corapi

2010-05-03T12:48:00.004-05:00

The following are notes taken from Fr. Corapi's fourth and final talk. Special thanks to Mr. Jeff Geerling for allowing my fiancee and I to sit in the front row during this talk!

-Fr. Corapi said that there is much fear, anxiety and a lack of trust in society and the Church today.
-"Fear is useless...we need to trust!"
-"Things will get worse before they get better". Fr. Corapi mentioned this in light of his own life and conversion story.
-Psalm 34: Seek the Lord! Pray, do penance and live a life of virtue!
-We must read and know Scripture (Note: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ" St. Jerome). Fr. Corapi noted that we must read Scripture in light of the Church.
-"Read Scripture in totality"-do not take it out of context, especially for one's own benefit.
-"Read Scripture in light of Sacred Tradition".
-"Apply the 'anaology of faith'"-do not be taken away by strange teachings.
-Fr. Corapi ended his last talk by reminding us that we will have to endure great difficulties because of our faith in Jesus Christ and the Church.
-"No pain, no gain...no cross, no crown...no gall, no glory" (Similar to a quote by William Penn)
-"God love you!" Fr. Corapi's line at the end of all of his talks.