Back from the Holy Land

It was a great trip, and I can not even expect to be able to re-cap it in only the short time that I have right now. I hope that all of you had a happy and holy Christmas season. More pictures from the trip will be forth coming.

Three Saints "on-deck"

Today the Holy Father signed a number of decrees confirming that men and women put forward for consideration did in fact live a life of heroic virtue. This moves all one step closer to being declared saints. What is needed are confirmed miracles. Please pray for there intercession that these three holy men can be raised to the altars quickly.

Venerable Pius XII, Victor over the Fascists

The first one was a surprise to everyone. There was not even the splinter of a rumor that B-16 was about to declare Pope Pius XII to be venerable. Some have even commented that the Pope's own private secretary did not know. (Which would not surprise me). This gives me great joy, since history has maligned this Holy Man, and I have a personal devotion to him.

Venerable John Paul II, Victor over the Communists

The second was much anticipated, and expected: Pope John Paul II is now considered to be venerable. Above is his first communion picture. In conversation with George Weigel once, I asked if he thought Benedict would put Pius XII and John Paul II on parallel tracks. Dr. Weigel thought no. It is not often I am right, when Dr. Weigel and I disagree.


The last one is Fr. Jerzy (George) Popielouszko (pictured above). He was martyred by the Polish Communist in 1984. To declare him Venerable on the same day as John Paul II, who did so much to end Communism in Europe, must make both smile in heaven.

One last picture of Pius XII

Twelve days in the Holy Land

Most gratefully I share with you that I will be spending the next twelve days in the Holy Land.What makes this Land Holy? It is the Land that God chose to make Holy. It is the land that He Promised to the Israelites as they wandered through the desert. It was the Land where He chose to be born, to live, to teach, to work miracles, to offer Himself up in sacrifice on the Cross, and where He rose from the dead.

I am grateful for all who have made this possible, especially the Diocese of Green Bay, who see this pilgrimage as an important part of my formation to be a priest.

I will not have Internet access during the trip, but I will make sure to post many pictures when I return to Rome on Jan. 1.

Please keep me in prayer. I will keep you, my friends and family in prayer.

Do they have Saint Nick in Italy?

Dec. 6 fell on a Sunday this year, so instead of St. Nick, we celebrated a Sunday of Advent. That does not mean however that St. Nick forgot to make his visits this year... waking up to cross the hall for my (first) cup of coffee of the day, low and behold, the jolly old bishop has left me a little gift outside my door -- not a stocking or a shoe but a little read gift bag filled with all sorts of good Italian chocolates. Seeing the empty wrappers, it looks like he couldn't resist having a little taste or two.

Even though there is a church dedicated to San Nicolo (Italian for Nicolas) and he is buried in Bari in southern Italy, the tradition of St. Nicolas giving gifts is not strong in Italy (except of course at the North American College!). Rather the Italian gift giver is a witch, called a Befana, that comes not on Dec. 6, not on Christmas Eve, but rather on Jan. 6, on Epiphany, when the Three Magi came to bring gifts to the Infant Christ.

Why a witch? Good question. We have a little motion-activated Befana as part of our corridor decorations, and every time that witch-y laugh is activated by an innocent sem. passing in the hallway, I just don't think of Christmas. There are a few legends:

First: The Befana was the innkeeper who turned Joseph and Mary away from
the Inn at Bethlehem, and now as her punishment she has to travel the world on
Epiphany Eve distributing toys to good boys and girls, and coal to bad boys and
girls.

Second: The Befana helped give the Three Kings directions to find the Baby
Jesus in Bethlehem, and as her reward she was made the mother of every little
boy and girl in Italy.

Vergine Immacolate, aiutaci!

Immaculate Conception, by Peter Paul Reubens

Wow - what a day! This is the 150th anniversary of the Pontifical North American College. We celebrated the two ways all good Catholics celebrate: a big beautifully executed Mass followed by a big beautifully executed banquet. Being the Master of Ceremonies for the Mass, along with a little chest cold, it got me beat.

Thinking about this big celebration, one needs to ask: Why? God is all powerful, He could have drawn forth his Son in the flesh from any mother. So why the pre-redeemed Immaculate Mother? Praying vespers with the seminary community, the splendor of this gift of God shines forth in the third antiphon: The robe you wear is white as spotless snow; your face radiant like the sun (Vestimentum tuum candidum quasi nix; et facies tua sicut sol). This recalls the transfiguration, where the glory of Jesus shines forth in his very humanity. Mary is the first called to share in that glory, but we too are called to be sons of glory. Mary in her Immaculate Conception, shows forth the splendor of the glory we are called to. We celebrate the Immaculate Conception because we hope that our robes will also be as white as spotless snow, and our faces as radiant as the sun.

Mary is the singular example for us, but also the way, for she is the way that the One, Christ, entered the world -- the highway of grace. This is a two way highway, so it is through her intercession, her cooperation with the Almighty, that we are lifted into the realm of grace.

the "other American College"....

A carving of an Indian head from the exterior of the American College in Belgium.

During diaconate ordiantions and the canonization of St. Damien, the North American College was "invaded" by the "other American College." Most do not know that there are in fact two American seminaries in Europe, the one in Rome where Brian Romportl and I study, and one in Louvain (which is in fact one year older!).

It is a very small seminary, under twenty seminarians, but it is rich in its history. It some how managed to stay open during World War I, and even managed to preserve many of the treasures of Louvain while the Germans burnt the rest of the town.

It has many connections to the diocese of Green Bay. At least two of our bishops were trained as priest there, Bishop Fox and our very own Bishop Ricken.

The history continues. Currently the diocese has two seminarians studying there: Chris Thelen and Amadi Alvan. I know that they would appreciate your prayers and maybe even a card during the holiday season. There contact information can be found on the seminarian website.

Feast of Saint Andrew

The martyrdom of Saint Andrew

For the Mass readings

From the Gospel according to John: Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of hte two who heard John [the Baptist] and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which can be translated Anointed [in Latin Christus]). Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter). (chapter 1 verses 40-2)

I have a great devotion to Andrew. It is not just because there are at least three great churches dedicated to him in Rome, one of which is on my way to lectures this morning. Nor is it that his body is one of the five principle relics at Saint Peter's. It is rather that I see him as a great model for who I should be as a priest. Really who all of us should be as Christians, baptized to be apostles of the Lord.

Christ is living. He was alive, and Andrew and Peter met him in the flesh (in caro), and we can say so easily that since we do not live when Peter and Andrew lived, we cannot know him. The best we can do is know about him. How sad this would be, and we rejoice it is not true. At Easter we proclaim, Christ lives! So Christ is as alive for us here and now, as he was for Andrew and Peter.

Andrew did not try to explain to his brother, who Christ was. Rather he lead him to Jesus. Andrew wanted Peter to know Christ. As the priest, I hope that at one level I can share the who and the what of Christ, but better and greater than that, I pray for the people who will one day be in my care, that they may meet Christ.

We can, and as Christians, we ought to lead others to Christ. John the Baptist, and Andrew are our models for this.

God bless.

The one that martyrdom lacks...

Saint Martin giving half of his cloak to Christ, by El Greco (Spanish, 1597)

Today the Church celebrates and remembers Saint Martin of Tours. While we rarely hear of Saint Martin anymore, it is interesting to see how many very old churches in Europe are dedicated to him, almost as many as there are dedicted to the Blessed Virgin Mary!

Saint Martin was the first non-martyr Catholic honored as a saint of the Church. This was remember in the Church with the saying: It was not Martin that lacked martyrdom, but martyrdom that lacked Martin. While this can remain only an interesting bit of trivia, we really should ask what this means in our life. Are we asked to make the ultimate sacrifice of martyrdom? Probably not, but by declaring Martin of Tours a saint, we re-affirm the belief that each of us are called to be saints. It is not limited to a holy elite, but the way of happiness opened to us all.

Saint Martin of Tours...

...Pray for us!

St. Jude, patron of hopeless cases...

Just a real quick reflection before heading off to bed.

Today at lectures a brief reflection from Fr. Bruce, O.P.: I am not sure why St. Jude has become the patron of hopeless cases. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that he shares a name with the Traitor (in most languages Jude and Judas is the same name). While the Iscariot was hopeless unto death, the one who shares the name of the Traitor will be the "anti-type," and thus even in the most hopeless situations will turn toward the Lord -- and we shall not forget, "for God nothing is impossible."


Saints Simon and Jude are buried under the Saint Joseph altar at Saint Peter in the Vatican. I did not have the opportunity to visit their relics today, but perhaps on their octave day I will make it.

We of course do not know which date they died on, but this day is commemorated as their feast since it is the anniversary of the transfer of their relics to Saint Peter in the Vatican.

Saint Simon...

...pray for us.

Saint Jude...

...pray for us.

All God's Holy Men and Women...

...pray for us!

Got an email today...

I received an email today from Msgr. Rector. It seems like the ordination date for my diaconate ordiantion will be the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary (also know as the Feast of Our Lady of Lepento) on October 7, 2010 at Saint Peter's basilica. Please keep me in prayer. Here is a picture of this year's ordination.

Canonization: Five new saints for the Church.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the canonization of five new saints. Even though I have been in Rome for over two years, and been to a number of Papal Liturgies, this is the first time that I have been a canonization. In short it was beautiful. For the first time I heard the voice of Benedict XVI invoke five as saints of the Church.

I did not know who most the "new Saints" were, except for Damien of Molokia. He was also known as Damien of the Lepers. As a young priest he was sent to the "living hell" of Molokai to minister to the men, women and children dying of Hansen's disease (Leprosy). It was a living hell, since for years these people were allowed to descend into beastly state (think of Hobbes description of life before the state).

He modeled his life on the life of the "One Who Loves Him," Christ, and with no fear "descended" to them -- not because he too wanted to live a beastly state, but rather to life them up to their full dignity as human being. The world literally threw these people away, and he picked them up and took them to the home of his heart as the treasures that they truly are. He opened for them schools and churchs, and a free clinic. He taught them skills, and hobbies. All of this was fueled by the Gospel. A true evangelical zeal. It was a great co-operation with the Holy Spirit; and since it was started by the Holy Spirit -- it succeeded. The "Living Hell of Molokai" became an almost ideal Christian society.

Damien himself so completely gave himself in sacrifice to these people that he eventually contracted Leprosy himself, and died. A true "white martyrdom."

His life was rich in Christ, so rich that we continue to benefit from it. He was prophetic in realization that the greatest resource to the development of the people entrusted to his care, was the people themselves. The men, women, and children, although they were poor, did not depend on handouts, but rather found in the richness of their own souls the spiritual resource to be lifted by Christ out of the misery of the pit.

The funeral catafalgue of Fr. Damien of Molokai

Before school began...

So I arrived in Rome on September 17, and classes did not begin until October 12. So what have I been doing in the mean time? Vacation. Not really, or not like any other vacation like I have had before.

The three weeks in between arrival and the beginning of classes have really been quite busy. Much busier than it normally is, so much so that know that classes have begun, it feels like this is a bit of a break!

Can you find me? (I will give you a clue I am wearing white on top of black).
NAC ordination prayer vigil the night before diaconate ordination

There were three main occupation during the three weeks before school:

(1) Pastoral work-shops: practical courses at the college on pastoral counseling, preaching, and Hispanic ministry

(2) A week long silent retreat (perhaps more on this at a later date)

(3) and the nacho grande of it all: the Ordination to the Order of the Deacon of thirty men from the North American College.

This last may not seem that significant, after all I was not the one getting ordained -- but I was the head master of ceremonies for it. That is quite a bit of work. It was good though. Each day started early: prayer and Mass, than hours of pastoral work-shops (of course broken up by coffee breaks), and than a few hours each day of prep-work for the ordination. Each day I felt like I was on my game. While I was busy, and while I was working hard, it was a very good experience.

I like being all that busy -- each day at Mass as the altar is being prepared -- the linen (the shroud) being unfolded and on it are placed the bread and the wine. To this wine a drop of water, and there is when I join my offering to the sacrifice of the Mass -- I offer you Lord this day... with all its works, prayers, joys and sufferings. Each day, while I was working hard and going to bed so tired, each day I felt that I had something to add to that sacrifice.

I remember it vaguely... (biking in Rome)

I remember it vaguely... Fr. Ben Sember was leaving to return to the States permentently, and I think he gave me a bike, but that was almost two years ago. Well it turned out he did give me a bike, and it laid un-used for most of last year. Mark Payton, a class mate, brought it back to my attention. Wow -- I have a bike! Honestly, I never really forgot this, but was some what scared to take the bike out into Roman traffic (anyone who has experienced Roman traffic will completely understand this). Well...

Not me, biking in Rome

Well... it was time to bite the bullet. It was really busy the week before classes were beginning and I had to go to the Angelicum to actually registrar for classes. Usually this is a forty minute walk one way trip. This is also an experience of Italian bureaucracy (read: at a minimum one hour of waiting in line, just to find out where to wait in line again... well you get the idea). So I was looking at a minimum of a two hour and twenty minutes. We are all busy. I am a busy seminarian. I just don't have time for that. So time to hop onto the bike.

It was great. Not only did I make it there and back, and some how managed to registar all in under an hour, but the experience of riding in Rome is great. I have made it a point to mostly bike to classes now. Forty minute one way walk? - not any more. Now a quick and simple nine minute commute. So next time you end up in Rome, see Saint Peters and hope onto one of the rentalable red bikes.

Back to school, back to school...

The main courtyard at the Angelicum University

A week ago today it started: lectures at the Angelicum University. This is actually one of the most enjoyable parts of being a seminarian. After all when will I have the leisure to study these central mysteries of the faith that I love so much? It is my third year of theology, but my second year at the Angelicum.

The Angelicum -- what I describe as a "happy place." This will most likely be my last year here, since I finish my degree this year, and most likely will be working on my second degree at a different university. That is the usual arrangement for studying in Rome. Most students, seminarians and lay students, earn two degrees. The first is the Sacred Theology Baccalaureate, and is roughly equivalent to a Master of Arts in Theology in the United States. It takes three years to complete.

The student will than pursue a second degree to specialize. There is diversity in this area. Some will complete a proper Masters, which usually takes one additional year. Most will work on a License -- this is usually a two year degree, and sometimes three years depending upon the speciality. Other degrees, like Canon Law are their own breed.

So I will be looking ahead to a specialization next year. The question is: What will it be? Rest assured this has been discussed with the bishop, but nothing is set in stone, and I am not sure how much I am free to discuss. Anyways. I do have my own interests.

The astute reader will notice that I started lectures on Tuesday, but school began last Monday. What's going on? Did I skip the first day? Well - yes, but not exactly. I live in Italy, and I am an American. This logically means that I am an immigrant. This means that I participate in the annual routine of filing papers, visiting the offices of the Italian questera, and than praying that my papers do not get lost (I am not actually joking with that last one). Monday was spent at the immigration office. I have much sympathy for those men and women in our own land, who have to go through the same routine.

Has it settled down yet?

This is a picture of Dcn. Michael Bruno. He lives down the corridor from me. You may be asking: Why do you have a picture of Dcn. Michael Bruno on your blog post? Good question. He preached this morning. He preached very well actually. I thought I should high-light that.

It has been very busy since landing on September 17 (was it really only a month ago?!). So working back wards I hope to catch you all up.

Overall I am very happy to be back. Catching up and re-connecting.

Later.