One thing I forgot to mention in my St. Augustine entry

Solemn (?) profession of a canon at the Norbertine Abbey of Sant'Antimo in Tuscany in Italy, which is one of the few Norberite houses active in Italy (perhaps the only one besides the Abbot General's)

Saint Augustine also left us the Rule of Saint Augustine, which is older than the rule of Saint Benedict (it almost hurts me to type that), and is used by a large number of religious communities - Augustian Friars, Augustian Canons (where I stayed during my Christmas trip to Vienna this past year), Dominicans (the fathers of my beloved university - the Angelicum), and also the Norbertines.

Since the Norbertines profess to follow the rule of St. Augustine, by custom they make there professions on the feast of St. Augustine. The local De Pere Norbertines will be professing one Canon this morning at Mass. Congratulations and prayers to them.

Ever ancient; ever new: Saint Augustine

The arrival of Saint Augustine to Milan

What can be said about today's saint? He is a man that seems truly larger than life. His importance cannot be under-estimated. It was to his tomb that Benedict XVI made one of his first pilgrimages after ascending to the throne of Peter. It was five general audiences that the same Pope catechized about St. Augustine(1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). John Paul II devoted a whole Apostolic letter to him: AUGUSTINUM HIPPONSENSEM.

His influence on theology cannot be underestimated -- I know this especially now, as there is hardly a course that I attend that does not go back to Saint Augustine at some point.

He not only left us with theology, but his very own reflections on his spiritual journey in the Confessions. Here his theology meets his personal experience.

In his Confessions, we can see that St. Augustine in his time (the decline of the Roman empire) and his place (northern Africa) faced many challenges that are analogous to what we as Christian of the third millenium face. As a culture we look make many of the conversions that he made on his journey to Christ.

It would me impossible to summarize even a list of the themes that are covered in this great doctor's works, so the following thoughts are necessarily incomplete:

1. The Saint took the words of Christ seriously - I am the way, the truth and the light - for this reason for the saint there could be no disagreement between what he knew from revelation (scripture and tradition) and what he knew from reason (Greek philosophy). For us today this means that there can be no conflict between what is taught in matters of faith and morals and what we learn from science. At a specific level - the fact that science does not consult with moral philosophers, means that science is in moral error. An example: If you find any biology or an anatomy book from before 1973 (the year of Roe vs. Wade) it will clearly teach that human life begins at conception, it is only after the moral error of Roe vs. Wade that the truth about human life becomes confused among the scientist.
2. There is beauty in being a Christian. So often beauty and truth come together. A reflection from G.K. Chesterton: After I had told others that I was becoming Christian they would say, "you poor thing, having to stoop low to enter those old ugly churches," but never did I ever enter something so beautiful as a Catholic church. The beauty of Catholicism is so often lost today, but interiorly it is still there. There is a beauty in Catholicism, because there is nothing more beautiful than love, and Catholics more than anyone believe in the greatest love that there is - the love of the Father, the Lover; for the Son, the Beloved; and this Love itself is the Holy Spirit. As Catholics we trust, without fail, that salvation means being incorportated into this eternal exchange of divine love. What could be more beautiful than that?
3. Lastly would be Augustines view on history, which to be honest I am not well versed on, but it has important political repercussions for today: History begins and ends with God. It flows from God, and will return to him. Even political system that claims to end the drama of history, will always fall short. Many will promise you everything, but only the One, that is God, can fulfill that promise, as Christ says: Come to me all you who are thirsty, and never be thirsty again.
   

We get ten, they get three -- good company all around

For the last two weeks I have been visiting different parish to promote the collection for the seminarians of the diocese of Green Bay (Hope for the Future, Help them today). It is always great to see the different parishes in the diocese, and often think, "One day, this could be my parish." With each visit, I love the diocese and the people of the diocese more and more.

I good part of the talk centers on celebrating a simple and pronounced fact: God is answering our prayers for more priests, in fact he has called ten men to enter seminary for our diocese this fall. Adding to the twelve we already have, this means we have twenty-two seminarians. This is great news!

Today we look at another group of priest that serve in the diocese of Green Bay: the Canons Regular of Premontre, a.k.a. the Norbertines. They arrived in the diocese in 1893, with only three Canons, and they have since they built two abbeys, established a national shrine to Saint Joseph, founded my alma mater Saint Norbert College, a number of high schools, and help the diocesan clergy in parish ministry. It is great to have them as co-workers.

God is also answering their prayers for more vocations: this evening three young men will be receiving the habit of Saint Norbert, and will start formation to be Norbertines. We wish the Norbertines many congratulations, and they are assured of many prayers.

a Catholic's Mothers' Day

Death of Saint Monica, surronded by her children.

I will give my own reflection on this great holy woman, but first Saint Augustine reflects on the death of his mother:

Because the day when she was to leave this life was drawing near – a day known to you, though we were ignorant of it – she and I happened to be alone, through (as I believe) the mysterious workings of your will. We stood leaning against a window which looked out on a garden within the house where we were staying, at Ostia on the Tiber; for there, far from the crowds, we were recruiting our strength after the long journey, in order to prepare ourselves for our voyage overseas. We were alone, conferring very intimately. Forgetting what lay in the past, and stretching out to what was ahead, we enquired between ourselves, in the light of present truth, into what you are and what the eternal life of the saints would be like, for Eye has not seen nor ear heard nor human heart conceived it. And yet, with the mouth of our hearts wide open we panted thirstily for the celestial streams of your fountain, the fount of life which is with you.

This was the substance of our talk, though not the exact words. Yet you know, O Lord, how on that very day, amid this talk of ours that seemed to make the world with all its charms grow cheap, she said, “For my part, my son, I no longer find pleasure in anything that this life holds. What I am doing here still, or why I am still here, I do not know, for worldly hope has withered away for me. One thing only there was for which I desired to linger in this life: to see you a Catholic Christian before I died. And my God has granted this to me more lavishly than I could have hoped, letting me see even you spurning earthly happiness to be his servant. What am I still doing here?”

What I replied I cannot clearly remember, because just about that time – five days later, or not much more – she took to her bed with fever. One day during her illness she lapsed into unconsciousness and for a short time was unaware of her surroundings. We all came running, but she quickly returned to her senses, and, gazing at me and my brother as we stood there, she asked in puzzlement, “Where was I?”

We were bewildered with grief, but she looked keenly at us and said, “You are to bury your mother here”. I was silent, holding back my tears, but my brother said something about his hope that she would not die far from home but in her own country, for that would be a happier way. On hearing this she looked anxious and her eyes rebuked him for thinking so; then she turned her gaze from him to me and said, “What silly talk!” Shortly afterwards, addressing us both, she said, “Lay this body anywhere, and take no trouble over it. One thing only do I ask of you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be”. Having made her meaning clear to us with such words as she could muster, she fell silent, and the pain of the disease grew worse.

My own reflection:

Saint Monica is the mother of Saint Augustine. Much like Mary, devotion to Monica will point us toward the life and teaching of her son Saint Augustine. Unlike Mary who is the mother of the holy one, the ancient of days, Monica had to pray for the conversion of her son. Anyone familar with his life will know that he had quite a wild youth. Her prayers were like the prayers of the persistent widow, and so they were heard, and the grace of conversion was granted to her son. For this reason she is often sought as an intercessor in converting relative. Needless to say, I pray to her often.

During my first year in Rome, I walked past the Church of Saint Augustine at the north end of Piazza Novona almost every morning on my walk to the Gregorian. I would often stop to pray there. I would pray for my mother; I would pray for the intercession of Saint Monica for my constant daily conversion; and I would pray for the conversion of a number of my relatives and family members. I continue these prayers, even though for the past year the church has been under restoration and her tomb has been inaccessible. I look forward to returning to Rome in two weeks to pray there once again.

Duruflé's Messe "Cum jubilo"

One of the most interesting things I've been a part of in recent months (or really ever, for that matter) has finally come to fruition. No, I am not a priest yet. No, I have not managed to find the money to build one of the many cathedrals that fill the margins of my note book. No, I have not...

Last Spring, the choir of the Pontifical North American College recorded a full-length CD of a Mass setting by the 20th century French composer, Maurice Duruflé. The record, his Messe "Cum jubilo" is now available through JAV Recordings here. For anyone interested in classical/sacred music, it's a great buy!

Altogether, the CD is an entire Mass (sung the way it ought to be!) comprised of both Gregorian chant (Introit, Alleluia, etc.) and Duruflé's compositions, which use Gregorian chant as the foundation, of the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus/Benedictus and Agnus Dei. It even includes all the prayers, propers and readings from the Mass of the Immaculate Conception—the College's patronal feast (you can see a picture of the chapel above, with the prominent Immaculata mosiac above the main altar).

Maurice Durufle at the organ

What's more, there's a great deal of organ improvisation as well, done by one of the most influential and noted organists in the world today: Stephen Tharp. From the bells on the first track to the organ sortie on the final, this recording is something worth checking out. Even the CD booklet has some cool pictures, and some interesting (and meditative) shots of the NAC that some might enjoy. (The cover photo, above, is the mosaic in the apse of the Immaculate Conception chapel at NAC.) Plus, you'll get to hear me sing—and you'll be supporting a good cause.

So visit JAV and pick up a copy. And play it for your kids. They will like it too! [And if they don't, you can teach them!]

A quotable quote:

Vigo Canon Deant of Christ Church, Oxford: "When the Church begins to proclaim the Gospel in a secular idiom she may end by proclaiming secularism in a Christian idiom."

Question to ponder: Do I as a Christian-Catholic proclaim and witness Christ to the secular world, or rather do I try to dress up a secular hero like Robespierre or Margaret Sanger to look like Christ, and witness that farce to the Christian world?

The first is what the Apostles Peter and John adomish us to do (children do not conform yourself to this world [see: 1 Peter 1:14, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 3:7, 1 John 5:21); while the second is a lie.

How about this for being "pro-active pro-life"?

You can see this when walking down the Borgo Spirito in Rome: an old fashioned "turn" -- put your baby that you want put up for adoption in and turn the drum and the nuns will take care of him/her -- pro-life action 15th century style

It is being done by a protestant church in Atlanta, but I cannot help be remember the little "turn" that can still be seen on the side of the old Santo Spirito in Sasso Hospital in Rome. This is something that the Catholic Church has always offered. Remembering the admonish from the Letter to the Hebrews to "encourage each other today, while it is still today," it is good to hear that all of us are joining together in this very practical and immediate way to combate the "reign of the culture of death" here in the United States:

Good: Atlanta Church offers to adopt any baby

It also makes me think of when I used to pray outside an abortion clinic in Omaha. On a fairly regular basis a person would stop by to chat on the side-walk or even shout from their cars saying something along these lines, "Well if you don't want me to get an abortion, than take care of my kids..." Well -- we will. This is a great work of social justice.

Meeting the bishop for the first time...

Another highlight of the seminarian retreat was meeting my bishop for the first time (here is a picture of him ordaining soon-to-be-Fr. Jason Blahnik to the holy priesthood). I had a short time to talk with him one on one, and look forward to his promised visit to the North American College.

I do not know him well, but I am confident that in two years I will be able to make the three priestly promises to him at my ordination: obedience, celibacy, and to pray the liturgy of the hours. How can I be so confident when I do not even know him? Well simply, it is not about his personality, but about his office as bishop. If I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, that means he is lord of history including the history of the diocese of Green Bay. I make the promises to a bishop, who ever that bishop may happen to be.

That being said, after just a short conversion and knowing what others, who I trust, have told me about him, I can say with confidence that the diocese will greatly benefit from having him here. Where we are weak as a diocese, he brings strengths.

If you get a chance to meet him ask him about the founding of Wyoming Catholic College. If similar things happen here under his pastoral care, we will be a power-house of Catholicism.

Brief comment on health care reform...

A number have asked me what my thoughts are, so a figure a few brief comments...

1. The United States is the most prosperous nation in the world, so it is a scandal that there are so many without access to basic health care.
2. The cost of health care has sky-rocketed in recent decades... coincidentally this is when medical care has also first been treated as a "commodity." This is the first time that we see hospitals ran as for-profit institutions, whereas before they were most often not-for-profit institutions (very often sponsored by religious organizations -- just look at the number of Catholic hospitals). So it makes sense that part of the reform of health-care is whether or not medical care should be treated as a for-profit commodity.
3. After living in a country with government sponsored health care for two years, I can just say from experience we do not want to go there (i.e. health care rationing [do you want a government agency deciding when you get your chemo?] and oddly there is greatly inequality in access to health care [the government hospitals are vastly sub-standard, and the private hospitals are beyond the means of the vast majority of citizens]).
4. Last point -- no reform of health care can violate the rights of conscience of medical professionals and sponsoring institutions (very often religious). The right to conscience is not made up by the "right" but has long standing in our political tradition (remember conscious objection from the Vietnam war era? -- it is pretty much the same thing here). That being said any law that would require employers or insurance to cover procedures (abortions/sterilizations) or treatments (contraceptives/embryonic stem cell research) that violate the conscience of said employer or insurer is inherently unjust. It is even more unjust than the situation from point 1 -- since freedom of conscience is more basic a right than the duty of society (society is greater than the state - are there any non-government solutions being proposed? - honest question, let me know) to provide health care.

These points being stated -- health care reform is complicated business, but these guidelines seem pretty reasonable to just about anybody. While the need to provide health-care for all is real and pressing, it ought not be done at the sacrifice of a free conscience -- after all our nation was founded to protect freedom of conscience.

Seminarians retreat...

Last week I was on the seminarian/Serran retreat with my diocesan brother seminarians. It was a great experience. Some of you readers might also have been on it. It was one of the largest seminarian retreats in some time since there are so many new seminarians. There were fourteen seminarians last year, with two ordained to the priesthood that leaves twelve. To these twelve are added ten new seminarians, please keep them in prayer.

Note on the picture: this cross was put up opposite the island's marina by a Catholic Youth Expeditions retreat that I was on, so now every visitor to Chambers Island is greeted by the cross.

Two summers later...

Two summers later...

Today I will be leaving for the annual seminarian retreat. It has been two summers since I have attended since I was out of the country for my studies in Rome the previous two summers. I am looking forward to it greatly. There are many new seminarians that I have not met, and this year with great joy we welcome ten more seminarians, which almost doubles the number of seminarians for the diocese of Green Bay. Please keep us in prayer the next four days!

Mission Accomplished.

1900 miles later; 80 youth exhausted from painting, gardening, and other service jobs in northern New Jersey; and all of Manhattan toured in about eight hours; I think I can truly say mission accomplished.

For the last week I was on a service-mission trip with the youth of Holy Cross parish in Kaukauna, where I am stationed this summer, and the youth of the neighboring parish, Holy Spirit parish in Darboy-Kimberly. With a day to recover, I can say I am still exhausted. Those coach-buses just do not provide the kind of sleep that a seminarian needs.

All told though it was a good experience, and I hope that in the few short years when I will be starting in parish ministry as a priest that I am able to bring youth on these service-mission trips.

After all -- true Christian service is one of the strongest vehicles of evangelization. We see this from the Gospel ("What ever you have done to the least of my brethren...") in the early Church (many of the governors of the provinces of the Roman empire were resistant to following the edicts commanding presecution of Christians, because of the great services they rendered to society at large), and we are even reminded of this in the first encyclical of the great pontiff, Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est.