Going Forth: One Jesuit Scholastic

"The Classroom as Holy Ground"

2012-01-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

This is for all those teachers out there!

http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=3009

"Christ the Teacher" Icon, as found on http://www.holytrinitystore.com

Schindler's List, the Star Thrower, and the Two Standards

2012-01-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

This Friday night, a friend brought over the acclaimed film Schindler's List. I had seen it in high school, but now with different eyes. It is a breathtaking cinematic masterpiece, for sure. It is even more a true story of conversion, of grace, and of merciful love. Before I say anything else, I acknowledge that the Holocaust is a tremendous and terrible historical reality that no amount of inspiration can undo.

Oscar Schindler, as portrayed in the film, was far from a moral role model, due to his penchant for adultery, greed, etc. Schindler only sees the persecuted Jews of Germany as potential workers for his profit-scheme to open a factory during wartime. Over three hours, we watch the soul-searing encounter of Schindler with Nazi evil and the goodness of the people whom they hate.

The strategy of the Nazis is not unlike the death-march of Satan which St. Ignatius encourages us to contemplate in the "Two Standards Meditation." Satan moves us toward riches, honors, and pride--such irresponsible narcissism is at the heart of all evil. Christ the Lord, the Great Commander, moves us to seek poverty and humility; from these spring the virtues and the Kingdom of God. You can read the short meditation here, and remember that Ignatius really wants to us IMAGINE what this looks and feels like.

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/ignatius/exercises.xiii.v.html

Here are a couple other perspectives on the Two Standards:

http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/the-two-standards/

http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/how-the-two-standards-meditation-can-help-outside-of-a-retreat/

Schindler slowly melts from his indifference toward the Polish Jews' plight. He eventually is willing to put his fortune and his very self on the line in order to save those whom he can. I suggest that in this holy endeavor, he is increasingly but unknowingly conformed to Christ's standard. By the end of the film, Schindler weeps out of a pained, frustrated desire to have been able to save more people.

Yet he has done what he was called to do. But what are we called to do? Are we aware that although we are not in Nazi Germany, there is a "list" of many people need us? As Blessed Mother Teresa told someone who admired her work, we can do things that she could never do!

It reminds me of a story I heard as a freshman at Creighton called "The Star Thrower." You can read it here.

http://www.starthrower.com/star_thrower_story_script.htm

The tale may seem corny, but it points to a rock-solid, yet overlooked truth. For example, I know a Jesuit medical doctor who when we discussed the tragedy of the epidemic of abortion said that his whole life would be worth it if he could save one child from that (and I know he has saved many more in his profession).

So, let's go and help others, one-by-one, to live the standard and mission of Christ!

The Freedom of the Vows

2012-01-22T18:33:00.000-08:00

Funny personal story: just tonight I received a heartfelt email from a female medical student that I met at a wedding this summer; I was in the wedding party of a good friend. At the reception, we had a great, God-centered conversation. She was seeking more in her life, and I felt called to give her my email, with the understanding that I was about to take vows and that we could only be friends (which she understood). Tonight after a long time of not corresponding, she contacted me and opened up, telling me about some struggles and asking if I could help her learn to pray. Now, if I were married, I really should be attending to my wife and kids, not helping random people I met at weddings to pray! :) I can tell you that it is a great joy to be a spiritual father/brother to others in ways that these vows enable. By the same token, a religious sister is a spiritual mother/sister to those with whom she ministers. It is a rich life, and I thought I would share this vignette to help bring it home. Please keep inviting more women (and men) to consider religious life and/or priesthood. The world and the Church need us (as well as committed, faith-filled laypeople) for the sake of the Gospel and to help souls.

It's Freezing!

2012-01-19T13:31:00.000-08:00

"They weren't kidding about these Chicago winters," I realized today in the bone-chilling cold after what had been a mild one until now. It IS brutal, and we are only getting "warmed up" this season, since we have yet to experience the wind whipping off the lake at high speeds, further compounding the problem :)

Jesuits Who Work on the Indian Reservation Featured on EWTN

2012-01-19T13:22:00.000-08:00

Jesuits who do incredible work on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, Fr. John Hatcher and scholastic Tom Olson, were featured last night on EWTN Live, the show that Mother Angelica entrusted to Jesuit Fr. Mitch Pacwa. You can watch the episode here:
http://www.ewtn.com/tv/live/ewtnlive.asp

This is the St. Francis Mission website:
http://www.sfmission.org/

As someone who worked on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which is 2 hours away from the Rosebud Reservation, I have seen the beauty and the struggle of the Lakota people and their church. God bless!

"The Humor and Humanity of Blessed Miguel Pro"

2012-01-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

Here is the inside story on one of the most popular Jesuits up for canonization.

http://www.jesuit.org/blog/index.php/2011/12/face-to-face-with-a-martyr-the-humor-and-humanity-of-blessed-miguel-pro/

Recent Twitter Stories

2011-12-27T21:33:00.000-08:00

Going through recent "tweets," I came across the following stories that I thought I'd share:

Pope Speaks to Prisoners and Tells Them God Loves Them:
http://www.americancatholic.org/news/report.aspx?id=3723&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Saint "Action Figures"
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/denver-school-creates-action-figures-of-saints-for-kids/

St. Francis of Assisi's Vision of the Incarnation:
http://www.americancatholic.org/news/report.aspx?id=3724&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

"The State of the Church" Speech
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/renewed-faith-needed-for-reform-pope-says-in-state-of-the-church-speech/

Pope's Christmas Message: "God Extends Hand to Hurting Humanity"
http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2011/12/25/pope-to-the-city-and-the-world-god-extends-his-hand-to-hurting-humanity/

Pro-Active Christian Manhood
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column.php?n=1966

Intro. to Ignatian Imaginative Prayer

2011-12-27T09:09:00.000-08:00

St. Ignatius and St. Aloysius Gonzaga, gazing upon the Sacred Heart of Jesus

St. Ignatius of Loyola personally experienced the power of the imagination to be guided by the Holy Spirit in prayer, bringing him closer to God. This trust in the imagination as a gift from God (as influenced/inspired by Sacred Scripture) is a cornerstone of Ignatian spirituality. Here are some links to follow, including videos, etc. to teach you more about this way of prayer. Have fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnv8Nb9fZ78&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN4Q6g8AFVU

http://ignatianspirituality.com/3428/ignatian-contemplation/

http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/pray-with-your-imagination/

http://www.jesuitscalifornia.org/page.aspx?pid=890

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Imagination/

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T16:41:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I am having a great time with my family. Here is a 2 minute video that someone sent me that I got a real kick out of. Enjoy!

http://www.flixxy.com/best-christmas-lights-display.htm

NEW Female Doctor of the Church!!!

2011-12-21T18:19:00.001-08:00

I was quite pleased to read today that Pope Benedict XVI will name the fourth female Doctor of the Church soon. To read more about this amazing woman, here is an article (I won't say more, so that you read the article :) This is a pretty big deal, considering Blessed John Paul II only named one Doctor total during his illustrious career. That doctor happened to be a twenty-something woman when she died--St. Therese the Little Flower. Doctors of the Church are those that have made huge, definitive contributions to the Church's understanding of the Faith.

http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/12/benedict-xvi-to-name-fourth-female-doctor-of-the-church-in-2012.html

There was also a movie made about this new Church Doctor last year. You can rent it right now on iTunes. Here is the awesome trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEI1QrZINeg

Intro to "The Examen"

2011-12-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

The "Consciousness Examen" is a cornerstone of Ignatian spirituality. I assembled the following guide for learning more about it:

Note that the Examen is NOT simply an examination of "conscience" (which might only deal with sin), but it is focused not on sin but on consciousness of GRACE. Granted, sometimes we don't respond to grace (and that could be sin), but the point is to find God in all things, throughout our lives. As St. Paul wrote, "where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more." So, here are a ton of good resources to mull over. Take your time reading these, watching the video, praying with the Examen. Try to pray it every evening over the next month. It will really be a blessing to your self-awareness and vocational awareness. It isn't a quick-fix, but a gradual learning to listen to where God has been in your life.

I encourage you especially print out and pray with the First Principle and Foundation below:

I hope this will be engaging and relevant to you, offering you a tool for greater spiritual growth. I am still growing into the Examen myself, but having practiced it for over 3 years, I can attest that it is a powerful resource. Check this out. Let me know if you have any questions or ideas for the presentation, things you want me to address, etc.

PS: word to the wise--don't get hung up on the "right" way to do this prayer; there are a few variations but one common theme: growing as a contemplative in action, able to see God at work through reflection on our daily lives

As you read this: how than this be helpful for spiritual growth?

Examen videos:

http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/the-examen-video/

http://ignatianspirituality.com/6782/a-guided-examen-2/

The Basics of the Consciousness Examen:
http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/consciousness-examen/

Rummaging for God:

http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/rummaging-for-god-praying-backward-through-your-day/

Good Examen schema:

http://www.rcdom.org.uk/documents/EXAMEN.pdf

Finding God on the Metro:

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2007/08/finding_god_on_the_metro.html

In order to make the most of the Examen, it is best to understand the basics of St. Ignatius's discernment of spirits, since the Examen is basically a daily discernment of spirits.

Quick Video on Discernment of Spirits:

http://ignatianspirituality.com/making-good-decisions/discernment-of-spirits/discernment-of-spirits-video/

Basic article:

http://ignatianspirituality.com/making-good-decisions/discernment-of-spirits/introduction-to-discernment-of-spirits/

More in-depth: how do I know I'm experience God?

http://ignatianspirituality.com/making-good-decisions/discernment-of-spirits/how-do-i-know-im-experiencing-god/

Lastly, definitely read over the short First Principle and Foundation of St. Ignatius. It is basically the meaning of life, according to him, and the basis of his spirituality. It is how the 30 day silent Spiritual Exercises begin. I recommend printing these out, praying with them, seeing how they strike you, etc. Again, the Examen will make a lot more sense and mean a lot more if these pieces are in place. It take time, but it's worth it.

Here is Ignatius' words (of course he wrote in Spanish):

The human person is created to praise, reverence, and serve God Our Lord, and by doing so, to save his or her soul.

All other things on the face of the earth are created for human beings in order to help them pursue the end for which they are created.

It follows from this that one must use other created things, in so far as they help towards one's end, and free oneself from them, in so far as they are obstacles to one's end.

To do this, we need to make ourselves indifferent to all created things, provided the matter is subject to our free choice and there is no other prohibition.

Thus, as far as we are concerned, we should not want health more than illness, wealth more than poverty, fame more than disgrace, a long life more than a short one, and similarly for all the rest, but we should desire and choose only what helps us more towards the end for which we are created.

Here is a more modern but still faithful reading of the spirit of the First Principle and Foundation, written by the late Fr. David Fleming, SJ:

God, who loves us, gave us life.
Our own response of love allows God's life
to flow into us without limit.

All the things in this world are gifts from God,
Presented to us so that we can know God more easily
and make a return of love more readily.
As a result, we appreciate and use all these gifts of God
Insofar as they help us to develop as loving persons.
But if any of these gifts become the center of our lives,
They displace God
And so hinder our growth toward our goal.

In everyday life, then, we must hold ourselves in balance
Before all of these created gifts insofar as we have a choice
And are not bound by some obligation.
We should not fix our desires on health or sickness,
Wealth or poverty, success or failure, a long life or a short one.
For everything has the potential of calling forth in us
A deeper response to our life in God.

Our only desire and our one choice should be this:
I want and I choose what better leads
To God's deepening his life in me.

"Love for Jesus and His Church must be the passion of our lives!"

2011-12-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Peace of Christ and Merry Christmas! A couple days ago, I finished my first semester of First Studies and vowed Jesuit life. Dang, it has been liking climbing the mountain pictured below (but then again, we rode in a car up that one!). Classes have been tough ("have I gotten stupider or has school gotten harder?"I've wondered, :) and Jesuit life (and, of course, Christian life) is always calling for greater maturity, growth, and fidelity. However, it has been worth it! There is so much good work to be done, and I dare not let the little things (or the big things) get me down. Not once have I wished I were anywhere but Chicago or in the Society of Jesus. This Jesuit vocation is God's great gift to me; I am confident I made the right choice this past August.

Below is a recent update and then a poem I have written about the Catholic Church, which I share with you. Truly, I am reminded of how beautiful and necessary she (Holy Mother Church) is in these times of much turmoil/confusion in the world and in the Church. But then again, when in the history of the world/Church hasn't there been turmoil? This Christmas, I invite you who are Catholic to help "bring home" any of those who may need some encouragement to return to the Church this season and into this New Year, which Pope Benedict XVI has declared will be an upcoming "Year of Faith" starting in October for the 50th Anniversary of the great Second Vatican Council. We are blessed right now to have a successful advertising campaign on television, called "Catholics Come Home" (maybe you've seen the TV ads) but friendly invitations and prayers (more so than commercials) are able to reach out and make the difference. At the bishop's conference recently, the President of the US Bishops, the joyful Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, echoed Blessed John Paul the Great's words: "Love for Jesus and His Church must be the passion of our lives!" I can't agree more, and I am indeed using this blog and this moment to spread this message also, as I urge you to do in your own ways. If you are interested in the Catholics Come Home campaign, here is their best commercial (2 minutes):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6qZd_xP1w

And their general website:

http://www.catholicscomehome.org/

Here is the text of Archbishop Dolan's honest, powerful speech:

http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/usccb-general-assembly/2011-fall-meeting-presidential-address.cfm

Truly, these can be sad and difficult days, as scandal and mistrust (caused by a small minority) threaten and loom over the Church we love. However, let us remember that all of Satan's plans backfire, and that we are witnessing what Vatican II called "a new springtime for the Church." We aren't giving up, and in fact, the Church is growing stronger each day as we re-build and re-claim Christ's Church so that is a safe, loving, inspiring, and courageous home for all people. Let us remain faithful to the Church and to her teachings. Let us consider Archbishop Dolan's reflection upon the late Jesuit theological Cardinal Henri de Lubac: "That truth--that he, Christ, and she, his church, are one--moistens our eyes and puts a lump in our throat as we whisper with de Lubac 'For what would I ever know of him, without her?'"

I am inspired by all of you--people of good will and/or members of the Church--who choose hope over despair. Indeed, that (HOPE) is the essence of Christmas.

Give glory to God and have a Merry Christmas! I love you and pray for you all! Thanks for your prayers for me; they have carried me.

In Christ,

John, SJ

Some of my Jesuit brothers and I on top of Mt. Evans in Colorado

Done!

2011-12-14T14:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I just turned in my last paper. The first semester of First Studies has come and gone, and it was awesome, albeit occasionally stressful (but what isn't? :).

Now, I get to do some errands, relax, etc. before heading home for Christmas. Thanks for all of the prayers.

Quick Update

2011-12-10T23:53:00.000-08:00

Friends,

Sorry for being away from the blog for so long! I bet you all figured that I was super-busy with school, etc., and you'd be right! It's not over yet (one more test and paper), but I didn't want to go any longer without refreshing the blog. There is so much more that I could say about each of these, but here it is in rapid-fire fashion:

Some of us were able to score some free Notre Dame tickets. For a few years now, it's been an aspiration of mine to attend an ND game. I never dreamed I'd get to go see the Irish face Boston College in South Bend. Although I am quite keen on Notre Dame, now that I'm a vowed Jesuit I would have rooted for BC. However, I couldn't bring myself to do that at "the House that Knute Rockne built" and at my first ND game. It was close at the end, but the Irish pulled this one off. I had a great time.
My beloved 16 year old pet frog Cal became ill after an earthquake hit Oklahoma. Thanks God the family and house were alright. That was almost a month ago, and although Cal is hanging on, he still hasn't recovered. Please do pray for him if you can, because I'd like to see him kicking for years to come. I am of course at peace, despite sadness, about his possible death. I've been blessed to have him this long.
The women's religious life discernment group at Loyola has grown to include 9 women. They are such inspirational people, and they have so much going for them. Please pray for them too!
I am really appreciating this philosophical education, and I can already feel my mind getting a little sharper. It is tough work, but I know it needs to be done, and it is worth doing.
I am very much enjoying community life and have made many new friends. I am glad that I took vows (although by no means is this life easy!), because it is an extremely rewarding way of life for me. I can't begin to say the graces that I have experienced and been a part of in just the 4 months of vowed Jesuit life. It is priceless. Still, there is a cost, and every day (like marriage or any other major lifelong commitment) those vows must be renewed.
On Dec. 3rd, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, my Dad finished a flourishing career with the US Army Corps of Engineers as an attorney. He was the epitome of a virtuous, courageous lawyer, and his coworkers are really going to miss him. His family couldn't be prouder of him. Special note should be made of my Mom, without whom such a career could not have happened and would not have had the meaning. Clearly, they did it all for their children, and in that way I am continually reminded of Blessed John Paul II's call to the strengthening of families and the fundamental "cell" of society, on which its health is based. My parents are huge Fr. James Martin fans (a Jesuit author). I Facebooked Fr. Martin and asked him if he could send them an inscribed copy of his latest book about joy to them. He did, and my Mom and Dad were delighted to receive it.
Being in Chicago is a real experience. It's a huge city with a lot of riches, not the least of which is beautiful lake next to campus. However, I am continually reminded of the suffering of many people here and the need for all of us to help build "the culture of life" (as Blessed John Paul II envisioned it). That is a mighty and never-ending task, but an imperative. For my little part, my ministry will be working both with retreats for the homeless and with faculty faith formation at our Jesuit middle school that serves the African-American community.

That's enough from me! Make sure I hear from you! God bless!

A Poem About Catholicism

2011-12-10T23:24:00.000-08:00

This is a poem I wrote this past summer for someone I know who loves reading/writing poetry, was raised Catholic, feels distant from the Church, and asked me to write a poem about what I see in the Church. It alludes at one point to both Blessed Pope John Paul II visiting the man who shot him in prison in order to counsel and forgive him, as well as Pope Benedict's pain and grief as he has visited with abuse victim's groups across the globe. At the end of one of these private meetings, one of the victims said to the media to the effect of, "the Pope wept with us who were weeping." The point of the poem is really to recognize our baptismal calling to be in Christ and like Christ (i.e., saints), and faithful sons and daughters of His bride, the Church.

“Why be Catholic?” wonders an age

Confused and daunted, in the wake of so much

Of the past two thousand years

That our heads can reel and soon forget

The vast expanse of Truth revealed

By a humble man born of a peasant virgin

A man who walked seashores and called all people

To become one with Him.

No mere mortal could ever hope

To wash the world clean with the grace He gave:

A Church over which hell cannot prevail,

Offering victory over the grave.

Then we see lives made new in Christ,

Beginning with the least:

Tax collectors, lepers, prostitutes,

And a poor fisherman

Who was charged with leading His Church

And ensuring her faithful increase.

Inspiring countless persons to give their lives

To God and for souls,

It is by the Holy Spirit

That our Mother Church protects, nourishes, and holds

All people to God’s own Son

And the shepherds He has chosen

To keep and guide the fold.

Yet when those brute beasts from the outer darkness

Have attacked us from within,

We must look to Christ and His Church

To see how Mercy and Goodness can triumph once again.

And so we see the heirs of that poor man

Jesus asked to be our Pope

Stepping forward to forgive and console the man that shothim

Crying with those who have been abused

Speaking truth to the forces of death,

And in ten thousand other ways,

Replacing despair with hope.

Can we afford to not accept Jesus’ outstretched hand

In invitation to us?

To follow Him where we did not dream to go,

Yet go with Him in trust,

Into Christ’s Body, the Church,

Into this one big boat

That carries us amidst all life’s doubts and fears?

For with hope of salvation,

An eternity with Jesus, our Perfect Love,

Our Church gives direction,

Calls us to sacrifice,

And thus grants meaning to our years.

An Epic Series: Catholicism

2011-11-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

I was ecstatic (well, that might be overstating it a bit :) to find out today that Loyola's Hank Center for Catholic Intellectual Heritage has obtained Fr. Barron's epic new series Catholicism, which is being shown on PBS in some areas. You have to check this out! 10 DVD's of showing the broad sweep of Catholicism across the world.

This is undoubtedly the best media re-presentation of the Catholic Faith in history (and that's NOT an over-statement) by our generation's Archbishop Fulton Sheen. This is yet another example of how even during dark times, when the Church is assaulted from within and without, God is ever-renewing her so that she might be "the universal sacrament of salvation" to which she is called and for which she was formed by Christ. Praise God!

Extended Preview of Catholicism:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXz7CiIovJ8

Main Website for Catholicism:
http://www.catholicismseries.com/watch

Edgar Allen Poe and the Jesuits

2011-11-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

A little late for Halloween, here is an article about the connections between Edgar Allen Poe and the Jesuits whom he esteemed:

http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/Edgar-Allan-Poe-and-the-Jesuits-Pat-McNamara-11-01-2011.html

Remembering a Heroic Jesuit Who Faced the Nazis

2011-11-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

Fr. Mayer from http://www.fordham.edu

Here is the story of a Bl. Rupert Mayer, a Jesuit who heroically faced the Nazis, whom the Church celebrates today:

http://www.apostleship-prayer.org/stq4/stRupMay.htm

Video on Saintliness

2011-11-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a great short video for the Feast of All Saints, from Fr. Robert Barron:

http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr-Barron-comments-on-All-Saints-Day.aspx

The Conversion of St. Paul, by Caravaggio

A Remarkable New Saint

2011-11-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Happy All Saints Day! It's a Holy Day of Obligation!

St. Gianna Beretta Molla: a modern wife, doctor, mother, and the last saint to be canonized by Bl. John Paul II. Read about her truly remarkable story and see the beautiful icon of her:

http://saltandlighttv.org/blog/saints-and-blesseds/the-call-to-holiness-excludes-no-one

For All Saints Day, here is an article on the Holy Father's words about the universal call to holiness:

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/everyone-is-called-to-be-holy-pope-says-on-all-saints-day/

Birthday of my Beloved Pet Frog

2011-10-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Charles Schultz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, said that "happiness is a warm puppy." Having allergies and thus dogs in my youth, I can imagine such a bliss but can't say I've had the experience. Instead, I grew up with frogs as pets.

Today is a "feast day" of sorts, in honor of the day I received a mail-order tadpole from the Grow A Frog company. It was the first year of being home schooled in the sixth grade, so I convinced my parents to let me have an aquatic African clawed frog from a mail order educational supply company called Grow A Frog. I named the tadpole Cecil after a favorite baseball player, Cecil Fielder. It turned out later that Cecil was a woman! Later, I received a free froglet from Grow A Frog, which I named Cal for Cal Ripken Jr., another impressive baseball player at the time. If you are curious, check out the Grow A Frog website here, and you can see photos of the kit, etc. You can even order one for yourself! http://www.growafrog.com/

Random, right? So, why is this so special? Well, first of all, it was these little frogs that lifted my spirits during the middle school years, which are tough for everyone. At moments when I was pretty bummed out, I would go over and look at the frogs, and Cecil always seemed come over and look at me and have a smile on her face. Crazy, I know, but at the time (although I knew nothing of it) God was using this frog to speak to me of His grace. I truly loved these frogs. After 6 years, Cecil passed away. My family still jokes about the funeral "liturgy" I created for her, complete with music and a eulogy. I wish I had a video tape of that ceremony! It could be blackmail material :)

I am happy to say that Cal is still kicking after 15 years. Sometimes this species lives past 25 years, so he may only be at mid-life! Since I am not able to have a pet at this time, I would like to thank my parents, sisters, and a family-friend Susan Mamary for collaborating for his care over the past many years.

This strange but perhaps humorous blog post, isn't it? After all, who celebrates a frog's birthday? But then again, Jesus said that His Father watches over the sparrow. I have heard it said that "God attends the funeral of every sparrow." I suppose the same holds true for frogs. Indeed, although animals are by no means equivalent to humans, they are privileged creations of God's providence, able to communicate God's grace in many ways, and are worthy of respect, mercy, and love.

So, I'll have to add to Schulz's statement: "happiness is a cold tadpole."

Overcoming Evil with Good

2011-10-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Let's be honest: this world frequently looks like a mess. But, by faith, we can see that it is a "blessed mess." Below is one of the finest reflections that I have ever heard on the way that what seems evil can in fact be overcome by the grace of God. It comes to us from my friend Steve Calme, who is doing nonprofit work in Cincinnati.

Steve and I (wearing similar shirts) on a bus trip

You have heard that it wassaid ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to onewho is evil. When someone strikes you onyour right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you overyour tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for twomiles. Give to the one who asks of you,and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

AsI prayed with this Gospel, an image from the long retreat came back to me, froma contemplation of the Crucifixion. Thesetting was the top of the hill at Golgotha, at the climax of the frenzy of theevent. Three men writhed with pain,suspended above the crowd on wooden crosses. The crowd was thick with people, and at that hour they all seemed to beagainst Christ. Soldiers taunted him andlooked at him with disgust as a criminal. Parents brought their children and pointed to the gruesome sight,telling their sons and daughters “never to be like that bad man.” Members of his own worship community gazed athim with anger and hatred, hurling angry insults—and, when the soldiers weren’tlooking, stones—at him. Curious Romancitizens came to be entertained by his pain, to laugh at and mock thiscontemptible animal. And as the desireto punish this man, the evil glee at the punishment that was occurring, thedesire to see him suffer reached a fever pitch, suddenly the air was pierced bythe criminal hanging at Christ’s left, perhaps the person at that moment whobest understood what Jesus was going through and so who best understood theunfair consequence of Christ’s life. Inthe middle of this loud frenzy of mocking and suffering and hatred, which hadbecome like a big party rejoicing at Christ’s suffering, the criminal, out ofdespair not for himself but for this inexplicable end for Jesus, pierced theair with a heartfelt scream: “All he’s done is loved!” Those words rang out over the entire hill,and for a moment—and only a moment before returning to shouts of hatred—thecrowd stopped silent in the face of that truth. “All he’s done is loved!”

Inthe face of everything He encountered in His life, Jesus knew only oneresponse: generosity of love. When withhis friends, his family, when with strangers, and finally when with enemies:not violent resistance or retaliation but love. That’s the message we hear Jesus preach in today’s reading from theSermon on the Mount: respond to one who is evil not with violent resistance butwith generosity.

Fromthe world’s perspective, this is one of the most impractical pieces of adviceever given. “Overcoming evil with good”sounds like a nice idea—until you see its results. Every once in a while you’ll see a clear caseof success, like Gandhi’s nonviolent movement, but way more often in the faceof evil, generous love will lead to vulnerability and hurt. When we respond to evil with love, evil seemsto win. The beauty of the PaschalMystery, however, is that every such victory for evil is a Pyrrhicvictory. As Jesus died on the cross, Iimagine Satan’s response: “Yes!” only to be followed a second later, when themeaning and consequence of Christ’s sacrifice becomes clear to him, with a“No!” And that happens every time weparticipate in Jesus’s continuing victory by showing generosity of love in theface of evil.

WhenMaximilian Kolbe offered himself to die at the hands of Nazis, evil had itsway. And lost some of its power.

WhenFr. Lucid, a Jesuit I met in Portland, refused to stay back with otherchaplains during the Vietnam War and instead—though unarmed--demanded to bewith his men as they were dying on the battlefield, and his own name was addedto the list of the injured (making it one more than would have otherwise been),evil had its way. And lost some of itspower.

Whena classmate of mine at St. X, one year after our graduation, offered alate-night ride to two young men in need, and was car-jacked and murderedexecution-style as a result of his generosity, evil had its way. And lost some of its power.

Whena teacher spends an extra hour preparing for after-school tutoring for astudent who doesn’t show up; when giving someone a second chance results inbeing taken advantage of, whenever our generosity makes us vulnerable in theface of evil, evil often still has its way. But it always, always loses some of its power.

Becauseof the redeeming power of the cross, despite everything our senses tell us,there is no victory for evil that strengthens it; likewise there is no suchthing as a generosity that yields no results.

Inspiredby the example of the One we receive today, let’s pray for the strength to livein such a way that others will say of us, “All he did was love!”

Feast of the North American Martyrs

2011-10-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today is the feast of the North American Martyrs, who were Jesuits killed during their missionary labors. Our Dean of First Studies, Fr. Tom Regan, preached the following homily today, which I thought was well worth posting.

On December 3rd 2005, I was very fortunate to join a large group of Jesuits, all of whom were attending a meeting at the birthplace of Ignatius in Loyola Spain, on a two hour bus ride through the picturesque Basque countryside to the remote town of Javier in the neighboring state of Navarre. There at Javier castle we attended the inauguration of the year-long 500th birthday celebration of Francisco de Javier. It was not only a major celebration for Jesuits, present was Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, at that time still our “Father General,” but also one for the local church. The principle celebrant of the opening liturgy was no less than the bishop of Pamplona -- Yes “the” Pamplona where each year the town stages the famous running of the bulls. Geographically, Pamplona is the next town over from Javier. The celebration was also a big event for the country as evidenced by presence of the Spanish president, who attended with his wife.

What struck me most, however, was not the pomp and circumstance of the event itself but rather the very ticket, on whose reverse side was an image of Francis Xavier copied from a famous painting that is on display in the castle. So often portraits of Francis Xavier depict him as being what appears to be an old man. For the first time in looking at this painting it really dawned on me that Xavier did his amazing missionary work while he was still a very young man. Born in 1506, he was only thirty-four years old when the Society of Jesus was approved by Pope Paul III in 1540. A year later on his 35th birthday, he departed Rome for India with the hopes of converting China. He would never to return to his European homeland.

It amazed me to think that if a young man growing up today in this remote region of Navarre were to have thoughts of journeying to the Far East with the hope of converting India and China, it would be an incredible ambition. That someone would have thought to do so in the sixteenth century, struck me as simply mindboggling.

Such was the amazing creativity and apostolic zeal of the early Jesuits. Today as the Church celebrates the Feast of the North American Martyrs, the titular feast of the Society in North America, we are presented with a special opportunity to reflect upon the gifts of those whom the Church calls to be priests and the real sacrifices which so many of them have made on behalf of Christ. For a group like we have in this chapel today, with so many who are presently engaged in studying for the priesthood, this is an opportunity both for encouragement and edification.

For many American Jesuits a pilgrimage to Auriesville, New York, where many of the North American martyrs met their demise, is a common facet of our two year novitiate program. Today the ravine in this remote upstate New York town seems like such a quiet place far removed from the 17th century. There is little there amongst the landscape that would reveal that this was the crucible in which the blood of martyrs was shed. But who were these Jesuit priests and what can they teach all of us gathered here today?

John de Brebeuf grew up on a farm in eastern Normandy. He was only thirty-two when he arrived in “New France” in 1625. The Parisian-born Charles Garnier was thirty years old at the time he arrived among the Hurons, eleven years later. He had been a priest all of but one year.
Isaac Jogues, a native of Orleans, was twenty-nine when he arrived in September, 1636, a month after Garnier. He was ordained just two months before leaving France. Anthony Daniel, from Dieppe, was thirty-two-year-old. Like some here today, he had studied law before entering the Society of Jesus in 1621. Noel Chabanel was all of thirty-one when he arrived to work among the Hurons.

Even after the martyrdoms had begun in 1642, the young priests kept coming. In January 1649, Garbriel Lalemant, an “old” man at thirty-eight, arrived at Sainte Marie most eager to offer his life ministering to the needs of the Indians. He knew full-well the risks since he was the nephew of Father Jerome Lalemant, a former Superior of the Huron mission.

We imagine these martyrs to be old men, but in fact they were anything but that. They were young men in the prime of their life and their dedication to serving Christ and his church was total.

From the very beginning of the church, being a witness to the gospel has always come with a price. In our first reading today St Paul chronicles a series of horrific tortures that created the first great cloud of witnesses who gave up their lives for the faith. Many of the sufferings which they endured seem mild given what we know was done to these six young priests from France who attempted to spread the gospel in the “new” world.

In legal language we might say that Jesus was into “full-disclosure” mode in not masking the real cost of Christian discipleship. We read in today’s gospel passage from Matthew, that to those who gathered around him, Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

We sometime think that “formation” whether it is in a college seminary, a major seminary, or in a religious order is all about the future, preparing to be the priest that I will become when I am finally done. But in thinking in those terms, we run the risk of losing the present tense. In the colloquy at the end of the very first exercise of the very first week of St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, the exercitant is invited to reflect upon him or herself and ask, “What have I done for Christ?” “What am I doing for Christ?” “What ought I to do for Christ?”

Today’s feast invites all of us to ponder how these six young men from France along with their two lay colleagues René Goupil and Jean de Lalande answered the call of Christ. They were simple ordinary men not that different from you or me. Their response to Christ was generous and complete. They now stand among the great cloud of witnesses about which St. Paul speaks.

You and I live in the present tense and from our philosophical studies we realized that we cannot do otherwise. Potentially our response to Christ can be equally generous and equally complete as the North American martyrs. Will we embrace Christ’s invitation or hold back?

While Loyola University’s tag line is “preparing people to lead extraordinary lives,” we are aware that people who truly lead them never put off until tomorrow what can be realized today. AMEN.

Media and the New Evangelization

2011-10-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

This is an interview about media and the New Evangelization from Canada's Salt and Light TV. It features Fr. Robert Barron of Word on Fire Ministries, who has just created a spectacular ten-part documentary on Catholicism which is being shown on public television in some locales. He is always an astute thinker and speaker.

http://saltandlighttv.org/perspectives/index.php

The Pope's Dream

2011-10-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a short article on a recent meeting that the Pope hosted with 8,000 evangelists. The title of the article suggests that the Pope believes that "secularized nations can become Christian again." As I read this, it occurred to me that our Holy Father is a "dreamer." Not that it is impossible, for with God all things are possible. However, this is a real dream, one that is at the core of his heart and the heart of the Church. Nevertheless, it will take each and every one of us in order to fulfill this dream of a faith-filled culture of life and love. A lapsed Catholic student once told me that the Church needed better public relations; I said warmly to her: "You and I, all of us, are the 'public relations' of the Church!"

You can read the article here:

http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/Vatican.php?id=4165

The Power of Friendship

2011-10-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

I want to introduce you to one of the most inspiring people I have ever met (and I've gotten to meet quite a few in the past 26 years!): Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM. She has been serving in the area for the past five decades, and she is the person I have leaned on to help lead the women's discernment group here at Loyola. Sister Jean is the epitome of a consecrated woman who has given her life totally to God and for others. Today Sister Jean was part of a "This I Believe"-inspired (as on NPR) panel for Homecoming Week. I asked her permission to share her profound words. This is worth the read! Enjoy!

Sister Jean, BVM, from http://blogs.luc.edu

I believe that friends are gifts of love fromGod. I need to put both words--friends and love--together. Friends beget love and love begets friendsthus making friends gifts of love and I believe these gifts are from God.

To begin with we know thatGod creates human beings in his own image for friendship with himself and oneanother. One definition states that “perfect friendship is mutual relationshipbased on the facts that we are humans who are attracted to a good characterwith a desire to improve oneself.”

I would like you to askyourself these questions : who are my friends? Why are these persons myfriends? When you give it some thoughtyou may come up with answers similar to mine. Something in them must have attracted me to them so that I could improvemyself and something in me must have attracted them to me for the same reason. As we think more about our answers we beginto realize that we have friends on different levels; and, some people we likemay not even know we consider them our friends. Our beginning conversations may have been full of our job and otherevery day topics before we opened our heart space.

From my earliest days mymother and dad told me that God made me because he loved me; and, in turn Ishould love God. They also told me thatthey loved me and as soon as I learned how to talk I was able to say, “ loveyou, Mommy; love you Daddy.” Yourparents most likely did the same. These early childhood lessons have pervadedmy life. And, the older I grew the moreI considered my mother and dad, not only my parents but also as my friends whomI truly loved and considered as gifts of love from God.

From my earliest years Ilearned to make friends with the boys and girls in the neighborhood and with myschoolmates. Sometimes I don’t think Irealized why some were my friends and others I just took for granted or maybethought they were not attractive; but I surely knew I liked some boys and girlsbetter than I liked other boys and girls. I suppose this was some form of loving, rather than just liking.

I want to share with you astory of one level of friendship. OnFebruary 14, when I was in second grade, we had a highly decorated box intowhich we put our Valentines to be distributed to our classmates whose names weprinted on the card. When our teacherpulled out one written to Charles D. with my name signed to it, and we did nothave a Charles D in our room, she asked me who he was. So, I confidently stood up and said, “O,Charles is not in our room; he is in the sixth grade room and he is myfriend.” Our teacher said, “I think itwould be nice if you delivered the Valentine to him yourself.” So, off I went upstairs to the sixth graderoom, knocked at the door and walked to Sister’s desk, stood my full secondgrade height and told her I had a Valentine for Charles Dullea. She asked himto come to the front of the room and accept it from me. As I looked back in later years I thought howI must have embarrassed him before his classmates; how he probably did not evenknow I liked him. Did I ever talk to him or see him again; perhaps I saw himwhen we were playing in the schoolyard—he on the boy’s side and I on the girl’swith a chain fence between us. Whathappened to Charles? He went to St.Ignatius High School and then entered the Jesuits, and later became thePresident of the University of San Francisco. Charles died several years ago. Ialways considered him my friend and I liked him. His brother was in my class, but I did notpay any attention to Ed.

In speaking of friends, Ibelieve that God places into our lives people we need at that particular time;people with whom we are compatible, who understand us, people in whom we canconfide and talk over situations we would not discuss with a stranger, or evenan acquaintance, people whom we trustand love, people who are gifts of love to us and who will love us in return; peoplewho will stick with us through thick and thin even though they know some lesssavory things about us.

I ask you, “Have you had theexperience of feeling the chemistry between you and another person clickingupon first being introduced to him or her?” Yes, I have had that experiencealso. We “hit if off immediately”; Iknew I wanted to be his friend and I hoped he would want to be mine. Did we become friends; yes, and we still are. Do we understand each other? I believe we do. We enjoy spending timetogether; we communicate frequently. We share ideas, frustrations and mutualfeelings. He has many other friends and so do I. I believe that part of having a good friendis being able to love and to share that friend with others,

Friends are a gift of lovefrom God who is our friend. I alwaysfeel that it is a miracle when a man and woman, regardless of age, know thatthey are made for each other and love each other enough to spend their livestogether.

Many of you in our audiencetoday are examples of this statement.

I always appreciate hearing aman say, “This is my wife and my best friend” or a woman introduce her spouseas “This is my husband and my best friend”. To me, these are expressions of what I believe—Friends are gifts of lovefrom God. Think about your friends; pray for them; treasure their friendship;consider them true gifts of love; tell them that you appreciate their beingyour friend.

Before closing I would youlike each of you to reflect with me as I say

what I call the LOVE PRAYERof Fr. Pedro Arrupe who was at one timethe Father General of the Jesuits:

Nothing is more special thatfinding God;

That is, falling in love in a quite absoluteand final way.

Who you fall in love with,what seizes your imagination

will affect everything.

It will decide what gets you outof bed in the morning;

what you do with your evenings; how youspend your weekends;

what you read; who you know; what breaksyour heart;

what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love; stay in love;and it will decide everything.

In conclusion I make mypersonal statement: I am Sr. Jean and I believe that friends are gifts of lovefrom God.

Pine Ridge Recently Featured on 20/20

2011-10-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

As manyof you know, I worked for 2 years with the Lakota on the Pine Ridge IndianReservation in South Dakota. The Jesuits have been running a school therecalled Red Cloud Indian School for nearly 100 years. It was the desire ofChief Red Cloud that the "Black Robes" would come and educate hispeople. We are still in partnership with this indigenous people, and itis a priority of the Jesuits. Last night 20/20 featured a segment aboutPine Ridge. You can watch it below:

http://abc.go.com/watch/2020/SH559026/VD55148316/2020-1014-children-of-the-plains

You canfind out more about Red Cloud Indian School at:

http://www.redcloudschool.org/

Chief Red Cloud

Red Cloud Indian School Campus

Guest Reflection on Integrity and Courage

2011-10-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

This is a reflection on today's Scripture readings by one of my brothers, Dr. Kevin Embach. Kevin was an internist for 19 years before he entered. I like to call him "a consummate Catholic physician" because he consistently applied the wisdom of the Church's teachings in his practice of medicine, in order to build "the culture of life." He is proof to me that one good doctor can be make a huge difference, just as anyone living their lives with integrity and passion can. Kevin is also one of the most humble, humorous, and generous people I have ever met. It is a joy to have him in the Society. This is a picture of Kevin:

Here are his reflections, directed especially to his brothers, but certainly adaptable to people of other vocations. The Gospel on which they are based can be found at the link below, in case you want to read it beforehand:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101411.cfm

Right before I entered the Society, I ran into a family friend whom I hadn't seen for years. I knew that he had been in the Jesuits but had left at some point and now had a family. When he asked what I was doing, I told him that I was entering the novitiate. He then warned me with a real look of seriousness: "Kevin, guard your vocation carefully."

In looking over today’s Gospel, the phrase “Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples…” jumps out at me. While Jesus is addressing all people in the Gospel, in this Gospel, he is first speaking to his own disciples.

As Jesuits, I think we need to pay attention to that phrase. “Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples…”

There are messages that we need to here as Jesuits here:

Jesus strongly condemns hypocrisy. He greatly disliked the hypocrisy that he saw in the Pharisees. Hypocrisy keep us from being out true selves, which is vital to following Christ.

Jesus instructs his disciples to boldly proclaim the gospel. The Gospel should be proclaimed without fear. Jesus instructs us to not be afraid of what might kill the body, but instead to be fearful of what might kill the soul.

The evil spirit will likely work against us Jesuits and the mission of Christ in many ways: The loss of our honesty and authenticity can do serious damage in our ability to carry out the mission of Christ in the world. If we doubt this we need only look at the sex abuse scandal in the Church, where the actions of so very few, has caused so much damage. Other, less egregious, losses of our authenticity and honesty can also do damage.

The evil spirit likely works on us to be less bold, less intentional and less motivated in proclaiming the Gospel and the teachings of the Church.

Fear, does not come from God. The evil spirit will likely try to slow us down with fear—particularly as we are missioned to places and among peoples where we are not popular or where there is significant physical discomfort or danger.

In our daily celebration of the Eucharist, we are enlightened by Scripture and nourished by the Christ’s body and blood to strengthen us in our vocation as Jesuits.

With so many people in our world looking despairingly on Christ’s Church, it is a wonderful time for heroic men to step forward in response to Christ invitation to priesthood and religious life.

With Christ’s help, the amount of good that can be done is infinite.

As Jesuits, let us ask for the grace to joyfully and courageously accept the invitation of Christ to:

Live our vows heroically, with the greatest authenticity, integrity and witness.

To be attentive and open to God’s will in our lives; to be true contemplates in action.

And to boldly and fearlessly proclaim the gospel wherever we are missioned—to a world in great need of Christ’s message.

Let us also ask for the intersession of the Blessed Mother, to help us protect us and our vocations as we attempt to follow Christ in this least Society.

Baseball and the Gospel

2011-10-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

The other night at social, I was commiserating with one of the only Yankee fans among my brothers here. The conversation turned to an article he had read awhile back in the New York Times about Jack McKeon, the manager of the Florida Marlins. Here is a story about someone in sports whose faith has truly shaped him and others. This article is priceless.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/03/sports/baseball/a-career-sustained-by-unwavering-faith.html?_r=1&scp=8&sq=jack+mckeon&st=nyt

Fall Break at the Lake

2011-10-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I had the great joy and blessing of going out to a simple lake house in upper Michigan with about 20 of my brothers. Some of us had to stay in the "barracks," and in the middle of the night I awoke to quite a chill. Needless to stay, the next night I slept on the couch in the main house. The weather over the weekend (during the day at least) was lovely. Just a couple months in the big city with the rush of classes, etc. had taken their toll. Now was the time for some R & R. We had a blast. Enjoy the pictures.

With two of my older brothers and good buddies, Penn Dawson (a lawyer) and Kevin Embach (a doctor)

Our House on the Lake

Out to Eat for Lunch

Gorgeous Fall Colors

Visit to a Charming but Very Old Fishing Port

Our Chapel--Quite Rustic as Well

The View of the Lake

Another View

A Poignant Story from World Youth Day

2011-10-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

I was just speaking with a young woman who was deeply inspired by her recent trip to World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain. This is a vignette from the event that gave me goosebumps just reading about it. What a short but significant moment of grace, of perseverance, and of communion in the Church.

http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/young-catholic-inspired-by-the-popes-fortitude-during-world-youth-day-storm/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

The Difference St. Therese Makes

2011-10-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Today is the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux "The Little Flower," a saint to whom I have grown quite close since entering the novitiate. She has become perhaps my favorite saint among many "favorite saints" :)
I'm sure many of you know her story, but for those who would like a refresher, here is some basic info.

Shorter Biographical Info:
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.aspx

Longer Biographical Info:
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=105

Why does St. Therese matter to me? To the Church? To the world? After all, she died at the age of 24 after living her religious life behind the "grille" of a Carmelite convent. She was weak, struggled with mental and physical ailments, was not steeped in scholarship, was misunderstood, and frequently suffered.

So much for her lifelong desire to be a crusading minister and missionary of the Church! Yet, almost a century later she is perhaps the best-loved, most influential modern saint. She is the youngest of 33 doctors of the Church, the only one declared so by Bl. John Paul II. She has inspired Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, Jean Vanier, and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

I think one finds the key to understanding Therese in her renowned autobiography "The Story of a Soul," when she says after reflecting on her various senses of calling:

"Then in the excess of my delirious joy, I cried out: “O Jesus, my Love, at last I have found my vocation, my vocation is Love!... Yes, I have found my place in the Church, and it is you, O my God, who have given me this place... in the heart of the Church, my Mother, I will be Love!.... Thus I shall be all things: thus my dream shall be realized!!!” (you can read the whole excerpt at http://www.pathsoflove.com/my-vocation-is-love.html)

Pure and simple: St. Therese was brought through the crucible of suffering to the infinite love of Jesus Christ. She is an embodiment of the Christian paradox that although we are broken, we can be bold before God, because we are His beloved sons and daughters. St. Therese desired to live in Heaven praying for souls on Earth, to send a "shower of roses" upon her brothers and sisters. And she has! Countless miracles, of both the "big" and the "little" kinds, have occurred through her intercession.

Therese has been a soul-friend to me as I have gone through my time as a Jesuit. She reminds me of who I am as a disciple and evangelist, ever needing to follow (despite how much I fail!) her example of bold humility. I can't recommend highly enough getting to know St. Therese's thought and works. She was a poet, a painter, a writer, and above all a person of prayer. She is now the co-patron of the missions, along with St. Francis Xavier.

Although St. Therese died a century ago, she is as relevant and fresh today as ever, as a new generation of Catholics and all people of goodwill strive to be saints as well.

Serious Infringements Upon Conscience

2011-09-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

In my year of blogging, I have almost never touched a "hot-potato," as I have intentionally sought to find common ground and not veer off into controversy. However, the following is of such vital concern that I cannot afford not to address it. I urge us all to truly get on our knees and pray about this.

As Catholics, we support the initiative for greater health care for the poor and marginalized However, it seems the current administration is attempting to severely infringe upon the conscience rights of Catholic institutions, by requiring them to cover sterilizations, abortifacients, and other actions that are not congruent with Catholic teaching. This would force Catholic institutions of all kinds into a Catch-22 that would force them to violate their conscience. The following article http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2011/09/4015 explains more.

As many of you may recall, President Obama spoke at the 2009 Notre Dame Commencement. Without getting embroiled in the controversy surrounding that past event, I would like to draw your attention to Fr. Jenkins, President of Notre Dame, as he addresses this present concern. You can read the letter here:
http://president.nd.edu/assets/50056/comments_from_rev_john_i_jenkins_notre_dame_3_.pdf

Family Visit

2011-09-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

My family will all be in town this weekend to visit. This should be a great time to see the new digs, meet my new brothers, and have some quality time. I'm working to get some work done so that I have this weekend free!

Why Become or Remain a Jesuit?

2011-09-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

The renowned 20th century Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner wrote the following short piece to answer just that question!

http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-voices/20th-century-ignatian-voices/why-become-or-remain-a-jesuit/

A Miracle through the Intercession of Archbishop Fulton J Sheen, Servant of God?

2011-09-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Photo from http://www.archbishopsheencause.org/

As many of you know, the great TV evangelist, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has a very active cause for his canonization. I was delighted to read the following incredible story about a possible miracle (and it's not the only one!) through his intercession. If he is ever declared a saint, he would be the first American-born Catholic priest, I believe.

Healing of Stillborn Baby:
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/archbishop-fulton-sheen-credited-with-babys-stunning-recovery/

Here is the official site for his cause, which also promotes a new movie about the good Archbishop:
http://www.archbishopsheencause.org/

Moments of Grace Thus Far from Pope's Visit to Germany

2011-09-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

As the Holy Father visits his homeland, here are some of the stories that have thus developed. As I truly believe that the Pope is one of God's voices in the world, as the Vicar of Christ to whom the Church is entrusted, these moments of grace take on a special meaning.

The Holy Father's Return:
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/pope-benedict-returns-to-germany/

Ecumenical Meeting and Words on Unity
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-says-christian-unity-cannot-be-artificially-engineered/

Meeting with Sex Abuse Victims:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103788.htm

Visiting Martin Luther's Former Seminary:
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/at-martin-luthers-monastery-pope-says-personal-sins-matter/

Words on Catholics, Muslims, and their Common Work
http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/World.php?id=4019

New Project

2011-09-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

This is a project that I am collaborating on at Loyola. Please pray for its success!

Women's Religious Life Discernment Group

Did you know that MANY young, smart, empowered women are joining religious orders across the nation? Just ask Oprah who has featured such sisters on two episodes. One convent alone has seen over 100 sisters enter in 14 years. The average age of all the sisters? 28!!! Young sisters are extremely joyful, as they live their lives of faith, community, and service. Would you be interested in learning more about this fascinating, inspiring way of life? Well, Loyola's very own Sr. Jean and new Jesuit John Roselle are beginning a monthly group to do just that through Evoke, in order to give female Loyola students further information about religious life, chances to share what's on their heart, and to support one another in discovering whatever God's calling may be for them. Snacks and good fun will be provided. Our first meeting is October 3rd at 9pm. If you are interested in checking it out, contact John Roselle, SJ at johnroselle@gmail.com.

Praying about Ministry

2011-09-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I just finished doing some homework, and I am about to go pray before meeting today with our ministry site supervisor. I am still discerning what ministry to do here in Chicago, in the coming years. It is between working with persons in unplanned/crisis pregnancies (supporting them in choosing life-giving options), and working with providing Ignatian retreats for the homeless.

Both of these are of course quite exciting and meaningful ministries. I wish I could do both, but I assure you I have too much homework for that! Plus, I will be supporting the Knights of Columbus council here at Loyola and starting up a religious life discernment group for women, teaming up with a 92 year-old religious sister named Sr. Jean, who is still so full of energy, zeal, and love.

So, please pray for me that I may make the choice of the "magis" for my ministry.

Is Celibacy Healthy?

2011-09-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

Much of the modern world is wondering about the legitimacy, feasibility, and wisdom of celibacy. Here is an article from Fr. Jim Martin, SJ, addressing these questions.

http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/6269/Is-celibacy-healthy.aspx

Podcast from Jesuit on the Reservation

2011-09-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is a new podcast with Fr. Peter Klink, the former president of Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Fr. Klink has dedicated much of his life to working for and with the Lakota people. He is beloved by them, and he was a real inspiration to me (as well as a spiritual director) during my time on the reservation. Enjoy listening to this wise and generous Jesuit!

http://www.jesuit.org/blog/index.php/2011/09/jesuits-experience-in-native-ministry-on-the-pine-ridge-the-focus-of-this-months-podcast/

Pope's Upcoming Visit to Germany

2011-09-19T23:56:00.000-07:00

As the Holy Father makes a trip to his native Germany in the next week, he will emphasize the necessity of an awareness of God in all areas of life. His theme will be "Where there is God, there is a future." Here is a fine article on the upcoming trip:

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103702.htm

Ziggy

2011-09-19T23:41:00.000-07:00

Tom Wilson, the creator of one of my favorite comic strips, Ziggy, just died. My Mom loves Ziggy, and she introduced me to him. I think Ziggy is one of the most pathetic yet endearing characters. I never get tired of seeing the predicaments he gets into, and the quizzical, sad look on his face. Thanks Tom for bringing Ziggy into the world! You can read more about his passing here:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hyITfIKwsZcCPW4nvNYiSxRJQ1Kw?docId=e2c025300ae742d9af0de2ba9aad5f6e

Humor and Holiness

2011-09-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

This is an interview Our Sunday Visitor conducted with Jesuit Fr. Jim Martin (official chaplain to the Colbert Report), on his new book Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life. This anticipated book will be released on October 4th. For now, you can read the interview:
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8409/Having-fun-with-faith.aspx

Forbe's List of Happiest Jobs

2011-09-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

According to the recent Forbe's List of 10 Happiest Jobs, I'm heading in a very happy direction :)

http://www.ncregister.com/blog/steven-greydanus/notes-on-the-top-10-happiest-jobs/

Jesuit University Stays Strong on Culture of Life

2011-09-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

I am proud to hear that recently Regis University, a Jesuit school in Denver where I was this summer, has stood firm in the face of some unfortunate incursions of the Colorado legislature against its Catholic conscience.

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/regis-university-reacts-to-colorado-contraception-mandate/

Bios of the 2011 First-Year Novices

2011-09-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

These are the bios of the 32 men that just joined the Society of Jesus this August. Praise God and pray for them!

http://www.jesuit.org/blog/index.php/2011/09/new-jesuit-novices/

Art and Prayer

2011-09-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

This is a recent brief talk given by our Holy Father about art and prayer. He is a real lover of the arts, so he has been keen on connecting this age-old medium with spirituality and the faith of the Church:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20110831_en.html

Spectacular Video about the Church

2011-09-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a breathtaking, 2 min. video about the goodness of the Catholic Church. Watch it in full-screen and with the sound up. It's really something:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6qZd_xP1w

This video was produced by an innovative, successful outreach to Catholics who have been away from the Church. The campaign is called Catholics Come Home, and they have a wonderful website:
http://www.catholicscomehome.org/

A Note About the Sadnesses of the Church

2011-09-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

As promised, I have below done some reflecting on some of what I love about the Catholic Church. As much value as there is in celebrating the Church, it may seem inappropriate in this era. There can be so much frustration, division, and confusion in the Church. I see it frequently, and it makes me both sad and angry at times.

As we all know, these days the world has also seen the utter sin of some members of the Church, i.e., in the sex abuse scandal. We dare not dismiss or forget this sad and shameful reality. In fact, Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York City (who is also head of the US Bishops) has stated recently that the Church must be continually "haunted" by what occurred.

Granted, the same terrible phenomenon of abuse and cover-up has occurred in many other sectors of society, but under no circumstances can this ever be tolerated, least alone in the Church which is meant to be the universal sacrament of salvation. I do think the Church has learned profoundly from this and has worked hard in its stringent policies to make itself the safest place possible for children.

Still, there will forever be the sadness of this episode in Church history. I am reminded of Pope Benedict XVI, who met privately with a group of sex abuse survivors. Afterward, one of the survivors said that the Holy Father "wept with us who were weeping." Surely Christ weeps as well.

Nevertheless, we know in the mystery of the Cross that sin, evil, death, and destruction are NOT the end of the story. The Church carries the Cross but it lives the Promise of the Resurrection. It is this that we must remember and celebrate.

6 Things I LOVE about the Catholic Church

2011-09-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Queen of Angels by William Adolph Bouguereau (1825-1905)

A Church Gathered around Jesus Christ: Jesus’ desire before His death was that His followers would be “one” (John 17:21). Granted, we haven’t always done a good job of that! Still, the Catholic Church traces her very origins to Jesus Christ and His apostles, to whom the Church was entrusted. As Catholics, we are able to get as close to Jesus as were the first disciples, for example, in literally sharing in the Last Supper (the Eucharist), taking into our own selves the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

A Church for All People: The word Catholic means “universal.” The Second Vatican Council states that the Catholic Church is fundamentally the “people of God.” There are countless people across the globe from nearly every culture who have found their true spiritual home in the Catholic Church. I have been privileged to witness several people journey into the Church, discovering joy and peace therein. Recently a young woman told me that the day she became Catholic was the happiest day of her life. The Church’s doors are always open, always inviting.

A Redeemed Church: To be redeemed is to be freed, bought back, and brought back. The Church is the Bride of Christ whom Jesus bought at the cost of His own life, his very Body and Blood, which saves and washes us clean. Before He died, he told His disciples: “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” Thus, no matter the “evidence” to the contrary (such as individual members’ sins), the Church’s identity and destiny is as a redeemed people, who can walk “in the freedom of the sons and daughters of God.”

A Beautiful Church: The great twentieth-century theologian Hans Urs Von Balthasar emphasized that beauty leads us to Truth. God reveals Himself to the world through the power and majesty of the arts. We are an “incarnational” Church, a people that experiences God through the senses. Our worship, sacraments, architecture, images, literature, etc. reach people’s hearts through the bodily world. Catholic artists have helped people to imagine the immensity of God’s love and presence in the world.

A Heroic Church: In and through Baptism and the other sacraments, a Catholic is given every grace necessary to become nothing less than a saint in the world. To be a saint is to have a heroic, Christ-like holiness and love (and to one day enter into eternal life). Sainthood is shown through relentless compassion and service. Blessed Mother Teresa taught that to be a saint is a “simply duty.” It is indeed quite possible to be a saint. As a Catholic, I have literally known and loved several living saints in many corners of the Church.

A Church of Truth: The Catholic Church stands on the truth of Jesus Christ, who told us that “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). The Church boldly seeks and shares the Truth with humanity. So many people misunderstand Catholicism about being about “rules.” What is vital to remember is that since God is Love, all that He wills is out of sheer love. Thus, out of love, God has written His law on the human heart. Moreover, He has given the Church as a shepherd of souls to help remind them of their dignity and worth. There is not a single “rule” of the Catholic Church that is not founded on a deep, intrinsic valuing and love of the human person. As our Mother and Teacher, however, the Church does care enough to tell us what is good for us and what is bad for us.

Photo of my Community

2011-09-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of the Gonzaga community with whom I am living here in Chicago:

Loyola's Madonna della Strada Chapel

2011-09-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

It's not quite the Sistine Chapel tour (like the one below), but here are a few gorgeous pictures of the chapel at Loyola University in Chicago, named after the Jesuit patroness Madonna della Strada ("Our Lady of the Way"), whose prayers Jesuit implore when they are travelling. The chapel is a prime work of Art Deco architecture and has been recently renovated. It is a tremendous place to worship.

http://www.luc.edu/sacramental_life/Madonna_Della_Strada_Renovation.shtml

Virtual Tour of the Sistine Chapel

2011-09-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

I recently came upon this incredible virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel. If you haven't seen this, you have to check it out!

http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html

Running the Good Race

2011-09-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

Some of my Jesuit brothers and I will be running in the Quad Cities Marathon or Half-Marathon in Iowa. I will be running the shorter version, which should be plenty! If you would like to read more or sign up, here is the link:

http://www.qcmarathon.org/

From what I have heard, the course runs alongside the Mississippi River, which should be lovely. I have been running quite a bit by the lake here in Chicago. I am embracing this as a chance to get back in a bit better physical fitness, and to get away and have a good time with some of my brothers. The race is Sept 25th, so 18 more days to go!

17 New Dominican Sisters

2011-09-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

About one week ago, 17 young women entered the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was a day of great jubilation. In just 14 years, this religious order has grown from 4 to over 120 sisters. The average age of all of the sisters is 28. These sisters are some of the most joyful people on Earth, and I have had the pleasure of getting to know them. What an inspiration their vocation is. It is so deeply needed in the Church.

They also love the Jesuits! They passionately pray for and encourage Jesuit vocations. Fr. Tomasek, SJ, the late Jesuit mentioned below, was one of their greatest supporters.

For my vows, they sent me a card with countless messages from the sisters. If you would like to learn more or to donate to their wonderful order, visit: http://sistersofmary.org

The Young Sisters-to-Be with their Vocation Director, Sr. Joseph Andrew, OP

The Sisters in their Chapel

17 New Sisters!

Being Embraced (literally) by the Community

New Friends!

Reflections on an Exemplary Jesuit

2011-09-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

The following is something written by a Jesuit whom I esteem, in memoriam for another Jesuit who recently entered eternal life. It offers much to ponder.

Fr. Dick Tomasek, SJ

A Jesuit of the Fourth Vow: A Graveside Reflection on the Life of Fr. Richard A. Tomasek, S.J.

(June 18, 1943 – August 6, 2011)

by Fr. William F. Prospero, S.J.

While I was not able to say everything I wanted to say in a short reflection at the burial site of our dear brother Fr. Richard Tomasek, I would like now to expand on those thoughts in this reflection. I hope the results will inspire a greater appreciation for what God has done for us in Fr. Tomasek.

Saint

People usually think of Blessed John Paul II or Blessed Mother Theresa when speaking of contemporary saints. It would be a mistake to limit our understanding of saints to these very public saints. Why can’t Fr. Tomasek be declared a saint by the Catholic Church? On one level it certainly does not matter whether he is declared a saint or not. Those of us who knew him know the truth that he was a model Christian and Jesuit priest, and in my opinion, well worthy of the title “saint.”

Saints are people of forgiveness and mercy. Pope Benedict once said that holiness is not about never sinning or making a mistake: holiness is about our capacity for reconciliation, our capacity for forgiveness. Fr. Tomasek had a great capacity for forgiveness. I never knew him to hold a grudge against anyone. Yes, he had many reasons to hold grudges, like all of us, but I never heard him express a grudge against anyone. He was a man of mercy, forgiveness, and freedom. His capacity for forgiveness was as natural as being human. This is the essential mark of a saint and it was an essential mark of Fr. Tomasek.

Spiritual Father and Brother

Fr. Tomasek became for me a spiritual father and brother. While he had more years in the Society than I, he made me feel like we were equals. We spoke on the level of the heart quite naturally and freely. He had an easy way of making conversations meaningful and heart-worthy. I just presumed he was like that and never really thought twice about how he became that way. Now reflecting back, I realize this is something remarkable, a mark of holiness.

For many younger Jesuits and seminarians, Fr. Tomasek was a model priest who witnessed to the authentic priesthood of Jesus Christ. He was always available as a good Jesuit should be (Jesuits have a charism of “availability” to the greatest need in the Church). His availability was not a “rule” that he somehow tried to observe or obey; rather, his availability was who he was. He was an open and receptive man with many places in his heart for us to visit. In this way he exercised a Jesuit form of hospitality, a true “hospitality of the heart.”

Many in seminaries today find the politics of the Church challenging. Fr. Tomasek was a rock of authentic priesthood calling his seminarians to focus on the spiritual life rather than on climbing the “ecclesiastical ladder.” Always a man of the Spirit, Fr. Tomasek kept his attention on the things of heaven and not on the things of earth. The ease with which he was able to live in this way is something I loved about him.

A Fourth Vow Man

Fr. Tomasek had a special love for the Jesuit Fourth Vow of obedience to the Pope. Some Jesuits understand this Vow to mean an obedience in regards to special missions the Pope gives to Jesuits; others have a more expansive understanding of this Vow that also includes a special appreciation for the Pope’s articulation of Catholic teachings. Fr. Tomasek embodied this more expansive understanding of the Fourth Vow, seeing this special appreciation as essentially linked to his Jesuit vocation. Fr. Tomasek loved this dimension of being a Jesuit and would seek out younger Jesuits who manifested similar understandings. He befriended us and helped us to be faithful to the challenging teachings of the Church in the face of often difficult environments.

Fr. Tomasek’s fidelity to the Church’s teachings on marriage and sexuality, specifically abortion and contraception issues, earned him mistreatment by some. One particularly challenging moment was precipitated by some nasty letters complaining about a certain homily Fr. Tomasek preached on the sacredness of marital love at the Des Moines Cathedral many years ago. In this homily he articulated, albeit in summary fashion, the Church’s teaching about life (abortion) and its correlative teaching about artificial birth control. Everyone who knew Fr. Tomasek knew that he did not have a mean-spirited streak in him at all. He would never preach something that did not lead people closer to God. Yet, people can be offended by the truth. (I am aware that he preached another similar homily [I vaguely recall him telling me that he tried to preach on the truth of human life and sexuality at least once a year] in Columbus, OH. He received a standing ovation for that homily.) However, any such homily will offend at least a few persons and those few may write the Bishop and Provincial. Do people EVER write the Bishop or Provincial when a really good homily is preached? Fr. Tomasek did not preach, however, for the nice letters or the nasty ones; he preached the fullness of the truth because he loved and believed the truth, and he was missioned to do so by the Church through the sacrament of Holy Orders. He carried out this mission joyfully, intelligently, confidently, and courageously. We loved him for it.

Fr. Tomasek was thought of by some to be a rigid conservative who was out of touch with the people. NOTHING could be farther from the truth. Fr. Tomasek joyfully lived in the freedom of the children of God, deeply in touch with the needs and aspirations of every soul entrusted to his care. Conversely, in the seminaries he was commonly viewed as the “liberal Jesuit,” probably because he had such a free spirit that some may have mistook as “nonconformist.” All Fr. Tomasek wanted was to be conformed to the Heart of Jesus. He wanted nothing else. Men of institutions and systems were likely challenged by Fr. Tomasek’s blatant disregard for politics and favorites, manipulations and positions. Fr. Tomasek loved the Heart of Jesus and became the very image of Him, all the while becoming more and more himself, disregarding the spirit of careerism found in some sectors in the Church.

Zeal

Fr. Tomasek believed in the power of God’s Word preached with love; he believed in the power of the truth to move hearts closer to God, the goal of all preaching. He did not let negative consequences influence his preaching. I would never describe Fr. Tomasek as a “hammer of the heretics,” but I would describe him as a man on fire with the love of God and His Church. He held a deep appreciation for the capacity of the human heart to respond generously to the call of Christ the King.

The “Kingdom of Christ the King” [#91-98] was one of Fr. Tomasek’s favorite meditations in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. He loved to think about the Christian call to be close to Jesus, to share in His mission to bring His salvation to the ends of the earth. Those who share with Jesus in the toil and suffering of bringing this Good News to the world will also share with Him His glory. Fr. Tomasek lived fully this great enterprise of evangelization, freely accepting the suffering that came with it. At the same time he drew many of us along in the enterprise, so we felt him right beside us as we did the Lord’s work. A true “friend in the Lord” and companion on the way, Fr. Tomasek will be sorely missed.

Authentic Holiness

Fr. Tomasek’s holiness was both heroic and real. While he would not be accused of being overly pietistic, he had a deep piety, an authentic devotion to Jesus and to His Blessed Mother Mary. One never had the feeling that his spirituality was “imposed” by some need to project holiness; rather his spirituality had a real accessibility to it. There was nothing fake, but only the real person right there before you that you could sense and feel. His sincerity and “realness” made him attractive to many souls and inspired countless persons to love Jesus more.

The Society and the Church will miss this great apostle. He said in his dying days, quoting St. Therese, that he will have greater effect in the world when he is in heaven with the Lord. This consoles me on some level, but I still can’t help but miss him terribly. My life will never be the same. I can hope and pray, though, for a share of his magnanimous spirit. I will make this prayer in eager anticipation until I will meet him in the Kingdom where we will enjoy together the Face of the Eternal King.

The First 3 Weeks

2011-09-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

Well, as I am nearly 3 weeks into Chicago, here are a few sound bytes about my time thus far:

Again, as in the novitiate, the quality of my brothers here is incredible. The community life is very diverse with guys from all over the country (and even the world) who have such wide-ranging talents and interests. Yet, there is that strong Jesuit bond. In fact, at Loyola alone there are about 70 Jesuits, whether they are professors, students, or active in other ministries.
Today we had a "Jesuit Fest" for the students where hundreds came by for an outdoor carnival for a meet-and-greet with food, games, and tours of our house. There were carnival events like "Jesuit jousting" and "Dunk-a-Jesuit." It's good evangelization to be out there with the young people like that. It is a real joy to get to know some of them.
My classes are fascinating, invigorating, and challenging. I can already tell I'm going to learn a lot, and I have some outstanding professors.
The Loyola campus is quite urban but beautiful, as it is right along Lake Michigan, which to me might as well be the Pacific Ocean.
I take one of my classes "Philosophy of Law" at the downtown campus at the Law School. It is taught by a Jesuit with four law degrees, and who is a consummate scholar and man of the Church.
I have had the great privilege of connecting with an energetic religious sister who has worked for decades at Loyola and happens to be 92 years old! She is still working hard and is beloved by the Loyola community.

So, that's just a smattering of some of the highlights. I hope to offer some more nuanced and extended reflections later.

A View of the Chapel and the Lake

Fast Cars

2011-09-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

I had a philosophy professor in college who used to joke that he got into the field because it was the "gravy train" to "fast cars, beautiful women, and lots and lots of money." Well, as I begin studying philosophy, I too have happened upon one of those illustrious goals: fast cars.

I am far from a video game guru, but I have recently rediscovered an old favorite pastime of racing games. I bought a copy for a few bucks of something called "Asphalt Adrenaline 6." If that doesn't give you any clue as to what it is like, picture racing through exotic courses, cutting off expensive sports cars, collecting various prizes. The graphics are incredible and it really feels like I'm out there, zooming at 250 mph.

As I plunge into serious intellectual pursuits, it is wise to have a few diversions. This is one of them.
It's important to have something that requires little or no thinking. And a little fun.

Now, a challenge to any of you: if you have a Mac and you feel like spending $6 for the Asphalt Adenaline App, we can race online, an option of which I have not yet availed myself. Nevertheless, if you would like, we can meet on the course. There are few things I like better than a good race.

The Holy Father's Recent Words to Seminarians

2011-08-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Dean of First Studies recommended to all of us to read over what Pope Benedict XVI recently said at a Mass for seminarians while he was in Spain. His message: "we must be saints." He addresses many issues pertaining to our growth, and it is always good to hear a message of hope for the future from someone who has really "walked the talk" of the Christian life.

http://bostoncatholicinsider.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/pope-benedict-to-seminarians-at-wyd-we-have-to-be-saints/

Classes for This Semester

2011-08-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation, I have registered for the following courses. It is recommended that we take only three graduate classes in the first semester. And the draft picks are:

Philosophy of Natural Law (with a Jesuit who has an endowed chair in the law school and four law degrees)
Philosophy of Mind (with an Irish Jesuit who has a passion for metaphysics)
An Intellectual History of Twentieth-Century Jesuits (covering key thinkers like Rahner, de Lubac, etc.)

So far, I have been impressed with the commitment to quality philosophical education that Fr. Tom Regan, himself a former philosophy professor and provincial, has brought with him to his new job as the Dean of First Studies for Jesuits. He is focused on what will help us become the "best priests possible" in the future.

Young Jesuit's Reflections from World Youth Day

2011-08-20T10:31:00.001-07:00

These are the reflections of Michael Rossman, the young Jesuit mentioned in the previous post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-rossmann-sj/world-youth-day-unforgettable-moments_b_930135.html

An Exciting Moment

2011-08-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

Michael Rossman is one of my Jesuit scholastic-brothers in Chicago, who is in his third year. He is blessed to be in Madrid for World Youth Day with a group of students, and he has created this quick video of a very exciting moment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaLLHim_gtE&feature=share

More Christian Music Added Above

2011-08-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

In the "Music" tab above, I have added about ten more good Christian music videos, some of which are quite creative. It is incredible what the Holy Spirit is doing in the modern world to make the message of the Gospel so relevant and attractive. Enjoy!

What do YOU love about the Catholic Church?

2011-08-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

For some time, I have been meaning to create a list of twelve things I love about the Catholic Church. In honor of World Youth Day (which is going on as we speak), I am going to do it! But what about you? What do you love about the Catholic Church? Please post below. In order to protect the integrity of this blog, I will need to review each post before it becomes public. Thus, they will not immediately show up. Thanks for understanding and posting:

Friday night Shakespeare

2011-08-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Last night 5 of us from Chicago drove about two hours to go see one of our older Jesuit brothers, Joe Hoover, in a performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Joe is a truly talented actor; he has been in many other shows and even worked in New York City for awhile before joining the Jesuits. I was with Joe for two years on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation at a Jesuit high school. There I was able to see the spectacular fruits of his directing students in various plays. For this show, he was Malvolio, which is a highly comedic role. He owned the stage, and it was cool to finally see him front-and-center in his own element. It was also a good chance to get out of the big city, take in some culture, and support a brother.

Gorgeous World Youth Day Video

2011-08-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Friends,
As many of you know, our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, is arriving in Madrid today to meet with over a million young Catholic pilgrims. Let us pray deeply for them, as this has been time and again one of the greatest evangelizers of the John Paul II and now the Benedict XVI "generations."

Young people's faith often comes "alive again" (as the following video exhibits) at World Youth Days. I know a Jesuit Fr. Will Prospero who maintains that World Youth Day is the single greatest vocation promoter for the Church. Indeed, many Jesuits will be accompanying groups of young people to Madrid. Let us pray that this event nourished the seeds of future holy married, single, priestly, and consecrated religious vocations--all for the "culture of life" that Blessed John Paul II proclaimed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-40kv2LuTDs

Homily from Vows

2011-08-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

This is a copy of the homily that the Provincial of the Wisconsin Province gave at our first vows Mass. I wanted to share it with you all, as it deeply moved me, even to the point of shedding tears during it. It spoke to me of how much bigger this is than any of us, of the incredible goodness of God, and of hope for the future despite fears.

Homily – First Vows – August 13, 2011 – St Paul, MN – Fr. Tom Lawler, SJ

In the old Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoons, there was a character named Sherman who liked to travel back in time with his friend Peabody. They had a time machine. Let’s dial back the clock 477 years, and go to France.

I. The First Vows of the Pilgrim and his friends: Paris, 1534.

Seven men had become friends at the University of Paris. They were from Spain, Portugal and France – men in the their early-twenties, with the exception of their leader, Ignatius Loyola. He walked with a slight limp from a battle wound. He was a short, balding, a 43 year old Basque man with dreams and wild ideas about a radical “new way of life,” following Jesus as friends, companions, in poverty and chastity – as pilgrims and priests – but not monks - of journeying to Jerusalem to minister there, and if that didn’t work, placing themselves at the service of God and the Church.

On the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother, these first Jesuits – including Francis Xavier and the one priest in the group, Peter Fabre - climbed up the hill of Montmartre in Paris to the chapel to pray, celebrate the Eurcharist and make their total self-offering to God in companionship.

Those men shared a union of minds and hearts – with strong desires to serve God and the Church. As one historian described it:

“At the [time] of communion, each pronounced his vows. Fabre gave the Eucharist to his six companions. As they left the chapel, pure joy inundated the hearts of these men: the joy of having given a purpose to their lives for all time; the joy of belonging unreservedly to Christ; the joy of participating henceforth in the great work of redemption, without limits, without boundaries, without reserve; the joy of a fraternal community of faith, hope and charity.” (A. Ravier, p. 72).

What would possibly motivate these men 450 years ago to make this kind of complete and total self-offering to God? Could it be the same grace of God that motivates these vow-men to make a similar offering today?

What follows is a reflection from today’s scripture readings and the writings of Ignatius on the grace behind such motivation. Then, based on the readings, I’d like to offer some practical advice to the vow men us as they prepare to make such an offering.

II. The Pilgrim’s two-fold journey:

The seed of any vocation is sown in the human heart through an encounter with God’s grace. For some, that seed appears suddenly and dramatically. For Moses, God used a burning bush. For Ignatius, God used a cannon ball to get his attention. For St Paul, it was a vision of the Risen Christ.

For others (most of us), the seed is planted almost without notice and grows slowly. For Elijah the prophet, it was a gentle breeze; for St Joseph, a dream. For Mary, the voice of an angel. For others, a gradual revealing of desire and attraction in the heart, a burning desire to do great things for God.

As St. Ignatius recovered from his battle injuries, he pondered and studied “how the Creator deals directly with the creature.” Ignatius noticed and mapped out carefully the human response to God’s grace in a little book called the Spiritual Exercises.

Ignatius liked to refer to himself as “the pilgrim” – a man on a journey. His idea of the pilgrimage became the model and pattern of all future followers. Every serious follower of the Ignatius who experiences the Spiritual Exercises is invited to listen to God’s call and to respond.

At its core, the encounter with God involves a profound inward journey of awareness, following by an outward journey of love and service.

The first part is a going inside to encounter myself and my God, discovering my own creature-hood, vulnerable humanity, my brokenness, yet also God’s acceptance, forgiveness, love and healing.

This inward journey of awareness and discovery leads to a movement of the heart in gratitude and new-found joy, some call “conversion.” The heart wells up with loving desires to respond in “return,” wishing to make a self-offering to God. This is the outward journey - an aching to love and to serve God and God’s people, to love and to serve, especially the poor, in imitation of Jesus.

Ignatius’s type of self- offering goes like this:

“Take, Lord, and receive…all that I have and all that I am. You have given all to me; now I wish to return it. All is yours! Make us of it wholly according to your will.”

Later in this liturgy, the vow men will make their offering in similar words and with similar devotion.

III. Practical advice from Jeremiah, St Paul, and Mary

Before they do so, here is some advice for these Ignatian pilgrims based on the encounters of God with Jeremiah, St. Paul and Mary.

1. (From Gospel Luke) The angel said: “Do not be afraid.”

Do not be afraid of facing a troubled world. Your vocation will be lived out in the context of a world that is “marked by profound changes, acute conflicts,and new possibilities.” (GC 34) Let the words of the angel Gabriel reassure you: “Do not be afraid. You have found favor with God.”

Do not be afraid of what others think of you or your commitment. They may not understand, but hopefully they will see the great love you have for God and for the poor. Do not be ashamed of the Gospel you believe in, and the Church you now represent.

Do not be afraid of losing your freedom, of losing out on the joys of life, and giving up opportunities because of your vows. A few years ago, Pope Benedict reassured young people by explaining:

“if we follow Christ, are we “deprived of our freedom? No! If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return...”

Advice 2. (From St Paul) “Be patient under trials”

When you follow Jesus closely, you will find challenges along the journey – some interior, some external. You will likely have questions, perhaps at times, even doubts. “How can this be? I am too young! I don’t know what to say!” Remember God’s reassurance to Jeremiah: “I am with you to deliver you. I will give you words to speak…”

When you face challenges, “persevere in prayer… be fervent in Spirit.”

The Lord who created you and formed you in the womb will never abandon or forget you. “What can separate us from the love of Christ? trials, persecution? anguish? dangers?” No. Trust that God’s grace and love will be enough for you, and the rest will be given.

Adivce 3. (from Prophet Jeremiah) “You are not alone.”

Your call to service in this least Society of Jesus is a call of companionship. You do not go alone. Christ walks with you as companion. He will be found in your prayer as a guide and inspiration; he is received in the Eucharist as your daily bread for the journey. He is there in family, fellow students, friends, colleagues and brother Jesuits.

You may face loneliness at times. Do not be afraid of it, do not run from it. Every vocation includes some moments of loneliness.

The Truth is, you are never alone.

Living these vows in companionship in the Society of Jesus, in fidelity and with joy, is only possible by the grace of God.

IV. Conclusion: Joyful Witnesses of God’s Grace

We do not have to travel 477 years back in a time machine or go to Paris to witness the remarkable unfolding of God’s grace in human life, that interior and exterior journey of faith. We rejoice with these vow men at the unfolding of their Jesuit vocation as they follow in the footsteps of the first Jesuits in Paris in 1534.

May your vows today, be like theirs, a witness to

“the joy of participating... in the great work of redemption, without limits, without boundaries, without reserve; the joy of a fraternal community of faith, hope and charity.”

Clarification abour Clerics

2011-08-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

Since some readers have asked about whether or not I am a priest, I would like to make clear that I am not. I am also not a "brother," since there are some Jesuits who take vows only as brothers and do not feel called to becoming priests. I, however, do hope to become a priest. I'm also just happy to be a vowed Jesuit.

This can be confusing, but let me explain. St. Ignatius wanted Jesuits to take lifelong vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience long before they were priests. The usual program of Jesuit formation for those preparing to be priests is this:

Novitiate: 2 years of prayer, community living, service, etc., discerning whether to take vows
First Vows: a definitive commitment to living the rest of one's life as a Jesuit
First Studies: 3 years of studying mostly philosophy and some theology
Regency: 3 years of full-time work in a Jesuit ministry, often at a high school
Theology: 3 more years of theology in order to finish a Master's of Divinity
Ordination: becoming a priest

So, why am I dressed like a "priest"? In the photos you will see me wearing a "priestly" clerical suit. In fact, seminarians and religious are able to wear these before becoming priests, as a visible witness to their future commitment (so long as they never "impersonate" a priest).

Video of the Vows

2011-08-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

This is a video that was taken by one of the guests, Fran Cleary of me saying the vows:

https://picasaweb.google.com/100144651167478852545/JohnRoselleFirstVowsVideo02?authuser=0&feat=directlink#5641884015008897650

The Words of the Vows

2011-08-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

These were the words of the vows from this past Saturday, which are essentially the translation of what St. Ignatius wrote for the vows in the Jesuit Constitutions (over 400 years ago):

Almighty and eternal God, I, John Xavier Mary Roselle III, understand how unworthy I am in your divine sight. Yet I am strengthened by your infinite compassion and mercy, and I am moved by the desire to serve you. I vow to your divine Majesty, before the most holy Virgin Mary and the entire heavenly court, perpetual chastity, poverty, and obedience in the Society of Jesus. I promise that I will enter this same Society to spend my life in it forever. I understand all these things according to the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus. Therefore, by your boundless goodness and mercy, and through the blood of Jesus Christ, I humbly ask that you judge this total commitment of myself acceptable. And as you have freely given me the desire to make this offering, so also may you give me the abundant grace to fulfill it.

At St. Thomas More Church, on the 13th day of August, in the year 2011.

Reflections on the Vow Weekend

2011-08-17T14:42:00.001-07:00

           First of all, I am most sorry that it has taken this long to offer the following reflections. As wonderful as the past days have been, they have also been incredibly hectic. I am writing to you now from Chicago, where I am very happy to be. At a later point, I will describe my time here in Chicago, but without further ado, I want to offer some reflections on the vow weekend, both for those who were able to come and those were not. The weekend of vows truly was like the proverbial act of trying to "take a sip out of a fire hydrant" (which is pouring forth grace :). As I mentioned before, there were some nerves with the approach of a commitment of this magnitude. Those are natural and to be expected. However, once guests started appearing for the barbecue before the vigil, I was swarmed with people who love me. They were surrounding me and encouraging me for the rest of the weekend. Of course, there were many people who I would have loved to have been in attendance but were unable to come. I understand that these friends and family were no less supportive from afar, offering up prayers that no doubt helped calm me and focus me at this crucial time. Thank you all again for your many prayers! They "worked"!
            From the moment I woke up at 6am on the morning of vows, I was eager and had a certain peace. I was able to take about an hour of prayer, which I wanted to do in preparation for the ceremony. I felt called to keep my eyes on Jesus, the One to whom I would soon be making these vows, in front of the most Holy Eucharist, His true Body. I also had a sense of offering this sacrifice in union with His. The peace was intensified when I actually got into the church 45 minutes before the start of Mass. I was able to greet my guests, and Bob Braveheart, a Lakota-Christian and the Superintendent of Red Cloud Indian School (where I served for two years before joining the Jesuits), privately gave a special blessing to the 4 novices from our class who served on the reservation. He spoke appreciatively to us, prayed over us, "smudging" us with his sacred eagle feather while burning smoke from an herb that the Lakota use. Then we all lined up in procession. From then forward, I was just carried by the solemn desire to take these vows. The music was majestic, the readings profound, and the homily from my Provincial brought me to tears, as it recalled the continuous line of tens of thousands of Jesuits who have taken these same vows for 477 years, beginning with the original handful of recruits that St. Ignatius assembled at the University of Paris.
          The actual vows take place in the context of the Eucharist. That is the way that St. Ignatius and his company desired to make this commitment, before the Blessed Sacrament. The Jesuits are the only religious order to do this. I will surely be reminded of the vows when I go to Mass each day for the rest of my life. St. Ignatius was quite inspired when he chose to link these two sacred moments together. It was amazing to see the six men who cam alphabetically before me profess their vows, suddenly going from novices to vowed Jesuits for life. Each man went up from the pew into the sanctuary, knelt down, was handed his hand-written vow formula by the Novice director, and prayed the vows directly to the Precious Body and Blood of Jesus that the two provincials held aloft from the altar. The vows filled the whole huge church, and were spoken slowly, deliberately. Once the man had made his vows, he went to the House Superior who was waiting for him, and handed him a vow cross, often passed down from a deceased Jesuit.
            When it was my turn, I got up, and felt like I was going to the Cross. Let us remember that the Cross is not ultimately a bad thing, but rather is glorious. If in the photos I do not have my characteristic grin, there is a reason. As much joy as there was in the offering, what I was about to do sobered me immensely. There was no turning back (not that I wanted to :). I had to do this. Again, I kept my eyes on Jesus and said the vows to Him. I felt good during and after the vows (without many nerves at all), and upon getting off my knees, I went to receive my vow cross which was the same vow cross that Fr. Paul Mahowald took in August of 1957, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I had known Fr. Paul at Creighton University, where he frequently offered God's mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He was a humble, generous, magnanimous man who suffered much, especially in his later years due to health problems. I hope I too can have those virtues.
           The rest of the day was one of conversation, relaxation, and celebration. We had a social following the vows, as well as a nice dinner hosted by the families of three of us who took vows. At the dinner each new Jesuit was able to say a few words. I spoke especially of how I wanted to do this for the Church that I love. Then one of the Jesuits in attendance, who has a terrific singing voice, offered a toast and a song for each of the three guys. The song for me was "Oklahoma!" and for the last refrain I got up and belted it out right along with him! There was clapping and much rejoicing from the those at the dinner who call Oklahoma home. Finally, most of my guests went down the street with me to a great place for ice cream. It was a perfect day, and ever since then, I have been happy to be a Jesuit. I know it will not always be easy, but I am confident this is for God's greater glory.

Vow Photos

2011-08-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

St. Thomas More Catholic Community, the site of the Vows


Processing In

Processing in, singing the song in the program

Walking up into the sanctuary to take vows

Receiving from my Novice Director the vow formula I had hand-written

Professing perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience before the Blessed Sacrament

Receiving my vow cross, handed down from a deceased Jesuit, from my spiritual director

Returning to my pew, where my brothers were

Processing Out

My newly vowed brothers and I

Walking out of the church, a Jesuit!

With my Parents

With Jim and Fran Cleary, the parents of one of my dear friends (Jim graciously took these photos)

2011-08-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm a Jesuit!

2011-08-16T00:28:00.000-07:00

Vows went extremely well! THANK YOU for ALL of your prayers and support! I am very happy I made this decision. I have been so busy, but I will be soon reflecting more on this moment and uploading photos and video for you all. Sorry for the delay. God bless!

What's the "Good Word"?

2011-08-11T23:49:00.000-07:00

Since this may be my last bog post before the big day, I wanted to end (or really begin) with a note of enthusiasm. I am so touched by the tremendous outpouring of warm wishes and prayers from so many. I am honored by the 15 or so "pilgrims" who will be making the trek out here, and I know there are several others who really wanted to be here but couldn't. I certainly will not feel alone, but will be surrounded with love.

And then there is God. I was talking with one of my brothers tonight, and we talked of how we forget how much this pleases God, to surrender into His hands and to trust in Him. This is really about His goodness, His work, His glory. We're just blessed to be able to respond in this way, and to follow Him (as all of us are).

Thanks again for all you have done for me to support me, and I will be glad to fill you in on how it all goes. Please keep the prayers coming. God bless!

Letting Go

2011-08-11T23:39:00.002-07:00

When I got home from retreat, I hit the packing very hard. Being a pack-rat at heart, it is extremely hard for me to do the necessary throwing-away, donating, and organizing that is necessary to be mobile as a Jesuit. That is a key form of our poverty, letting go in order to go forward in a mission. I am a book-fiend, and as much as I would like to keep the 4 or 5 dozen books I have collected in the past two years (we were only allowed to enter with 10), I know that I can't be mobile with that amount of luggage! So, I had to go through the "agonizing" process of sifting through and departing with 2 or 3 dozen of them, some of which were really great books too :(

Vow Retreat

2011-08-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

It's 1:26 am. We have Mass at 7:30am. It's been a crazy day. Tomorrow will be crazier. I know, I should go to sleep, but the adrenaline from this day of packing, preparing, and joking around is just too much. At noon we returned from our Vow Triduum retreat, during which we prayed more about what is ahead, had faith-sharing, and wrote out several forms and papers. For example, we had to hand-write three copies of the vow formula which we will say (one of which will go to the headquarters in Rome).

Nerves

2011-08-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

Friends,

As I have said before, it is with great joy that I am preparing for vows. However, I figured it was only fair to share with you a few reflections on the fears that come with them.

I have heard it said that fear is "False Evidence Appearing Real." Going along with that, St. Ignatius teaches that when a person is following God's call for them in general or in specific circumstances (whatever they may be), it is the work of the evil spirit to suggest unnecessary hindrances to that path.

Thus, I am reminded that although it is "natural" to have worries, these concerns do not have the authority of God and thus should be taken with a grain of salt. In fact, just yesterday I was getting a haircut and as I told the stylist what I was doing and mentioned in honesty that some fears were coming up, the stylist point-blank said, "You're giving yourself to God--what is there to be afraid of?"

In any case, as with any major decision, there can be that hissing doubt of "what if I am making the wrong one?" "What if I haven't appropriately discerned this?" "What if I mess this up?" "What if I am unhappy with the results of this decision?"

It is then that I must remind myself that I have been intensely pondering this call for years, especially through all the "experiments" of the past two in novitiate, and that through-thick-and-thin, I have consistently been led back to this as my deepest desire, despite the doubts that have presented themselves at various points. It is that deepest desire that will not disappoint, because it is God who has given that desire and that will fulfill it.

As one of my brothers often says, "God cannot be outdone in generosity." As with any gift of self to God (as scary as it may be), it is swallowed up in the riches of His generosity.

A Great [and tame] Bachelor Party

2011-08-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

I thought I would tell you all briefly about a special celebration that our first-year brothers organized for the 9 of us "vow men" this past Friday while we were on vacation. It was envisioned in a sense as a "bachelor party," although that term has unfortunately been sullied by some less-than-virtuous connotations :). Nevertheless, this was meant to be a time of enjoying one another's company before we make this commitment and part ways (in good Jesuit-style) to the "four winds" on our various missions.

After Mass and breakfast, we went to a nearby river and rented canoes. It was an 11 mile ride that was scenic, contemplative, and quite humorous as many of us frequently banged into rocks, tipped over, etc. because of how shallow the water was. At one point I seriously feared for my life when we lost our canoe in some "rapids," and I was stuck in the fast waters and rocks. I prayed the Blessed Mother would "save me," and, thank God, I eventually stumbled to shore.

That evening we went by boat to a local restaurant on the lake. On the way there, we stopped the boat and some of the guys shared toasts, etc. and why they are taking vows. These were heartfelt, funny, and spoke to the close bond that we have. One of the comments that most struck me was by one of my vow-brothers who said a former girlfriend had recently told him that in seeing the way he has surrendered in the novitiate, "no woman could have reigned you in like God has."

I treated myself to a barbecue chicken pizza and a pina colada. Later in the night one of my first-year brothers took the liberty of ordering me a second :) It was a beautiful night and a treasure of a memory.

The Vow Formula

2011-08-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

These are the words that I will be saying, adding my name in the space, on my knees before the Blessed Sacrament in the middle of Mass on the day of vows.

Almighty and eternal God, I, ____________________, understand how unworthy I am in your divine sight. Yet I am strengthened by your infinite compassion and mercy, and I am moved by the desire to serve you. I vow to your divine Majesty, before the most holy Virgin Mary and the entire heavenly court, perpetual chastity, poverty, and obedience in the Society of Jesus. I promise that I will enter this same Society to spend my life in it forever. I understand all these things according to the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus. Therefore, by your boundless goodness and mercy, and through the blood of Jesus Christ, I humbly ask that you judge this total commitment of myself acceptable. And as you have freely given me the desire to make this offering, so also may you give me the abundant grace to fulfill it.

At St. Thomas More Church, on the 13th day of August, in the year 2011.

Countdown to Vows: How Am I Feeling?

2011-08-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

As Vows speedily approach, I thought I would spend some time explaining the internal dynamics of this time. This is a sacred time in life, one of expectation and wonder. I am reminded of Rudolf Otto's description of the sacred as the "Mysterium tremendum et fascinans." I think that Latin phrase says it quite well. The vows are mysterious. The vows are tremendous, causing some trepidation. The vows are also captivating, being a focal point of desire. This is not unlike the preparation I would think a couple undergoes before the Sacrament of Marriage. Thus, it is a time of profound joy.

Last summer in Peru, I remember walking up a hillside with one of my second year brothers to an archaeological site of human sacrifice to the sun-god. It was precisely 50 days until he took his vows, and so I quipped, "Only 50 more days, and YOU will be made a holy oblation before the Lord." He did not find that overly funny. Yet then and there I made a mental note that although vows would indeed entail much sacrifice, if I did not feel deep JOY at that point the following year, I probably should not proceed toward taking them.

Thankfully, there has been a consisent peace, joy, and feedom in stepping toward this sacrifice. I am quite aware that I am going to be receiving A LOT, and not just giving. Even though poverty, chastity, and obedience may sound like a real pain (and they are modeled on Christ's life of sacrifice), I can have confidence in His words that what is given up for His sake is given back one hundredfold.

One of the greatest parts of preparing for vows is that I am not doing it alone. I have 8 amazing brothers who are right here with me, every step of the way. I also have a worldwide brotherhood of 15,000 who I will be joining. Most of all, this is an opportunity to grow in further union and fidelity with the God of love.

Novices vs. The World

2011-08-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

On St. Ignatius Day (July 31st), there is an annual tradition at Villa of a softball game of "Novices vs. the World," with "the World" meaning everyone at villa who is not a novice. For instance, a regular pitcher was a 74 year old who says he runs 5 miles every other day (gosh I hope I can be like that someday!).
Before the game, I overheard someone say that "the World always wins." I don't know if this is true, but it sure wasn't this year! Our novices came back from behind to win 11-8, with yours truly getting two hits. It was quite a victory to behold.

One of the best parts of Villa is the inter-generational nature of it. Some of these Jesuits have been coming here for 40 or more years. Indeed, one of them just recently preached on how it has been a "still point" in his formation process, a home to always back to, in the midst of all the transitions of life. Indeed, there is a lot to learn from these men. I spent one night chatting about technology until 10 o'clock with a world-renowned Jesuit photographer, Fr. Don Doll.

After the baseball game, a novice and I went to go walk and pray the Rosary. We quickly came upon an 80 year-old Jesuit who evidently had the same idea. We asked if he wanted to join us, and so we prayed together along the road. At the end when we parted ways, you could really see it in his eyes that he appreciated and enjoyed that prayer with the younger generation.

What Will Be My Vow Name?

2011-07-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

This afternoon 3 of my brothers and I decided to go to a Marian shrine near Green Bay, Wisconsin (about an hour and a half away), at the site of an apparition of the Blessed Mother that has been approved as being of seeming credibility. If you would like to learn more about this shrine and story, check out their website at:
http://www.gbdioc.org/whoarewe/diocesan-facilities/32-shrine-of-our-lady-of-good-help.html

This was especially significant since I am planning to take "Mary" as my vow name. I do not have a middle name, since am "the third" and my grandfather did not have one. The vow name will be added to my confirmation name of "Xavier," which I chose in high school since I was impressed with the profound difference he made as a missionary. However, at the time I did not know he was a Jesuit! Thus, the full name I will be professing at vows will be, "John Xavier Mary Roselle III."

Why Mary? That actually came to me around October of last year, as I further reflected on how necessary Mary will be for this vocation. In short, I NEED Mary to live this life with peace, joy, and integrity. Of course, I would say we ALL need Mary to seek to live the Christian life to the full. Mary is the model of how to love and serve Jesus. She is the source of so many graces, since she bore God in her womb and continues to be a chosen vessel to bring people to Him.

Then there is Mary's role in the grace of chastity, to which we are all called, including married persons. However, the contemplation of celibacy adds another layer to that. Before entering, a wise person told me off-hand to see all beautiful women as "icons of Mary." As an icon, beauty is a window to the Blessed Mother, who is always seeking to support us.

On Vacation

2011-07-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Waupaca, Wisconsin, which the site of our province's "villa." I have heard that St. Ignatius believed that Jesuits should have a place to recreate away from the cities where they typically worked. I don't know if that's true, but it sure is a good idea! We vacation in an 80 year old-or-so building on the "Chain of Lakes" here. It is nothing luxurious (trust me!), but it is pleasant. Indeed, as usual, we find ourselves richly blessed. Common actitivities at villa are boating, cards, movies, reading, and catching up with brothers.

I did not grow up spending time on lakes, so this is fairly new to me. Last year on villa-vacation, which we made instead at the Detroit Provinces's location, I finally gained my waterskiing legs. This astounded in particular one of my brothers who evidently didn't think I had the coordination to accomplish such a feat ("O ye of little faith"). In any case, this time of "certified R and R" is meant for us to slow down and soak up the good things, as a change to the usual go-go-go of life.

Sweet Video

2011-07-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Someone recently sent me this 2 minute video of an advertisement. Check it out and wait for the ending.

http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/stethoscope.html