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Home > Blog > A Day in the Life

8/10/2010

Summer Assignment in the Parish
First, it’s been a while since I’ve put up a blog post – that’s due in part to the fact that for the first part of the summer, I have been busy with a parish summer assignment here in Italy – and also to the fact that internet access was a little more sparse there. So, you have my apologies!
 
Part of the summer routine for a diocesan seminarian usually includes some kind of parish ministry. This is true even of seminarians studying at the NAC, although they don't usually return home to the USA during the summer after completing First Theology.
 
And so, for several weeks in June and July, I was assisting at the parish of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo in Capodimonte, Viterbo. The parish is located in a very small town on the shores of Lago di Bolsena, in the Lazio Region of Italy, about 2 hours from Rome.
 
One day of the youth program we went on a mini-retreat/ exploration time on a hill overlooking the area. It was called the hermitage of St. Francis, and the kids really enjoyed the afternoon.
 
During my time, I found that the Italian parish is very different from the American parish in many ways, including the way things are structured, what programs exist, and how they are organized. This obviously reflects the cultural differences found between the two countries. Something that is very important here in order to be an effective minister of the Gospel is to become familiar with and attentive to local customs and culture, which in many ways is specific for each little town. I’ve also seen firsthand and learned more about cultural Catholicism, and the challenges that it can bring to parish ministry.
 
Part of the summer youth program was helping with the summer youth program, including catechesis (in Italian, of course).
 
Nevertheless, there are some things that are universal to parish life. Over the past several weeks I've found my self participating in various aspects of parish life. Some are similar to what the other seminarians are doing back in the States on their parish assignments – visiting hospital patients, bringing Holy Communion to the homebound, assisting at Masses at the parishes. Much of what I have been doing has been working with people, and not necessarily through structured programs as one would in the States, but also meeting people around the town, on the lakeshore, etc. The town is small enough that most of the locals know each other (in fact, most of the people are at least distantly related!) and it makes this kind of ministry possible.
 
A Group shot of the summer youth program, in front of the Rocca Farnese, the town landmark and a fortress where Renaissance Popes would vacation.
 
Another big part of what I did this summer was helping with the summer youth programs, called GREst (Gruppo Raggazzi Estive) – which is similar to a Vacation Bible School program in the USA, but with two separate age groups during different weeks, from 4-9 and 10-15. The program consisted of catechesis, music, dance, skits, crafts and other activities as well.
 
One of the activities of the youth program were a variety of games and activities.
 
It was a great joy to spend time with so many of the youth of the town. There were also a different program that we did with the teenagers as well.
 
The experience in the Italian parish has also helped me to vastly improve my Italian language skills, since almost all of my interaction with others happens in Italian. Most of all, I would say that the experience of Italian inculturation has helped me to appreciate the Italian culture, and appreciate even more the way we do things in an American parish. Certainly I’m learning the ropes of parish life what it means to be a parish priest. And after this experience, I’m glad to be returning to serve in the USA!
 
My pastor, me, and another seminarian from the diocese of Viterbo, Italy on the lakeshore of Lago di Bolsena.
Posted at 6:46 PM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Formation | Permalink | Email this Post

7/20/2010

One

Like wisps of smoky incense rise
the years do pass before our eyes.
The times that were, our memories own,
the future but to God is known.
As pilgrims we are in His care,
Providence brings us safely there.

Shortly after noon today, Rome time, Daniel and I marked the end of our first full year in Europe. We are no longer "New Men" - most of the new group of New Men arrived early yesterday morning to begin their discovery of Europe, retracing the steps that we took last year of Orientation and eventually, Italian studies.

As for me, I am passing the summer days in Milan - but I’ll write more in detail on that another time. For now, I hoped to share a few Graces from my time here so far.

On numerous occasions, Dan and I have recounted our travels. In some cases, it seems as though we are "following" certain Saints around as we pass through the different churches in Rome and elsewhere and see the different relics that are there. Two come to mind in particular: St. Lawrence and St. Peter. Over the course of the year, we visited the church where St. Lawrence is, as well as the Church where the gridiron on which he was martyred is kept. St. Peter’s bones are under the main altar at St. Peter’s Basilica, but also, there is a church that keeps the chains in which he was bound before his martyrdom. I also visited Santa Maria in Trastevere, a church on the site of an ancient house church in Rome’s old Jewish ghetto - a church which may very well have been visited by St. Peter.

One of the most special for me is the church of Santa Maria in Palmis, on the site on the Appian Way on the edge of the city. A pious legend recounts that St. Peter, who had been encouraged to flee the persecutions, met Christ there and asked him "Domine, quo vadis?" - "Lord, where are You going?" to which the Lord replied "I am going to Rome, to be crucified again." St. Peter understood that he was to return to Rome in order to himself be crucifed - the place that, at the end of St. John’s Gopel, Christ told him that he would be led that he did not wish to go. I have found a great deal of inspiration in this story during some of the challenges that have arose during my time in Seminary - when I too must be willing to continue on while offering up to God whatever sufferings come about.

Something must be said about the way that being able to see something makes it "more real." I'm not speaking here about believing only after seeing, as in the case of St. Thomas, but rather that seeing something reinforces that belief. During Lent, Dan and I climbed the Holy Stairs, which Christ ascended before Pontius Pilate, as well as the pillar of the Scourging and some of the other relics of the Passion as Daniel described. This helps me to visualize the events.

But these are not the most profound parts of living in Rome - much more important than this is allowing these events, as well as everything else that is going on in the seminary serve as fuel for the Interior Life of prayer and communion with God. This is done primarily through taking part in Mass and Confession, as well as through personal time in prayer. A Spiritual Director assists as a guide in the process.

The challenges that arise as part of seminary life can at times become a component of this Interior life. I had two that happened to me during the last semester. The first was that I spent a very, very long time trying to work out the logistics for a summer assignment - and time and time again, it seemed like nothing would work out. The other is that at the end of this past May, I broke my left hand while playing floor hockey with some of the other seminarians. All is well now with both situations, but both led me to a great amount of prayer and reflection and caused me to turn to Our Lord and to His Mother for help. Just as any good father, God sometimes admonishes and chastises His children in order that they might grow in virtue (see Judith 8:25-27).

And all of these things that have happened, I have been recording in a Journal - most of what I write there are personal and spiritual reflections that provide for me a memory of that internal life. However, it has been said that "God gave us memory so that we can have roses in winter"; and so I hope that someday, God willing, I can share these "roses" as a source for preaching, in addition to my own personal nourishment.

I still have a long journey to go - I’m far from perfect - but the journey so far has been helpful in battling some of my shortcomings and in bringing others to light. I have found that it truly is as Fr. Steve Schreiber, our house Confessor at St. Mark Seminary and NAC alum told me - being here forces the seminarian to trust in God.

And so it has been - This has been a constant exercise in trusting in God and His Providence.

May God be with you, and I ask for your continued prayers for me and for my brother seminarians.

- Matthew

 

Posted at 3:43 PM by Govi, Jordan | Category: Everyday Life | Permalink | Email this Post

6/20/2010

The Closing of the Year of the Priest
In June, on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pope Benedict presided over the closing of the Year for Priests.
 
All year the Holy Father's addresses talked about topics related to the priesthood. There have been some profound meditations and insights, as well as challenges issued to priests and to the people of the Church. We would all do well to remember all of these words of the Holy Father, to meditate upon them, and not let them simply pass away like the latest news report. Rather, through praying with his words and marinating in Benedict's teachings, priests, seminarians, and the whole people of God can transformed more and more into who we are called to be.
 
Living and studying in Rome provided a refreshing break from finals to attend the celebrations with priests and seminarians from all over the world.
 
A different kind of Papal Event
 
Studying at the NAC, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to attend numerous papal lilturgies and events throughout the year. This one, however, was completely different from any other that I’ve been to. There was a sense of peace about Rome, especially at the Prayer vigil and Mass.
 
A shot of St. Peter's as priests (all those white albs) gather for the closing Mass of the Year of the Priest.
 
Usually, there are busloads of tourists waving and screaming and hollering for the Holy Father, he has become like a rock star. This gathering, however, was different. Here were thousands of priests from all over the world gathered with the Holy Father, and united in one mission: to bring the salvific mission of Jesus Christ to the world, and to be humble servants of the Most High. While everyone was excited to see and be with the Holy Father, there was also a reverence that came with the group.
 
Pilgrims listen attentively as they participate in the Vigil for the conclusion of the Year of the Priest.
 
One of the most moving moments for me was the prayer vigil, held on June 10, the vigil of the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Every week at the Angelus for the last several months, I’ve heard the Holy Father say, “I’d like to invite all the priests of the world to come to Rome to celebrate the closing of this year for priests”, and thus, it was a very moving moment, when the Holy Father first appeared and gazed over the vast crowd of 15,000 priests. Priests of the world had responded overwhelmingly, and I can only imagine the great joy and satisfaction that Pope Benedict must’ve felt, as he gazed out, saw the crowd, and had a tear in his eye. It was truly beautiful.
 
Special moment, special graces
During the vigil, several people first gave testimonies about the impact of the priesthood and religious on thier lives - from families, priests, bishops, the current pastor of Ars, missionaries, and a contemplative religious sister. It was so beautiful; you can see and witness the beauty of authentically Catholic lives. It reminded me in some ways of World Youth Day.
 
Later, the Holy Father had an impressive time of questions and answers, from various priests from around the world. He answered, quite eloquently and beautifully, 5 questions from priests from around the world. I felt like he was speaking to me personally. And the truths he proclaimed were timeless: How to stay faithful to priestly ministry, how to pray & stay centered on the Eucharist, how to minister to people in today's world; questions about theological studies - and not being swept away with the current passe theological trends. He encouraged all to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I’d encourage anyone, but especially priests, to read through the transcript. (for Part I click here). It was a beautiful moment as thousands sat captivated by our ‘Papa’.
 
Pope Benedict gives a beautiful, extemporaneous catechesis on how to exemplify priestly holiness and service in the modern world at the Vigil for the closing of the Year of the Priest.
 
Another amazing moment was the time of silent adoration, as thousands knelt, captivated by the transforming presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It was silent… it was tremendous. Many people who have lived in Rome have told me that the only time they’ve heard it so quiet in St. Peter’s Square was the moment When John Paul II died, and all that could be heard in the piazza were the quiet sniffles of mourners. they also had adoration and benediction with the Holy Father. Kneeling in that square, surrounded by so many, the basilica illuminated was simply beautiful. I don't have the poetic language to express it - words can't replicate the feeling.
 
Seminarians look on from the seminarian section at the closing Mass for the conclusion of the Year for Priests.
The next day, a see of white albs invaded St. Peter’s Square and braved the warm June Roman Sun for the Mass with the largest number of concelebrants in history.
 
Some of the 15,000 priests from around the world gathered in St. Peter's Square for the closing of the Year of the Priest. It was the largest concelebrated Mass in history.
 
 
A shot of some of the 15,000 priests gathered for the closing Mass in St. Peter's Square. It was tremendous!
Again, the Holy Father’s words were profound. It was a tremendous gift from God for me as a seminarian to be there at this moment, to share it with the Church and the world, and to represent all those from the Diocese of Greensburg who were unable to make it the pilgrimage for the celebration.
Posted at 9:57 AM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Formation | Permalink | Email this Post

6/2/2010

Guest Speakers
As part of our academic and priestly formation this semester, one opportunity that the seminarians at the North American College have had available to take advantage of is a scholar-in-residence.
 
Fr. Robert Barron
 
This semester, Fr. Robert Barron, a priest of the archdiocese of Chicago, is our scholar in residence and has given a number of very interesting lectures on numerous topics - including an interesting presentation on Christology and the shortcomings of modern and post-modern philosophies in this field, for our Christology seminar.

Fr. Barron has also given a number of lectures on the life and writings of Servant of God John Henry Cardinal Newman. Cardinal Newman will be beautified in September during Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Visit to the United Kingdom.
 
Cardinal Newman is famous for many things, including his conversion from the Anglicanism during the Oxford Movement of the 1800s. A patristics scholar, he is famous in theology for his explanation of the understanding of the development of Christian doctrine, which he said needed an living voice to interpret biblical teachings. In philosophy, Cardinal Newman was famous for his notion of a 'real assent' to God, which he said is made through one's conscience.He recognized the fact that all men have a conscience, an inner voice which speaks to them, and that our consciences are relational, directed to another person. That other person, he said, is God. This is his argument for the existence of God from conscience.

Fr. Barron also gave a few lectures on the moral theology of St. Thomas Aquinas - demonstrating how the end of moral theology is not simply how to make an instantaneous moral choice, a process of deliberation, but rather the moral life is much broader. He taught us that the fundamental question of the moral life is, 'Who is God'. Once we know who God is, we can come to more fully understand ourselves, and what it means to be in relation with him. Only then we can ask, with the rich young man, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" This is the ultimate moral question.

Once we understand who God is, then we can live in the freedom that he wants to give us - not a system of archaic rules but rather freedom for excellence, freedom to choose the good and live it out in our lives. This is very different from how the world defines freedom. (The idea that I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, with whomever I want). That is not freedom but license, and that kind of attitude ignores the consequences of our actions and turns inwards on ourselves instead of outwards towards the other. An analogy I like to use for freedom is the image of a playground. When children in a schoolyard have a fence, they are free to use the entire space. In fact, one study showed that is just what they did, as compared to children who had no fence. Those children all stayed close to the school building, and never ventured out to run around and explore. The freedom that comes with living a moral life allows us to more free, truly free, it allows us to run around play the whole way up to the fence, because beyond the fence is dangerous. That is the freedom that God has created us to have.

With this kind of freedom, we are able to live a life of virtue - which is the most fulfilling kind of life to lead -both in this life and especially in the next!
Fr. Barron's Apostolate
 
You may have heard of Fr. Barron, because of his internet apostolate, www.wordonfire.org. Fr. Barron offers homilies, lectures, and commentary on all kinds of topics from church teaching to the latest movie reviews.  It really is a tremendous resource and tool in the New Evangelization, using the media technology of today to spread the Gospel. I'd recommend him to anyone.
 
 
 
Catholics Come Home and the New Evangelization
Another recent opportunity here at the NAC was a presentation by Mr. Tom Peterson. Mr. Peterson, who was in Rome for a conference on Catholics and Communication in the Media Today at one of the Roman Universities, is the founder of www.CatholicsComeHome.org.
 
If you haven't seen the website, I urge you to check it out - it most certainly will move you.
 
CatholicsComeHome.org makes TV commercials for the Catholic Church. It sounds tacky, but they are extremely well done and very inspiring. The first time I saw the 'Epic' a few years ago, it moved me to tears. They also have helpful resources for Catholics, Protestants, and others, as well as those who may have been away from the church for many reasons - divorce and marriage issues, people who just stopped going. The website includes helpful testimonies from real people, and is very user-friendly.

Mr. Peterson also had some interesting insight in his efforts of evangelization and outreach to welcome back Catholics who may have been away from home. Following months of preparation, catechesis, and prayer these adds air on primetime TV in selected regions for a a number of weeks. On average, his campaign sees a significant increase in Mass attendance after the ads are aired on local TV. More importantly, these souls are being welcomed home to the the family of God the Church, and with open arms. It is so encouraging to hear about such the good things going on in the Catholic world, especially when the media is usually so biased against the Church and the Truth.

Mr. Peterson told us that the #1 response given when asked why people came back was simply "because you asked me!" It is really that simple. That simple message of loving others and inviting them to know Christ as I have is certainly something I'll be thinking about for a while, and indeed it is part of our obligation as baptized Christians, to tell other people about the saving Good News that we have received!

Perhaps this is our chance even to dare to invite a friend, coworker, or family member back home, with all gentleness and love, and then be ready to welcome them with open arms, just like the father in the parable of the prodigal son. Often times people just don't know what they've been missing - it doesn't get better than the God of the universe coming down from heaven on the altar every Sunday!
Posted at 9:47 AM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: On The Web | Permalink | Email this Post

5/30/2010

Viva La Santissima Trinita!
I've previously written about those peculiarly wonderful experiences when one happens upon an expression of faith in the culture. I couldn't help but smile the other day at the discovery a few of us made in Subiaco. A group of us had taken a day trip to pray in the place where St. Benedict received his monastic vocation more than 1500 years ago, to do a little hiking, and to share some fraternity.
 
On the way back from that great experience, we passed through the town which was celebrating a local traditional, the festival of the Trinity. The town feast celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Blessed Trinity, which we also celebrate today.
 
Each year the town of Subiaco hosts this feast of the Most Holy Trinity for Trinity Sunday, including a Eucharistic procession.
 
It was very refreshing to see people out, bands playing, and signs all around town saying "Viva La Santissima Trinita!" (Long live the Trinity). On the sings, the 'W' is an abbreviation for 'Viva'. The children of the town had even painted a mural of the townspeople in procession for the feast. Later that evening, there was going to be a Eucharistic procession.
 
The towns people even a painted a mural to celebrate the Trinity!

Obviously the Trinity is eternal and is certain to live for ever. This expression, I think, is more for us - a reminder of the that great mystery in whom we live and move and have our being, as St. Paul says. The Trinity, as we have been learning about in our Trinity class this semester, is communion of persons. He is the lover, the loved, and the love between the two, to use an analogy of St. Augustine. The Trinity is the model to which all our human existence, and our relationships are oriented - a communion of love.

So let us look to the Most Blessed Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and ask, along with the church's prayer at Mass today:
 
God, we praise you: Father all-powerful, Christ Lord and Savior, Spirit of love. You reveal yourself in the depths of our being, drawing us to share in your life and your love.
 
One God, three Persons, be near to the people formed in your image, close to the world your love brings to life. We ask you this, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, on God, true and living, for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted at 10:03 AM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Prayers | Permalink | Email this Post

5/21/2010

May - A Month for Mary
The month of May is traditionally a month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. At parishes around the US and the world, children will participate in the annual 'May Crowning' celebrations, where Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Catholics will say extra rosaries, and as a child in Catholic grade school I remember special devotions being prayed - such as the rosary each week as a whole school or in religion class.
 
Mary always leads us to Jesus, and during this Easter season, she invites and leads us to contemplate the mystery of the Resurrection of Christ, his Easter glory which he shares with her and with all his adopted sons and daughters in Baptism.
 
The Marian devotion for the month of may also extends to the walls of the North American college, where there is a travelling statue of of Our Lady of Fatima (her feast day is celebrated on May 13th). In fact, Pope Benedict made an apostolic pilgrimage to Portugal and to Fatima for her feast day.
 
The Pilgrim Statue of Fatima which travels to the various residential corridors of our college is a way to inspire Marian devotion during the month of May.
 
When the world is hurting, as it was during the First World War, God sends his mother to console his sons and daughters, as he did at Fatima. Mary's message to the children of Fatima was essentially one which urged God's children to return to him, through Mary. She asked for prayer, penance, reparation to her Immaculate Heart and especially the recitation of the rosary for peace throughout the world and the conversion of sinners. All of these actions are ways to show our love for God. Mary's message to the modern world is still in need of being heard today, perhaps more than ever.
 
Mary asked us to pray the Rosary when she appeared to the three children at Fatima in 1917.
 
Pope John Paul II also had a special devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, and credited her with saving his life when he survived an assasination attempt on May 13, 1980.
  
Words of Pope Benedict
 
I was struck by some of the Holy Father's profound words during his visitation to Portugal:
 
"Dear pilgrims, let us imitate Mary, letting her words "Let it be done to me" resound in our lives... In our time, in which the faith in many places seems like a light in danger of being snuffed out forever, the highest priority is to make God visible in the world and to open to humanity a way to God. And not to any god, but to the God who had spoken on Sinai; the God whose face we recognize in the love borne to the very end (cf. Jn 13:1) in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. Dear brothers and sisters, worship Christ the Lord in your hearts (cf. 1 Pet 3:15)! Do not be afraid to talk of God and to manifest without fear the signs of faith, letting the light of Christ shine in the presence of the people of today, just as the Church which gives birth to humanity as the family of God sings on the night of the Easter Vigil.

Brothers and sisters, in this place it is amazing to think how three children entrusted themselves to the interior force which had enflamed them in the apparitions of the Angel and of our heavenly Mother. In this place where we were repeatedly requested to recite the rosary, let us allow ourselves to be attracted by the mysteries of Christ, the mysteries of Mary’s rosary. The recitation of the rosary allows us to fix our gaze and our hearts upon Jesus, just like his Mother, the supreme model of contemplation of the Son. Meditating upon the joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious mysteries as we pray our Hail Marys, let us reflect upon the interior mystery of Jesus, from the Incarnation, through the Cross, to the glory of the Resurrection; let us contemplate the intimate participation of Mary in the mystery of our life in Christ today, a life which is also made up of joy and sorrow, of darkness and light, of fear and hope. Grace invades our hearts, provoking a wish for an incisive and evangelical change of life so that we can say with Saint Paul: "For me to live is Christ" (Phil 1:21) in a communion of life and destiny with Christ.

The devotion and affection of all of you, the faithful who have come here from all around the world, is clear to me. I bring with me the worries and hopes of our times, the sufferings of our wounded humanity and the problems of the world, and I place them at the feet of Our Lady of Fatima: Virgin Mother of God and our own dear Mother, intercede for us before your Son, that the family of nations, both those called Christians and those who do not yet know the Saviour, may live in peace and harmony, in order that they come together as the one people of God, to the glory of the most holy and indivisible Trinity. Amen."
 
What beautiful words of encouragement from our 'Papa'!
 
I was also blown away by the Act of Entrustment to the Blessed Virgin Mary that he prayed with priests and consecrated persons, especially as a seminarian in formation for the priesthood. It is rich in theology and masterful in poetic eloquence.
 
Back at the NAC
 
As part of celebrating the Marian month at the North American College, we have had a travelling statue of Our Lady of Fatima, sponsored by the Legion of Mary.
 
The Pilgrim Statue of Fatima was processed onto the college grounds and around to the various residential corridors. The statue is sponsored by the Legion of Mary, which also happens to be Matthew's apostolate!
 
The Statue processes every few days to a different residential corridor, where seminarians enthrone her with prayers and with flowers. The statue is a way to promote Marian devotion - such as communal recitation of the rosary, the Litany or Loreto, other Marian devotions and even the Athakist hymn, an Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Traditional Marian prayer.
 
The Pilgrim Statue of Fatima which travels to the various residential corridors of our college is a way to inspire Marian devotion during the month of May.
 
Having the poilgrim statue also reminds me of a simliar experience I had back at home - when another statue- also sponsored by the Legion of Mary in Greensburg, travelled to participants' homes each week throughout the year. It was always a blessing and an opportunity for my family to draw closer and pray the rosary together. Perhaps you, too can contact the local legion of Mary and inquire about bringing the pilgrim statue into your living room. This kind of special devotion is what all Catholic families are called to - to become the 'domestic church' (in the words of Vatican II), and a phrase used often by Pope John Paul II and beautifully articulated in the section on marriage in the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains (#1656,1666).
 
Perhaps during these last remaining days of May, perhaps our families can consider doing something 'extra' to show devotion to our mother, whom Christ gave to us on the Cross! (John19:21)
Posted at 2:11 PM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Prayers | Permalink | Email this Post

5/10/2010

Springtime
Spring time is here - and in the States that means baseball, barbecues and fun in the sun (okay, maybe that's a little anticipatory of summer, but you get the idea). When I call home, I hear about my little brothers' baseball season getting underway. 
 
The spring weather means pleasant walks to class through the city as flowers begin to bloom. It also means that we need to add in a little extra time on the walk to and from school, to account for the increasing numbers of tourists which are to be found all over the city.

We are sure to have our own springtime fun here at NAC on our Campo Sportivo (sportsfield) as well. One weekend was the NAC-CASA baseball game. (The Casa Santa Maria is our house of studies for graduate priests studying in Rome). The NAC pulled out on top in the softball game, but good fellowship was had. The following weekend was the annual Gregorian VS Angelicum VS Santa Croce softball series. This is essentially a tournament between NAC students at the major three Roman Universities where we go to school. Our school, the Gregorian University defeated Santa Croce but was not able to take the title back from the Angelicum University, although it was a close and very exciting game. Of course what is a good softball game without an All-American cookout, right? Hard-to-find-in-Italy hamburgers and brauts made an appearance, as well as that local favorite, Heinz Ketchup.
 
Two weeks ago, the North American College hosted the Legionaries of Christ for the annual NAC Vs Legion friendly tournaments in Softball, Basketball, (and my personal favorite) Ultimate Frisbee. Although last year the NAC did a clean sweep, winning all three sports, this year the Legion sought revenge, winning two of the three. We also meet them on the soccer field for the Clericus Cup, a sort of athletic league between all of the various national seminaries in Rome. Many of the Legionary seminarians that came for the day are themselves from the States, so its a home-coming of sorts.
All of this fellowship and sport serves not only to help keep everyone in shape but allows for authentic fraternity and a little friendly competition. It's a reminder that through our activities such as sports, we are able to give glory to God because we're using the gifts and talents that he's given to us!
 
All of the excitement of springtime also means many around the halls here at the North American College are making plans for summertime celebrations - the 4th year men (deacons) will be ordained to the priesthood in their home dioceses this summer. I'd ask you to keep them in your prayers as well!
 
 
Posted at 1:39 PM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Everyday Life | Permalink | Email this Post

5/2/2010

Italian Piety
One of the great things about being in Italy - its a 'Catholic' country. Most of the people are at least baptized Catholic. And their piety shows in little ways. Although there are sometimes many contradictions - such as the statue of Padre Pio right next to the contraceptives in the farmacia - almost every little shop has some kind of holy picture inside. There are also graced moments of piety to witness as well. There are always lots of candles burning in the churches.
 
The chapel of the crucifix is a common scene in many of the churches of Rome
 
The other morning as I was exploring a Church, I witnessed one of those special moments. Italians in general have a devotion to a handful of saints which you will find everywhere - The Madonna, St. Rita of Cascia, St. Padre Pio, and St. Anthony of Padua. St. Therese also has a good following (like everywhere in the world), and St. Francis of Assisi might finish out the list. Most churches also have a chapel of the crucifix, with a large and graphic carving/ statue of the crucified Christ. On this occasion, a young man came in, clearly from his motorino (motorcycle), because he had a helmet in hand. He walked right up to the front of the Church, to the chapel of St. Anthony, said a prayer, blessed himself, lit a candle, and then walked out.
 
 
This chapel of the Crucifix in Santa Maria in Transpontina also has an image of the Sorrowful Mother below.
 
During Holy Week, I witnessed another one of life's precious moments. It was a father teaching his young son to practice devotion for the Blessed Mother. I'm sure you all remember wanting to 'light a candle' after Mass when you were little. I know that I certainly did. In this graced moment, a young dad explained something to his three year old son, then hoisted him up as the little boy lit his candle from the ones already burning and gently placed it in the candle holder. Then they made a short prayer and the sign of the cross. It was precious!
 
 
The Statue of St. Anthony in the Basilica di San Antonio. He's one of a few favorite Saints in Italian culture.
 
This is a frequent scene - not the first time I've witnessed it and certainly not the last.
 
All you holy saints, pray for us!
 
 
 
Posted at 11:33 AM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Everyday Life | Permalink | Email this Post

4/26/2010

Good Shepherd Sunday and World Day of Vocations

This past weekend the Church celebrated 'Good Shepherd Sunday'. In the readings we heard that Christ is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. In his church, he has also called many to lay down their lives for his sheep, each day. What a great reminder to pray for and thank all of our parish priests who work in God's pasture!

In conjunction with Good Shepherd Sunday, the Church also celebrated the "World Day of Vocations." I was struck when I read our Holy Father's words from his Angelus address on Sunday. Pope Benedict XVI reminded us all that the vocation begins in our homes and families. In fact, parents and our parish communities have the priviliedge and the responsibility to foster vocations among their children, to encourage them to be open to God's call for their life.

Pope Benedict said: "I invite parents to pray that the heart of their children open to listening to the Good Shepherd, and "each tiny seed of a vocation ... grow into a mature tree, bearing much good fruit for the Church and for all humanity". The Holy Father continued, "How can we hear the voice of the Lord and recognize it? In the preaching of the Apostles and their successors: In it there resounds the voice of Christ, who calls us to communion with God and to the fullness of life, as we read today in St. John's Gospel: "My sheep hear my voice and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they will never be lost and no one will take them out of my hand" (John 10:27-28).

I, along with all the other seminarians, am truly grateful to all who offer prayers for us, and I ask that perhaps especially this week we can all make an increased effort to pray for increased vocations to the priesthood and religious life, especially in our own parishes and diocese! And maybe if you see someone in your parish who may have a vocation, don't be afraid to ask them politely if they've thought about it!

Posted at 1:57 PM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Everyday Life | Permalink | Email this Post

4/20/2010

Easter in Ars
During Easter week, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a pilgrimage and retreat sponsored by the seminary to spend my Easter break in Ars, France. Ars was the village of St. John-Marie Vianney, the famous Cure d'Ars and patron saint of parish priests. What a tremendous blessing the week was!
 
The Village of Ars, where the Holy Cure was sent to minister.
 
It was a time of refreshment and renewal, and a great gift to be out in the country and away from the city, without sirens and with green grass and starry nights. Another great grace was the fraternity and brotherhood that was built up by the 30-some participants from the NAC.
 
One of the many crosses that are erected around the village, many by the Holy Cure himself! It was great to be away in the country!
 
And of course there was the tremendous grace of spending a week with the Holy Cure, the patron of parish priests, during the year of the priest as we prepare and study for ordination to the priesthood. Each day we had a few conferences which provided meditations and reflections on the priesthood and the priestly vocation to pray with throughout the day, as well as enough time to spend in prayer in the Basilica and around Ars. We also had time to enjoy the delightful French countryside and un petit boulangerie (a little bakery/ pastry shop) as well.
 
The parish church and the basilica, which was added later. The inside of the parish was very small and reminded me of the many little parishes that once dotted our own diocese.
 
St. John Vianney was a model parish priest and through my time there, I certainly felt a closeness to him, and also to the many priests of our diocese, whom I brought with me in prayer.
 
A statue of St. John Vianney in prayer - St. John-Marie Vianney, pray for us!
 
From the first moments he arrived in Ars, St. John Vianney worked tirelessly for the conversion of his small parish of 230 souls. Before he arrived, his bishop had told him that, "There is not much love of God in that village, and you must bring it."
 
A statue of the Cure asking directions when he got lost en route to Ars for the first time, where he would then spend 41 years in ministry. St. John Vianney famously said to the boy, "You have shown me the way to Ars; I shall show you the way to heaven"
 
 St. John-Marie took very seriously his obligation to pastor souls and did incredible penances and sacrificing to bring about the conversion of his parish. I'd encourage anyone to pick up a book about the life of St. John Marie, and to pray for our parish priests that they may have the grace to follow his saintly example.
 
St. John Vianney also did many things to restore and beautify his small church, by adding beautiful side altars and chapels, encouraging devotion, repairing the bell tower, and using beautiful liturgical vestments in the liturgy to lift people up to God.
 
The Statue of Our Lady in St. John Vianney's church. The silver heart she wears has the names of John Vianney's parishoners written on the back and was ceremonially given to Our Lady as an act of consecrating their hearts to hers.
 
St. John Vianney would spend very little on himself- his cassock was always in tatters. But when it came to the Sacred Liturgy and things that were for God - such as vestments and sacred vessels, only the finest would do.
 
The original parish church is preserved in the basilica today, and you can go and pray there, where he prayed and see the chapels he built. Indeed the parish is very small - it reminded me of the little churches and parishes that once dotted our own diocese (and in some places still do). It reminded me especially of the little parish where my grandparents went - the former St. Stanislaus in Calumet. Although St. Stan's was slightly larger than the Cure's parish, it had the same basic structure and even similar stained glass windows, done in the same style.
 
Inside of the Cure's parish, where he preached, prayed, and heard confessions, working tireless for the salvation of the souls of his people.
 
Despite his love for beautiful things for God's house, le Maison du Saint Cure (St. John Marie's house) was very simple. He lived a simple life of poverty, and had a great love for the poor, usually giving everything he had away to them, including the very shoes off his feet!
 
A pair of the Cure's shoes - I recalled a story where he had received new shoes, but encountered a poor man who had none, and gave his new shoes away to that man, leaving himself without any!
 
The Cure preached powerful sermons, and would often cry during them, moved to tears by the love God has for us, and how we so often reject his love by sin. He also loved to teach catechism each day to the students, and opened a home for orphan girls, called La Providence because it depended solely on God to provide for its need- even such that the Cure once worked a miracle by multiplying the grain during a famine!
 
The Holy Curé of Ars' room. Many battles with satan happened right here. Our Lady also appeared here, and so many heroic penances for the salvation of souls were performed in this very place.
 
St. John-Marie also endured severe temptations from the Devil himself, having his bed dragged across the floor at night and even burnt by Satan.
The 'Burnt Bed' was the bed that the Cure used to sleep on, calld so because the devil would tempt him, drag him across the room, and set the bed on fire. These occurances happened usually the day before a major penitent arrived in Ars.
 
The devil despises when sinners return to God, and would often act up on the eve before a big penitant was due to arrive in Ars. All of this is a reminder that we, too are fighthing in a spiritual battle, and it is important to pray for our priests who are constantly being attacked by Satan for the good works they do.
 
This stained glass window depicts St. John in prayer while the devil is trying to tempt him in his bedroom (note the chair on the ground which the devil has thrown at him). St. Michael subdues Satan so that John Vianney can continue to pray.
 
This is perhaps especially timely, given the recent attacks on the Church and our Holy Father Pope Benedict who is being unjustly persecuted, attacked, calumniated, mocked, scapegoated and himself generally abused in the media these last few weeks! Yet he bears it all as Christ did, like a lamb to the slaughter, not defending himself but rather responding with a message of love, inviting people over and over again to know the love God has for them. 
 
Part of the beautiful stained glass window in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
 
St. John would had a great love for our Lord, especially in the Eucharist; he would spend hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament, and had big Eucharistic processions, especially for Corpus Christi; when he arrived at Ars, his parishioners said to themselves, "he is not like other Cures, he spends all day in the church!".  It is through spending time in prayer and Eucharistic Adoration that priests and lay faithful can allow themselves to be transformed by Christ's love, and gain strength to face the challenges of life and ministry.
 
St. John Vianney had a great devotion to St. Philomena and attributed all his miracles to her. He also erected this statue outside of the town.
 
St. John Vianney is perhaps most famous for his role as a confessor. He would spend up to 18 hours a day in the confessional, hearing confessions from pilgrims from all over France, up to 80,000 of them each year! What a tremendous grace it was for me to pray in front of that confessional that I would become a good confessor, and to pray also for those who one day will be penitants coming to seek God's mercy, forgiveness and healing through me!
 
One of the confessionals where the St. John Vianney would spend up to 18 hours a day hearing confessions of the pilgrims who came to Ars.
 
The life of St. John Vianney invites us to repentance and conversion, to do penance for our sins and to pray for the conversion of sinners.
 
The tomb of St. John Vianney in the Basilique in Ars, France.
 
Me in front of the tomb of St. John Vianney in Ars, France.
 
 I'll end with a little anecdote which is more than a pious story... On his way to Ars, St. John-Marie asked a little shepherd boy, Antioine Givre, to direct him to the village. After Antione led him to Ars, John Vianney said to him, "You have shown me to the way to Ars, and I shall show you the way to heaven." It sounds cute, but what is amazing is that, more than a pious story, the story is true. In fact, Antione Givre was the first person in the village to die after St. John Vianney, 5 days later. Literally, St. John had shown him the way to heaven! There is a monument to this story, and one morning I got up to pray and watch the sunrise from there... here are some pictures.
 
I got up one morning to watch the sunrise from the Monument du Recontre
 
"Tu m’as montré le chemin d’Ars; moi, je te montrerai le chemin du ciel." ~St. John Vianney. "You have shown me the way to Ars; I shall show you the way to heaven."
 
Picture
 
The Cure literally led that little boy to heaven, as he was the next person to die in the village after the Cure!
 
Let us pray for our priests that they may be strenghtened through the intercession of St. John Vianney in this year of the priest so bear much fruit in their ministry and aid in leading us all to Heaven! 
Posted at 1:59 PM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Travels | Permalink | Email this Post
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