Home - A Day in the Life

3/2/2010

I'm sure that most of you reading this recall with more than a little fondness the 'Snowmaggeddon' storm that blew through the US in February. Over here in Rome, I watched the weather reports with hightened interest as well - seeing what was going on back home and (partly) wishing I was there to see the most snow in Western PA of my lifetime. (Checking the weather and watching the news reports online were also a welcome break from the intensity of studying for our final exams).

There was certainly something strange about this winter here in Rome... there was no snow! It is extremely rare for it to snow in the city of Rome, and I was certainly missing that peaceful feeling, that happy experience of watching the snow fall gracefully from the sky and cover everything in a gentle and beautiful blanket, making for a picturesque and tranquil scene. Thats one thing I like most about winter.

Needless to say, we were all taken aback on Friday, February 12, when the usual winter rain of Rome began to change over into snowflakes! It was quite the scene. It was the first time that it snowed in the Eternal City since 2005 (when they had a light dusting). Before that, the last significant snowfall was 24 years ago - before I was even born!

St. Peter's Dome, in the midst of the snowstorm

Overlooking the NAC with St. Peter's in the background, covered in snow.

The snow couldn't have totaled more than two inches (I'm being generous here), and it melted within an hour, but it was such a delightful scene to see! The tops of the trees and yes, even the dome of St. Peter's covered in snow.

Michaelangelo's Majestic Dome with a dusting of snow on top!

Overlooking the city, you can see the Pantheon, once a Roman temple and now a Catholic Church with its famous dome covered in snow.

While the Romans didn't know what to make of it, the NACers certainly did.

One of the seminarians decided to take the opportunity to make a snow angel on the Campo Sportivo.

To be sure to take advantage of the snow, many of the seminarians rushed to the campo sportivo (our sportsfield) not for frisbee or soccer but to build snowmen.

NAC's newest goaltender - I think his name is Frosty.

Unfortunately for me, I missed the festivities on the NAC grounds. Not to worry, though - I had a unique experience as well. Since it was the last day of the exam period, and I had finished my exams on Thursday, I had decided to take advantage of the cultural opporutnities in Rome, and had scheduled a tour of the Vatican Gardens & Museums for Friday. At the time, I certainly didn't anticipate snow! Now I think that I can say that I'm one of a handful of people to be able to have been in the Vatican Gardens when it was

snowing!

During our tour of the Vatican Gardens, we decided to pose for a group picture in front of St. Peter's, and just as we did, it began to snow (though it's hard to see in the picture).

I guess the moral of the story is you don't realize how much you take things for granted (yes, even the 3 feet of snow that may still be on your front lawn) until you don't have them. And hey, at least now I can say that I threw a snowball in Rome!

By the time we'd worked partly through the Vatican Museums, the Vatican Gardens began to look like a Winter Wonderland!

A special thanks to Brian Buettner, one of my brother seminarians for sharing some photos for the blog post.

Posted at 6:38 AM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Everyday Life | Permalink | Email this Post

2/24/2010

Sant' Edgidio

Recently the college offered us a wonderful opportunity to learn more about how the poor of Rome are served. As I've mentioned previously, the many poor of the city make themselves very visible. Since we live here, and we are called to put our faith into action, it was great to learn a little bit more about the programs available in the city - that way we can bring greater assistance to people in need, as well as perhaps gain some pastoral insights into how such programs work for when we return to ministry in the States.

The Sant'Edgidio community is a lay movement founded in 1968 here in Rome. At the time, the founder was only 18 years old but felt he wanted to do something good for the world. Though he was Catholic and had read the bible before, for the first time he read the bible, and was transformed. Now the community works internationally with the poor, but also on initiatives of peace, justice and evangelization. Everything they do is based on prayer and love for the poor.

In the city of Rome, they run several operations, including a soup kitchen that we visited (and which several of the NAC seminarians volunteer at as their apostolic work). In fact, that was the same soup kitchen where Pope Benedict came to eat with some of the clients on December 27th). We also talked about that visit as well - it was the first time in 300 years that the pope has not only visited, but also eaten at a soup kitchen with the poor! The community also have a hospital they support as well as many other programs for the poor, similiar to what Catholic Charities might do in our diocese. We also visited a facility where they offer food, clothing, education and medical assistance to illegal immigrants, legal immigrants, poor Italians, and gypsies. Because of their familiarity with each of these marginalized groups, we were given a little background and history on some of the groups, as well as insight into some of the social problems in Italy (some of the same ones exist in the States). The Church must always be the voice of the poor!

In all of their work, the community strives to love the poor and treat them as a brother or sister - their philosophy says that you would not give to the poor what you yourself would not wear or eat.

Sant'Edgidio's emphasis on prayer and on peace is evident. They started in the small church of Sant'Edgidio but have easily outgrown it. Their headquarters are still in that church and in the former convent which is attached to it. However, they also have custody of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome's oldest and most beautiful churches. Because of this, the church is always full of people preserving a spirit of prayer. It is truly beautiful, and we were able to join them for their evening prayer. In 2000, for the Jubilee year, Pope John Paul II also gave the Church of San Bartolomeo to the community, and asked them to preserve the memory of modern martyrs (some of whom were members of their own community). I've already posted a blog entry about this beautiful church with profound meaning. The only other detail I have to add, is that the Icon at the front of the Church depicts, rather acurately, hundredes of martyrs of the 20th century and was written by a member of the community.

One last note I'd like to make is to clear up some of the rumors and prejudices that exist in Italy and in Rome about the gypsies, since there are many. In addition to seeing them around the city, we got to meet some of them at the house where they offer services. They are an ethnic group of nomadic people who left India in the late middle ages. For centuries, they have been made a scapegoat by people in many European countries. Nasty rumors often still persist in people's minds, even today. People used to think that they went around kidnapping and eating children, for example. Others say that they are only thieves and pickpockets. While this may be true of some, certainly it is no reason to judge and condemn a whole race of people, especially the poor who are already marginalized. They are no longer nomadic but live in camps outside of major cities, and we were told that walking into a camp was like walking into the third world. The Sant'Edgidio Community makes a real effort to overcome these difficult sterotypes and strives to love everyone as brothers and sisters, and to bring them to know Jesus Christ.

The whole experience, which I am still digesting, opened my eyes even further to the reality of poverty, and the great opportunity and obligation we have to work for peace and justice in the world, both through prayer and in concrete ways.

Perhaps we can all take a lesson from this wonderful community, and try in our own lives and in our own way to bring Christ to the world and to the suffering.

Posted at 1:51 PM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Formation | Permalink | Email this Post

2/18/2010

Lector Installation

Last month, Matthew and I celebrated a great milestone in our vocational discernment and formation - our installation as lectors in the Catholic Church.

The institution of lector is an important step in the journey towards priesthood. Older Catholics may remember the 'minor orders' on the path to priesthood before Vatican II - Porter, Lector, Acolyte, and Sub-Deacon. These rites were suppressed by Pope Paul VI in the 1970s, and today the Church calls people to serve in the 'ministries' of Lector and Acolyte.

"Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people" were the words said by Bishop Loverde as he installed us as lectors.

The task of the lector is not only to proclaim the Word of God at Mass, though that is the most obvious role. As lectors, we've been called and commissioned by the Church for a host of tasks in the church. In the rite of installation, the bishop exhorts the lectors:

'Dear sons in Christ, through his Son, who became man for us, God the Father has revealed the mystery of salvation and brought it to fulfilllment. Jesus Christ made all things known to us and then entrusted his Church with the mission of preaching the Gospel to the whole world. As readers and bearers of God's word, you will assist in this mission, and so take on a special office within the Chrsitian community; you will be given a responsibilty in the service of the faith, which is rooted in the word of God. You will proclaim that word in the liturgical assembly, instruct children and adults in the faith, and prepare them to recieve the sacraments worthily. You wil bring the message of salvation to those who have not yet recieved it. Thus with your help men and women will come to know God our Father and his Son Jesus Christ, whom he sent, and so be able to reach eternal life."

The ministry of lector is significant for us because it marks the next step on the way to Holy Orders. We are called in a special way to foster a deeper love for the scriptures in our own hearts and of those we meet. We've been challenged to 'meditate constantly' on the word of God, so that, as the bishop says in the rite, 'each day you will have a deeper love of the Scriptures, and in all you say and do show forth to the world our Savior, Jesus Christ.'

As we go forward to accept this challenge, the installing bishop (for us, it was Bishop Paul Louverde of Arlington, VA) handed us a book of the Gospels and said to us, "Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people."

Having recieved the ministry of Lector, we can now proclaim the scriptures in house liturgies and exercise our specific vocation to meditate and pray on the scriptures.

Our class poses for a picture after we had just been installed as lectors.

I think that this occasion can also serve as an opportunity for all of us to grow in our love of the scriptures!

Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Paul, pray for us!

Posted at 1:42 PM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Formation | Permalink | Email this Post

2/11/2010

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

152 years ago, Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette at Lourdes, and shared a simple message encouraging us to pray, especially for the conversion of sinners, and to care for the sick and the poor. She also has interceeded for many miracles of physical and spiritual healings over the years at the Shrine that she requested be built in her honor, where each year, millions of pilgrims come. Today, around the world, Catholics celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Today was a special celebration here in Rome, as well.

For Catholics - it is the world day of the sick - a day set aside to consider, visit, and pray for those who are sick and suffering in our world, and so often forgotten and marginalized by society. Yet the Church sets aside this day to remember them, and the world the solidary of Christ and his Church with them in their suffering.

It is also a day to demonstrate our faith - which is just what Matthew and I stumbled upon this afternoon. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me. We were out doing an errand when we noticed a group of people singing in St. Peter's Square, and a different setup of chairs in the piazza. Upon returning from our little trip, we noticed that something special was going on. It was then I remembered an email I had recieved which explained that there was going to be a procession of the relics of St. Bernadette down the via Conciliazione to St. Peter's Square. As we were walking by, it just so happened that it was time for the procession.

We stopped to watch and to pray with the pilgrims as the procession made its way along this famous street which had been built for processions of a different kind (Mussolini's army). First was a band, followed various banners with images of Our Lady of Lourdes and local sodalities. Next, were the relics of St. Bernadette, the child to whom Mary appeared, and a large statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. Following the statue were dozens of people who were sick and infirmed, and many who were mentally or physically handicapped. I was reminded of St. Lawrences' words some 1300 years ago that 'these are the treasures of the Church'. Groups of school children looked on from the windows above the street, and tourists next to us talked about the procession as well.

The procession was ended up by a large group of pilgrims with candles, singing and praying. They were on their way to recieve a message and a blessing from the Holy Father.

As I reflect on this little incident, I'm reminded not only of God's goodness for bringing me to witness this expression of faith, but also filled with gratitude in the great work that the Church throughout the world does to care for the sick and suffering, as well as the love that Jesus has shown by giving his mother as our mother.

It was great to see this great treasure of our faith, a procession being lived out and practiced even amidst the craziness of a modern city. It is not only an encouraging reminder of our faith, but also perhaps a challenge to see how actively we live out the faith we profess.

St. Bernadette,

Our Lady of Lourdes,

Pray for us!

Posted at 12:10 PM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Everyday Life | Permalink | Email this Post

2/2/2010

Exam time

I don't think that I ever recall a time when I've seen so many people study so intensely for such long periods of time.

Yes, the period of exams is upon all of us at the NAC.

Part of the European school system, our final exams consist of a 10-minute oral final exam during which we are expected to be able to respond adequately to a question on anything from the whole semester's lectures. And, over here, it is still technically the fall semester - so that means that material going the whole way back to October. It goes without saying that there is a lot of material to be learned, hence the long days of studying.

Yet all of our study is in preparation for, God willing, future ministry. I'm sure that everyone is just dying to hear a homily about the multiple meanings of the Greek verb plerw [to fulfill] (and which one Matthew intends) in the Sermon on the Mount, right? More seriously, our studies are very important and that is why we are dedicating so much time to them.

I'd like to share something that one of the formation advisors at the college told us in preparation for exams, because I think it was very beautiful. We have been called to spend this time studying here in Rome, and it is a great blessing. But I think that most people at some time in their lives will be students or work at a desk, and so I leave you with this image to meditate with. What our advisor spoke about was the image of sacrificing ourselves at altar of our desks. He said:

"The Gospel today tells us that “to his own disciples he [the Lord] explained everything in private.” (Mk 4:34) And so it is for us as “his own disciples” as well – the Lord explains everything to us in the solitude of our own time spent in consecrated study. There is no short cut, no easy way; to become effective ministers of his Word, we must give Him that time to explain his Word to us in our studies. Studying not just for the exams – although they are important – but to prayerfully consecrate our efforts so they become an extended period of adoration of the Risen Word at the altar of our desks; entering more deeply into the mysteries we study so those Mysteries can enter more perfectly into us."

How profound!

I think the same is true for much of what we do. We all should be doing it for Christ and for his kingdom, and that will involve sacrifice. But through our sacrifice we are transformed and conformed to Christ. At the end of the day, all that sacrifice which leads to that glorious crown will be worth it!

God's Blessings

Posted at 8:28 AM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Coursework | Permalink | Email this Post

1/20/2010

Meeting the Holy Father

Pope Pius IX founded the North American College in 1859 to build a closeness between the priests, seminarians, and people of the United States and the person of the Roman Pontiff, between the Church of a rapidly expanding republic with hundreds of thousands, and later millions of Catholic immigrants and the See of Peter. Well, that closeness was again made tangible (quite literally) on January 9, 2010.

Pope Benedict took time to greet each person as he entered and exited the audience hall. Both of us got to shake his hand and venerate the office of Peter by kissing his ring. Here, it was Daniel's turn!

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the North American College and the Year of the Priest, as well as the annual alumni reunion, the NAC was able to arrange an audience with our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI!

More that 500 seminarians, faculty and staff, as well as alumni and some benefactors made our way to the Apostolic Palace for the audience, which was held above the loggia in St. Peter's Basilica. (The audience hall was the inside of the window from which it is announced 'Habemus Papam' when a new pontiff is elected, and where the pope gives his addresses 'ubi et orbi' (to the city and to the world) such as on New Year's.

Pope Benedict responds to our cheering for him at our audience in January 2010.

The experience was simply amazing.

It was out of concern for the Church in America, with so many Catholics so far from their homelands in a world where communication was much more difficult that Pope Pius IX decided to establish an American College in Rome. Since the college expanded to include the Gianiculum campus in 1953, literally under the dome of St. Peter's, every Pontiff (except John Paul I) has visited the college. Now it was our time to pay a visit to Pope Benedict XVI!

Pope Benedict XVI listens to the words that our Rector, Msgr. Checchio had to say, thanking him for his vision and leadership, and his witness, and especially for his words to the people of the United States, when he visited in April 2008.

During his address, Pope Benedict reminded us again of the profound words he had during his apostolic visitation to the United States in April of 2008, in particular about building a culture, particularly an intellectual culture, which is genuinely Catholic.

Pope Benedict then praised the college for helping to contributing to this culture in every age since its founding and urged us to continue in this tradition, saying that, "As Blessed Pius IX rightly foresaw, the Pontifical North American College in Rome is uniquely prepared to help meet this perennial challenge. In the century and a half since its foundation, the College has offered its students an exceptional experience of the universality of the Church, the breadth of her intellectual and spiritual tradition, and the urgency of her mandate to bring Christ's saving truth to the men and women of every time and place."

Pope Benedict XVI reads to us a statement on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the North American College, the Year of the Priest, and the annual alumni reunion.

He then challenged the college to "continue to produce wise and generous pastors, capable of transmitting the Catholic faith in its integrity, bringing Christ's infinite mercy to the weak and the lost, and enabling America’s Catholics to be a leaven of the Gospel in the social, political and cultural life of their nation."

Energized from such a blessed opportunity, we go forward in formation to strive to continue that mission, and thanking God for the many great gifts he has given us, including this opportunity to be so close to Peter.

For me personally, it was a wonderful day and certainly one that I will not soon forget. In addition to being so close to the Holy Father and being able to show my respect for the office of Peter by kissing his ring, I was very impressed by how Pope Benedict took his time, greeting each and every person who wanted to greet him or shake his hand.

I snagged this picture just after Pope Benedict walked by me and I got to shake his hand. He was so generous to stop for everyone!

Please continue to keep our Holy Father in your prayers as he faces bravely yet confidently the many challenges of our hurting world, and strives to bring Christ to all people.

You can read the Holy Father's full address to us here:

http://www.zenit.org/article-28002?l=english

If you'd like more information on the history of the NAC, Fr. MacNamara's book, entitled The American College in Rome, is to be recommended.

Posted at 1:53 PM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Formation | Permalink | Email this Post

1/7/2010

Galukkig Nieuwjaar - Bonne Annee

For the second part of Christmas break, I played a bit of the tourist around Belgium.

I stayed at the American seminary in Leuven, which was quiet and peaceful was a really blessed opportunity.

Sint-Pieterskerk is the main church in the center of the town of Leuven, where there is also an American seminary. It is a beautiful gothic church.

For New Year’s Eve, I made my first appearance in a big square. (Usually we have a quiet evening at home). Tonight, however, I went to count-down with the rest of the town in a square where they had set up--- you guessed it ---- a giant glistening ball. (it didn’t drop, though, it only spun). I was surprised to find that they actually counted down in English to welcome the New Year!

I decided to break from my usual quiet New Year's Celebration to go down to the square not far from the American College. They had a glistening ball (though it didn't drop - it only spun) and they even counted down to the new year in English!

During the time here, I was able to visit Leuven, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. I could see many of the beautiful artworks and cultures in these cities. One thing of great interested was the Begijnhof, which was a sort of community for consecrated women (though not a religious community) who lived together and worked on some trade and lived a life of prayer and penance. They bricked themselves in together in these little complexes and shared life together, praying for the Church and her mission.

The Begijnhof was a neighborhood of consecrated women (though not a religious) who lived, worked, and prayed together in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The remains of their villiage is a reminder to us of the importance of prayer.

Leuven is a quaint medieval university town with one of the oldest universities in Europe.

This fine gothic stadhuis (city hall) in Leuven is a great example of gothic architecture. Many of the statues, however, date only to the Neo-gothic period (1800s); they depict both civic leaders and patron saints important to the city.

Leuven was also the home of St. Damien of Molokai, before he departed as a missionary for Hawaii. Now he is buried there.

St. Damien of Molokai, who was from Belgium but ministered to the Lepers of Molokai, Hawaii is buried here in Leuven. I was also at his canonization Mass in October in Rome.

Antwerp, a diamond capital of the world has a beautiful cathedral (and some other churches as well) which hold many Flemish Masterpieces. It is also the home of Peter Paul Rubens, and so many of his paintings are there.

The Gothic interior of Sint-Jacobskerk in Antwerp was also furnished with baroque altarpieces and this beautiful carved pulpit, something I found quite common in Belgium.

In front of the Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk (St. Charles Borromeo), which was originally a Jesuit Church built to resemble the Gesu in Rome. Inside there was fantastic carved paneling detailing the lives of Sts. Ignatius and Francis Xavier.

The tower of the Onze-Lieve-Vrowekatedraal - Our Lady's Cathedral is the tallest gothic structure in the Low countries at 402 feet.

The Cathedral is the tallest in the Low Countries.

The Cathedral, the tallest in the Low Countries, was built between 1352 and 1521. Here, you can't even see the bottom part and gothic door, because the cathedral was too tall for me to fit in one picture!

And inside it is decorated with beautiful altarpieces, which were given by medieval guilds in the city.

This altarpiece, by Quinten Metsijs is one of many famous masterpieces painted for Antwerp's Cathedral. They were often commissioned by different guilds, and showed the guild's civic importance, and gave them a spiritual focus.

In Ghent the major attraction is Van Eyck’s Adoration of the Lamb, a vividly colorful and dramatic altarpiece masterpiece which is finally all back together after being split up for centuries.

Overlooking the river Leie in Gent, are the beautiful guild houses of the neighborhood of Korenlei, taken from the neighborhood of Graslei.

There were also some nice squares and guild houses.

In the Vrijdagmarkt, an important market sqaure in Gent, is this statue of a 14th century rebel leader. Gent has a pretty turbulent history of citizens who rebelled against oppressive nobles and kings. At its base are the coats of arms of 52 guilds.

Brugge is known for its quaint medieval feel, as well as its churches and some more museums housing world-class art.

A canal in Bruges along the Begijnhof, a community of consecrated (but not religious women) who lived a life of prayer and simplicity. They lived in small communities around Belgium.

Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t able to visit all the museums in these cities because they were closed either on the day I was there or for the holidays. Because of all the canals, it is sometimes referred to as 'the Venice of the North'.

A canal in Bruges, sometimes called the 'Venice of the North'. In the background is Bruges' famous belltower.

The Markt is a main square in Bruges, and here are some important governmental buildings and fortifications. The city of Bruges was a medieval powerhouse in Flanders but later fell into decline - which is why it's medieval atmosphere is so well preserved.

The Stadhuis (City Hall) of Bruges is an important governmental and cultural center. Upstairs is a beautiful Gothic hall with paintings and furnishings which tell the city's history.

Bruges also has a relic of the Most Precious Blood of Christ, said to be gathered by Joseph of Arimathea and brought to Bruges after the Crusades.

The Heilige Bloedbasilik (Basilica of the Holy Blood) houses a relic of the Blood of Christ, traditionally said to be gathered by Joseph of Arimathea and brought to Bruges after the Crusades. There was a brief opportunity to venerate the relic!

The sad thing about all of these beautiful cathedrals and gothic churches is that there is a strong feeling when you visit them that they are simply relics from days gone by. Though Belgium is a Catholic country on paper, many people do not practice at all. Often it is only tourists who are inside of these medieval and renaissance masterpieces. This is our goal then, to pray and work for the re-evangelization of the West!

Lastly, I was able to make a small pilgrimage to near the Ardennes region of Belgium to the Shrine at Banneaux, famous because the Blessed Mother appeared there to Marriet Bacon as the Virgin of the Poor in 1933.

Standing inside the shrine chapel built over where Our Lady appeared to Mariette Beco on several occasions in 1933. Mary identified herself as the Virgin of the Poor, and asked for a shrine to be built, but also instructed us to 'Pray hard'.

The miraculous spring which Our Lady pointed out to Mariette Beco in 1933. The apparition was approved by the Church in 1949.

It was a delightful place to pray, especially all covered with snow!

The shrine of Banneaux is located in the Ardennes region of Belgium, in the province of Wallonia. I couldn't help but think that this scene must have been similar to soldiers fighting in World Wars I & II would have seen.

It was a wonderful time of holiday, but now I return to Rome for a week of class followed by our exams!

Dot zines!

Posted at 1:40 PM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Travels | Permalink | Email this Post

12/30/2009

Zalig Kerstmis! - Christmas in Holland

Away for Christmas…

Though I was unable to go home to my family for Christmas this year, I was able to spend the holiday with a friend I met in college and his family. Now he is a seminarian for the Dutch Diocese of Harleem. The time spent in Holland was truly blessed for me, and I learned so much about the Dutch culture, the Church in Holland, and got to spend Christmas with a great Catholic family.

My friend and I along one of Amsterdam's canals

The family I stayed with is a model Catholic family who have poured themselves out in witness to Christ for his church in Holland and around the world– they run the local Catholic bookstore, have written catechetical books for children in Dutch, and serve in the Church in many other ways. Their faith was a real witness to me, even down to praying the family rosary (which helped me accomplish my goal of learning to pray the rosary in Dutch!) and living life in the Holy Spirit. They were very generous to me and wonderful hosts, so ‘thank-you very much’ to them!

Dutch Culture

Staying with a family allowed me the unique opportunity to experience life as local people do, and it’s the best way to experience a culture. I got to see how our diets differ (and hence why Europeans are generally healthier – they eat less, and they eat healthier – more things are fresh, less is processed, and the food is generally healthier). Also, riding one’s bicycle is not just for a quick trip around the neighborhood but rather they really use them to get around town, to go to the store – I took a 25 minute ‘quick’ ride to the next town to catch the train, for example. In addition to speaking more languages than Americans (the whole family spoke English – but most could already speak also French and German – and my friend was also had studied Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and now Italian). Of course, things in general are much older in Europe, as well. For example, my friend could trace his family roots definitively to 1400, and with gaps before that. I think that Europeans generally have a great cultural sensitivity, since they are surrounded by so much beautiful art, architecture and music – it is also more readily available. During my time I also studied a bit of Dutch history as well – I think it’s good to know a little bit about where you’re visiting.

Christmas Celebrations

We all have our own family traditions to celebrate the Birth of Christ – for example when we go to Mass, who likes to bake the cookies or trim the tree, etc. We also have things that we do as Americans that are our Christmas Traditions (Santa Claus and Rudolf and the list goes on). What I found in Holland, at least with this family, was a more spiritual emphasis on Christmas then we see in most places in America. Not so much of an emphasis on Santa and gift giving, but an emphasis on spending time with each other as a family. Together we trimmed the tree and decorated, and everyone helped to get ready for the main meal in some way. There were also specialties like the Kerstbrood (Christmas bread) – with cinnamon, raisins, nuts and a special nougat in the middle!

Of course the Christmas Mass was the focal point, and I had the opportunity to serve four Christmas Masses – and each was very beautiful, and each had a different choir, too! (A children’s choir, the adult choir with orchestra, a Latin schola and then the adult Choir again on Christmas morning). In Holland (and most of Europe, I think), the holiday is celebrated beyond December 25th.

Travels

The gate of the Palace Noordiende - Queen Beatrix's working palace in The Hague

During my time in Holland I also had the opportunity for travel. I went with the family for a brief trip to Amsterdam, a city with charming canals and famous museums. I also took a day trip to Den Haag (The Hague), where I saw the Royal Palace, the Parliament houses, and few other sights. I also partook of a strange Dutch tradition – eating Haring, which is a raw fish cleaned a certain way. I still can’t believe I did it!

The Ridderzaal in The Hague was where, in Medieval times knights would meet. It was where the country of the 7 Netherlands was formed and is where Royal coronations and other special events take place.

Trying a local custom - Haring is a type of fish that they eat, raw and cleaned a certain way. I still can't believe I did this!

Another highlight was having Mass at the beautiful Jacobskerk. Done in Gothic-revival style, the church has recently been restored; there are also many beautiful tapestries and altarpieces. Before Mass we prayed the rosary (in Dutch of course) and there was also a line for confessions!

The gothic interior of Sint-Jacobskerk in The Hague was very beautiful. It has recently been restored.

Lastly we stopped by the Mauritshuis Museum, which contained several Dutch Golden Age masterpieces by many famous artists. The Dutch Golden Age (17th century) often took a diversion from previously exlcusive religious topics, and instead focused on the beauties of home and rural life in vivacious colors and lively people.

Hightime

After Christmas, my time in Holland had one big highlight – and that was Hightime. Hightime is a weekend retreat/ conference for about 200 Dutch teenagers sponsored by the Charismatic Renewal Community in Holland. Through my friend, I was blessed to have the opportunity to be a small group leader at the retreat. In many ways, it was similar to some of the things I hope to do when I return to the States. I got to meet real teens, and talk with them. They are amazing and good kids, and many of them are really trying to live out their faith, despite the heavily secular cultural climate in Holland. Throughout the few days, I could really see the Lord doing amazing things in these teens – bringing healing and grace through the sacraments and through the other ministries such as prayer teams. I enjoyed participating in lofprijzen (praise & worship) in English, Dutch, and even Portuguese, and it actually began to get a bit easier to sing the Dutch songs. The teens were full of joy and enthusiasm and I think everyone was sad to see the weekend come to an end.

Hightimes also gave me a chance to learn a bit about the state of the Church in Holland, which is I think one of the advantages to studying in Europe. It was said to me that Holland is in ‘early spring’ right now, as things are getting much better. Though there is a perhaps more significant ‘age gap’ in the Dutch church than the American one, I can say that I witnessed a vibrant Catholic community in the Netherlands, especially within the Charismatic Renewal community. Lastly, the bishop of the diocese came to celebrate the closing Mass.

To be a little bit silly, I also learned the wonders of hagelslag (pronounced Ha-hel slaag with a hard ‘h’). You may know it as chocolate sprinkles. In Holland, especially the teens eat sprinkles on bread with butter. It’s not bad – you’ll have to try it!

Belgium

The last highlight of Christmas in Holland for me was, in fact, the trip to Belgium. I rode with the mother of one of the team members at high time. She was incredibly kind and even took me to her house for dinner and to meet her family. A devout and holy Catholic mother, she also told me all about the state of the Church in Belgium, which was, unfortunately, worse off than Holland and the USA. They are in need of many reforms, many vocations, perhaps even many missionaries. Please pray for the Church in Holland and Belgium (and also the USA!)

I pray that the love of the Christchild may pour into your hearts this Christmas season a we celebrate the birth of the Light of the world!

Posted at 12:56 PM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Travels | Permalink | Email this Post

12/24/2009

God, the Father Who Keeps His Promises

In the last week approaching Christmas, the Church reflects on seven different titles of Jesus during the Liturgy of the Hours - you probably know them through the Advent Hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." I would like to pass along some reflections that were sent to the seminarians from one of our formators, Fr. Kurt Belsole, OSB, of St. Vincent Archabbey and I will intermix some thoughts of my own from these past five months here in Europe.

This is one of 4th Floor's O Antiphons that Dan mentioned a few days ago.

On December 17th, the Church’s Advent liturgy begins to focus in a particular way on the Nativity of the Lord. The prayers, readings, and preface at Mass as well as the readings, antiphons for the Gospel canticles, intercessions, and prayers at the Liturgy of the Hours concentrate more resolutely than during the preceding days of Advent on the coming feast of the Nativity of the Lord.

The great “O Antiphons” have a particular role in these days as they have been used for centuries as the antiphons for the Magnificat. Each antiphon, always sung in a very similar melody, begins with a title of Christ, usually taken from the Old Testament, and followed by the petition that he come to us (veni) and act on our behalf:

December 17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom)

December 18: O Adonai (O Lord)

December 19: O Radix Iesse (O Root of Jesse)

December 20: O Clavis David (O Key of David)

December 21: O Oriens (O Daystar) [after this date, the days begin to get longer]

December 22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)

December 23: O Emmanuel (O God-with-Us)

It has been very humbling for me to be here these last five months. I have had the privilege to see and do things that I would never have imagined - I have seen the bones of St. Peter; visited the shrines of martyrs; attended Masses presided over by Cardinals and even by the Holy Father himself; I have walked the Catacombs of the early Christian marytrs and confessors; I have walked among the sites that St. Peter and St. Paul themselves would have seen. And deep down, I know that I am not worthy of any one of these, except by the Grace of God.

Some of these amazing experiences were more woven into the fabric of everyday life. Just a few weeks ago, we Celebrated the 150th anniversary of the College. Last week, Dan and I received our Soggiorno cards - despite my veiled complaints about the whole affar, I must admit we received them quickly - much sooner than even the NAC faculty expected. Some of these things are even very simple - like the joy of picking and eating a fresh orange from one of the orange trees in our Courtyard.

And some of these experiences have been the playing out of the challenges of formation. Ever so gradually I can see rough edges of my personality being smoothed out. In so many small events that take place throughout the day, I can see God's hand.

From the first times that I felt God calling me to seminary (a story to save for another day), I had a hope that He would bring me to it, with whatever changes in me that required. Time and time again He has reassured me, and time and time again, He has brought me through all of my challenges, and I trust that He will continue to do this.

Just as God has reassured my path time and time again, He promised Israel a Savior - under each one of these titles.

Now back to the reflection:

When taken together from the last title to the first, the first letters of each title form a wonderful Latin acrostic:

Emmanuel

Rex

Oriens

Clavis

Radix

Adonai

Sapientia

This is the Lord’s response to the Church’s ardent petition that he come (veni):

Ero cras (I will be there tomorrow)!

God - the Father who keeps His promises.

Posted at 3:51 PM by Matthew Morelli | Category: Everyday Life | Permalink | Email this Post

12/23/2009

Christmas at the NAC

Being away from home during the holidays can be difficult. One way that the NAC tried to counter that feeling is by its many annual Christmas traditions. The New Men decorated the refectory with a grand tree, wreaths, and stockings 'hung by the chimney with care', and the 5th year priests decorated the student lounge. Then there's the hall corridor decorations, which amounts to a friendly competition. Each corridor gets a little festive and decorates their hallways and common areas - with lights, trees, pseudo-fireplaces, and a host of other things as well. This year, one hall adopted the theme of the 'O Antiphons' - 7 traditional prayers leading up to Christmas that pray with great longing for the coming of the Savior. You'll probably recognize the prayers from the common Advent song, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." They painted the phrases as if a medieval scripture text, with beautiful and colorful caligraphy. Another hall decorated each door as an Advent calendar, or various other themes. I certainly enjoyed 'going for a drive through the neighborhood' to see the Christmas lights this year!

Another part of the Christmas celebration is the annual Christmas Party. This year complete with a nice dinner as well as other Christmas specialities. One favorite was certainly the Christmas cookies (which haven't quite caught on in Italy - although they like there Torrone). After dinner, some humorous awards were given for the hall decorations, but that was not all. We spread a little Christmas cheer by a prolonged time of singing classic Christmas carols - one of my favorite holiday traditions. And what American Christmas celebration could be complete without a reading of a certain classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore, read by the 'father' of the seminary community, our rector?

Our Rector, Monsignor Checcio helps to make us feel more at home for Christmas by reading us a classic Christmas poem at the NAC Christmas Party.

Even the Roman Universities (or at least the Gregorian) take part in Christmas festivities. For the last two weeks before the break began, different groups signed up to sing carols during the intervali (breaks between classes). Some times it was a religious community, other times it was a particular class - our first theologian group sang this past Friday. Most groups, however, are made up of members of the different national colleges - the Venerable English College, the Irish College, and many others. The Spanish sang with a lot of flavor, and the Germans and Hungarians harmonized beautifully; while the Mexicans threw an all-out fiesta de Navidad, complete with a 7-pointed star pinata and three-kings bread for everyone. The NAC, too, took its turn, complete with American carols, a few harmonies, and also some entertaining acts during the performance. The whole experience brings a lot of joy to the university community, but is also a testiment to the universality of the Church - it allowed us to get a little taste of how the birth of the Savior is celebrated throughout the world.

The Group from the NAC sings some Christmas carols during the intervalo between classes at the Gregorian University.

The Caroling overflowed, however - several of the new men took it upon ourselves to spread the Christmas joy outside of the NAC and into the Eternal City - and so we went caroling in various piazzas, and attracted some small groups of people with which to share some Christmas joy.

Spreading some Christmas cheer by caroling around Rome!

The real highlight of the season, comes however not at the Christmas parties or the caroling, but on Christmas Eve, when 'unto us a child was born, a son is given' - to quote both the prophet Isaiah and Handel's Messiah. Indeed, during these final days of Advent we eagerly await the coming of our Lord. This Christmas, as difficult as it will be to be away from home we'll have much to be thankful for - especially the opportunity for salvation, made possible by the Incarnation.

Once the classes have ceased for the break, and the festivities have finished, NAC seminarians will take advantage of the unique opportunity of studying in Europe to travel to different places to celebrate the holidays. Many will remain in Rome and celebrate Christmas with the Holy Father. Some of the older men are making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and others embark off to visit experience Christmas in the many and various cultures of Europe. Some will even spend time with friends (or even family) in other parts of Europe.

Relics of the True Crib of Christ are housed underneath the confession in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.

Last week, while the English college was caroling at the Gregorian, I was struck anew by the profundity and beauty of the words of a popular Christmas Carol, and so I invite you to meditate with me on the profound humilty of God, and the great gift and mystery that we've been given in the Incarnation. Jesus, the Word-Made-Flesh, veiled in flesh, the Godhead seen, who was pleased, delighted, moved out of love for us to dwell with us, to lay down his glory so that we might gain eternal life with him! We sing with the Angels, "Gloria in excelsis Deo!"

Thank you for your prayers, and a blessed and Merry Christmas to you all!

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

A group of the New Men decided to spread some Christmas cheer by caroling in St. Peter's Square and around Rome. It was a blast!

Posted at 8:45 AM by Daniel Ulishney | Category: Everyday Life | Permalink | Email this Post

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A Day in the Life