What Wondrous Love Is This: 2025

Seasonal Sarum Blue

Around Advent, you see lots of purple, with a streak of pink. That’s the liturgical color, and Advent wreaths with their purple/pink candles are the to-go symbol of the season.

But not everyone uses purple. Liturgical colors somewhat varied for centuries, as local meanings and available colors greatly differed. Purple, now liturgically associated with penance, was often associated with royalty because it was so expensive to produce. Worthy of the Kings of Kings, but hard to acquire for parish celebrations.

In the sixteenth century, Pope Pius V made some reforms, including streamline the colors: white, gold, red, violet, purple, green, black. But even as purple for Advent/Lent became more adopted, there was a wide range of shades used, based on what was available in different areas. Some were reddish violent and others were blueish indigo.

In medieval England, blue was very common. Salisbury Cathedral used a distinct dark blue, named Sarum blue after the Latin for Salisbury. In the nineteenth century, there was a revival of pre-Reformation traditions, and some Anglicans, Episcopalians, and Lutherans adopted the Sarum blue.

The dark blue represents the night sky, waiting from the light of Christ. Blue is also traditionally associated with Mary, so having a blue for Advent is a reminder that the season focuses on Mary and her bringing Christ into the world in the flesh.

I think the use of a different liturgical color is fascinating (it probably helps that it’s a pretty shade). The meaning attached to colors affects how we see the season: blue reminds us of Mary where purple reminds us of the King; blue reminds us of the coming Light where purple reminds us to prepare from that Coming. Color can affect our understanding and our attitudes. Our worship should be deliberate and have meaning. Often it’s unconscious, but liturgy should affect us—teach us, guide us, help us to worship.

Monday Motivation: Advent's Intention

"Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church's year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart's memory so that it can discern the star of hope." - Pope Benedict XVI

St. Laurence O'Toole

St. Lorcán Ua Tuathail, or Laurence O'Toole, was born the youngest son of a king in County Kildare around 1128. At the age of 10, Laurence was sent as a hostage to another king in South Leinster. For two years he was imprisoned and given little food. During this time, Laurence began desiring to enter into religious life.

The abbot of the monastery in Glenalough helped restore relations between the two kings. Laurence was released, and he went to Glenalough. By the time he was 26, he become the abbot of the monastery. He desired to strengthen the bonds between Irish Catholicism and Rome, combining the best of the Gaelic and Frankish-European movements. He invited Augustinian canons from France to help reform Glenalough and wound up joining the Augustinian order himself.

In 1162, and the age of just 32, Laurence became bishop of Dublin. He was elected unanimously at the Synod of Clane. He continued his work of reform, repaired several church buildings, and promoted the use of Gregorian chant. He invited the Augustinians to the cathedral in order to assist in spiritual formation for the diocesan priests. He was also known for helping the poor, offering daily food and establishing orphanages in Dublin.

Today is the feast of Christ the King, the end of the liturgical year. As it falls the last Sunday before Advent every year, it feels like a deep-rooted tradition. But in terms of Church traditions, it’s actually not that old. It was established in 1925 and only moved to the last Sunday before Advent in 1970. Still, it is a wonderful feast to remind us to prioritize God over worldly powers and influences.

Pope Pius XI established the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 100 years ago in response to growing secularism and ultra-nationalism. Pope Pius XI wanted to highlight that while worldly powers come and go, Christ is the everlasting ruler, and His teachings do not change. This was also meant to encourage people to live their faith openly and resist compartmentalizing it under the influence of secular culture.

In his encyclical Quas primas (“In the first”) establishing the solemnity, Pope Pius XI said,

“He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ.

He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God.

He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to him alone.

He must reign in our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for the interior sanctification of our souls, or to use the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘as instruments of justice unto God.’”

Similar to this year, 1925 was a Jubilee Year. Pope Pius XI emphasized missionary activity, giving him the title “Pope of the Missions.” The world was changing – rapidly – and the pope knew that the Church had to address it.

Who is Mary?

The mother of Jesus has long drawn people closer to her Son, but she has also caused a lot of controversy, especially between Catholics and Protestants disagreeing how much praise this holy, human woman deserves. When does appreciation become veneration? When does veneration become worship? How far is too far, and how little is not enough?

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith recently released a doctrinal note, “Mater Populi Fidelis” (“Mother of the Faithful People of God”) clarifying the Church’s position on Mary. It discouraged using the titles “co-redemptrix” and “co-mediatrix” noting that such titles caused confusion for many. The titles have been used, unofficially, for several decades, without formal approval and without clear definition of what they mean. This has caused arguments over implications of Mary’s role in salvation history.

“Co-redemptrix,” the note said, “carries the risk of eclipsing the exclusive role of Jesus Christ” in salvation.

“Co-mediatrix” could imply that Mary could somehow mediate the grace that she herself received and should not be used in a way that casts doubt on “the unique mediation of Jesus Christ, true God and true man.”

Today is the feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Like Sts. Peter and Paul’s joint feast day, this feast combines the dedication of the two basilicas in Rome which bear their names.

I’ve always found it odd that they share a feast day. Both are such huge powerhouses in the life of the Church you would think they each get their own day. Plus, they have such strong, differing personalities; I can’t imagine during their earthly life they would have been pleased to know they would always be lumped together. (Though I’m sure now, perfected in heaven, they’re fine with it.)

Both St. Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls were built by Constantine in the 4th century, over the site where each saint was buried. Despite several miles separating them, the two basilicas were originally connected by a long colonnade.

But perhaps they are most connected because pilgrims have long come to these places to pay respects to these apostles and martyrs. In fact, bishops are required to go to “the tombs of the Apostles” during their ad limina visits every five years. For most pilgrims, like me, it’s more of a once-in-a-lifetime visit. I was able to visit both basilicas and receive a testamonium from the Church, acknowledging my journey to their tombs.

Everyone should have the right to express their opinion. But my goodness, why do we listen to so many of them? The explosion of influencer culture in the past 15-20 has created echo chambers, breeding grounds of conspiracies, and cults of personality like no other time in history. Loud voices, streaming for hours on end every day, spouting ideas and infecting susceptible minds. At best, they are vacuous noise, posting entertaining click bait for money. At worst, they are maliciously spreading harmful ideologies and misinformation in order to cause division.

We’re all susceptible to it. Unless completely offline, the algorithms feed us whatever keeps us interested. But I’ve never been able to understand the parasocial relationships that develop around podcasters and content creators, especially those who have no expertise on which they speak. Some of these people generate hours of content a day; who is listening to all of that? Apparently, millions are. It baffles me.

I particularly find this phenomenon interesting in the Church. Christian/Catholic content creators, just talking and talking, spreading ideas that may or may not be that grounded in the faith, influencing millions of people. Why should I take this person’s interpretation as truth? How have they earned my time and money?

I think people are drawn to this type of content because it is easy: it’s available whenever, wherever you want it. It talks about things that your real-life community doesn’t, be that politics or scripture or a specific interest. It’s convenient and tailor-made and asks nothing but your attention.

Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the see of the Archdiocese of Rome, the pope’s cathedral. It is the first and oldest basilica in the West. The full name of the church is the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. But it most commonly referred to as St. John Lateran, after the Laterani family, on whose land it was built. The Laterani property had been seized by Emperor Nero and was now property of the emperor. After his conversion, Constantine gave the land and family palace to Pope Miltiades as the first official papal palace.

The archbasilica was built in 324. It was originally dedicated to the Most Holy Savior. It was later also dedicated to St. John the Baptist, then later St. John the Evangelist. From the fourth century until the Avignon papacy, St. John Lateran was the home of the pope and the center of the Catholic Church. Five ecumenical councils were held there (in 1123, 1139, 1179, 1215, and 1512). The Lateran Treaty of 1929, establishing Vatican City as its own state, was signed at the Lateran Palace.

In 897, an earthquake heavily damaged the building. In the 1308, there was a major fire that destroyed much of the structure. In the 1600s, the interior was redesigned in the Baroque style. In 1735, the neo-classical façade was added. So it has been evolving over and over. There are twelve statues around the nave, one for each apostle, along with friezes of twelve prophets.

On the archbasilica’s front wall is inscribed: "Omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput" ("Mother and Head of all Churches in the City [of Rome] and the World"). It is for this reason that the dedication of the archbasilica is celebrated around the world today: the cathedra of the pope is there, and so the archbasilica serves as the Mother Church for all Catholics.

I am glad I got to visit St. John Lateran recently. With so much going on across town at St. Peter's in Vatican City, I think the Lateran doesn't get as much attention as it deserves, as it is still the pope's official cathedral. It is rightfully the central point of the Church, and has been since Constantine. Despite all the overwhelmingly beautiful art and side altars, I most remember St. John Lateran for buying stamps and going to Eucharistic adoration. But I suppose that's an appropriate pilgrim memory to hold.

Eternal Rest, Grant unto Us

On All Saints Day we celebrate the souls in heaven and ask for their prayers, and All Souls Day we remember those who have died and pray for them. But how do we know who gets sorted into which category? Other than the canonized saints, how are we to know who is a soul praying for us in divine glory or a suffering soul in need of our prayers?

From our perspective, it’s a rather nebulous distinction. We have no way of knowing for certain the state of others’ souls. At best, we must rely on a person’s reputation and private revelation. We may feel the assurance of a passed loved one watching over us, or sense the urgent need to pray for another. But ultimately, we have to rely on faith.

We have to trust God that all will be sorted appropriately in the hereafter. Maybe that means years of purification. Maybe that means an empty hell. Maybe it means that annoying neighbor is now desperately praying for you. We may have our ideas of what that may be and who may be where, but we are working blindly, reaching out in the dark with only the faintest outline of what that reality is.

Still, we reach, because we don’t want to sever that connection. We want to know what happens next. We want to still feel connection with passed loved ones. We want to believe in healing and justice and comfort and mercy and peace.

If we pray for the dead who need prayers and ask the saints for prayers, I trust that God can sort out any categorical errors on our part. The important thing is to pray. And in seeking grace and comfort on the other side, maybe we can realize the need in praying for those around us as well, and working to make this time on earth one of mercy and peace too.

Filling the Hungry with Good Things

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?” – James 2:14-16

One of the most reoccurring themes in the Bible is caring for the poor and welcoming the stranger. God tells us to show compassion to those most in need, to offer physical substance and shelter.

As the country faces cutting off the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program next month, million face food insecurity. The almost-month-long government shutdown has also led to many going without paychecks and unable to make ends meet.

On one hand, it has been good to see so many step up, trying to fill the gap—extra donations to food banks, free meals at restaurants, information lists, etc. But on the other, there are so many that will fall through the gaps. There are those who blame the people on SNAP as lazy or scammers. There are those who are willing to turn a blind eye to a massive need because they personally are not affected.

But it is our Christian duty to feed the hungry. The right to food is one of the most basic human rights; what kind of society lets any of its people starve, especially when there is food to spare?

Monday Motivation: The Bread in Your Cupboard

“When someone steals another's clothes, we call them a thief. Should we not give the same name to one who could clothe the naked and does not? The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it; the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the one who has no shoes; the money which you hoard up belongs to the poor.” ― St. Basil the Great

St. John Henry Newman

Pope Leo has announced that St. John Henry Newman will become a Doctor of the Church. This is a big honor, as there are only 38 Doctors of the Church. He will be the second Doctor of the Church from England, after St. Bede. Newman produced a large amount of theological works over his lifetime, tracing his personal religious journey as well as religious movements of the nineteenth century. Newman once defined theology as "the Science of God, or the truths we know about God, put into a system, just as we have a science of the stars and call it astronomy, or of the crust of the earth and call it geology." Pope Leo has found Newman’s works as a significant contribution to the Church. His most influential work is considered to be “An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine,” which explored how the application of Christian doctrine may change over time, given time and place, even as the core truths of the faith stay the same. This was considered an influential document during the Second Vatican Council.

John Henry Newman was born in London in 1801. The son of a banker, he received a good education and was a big reader. When he was 15, a friend gave him books on the Calvinist tradition, and Newman converted to Calvinist evangelicalism. He later credited the conversion as important to his religious journey, although his views on Calvinism quickly shifted. After graduating from Oxford, he became a priest in the Church of England. He also continued to teach and research at Oriel College in Oxford.

In 1828 he became vicar of St. Mary’s University Church. He studied the Church Fathers deeply, and his views took a stronger, higher ecclesiastical tone. In 1830 he circulated an anonymous letter on how nonconformists should be removed from positions of power in society. This led to him being dismissed from his position.

St. Aubert was born in the late 7th century into a noble family in France. Known for wisdom and piety, he eventually became bishop of the Diocese of Avranches in northwest France.

Legend says that round 708, Aubert had a vision in which St. Michael instructed him to build an oratory out on a tidal island nearby. He did not pay attention to the vision at first, doubting its authenticity. Michael appeared a second time, and again, Aubert hesitated to believe it a true vision. Michael appeared a third time, this time poking Aubert in the head, ordering him to build the oratory. Where Michael touched him, Aubert was left with a hole in his skull.

Aubert set to work building the oratory out on the rocky island. It would eventually become Mont Saint-Michel, now the most visited place in France outside of Paris. It was dedicated on Oct. 16, 709. It became, and still is, a popular pilgrim site.

As a tidal island, Mont Saint-Michel is accessible during low tide but surrounded by water during high tides. It has been used as a monastery as well as a fort and prison over its long history. For most of the monastery’s history, it was run by Benedictines. Since 2001, a small community of monks and nuns of the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem have been living there as tenants of the office for national monuments.

Mont Saint-Michel is part of the “Sword of St. Michael,” a series of seen places in Europe dedicated to the archangel that create a straight line from Ireland to the Holy Land: Skellig Michael (Ireland), St Michael's Mount (England), Mont Saint-Michel (France), Sacra di San Michele (Italy), Monte Sant’Angelo (Italy), Santo Monasterio di Taxiarchi Michail (Greece), and Monastero Stella Maris del Monte Carmelo (Mount Carmel, Holy Land)

St. Aubert died in 720 and was initially buried at the oratory. His feast day is Sept. 10.

Saints for the Modern Youth

Yesterday was the canonization of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Carlo Acutis. Although their canonizations were originally scheduled separately, the death of Pope Francis caused a delay in Acutis’ canonization. However, I think it’s very appropriate that they share a canonization ceremony. Both are been role models for young, passionate believers in the modern world. This was also the first canonization overseen by Pope Leo XIV.

Pier Giorgio Frassati was born April 6, 1901 to a wealthy family in Turin, Italy. His father was a newspaper owner and also served in Italian politics, even serving as ambassador to Italy. His mother was a painter. From an early age Frassati showed concern for the poor and a desire for charity.

Although his father was agnostic, Frassati was baptized and confirmed into the Church. He attended a Jesuit school. As he grew older, he spoke out against fascism; he was arrested in Rome in 1921 while protesting alongside the Young Catholic Workers Congress. He joined Catholic Action and the St. Vincent de Paul Society and became a third order Dominican.

He often said: “Charity is not enough; we need social reform.” Inspired by Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, he helped establish the newspaper Memento, and he continued to serve and advocate for the poor.

Is Rejoicing OK?

“Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and when they stumble, do not let your heart exult, lest the Lord see it, be displeased with you, and withdraw his wrath from your enemies. Do not be provoked at evildoers.” -Proverbs 24:17-19

When big-name conservative Christian leader died recently, there were many people who celebrated his death. They had been raised in environments where his influence permeated. His name, to them, was associated with traumatic childhoods, harmful teachings, hate, cruelty, and tyranny. When people think of cruel, judgmental Christians, they often think of the communities influenced by him. Knowing he could no longer actively spread his harmful ideas was a moment of relief, of celebration. I get it.

As millions wait another evil man’s death, I know that day will be of mixed emotions. We are not supposed to speak ill of the dead. But can we not celebrate when there’s a bit less evil in the world? Will one man’s death change the cruel culture? No. It’s not a victory, really. But it will feel like relief.

Well, school shooting season is open. I hate how numb I am to it. I hate that we recite the same words, the same accusations, the same prayers over and over. It’s only different for the new community that has to deal with the loss and trauma. We grieve for them, knowing how easily it could be us.

I can’t imagine the terror of seeing that alert from my children’s school, or of hiding under office furniture texting last messages, or of rushing to a gathering point praying for good news, knowing someone is getting bad.

Those of us removed from the incident offer our prayers, because what else can we do? The problem comes when no one does anything except offers prayers.

Offering thoughts, prayers, consolation is good. Empathy is good. However, those who have power also have a responsibility to respond. The police investigate the crime scene. The medics and hospitals care for the injured. The funeral homes arrange funerals. Because it has to be done, and that’s their job. But when we look to politicians to react with policy changes, we’re told to not make it political, to just pray. But their job isn’t to pray; it’s to set policy, to create laws to make the community safe.

St. Hilarion, also called Thavata of Gaza, was born in Palestine in 291 to pagan parents. He grew up speaking both Greek and Aramaic. He was sent to Alexandria for school, where he learned of the hermit St. Anthony of Egypt. Hilarion converted to Christianity and went out and studied asceticism under Anthony. Hilarion found Anthony’s popularity too much to bear, as visitors came to him often, seeking healing. Hilarion moved to the wilderness of Palestine to live as a hermit.

He did go to Jerusalem on one occasion to venerate the holy sites; he spent most of his life in the Gazan wilderness. In 308 he built a hermitage where he lived in solitude for 22 years. He reported to have struggled with lustful desires and fought the temptation by mortification, fasting, and labor. Around 330, a woman sought him out for healing. After that, his popularity as a hermit healer grew. He is said to have healed, drove out demons, prophesied, and performed miracles.

As there were no monasteries in the region at the time, Hilarion gained followers who sought him out for spiritual instruction. One follower, Epiphanius, went on to establish monasticism in Cyprus. At some point between 337 and 356, Hilarion established a monastery in Gaza. After the death of St. Anthony of Egypt, Hilarion went out to his place in Egypt in order to escape the crowds that had gathered around him (much like they had with Anthony years earlier).

When the pagan Julian became emperor, Hilarion, because of his popularity, faced imprisonment. He fled to Sicily then Cyprus, where he was taken in by Epiphanius. He died in 371. His feast day is Oct. 21.

Remembering Palestinian Christians

When the bombing of Gaza began almost two years ago, some 700 of the small Christian community in Gaza sought shelter in Holy Family Church in Gaza City. The Christian population of Gaza has been reduced to just about 1,700, of which a couple hundred are Catholic (most are Orthodox). Christians have lived in Palestine since the beginning of Christianity. Holy Family Church is named such because it is located where tradition says the Holy Family rested on their way to and return from Egypt.

Travel to Bethlehem or Jerusalem for holy days is out of the question. Catholic Relief Services has been working to get resources to the church. Pope Francis used to call the pastor every night, closely following the safety and morale of the occupants staying within the church walls.

While the church has been able to offer shelter, some supplies, and community, safety is not guaranteed. On Dec. 16, 2023, a residence in the church compound which houses individuals with disabilities was hit by tank fire; the building’s generator, solar panels, and water tanks were damaged. Two women in the courtyard were fatally shot; seven more were injured. On July 17 this year, the compound was hit again, with three dying and 12 injured from the attack. The Christian population in Gaza has roughly halved since the beginning of the war.

It is terrible seeing any groups suffering in such a way, especially such a small minority that has persisted there for centuries, through various empires and cultural changes. They have not forgotten their faith.

Pope Leo XIV called for a day of prayer and fasting on Aug. 22, the feast of the Queenship of Mary, for peace and justice, especially in the Holy Land and Ukraine. As wars rage on, we who are safe tend to normalize it, let it fade into the background. But people continue to struggle, living in daily danger, facing starvation and violence. We cannot forget them.

Monday Motivation: Things Jesus Didn't Say

In Their Distress They Cry Out

Several detainees at the detention camp in the Everglades have gone on hunger strike. There are allegations of medical neglect, verbal abuse, and substandard food conditions in the camp. Now entering its third week, the hunger strike is protesting the conditions of the camp. DHS denies that a hunger strike is underway. Since lawyers and oversight groups are not allowed in, it is difficult to confirm or deny for sure.

Hunger strikes as a form of nonviolent protest goes back to pre-Christian Ireland. A protester would fast, sitting by the doorstep of the offender. This often shamed the offender and led them to reconciliation. A similar practice happened in India (if this was brought over from British imperialism, I’m not sure). It seems to have been prevalent enough that the British banned the practice in India in 1861.

Hunger strikes have taken place as political protests for various causes as well. Suffragists in the early 20th century in the UK and US went on hunger strikes while imprisoned. Many suffered from brutal force-feedings. Gandhi and other members of the Indian independence movement engaged in several hunger strikes protesting British occupation in India. Irish republican prisoners went on hunger strikes throughout the 20th century, protesting the British occupation in Ireland/Northern Ireland. Several men died while striking, going without food for more than 60 days. Probably the most famous of these was Bobby Sands, who died after 66 days during the 1981 hunger strike, in which paramilitary prisoners were protesting to be classified as political prisoners. In the later half of the 20th century, several Cuban dissidents engaged in hunger strikes to protest censorship and oppression in Cuba.

Today is the commemoration of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, or St. Mary Major. Ever since I first learned about it about nine years ago, I have wanted to see it, and on my recent pilgrimage to Rome, I finally did. It is one of four papal basilicas in Rome.

Santa Maria Maggiore is regarded as the first Marian sanctuary in the Western world. Its location on one of the seven hills of Rome, as well as its dedication date and its nickname of “Our Lady of the Snows,” is tied to a legend of its founding.

According to legend, there was a wealthy, pious couple in the fifth century who were childless. In 352, they decided they would give their wealth to St. Mary; they prayed to her, asking for a sign of how to do so. In the peak of the Italian summer, on the morning of Aug. 5, snow fell on Esquiline Hill. Both the couple and the pope were woken by visions that night to go to the hill, where they discovered the unusual snowfall. Taking it as their sign, the couple declared they would fund a church dedicated to Mary on that spot. The pope outlined the basilica in the snow. It was officially dedicated on Aug. 5, 431, shortly following the Council of Ephesus, at which proclaimed Mary as the Mother of God.

Monday Motivation: the Importance of Patience

"Hence the importance of patience in the New Testament, which becomes the basic constituent of Christianity, more central even than humility: the power to wait, to persevere, to hold out, to endure to the end, not to transcend one's own limitations, not to force issues by playing the hero or the titan, but to practice the virtue that lies beyond heroism, the meekness of the Lamb which is led." -Hans Urs von Balthasar

The Political Pulpit

There’s so many changes happening today and it’s hard to keep track of them all and so many of them are so important and will affect our lives and our country significantly. One of those changes says the IRS recently repealed the 1954 Johnson Amendment rule that said nonprofits could not endorse a specific political candidate without losing tax exempt status. So now churches can endorse candidates. Of course, church leaders have always guided members on how to vote some more vertically than others, usually by discussing the morality of specific issues. But now they can openly endorse candidates, and direct their parishioners to vote for them. This can also lead to PACs funneling money to churches to get an endorsement. Political organizations can now funnel donations through churches, bankrolling candidates with zero accountability, and get a tax deduction for it. It will turn some churches into political centers, diluting the actual mission of the church.

Fortunately, the USCCB came out with a statement saying that Catholic churches will continue to not endorse specific candidates, but rather put out voting guides, stating “The Church seeks to help Catholics form their conscience in the Gospel so they might discern which candidates and policies would advance the common good. The Catholic Church maintains its stance of not endorsing or opposing political candidates.” However, there will be pastors who will take money and tell their congregations who to vote for. Votes will be bought, and even worse, they will be bought through the pulpit.

St. Catherine’s Monastery sits at the foot of Mount Sinai. It was founded in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian and is the oldest operating Christian monastery in the world. It was built on what is believed to be the site where God appeared to Moses in the Burning Bush. The monastery also contains the well where it is believed that Moses met his wife Zipporah (and still serves as the monastery’s main source of water).

The name St. Catherine refers to Catherine of Alexandria the 4th century martyr whose relics are at the monastery. The full name of the monastery is the Sacred Autonomous Royal Monastery of St. Catherine of the Holy and God-Trodden Mount Sinai. It is one of the most sacred sites of scripture, and throughout the land passing through various political changes (Egyptian, Roman, Ottoman, British, Israeli, etc), the monks of St. Catherine’s have always been there, praying and maintaining the site.

The monks are known for their ancient icons and for the world’s oldest continuously operating library, which includes the Codex Sinaiticus, a 4th-century Greek Bible, and the Syriac Sinaiticus, the oldest copy of the Gospels in Syriac.

In the 7th century, the Islamic prophet Muhammad granted the monastery a charter, known as the Ashtiname (or Testament) of Muhammad, guaranteeing protection to its inhabitants. According to monastery tradition, Muhammad frequented the site and had a great relationship and deep discussions with the Sinai monks.

Monday Motivation: It Will Be Quiet Someday

It's been a busy month, and I haven't written much, although there has been lots of mulling. I am hoping to get lots of my thoughts from my pilgrimage to Rome organized soon.

But also, there's just a lot going on in the country and the world. A lot of not great things. A lot of noisy, stressful, chaos. So much happening at once. So much confusion and uncertainty. So much chatter and noise.

I want hope. I want quiet. I want time to take a breath. And I have to hope that that time will come, that this period of chaos is just temporary, and we'll come through and be able to rest.

With These Words

Today is the 1,700th anniversary of the opening of the first Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council. Emperor Constantine had recently converted to Christianity. While he was forcing his subjects to convert, there was a surge of conversions and a surge of differing theologies. Constantine wanted unity in the empire; he didn’t particularly care about the doctrinal matters, only that heresies not break out into violent factions that he would have to deal with.

More than 300 bishops from all over the Roman Empire gathered in Nicaea, in what is now Turkey. Several important matters were discussed, but one of the most lasting was the Nicene Creed, the statement of belief that outlined the basic tenets of Christianity.

It is amazing to think that this creed has been continually proclaimed for more than a millennium. Reciting it every Sunday, one can forget its profoundness. They are bold statements, ones people have fought over, died over, found solace and salvation in.

The International Theological Commission released a document for this anniversary, going in depth on the meaning of the creed. In its opening, the document states: “This has remained in Christian consciousness mainly through the Creed, that Symbol which gathers, defines and proclaims faith in salvation in Jesus Christ and in the One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Nicene Symbol professes the good news of the integral salvation of human beings from God himself in Jesus Christ. 1,700 years later, we are celebrating this event above all with a doxology, a praise of the glory of God, since this glory has been manifested in the priceless treasure of faith expressed by the Symbol: the infinite beauty of the God who saves us, the immense mercy of Jesus Christ our Saviour, the generosity of the redemption offered to every human being in the Holy Spirit.”

Monday Motivation: Role of the Pope

“Many expect from the Pope dramatic gestures, strong and decisive interventions. But the Pope believes he must follow no other path than that of trust in Jesus Christ, who cares for His Church more than anyone else. It is He who will calm the storm. How many times has the Master said: ‘Have faith in God. You believe in God, believe also in me!’ The Pope will be the first to carry out this command of the Lord, and to abandon himself—without anxiety or inappropriate worry—to the mysterious working of Jesus’ invisible yet certain assistance to His Church. This is not a sterile or passive waiting; it is a vigilant waiting in prayer. This is the condition Jesus Himself chose for us, so that He may act fully. Even the Pope needs to be helped by prayer.”—Pope Paul VI

Habemus Papam!

Cardinal Robert Prevost has become Pope Leo XIV. When his name was first announced, I was sure I had heard it wrong; I recognized the name but thought, “that’s an American; that can’t be right.” But it was—an American pope. I never would have thought an American would be chosen, either because American Catholicism doesn’t reflect Catholicism in the rest of the world, or because the cardinals would want to temper American dominant influence in the world. However, the cardinals have decided on an American (with strong ties in Peru), and I hope that he proves to be a wonderful leader.

Of course, I know almost nothing else about him beyond a wiki research; I tried to avoid the “most pope-able” articles and speculation. From first impressions, he seems to be very much in the line of Francis. He served for many years in Peru and has a strong affinity for reaching out to the marginalized. He has also worked in the curia and therefore is a familiar face in Rome and probably has good administrative skills in dealing with running the Vatican.

He was born in Chicago in 1955. (His two older brothers have noted that theirs was a White Sox family.) He is of French, Creole, Italian and Spanish descent. His father was a school superintendent, and his mother was a librarian. As a young man he joined the Augustinian order. He served for many years as a missionary and then bishop in Peru. Most recently, he has served as the prefect for the Dicastery of Bishops.

Taking the name Leo indicates that he, like the last Pope Leo, is concerned with the rights of workers and human dignity as well as being a witness to the faith in the face of modernity.

He speaks several languages. During his first speech and blessing yesterday, he spoke in Italian, Spanish, and Latin. At his first Mass as pope this morning, he gave his opening remarks in English and his homily in Italian.

In his homily, he said, “In a particular way, God has called me by your election to succeed the Prince of the Apostles, and has entrusted this treasure to me so that, with his help, I may be its faithful administrator (cf. 1 Cor 4:2) for the sake of the entire mystical Body of the Church. He has done so in order that she may be ever more fully a city set on a hill (cf. Rev 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world. And this, not so much through the magnificence of her structures or the grandeur of her buildings – like the monuments among which we find ourselves – but rather through the holiness of her members. For we are the people whom God has chosen as his own, so that we may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called us out of darkness into his marvellous light (cf. 1 Pet 2:9).”

Salve, Papa Leonem!

Awaiting a Pope (part 2)

Once the College of Cardinals has successfully elected a new pope, the pope-elect is asked if he assents to the election. He is free to say no and turn down the role, at which point, elections must continue. But usually, if a cardinal who will not accept starts getting votes, he will make his intentions known beforehand. If the pope-elect is not already a bishop, at this point he will be ordained (if a layman were selected, he would have to be ordained deacon, priest, and bishop). Each of the cardinals

Since 533, popes have taken regnal names different from their birth names. The pope-elect will declare his new name at this point. He then enters the Room of Tears, a small red room beside the chapel. He has a few moments to collect himself and change into pontifical robes. Up until John Paul I, new popes were crowned with the triregnum, the triple tiara, in a papal coronation. The last four popes have opted instead for a simpler inauguration ceremony.

The protodeacon of the College of Cardinals then appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s and declares “Habemus Papam! (We have a pope!)” and announces the cardinal’s given name followed by his new papal name. The new pope then emerges on the balcony and is greeted as pope for the first time.

The most recent popes have addressed the crowd at this time, giving a short speech and setting the tone for their papacy. The new pope then gives his first Urbi et Orbi blessing. Urbi et Orbi means "to the City [of Rome] and the World, and is a special papal blessing usually given at Christmas and Easter.

I, with the rest of the world, am excited to see who the new pope will be, what name he will take, and what his mission will be in guiding the Church through this current climate. I pray for a man dedicated to being a true pontiff, bridge-builder, one who is clear on theology and on the Church’s mission of drawing all to Christ through mercy, love, and hope. I also hope that I will be able to see this new pope at a papal audience when I am in Rome next month.

Awaiting a Pope (part 1)

Wednesday begins the conclave, one of the most interesting mechanisms of the Church. Conclave comes from the Latin “cum clave” meanings “with the key,” as the cardinals are locked in the Sistine Chapel, no one going in or out while they deliberate over and pray for a new pope.

The papal conclave is the oldest method of electing a head of state still in use in the present day. While it has certainly changed over time, the idea of the conclave is actually rooted in scripture, when the apostles got together and selected a new apostle, Matthias, to replace Judas. In early Christianity, bishops were often chosen by election of the clergy of that diocese.

In 1059, the College of Cardinals was designated as the electing body of the Bishop of Rome. In 1274 Pope Gregory X established the present system of the papal conclave in his papal bull Ubi periculum. It instructed that the cardinals be isolated in order to stem outside influences and to bring about speedier decisions (it had taken over three years for Gregory X to be elected). Subsequent popes didn’t enforce this rule, however, until Pope Boniface VIII made it canon law in 1298.

The conclave, compared to a normal election, shut off the cardinals from the outside world. This is intended to keep their minds on the spiritual task at hand and not the administrative or social obligations they otherwise have. The cardinals live together, dine together, and can only leave the conclave on account of illness.

The original provisions by Pope Gregory X included that cardinals were forbidden to engage in politics, bribery, or deal-making (unlikely to be enforced) and that if a pope is not been elected after three days, the cardinals are permitted only one dish at their meals; after eight days only bread, wine and water (I’m pretty sure this isn’t in the rules now, but if it is, it explains why the past few elections have been so swift).

Yesterday, the Religious Liberty Commission was established. You’ll have to forgive me for being distrusting of such a commission. While the current administration is demolishing programs that care for the poor and the environment, that make our food and bridges safer, that keep the country running, they somehow are ok spending money on this.

The stated purpose the commission is to provide a report on “the foundations of religious liberty in America, strategies to increase awareness of and celebrate America’s peaceful religious pluralism, current threats to religious liberty, and strategies to preserve and enhance protections for future generations.”

These are the same people who tried to block Muslims from entering the country, the same people who had pastors arrested just last week for praying in the Capitol rotunda. They follow a man who said he has never asked for forgiveness. I don’t believe they actually care about God, much less religious liberty, the freedom to practice one’s faith. They only care about using religious language to sugar-coat their political goals. They only want a performative faith that can sway the masses. They want to establish a state religion that is Christian in name and adornments only. Those pesky things like forgiveness, loving thy neighbor, and the beatitudes not needed.

“They say separation between church and state … I said, ‘All right, let’s forget about that for one time,’” he said yesterday. Their motives are clear. They have made it known that the Constitution does not matter to them; free speech and due process and voting rights just get in the way. To them freedom of religion means private Christian schools should get federal funding, megachurches should endorse candidates, and history should be rewritten to make us think it’s always been that way.

Jesus warned against such people: “All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi’ (Matthew 23:5-6).

"Christian communication – but I would also say communication in general – should be steeped in gentleness and closeness, like the talk of companions on the road. This was the method of the greatest communicator of all time, Jesus of Nazareth, who, as he walked alongside the two disciples of Emmaus, spoke with them and made their hearts burn within them as he interpreted events in the light of the Scriptures.

"I dream of a communication capable of making us fellow travelers, walking alongside our brothers and sisters and encouraging them to hope in these troubled times. A communication capable of speaking to the heart, arousing not passionate reactions of defensiveness and anger, but attitudes of openness and friendship. A communication capable of focusing on beauty and hope even in the midst of apparently desperate situations, and generating commitment, empathy and concern for others. A communication that can help us in 'recognizing the dignity of each human being, and in working together to care for our common home' (Dilexit Nos, 217)." - Pope Francis, 59th World Day of Social Communications, Jan. 24, 2025

Requiescat in pace, Papa Franciscus

Pope Francis passed away this morning. Although he had been very sick recently, spending more than six weeks in the hospital, he had seemed to be recovering, so I was surprised to learn of his passing. He seems to have saved the last of his energy to spend as much of Holy Week as possible with his people. He visited the prison in Rome on Holy Thursday, where he traditionally washed the feet of prisoners. He visited St. Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of Mary Major. He spoke to the crowd at St. Peter’s yesterday, Easter Sunday, delivering his Urbi et Orbi message before riding through the square in the popemobile. It was amazing seeing him suddenly so active, but I worried he was overdoing it. No, he knew exactly what he was doing.

He was born Jorge Bergoglio in Buenos Aires on Dec. 17, 1936. After recovering from a severe illness as a teenager (that left his lungs weakened), he joined the Jesuits in 1958. He was ordained a priest in 1969. He served as a novice director and a professor of theology. From 1973-1979 he served as the superior of the Jesuits in Argentina.

After his time as provincial superior he taught at the Facultades de Filosofía y Teología de San Miguel, the Jesuit seminary in Buenos Aires. After six years, he was asked to step down, as he did not reflect the modern trend of emphasizing social justice over direct pastoral work. He was known for being orthodox in his beliefs, and he rejected liberation theology, which was huge in Central and South America at the time. Because of this, he clashed with his Jesuit superiors.

In 1992 he became an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires. Jesuit authorities asked him to not live in Jesuit residences due do ongoing disagreements. Though he did not formally part from the Jesuits, from that point on, he focused on his role in the archdiocese. In 1998, he became the archbishop of Buenos Aires. As archbishop, he reformed a lot of the archdiocese and worked to increase the Church’s presence in the poorest neighborhoods. He was even known as “the slum bishop.” He lived in a small apartment and took public transport.

On reflecting on the Passion, my mind was brought to those who stayed through the very end. When the frenzy of the crowd and the spectacle of the violence waned, when the disciples scattered, when the sun began to dip, there were the handful of people who stayed: his mother Mary, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene, John, Joseph of Arimathea, perhaps a few others. A far cry from the hundreds jubilantly welcoming him into the city on Palm Sunday.

Staying at the foot of the cross is often depicted as a sign of great faith, deep devotion withstanding any hardship. But this year, I saw their staying at the cross not as a sign of faith but an act of love. Jesus was suffering, and there was nothing any of them could do. But could be there. When he made the effort to lift his head and look out, with sweat and blood stinging his eyes, he could see familiar faces looking back at him with love.

There is so much suffering that cannot be alleviated. When the sticky black cloud burrows in, or the body weakens, or disasters descend, sometimes the only thing anyone can do is be present. It feels so simple and, often, so useless. But it can make a big difference. Just sitting with someone as they struggle so they can know they aren't forgotten or abandoned can ease the burden. It's hard when you want to fix something and can't, want to find the right words but can't. Sometimes it would be easier to step away then to stay and feel so useless. But staying is a useful act. Let the suffering express their pain, hold them, pray for them, offer words of comfort if possible. The ministry of presence can be hard because it feels like doing nothing when you most want to.

I'm sure those at the foot of the cross wanting to save Jesus from the crucifixion; they wanted to clean his wounds or offer him water or strike the men who struck him. But they couldn't. All they could do was stay as close as they could, witness his suffering, endure it with him. It didn't change the amount of physical pain. But surely it comforted him some to know that he was loved, that his suffering was recognized, that not all turned away.

It's hard to be present when someone is suffering and it feels like there is nothing you can do. It is hard to be the one suffering and feeling like a burden to those you love. Suffering is, well, suffering. And sometimes there is no solution; we just have to endure it and see it through. And in those times, the ministry of presence is the only balm someone can offer. It is a great service. It is faithful devotion. It is love in action.

May we all have someone there in our moments of suffering. May we never be abandoned.

The Anointed

During Holy Week, every diocese celebrates the Chrism Mass, in which the bishop blesses and consecrates the sacred oils used in sacraments throughout the year.

The use of holy oil goes back before Christianity. In ancient Israel, priests and kings were anointed with oil in order to be set apart. Oil was also used to bless holy objects. This oil was a mix of myrrh, cinnamon, cassia, olive oil, and possibly calamus. “A smell pleasing to the Lord” indeed.

Olive oil was an important product to the Israelites; it was used not only in sacred ceremonies, but in everyday uses: it was a way to clean bodies, treat wounds, and fuel lamps. Olive oil was associated with health, knowledge, wealth, and joy. In religious settings, it represented the blessings of God.

Jacob anoints a stone pillar, marking the place of his vision of the ladder to heaven as a sacred place. Moses is given instructions for mixing holy oil for anointing. Samuel anointed David, marking him as the appointed future king of Israel.

At Jesus’ birth, the wise men bring myrrh and frankincense, resins used in incense and oils. After Jesus’ death, the women bring oil and spices to prepare his body.

In Christianity, anointing is offered to all, not just priests and kings. In fact, Christ means “anointed one,” so anointing is right at the heart of Christianity. We are all God’s children, and we are all called to be set apart from the world of stink and decay.

Monday Motivation: The Mercy of Holy Week

"Holy Week challenges us to step outside ourselves so as to attend to the needs of others: those who long for a sympathetic ear, those in need of comfort or help. We should not simply remain in our own secure world, that of the ninety-nine sheep who never strayed from the fold, but we should go out, with Christ, in search of the one lost sheep, however far it may have wandered." -Pope Francis

"What Our Lord did say on the cross was to forgive. Forgive your Pilates, who are too weak to defend your justice. Forgive your Herods, who are too sensual to perceive your spirituality. Forgive your Judases, who think worth is to be measured in terms of silver." -Bishop Fulton Sheen

St. Avitus of Vienne

Alcimus Ecdicius Avitus was born in Vienne, Gaul around 450. His father was the bishop of Vienne. At the time, episcopal honors were usually handed down through the family like noble titles. Around 490, Avitus was ordained the bishop of Vienne.

In 499, the Franks and Burgundians were at war. Vienne was taken by the Burgundians. Avitus was able to meet with both Gundobad of the Burgundians and Clovis of the Franks. Avitus seems to have had a skill for negotiating, because he also oversaw a conference between Catholic and Arian bishops at that time. Gundobad, being in the region, witnessed the bishops’ conference. Avitus and the Catholic bishops won over Gundobad and his son, Sigismund, who converted. Clovis also converted to Christianity. Avitus was known for working hard to unify fractions of the Church—Arian and Catholic, Eastern and Western.

Avitus was also a skilled writer. He wrote numerous letters and poems. His rhetoric was studied in schools in Gaul in the 4th and 5th centuries, and he is considered to be one of the influences on Milton. His letters provide rich source material for Merovingian history, including the accounts of the Burgundian and Frankish kings’ conversions.

St. Avitus died sometime between 517 and 519. His feast day is Feb. 5.

Annunciation

"Annunciation" by John Donne

That All, which always is all everywhere,
Which cannot sin, and yet all sins must bear,
Which cannot die, yet cannot choose but die,
Lo, faithful virgin, yields Himself to lie
In prison, in thy womb; and though He there
Can take no sin, nor thou give, yet He will wear,
Taken from thence, flesh, which death's force may try.
Ere by the spheres time was created, thou
Wast in His mind, who is thy Son and Brother;
Whom thou conceivst, conceived; yea thou art now
Thy Maker's maker, and thy Father's mother;
Thou hast light in dark, and shutst in little room,
Immensity cloistered in thy dear womb.
Salvation to all that will is nigh;

500: The Anabaptists

Introduction to 500 series

As Zwingli was bringing about radical reformation in Zurich, there was a group of reformers who believed he was not going far or fast enough.

Conrad Grebel had been a student at the Grossmünster. He then attended the University of Basel, University of Vienna, and University of Paris, though he never finished a degree. However, much like Zwingli, he was introduced to the humanist ideas of the day.

Felix Manz’s father was a canon at the Grossmünster. In 1521, he and Grebel met while both attending studies at the church led by Zwingli. The study group studied Greek, the Latin Bible, the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament. Zwingli believed strongly in comparing translations of the Bible to original texts to derive true interpretation.

When the city council debated abolishing the Mass and icons in 1523, the decision was to slowly fade out the practices rather than an outright rejection. They believed outright banning them would bring violent resistance, but that allowing Zwingli's ideas to flourish would naturally lead to the people rejecting Church practices. For the young radicals, this decision did not go far enough, nor such the civil city council be making religious decisions. The council was trying to appease the most people possible and avoid violent outbursts, but the radicals who had up until now followed Zwingli, felt that any appeasement was not following God. Fifteen men left Zwingli’s study group at that time and began their own study group.

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