Compleanno....

Thanks to all who offered birthday wishes. Friday evening was first filled with classes which ended around 7PM and then the night quickly turned 180 degrees with dinner with priest friends at Ristorante Orazio. On Sunday I traveled out to the Holy Cross Generalate with a Notre Dame undergrad, Karlo Leonor, who this Fall will formally enter the Old College program during his senior year at Notre Dame. It was good to see the other Holy Cross priests and brothers and was surprised to see Fr. Rob Moss, CSC who having wrapped up the year as rector of Fisher Hall is visiting his friend and Superior General, Fr. Hugh Cleary, CSC.

But Pentecost did not end quietly. The last evening of the Easter Season was spent at the Villa Stritch, home to American priests who work in various curial offices of the Vatican. We were all joined by Prof. John O'Callaghan who is a visiting lecturer at Santa Croce University here in Rome for the month of May and by Fr. Kevin Flannery, S.J. who teaches philosophy at the Gregorian University.

My birthday itself involved a lazy morning, some good work in the library during the afternoon and then a fun dinner near the house. Here's a photo to serve as evidence of a birthday well celebrated.And so this week marks the end of coursework for the semester followed by two weeks of exams. Now is the harried time here in Rome with exams, defenses, packing and departures - some for the summer, others permanently. Summer lingers, still out of our grasp. Soon, though. Soon.

Come, Holy Spirit!

On this Solemn Feast of Pentecost, may we have great trust in the words of Christ who promised, "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you".

Some music from the Christian community of Taize, France:

Report from Rome...

Rome Reports recently reported on the upcoming canonization of Blessed Bro. Andre Bessette, CSC.

In truth, the times in which we live demand a new missionary vigour on the part of Christians, who are called to form a mature laity, identified with the Church and sensitive to the complex transformations taking place in our world. Authentic witnesses to Jesus Christ are needed, above all in those human situations where the silence of the faith is most widely and deeply felt: among politicians, intellectuals, communications professionals who profess and who promote a monocultural ideal, with disdain for the religious and contemplative dimension of life. In such circles are found some believers who are ashamed of their beliefs and who even give a helping hand to this type of secularism, which builds barriers before Christian inspiration. And yet, dear brothers, may all those who defend the faith in these situations, with courage, with a vigorous Catholic outlook and in fidelity to the magisterium, continue to receive your help and your insightful encouragement in order to live out, as faithful lay men and women, their Christian freedom.
---- Pope Benedict XVI, May 13, 2010

A Good Read...

"VATICAN CITY, 10 MAY 2010 (VIS) - "The definitive text of the second volume of the book 'Jesus of Nazareth' by His Holiness Benedict XVI was recently consigned to the publishers entrusted with its publication", says a note released today by the Holy See Press Office.

"This second volume is dedicated to the Passion and the Resurrection, and starts where the first volume finished", says the note."

If you have not yet read volume 1, I would recommend you do so, perhaps over the summer. It is a beautifully written text. Volume 2 promises to be well received and equally edifying.

Swiss Guards 2010

This past Thursday, May 6, 2010 was the 483rd anniversary marking the death of 42 Pontifical Swiss Guards who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the life of Pope Clement VII on May 6, 1527 when Rome was being sacked by the armies of Charles V. Founded 504 years ago, the Swiss Guards to this day serve to protect and police Vatican City State and to defend even to death the life of the Holy Father and the College of Cardinals during the absence of a pope.

And so, each year on May 6th the new recruits are sworn in. Recruits, among other requirements, must be Swiss nationals, Catholic and male. Thanks to the generosity of a priest friend five of us were able to attend. Unfortunately the impressive ceremony was held indoors due to threatening rainy weather but this decision wasn't entirely disappointing since the Paul VI Hall provided ample seating.The ceremony lasted for over an hour and involved the use of the Italian, French and German languages. After solemnly marching in the guard stood post on the main platform. At that point the comandante reviewed the troops and a (lengthy) reflection was given by the monsignor chaplain. Finally, the actual oath of the guard was proclaimed and then individually each new recruit marched to the flag where he touched the flag with his left hand and raised his right hand with three fingers extended, representing the Holy Trinity.
The young recruits belted out their oath with an impressive vigor and dedication. It was truly impressive, though even more so when it was said aloud in German, not French. Afterward, the band performed a few pieces to the delight of the audience which included the president of the Swiss Federation and other high level dignitaries, both national and ecclesial.

Happy Mother's Day...

On this Sixth Sunday of the Easter Season, a "Happy Mother's Day", especially to my own mother, Judy. How she labored with us kids! I am grateful for her dedicated love and her model of a rich life of faith.

And to all the other wonderful moms I know, may this day be a happy day for you all as well. What a beautiful vocation you have! What tremendous influence and direction you provide for those entrusted to your care.