Fr. John McCrone

Station Church - Monday, Februrary 28

2012-02-28T02:53:00.001-08:00

San Pietro in Vincoli. Saint Peter in Chains. This basilica in 109 by Theodora, a pious Roman lady, to house the chains which bound Saint Peter in the Mamertine prison. In 436, Eudocia, who husband was Theodocius II, Emperor of the East (408-450), sent the chains which bound Saint Peter in Jerusalem to her daughter, Euxodia Zicinia, in Rome. When Sixtus III (432-440) placed these two chains side by side, they miraculously united to form one chain. The chains are located in the confessio before the high altar for the faithful to venerate (see photo). Also under the altar are the remains of the seven Maccabee brothers (2 Macc 7). Also in this church is the famed Moses, sculpted by Michelangelo (1515), as part of a tomb for the famed Renaissance pope, Julius II, 1503-1513).

Week Four in Review

2012-02-24T23:08:00.001-08:00

Tour of Santa Croce & Basilica of St. John Lateran
The Theology of Preaching - Fr. Michael Monshau, OP
Ash Wednesday - Santa Sabina, First Stational Church
Normative & Axiological Ethics & Conscience Development
The Art of Reading the Bible for Preaching
Moral Theology & Intro into Biomedical Ethics

Church of Sts. John and Paul

2012-02-24T01:41:00.000-08:00

Santi Giovanni e Paulo. Saints John and Paul were officers of the Imperial Court in Constantinople but returned home to serve Julian "The Apostate" (emperor 331-363). They were asked to prove their fidelity to the empire by renouncing their God in favor of the deities of the State. They refused and were beheaded in their home on 26 June 362. A church was built over the site of their home in 398. It was rebuilt several times and is now one of the finest baroque churches in Rome and home to the Passionists. In fact, St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1755) is buried here. It was the titular church of Pius XII and New York Cardinals Spellman, Cooke, O'Connor, and now has Cardinal Egan as protector.

2012-02-23T01:17:00.000-08:00

Today's Station Church is San Giorgio in Velabro. The ancient church already existed in the 5th century. In the 7th century, it was dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the Roman soldier who was martyred by Diocletian (297-305). It was made a Station Church by Pope Gregory II (715-731). Pope Saint Zachary (741-752) brought the head of Saint George here and made him a co-patron of the church. The relic is now under the altar. Saint George, the famed "dragon slayer", like Saint Sebastian, was a soldier martyred during the Diocletian persecution (284-305). He died in Cappadocia (Turkey).

The fresco in the apse is of Christ in the center flanked by the Blessed Mother and Saint George on his right and Saints Peter and Sebastian on his left. The Church was once under the patronage of Cardinal Newman. It was bombed in 1993 by the Mafia after the Holy Father spoke out against them. It was then restored.

And so it begins ....

2012-02-23T01:08:00.000-08:00

Each year, the North American College follows the ancient tradition of the Roman stational liturgy. From as early as the third century, the Church of Rome observed the season of Lent by journeying each day while singing the litanies of the Saints to a "Station Church" or one of the ancient and prominent churches of Rome. Here the Bishop of Rome, the Holy Father, would lead the people in prayer as they honored the eary martyrs of Rome. The relics of the saints are exposed on this day and the Mass is celebrated. It is a pilgrimage of faith, a symbol of unity, and an incentive for us all to adhere more fully to the Gospel.

In the sixth century, Pope Gregory the Great designated it as a Lenten practice. Unfortunately, the custom ceased during the Avignon papacy in 1305 but interest was revived by Saint Leo XIII at the turn of the 20th century. Blessed John XXIII fully restored the custom in 1959 and it continues to this day.The tradition started in order to strengthen the sense of community within the Church in Rome, as this system meant that the Holy Father would visit each part of the city and celebrate Mass with the congregation.

We began Lent at the Church of St. Sabina. Today, from the earliest times, the Mass is celebrated in the Church of Santa Sabina, "The gem of the Aventine", and home of the Dominicans. Santa Sabina was one of a group of martyrs who shed her blood for our faith during the Vesparian persecutions (69-79).

At 5:00 in the evening on Ash Wednesday, the Holy Father will came to open Lent with Mass. I was able to secure an admission ticket for this event. In a very simple and prayerful liturgy, he reminded us all that the journey of Lent is really a journey to the Lord.

And so it begins ....

2012-02-20T04:07:00.001-08:00

Our day began with a trip to Santa Croce (the church of the Holy Cross) and then to the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

Church historians of the 4th and 5th centuries record that while visiting Jerusalem, Helena, the mother of Constantine, who died in 326, found on Calvary the wood of the cross on which Christ was crucified. It was discovered while work was in progress on constructing the two basilicas at Calvary. Helena left part of the cross in Jerusalem, sent part of it to Constantinople, and took the rest to Rome, with other relics of the Passion, as well as some earth from Calvary. These relics were buried for over 1000 years in the wall of the chapel dedicated to St. Helena and later transferred to the chapel where they are now venerated. In 1997, they were again transferred to the marble tabernacle which is now on the altar of the side chapel.

It was then a short bus ride to the Church of St. John Lateran. This church is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and where the Pope presides when he is functioning as the bishop of his Diocese. The full name of the church is: The Basilica of Jesus the Savior, St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. The facade is a 16th Century addition to a front that had been only brick for centuries. This church, like many other early churches has been rebuilt a few times. This one is important because it is the very first building to be built specifically for the worship by the Christians. Built by the emperor Constantine in the 4th Century, the church that we see today stands on the exact spot and with the exact dimensions of Constantine's first basilica.
Our first part of the visit was to the Baptistery which is a detached building, as are a great many baptisteries in Europe. This Baptistery was built on the sight of a praetorium of the Roman army. You may recognize that word from the reading of the passion of Jesus in the Gospels on Palm Sunday. The praetorium was essentially the barracks of the soldiers. Part of the barracks usually included a bath house so the soldiers would not be with the general public in the many baths around the city. The Baptistry of the cathedral is built directly over the soldier's bathouse - most likely because it had a readily available source of water.

A Quick Summary thus far

2012-02-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe, but we have been here three weeks already ....

Week 1 -

Orientation & Introductions

St. Peter's Basilica: Vespers for the World Day for Consecrated Life (Thursday)

Apostolic Blessing (Thursday)

Mass at the tomb of St. Peter (Friday)

Tour of some of the major landmarks of Rome (Saturday)

Sunday Mass with Seminarians at North American College (Sunday)

Week 2 -

The Priests and the Liturgy: An Update by Rev James Moroney

Preaching the Lectionary by Rev. Craig Morrison, O.Carm

Christian Art & Architecture: Elizabeth Lev

Guided Tour of the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

Week 3 -

Fr John Fuellenbach, SVD - Following the Lord: Discipleship

Holy Hour

Fr John Fuellenbach, SVD - Jesus's Central Message: Kingdom of God

General Audience with Pope Benedict XVI

Fr. Craig Morrison, O. Carm. - The Art of of Reading the Bible

The New Cardinals

Consistory

2012-02-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

I am realizing how difficult it is to blog while in Rome. Yes, the internet connection is slow, and it is certainly not because of nothing to say! Rather, it is like trying to tell a child to come in from the playground to do homework. There is so much to see ... so much to experience and so much to take it that it becomes difficult to leave it and sit at a computer an update a blog.

Yesterday, was the consistory ... the creation of the new cardinals of the church. We were given tickets to admit us to the Vatican, but warned that in true Roman style over 25,000 tickets were issued for the less than 7000 seats inside St. Peter's. Several of us walked down to St. Peter's Square, but opted to stay outside in the sun and watch the proceedings on the jumbotrons set up. (We found out later that we really did have the best seats in the house; men from the house got into St. Peter's and saw nothing!)

The ceremony is brief: after the arrival of the Holy Father and an opening prayer and scripture, each of the new cardinals approach him and receive the new baretta, ring and scroll. There local Roman church is also announced following the tradition that now the cardinals are priests of the Diocese of Rome and therefore need a 'home' church.

The unique thing is that the Square really was an extension of the church ... quiet, prayerful and applause when a particular cardinal was introduced.

Following the ceremony, the North American College (our home here) held a reception for Cardinal Dolan and Cardinal O'Brien (each former rectors of the NAC.) Thousands of people attended. We had a chance to see each of the newly created cardinals, but the lines to greet them went on forever.

Then, according to custom, the papal palace is open to the public and folks are welcome to greet them. To be honest, most of us went to see the rooms of the palace that are not usually open to the public. Again, hundreds of folks filled the hallways and rooms. All in all, a unique and special experience.

A quiet dinner ended the day.

Barcelona

2012-02-13T22:33:00.000-08:00

Having had enough of the snow and cold, I took advantage of the inexpensive airfares and hotels to visit Barcelona, along with some of the others here at the PNAC.

It is a wonderful city, easy to get around, clean, neat and very friendly. Our hotel was in the heart of things, and after a half day bus tour, we discovered many places at which we wanted to spend more time...too many places and too much time.

One major attraction was the Sagarda Familia. La Sagrada Família was begun on 19 March 1882 from a project by the diocesan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar (1828-1901). At the end of 1883 Antoni Gaudí was commissioned to carry on the works, a task which he did not abandon until his death in 1926. Since then different architects have continued the work after his original idea.

The building is in the centre of Barcelona, and over the years it has become one of the most universal signs of identity of the city and the country. It is visited by millions of people every year and many more study its architectural and religious content.

I am not sure how to begin to describe the church, its artwork or its symbolism. I hope the pictures help. If you visit the website, you can see some profession pictures of this artistic wonder.

2000+ Years in a few hours

2012-02-13T13:01:00.000-08:00

On Friday, February 10, our schedule includeda tour of the Vatican Museums. We met our guide, Liz Lev at the main entranceof the Vatican Museums (Plural, because there about a dozen museums at theVatican.) I have visited these museums on several occasions but I have neverexperienced them like I did today.

Our tour guide with the Dome of St. Peter's in the back.

Liz introduced our tour by saying that notonly is this one of the premier collections of human genius in the world, butthat the various museums and their exhibits are arranged so that the message ofthe gospel becomes evident. After going through the security, obtaining grouptickets and the closed circuit headsets so that Liz could address our groupprivately, we gathered on a terrace with one of the most striking views of thedome of St. Peter's.

The dome is visible rising out of the gardens.It is one of the few places where the entire dome is visible, including thedrum, that cylindrical portion below the actual curved dome which is hiddenfrom view in St. Peter's square because of the extension forward of the nave by200%. For Michelangelo who always thought in terms of the human form, even inarchitecture, saw his dome as the head rising above the shoulders of thebasilica. In the basilica are the statues of the saints, depictions of thehuman elements of the church, and burial vaults of all those awaiting theresurrection. In the dome are the angels, the blue sky, and the light radiatingdown to enlighten the world in its quest to reach that eternal life promised bythe God incarnate.

The series of museums are arranged for onepurpose: to get us into the summit of all Christian Art; the Sistine Chapel.And so we begin with pagan pre-Christian art. People have asked why would thechurch preserve art from a culture that was trying to eradicate the faith. Asthe curator of the Ancient Christian Museum told us as he happened to walk by,(Liz snagged him. It was a real treat.) The church wants us to see what it wasthat we triumphed over. And so above, in the Pre-Christian Museum, these aremosaics of the floor taken from the baths of Caracala. These ruins show a hugecomplex of baths with both hot and cold running water and pools where wealthyRomans wold go every day. It was for bathing, exercise, gymnastics, everythingwas designed to glorify the human body alone as the summit of creation. Humanperfection was achievable by the perfection of the body. So these figures aresuper muscular, super human. The goal was to achieve the perfection of thegods. Humans who looked like the ideal of the gods was the achievements oflife.

Liz began by explaining to us what this artwould have meant to the ancient people through modern times. This art and theseimages would have had an impact on them not unlike the impact of television,cinema, and now the internet has in our culture. Art was information,education, political propaganda, news, and it defined social structures andorder. It was not exclusive, because most of it was public. It was on displayin public buildings and open spaces, on facades of buildings. There wereprivate collections, but for the most part, art was accessible to the averageperson who would have been moved, excited, terrified, warned, and would havelearned religion, culture, and stories of one's world. It is difficult for usto comprehend how much impact a single piece of art would have because we areinundated with images and media every day. We take it for granted. But a newwork of art could take decades and people would wait expectantly for anunveiling, and if it was good art, it would move them and change them. A singlework of art could change the course of history. This was the nature ofChristian art particularly. For greats like Michelangelo, it was all abouttelling a story of faith.

After visiting the pre-Christian Museum, weget a chance to visit the early Christian Museum. The earliest Christian art ismostly in the catacombs, wall frescoes, burial plaques, and especially thesarcophagi. These relics tell us that there were very wealthy early Christiansburied alongside the poor who did not have the elaborate tombs. The firstChristian art was in the form of symbols - fish, ship, lamp, the acronym inGreek spelling the Name of Christ. These symbols told stories. But later thecarvings in the catacombs and the sarcophagi tell the complete story ofsalvation. This is the pat of the tour that was totally new for me. It wascurious that there was no evidence of a cross on any of the examples of earlyChristian art. The early Christians were horrified by this instrument oftorture and death. Again it was not until the persecutions ended andChristianity decriminalized that the cross began to take on a new meaning forthe church. Then, Christian art would begin to evolve. We need to remember thatuntil 321AD when it was still a capital offense to be a Christian, mostChristian art was funerary. After the legalization of Christianity, the artbegins to change dramatically to include images of salvation which were huge bycomparison. Now Christian art could be displayed publicly and the scale beginsto grow dramatically.

Art work on tomb

You have to read the two levels simultaneously. It is the entire story of salvation. In the upper left hand is the depiction of the Trinity. (and remember, this is 220 years before the council of the church which defined the Trinity in our creed.) The three figures to the upper left are the Spirit, Father, and Son. The Son's hands are on two children, representing creation. Next three figures are Adam and Eve, with God between them instructing them not to take from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The serpent and the tree are visible next to Eve. On the lower level is Joseph, barely visible behind seated Mary, holding the infant Jesus. Coming to them are the wise men. The first one is pointing not to 1 star, but 3 stars, not visible in this photo. Each star is directly below one of the persons of the Trinity. These are the wise and learned people who are seeking the truth in this child and the Trinity. The naked figure in the lower center is Daniel coming out of the lion's den. This is a powerful figure for these early Christians, many of whom had seen their fellow Christians thrown to the lions themselves. Survival from the lions was a powerful force and a sign of hope in the faith life of these early Christians. Next to the scene of Daniel, are scenes of stories in Jesus' life: Jesus welcomes the child, on the upper level, the miracle at Cana, and below, the denial of Peter, (see the rooster on the ground), and Jesus' arrest. Remember many early Christians were being arrested as Jesus was. This was seen as a sharing in the suffering of Jesus that would win them the crown in heaven. The large medalion in the center is probably the images of the couple who were buried in this tomb.

The finely crafted carving is the beginning of Christian art as it would evolve. We need to remember that until 321 AD when it was still a capital offense to be a Christian, most Christian art was funerary. After the legalization of Christianity, the art begins to change dramatically to include images of salvation which were huge by comparison. Now Christian art could be displayed publicly and the scale begins to grow dramatically.

One of the favorite stories of theearly Christians in Jonah. It was understood as a prefiguration of the passion,death, and resurrection of Jesus. It was stories like this one that gave theearly christians hope in the resurrection, not the cross as we know it today.The following sarcophagus is a magnificent telling of the Jonah story for thisperson buried in the hope of rising again. I decided to photograph it in threesections. It will be clearer to view and there are actually three scenesdepicted here.

Jonah is thrown overboard because he tells thecrew he is running away from his God. They blame him for the storm thatthreatens to destroy them all. The head of the fish is ready to swallow him.

The figure of the fish is now turned aroundand is spewing out Jonah onto the land. You can see only the upper half ofJonah's body coming out of the mouth of the fish, his lower body is still inthe fish's mouth.

Jonah is lying under the fig tree whitcheventually withers and forces him to do as God asks of him. In the sand, youcan see a crab, and a snail on the beach. Also there are two scenes; one of aman and boy fishing, and a shepherd with his flock to serve as a precursor toJesus' ministry and his call to his disciples as shepehrds and fishers of men.

The tour continues for another 2 hoursbefore we finally got to the Sistine Chapel. There are no pictures becausephotographing in the Sistine Chapel is forbidden. Flash and frescoes do notmix.

What you ought to do, as I try to recall some of her descriptions of theceiling and the last judgment, is to Google an image of the Sistine Chapel totry to understand it.

Michelangelo was not trained as a painter, he was a sculptor. He thought inthree dimensions. He thought always the human body. He was fascinated by whathe considered to be the epitome of God's creation. And unlike what many thinkthat his obsession with the human figure was some kind of "Freudianthing", as Liz called it, Michelangelo believed that portraying the humanbody was to glorify God. His figures in both the ceiling and in the LastJudgment are sculptural in vision and in form. The ceiling tells a story. Thisis a first in the history of art. Until now, ceilings were to finish a room,blue sky, stars, and an occasional medallion in the center, or corners, surroundedby architectural shapes as frames. No one had ever attempted to tell a story onthe ceiling. The original commission was to paint portraits of the 12 apostles.Michelangelo came back with another proposal - to tell the story of Creation inGenesis. He was able to convince the pope that he could do it. Oh by the way,Michelangelo did not paint the ceiling lying on his back; he stood through thewhole thing. He wrote a sonnet describing his technique, and even supplied adrawing of himself doing the work while standing.

The days of creation begin with God being an almost opaque figure, as hecreates the light, the sun, stars, and separates the sea from the land. Now ashe creates the man, God is seen in full detail. In the very center of the roomis the fall from grace. The scenes continue through the prophets who wouldforetell the coming mystery of the incarnation. These all come down the centeraxis of the room. Then is the story of Noah, Abraham and Isaac. The prophetZechariah, who tells of the God who will enter our life once and for all, sendsthe eye back towards the front of the room with the prophets and the gentilesibyls until we come to the last of the prophets portrayed - our friend Jonahagain.

This leads our eyes back to the Last Judgment. In this masterpiece, there isvirtually no landscape, no architecture, no animals, only 421 human bodiesengaged in the struggle towards salvation, and some to eternal damnation.

I have seen the before and after of the 10 year restoration of this chapel. Thestories that have come from the new view of this work are remarkable. Lizmentioned one today. In the center of the image, there are two figures beingpulled up into heaven as they are grasping on to a rosary. It was alwaysthought before the restoration that these figures are a male and female. As itturns out, they are men, one white, and the other black. We are talking mid16th century when slavery was just getting into high gear in the Americas.Another detail, is St. Bartholomew who was martyred by being skinned alive, isholding his skin. But Michelangelo put a caricature of his own face on theskin. Also, one of the Vatican Cardinals hated this work and demanded that itbe covered over and repainted. Michelangelo painted his face on the person at thelowest point in hell at the lower right hand corner. He added donkey ears forspecial effect. The pope must have really disliked this cardinal because hedeclared that it should stay.

I don't have the space, the time, or frankly the memory to tell you more ofthese stories. I'm sure I'll think of them as I go on. I just think this one issignificant enough to give you a good idea of not just the Michelangelo’sgenius, but of his spiritual and social consciousness, his humility and hissense of humor.

Mea Culpa

2012-02-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

I know I have not been keeping up with the blog; but I will get at least one new entry tonight from our trip to the Vatican Museums.

A Very Unusual Snow Day in Rome

2012-02-04T05:31:00.001-08:00

Vatican's answer to Rockefeller Center

Out the window of my room

From the Window of the TV Room

This and That

2012-02-01T07:26:00.000-08:00

Today was what could be considered the first full day of orientation. We began with Mass this morning celebrated by the Vice Rector of the NAC, followed by our first 'house meeting' which reminded us all how to live in a group. Following, we got a tour of the main seminary building, which also included an opportunity to exchange money (finally!) and open our house account. Prior to lunch, we had a reception with the seminary faculty.
Following lunch, we have our daily siesta break, which does not necessarily mean nap time. It is a good chance to review the morning's information and prepare for the afternoon sessions. Today we will meet with a few more of the administration for some guidance on how the NAC runs as well as the Sisters who run the Bishop's Office for US Visitors in Rome.

One of the great joys thus far is to be with men from throughout the United States, as well as England, Canada and Australia. And lunch meals, taken at the main building, afford the opportunity to meet seminarians (or newly ordained priests completing their studies) again from various (arch)dioceses throughout the United States. Again, they have all be most welcoming and helpful.

Arrived

2012-01-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the Eternal City!

I arrived last Friday after a very smooth and comfortable flight.

I spent the weekend with a Vincentian priest friend of mine, Fr. John Maher at their headquarters a few miles outside of center city Rome. It is their international headquarters and priests and brothers from many countries live there. So many countries and backgrounds, not to mention languages, and one could still feel the spirit of hospitality and welcome. They made me feel very welcome.

During the days, I got a good overview of the city of Rome, not to mention learning the bus and metro (subway) system. You really can get anywhere in Rome without a car. We spent some time visiting some of the churches, the ruins and just walking the streets of the Vatican and surrounding areas.

The Interior of
St. Susanna's

Sunday morning we went to worship at the Church of St.Susanna, which is the American church in Rome, run by the Paulists. Santa Susanna's Church is a beautiful and historic place of worship, whose every feature is steeped in the history, art, and architecture of the Christian faith as it has been lived over the centuries in Rome. After the few days here, it was nice to be in an environment where English was the primary language. Their answer to our bagels after mass is to have coffee and cornet pastries. And then a tour of the church ... I am sure the first of many tours in many churches.

Today (Monday) I moved into my room at Casa O'Toole at the North American College overlooking the Vatican. (I have to find out the history of Casa O'Toole in the middle of Rome.) The program is run by a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, who greeted me (and a few other early arrivals.) The majority of the men arrive tomorrow and we begin with Mass at 6pm, followed by dinner. Wednesday morning, we hit the ground running at 8am.

Am I Getting Excited Yet?

2011-12-26T12:49:00.000-08:00

A rather frequent question asked of me since I first announced my sabbatical last May is “Are you getting excited?” Most are surprised by my answer – but find that they completely understand my rationale.

I equated the last few months to be a lot like the last semester of one’s academic career (which is often about four months). Should one contract a serious case of senioritus early in that final semester, it’s quite possible that they’ll do poorly in classes – and, perhaps, fall short of the requisite credits to graduate. But, if one remains focused on ones studies throughout that final semester, the celebration at its completion is well-earned and deserved.

While the above analogy limps, it does convey the point that I’ve found it vitally important to remain focused on ministry to, and the needs of, the people of OLL. Since May I’ve been whittling away at a lengthy “to-do” list … preparing for things that will take place while I’m on sabbatical. One of the biggest tasks over the last several months has been remembering the things -- in addition to priestly responsibilities -- that would be helpful for the staff, Fr. Grace and Msgr. McDade and Fr. Prachar (who will be the temporary administrator) to know.

At times, I think it can be a bit overwhelming. I’m sure I’ve omitted many things that should have been included – but that’s where the staff and you the parishioner come into play. I have every confidence that you will all “chip in” and step up to help them during the three months that I’ll be studying abroad.

Now that I’m down to a month until my departure, “YES, I am getting excited!” With most of the parish needs tended to, I have a lot of personal stuff to accomplish before my flight from Newark on January 26. In addition to some serious packing (twelve weeks worth of stuff into one-or-two 50-pound-or-less suitcases could be a challenge) I’ll be trying to tie up any loose ends. Your understanding is appreciated if I’m not able to fit in that “last minute appointment” or return a phone call.

Course of Study and Activites

2011-12-14T16:22:00.000-08:00

A number of folks have been asking how we will be spending our time...what is invloved... what will we be studying while on Sabbatical. Today, we received a summary of the schedule for my time in Rome. Here it is.

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1 - 5
· Welcome to NAC
· Rector's Welcome
· Vice-Rector's Welcome
· Building Tour
· Liturgy Introduction
· Director's Welcome
· Self-Introductions / Happy Hour
· Morning of Recollection
· Travel Agent's presentation
· Mass at the Altar of the Tomb of St. Peter
· Computer Technician Presentation
· Friday evening: optional "hot chocolate" walk
· Saturday optional Walking TOUR of the Roman Forum

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 6-12

· The Priest and the Liturgy: An Update: James Moroney (VOX CLARA / Former USCCB Secretariat for the Liturgy)
· Preaching the Lectionary: Craig Morrison, O.Carm. (Pontifical Biblical Institute)
· Christian Art and Architecture: Elizabeth Lev (Duquesne and John Cabot University / Tour Guide)
· TOUR of Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13 -19
· Following the Lord: John Fuellenbach, SVD (Pontifical Gregorian University / International Lecturer)
· Kingdom Theology: John Fuellenbach, SVD (Pontifical Gregorian University / International Lecturer)
· Preaching the Lectionary: Craig Morrison, O.Carm. (Pontifical Biblical Institute)

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 20 - 26
· Homiletics: Michael Monshau, OP (Angelicum University)
· From Moral Theology to Ethics: Mark Attard, O Carm. (Gregorian, Teresianum, Regina Mundi, Augustinianum)
· Christian Art & Architecture: Elizabeth Lev (Duquesne & John Cabot University / Tour Guide)
· TOUR of Santa Croce and the Basilica of St. John Lateran
· Liturgy & Renewal of Baptismal Promises at St. John Lateran
· Tour of the Baptistery and Basilica

· ASH WEDNESDAY • Mass at Santa Sabina, First Stational Church

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 4

· Christian Art and Architecture: Elizabeth Lev (Duquesne & John Cabot University / Tour Guide)
· Biomedical Ethics: Mark Attard, O Carm. (Gregorian, Teresianum, Regina Mundi, Augustinianum)
· Dialogue with Unbelievers: Michael Paul Gallagher, S.J. (Pontifical Gregorian University)
· Liturgy at Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
· TOUR of St. Paul's Basilica
· TOUR of the Catacombs of Santa Priscilla followed by Liturgy

WEEK OF MARCH 5 - 12

· Pauline Theology: Scott Brodeur, S.J. (Pontifical Gregorian University)

WEEK OF MARCH 19 - 25
· Women Doctors of the Church: Donna Orsuto, STD (Gregorian University, Angelicum, Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas)
· Sacred Ministry & Ordination: James Puglisi, SA (S. Anselmo, Director of Centro Pro Unione)
· Canon Law: Robert Geisinger, S.J. (Pontifical Gregorian University)
· NAC Graduate House: Casa Santa Maria

WEEK OF MARCH 26 - APRIL 1

· Saints: Robert Sarno, Congregation for the Cause of Saints - Vatican
· Law of Grace: Wojciech Giertych, O.P. Theologian of the Papal Household
· General Audience with Pope Benedict XVI

· SUNDAY, April 1 • PALM SUNDAY MASS in St. Peter's Square

WEEK OF APRIL 2 - 8
· Visit the Swiss Guards' Barracks
· TOUR of the Vatican Gardens
· Seven Church Walk

· HOLY THURSDAY, April 5 • Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica
· HOLY THURSDAY, April 5 • Mass of the Lord's Supper -' St. John Lateran's Basilica

· GOOD FRIDAY, April 6 • Celebration of the Lord's Passion - St. Peter's Basilica
· GOOD FRIDAY, April 6 • Stations of the Cross - Coliseum

· HOLY SATURDAY, April 7 • Easter Vigil Mass - St. Peter's Basilica

· EASTER SUNDAY, April 8 • Papal Mass - St. Peter's Square
· EASTER SUNDAY, April 8 • URBI ET ORBI BLESSING - St. Peter's Square

WEEK OF APRIL 9 - 15
· Monday-Friday, April 9-13 • ASSISI RETREAT EXPERIENCE
Retreat Master: John Harris, OP (Seminary Professor in Dublin)

· Liturgy at the Church of San Paolo at Tre Fontane
· Visit the Sanctuary of "Divino Amore"
· Visit "Fosse Ardeatine", The World War II site and Basilica of San Sebastiana
· "Arrivederci" Banquet at Cecilia Metella Restaurant

APRIL 16 - 17 · Mass with the Rector
· Closing Reception and Good-Bye-Toasts

· TUESDAY, April 17 • Program Ends

The Word is Out

2011-09-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

The announcement to the parish community was made this weekend. It was a good weekend to do it: folks are back from various vacations and school is up and running. And, the rumormill was working overtime !

In addition, our parish school was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the US Department of Education. So, it is a weekend for celebration all around.

Spoke this week with the Director of Continuing Education and Formation who assured me everything was all set. Need to submit a budget for miscellaneous expenses above the cost of room and board.

It will probably take four months to get ready to go away for four months !

Here is a link to the video that the Institute has produced which explains some of the sabbatical.

Getting Ready ....

2011-07-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

Even though it is six months away, I can begin to feel the excitement as more and more family, friends and parishioners find out about my upcoming sabbatical.

My plan is to make an announcement to the parish in the Fall, after the exodus ends and folks come back for the diaspora.