NSTAURARE
The Christendom College Update Instaurare (vt. to restore, strengthen, renew)
April 2005 Volume XIII, Number I
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
High School Summer Program page 3
O’Donnell Meets with Pope page 5
Christendom for Life page 6
Remembering a True Man of the Church – page 2
Christendom’s Ginski in Missionary Spirit – page 4 Library Obtains Rare Chestertonia – page 5 Christendom Grads Choose the Law – page 6 Fr. James Schall Discusses Liberal Learning – page 7
Christendom Gearing Up For Exciting Summer Programs College Eager to Welcome Sen. Brownback, Fr. Groeschel, and Fr. Pacwa to Campus
C
Christendom College hosts a number of popular summer programs for Catholics of all ages every year. The bucolic riverside campus with its comfortable accommodations and modern but pleasing facilities provides a perfect milieu for the study, prayer, and recreation essential to Christian academic community life. These, combined with the quality of the students and the nobility of their pursuit, draw eminent public figures and teachers of the faithful to the campus. This year’s programs and the roster of speakers, teachers, and honorees are impressive.
Next on the calendar is the Notre Dame Graduate School Summer Program, scheduled for June 20 to July 29. For six weeks students from across the country will study, pray, and socialize together on the College’s Front Royal
four of these summer sessions. The program’s content – there are concentrations in moral theology, systematic theology, and catechetics – and flexibility attract many actual or aspiring Directors of Religious Education, catechists, Catholic school teachers, and religious to the Shenandoah Valley every summer.
The campus will be bustling in June and July as the annual High School Summer Program’s two sessions also are underway. Interest in this program has been so high that the Admissions Office this year has limited enrollment to rising high school seniors. The two-week session gives the participants a Beginning the exciting summer glimpse of what student life is season is Graduation Weekend, like at an authentic Catholic May 13-15. Senator Sam College; they are immersed Brownback (R-KS) and Fr. in a Catholic atmosphere where Benedict Groeschel will fun, friendship, culture, and acabe honored at Commencedemics are seamlessly inter-woven, and ment Exercises for their work and achievements EWTN’s Fr. Mitch Pacwa, US Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), and Fr. Benedict Groeschel coming to Christendom. they emerge having reaped enormous benefits from the experience. and will speak to students campus. The graduate school offers a Master of Arts and their families and friends. see SUMMER, page 3 degree in Theological Studies that can be completed in
Anonymous Donors Give Christendom $1.5 Million in Charitable Gift Annuities
E
Each year since its founding in 1977, Christendom has depended on the generosity of donors to provide funding beyond what tuition revenues supply. These funds support the College’s outstanding educational programs, help to maintain the campus, and grow the endowment, so necessary for any college’s financial health. Month after month, year after year, faithful friends of the College have donated millions of dollars in this effort. Although the amount of money necessary for Christendom’s work has increased with the years, the College has been able to attract more donors who are interested in investing in both the present and future.
Two recent gifts stand out. Early last Fall, Christendom received a charitable gift annuity in the amount of $1 million. Recently, the College received a second donation in the amount of $568,000 through the same fund. These two gifts represent a new chapter in the brief history of Christendom’s gift annuity program and have given cause to highlight the program in this issue of Instaurare. In doing so, it will be shown that the gift annuity program’s growth reflects national economic trends and how the program fits into the long term planning at the College. see CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY, page 7
Christendom College 134 Christendom Drive Front Royal, VA 22630
Return Service Requested
Vice President for Development John Ciskanik with donors Mr. and Mrs. MJ Velasco at a recent fundraising event.
Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 6445 Merrifield, VA 22081
2
I
INSTAURARE, April 2005
Jan Pieter Cardinal Schotte, Requiescat in Pace
I would like to tell you about a great friend of Christendom who recently passed away. Jan Pieter Cardinal Schotte, CICM, was a Belgian and came from a large Catholic family. The Faith was very deep in him. One might even say that it was in his very bones. He had an intense love for the Church, the Bride of Christ, and a fierce loyalty to the Holy Father. If you wanted to see Cardinal Schotte get angry just try criticizing the Holy Father! He was fluent in at least eight languages, including Chinese, and was also a great Latinist. Cardinal Schotte wanted more than anything else to be a missionary priest to China. When China closed its doors to priests, he accepted, in obedience, the desires of his congregation. Eventually he was told that with his many gifts he should remain in Rome and serve the Church there. He had a great love for our College because of who we are and what we stand for. At one of the many College events that the Cardinal attended, when he was thanked by Mr. Ray O’Herron for coming to be with us, he remarked, “I don’t think you fully realize how important this College is for the Church.”
Timothy T. O’Donnell, STD, KGCHS
My wife, Cathy, our chaplain, Fr. John Heisler, and I went to Rome at the beginning of January to attend Cardinal Schotte’s solemn funeral Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Ratzinger and presided over by our Holy Father. Catholic World News gave the following summary of Cardinal Schotte’s life:
with people. Cardinal Schotte recognized and saw clearly the dignity of each and every human person as created in the image and likeness of God and therefore viewed every person as a gift. Working in Rome on so many different Congregations, he came to know only too well the weaknesses and problems besetting the Church. Still, this never weakened his faith or his love but, instead, made him want Alumnus Adam Irving enjoying a light moment with His to serve our Lord and His Holy Eminence Cardinal Schotte at Christendom’s 25th AnCatholic Church with greater niversary Gala Dinner celebration in September 2002. love and devotion. At our 25th Anniversary celebration, Cardinal Schotte remarked that he had celebrated over 40 years of priesthood in his life, and he told all present, “There has never been a day when I have not awakened and thanked our Lord that I am a Catholic priest.” He saw many triumphs during his life, some highly visible, and some less so – some involving the inner workings of grace. Fr. Heisler and I were recently recalling a story he told us. Pope John Paul II had sent him to Siberia to consecrate the Church of the Immaculate Conception. On each side of the steps at the entrance of the new cathedral are very large planters with trees, each planter containing soil from the different gulags. The fourteen trees, with their precious soil, were meant to symbolize the Stations of the Cross. After the ceremony, while descending the stairs, one Ukrainian prelate, who for some reason had not wanted to attend the ceremony but came with reluctance, fell into the Cardinal’s arms and openly wept and sobbed repeatedly saying something to the Cardinal over and over again in Ukrainian. The Cardinal told him “I do not speak Ukrainian. I do not understand what you are saying.” He looked at him with tears in his eyes and said in Italian, “Please, please tell the Holy Father: I forgive them, I forgive them!” Evidently this prelate had been imprisoned and tortured in one of the gulags.
“The Belgian, who was ordained to the priesthood in 1959 for the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, had intended to be a missionary in China. But when the Communist regime there barred the entry of Catholic priests, he followed the orders of his religious superiors by remaining in Rome in an administrative post. He then worked in the Vatican Secretariat of State from 1972 to 1980, and later as Secretary to the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace from 1980 to 1983, and Vice-President of the same body from 1983 to 1985. He was named by Pope John Paul II to head the Office Cardinal Schotte rejoiced in the good and especially in the of the Synod of Bishops in 1985 and remained in that triumph of grace in the mystery of the human soul. post until his retirement in February of 2004. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul I saw him for the last time on December 8th, as he presided II in November of 1994. During his years of Vatican at the noon Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate service, Cardinal Schotte was frequently asked to unConception in Washington, D.C., celebrating the close of dertake difficult diplomatic missions, notably in China. the Shrine’s Marian year and the 150th Anniversary of the Because of his facility with languages, he accompanied proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Pope John Paul II on twenty foreign trips, and was often A True Son of the Church - Jan Pieter Cardinal Schotte, Despite the fact that he was dying and in pain, he came a member of Vatican delegations to various international CICM: April 29, 1928 - January 10, 2005. at the Pope’s request. I believe he took this assignment meetings. Within the Roman curia, he had a reputation as a final salute to the Holy Father and to bid farewell to as a conservative prelate, and one who would frequently speak his mind even at the the United States, a country where he had studied as a young priest, and which he cost of attracting criticism.” deeply loved. Cathy and I first met Cardinal Schotte as a priest in Rome in 1978, and renewed the acquaintance at a gathering of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre in Palm Desert, thanks to our dear friends, Brent and Olga McAdam. The Cardinal attended our Commencement ceremonies in 1993, and also presided at the solemn dedication of our Chapel of Christ the King in 1995. At that time, after telling the Holy Father that he was leaving to dedicate this Chapel, he received a special gift from the Holy Father to the College: a papal chalice and paten, which he presented to us at the solemn dedication, which are now in a small shrine at the back of our church. He also presided at our 20th At the Chapel dedication in April of Anniversary celebration where he received our Pro 1995, Cardinal Schotte brought a Deo et Patria Medal, and again at the 25th where chalice and paten to Christendom as we gave him an honorary doctorate. personal gifts from Pope John Paul II.
Cardinal Schotte was very proud of the fact that he was an alumnus of Christendom College and met with every group which we took to Rome over the years. He was present for the formal opening of our Rome program in Spring of 2003, and each semester he would meet with our students in Rome. Dr. and Mrs. Flippen, the directors of our Semester in Rome Program, told me just recently that despite his illness this past semester, he spent over two and a half hours with our students last Fall, talking with them about Christ and His Church. The Cardinal was a powerful man who bore witness all his life to the beauty and truth of our Catholic Faith, and he did so with joy and a deep love for the good. He would always begin grace before meals by thanking the Lord for the grace of being
He preached a most memorable homily that day, in which he extolled the beauty of the Shrine and the sacrifice of countless Catholics who built that noble edifice as a symbol of our Catholic Faith. In a voice which was strangely frail yet strong, he remarked that the generation which sacrificed so much would never have envisioned a generation of Catholics who would “pick and choose” what they would or would not accept in the Church’s teaching. He went on to challenge everyone in the Shrine and each one of us in the name of the Holy Father to accept and embrace joyfully in its totality and fullness our Catholic Faith. He also asked everyone there to ensure that the Faith will be passed on in all its integrity to the next generation and to our children’s children. On the day of his death, the Holy Father issued the following statement: It was with great sadness that I learned the news of the sudden demise of the dear Cardinal Jan Pieter Schotte, and I wish to express my deepest sympathy to you and to your relatives, as well as to the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to all those who knew and respected him. With a grateful soul, I recall his many years of industrious collaboration with the Holy See, and see SCHOTTE, page 4
Cardinal Schotte received an Honorary Doctorate from Christendom College in September of 2002.
3
INSTAURARE, April 2005
High School Summer Program Has Life-Changing Effects on Students The following essay was written by high school Senior Becca Harris as part of her application to Christendom College. She will be a member of the freshman class this Fall.
L
Last year, like every high school junior, I was on the hunt for a college that fit me “emotionally, mentally, and physically.” These were the key words I kept hearing from Directors of Admissions and student ambassadors from various public and private universities. Each school told me that it was ideal for me and that it “fit me so well.” I agreed with them, although knowing that something was certainly missing, and began my quest for admittance into Berkeley, Georgetown, and Bates. At that point in time, my faith was “mandatory Sunday Masses” and the occasional Rosary. My parents did all they could to instill in me an orthodox Catholic faith, but the challenges and distractions of being a teenager in a large public school wore my faith down, and soon God’s Will was not my foremost pursuit. When I visited these colleges, I was impressed with all they had to offer. I knew that I wanted to attend a small school with strong Political Science and English departments and a thriving campus life. I did not see a reason for my faith to play an important role in my education. I compartmentalized my faith and my life into two separate hemispheres. I had not planned for God to play an intimate role in my college life. I knew what I wanted, the problem was I did not stop and ask what God wanted.
influenced my thinking. My parents’ constant prayers for me back home in California also played an important part in my transformation.
Daily Mass, the Rosary, Adoration, and the holy By going to Mass every day, as well atmosphere of the camp opened my heart to as saying the Rosary and attending God. With an open heart, God revealed to me Adoration, I could feel the graces that Christendom was where He wanted me. falling down upon me. In just The camp is something that I will never the first few days, I was already forget; I will always consider it one of the beginning to open my heart to most pivotal times in my life, drawing Christ, allowing Him to chip me much closer to God and setting me away at the layers of sin. I started, on an academic and spiritual journey for probably only the second for the Truth. time in my life, to look forward to Mass. Christendom Camp was a spiritual wake up call for me, reminding me that this was Truth. I talked to several of the counselors regarding spiritual and moral issues. They inspired me through their patience, understanding, Becca Harris was deeply affected by Christendom’s High School Sumand knowledge mer Program. of the Catholic faith. When I looked at these people, some graduates 2005 High School Summer Program of Christendom and some currently enrolled, I realized for rising High School Seniors that I wanted to be like them. I saw how free they were from secular desires and how they lived their lives in a Session I: June 19-July 1 very holy way that was not boring, as I had assumed, Application due April 15 but vivacious, and bursting with life and love.
Last summer, God gradually revealed His master plan By the end of the camp, I was happier, in the true for the next four years of my life. At the end of my Aristotelian sense (thank you Dr. Cuddeback), than I junior year, I received a call from a friend who invited had ever been in my entire life. I remember a couple me to go to this “college camp thing i n of distinct moments when I said, “Yes, this is where I Virginia.” She described it to me want to spend my four years of college.” and it sounded like a lot of fun -canoe trips, bowling, baseball This first realization occurred games, and cookouts. In addition as I sat outside St. Benedict’s to the extracurricular aspects dorm with campers and counof the camp, my friend selors. I looked out over the also mentioned that idyllic setting of green we would be taking rolling hills and an exclasses and attendpansive blue sky filled ing daily Mass. with cloud wisps The class descripbreezing past, and I tions intrigued thought to myself me and I figured how peaceful it is that it would be an here, how everyenjoyable experience thing seems to have even if I had to go to its order and place. Mass or say the Rosary. Everything felt just I agreed to go with my right. The second friend to the Christendom time I came to the Summer Camp. Little did acute conclusion I know that God would that Christendom use Christendom and was the college God the people at the camp Cyrus Artz from ND and Ali Schuberg from CA. was calling me to atto alter significantly my tend was on a car ride back from the O’Donnell’s barn life and faith. party. I was riding with Shalon and Mark and I noticed how courteous Mark always was to Shalon (editor’s note: It is hard to express in words what happened to me at Shalon Spring was the coordinator of the High School Christendom last summer. When I arrived at camp, I Summer Program and Mark Riddle is now her fiancé). thought that there was no way in the world I was ever In fact, I noticed this with every male counselor. They going to attend college at “some miniscule super Catholic treated women with respect, opening doors and acting nun school.” At the end of the two weeks, however, I like gentlemen. I was impressed with how the women knew that Christendom was exactly where I belonged, and men of this college approached dating, it was holy, intellectually and spiritually. In between my arrival and something to be consecrated to God. This idea hit me departure at camp, many people and events powerfully
SUMMER... Activities will include classes, daily Mass, canoe trips on the Shenandoah, hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, day-trips to Washington, DC, and much more. The first session is June 19 to July 1 and the second July 10 to July 22. Finally, at mid-summer is Christendom’s 16th Annual Summer Institute. The Conference, on “The Year of
like a ton of bricks, and it was yet another reason why Christendom was right for me.
Continued from Page 1 the Eucharist,” will feature Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, Dr. Timothy O’Donnell, and others, and will undoubtedly draw a large and enthusiastic audience to the campus on July 16. For more information on any of these programs or activities, please look to www.christendom.edu or call 800-877-5456.
Session II: July 10-22 Application due May 6
Cost of $775 includes tuition, room & board, fees, and books Call 800.877.5456 for an application or fill one out online at www.christendom.edu
Student Arcangelo Gives Presentation at Conference Sophomore Aaron Arcangelo recently gave a talk at the Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS) in Ohio. The university was hosting a conference entitled “Be Transformed in Spirit and Mind: A Conference on Prayer and Learning.” The topic of the daylong
Christendom Sophomore Aaron Arcangelo, Cassandra Hacktock (FUS Math Department), alumnus Kelly Franklin, and Dr. Regis Martin (FUS Theology Department).
conference was investigating the best means to integrate the pursuit of academics with the universal call to holiness. Arcangelo was asked to speak on the topic of Euclidean geometry and how one sees God’s attributes reflected in it. More specifically, how God’s beauty, truth, simplicity, and order are reflected and how geometry fills a little bit of our hunger for God. Arcangelo was guided in his research and preparation of this topic by Christendom Math Professor Dr. Greg Townsend.
4
INSTAURARE, April 2005
College Senior Does Missionary Work in Jamaica
completely to actively living the Gospel of Christ.”
Christendom Senior Margaret Ginski wanted to do something exciting with her life. She wanted to get out of the country, visit new lands, and experience new cultures. She might have taken a pleasure-seeking tour abroad, but she chose to do something more substantial. After her junior year, Ginski spent a semester in Jamaica teaching high school and working with missionaries.
Reflecting on the whole adventure, Ginski affirms that her Christendom College education served her well in Jamaica.
C
“The thought of entering a third-world country without knowing a single person and teaching high school science was very daunting,” says Ginski, “but I felt that this was a great opportunity to discover things about myself. Looking back on it, I can now see that God was giving me a segment of time to get to know myself better, and in doing so, to get to know Him better too.” A short while after she arrived in Jamaica, Hurricane Ivan pounded the island, washing away homes, tearing roofs off houses and trees from the ground. This event gave Ginski a chance to re-examine her life, to think about what really matters. “I loved the simplicity of the lives of the local people,” says Ginski, “and, though it might sound a little weird to say, I was doubly blessed when Hurricane Ivan came. Ivan destroyed so much of the island, wrecking crops and livelihoods all in one sweep. But I got to reap the benefits of the hurricane. I saw the Jamaican people come together and, out of genuine concern, help their neighbors. Though the little that they had was destroyed, the more fortunate people in the community did not hesitate to help others. It was amazing seeing these poor help the poor!” Due to her experiences, Ginski believes that she is now a changed person. “I guess what I learned most about myself was that I loved the simplicity of the island. I loved how uncomplicated life became when I was there, and how uncomplicated it remained even after the hurricane. I
learned that I did not need half the things I had previously considered ‘essential’ to my life. I will never forget the hungry children climbing the fruit trees searching for some breakfast, and I definitely think twice now before I throw away food because it doesn’t taste good. We have so much here, and I never realized before how blessed this country is. We should not take everything we have for granted. Some of the smallest luxuries we have are unimaginable to many people in the world.” Ginski was working with the Mission Society of Mandeville, a society of Catholic priests and brothers dedicated to spreading God’s Word in Jamaica. They run a high school and orphanage, and it is through these institutions that they cooperate with God to spread the Truth.
“One theme that Christendom College is constantly spreading is the universal call to holiness and the obligation we have to be missionaries. We all know that, as Catholics, we possess the fullness of Truth and are obliged to enlighten others. Christendom helps us with this obligation by giving us the tools needed for evangelization. What I found most helpful in Jamaica was my knowledge gained from our Apologetics class here. Most of the island is nominally protestant Christian, but in reality, there is a lot of voodoo and superstition.”
According to Fr. Joe Berk, a member of the Mission Society of Christendom Senior Margaret Ginski spent the first semester of her Mandeville, “This Island “Words cannot acsenior year working as a missionary in Jamaica. needs a miracle.” Please curately depict what pray for the conversion these missionaries do,” of Jamaica, that these souls may come to know the true explains Ginski. “How can you describe the beautiful peace of Christ. smile of an orphan, or the brightness that lights up a student’s face? How can you explain what it is like to feed a starving child, or pray with a troubled widow? God’s Word is active, and these religious witness to His Love by administering to the poorest of the poor. I feel honored that I was able to watch them, to observe these instruments of God who have surrendered themselves
SCHOTTE...
Continued from Page 2 came all the way from the States?” Hubert said he knew the College well, that his brother had spoken often of it and particularly took joy in recounting his visits there. We were also able to visit with Jim and Suzanne Nicholson, the United States Ambassador to the Vatican and his wife, who presided with Cardinal Schotte at our 25th Anniversary celebration. Together we reflected on the great goodness of this noble servant of our Lord and His Church.
The coffin, which was a simple pine box, was set on a rug on the Dr. and Mrs. O’Donnell attended the funeral of Cardinal Schotte on January 14, 2005, ground in front of the Confessio presided over by Pope John Paul II. of St. Peter’s. It was incensed and especially his generous service as Secretary General of the blessed by Cardinal Ratzinger. Synod of Bishops. He leaves the example of a life spent At the conclusion of the Mass, our Holy Father, visfor Christ in coherent devotion to his own priestly and ibly moved, came up and paused in front of the coffin religious vocation and ever attentive to social questions for several minutes of silent prayer and bid him a final in complete faithfulness to the gospel and teaching of farewell. the Church. I raise fervent prayers appealing to the Lord to welcome this dearly beloved brother Cardinal The Cardinal will be buried in Rome, the city he loved, in joy and eternal peace, and I send to you and to others and his body was temporarily taken to Campo Verano. mourning his demise a comforting apostolic blessing as His final resting place will eventually be a shrine in his a sign of my sincere participation in your pain. titular church of St. Julian of the Flemish. It is my fervent hope that this shrine will become a permanent site of The funeral, which was held on Friday, January 14th, pilgrimage for every Christendom student who travels 2005, was very beautiful. Cardinal Arinze had arranged over for our Junior Semester in Rome Program. for us to have wonderful seats – we were actually able to sit with the members of Cardinal Schotte’s family, But what is Cardinal Schotte’s legacy for us here at relatives, and members of his order. One of the great Christendom College, in our studies and in our lives? consolations was meeting his brother Hubert. He Above everything else, he was a homo ecclesiasticus, a “man was deeply touched and immediately exclaimed, “You of the Church.” More than anything else, he showed
us how to be a true son or daughter of the Church. Always and everywhere, we should seek to sentire cum ecclesia, to “think with the Church.” In an age when the Church is constantly mocked, ridiculed and held in contempt, let us love Her with even greater fidelity, for we must recall that Christ loves Her and gave himself up for Her. And in an age that is hyper-critical of the Holy Father, where he is blamed for everything from world hunger to the most recent difficulty in a little parish in the mid-west, let us renew our love, fidelity, and pledge our heartfelt loyalty to him, Christ’s vicar, as a precious part of the founding charism of this College. Let us pray for the repose of the Cardinal’s soul, but also let us imitate his courage, his joy, his love and his fidelity in our lives here. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
Cardinal Schotte with John and Dominic McFadden, sons of Director of Admissions, Tom McFadden.
5
INSTAURARE, April 2005
Christendom Alumni Join Ranks of American Life League
F
Five Christendom alumni are currently among the rank and file of our country’s largest grassroots, pro-life organization, American Life League (ALL). They are fighting for the nation’s most innocent and vulnerable people—the preborn. Christendom graduate Tom Brock (‘85) has been part of this mission for 17 years. He’s seen many employees come and go, but has stayed on as a database manager because he believes in the work. “American Life League,” says Brock, “fights to defend the sanctity of all human life from the moment of conception to natural death—without compromise, apology, or exception. We defend all of life’s vulnerable ones. While I’m not necessarily in the limelight, my behind-the-scenes position enables others to go out and directly spread the Gospel of Life.” Scarlett Clark, the organization’s Human Resources Director, says that Christendom College grads rank first among inquiries into job opportunities at ALL. “We’ve had many wonderful students and graduates from Christendom work for us. They really seem to be a nice fit.” A nice fit indeed. Christendom’s exacting curriculum prepares students to become top shelf professionals. “They’re among the best,” says Judie Brown, American Life League’s founder and president. “I don’t find them, God does. He brings them here, and they do incredible work for the Culture of Life. These students are a fine and lasting tribute to their Alma Mater. I think the
babies would agree.” The organization’s most recent Christendom acquisition is Anita Crane (‘93), formerly a producer at C-SPAN and the marketing director for Crisis magazine. At ALL, she is associate editor of Celebrate Life, the nation’s only periodical solely devoted to pro-life topics. “As an editor and writer, I’m in the business of persuasion,” she says, “and I take that responsibility seriously. Therefore, the Christen and Jason Manak, Tom Brock, American Life League President Judie Brown, Nick Gospel is my standard Alumni Marmalejo, and Anita Crane. inasmuch as my work website guru. “The work has brought us all together to should somehow lead collaborate and encourage each other. What you have others to Heaven—not away from it. American Life is an office that is entirely dedicated to its mission, a League is a good home for Christendom students because mission that is greater than all of us. What we do matit directly allows us to put our faith into action.” ters—to our culture and to the Church.” For married Christendom alumni Jason and Christen Christen, who is an administrative assistant, has similar (McCaffrey) Manak, living the faith is their number one sentiments. “Once a person recognizes the precious priority. “ALL is a place to work and serve Christ and gift and truth of life, they start following that path to His Church,” says Jason, the group’s new and remarkable the light of the world, the Creator of life. My primary goal in doing pro-life work at ALL is to be a source of that light to others. My Christendom education has Under the leadership of Dr. William Fahey, Chairman prepared me for that.” of Christendom’s Classical and Early Christian Studies Department, a complete run of the Weekly (678 issues, Given the serious nature of pro-life work, it’s imporbound in 25 volumes) was purchased via an internet tant to stay positive and cheerful. Alumnus Nicholas auctioning site. Marmalejo (‘01), who was brought on to take the helm of Celebrate Life as Editor, agrees. “I love this job,” he The only other set known to exist in North America is says. “I can walk away knowing that I could have saved partial and even the Library of Congress has merely a somebody’s life because of what I wrote and how I wrote microfilm version. Possessing a full run of the papers it. That’s what counts.” places Christendom among one or two libraries in the world.
Rare Catholic Treasure Won by Christendom
T
Through the generosity of a number of donors, and the ingenuity of a number of faculty and staff, Christendom College was able to purchase a complete set of GK’s Weekly last semester.
“There is nobody,” wrote GK Chesterton in 1924, “to say a single word for the family, or the true case for property, or a proper understanding of the religious peasantries, while the whole modern Press is full of every sort of sophistry to smooth the way of divorce, of birth control, of mere state expedience, and all the rest.” Such insights and principles animated GK’s Weekly from 1925 until 1938. The journal ran chiefly under Chesterton’s direction and then, upon his death, under that of his old friend Hilaire Belloc. The Weekly was the chief outlet for the development and articulation of the political vision of Chesterton and Belloc—a vision inspired by the early social teaching of the Church and the editors’ love for Christian culture as it was once found in the West. Several of Chesterton’s best known works were serialized there. Distinguished men of letters ranging from George Orwell to Christopher Dawson appeared in its columns. The Weekly was, and is, a treasury of twentieth-century political thought: ideas that challenged the governing materialist ideologies in the name of a traditional, yet robust, orthodox Christian understanding of social life.
On the fine cherry and walnut shelves of the Rare Books Room of the new St. John the Evangelist Library, GK’s Weekly now joins the College’s other treasures. Nearly two dozen individuals participated in the effort to obtain this rare find, and others added their monetary pledges even after the Weekly had been secured. This magnificent group effort has resulted not only in the arrival of the Weekly, but in the creation of a permanent restricted fund: The Chester-Belloc Fund, devoted to the gradual collection of works by key Catholic authors from the French Revolution to the present day. The focus will be on laymen, such as Chesterton and Belloc, or the Frenchman Louis de Bonald, but will also include works by priests and religious closely associated with lay Catholic action—men such as Jamie Balmes from Spain or Fr. Vincent McNabb, OP. Any individual interested in contributing to the ChesterBelloc Fund, with monetary donations or books, should contact Prof. William Fahey at wfahey@christendom.edu.
Mary Akers, Tess Ginski, Margaret Ginski, and Eryka Bukowski treated to roses and dinner by the men on Valentine’s Day.
Published quarterly by the Christendom College Development Office. Managing Editor, Layout, Design: Tom McFadden Copy Editor: Kathleen Blum Christendom College 134 Christendom Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630 (800) 877-5456 ~ www.christendom.edu
Computer Services Manager Douglas Briggs, History Department Chairman Christopher Blum, Classics Department Chairman William Fahey and Computer Services Assistant Manager Dane Weber were all integrally involved in obtaining the complete set of GK’s Weekly.
Copyright © 2005. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the following credit line is used: “Reprinted by permission from INSTAURARE, the quarterly newsletter of Christendom College (www.christendom.edu).” SUBSCRIPTION FREE UPON REQUEST.
6
INSTAURARE, April 2005
Alumnus Following St. Thomas More in Law Following graduation from Christendom in 2000, Mark Rohlena enrolled in the first class at Ave Maria School of Law. Three years later, he graduated from Ave Maria and moved to Colorado where he is currently an attorney at Colorado’s largest law firm, Holland and Hart, LLP.
gave me the opportunity to discuss and explore truly important ideas and higher things,” he said.
Justin Stover, a Senior majoring in Classical and Early Christian Studies at Christendom, presented a paper at the Hood College undergraduate conference in Medieval Studies on April 2-3. The theme of the conference was Performing the Middle Ages. Stover’s paper was entitled “Delectabilis Forma, Orridus Aspectu: Pontifical Physiognomy and Clerical Rhetoric in the Liber Pontificalis of Agnellus of Ravenna.” It is a study of the physiognomy in a ninth-century work of ecclesiastical history detailing the lives of the bishops in the diocese of Ravenna.
Although Ave Maria School of Law, having been open for only five years, is not yet fully accredited, its average LSAT scores make it the 25th ranked law school in the country. Its graduates are highly sought after by leading law firms, government agencies, and federal judges. “I take to heart the mission of Christendom College, ‘To restore all things in Christ,’” says Rohlena. “Good Catholics need to be part of all the various sectors of society. Attorneys, in the best tradition of St. Thomas More, are supposed to be the guardians of justice for the citizenry, and there are few areas that are more in need of grounded and well-formed individuals than the legal profession.” Rohlena says that Christendom College was a perfect preparation for law school. “I left Christendom knowing how to observe and think about the world around me in a meaningful way. I was able to learn about history, political science, philosophy, literature, religion, and so much more in a way that is impossible, and probably unthinkable, at most other institutions. Most importantly, I was immersed in a truly Catholic culture for four very formative years. While so many other students around the country were filling their minds with relativism and philosophies that are hostile to objective thought, Christendom College
College Marches for Life Alumni Mark and Danielle Rohlena with daughter Isabel.
“Almost daily I discover a different way that my time at Christendom and my liberal arts background helps me think of new ways to tackle difficult problems, and to stay centered in a profession that can be very demanding. I think there is no doubt that the battles over many of the most important issues are now being waged in the legal and political arenas. The tools I received at Christendom and Ave Maria will be critical to me in the years to come,” Rohlena concluded.
Christendom alumni currently at Ave Maria School of Law: (l to r) Anthony Starkus ‘01, Eric Wolpert ‘04, Matt Akers ‘03, Paul Wonderboy Jalsevac ‘03, Law School Dean Bernard Dobranski, Joe Sayler ‘04, Daniel McGuire ‘03, Joe Mitchell ‘02, Phil Menke ‘01, and Guy Amisano ‘02 (not pictured: Chris Bukowski ‘00).
Dr. O’Donnell Meets with Holy Father in Vatican City
O’Donnell has served as a consultor to this Pontifical Council since 2002. As a consultor, O’Donnell aides the Council in its responsibilities of promoting the pastoral ministry for and apostolate to the family, through the application of the teachings and orientation of the ecclesiastical Magisterium, and helping Christian families fulfill their educational and apostolic mission. This year’s Plenary Assembly, under the leadership of His Eminence Alfonso Cardinal Lopez Trujillo, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, discussed the mission of mature, experienced couples with engaged and young married couples, and the relationship of these two varied segments of the population.
On January 24, 2005, the entire student body, along with numerous faculty, staff, and alumni, joined many thousands of pro-lifers for the annual March for Life in Washington, DC.
With his wife Danielle (Dalley ‘01) and 7-month-old daughter Isabel, Rohlena is grateful for his educational experiences at Christendom and looks to use his gifts and talents for the greater honor and glory of God in the future.
Seven other Christendom alumni have already graduated from Ave Maria and there are currently ten more alumni at the law school looking eagerly to join Rohlena and the others as guardians of justice.
Christendom President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell met with Pope John Paul II while attending the XVI Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family in Vatican City on November 18-20.
Stover Presents Paper at College Conference
This Pontifical Council, established by Pope John Paul II in 1981, also promotes and coordinates pastoral efforts related to the issue of responsible procreation, and encourages, sustains, and coordinates initiatives in defense of human life in all stages of its existence from conception to natural death.
Freshmen Daniel Gutschke, Sam Phillips, and Paul Provencher at the March for Life.
College Receives Record Number of Applications Christendom has received an all-time record number of applications, inquiries, and campus visits in the past seven months.
“I think that the students and their parents are growing in their realization that Christendom is not your normal Catholic college,” says Director of Admissions Tom McFadden. “They want to be a part of a college community where Catholicism is not just a religion but a way of life. Any high school seniors still interested in attending Christendom in the Fall should send in their applications as soon as possible in order to be considered.”
Christendom Ranked Among Top Conservative Colleges in the US Christendom College has been ranked by Young America’s Foundation as one of the top 10 conservative colleges in the United States. Young America’s Foundation named institutions of higher learning that offer a holistic conservative experience for students. This year’s list of schools features 10 institutions that are, through their mission and programs, dedicated to discovering, maintaining, and strengthening the conservative values of their students. Most offer coursework and scholarship in conservative thought and emphasize principles of smaller government, strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values. A number have a religious affiliation. Other schools to make the list include Hillsdale College in MI, Liberty University in VA, and Grove City College in PA.
Dr. O’Donnell is introduced to the Pope by Alphonso Cardinal Lopez Trujillo.
7
INSTAURARE, April 2005
Fr. Schall Speaks on Liberal Learning at Christendom
R
Renowned professor and author Fr. James V. Schall, SJ, delivered a lecture entitled “Liberal Learning” on February 7 at Christendom as part of the College’s Major Speakers Program. Fr. Schall, a member of the California Province of the
prejudice us from noticing the little things, the things that may not count for much, but of which much of human life consists. A liberal education can ultimately be found only in our own souls. It does not exist apart from them.” He continued by explaining that, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, it is a better thing to pass on what we have contemplated than merely to contemplate it. This reminds us that there is a certain inner urgency in what is, almost as if things are designed both to be and to be known. We are not “free” if we keep what is true to ourselves, even if it is ours and indeed intended for ourselves. “What does this import for the ‘liberal’ side of a liberal education?” asked Fr. Schall. “It means that the burden of finding the truth of things, of finding what does in fact make us free, may often require us to find it in channels other than those wherein we would expect to find it.”
man who claims a freedom based on the premise that there are no binding norms or measures to be found in things. Things are devoid of forms. We ‘create’ the only norms there are; we do not discover them,” he said. The term “liberal” in liberal education must begin with the notion that the freedom of the intellect is precisely its affirmation of what is and the principles of being that follow from it, Fr. Schall contended. Freedom is not a power to make things, including ourselves, to be otherwise, or to restructure the state, the family, or the inner soul. Rather, it is the liberty to affirm and follow what we discover ourselves to be. It is, in short, the affirmation that we do not cause our own being. “The ultimate purpose of what is ‘liberal’ in a liberal education is that we be free to acknowledge, because we have both virtue and mind, even what is obvious when no one else sees it or, worse, admits it,” he concluded.
Fr. James Schall, SJ, discussed Liberal Learning at Christendom on February 7.
Society of Jesus and a professor of political theory at Georgetown University, began his lecture by explaining what is “liberal” about liberal learning or liberal education. “Liberal education has to do with what we think about,” he began. “Liberal education exists in order that we might think about the important things, things we never thought of or thought clearly of by ourselves. But this emphasis on the highest things should not unduly
He then explained that what is “liberal” about liberal education is the awareness that our minds are measured by reality. “Truth is, as Aquinas said, the conformity of mind with what is. It is true that in moral, political, and artistic things, in their own way, things can be otherwise because that is their nature. To be aware of this variability is essential to the freedom and the truth inherent in practical things.” But behind practical intellect always lies theoretical intellect. “We live in an era in which mind has declared its freedom from things. The autonomous man is the
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY... Many remain unfamiliar with the charitable gift annuity, which is a simple and timely approach to charitable giving. According to the 2001 report by the National Committee on Planned Giving, “the [2000] survey of gift annuity donors clearly indicates that this widely marketed gift arrangement is not well understood among the general public.” According to John Ciskanik, Vice President for Development, a gift annuity is a donation of cash or securities to Christendom in return for a fixed annual payment for the rest of the donor’s life as well as for certain tax benefits. Annuities at the College can be arranged for gifts of $5,000 and above.
estate taxes would naturally lead to increased interest in planned gifts that feature immediate tax savings and favorably taxed income for life – such as charitable gift annuities. “For instance, a 69-year-old widow who has been considering a $50,000 bequest may find the current benefits of a $75,000 gift annuity to be more attractive based on her circumstances,” says Ciskanik. “In the end, this more favorable ‘tax climate’ means that Christendom benefactors will have more to leave to family, friends, and to their favorite charity: Christendom College!”
Fr. James Schall, SJ, talks with students following his lecture.
Continued from Page 1 in return for annuity agreements is approximately $2.8 million; and more contracts are on the drawing board. Christendom College is planning, like its donors, for the future. As Christendom looks forward to 2007 and the celebration of its thirtieth anniversary of service in Catholic education, the College is blessed to have developed a modest endowment. But it must continue to grow. Endowment growth will allow for increased financial aid to students and better campus and building expansion and maintenance. The gift annuity program is an integral part of the effort to build the endowment.
Perhaps the recent spurt in ChristenFor more information about Charitable Gift Annuities, dom’s gift annuity program signals please contact John Ciskanik, VP for Development, at a growing understanding among ciskanik@christendom.edu to learn how your gift can some of the College’s benefactors. A provide vital support to one of the most challenging charitable gift annuity allows prudent and faithful Catholic institutions of higher education benefactors who care deeply about in America. Christendom’s mission to make a Mary Ellen Bork at a recent gathering substantial gift to the College while “A gift annuity is designed to Mrs. of Christendom friends. retaining the income derived from provide substantial benefits to those gift assets for their lifetime. Viewing it from a both the donor and the institution and, thus, is both a more strategic perspective, gift annuities enable some gift and an investment,” explains Ciskanik, who earned benefactors to trade future estate tax benefits for immedihis MBA in finance from Fordham University. ate tax benefits and others to convert highly appreciated low-yielding assets to an attractive income stream during Over the past decade or so, Congress has acted to reduce retirement. personal income tax rates, to lower long-term capital gains tax and to raise the amount one may leave tax-free Between 1998 to heirs. Today, the top personal tax bracket is 35%; the and 2003, the tax on long-term capital gains has dropped to 15% (and College’s gift anlower in special cases); and estates under $1.5 million nuity program can be transmitted without inheritance tax. attracted just over $1 million in Ciskanik says that this changes the giving climate. contributions. In Charitable deduction no longer yields quite as much the 2004 calendar in tax savings, and donors may be less concerned about year alone, more avoiding capital gains taxes through outright gifts of than $1.7 million appreciated stock. was contributed to the annuity College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell explains the importance of helping, with financial support Furthermore, these tax law changes have provided an fund. Today, the and prayers, Christendom College go forward with its goal of “restoring all things in Christ.” excellent opportunity for many to rethink their estate total contributed plans. The reduction (and possibly, elimination) of
8
INSTAURARE, April 2005
College Community Mourns the Loss of Mrs. Jacqueline Lemmon
Alumni Challenged to Raise $162,500 for College
The Christendom College community mourns the loss of Mrs. Jacqueline Lemmon, of Santa Paula, CA, who died on March 2, after having contracted Valley Fever over a year ago.
In 2003, the Christendom Class of 1993 was asked to participate in the inaugural Alumni Class Challenge donation program. They didn’t just participate; they donated over $30,000 to the College.
Jackie was the youngest sister of Mrs. Cathy O’Donnell, wife of College President Timothy O’Donnell. She leaves behind 9 beautiful children, ages 16 to 1 year old, and her husband, Peter. Peter was Vice President for Development at Christendom College for three years, from 1992-1995, during which time he helped launch Instaurare and was instrumental in the build-
Mrs. Jackie Lemmon, youngest sister of Mrs. Cathy O’Donnell, died of Valley Fever on March 2.
ing of the St. Lawrence Commons and the Chapel of Christ the King. Please remember the soul of Jackie Lemmon and the well-being of her family in your prayers. Requiescat in Pace.
Crusaders Close Out Season As Conference Champions In an historic event, the Christendom men’s basketball team participated in the inaugural tournament game of the newly formed Shenandoah Chesapeake Conference held at Washington Bible College in Lanham, MD, February 25 and 26. The Crusaders defeated Patrick Henry College 77-54 to advance to the finals against the home team, Washington Bible College Cougars. The Crusaders also prevailed in the championship game with a 70-55 victory and thus became the first conference champions in the SCC.
In the finals, Pat VanderWoude had 21 points with Mike Hilleary and Patrick Quest adding 19 and 18 respectively. Playing their last game in the Crusader uniform were seniors Victor Alcantara, Tim Storey, Mike Hilleary, and Pat VanderWoude.
Both games were marked with aggressive team defense and balanced scoring on offense. In the first game, Mike Hilleary had 22 points, with Pat VanderWoude and Chris Lancaster adding 21 and 17 points respectively.
The Lady Crusaders lost a hard fought contest to the Washington Bible Lady Cougars in double overtime 56-51 in the women’s final.
VanderWoude’s career 1633 points places him among the top five all time scoring leaders of the college. The Crusaders completed the season with an overall record of 12 wins and 12 losses.
This year, under the direction of Development Officer Tom McGraw, the College is hoping to ask those classes celebrating their 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th year reunions to step up to the plate and make 5-year pledge commitments in relation to the anniversary year they are celebrating. A person five years out would be asked to pledge $500 over five years; ten years out, $1000 over five years; fifteen years, $1500 over five years; and so on. Alumni Class Challenge gifts will provide funds for the yearly operations budget, which includes student financial aid. Approximately half of all Christendom students receive some form of need-based financial aid. The Alumni Class Challenge will directly help these students each and every year. This year, if all of the targeted classes participate, the College can expect to raise approximately $162,500. The three members of the Class of 1980 will be asked to pledge $500 per year for five years, totaling $7,500; the Class of 1985, with 28 members will be asked to pledge $400 per year for five years equaling $56,000; the Class of 1990, with 29 members each pledging $300 per year would be $43,500; the Class of 1995, with 34 members pledging $200 per year for five years, will pledge $34,000; and the Class of 2000, with 43 members pledging $100 per year for five years will donate $21,500. Members of the class can expect a letter or telephone call this summer. The College hopes to celebrate a successful 2005 Alumni Challenge at this year’s Homecoming, to be held over the weekend of October 7-9. Mark your calendars now and save the date!
Lady Crusaders (Back, l to r) Coach Nancy Bauer, Eryka Bukowski, Danielle Lussier, Beth Thrun, Emily Mersch, and Maria Hepler; (Front) Kathleen McKinnon, Allison Kavanagh, Katie Pondo, Alicia DeNardis, and Angela McNeely.
Men Crusaders (Back, l to r) Joe Kucharski, Dan Smith, Patrick Quest, John O’Herron, Rick Sadowski, Mike Hilleary, Asst. coach Andy Day; (Front) Chris Lancaster,Tim Storey, Sean Kiely, Bobby Lancaster, Vic Alcantara, and Pat VanderWoude.
As the nation watched the last hopes of saving Terri Schiavo slip away, over twenty-five Christendom students joined the front lines of her defense. Through the Defend Life organization of Baltimore, these students participated in a support rally and prayer vigil on March 12-13 outside of Terri’s Florida hospice the week before her starvation was scheduled to begin.
ings: “When our children ask us what we did to fight euthanasia, we will be able to tell them we were there from the beginning.”
Christendom Students Travel to Florida to Join Fight for Terri Schiavo’s Life
“The students’ response was awesome!” said Junior Chrissie Walsh, who organized the main Christendom constituency. “It was great to see so many willing to drop everything the weekend before midterms and drive fourteen hours to attend this rally.” Terri’s parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, have fought in court and legislature to protect their brain damaged daughter from her husband’s attempt to euthanize Terri by starvation and dehydration. Many, including several Vatican officials, predict that “Right to Die” activists will use this case to push for legalized euthanasia in the United States. As the last of the Schindlers’ legal options are blocked by the court, this possibility is becoming a near certainty. When Defend Life offered Christendom twenty seats on a chartered bus to the rally in Clearwater, FL, on March 12, students jumped at the chance to show their support for Terri. Walsh expressed the students’ feel-
With a much larger rally being organized for the following day at the State Capitol, only about 250 people joined the prayer vigil and rally in Clearwater. The spirit of the rally was hopeful, as several individuals close to Terri spoke, including Terri’s father and sister, Monsignor Thaddeus Malowouski, who cares for Terri’s spiritual needs, and David Gibbs, the Schindlers’ attorney fighting in court to protect Terri.
Walsh described the weekend as sobering. “We feel so helpless, but we have hope in the power of prayer. We did all that we could and are grateful for the opportunity.”
Following the rally Saturday afternoon, the students celebrated the Divine Liturgy and a holy hour at a local Ukrainian parish. Sunday morning the students distributed literature in the area promoting prayers and action on Terri’s behalf. Christendom students went to Florida to take part in the prayer rally to save the life of Terri Schiavo.