NSTAURARE
The Christendom College Update Instaurare (vt. to restore, strengthen, renew)
December 2006 Volume XIV, Number IV
INSIDE THIS ISSUE . . . Academic Freedom and the Catholic University – page 2
Italian Night Festivities page 5
Medieval Fest page 7
Christendom Sports page 8
Ruse Discusses UN Threats – page 3 Fall Play Has Students Looking for Spouses – page 3 Golf & Tennis Open Brings Crew Closer to Reality – page 4 Career Development Office Inspires Students – page 7
College Community Makes Pilgrimage to Shrine
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In the early morning hours of November 1 Christendom students, faculty, and staff boarded buses bound for the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. It was the College’s first All Saint’s Day pilgrimage, and its success points toward the establishment of an annual event. The day was a full one. After touring the Basilica, the Christendom group assisted at the noon Mass celebrated by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pietro Sambi. Concelebrants included Christendom Chaplain Fr. John Heisler and alumnus Fr. Ben Cameron of the Fathers of Mercy. Ten young men from the College were
among the many altar servers. Students were pleased to learn that EWTN was televising the Mass. The pilgrims also made an afternoon holy hour in the crypt chapel before returning refreshed to Front Royal, there to enjoy the remainder of the holiday granted them in observance of the Solemnity. Pilgrimages have long been an expression of the communal life of prayer at the College, and in past years have included trips to the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Land and Mount Saint Mary’s.
Dr. Timothy O’Donnell met with Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pietro Sambi.
Christendom’s student body participated in a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, on the Solemnity of All Saint’s Day, November 1.
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INSTAURARE, December 2006
Academic Freedom and the Catholic University
Academic freedom is a great good, which should be cherished and honored by every university community. This precious heritage of freedom originated in the Christian West and rose initially in the great universities of Europe, which themselves sprang from the cathedral schools of the early Middle Ages. Great universities such as Padua, Bologna, Louvain, Paris, Prague and Oxford, all sprang, as the late Pope John Paul II observed, “ex corde ecclesiae — out of the heart of the Church.” A Catholic Timothy T. O’Donnell, STD, KGCHS university has a special and unique role to play within the university community in its promotion of and defense of academic freedom. As Pope John Paul II wrote: “It is specifically a Catholic university’s privileged task to unite existentially by intellectual effort two orders of reality that too frequently tend to be placed in opposition as if they were antithetical: the search for truth, and the certainty of already knowing the font of Truth.” The magna traditio of Catholic higher education builds upon the two orders by which we come to know things: faith and reason. These two distinct orders of knowledge each possess their own autonomous method, but ultimately they converge in their examination of reality. Since for the Catholic the two have a common source in God, who is the author of faith and the author of reason, Catholics have always held firmly that there is nothing to fear from sound reason in scientific inquiry. Faith and reason, each within its proper sphere, both serve the truth and therefore complement each other in ways that are mutually reinforcing. As Pope John Paul II taught us in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, it is the “honor and the responsibility of a Catholic university to consecrate itself without reserve to the cause of truth.” It is precisely the faith dimension present within the Catholic university that makes this consecration possible. Faith, in addition to offering guidance to sound reason, also gives illumination and its own impetus to the discovery of truth and the safeguarding of authentic academic freedom. Reason for its part can be of great service in penetrating and explicating the supernatural mysteries proposed by faith. Both faith and reason, the pope observes, are in service to the dignity of man and the good of the Church.
is not an absolute right that lives in isolation; rather, it is related intimately to the true and the good. As a matter of fact, it is only in freedom’s relation to the true and the good that authentic freedom can be guaranteed and nurtured. This Catholic vision with its deep philosophic and theological foundations is not simply a “perspective” or a “view” that is to be made present as one among many different perspectives. Rather, it is a fundamental grounding vision that gives meaning, direction and purpose to all that we do. “Because there can be no freedom apart from or in opposition to the truth, the Catholic defense — unyielding and uncompromising — of the absolutely essential demands of man’s personal dignity must be considered the way and condition for the very existence of freedom.” (Veritatis Splendor, No. 96). Here we can see manifested the inseparable connection between truth and freedom, which is not only the foundation for the authentic freedom of the human person, but for all freedoms, including academic freedom. In order to maintain a true sense of academic freedom, it must be nurtured within the confines of what is good and what is true. Great thinkers and great ideas, which sometimes might be hostile to the Christian tradition — such as Nietzsche or Jean Paul Sartre — remain important thinkers whom students must encounter and reflect upon critically. Nevertheless, academic freedom must be lived within the university in such a way that the dignity of man and the human person is always defended, especially from violence and distortion. Some have claimed, for example, that viewing certain theatrical or film productions of dubious artistic merit and demeaning language is essential for academic freedom, particularly in serving the need to defend the dignity of women and oppose violence against women. The latter certainly are noble goals. One cannot help but observe, however, that there are many ways within the university’s commitment to academic freedom in which the dignity of women and opposition to violence against women can be defended and promoted without resorting to offensive language and imagery. For a Catholic university and a secular university as well, a close examination of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body or a careful reading of his Apostolic Letter on the Dignity of Women could be pursued in which many of the great issues touching upon the rights and dignity of women would be discussed.
It is important to remember that, especially for the Catholic university, having an open mind is not a goal or an end in itself. An open mind is not in and of itself a perfection; rather, it is a mind that is still searching for Truth, which is the object of the intellect. It is not the purpose of the Catholic university to form students who are open-minded. Rather a Catholic university seeks Within the Catholic university, there should never be to educate free individuals with discerning minds. We found a truncated view of reality. Rather, there should want our students to have a keen intellect that is critical, be an openness to the fullness of truth wherever it may and reflective, and that makes use of the light of faith be found, whether that truth bears on God, man, or the and sound reason, recognizing their common source. In created order. The free pursuit of truth has always been Cardinal John Henry Newman’s words, the education of viewed as a most noble undertaking. Freedom, however, the young should provide them with a “habit of mind which lasts through life, of which the attributes are freedom, equitableness, calmness, moderation and wisdom.” A discerning mind using principles of sound reason will Two 3-credit courses: Irish Catholic Culture and Irish Literature not be “open” nor claim that everything One week of study at Christendom is good and everything 15 days of travel in Ireland is worthwhile. The university exists for one Escorted by Dr. and Mrs. Timothy O’Donnell specific purpose — to Daily Mass offered by Fr. John Heisler help form and shape the minds of its students For more information contact Siobhan O’Connor at 800-877-5456 ext. 211 or in their search for the soconnor@christendom.edu acquisition of truth. In this noble effort the
Christendom in Ireland July 23 – August 13, 2007
cultivation of an appreciation of the good and the beautiful is also crucial, for as John Paul II stated in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, the Catholic university’s goal is “to help students think rigorously, to act rightly and to serve the cause of humanity better.” A Catholic university’s specific task is consecrated to this goal of using the light of faith and sound reason in the service of truth. In uniting these two orders, which characterize so much of what is best in the Catholic tradition, epitomized in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas and many other Fathers and Doctors of the Church, there is an openness to the fullness of reality, which sadly oftentimes is lacking in the secular model of the university. Sound philosophy and theology, faithful to the roots of their disciplines, have a crucial role to play within the structure of the university community and particularly in the pursuit and preservation of academic freedom. Perhaps an example might help illustrate this point. A hospital exists for one purpose — the restoration of health. A Catholic hospital certainly would do this as well, in union with the teaching of the Church inspired by the spirit of the Gospel and Christian charity. Sadly, today there are hospitals that provide abortions and sterilizations of patients and are willing to euthanize the terminally ill in some states. Such a facility may be called a hospital by some, but such a hospital could never be considered a Catholic hospital even if it should have a beautiful chapel, a priest present, and be filled with beautiful religious art. A Catholic university in our pluralistic society has a specific role to play and a unique contribution to bring to the great problems that are confronting our society and our culture. There are four essential elements that were listed by John Paul II in Ex Corde Ecclesiae that are essential characteristics for the Catholic university as Catholic: It must have a Christian inspiration, not only on the part of individuals within the university but the university community precisely as a community must have this inspiration. It must be a place where there is a continuing reflection in light of the Catholic faith upon the growing treasury of human knowledge to which it seeks to contribute by its own research. There must be fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to us through the Church. It must have an institutional commitment to the service of the people of God and the entire human family on their pilgrimage to the transcendent goal that gives the meaning of life. Far from limiting academic freedom, such a position provides the fundamental structure in which authentic freedom can be lived. This is why the late Holy Father states that, in a Catholic university, “Catholic ideals, attitudes and principles penetrate and inform university activities in accordance with the proper nature and autonomy of these activities.” Pope John Paul II was in many ways a philosopher pope, who remained intimately involved with the academic life of the university. In Ex Corde Ecclesiae he defines academic freedom as follows: “Academic freedom is the guarantee given to those involved in teaching and research that, within their specific, specialized branch of knowledge, and according to the methods proper to that specific area, they may search for the truth wherever evidence and analysis leads them, and may teach and publish the results of this search, keeping in mind the cited criteria, that is, safeguarding the rights of the individual and of society within the confines of the truth and the common good.”
see FREEDOM page 3
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C-FAM’s Ruse Gives Students Understanding of Real Threat of the UN
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Austin Ruse, President of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM), delivered an address entitled “The Real UN Threat and the Pro-Life Response” for the College’s Major Speakers Program. As President of CFAM, Ruse has participated in negotiating numerous international documents. C-FAM is a New York-based non-governmental organization that specializes in assisting the UN delegations to negotiate UN resolutions, treaties, and conventions. Ruse discussed two misconceptions about the United Nations under
which members of the American “political right” labor. The first is that the UN is about to take over the world. He quickly dismissed the idea by joking that after years of experience, he could assure his auditors that UN personnel are “not good enough to organize a cocktail party in a distillery.” The second misconception is that the UN is inconsequential, “that whatever the UN does cannot possibly affect us because the US is so big and strong.”
Ruse stated that he was here to convince people that this is most definitely not true. “While the UN President of C-FAM Austin Ruse delivered a lecture on September 11. is not about to
Christendom Ranked a “Best Buy” in Education
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Christendom College has been listed in Barron’s Best Buys in College Education, a unique college guidebook that provides great direction to students and parents seeking a first-rate education at an affordable price. The College joins an elite list of 247 schools selected based on various criteria including tuition rates and the results of a questionnaire completed by students and the Dean of Student Life. “The name of the institution says it all,” Christendom’s profile reads. “Christendom…has a splendid balance between social functions and academia, as well as an emphasis on the spiritual life… As much as Christendom students love to have fun, there is no getting around the demanding workload expected of all.” The profile also highlights many assets at Christendom such as its fine faculty, small classes, and stately library.
“The profile does a good job of capturing Christendom in a nutshell,” Director of Admissions Tom McFadden said. In conclusion the profile states, “Christendom College is most appropriate for those students seeking a close-knit environment steeped in both the official teachings of the Catholic Church and a curriculum heavy in philosophy and theology. Says a student from the Pacific Northwest, ‘This school lived up to my expectations for academic difficulty, but the kind of knowledge and type of teachers here have made it all worth the necessary extra work.’” Christendom appears in numerous other national secular and religious guides each year including ISI’s All-American Colleges, Peterson’s Competitive Colleges, U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges, The Princeton Review’s The Best 357 Colleges, and many more.
Wedding Bells Ring as Students Perform Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Christendom’s fall play was held November 17-19, with the Christendom Players putting on a wonderful performance of the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Directed by Christendom sophomore Melanie Delancey, the show brought together a very talented cast of singers and dancers who brought the characters from this 1954 musical film to life. “This musical has Christendom written all over it,” says Delancey. “Although a little corny at times, this musical does emphasize the beauty and dignity of marriage and the family, especially big families, and that’s something we need to see more of today.”
Milly (Bridget Randolph) tells her brothers-in-law, Frank (K.C. DuFrain) and Caleb (Chris Dayton), all about courting women.
take over the world, elements within it do intend to harm, and the threat is real. It seeks to harm three sacred sovereignties: the sovereignty of the state, the sovereignty of the Church, and the sovereignty of the family,” he said. He explained that governments must appear before committees comprised of un-elected and unaccountable “experts” exclusively appointed by the UN bureaucracy and explain how they are implementing treaties designed by UN Conventions. He called attention to the fact that the UN’s Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women condemns prostitution, while the committee recently directed China to legalize prostitution. Further, though the Convention does not mention abortion, the committee recently criticized Ireland for having laws against abortion and routinely tells pro-life countries to legalize abortion. “They went further and criticized Ireland for allowing the Catholic Church to have too strong of a voice on this issue,” Ruse said. “My friends, we are in a war. Not a hot war with soldiers or a cold war with spies. At least for now this war is fought exclusively in quiet and carpeted rooms at international fora in Rome, Istanbul, Cairo, Beijing, Rio and New York. There exists a small, rag-tag band of resisters who attend all UN meetings. You do not know their names. Their names will be lost to history. But they are there every day, protecting you and your family, your Church and your country.” Christendom students’ enthusiastic ovation showed their appreciation of his remarks and his work in the pro-life movement. Many students clustered around him afterwards to discuss in more depth some of the issues he raised.
FREEDOM...
from Page 2
The Catholic university because of its commitment to academic freedom sometimes will have to speak uncomfortable truths which do not please modern public opinion, but which nevertheless are necessary in order to safeguard the authentic good of society (Ex Corde Ecclesiae, No. 32). Such an institution will always promote a culture based upon a true Christian anthropology recognizing the fundamental dignity of the human person. Just as we had remarked earlier concerning the nature of a Catholic hospital, similarly, we would say that a university that is not truly guided by these four essential characteristics set forth by the Church, may be considered a university in a secular sense, but certainly should not claim to be a Catholic university.
The girls from town, although kidnapped by the brothers, fall deeply in love with their captors.
Adam (Matt Anderson) fell in love with Milly (Bridget Randolph) at first sight when he went into town to pick up some supplies.
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INSTAURARE, December 2006
Dr. John Bruchalski Tells Students to Fight Culture of Death
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Dr. John Bruchalski, a nationally known pro-life obstetrics and gynecology physician, delivered a lecture entitled “Only Love Has Meaning: Discerning Your Vocation in the Third Millennium” as part of the College’s Major Speaker Program. Bruchalski is founder of the Tepeyac Family Center in Fairfax, VA. Tepeyac is an obstetrical and gynecological facility that combines the best of modern medicine with the healing presence of Jesus Christ, providing affordable healthcare to women, in particular those with crisis pregnancies. Bruchalski explained, “It is necessary for everyone to know his or her vocation so that we can all work to do what we can to help overcome the Culture of Death.”
through our crucifixion of Him; but there is hope in that Christ gives us His mother, Mary. And in John 21 we see Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus taking Jesus’ body down from the cross during the night. We need to ask ourselves if we are the type of person who will stay with Jesus during the day or only during the darkness of night.” A vocation is not something that we can turn on or off, live or not live. He said that young people, especially well-educated young people like those at Christendom, are needed to engage the culture and reclaim it for Christ, particularly through the study and teaching of medical ethics.
“Stem-cell research, abortion, the morningafter pill, these are all horrible acts of injustice He outlined a process Dr. John Bruchalski spoke on November 7. against mankind and for discerning a vocation quite often, against the dignity of women,” he warned. based on his interpretation of a private revelation given “I stand here before you today as a former abortionist, to St. Faustina from Our Lord. In this revelation, Jesus having come to the realization of the truth of the Gospel explained the importance of three different chapters of through my own experience and particularly through John’s Gospel: chapters 15, 19, and 21. the teachings of Pope John Paul II on the theology of the body. We need to be able to better explain the “In the 15th chapter of John’s Gospel, we see Jesus late pope’s teachings on this subject so that more and explaining his love for us by giving us the images of more people may come to see the truth and beauty of the vine and the branches and how we are intimately humanity.” connected to Him,” said Bruchalski. “Later, in the 19th chapter, we are given insight into man’s hatred for Christ
There are practical steps that must be taken now. One is to defend the “conscience clause.” Currently, there is an effort to force all hospitals, doctors, and pharmacists to prescribe contraception and administer the morningafter pill, practices that are contrary to Catholic moral teachings. “I’m not sure what will happen to me and my practice if we are mandated to offer these immoral medicines. Please pray for us. And please pray for our nation.”
Canadian Donors Get Tax Break Canadian friends can now earn the Canadian equivalent of a US tax break when they give to Christendom College, according to the Canadian Revenue Agency. “A donation made at any time in 2005 or a subsequent year to the school by a Canadian donor can be claimed in computing taxable income for the year to the extent provided by subparagraph 110.1(1)(a)(vi) and paragraph 118.1(1)(f ) of the Canadian Income Tax Act,” wrote Mr. Mike Pastuch of the Individual Returns and Payment Processing Directorate in a letter to Christendom College. “This is wonderful for our Canadian friends,” said Director of Development Stephen Grundman. “It is a blessing for us and for our donors— support for our college and a tax break for them!” For more information about the tax deduction, please contact Judy Marsh at the Canadian Revenue Agency at 613.946.1972.
Presidential Golf and Tennis Open Propels Dreams of College Crew Team Forward
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Fundraising for the establishment of a Christendom College crew team began with the first-ever President’s Invitational Golf and Tennis Open. Friends and alumni of Christendom College gathered in Front Royal for a day of recreation that promises to become an annual event. “It is inspiring to see so many of our friends and alumni coming out here to help get this crew team going,” said Dean of Student Life Joe Wurtz. “The $15,000 raised by the Golf and Tennis Open will provide a strong start for making this crew team a reality.” Sponsors for the 2006 Presidential Golf and Tennis Open Intercollegiate Studies Institute Novus CG K&B Underwriters, LLC Dr. Daniel R. Cavazos Mr. and Mrs. Roger Naill Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Mr. and Mrs. William Harris Ms. Lanier Runyon at Cow Creek Ranch J. Duggan and Associates Mr. and Mrs. Richard LaVelle Petrine Construction TruGreen ChemLawn Valley Drilling Corp. of Virginia Mr. and Mrs. Julian Heron, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Gorman Cavalier Maintenance Service McMahon’s Irish Pub Soul Mountain Cafe Carlson Originals, LLC
Golf participants played an 18-hole game of Captain’s Choice at the prestigious Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. Team of four Fr. John Heisler, Francis Fusco, Joseph Heisler, and Matt Pierce made an eagle on hole #18 and won first place. Contest winners included Tom Cavazos for Longest Drive and alumnus Sean Garvey ‘93 for Closest to the Pin. Across town at the Dominion Fitness Center, players participated in a mixed doubles tennis tournament. The winning team was alumnus Jim Kelly and student Clare Bratt ‘09.
Golf Tournament winners: Francis Fusco, Matt Pierce, Joseph Heisler and Fr. John Heisler.
A reception and dinner followed the tournament, and the next phase of the fundraising program was announced. The College will hold a raffle with a goal of raising $20,000. “One hundred percent of the funds raised by the raffle will go toward the college crew team,” said Director of Development Stephen Grundman. “With such a great show of support from our friends and alumni, I am sure the raffle will be as big a success as the tournament, bringing us another step closer to our goal.” The raffle drawing will be held on Saint Patrick’s Day at Christendom and tickets are still available. Prizes include space for two on the 2007 “Christendom in Ireland” trip; space for two at Cow Creek Ranch in Sante Fe, NM; space for two for a 4-day/3-night Carribean trip on a Carnival Cruise; and cash prizes. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets to help raise money for a Christendom College crew team can contact the Development Office at 1.800.877.5456. A picture taken of the Shenandoah River from behind the College’s Library at the newly cleared St. John’s Point.
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INSTAURARE, December 2006
College Celebrates Cultural Patrimony of Christendom: Italian Night, Oktoberfest The College’s tradition of celebrating the glorious cultural patrimony of Christendom continued this fall with Italian Night and Oktoberfest. Dedicated to Italian saints Francis of Assisi and Francis of Paola and to Blessed Antonitta, Italian Night featured lovingly-made Italian food and music and dancing. Senior Sarah Bruno, a team of friends, and Assistant Chef Don Higby prepared the three-course dinner, which included homemade Italian breads blessed by the Chaplains. Many of the well-fed revelers took advantage of the beautiful night went out into the Piazza San Lorenzo for dancing sotto le stelle far into the night.
Fr. Giacomo O’Kielti, assistant chaplain, blesses the homemade Italian breads prior to the evening’s celebrations.
Senior Sarah Bruno has been making the Italian Night a great success for the past two years, with much help from her mother.
Homemade Italian pasta, meatballs, and sauce... Fahgettaboudit!
On top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese....
“This night is not just about the good time and good food,” Sarah Bruno said. “We do this in order to celebrate the great Italian saints that have served the Church loyally throughout history.” The Germans had their day a month later, and, not to be outdone by the Italians, added costumes and contests to their eating, drinking, singing and dancing. After Fr. John Heisler led Sunday evening Vespers and a procession into the St. Lawrence Commons, he blessed the food, wine, and beer. Dr. Robert Rice then proposed a toast to our German Holy Father, Benedict XVI, who has said, “My heart beats Bavarian.” Dr. Rice said that Christendom’s celebration of Oktoberfest exemplified in high style that prime Bavarian trait of Gemuetlichkeit, roughly translated as “warmhearted, friendly, leisurely, but sometimes boisterous conviviality.” Students showed their exuberance and high spirits with “Prosts!” and toasts to the tunes of Bavarian drinking songs and polka music, with prowess in the keg-carrying and barrel-rolling races, and with indefatigable dancing.
The students dress up for Oktoberfest in traditional German clothing and take part in many of the festivities.
Sophomore Dean Reineking grills some brats for dinner.
Everyone cheers on the contestants during the Great Barrel Race.
Students dancing in traditional German style.
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English Professor Dr. Robert Rice toasts our German Shepherd.
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INSTAURARE, December 2006
Students Hear Reyes Talk About Evangelization
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Dr. Jonathan Reyes, who was a History Professor at Christendom from 19982002 and Vice President for Academic Affairs until 2004, returned to campus this past October as a guest speaker. Reyes is President of the Augustine Institute, a Catholic graduate school in the Archdiocese of Denver that educates lay people for roles of leadership in the Church.
“The Church,” as John Paul II affirmed in his Letter to Artists (#12), “needs art” that can assist the proclamation of the Gospel by making “perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God.” Inspired by the Holy Father’s teaching and hoping to contribute to the renewal of Catholic culture, the History Department has integrated the teaching of art history into the Core Curriculum.
His well-received talk spoke particularly to the role of Christendom students in the New Evangelization. “You are part of something big,” he said. “Greatness does not mean size, it means depth…the deep roots of faith.” He said that the previous generation rejected the discipline of formation, whereas this generation desires to be formed. “This generation is speaking out, they know whatever is out there is President of the Augustine Institute in Denver, CO, and former professor at Christendom Dr. Jonathan Reyes delivered a powerful talk on evangelization on not working… Very few people that I October 23. meet get the formation and education which you share can cause great change.” that you receive. You have an added weight, a greater responsibility because of this.” In closing Reyes told students to step forward and to give what they have received at Christendom, to be He said that this generation is not one of rebellion; it is patient, and always be willing to learn. Borrowing from one of rebuilding. “Go out and build things. Take the St. Ignatius Loyola, he said, “Go and set the world on time. It’s difficult, but be patient and keep building.” fire!” Reyes cited a homily by then Cardinal Ratzinger which stated that in order to build up the house of God, we must be rebuilt, that is, be formed as saints. “You must bring your formation to others; bring it with love… Reconnect people with the traditions [of the Church]. Sometimes just a piece of the tradition
Reyes received an MA in history from the University of Michigan and a PhD in history from the University of Notre Dame. He has spoken on college campuses, at parishes, and at conferences across the country, and has appeared on EWTN.
Nigerian Priest Warns Students of Muslim Threat
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Nigerian-born Fr. Columba Nnorom, PhD, delivered an address to students at Christendom College entitled “The Popes and Muslims: How the Catholic Church Countered Islamic Imperialism.” “I come from a part of the world where Christians are massacred and they don’t know what to do… they have no one defending them,” he said. “Islam emerged from the harsh, brutal and cruel desert lands and they are returning to their roots.” Speaking of the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Nnorom said that he saw many parallels to America today. The Byzantine Empire was a superpower like America and
was surprised when the Muslims attacked. “They did not take the Muslim threat seriously.” He stated that the raids of Muslim bands from the desert were much like the terrorist attacks of today. “People have been lobbying for action against these terrorists for over 20 years, but nothing happened until 9-11,” he said. Nnorom declared that if present trends continue, by the end of this century Europe would disappear. There will be “Eurabia” instead. Drawing further parallels to the past, he posited that the Spanish Inquisition was simply another word for Homeland Security. Muslims pretended to be Catholic, just like they are pretending to be US citizens. Nnorom said that the solution to the problem is reciprocity. “If you want to build mosques in our countries, let us build churches in yours.” In a final plea to students, he said, “This is a unique institution, you have a duty. You don’t need millions. Get conscious. Get active. Catholics are fighters for the good. We are always counter-cultural…America mobilized for good can change the world.” Fr. Nnorom is a priest of the Diocese of Richmond. He received his doctorate in Political Science at Loyola University. He is pastor at St. Peter the Apostle in Lake Gaston, VA, and also is co-host of the African Inspiration Hour on WNTR 1050 AM in Washington, DC.
Fr. Columba Nnorom speaks to the students about Islam.
Christendom’s History Department to Incorportate Art into Curriculum
Beginning with the frescoes of the Roman Catacombs and ending with the paintings of the Spanish master Murillo, the new art history curriculum will introduce students to some of the leading monuments and artists of the Christian cultural patrimony. The curriculum consists in eleven digital slide shows and accompanying student readings. The new material has been tested by members of the department for several semesters, and developed by the department chairman Dr. Christopher O. Blum with the help of the Library and Computer Services staff. It will now become a required part of the curriculum beginning with History 102 in January 2007. The art-historical component of The Building of Christendom, as History 102 is known, begins with the consideration of the two most important early-Christian churches, Constantine’s Old St. Peter’s in Rome and Justinian’s Haggis Sophia in Constantinople. The next two classes introduce students to the Benedictine contribution to Christian art with the Lindisfarne Gospels and the architecture of the Orders of Cluny and Cîteaux. The “French style,” as Gothic architecture was originally denominated, will be considered in its origins at the Abbey Church of St. Denis, near Paris, and then in one of its most celebrated monuments, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame at Chartres. The semester concludes with the Sienese masterpieces of the early Fourteenth Century: Duccio’s Maesta and Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good Government. In the Dividing of Christendom (History 201), students will be introduced to the new art of the Renaissance in the persons of Leon Battista Alberti, Sandro Botticelli, and Albrecht Dürer. The second of the four classes is devoted to the sculpture of Tilman Riemenschneider, at once the last and arguably the purest representative of the medieval tradition of sculpting. The final two classes treat the efflorescence of Catholic art during the century and a half following the Council of Trent. The sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini represents the energy and splendor of the Baroque style, while the paintings of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo serve as testimony to the period’s deep and renewed spirituality. Occupying center stage with Murillo in the curriculum’s final class is that monument beloved by several generations of Christendom students and professors: the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo at El Escorial. The works and figures studied in the art history curriculum take their place beside the core texts already employed in the core courses and, of course, Carroll’s History of Christendom. The members of the History Department are certain that the new addition to the curriculum will greatly assist its fundamental purpose of communicating to the students an understanding of and love for the historical reality that was Christendom. The Department expects that the curriculum will be expanded in the future to include materials for History 101, Ancient & Biblical World, and History 202, Church & World in the Modern Age.
INSTAURARE, December 2006
Christendom’s Career Office and Alumni Teaming up to Assist Students
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Because a liberal arts degree is a preparation for many different types of work after college, some students have difficulty choosing their career path. While a pre-medical student naturally goes on to medical school, or a business major to a job in, say, marketing or finance, a philosophy or theology major may not see things quite so clearly, and may even be fearful that his course of study has not really prepared him for a decent, wellpaying job at all. Christendom’s Alumni and Career Development Office is working hard to allay this fear and to support and educate Christendom’s students in their career planning and job search. Tom McGraw, who has been the Director of this office for the past year and a half, has planned a series of events for juniors and seniors to help prepare them to enter the professional world when they graduate. In addition to workshops on resume writing and job interviewing, the Career Office has created a few “inspirational” events. Twice each semester McGraw hosts “Life on Tap,” a talk in the St. Kilian’s Café by a Catholic professional who will speak to the students about being a Catholic in the working world.
Fall 2006 Scholarships Christendom College is pleased to announce that the following undergraduate students have been awarded the following full or partial scholarships: David J. Ricks Memorial Scholarship Sarah Slagel Mary E. Doyle Memorial Scholarship Jessica Reineking Harold and Martha Welch Scholarship Ryan Mitchell Sacred Heart Scholarship Sylvia Smith Padre Pio Memorial Scholarship Daniel Gutschke and Paul Wilson Benjamin Homan Scholarship George Walter Harvey Noel Memorial Scholarship Steven Ginski Valery and Howard Morrison Memorial Scholarship Jonathan Minick Kline Endowment Fund Cynthia Gilday George and Mary Creed Memorial Scholarship Dorothy Merrill
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The Alumni and Career office was created as a result of a self-study conducted by the College a little over two years ago. The study surveyed students, alumni, faculty, and staff and determined that there was a need to foster greater alumni interaction with the College and provide increased assistance to students in finding their career paths. McGraw began the job in August 2005, and by September he was starting to realize that the task was an ambitious one. “Not two months after taking this new position I remember John Clark, Founder and CEO of Paladin Financial Group, explains to students the thinking: ‘this is kind of a big importance of working hard. encouraging talks at that event. Altogether, nearly 25 job,’” recalls McGraw. “When I alumni from a variety of professions attended and inmet Steve Kunath, a 2004 graduate of Christendom troduced themselves to our students. at Italian Night that year, I talked to him for a while about some of my plans. At the end, I said something “It is one thing to read in a brochure or an ad, that with like, ‘I think I’m going to need some help.’” Kunath, a degree from Christendom you can do, ‘anything you a software engineer, was not long in responding. This want.’ But actually to meet alumni who have proved past summer he met with McGraw and offered to assist the truth of that statement is inspiring and powerful,” the Alumni and Career Office by building a Student said McGraw. Services Portal. This online software allows students to view the career office job bank and post their resumes McGraw hopes that this year’s Alumni Career Mentoronline. Additional student services beyond the scope of ing Reception will provide this inspiration once again. career development will possibly be added to the portal “I really need the help of the alumni to come back and in the near future. show our students how they have done it. In many cases that’s all our current students need to see. I try to tell McGraw says he has received significant support and them to ‘be not afraid,’ but it also helps when you have encouragement from the faculty and staff of Christen25 smiling alumni in professional attire saying virtually dom as well as timely help from other alumni. John the same thing: ‘We did it, so can you.’” Clark ‘92, president of Paladin Financial Group, was the first speaker at “Life on Tap” earlier this year, as well as the keynote speaker at The Alumni Career Mentoring Reception held last spring. Dori Greco Rutherford ‘93, and Rosanne and Sean Garvey ‘93, also delivered
Medieval Fest Meets Parents’ Weekend On October 27-29, Christendom celebrated Parents’ Weekend and Medieval Fest. Over 63 families came to visit their children and to take part in the festivities. Each year, Parents’ Weekend gives parents the opportunity to experience the intellectual, spiritual, social, and athletic life on campus. On Friday many parents sat in on classes with their children in the morning and then took a class designed for them in the afternoon: History of Christendom 101, Alumni Statistics 101, and Rome Program 101. On Friday night, there was a men’s basketball game. The traditional pig roast followed, and the two 200-lb pigs,
named Calvin and Hobbes after heretics John Calvin and Thomas Hobbes, were cooked to a succulent turn. On Saturday, the Crusader gymnasium looked more like a medieval village than an athletic facility. Students donned period dress and took part in a number of medieval activities, including throwing vegetables at people in the stocks. In the evening the pigs were carried into the Commons for The King’s Banquet, where the feasting and merrymaking continued.
Fr. James Cowan Memorial Scholarship Kyle Kelley and Katherine McWhirter Marie O’Donohue Monahan Memorial Scholarship Michelle Hudson Palestrina Scholarship Elizabeth Black, Francis Feingold, Emma Fritcher, Draper Warren
Sons of Christendom’s Admissions Director and President, Dominic McFadden and Declan O’Donnell, enjoy Medieval Fest.
Mary Anne Callahan, sister of student Pat Callahan, takes advantage of the fact that senior Geoff Turecek is locked in the stocks.
Dr. Timothy O’Donnell and Prof. Eric Jenislawski.
Preparing the pigs for the King’s Banquet.
Patrick J. Duffy Scholarship Elizabeth Black St. Bernard Classics Scholarship Laura Tillotson Francis A. and Lilian B. Mekus Memorial Scholarship John Mavretich William Casey Memorial Scholarship Andrew Bodoh and Peter Donohue
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INSTAURARE, December 2006
East vs West Flag Football Game
Noah Morey scores a TD for the West during the annual East vs West flag football game.
Crusader Soccer
Go West, young men..Go West!
The Lady Crusaders Soccer Team with Coaches Mike and Kaylie Miller.
Poli-Sci Prof. and Ref. Dr. Bernard Way lays out the rules of the game for both teams.
Joe Hambleton runs back a punt for the only touchdown for the East.
Courtney Nelson dribbles past her defender.
Nick Petersen shows his fancy footwork.
Noah Morey scored three touchdowns in the game for the West.
The victors make W’s with their hands to show that the West is best, winning 40-6.
The Men Crusaders Soccer Team with Coach Tom VanderWoude.
Upper vs Under Flag Football Game
Patrick Quest was the Upper’s field general.
Better get out of Nebraskan Marion Miner’s way.
With cheerleaders such as these, it’s no wonder the Upperclassmen won.
The Underclassmen are just happy to be alive.
Senior Denny Pregent shoots through the East’s defense.
After the East’s loss, Bobby and Matt Lancaster feel a little blue.
Freshman Terry Spring made a beautiful reception and carried the ball into the endzone.
Crusader Volleyball
Lady Crusaders Volleyball team with Coaches Angela Snyder and Mirsad Mehic.
Freshman Ryan Doughty jukes and jives through the Upperclassmen but to no avail. The Upper beat the Under by a score of 44-0.