Instaurare THE CHR IS TEND O M C O LL EG E MAG AZINE
WINTER 2020-21
INSPIRING
Confidence &Hope B I G I M PA C T I N T H E B I G A P P L E | A L U M N I S E R V I N G A S F I R S T R E S P O N D E R S S U P R E M E V O C AT I O N O F W O M E N | C E L E B R AT I N G O V E R 5 0 0 A L U M N I M A R R I A G E S
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VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 3 | WINTER 2020-21 Published three times yearly by the Christendom College Marketing Office. Editor & Design Director: Niall O’Donnell Assistant Editor: Zachary Smith Design Assistant: Johanna Burke Photos: Johanna Burke, Niall O’Donnell, Zach Smith, Nate Collins, Christiana Fedoryka, Bridget Bennett, Gwyneth Sawicki, Sarah Jackson, Bernadette Rohan, Marie Therese O'Reilly, Craig Spiering, Christopher Genn Contributors: Johanna Burke, Zachary Smith, Vince Criste Christendom College 134 Christendom Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630 540.636.2900 | www.christendom.edu Copyright © 2021. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the following credit line is used: “Reprinted by permission from Instaurare, the official magazine of Christendom College (christendom.edu).” SUBSCRIPTION FREE UPON REQUEST.
Instaurare magazine (pronounced “in-sta-rar-ay”) receives its name from the Latin in the college’s motto, “Instaurare Omnia in Christo” or “To Restore All Things in Christ.”
Christendom College does not discriminate against any applicant or student on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADVISORS TO THE BOARD
Mr. Martin R. Boles Mr. Robert Crnkovich (Treasurer) Mr. Gene D’Agostino (Vice Chairman) Mr. Timothy Halisky ’01 Mr. Julian Heron Mrs. Karla Hester ’99 Mr. Richard Hough Dr. Timothy T. O’Donnell (ex officio) Mr. Stephen O’Keefe ’93 (Chairman) Mr. Gary Schuberg Mr. Mark Swartzberg Mrs. Michele Velasco ’90 Mr. Thomas C. West Jr. Ms. Luanne D. Zurlo (Secretary)
Mr. Guy Amisano Sr. Mrs. Donna Bethell Mrs. Mary Ellen Bork Mrs. Bernadette Casey-Smith Mr. John Cecconi Mr. John De Matteo Dr. Robert P. George Mr. Daniel Gorman Mrs. Joan Janaro Mr. John McNeice Mr. Joseph Melancon Rev. Robert Morey Mr. Robert Mylod The Honorable James Nicholson Mrs. Mary Beth Riordan Rev. George W. Rutler Mr. Mark Ryland The Honorable Rick Santorum Rev. William Saunders Mr. Robert Scrivener ’81 Mr. Owen Smith Mr. George Weigel Mr. Thomas Young Mr. Eugene Zurlo
ON THE COVER Stained glass window of the Nativity, located in the south transept of the new Christ the King Chapel.
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BAPTISM OF THE BELLS The bells for the new Christ the King Chapel arrived and were blessed on November 22 at a special ceremony called the Baptism of the Bells. The collection of twelve bells is composed of a refurbished bell from the current chapel, four bells (also refurbished) from the former St. Ann’s in Manhattan, four newly cast bells, and three additional bells that were never used for their intended churches. Read more about the chapel’s progress on page 3.
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Inside This Issue 24
Inspiring ConďŹ dence & Hope Through the prayers and generosity of its supporters, Christendom has been able to flourish, even in 2020.
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Big Impact in the Big Apple Christendom alumni have begun to make New York City home for their families and careers, bringing their educational backgrounds and deep Catholic Faith with them.
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Serving Communities & Saving Lives Alumni are putting their education into action every day as first responders, giving generously to others in a time of great need.
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From the President
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Christ the King Chapel Update
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News in Brief | In Memoriam: Dr. Brendan McGuire
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Christmas Reection: Tomorrow Is the Day It All Begins
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The Supreme Vocation of Women
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Celebrating Over 500 Alumni Marriages
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In the Classroom: Sacraments of Healing
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Classmates: Alumni News
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Omnia in Christo: Creating a Brighter Catholic Future
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The Light Shines in the Darkness FROM THE DESK OF PRESIDENT DR. TIMOTHY O’DONNELL
Each year, as the last leaves fall
and the days grow darker, I turn my gaze to our great Christmas Hope that never fades: Jesus Christ, the Light of the Nations. On the first Christmas night, our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph knelt in adoration of the Creator of the universe, who humbled Himself and entered His creation through the noble institution of a human family.
“We stand in need of a deep renewal and a profound conversion of heart. It must begin with us.”
It is only through Him, the Christ Child born in the cave of Bethlehem, that you and every member of our Christendom College family are sharing the light of the Gospel with our darkened world. Together, we are educating the future Catholic leaders of our nation and Church—with zero federal funding—to build a hopeful future. In these difficult times with the radiant light of Christmas upon us, how important it is that we do not lose hope but turn to Christ, who by His birth in Bethlehem gives us reasons for hope. The spirit of this world is always seeking to destroy this hope and war against the true light which enlightens every man who enters our world. (John.1:9) If we believe divorce is the answer to every difficulty encountered in marriage… If we believe that the safest most sacred space in the world, a mother’s womb, can now be a place of unspeakable violence… If we as a people believe pornography, with its abuse of children on the internet—now a billion dollar industry—and degradation of women and men is a matter of free speech and freedom of expression… If we no longer believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman for life and ordered to the procreation of children… Lastly, if we deny the existence of God and His creation, then no law passed, or any vote, will change our behavior. If we are on the wrong road, headed in the wrong direction, the only solution, as C.S. Lewis put it, is to get off that road, go back to the beginning and get on the right road.
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We stand in need of a deep renewal and a profound conversion of heart. It must begin with us. Christ is King and he must reign in our hearts and in our minds so we can bring Him to others. The building of our Chapel of Christ the King is a powerful and concrete reminder in stone, precious glass, and wood, in these times of widespread confusion and chaos, that He alone is the answer to our social and cultural chaos. His star shines brightly over this Chapel to remind us all of His joyful birth. Our chapel is also a powerful, tangible sign of what we can achieve when we work together. Christendom College's liberal arts education that unites the truths of our Catholic Faith with the truths of natural reason is a heaven-sent answer to the intellectual and moral chaos in our society. Let us remember we are not alone. Our Blessed Lord is always with us. As the author of Hebrews exhorts us: “Therefore, brace up the hands that hang down, and the tottering knees, and make straight paths for your feet…” (Hebrews 12:11-13) So let us go forward with renewed faith, hope, and charity and yes, joy, which our Savior gives us as we celebrate His birth. Let us engage in this great battle for these are the times we have been given to live in. In the Heart of the Infant King,
Christ the King Chapel U
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Aerial view of chapel, late October.
From the sitework to the artwork,
immense progress has been made on the new Christ the King chapel over the summer and fall months. Despite the uncertainties of this past year in the country and world, construction has been able to proceed according to schedule—a sign of hope in troubled times.
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LEFT - Top: Installing the north transept window of the Resurrection. Lower: Ceiling and windows of crossing tower. RIGHT - Top: Inscription carved by alumnus Michael Schmitt ’03 over chapel entrance. Middle: Installing stained glass. Lower: Painting the ceiling.
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Over the summer, the chapel’s slate roof was installed, and in mid-November, the exterior of the building was completed, giving onlookers a sense of excitement for the future spiritual center of Christendom’s campus. Between late December and early January, the two thirty-five-foot steeples that will house the chapel’s twelve bells will be installed, bringing to life the final silhouette of the chapel. In the interior of the chapel, much of the framing and painting is complete, and installation of the wood ceiling is well underway. Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work are also nearly complete. The chapel’s artwork has also seen considerable progress. Alumna Mandy Hain ’07 designed the artwork for the crossing tower’s ceiling, and she and her team completed the first phase of painting the ceiling in October. In September, Beyer Studio installed stained glass windows in the crossing tower, which consist of 8,000 multicolored pieces of handblown, colored glass. The restored Nativity and Resurrection windows were installed in November, and Beyer Studio is continuing work on the chapel’s many custom windows. Once completed, the chapel will contain 115 stained glass windows, 100 of which will have been custom made. With all of this momentum, the chapel is on track to be fully completed, including all interior details, by the spring of 2022. Please continue to pray for the progress of the chapel.
Stay up to date with the latest news, pictures, and videos!
cha pe l . chri s t endom. edu >
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NEWS
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BRIEF VOCATION BOOM Since Christendom’s founding, many alumni have discerned a call to the priesthood and have done their priestly studies in the college’s diocese. This year, 16% of the seminarians in the Diocese of Arlington are Christendom alumni, with Philip Briggs, Andrew Clark, Deacon Jonathan Fioramonti, Joe Flaherty, Peter Foeckler, Deacon John Paul Heisler, Dominic Mann, and Deacon Joe Townsend all studying for the priesthood. Deacons Fioramonti, Heisler, and Townsend are all on track to be ordained to the priesthood together next year, raising the total number of alumni priests in the diocese to over twenty.
A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS Waking up early on Saturday, October 24, Christendom students drove into nearby Falls Church, Virginia, with a powerful mission: to prayerfully protest the evils of abortion with the Diocese of Arlington’s Bishop Michael Burbidge. Their shared witness proved to be a powerful one, with others joining them to pray rosaries and stand for the rights of the unborn.
WIT & WISDOM Students took the stage with actor, writer, and producer Paul Rugg in October, learning the basics of improv comedy. Rugg, who is currently the voice of Ned on the Disney+ hit show Earth to Ned, spent the evening teaching students, providing them with valuable knowledge and experience that they can use to help clean comedy make a comeback.
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GOLFING FOR GOOD Approximately 122 golfers, made up of alumni, friends, and benefactors of Christendom, competed in the eleventh annual Thomas S. Vander Woude Golf Tournament on Monday, October 12. Together, they fundraised and celebrated the accomplishments of Christendom’s athletes, with all proceeds going toward the Thomas S. Vander Woude Athletic Scholarship fund.
IN MEMORIAM
GIVING LIFE With hospitals working hard to treat patients on a daily basis, the need for blood is high. The Christendom community joined together to help meet that need through the college’s annual blood drive with the American Red Cross on September 16. The drive, which was Christendom’s thirtyfifth, exceeded expectations for the Red Cross, with 62% of total donors giving for the first time.
Beloved history professor Dr. Brendan McGuire
ROLLER COASTER GOES VIRAL Alumni siblings Sean ’14, Michael ‘19, and Nicole LaRochelle ’17, along with current student Mark LaRochelle ’22, spent their quarantine months doing something extraordinary: building a roller coaster in their parents’ backyard, inspired by the iconic Matterhorn ride in Disneyland. The result—a 400-foot steel roller coaster, complete with waterfalls and an animatronic yeti—went viral online and gained worldwide attention, with Sean and the family appearing on CNN, Fox, ABC, Daily Mail, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more. The coaster was the next big leap for the LaRochelles, after they spent their time at Christendom designing elaborate sets for Christmas Formal and Christendom Players productions. Watch the ride in action: youtu.be/pHLW0olSXOI
passed away on October 9, after receiving Last Rites and the Apostolic Blessing. McGuire, a husband, father, and lover of baseball and rugby, died after a nearly decade-long battle with cancer. He was 37 years old. “Words cannot express the incredible love, esteem, and affection of the entire Christendom family for Brendan as a professor, mentor, friend, and colleague,” said College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell. “He gave himself so generously in the midst of suffering and challenges to the mission of Christendom College and its students. We will never forget his deep faith, his love, his passion, and the intense joy he took in God’s great gift of life. Let us remember him, his wife Susan, their three children, Joseph, Jack, and Aileen, and all the members of his family in our fervent prayers. May God rest his soul.” McGuire’s passing is a tremendous loss to his family and the entire Christendom community. Christendom’s founder, Dr. Warren H. Carroll, was overjoyed when McGuire returned to teach at the college. McGuire surely heard Carroll’s famous words during his time as a student and a professor: “one man can make a difference.” McGuire was that one man, and for that the college is eternally grateful. Read more on his remembrance page at christendom.edu/mcguire.
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Mak A Big Impa Big A
Alumni Work to Resto
By Zach
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New York City is the largest city in the
United States, with a population bigger than thirty-eight states in the country. Over eighteen million people call the “Big Apple” home, working and living within the five boroughs. With a gigantic city comes excitement but daunting realities as well. New York is faced with the same increasingly secular culture gripping the rest of the world, all concentrated in just over 300 square miles. Every sector of the city is in desperate need of Christ’s love.
king act in the Apple
ore New York City in Christ
h Smith
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Thankfully, Christendom alumni have begun to make the city home for their families and careers, bringing their educational backgrounds and deep Catholic Faith with them. Alumni Dean Dewey, Sabrina Morales, and Sr. Caroline Caritas (Kelsey Ingold) serve in a variety of different capacities in the city, from finance, to education, to protecting the dignity of every human life. Dewey credits his time at Christendom for preparing him for his role in living out a Christ-like life in New York City. “In my career, I absolutely believe that my Catholic faith has played an important role,” says Dewey. “Whenever I speak to Christendom students or alumni about entering the world of finance, I often hear the question ‘Don’t I need a degree in finance or business?’ No—a degree in finance may open up a door or two right out of college, but what really allows you to climb ladders is the ability to critically think, write well, learn quickly, argue rationally, and—perhaps most importantly—be ethical. I am so proud to say that Christendom graduates overwhelmingly possess those qualities in abundance.” Dewey graduated from Christendom in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics, and he joined Silvercrest Asset Management shortly after receiving his degree. In the world of finance, Manhattan is still king, putting Dewey
into the biggest field in the city. Furthermore, his company, Silvercrest, is located on the Avenue of the Americas, right next to Times Square. The area is one of the most bustling on the planet, but Dewey always feels prepared to speak about his beliefs and his faith. “I proudly and unreservedly speak about my faith if and when the occasion presents itself,” says Dewey. “While not unique to being Catholic, the responsibilities of being a husband and father require persistent discipline, which, when applied to one’s work, will yield dividends [as well],” says Dewey, who is married to fellow alumna Anna (Van Hecke) Dewey, with whom he has four children. Having an impact in an area that is common in so many lives is how Christendom’s mission can continue to spread in a world that so desperately needs it. Besides finance, another field that is common in every life is education—a field that Morales is heavily involved in now as a kindergarten teacher in the Bronx. Following her graduation in 2019, Morales served as a Seton Teaching Fellow at Brilla Pax Elementary, helping to provide a free classical education during the day and an optional Catholic faith formation program after school to children in the area. After her first year, the school offered Morales the chance to return
“I proudly and unreservedly speak about my faith if and when the occasion presents itself.”
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as a full-time kindergarten teacher. Serving in this important role can be challenging at times, but Morales is confident that she is making a positive difference in the lives of her students. “Especially as a philosophy major, I was consistently challenged to support my answers by answering ‘why,’” says Morales. “It is not enough to memorize facts and spit them back out for a grade. This habit of being able to explain why I believe something or how I came to find an answer got me into the practice of understanding what I learned and supporting it with evidence. In the workplace, I work alongside teachers from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. However, I am able to carry on a respectful discourse about what I believe in a way that is clear as well as compassionate. I am still working at this and have a lot to learn, but my Christendom education laid a very strong foundation from which I was able to begin.” With a large number of Catholic schools closing in New York City, especially in the wake of COVID-19, Morales’ school is one of the only ones left that is able to provide children with a faithful, classical education. A role that she already saw as an important one has become even more crucial within only a year, but she feels her time at Christendom prepared her for such a moment.
Dean ’13 and Anna ’14 Dewey with 3 of their children.
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Sabrina Morales ’19 works with youth in NYC.
“I was hired not solely because of my teaching abilities but because of my ability to work in a team, to articulate my thoughts, and because of my character. More recently I was asked to lead our ‘Character Formation Sessions’ and am in the process of becoming the ‘Character Lead’ for next year. I am ever so grateful for my four years at Christendom, and the immense impact it has had on my personal, spiritual, and professional life,” says Morales. Her students have become so important to her, and Morales sees her work as a way of protecting their dignity and the dignity of others as a result. A core facet of Christendom’s educational apostolate is ingraining in students the need to protect every human life and promote their importance throughout the world, resulting in alumni like Morales pursuing a career in education. For alumna Sr. Caroline Caritas, this facet also helped her in discerning her own vocation to the religious life, specifically to the Sisters of Life. A philosophy major, Sr. Caroline discerned her vocation in college and joined the Sisters of Life in New York City shortly after graduation. Like other Catholic religious communities, the Sisters of Life take the three traditional religious vows of
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poverty, chastity and obedience, but they also take a fourth—to protect and enhance the sacredness of human life. Sr. Caroline Caritas spends about four hours each day in common prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, while also taking part in the daily work of the Sisters. The missions of the Sisters of Life include serving women who are vulnerable to abortion, giving them the support and resources to be able to choose life for themselves and their children; hosting weekend retreats; evangelization; outreach to college students, and helping women who have suffered after abortion to encounter the mercy and healing of Jesus Christ. Her life as a religious sister brings her great joy and has a tremendous impact within the City. “Jesus has chosen each one of us—me and you,” explains Sr. Caroline. “Before anything we do or accomplish or possess, we exist. We are! God chose you because He loves you. His faithful and unfailing love give such meaning to life, to my life. All of our outreach, all of our service, all of our activity stems from this union forged in daily prayer— knowing that we are never alone.”
“I was hired not solely because of my teaching abilities but because of my ability to work in a team, to articulate my thoughts, and because of my character.”
Sr. Caroline (Kelsey Ingold ’14) with Dr. Timothy O’Donnell and wife Catherine at the annual Sisters of Life Gala held in New York City.
Sr. Caroline, like Dewey and Morales, is only a recent addition to the population of New York City, but her impact is already being felt in the lives of those she is able to help and serve as a sister. In a city filled with so much life, a focus on protecting and promoting the dignity of each human life as made in the Image and Likeness of God is so important. By helping one life at a time, Sr. Caroline is changing family trees within New York for generations to come. Finance. Education. Pro-life causes. Christendom’s alumni are making a big impact in the Big Apple in each of these fields, bringing the light of Christ to the people of New York City as a result. Christendom’s founder, Dr. Warren Carroll, often said that “one man can make a difference.” In each of these fields, these alumni are fulfilling that call. Over 300 square miles is a lot of ground to cover, but Dewey, Morales, and Sr. Caroline Caritas are using their Christendom educations to create a ripple effect of Christ’s love, making New York a better, more hopeful place.
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S E RV I N G COMMUNITIES & S AV I N G L I V E S Alumni Seek to Defend the True, the Good, and the Beautiful as Police and Firefighters
By Zach Smith
“Our society needs those who will
stand up to defend what is true, what is good, and what is righteous.” These are the words of Ted Eidem, an alumnus of Christendom from the Class of 2000. His words, in many ways, sum up the mission of Christendom—to form laypeople to go out and restore all things in Christ. They also sum up Eidem’s thoughts on why his chosen profession—a police officer—is so important. He, along with alumni firefighters Brian Pelletier and Hannah Gordon, put their education into action every day as first responders, giving generously to others in a time of great need.
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Eidem’s wife, Emily (née Foushee) Eidem ’00, pinning his badge when he was promoted to sergeant in 2013.
Whenever Eidem, Pelletier, or Gordon answer a call, it is often on one of the hardest days in a person’s life. Whether it is a crime or an accident, first responders are tasked with serving in chaotic situations every day, making their professions some of the most difficult available to people. This begs the question: why would anyone want to pursue these careers? For Eidem, Gordon, and Pelletier, it is because of just that: the opportunity to serve others and show them love, illumined by the light of faith. Each has his or her own story about the inspiration to pursue such a career. Eidem’s story started right in the Christendom classroom. A political science and economics major, he was going over case law about criminal investigations in his American Constitutional Law class and found it fascinating. “These issues society faces—of respecting individual freedoms all the while keeping chaos and evil away from the innocent—is paramount in a just society,” says Eidem. “I felt
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“I FELT CALLED TO A CAREER IN POLICING IN ORDER TO PURSUE THESE IDE AL S OF JUSTICE AND TRU TH, SAFE T Y, AND FREEDOM.”
called to a career in policing in order to pursue these ideals of justice and truth, safety, and freedom.” Following his graduation in 2000, Eidem followed his calling and began serving with the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia, staying there three years before moving to Kentucky. For almost sixteen years now, Eidem has served with the Louisville Metro Police, currently working with the Public Integrity Unit, which handles criminal investigations of metro government employees. A regular part of Eidem’s life is helping people on their toughest days, but he believes that his time at Christendom prepared him well to handle these moments with Christlike charity. “Police work can be emotionally exhausting. Especially in the most trying times, relying on your faith to remain focused on what is true and good is a must,” says Eidem. “With the spiritual formation from Christendom, it helps to respond to situations in Christlike charity by seeing that all involved, even the most hardened and spiteful people, are children of God.” For nineteen years now, he has given his all to serve his community and make society a better place. It is not always easy, but it is always important. “We are all deserving to live peacefully and to live free,” explains Eidem. “Public safety and protection of liberty is one of the essential functions of government. Elected legislators enact laws to this end, and law enforcement is there to uphold these ideals.” Learning how to stand up for the true, the good, and the beautiful is part of Christendom’s educational mission, and each alumnus or alumna leaves armed with the tools necessary to do just that in their profession. Gordon, who became a firefighter just last year, discerned her career because of that mission. In her heart, she always knew she wanted to help improve lives in a hands-on way in her career, and initially went into the mental health field after graduation, using her bachelor’s degree in philosophy to assist people. After a number of years, she discerned a calling to be a firefighter instead, inspired by their confidence and proficiency at attending to patients. “I value this job because I have the opportunity to serve people in crises,” says Gordon. “I never know what call I am going to get, and it’s a unique career to be able to help people on their worst days. I look at my job as an opportunity to share Christ and a Christian heart with the multitude of random people I meet. It’s such a humbling career because I am constantly
“I L O O K AT MY JOB AS AN O P P O R T U N I T Y TO SHARE CHRIST AND A CHRISTIAN HEART WITH THE M U LT I T U D E O F RANDOM PEOPLE I M E E T.”
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In addition to fighting fires, Gordon participates in educational events for members of her community.
learning how to improve and what I need to do better. I think I end up learning more every day at work than I have in any other job I have ever had.” Gordon is stationed at Loudoun County Fire Station, answering a variety of calls throughout the week. No matter the situation, she strives to show each patient the care they deserve, following Christ’s example of the Good Samaritan. “I strive to remain calm and empathetic to my patients during calls,” says Gordon. “It can definitely be challenging to be patient with everyone during chaotic, stressful calls. I just keep reminding myself throughout the day that the ultimate goal is to help each person I come into contact with and leave them better than I found them. The more I practice my faith and improve myself, the better I will be able to serve my patients.” Leaving people in a better situation during such a traumatic time is a noble goal, and one that inspires Pelletier as well. “I try to see our patients as the sick, the imprisoned, and
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Pelletier, left, with members of his team.
the strangers of our society,” says Pelletier. “They are often calling us on the worst day of their lives, and all they want is for us to make it right so that things can get back to normal.” Pelletier, who studied political science and economics at Christendom, followed a family tradition when he pursued a career as a firefighter—his grandfather and several great uncles had served as firefighters in New York City. Today, he answers calls primarily in Woodbridge, Virginia, while also serving on a volunteer rescue squad in Culpeper, Virginia, with his wife and fellow alumna Andie Pelletier. “To me, the first responder community is one of multiple components that help hold our society together,” says Pelletier. “Ultimately, we’re trying to do the most good for the most people, often under unfavorable circumstances. We are helping to maintain strong, functioning communities that have a higher quality of life and lower mortality rates than ever before.”
“FIRST RESPONSE IS ABOUT CONTRIBUTING TO SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF. THERE ARE FEW CAUSES GREATER THAN SERVING THE LEAST OF OUR BRETHREN.”
Like Eidem and Gordon, Pelletier is confronted by people going through trauma on almost a daily basis. He and his fellow firefighters do everything they can to physically fix problems, but sometimes nothing more can be done than offering support to victims—especially spiritual support. Pelletier can recall an incident in which an elderly woman passed away peacefully in her sleep, and he wanted to help the grieving family however
he could. He offered to call a chaplain for them, and upon finding out they were also Catholic, he requested a priest come to their house as well. Such an incident is an example of how he responds to traumatic situations through the lens of faith, making lives better as a result. “In a small way, we hope it brought comfort to this family, even though there was nothing we could do for their loved one,” says Pelletier. “First response is about contributing to something greater than yourself. There are few causes greater than serving the least of our brethren.” Serving communities and saving lives are inspiring missions, and ones that help unite police officers and firefighters across the nation. As Pelletier puts it, they are serving “in the trenches, getting our hands dirty in service to our fellow man.” It is their way of going out and restoring all things in Christ.
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Tomorrow Is THE DAY When It All Begins A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION By Dr. Kathleen Sullivan Tingles trickle down my arms like the
ice crystals melting in the frost as my five-year-old self huddles excitedly in the small chair by the window. A smile crinkles the corners of my mouth and I squeeze my eyes shut for a moment, hoping to hear those distant Santa sleigh bells, and maybe the scuffling sounds of a reindeer’s hoof on our rooftop. A scratching sound against the side of our house startles my eyes open. The thought that it is merely the bare branches of the tree outside tapping the shutters never enters my mind; my imagination has already taken hold. I squash my face against the glass, trying to peer into the winter darkness. A single streetlight shines a soft halo of light on the still street below. The few cars lining the sides of the road are covered in a calm of snow. The small flakes fall gently, the lights of the neighbor’s house glow warmly, and the candles in the window flicker and wink as if they were alive.
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“MY EAGER GAZING THOUGH THE FROSTED WINDOW WAS NOT DIRECTED TOWARD THE NEIGHBORING HOUSES’
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, BUT UPWARD TO THE TWINKLING LIGHTS OF THE STARS AS I THOUGHT ABOUT THE SHEPHERDS AND MAGI FOLLOWING THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM. MY EXCITED ANTICIPATION FOR GIFTS AND GUESTS TO TWINKLING
ARRIVE BECAME AN ANTICIPATION FOR THE ARRIVAL OF A MOST PRECIOUS GIFT, A MOST BELOVED GUEST.”
“Christmas!” I breathe excitedly as I search among the stars in the night sky, but no sign of the awaited St. Nicholas in his Santa Claus suit; no red nose of Rudolph do I see. No matter. I know the chocolate-chip cookies await Santa downstairs next to the glass of cold milk, which of course will never grow warm throughout the night. I also know the reindeer will get a treat when they stop at our house since I left a nice little bunch of bright orange carrots on our snowy porch. The gifts and guests would arrive the next day, and how I wish they were already here. I’m ready and the house is ready. “Tomorrow is the day when it all begins!” I whisper as I scurry back to the cozy warmth of my bed, cuddling the many stuffed animals residing there. The race between sleepiness and wakefulness commences, and although close, sleep at last happily wins in the end. Little did I know that my childhood excitement on Christmas Eve would grow and deepen over the years. The same allurement would draw me to the window on cold winter evenings, the same kaleidoscope of streetlights, house lights, and starlight would shine in the darkness for my excited eyes, but wonderingly, there was a difference in that sameness. The years passed, the room decor changed, the stuffed animals that once cluttered my bed were whittled down to three favorites, then two, then none. The carrots that were once left outside for Donner and Blitzen were now kept in the refrigerator as my old-soul-self smiled with affectionate condescension at the youthful innocence of my younger self. The cookies no longer were saved for Santa but were now consumed as necessary sustenance for the energies of tree-decorating.
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Yet these external changes were merely the signs of a more surprising internal change. For, according to form and formula, it truly became more exciting to see the excitement of the kids in our ever-expanding family circle to open their gifts than it did for me to open mine. I stayed awake in wonder not of Santa and his team of coursers, but of Mary and Joseph, searching for a place in that piercing cold and darkness to bring forth the Light of the World. My eager gazing though the frosted window was not directed toward the neighboring houses’ twinkling Christmas lights, but upward to the twinkling lights of the stars as I thought about the shepherds and magi following the Star of Bethlehem. My excited anticipation for gifts and guests to arrive became an anticipation for the arrival of a most precious gift, a most beloved guest. I had discovered that my Christmas joy, once focused inwardly on myself, had turned outward to delight in others’ joys. Then, as the years continued, that Christmas movement unexpectedly turned inward once more. This new kind of interior epiphany was familiar, yet strange at the same time. It made me think of T.S. Eliot’s verse in his poem Little Gidding from the Four Quartets. Eliot writes, “We shall not cease from exploration / And the end of all our exploring / Will be to arrive where we started / And know the place for the first time.” How true is this claim! Thinking of my over-confident teenage self entering college, walking forward without the comforting parental handrail guiding my every step, I knew that my academic adventures would expand my world and my mind,
and it did, for learning to look outside of myself and discovering the truth that mattered led to even more discoveries, more endeavors, more encounters with ideas familiar and strange. I learned to navigate not only through the cement jungle and gymnasium of detours in D.C., constructing metaphors of life about and while driving through construction, but also through academic scholarship and literary analysis, through philosophical arguments and theological questions, through the curious grammar of student essays. These unceasing explorations and travels through books and classes, through roads and years, were replete with the usual cast of challenging characters anyone faces on their quests, the moments when the motion of life seems to move backward or sideways or anywhere but forward, and yet in all the movements of mind and body, I realized that the kind of motion that mattered most happened when I was still. So I find myself sitting once more in my chair by the window on Christmas Eve. I had arrived at the place where I started, and I knew the place for the first time. The motion was once more inward, but it was a new kind of interiority–a new eagerness and excitement. I did not wonder what gifts I would get under the tree or whether the house was ready to receive guests. I now asked whether my house was ready to receive Christ. Was my heart prepared to love with the burning Light of the World?
Were my eyes ready to see salvation in a swaddled Babe? Was my mouth ready to proclaim the truth of the Incarnate Word? These, the essential questions of life, kept me pondering and praying. What matters in my house matters most, but I knew now that it was not about the house with four walls. It was the house of my very self. I wanted to welcome Him inside. I wanted to receive the true Gift–Jesus Christ, our Lord. The frost forms on the windowpane as my adult self still sits huddled in a chair by the window. The tingles on my arm begin anew, but not because of the anticipatory excitement of St. Nick or because of the December cold. A smile arises and my eyes squeeze shut, but not because I hope to hear sleigh bells this Christmas Eve. Instead, I hope to hear the beating of Christ’s heart when I unite mine with His in the Eucharist of Christmas Mass. And so I whisper with grateful longing to Our Lord in the arms of His Blessed Mother with St. Joseph at her side, “Tomorrow is the day when it all begins! Welcome. My house is ready for You.” Raised in New England, Kathleen Sullivan traded the snowy mountains of New Hampshire for the sunny hills of California to study at Thomas Aquinas College for her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. A master’s degree in literature at the University of Dallas followed, before she attained her doctorate degree at The Catholic University of America. Throughout her studies, Dr. Sullivan taught courses in literature, composition, and rhetoric for both college and high school students. Currently an Assistant Professor at Christendom, Dr. Sullivan teaches English courses all the while embracing the Catholic community life of the College.
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INSPIRING
Confidence &Hope Through the prayers and generosity of its supporters , Christendom has been able to flourish, even in 2020. Christendom’s benefactors understand that life is not to be lived behind the glow of an electronic screen, and they are helping the next generation of Catholics live out this truth. While most of the world has delved deeper into the virtual realm in recent months, Christendom has preserved its in-person education, which is integral to the mental, moral, and spiritual formation of students. Through their support, Christendom benefactors are ensuring that students can pursue wisdom and holiness in joyful community.
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BENEFACTORS RALLY TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL AID The events of 2020 have taken a financial toll on many individuals and families. If it were not for the generosity of Christendom benefactors, some students may not have been able to return for the fall semester due to unpredicted financial struggles. Christendom’s benefactors rallied in support, and through the “ZERO Federal Funding” campaign, rapidly raised over $750,000 to be used for emergency financial aid, enabling every student to resume his or her education this fall. While other colleges and universities collected giant bailouts through the CARES Act, Christendom remained committed to rejecting federal funds. Thanks to benefactors, Christendom’s classrooms remain unhindered by the strings of federal funding, even in a time of financial upheaval.
CHRISTENDOM SETS NEW RECORD FOR ENROLLMENT The mass shift to virtual learning in recent months has highlighted the importance of in-person education and community life. Now more than ever, students are seeking an intellectual home and transformative education. As a result, Christendom reached a record student enrollment in 2020 despite the many challenges presented by this past year, including a 4% decrease in enrollment on the national level. The admissions team went above and beyond to connect with students and parents, answering questions and forging relationships, even when visiting campus was not possible. As a result, Christendom met its goals and welcomed 158 new students this fall, with a total of 525 students enrolled. “This fall marks a record year for enrollment at Christendom,” shared Director of Admissions Sam Phillips. “Christendom’s educational apostolate can only truly be offered in person, with students studying together and challenging each other to be better leaders and better Catholics. Our students are eager for that kind of learning environment . . . and many have expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to study in person this fall.”
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FALL ROME SEMESTER CONTINUES
STUDENT ACTIVITIES COUNCIL CREATIVELY BUILDS COMMUNITY The social and cultural events hosted by the Student Activities Council (SAC) exist for more than mere entertainment. These events are meant to foster genuine friendship and camaraderie among the college community. Given the mission of these events, members of SAC worked hard to ensure that student events would be able to continue. From coming up with new ideas for events that could be held outdoors, to finding ways to make sure students had more room to safely distance, SAC took the necessary steps to ensure that these events could continue as a vital part of the student experience.
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While most colleges and universities canceled their study abroad programs this fall, Christendom decided to continue the Rome program with appropriate precautions to ensure the health and safety of the students, faculty, and staff. After quarantining in a beautiful villa in the Italian countryside, twenty-two students began their semester in Rome. Many museums and churches remained open, but without the long lines and crowds of tourists that are characteristic of Rome. This allowed students to soak in the history and splendor of the Eternal City in a truly unique way, resulting in a rich and life-changing experience for those who participated.
PRINCIPLES CLASSES EXPAND CHRISTENDOM'S REACH As Christendom’s student body grew this year, so did the college’s reach. Most Catholics have not had the opportunity to study the intellectual traditions of the Church, yet they crave a deeper understanding of their Catholic heritage. This is why Christendom launched its free online Principles classes, allowing Catholics in any phase of life to experience Christendom’s rich curriculum. These classes make it possible to delve into the Catholic liberal arts right from your living room. The first class launched was titled Christ: The Center of History, taught by College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell. Soon, a core curriculum of classes will be launched in the areas of theology, philosophy, history, literature, and political science. Principles will also spread Christendom’s reach through monthly, live lectures and in-person events throughout the country.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Thanks to the prayers and support of benefactors, Christendom has expanded even in a difficult year, forming minds both on campus and beyond. Christendom’s ability to flourish even in uncertain times is a sign of hope, and of God’s loving providence.
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The Supreme Vocation of Women by Melissa Maleski
As the world marks the closing of
the centennial anniversary of St. John Paul II’s birth, and the emergence of the first generation of people with no living memory of the Polish Pope, it is fitting to pause and reflect on his legacy. Taking a step back to consider his corpus of writings and work as a whole, John Paul II’s pontificate may well be summed up by the word communio. His was a papacy dedicated to the pursuit and understanding of authentic and balanced relationships rooted in Truth—whether it was the relationship between God and man (Veritatis Splendor), between faith and the natural gift of human reason (Fides et Ratio), between the Church and other ecclesial communities (Ut Unum Sint), or between the sexes (Theology of the Body). John Paul II was unafraid to engage in what Pope Paul VI called the “dialogue
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of salvation” (Ecclesiam Suam, 70), approaching every person as Jesus did the Samaritan woman at the well. The broad desire for communio that connected John Paul II’s various pastoral endeavors was an outward expression of his theological and philosophical rootedness in personalism, and man’s ontological dimension as a communio personarum in the image and likeness of God. Even before his election to the Chair of Peter, the man christened as Karol Wojtyla devoted much of his thought and energy to the nature and purpose of man as a relational being; Love and Responsibility and The Jeweler’s Shop are notable and profound meditations on the evangelical character of human connection and intimacy. As pope, John Paul II continued to develop a theological anthropology that harmonized the eternal truths
Jesus talks with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.
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of the Catholic faith concerning the human person with reason and science, providing a clear pastoral path toward principled unity within the human family that authentically reflected the divine mystery of God’s own triune nature. Works such as Evangelium Vitae, the Theology of the Body lectures, Christifidelis Laici, Familiaris Consortio, and Mulieris Dignitatem consider the
“As Adam could not recognize himself fully until Woman stood before him, John Paul II inculcated the idea that modern man would never fully realize his own humanity until the humanity of woman was recognized in its fullness.” various implications of the fundamental reality that the Holy Father would never tire of contemplating: “Man becomes the image of God not so much in the moment of solitude as in the moment of communion” (General Audience, 14 Nov 1979). This contemplation naturally gravitated toward the subject of woman, of which John Paul II became notoriously famous. Like his predecessors Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI, John Paul II understood the urgent need to address the nature of womanhood and its role in the Church and in the world, especially in light of the rapid social changes caused by second-wave feminism. Over the course of his 26-year pontificate, the Holy Father made women a priority. He spoke of women, and to them, often. In Evangelium Vitae,
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he underscored the particular necessity of feminine influence in the world: “In transforming culture so that it supports life, women occupy a place, in thought and action, which is unique and decisive. It depends on them to promote a ‘new feminism’ which rejects the temptation of imitating models of ‘male domination,’ in order to acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence, and exploitation” (99). In Redemptoris Mater, he emphasized the Blessed Virgin Mary as the exemplar of discipleship, and of womanhood. In Mulieris Dignitatem, he further explored the unique dignity of womanhood, and the complementary dimensions of the feminine vocation that gives form to a woman’s dignity—motherhood and virginity. And in Letter to Women, the Holy Father thanked women for the simple fact of their existence, and addressed the many ways in which women were marginalized by society. John Paul II made it clear throughout his pontificate that an authentic understanding of womanhood was intrinsic to an authentic and complete understanding of the communio personarum. Every time he wrote about women, the Genesis account of man’s creation as male and female made an appearance as either a contextual precursor to the topic, or as a reinforcement of it. As Adam could not recognize himself fully until Woman stood before him, John Paul II inculcated the idea that modern man would never fully realize his own humanity until the humanity of woman was recognized in its fullness. This is what distinguished his vision of a “new feminism” from the sallow cultural feminism spreading throughout the world. The Holy Father wanted men and women to see—to know, in the depths of their soul—that the dignity and worth of human activity was an extension of the inviolable dignity and worth of human existence, not the other way around. He wanted women especially to understand that there was no need to sacrifice their particular “feminine genius” in order to achieve equal status as powerful co-operators in the world. That status was inscribed on womanhood from the very beginning, and not even sin could erase its presence. When it comes to John Paul II’s systematic exploration of womanhood, Mulieris Dignitatem and Letter to Women are the most-frequently cited documents, but they are not the last words he shared on the matter. Shortly before his death, the Holy Father went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes. Near the conclusion of his homily, John Paul II addressed all women, saying, “To you, women, falls the task of being sentinels of the Invisible!”
Despite going almost completely unnoticed at the time, the exhortation and its uniqueness was significant. Early in his pontificate, the Holy Father made a name for himself by creating a new lexicon to explain Divine Revelation with greater clarity and efficacy, particularly in regards to his theology of the body. But once the precedent was set, he used the lexicon consistently throughout his entire corpus of writings. Introducing a new phrase like “sentinel of the Invisible” in the twilight of his papacy seemed to invite one of two conclusions: some fresh thought had occurred to John Paul II, or he had come to a terminal point in his consideration of womanhood. While it is possible that John Paul II intended the former, the latter is more likely. The Holy Father had settled on a definitive way to express the fundamentally “unique and decisive” role women occupied in the communio personarum. John Paul II concluded Mulieris Dignitatem with an expression of gratitude and a prayer for women: The Church gives thanks for all the manifestations of the feminine ‘genius’ which have appeared in the course of history, in the midst of all peoples and nations; she gives thanks for all the charisms which the Holy Spirit distributes to women in the history of the People of God, for all the victories which she owes to their faith, hope and charity: she gives thanks for all the fruits of feminine holiness. The Church asks at the same time that these invaluable ‘manifestations of the Spirit’ (cf. 1 Cor 12:4ff.), which with great generosity are poured forth upon the ‘daughters’ of the eternal Jerusalem, may be attentively recognized and appreciated so that they may return for the common good of the Church and of humanity, especially in our times. Meditating on the biblical mystery of the ‘woman’, the Church prays that in this mystery all women may discover themselves and their ‘supreme vocation’. (31) What more supreme vocation exists for women than to be a “sentinel of the Invisible”, in the tradition of the holy women of the Old and New Testament, of the Most Holy Mother of God, of the treasury of female saints who followed the lifetime of Christ? That is left to us and future generations—to pick up where John Paul II concluded and continue the divine commission to seek communio in, and with, Christ.
Maleski’s book, The Supreme Vocation of Women, was published this year by Sophia Institute Press.
Melissa Maleski is the author of The Supreme Vocation of Women According to St. John Paul II (Sophia Institute Press), and the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Lake Ridge, VA. She is a graduate of Christendom College’s Notre Dame Graduate School.
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Models of Christ-like Love Christendom Celebrates 500 Alumni Marriages BY JOHANNA BURKE
The world needs holy marriages more
than ever. Given that the majority of social issues have their roots in difficulties that begin with a fractured home life, it is clear that loving marriages and families are the medicine our suffering society desperately needs. Christendom graduates strive to be part of this solution, seeking to “Restore All Things in Christ” by living out virtuous marriages and starting families of their own. Hundreds of Christendom graduates have pursued this vocation, often with a fellow alumnus as their spouse. Equipped with a thorough understanding of the sacrament of marriage, these alumni seek after holy marriages and form flourishing families that serve their communities and bring Christ to the world. On August 15, Ian ’20 and Annemarie (née Speer ) ’19 Heisler became the 500th alumni married couple, a beautiful milestone for the Christendom community. While 2020 was a difficult year to plan a wedding, with many couples enduring changed plans, canceled venues, and limited guest lists, Christendom couples such as Ian and Annemarie focused on preparing for the sacrament of marriage, as opposed to just details of the wedding day.
“In today’s society, it is so easy to get caught up in all the details of a wedding celebration—the reception, the flowers, dresses, and so on,” shared the Heislers. “While all these things can be exciting and fun to plan, they are all for the sake of something so much bigger—the sacrament of holy matrimony. While we wanted all our guests to have a fun time, we wanted the true focus of the day to be on the sacrament. Our wedding day was just one day; the vow we made to each other in the sacrament of holy matrimony is until death. Preparation for the sacrament is of much greater importance.” In the thirty-three days leading up to their wedding, Ian and Annemarie prepared for their marriage by completing St. Louis de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus though Mary. Married on the Feast of the Assumption, the Heislers made their Marian consecration during the wedding Mass. In addition, Ian and Annie professed their wedding vows while holding a crucifix to remind them of the sanctifying nature of matrimony. “We made our vows while holding a crucifix, signifying that we are accepting each other as our cross, that true love is the gift of total self, and the absolute necessity for Jesus in our marriage,” the Heislers explained. WINTER 2020-21
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“We made our vows while holding a crucifix, signifying that we are accepting each other as our cross, that true love is the gift of total self, and the absolute necessity for Jesus in our marriage.”
On August 15, Ian and Annemarie Heisler became Christendom’s 500th alumni couple.
The Heislers exemplify how Catholic couples should prepare for their wedding—focused on the sacrament of marriage and their future as spouses. Like the Heislers, Garrett and Chloe (née Herrmann) Quigley ’18 focused on the sacrament of matrimony as they prepared for their wedding day. The Quigleys faced many uncertainties as they planned their July wedding. From family members not being able to attend, to their original venue canceling their reception just weeks before the wedding, Garrett and Chloe certainly had their fair share of wedding-planning challenges. But the Quigleys clung to prayer and focused on their vocational calling to marriage, which helped them overcome the stress of altered plans. “Christendom helped instill in us a beautiful appreciation for the sacrament of marriage,” the Quigleys shared. “Therefore, we were able to approach the sacrament of marriage knowing
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that whatever misfortune befell us, whether it was COVID-19related or not, it wouldn’t matter, as long as we exchanged our vows before the priest. Even if we had to sacrifice the pomp and circumstance of a larger wedding reception, we knew that the most important part was making those vows to each other on that day.” Now, in their first months as spouses, the Quigleys are finding that their Christendom education is helping them navigate how to live out their calling to marriage. “Our formation at Christendom helped us strengthen our spiritual lives, and discover the responsibilities of living our faith as Catholic adults,” share the Quigleys. “Surrounding ourselves in the Christendom culture, and with wonderful friends who share our values, has given us a great example of what real love and marriage should look like.” John Paul and Emily (née Farabaugh) Janaro '19, who were married in August, agree that their Christendom formation was excellent preparation for marriage. According to the Janaros, the personal and spiritual growth achieved at Christendom, in tandem with classes that taught them about the vocation of marriage, have been great blessings as they embark upon married life. “Preparation for marriage was definitely an indirect side effect of a more important goal at the time [we were at Christendom]. We both dedicated ourselves to our vocations as students and spent a lot of time in the chapel trying to grow as individuals. The Christendom community offered us so many opportunities to grow in authentic friendship that we were able to truly get to know each other before falling in love,” the Janaros shared. In addition to the community life at Christendom fostering authentic friendship and personal growth, the curriculum also helped the Janaros to better understand their call to marriage. In theology and philosophy classes, the purpose of marriage, the complementarity and distinct contributions of men and women, and the vocational nature of matrimony were frequently discussed.
“Even if we had to sacrifice the pomp and circumstance of a larger wedding reception, we knew that the most important part was making those vows to each other on that day.” On July 17, Garrett and Chloe Quigley were wed, becoming Christendom’s 494th alumni couple.
“I think the reason that many alumni couples tie the knot is because they have a well-formed appreciation of just how wonderful the sacrament of Catholic marriage can be.”
Married on August 8, John Paul and Emily Janaro are Christendom’s 498th alumni couple.
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“Christendom gives individuals the tools essential to lead a virtuous life. While everyone can merit from such instruction no matter their calling, it is especially critical in the vocation of marriage, as spouses are required to die to self for the sake of the other.” Married on September 5, Matthew and Eileen Hill are Christendom’s 503rd alumni couple.
“I think the reason that many alumni couples tie the knot is because they have a well-formed appreciation of just how wonderful the sacrament of Catholic marriage can be,” shared the Janaros. “Through classes like Theology of the Body and the Philosophy of Family and Household, as well as through the role models of married faculty and staff, students can see how desirable marriage is in all of its truth, goodness, and beauty.” Married in September, Matthew ’20 and Eileen (née Williamson) ’19 Hill also believe that their Christendom formation helped them prepare for marriage, and that it will continue to help them flourish. “In class, we were taught the Church’s teachings on marriage and family directly from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and notable encyclicals, such as Casti Connubii. We discussed the theme of marriage in literature, observing the gravity of spouses’ influence on each other, which can lead to either salvation or destruction,” the Hills shared. In addition to studying the nature of marriage in the classroom, the moral and spiritual formation received at Christendom are helping them to live out their vocation. “Christendom gives individuals the tools essential to lead a virtuous life. While everyone can merit from such instruction no matter their calling, it is especially critical in the vocation of marriage, as spouses are required to die to self for the sake of the other,” the Hills explained.
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As the Hills embark upon their married life, they are thankful for the understanding of marriage, and the personal formation that Christendom provided. These couples are just a few of the many Christendom couples who are living beautiful marriages and bringing Christ to the world in the process. The intellectual, moral, and spiritual formation received at Christendom is excellent vocational preparation, no matter what that vocation may be. “Christendom leads to so many marriages because it has a strong Catholic culture,” remarked the Heislers. “The culture has not only led to 500 marriages, but also many vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. Christendom’s culture is founded in the Catholic belief that God has a plan for every person—a vocation—and the formation one receives at Christendom helps each individual actualize God’s plan for his vocation.” Especially in 2020, when so many couples decided to postpone their weddings so they could have their desired reception, it is inspirational to see young Catholic couples forging ahead, setting their focus on marriage as a sacrament, and starting families of their own. Christendom couples, through their Christ-like and sacrificial love, have a powerful role to play in restoring the culture in Christ.
In the Classroom HIGHLIGHTING A COURSE FROM OUR RICH CURRICULUM T H E O 4 9 3 : S AC RAM E NT S O F HE AL IN G BY OWEN VYNER, PhD
The final session of the Council of Trent
In Fall 2020, a theology elective titled
“Sacraments of Healing” is being offered for the first time. The subject presents an in-depth exposition of the Sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick. We began with the scriptural foundations of these two sacraments and then proceeded to analyze the earliest historical references in Patristic period. The students found that despite the changes in the outward form of the sacraments, nevertheless, a profound continuity emerges in the Church’s teaching. This continuity becomes especially apparent in St. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa theologiae when he brilliantly, and uniquely, synthesizes the entire tradition. St. Thomas proposed that, in Penance, both the actions of the penitent and priestly absolution constitute the sacramental sign. This synthesis finds affirmation in the Council of Trent’s decrees. The students wrote a research paper tracing the historical development of Penance and thus have been equipped to defend Church teaching against those who would call this continuity into question.
Dr. Owen Vyner
The second half of the subject examined the rites themselves. In taking this approach we drew upon the axiom of Prosper of Aquitaine: lex orandi-lex credendi. In essence, this statement asserts that Church believes as she prays. Thus, we turn to the sacramental liturgies to discuss the grace effected by their celebration. We also looked at contemporary issues including that of the seal of confession (this is especially pertinent as several countries are looking to remove legal protections surrounding confession); is surgery in itself a reason for anointing; and are confessions by Zoom valid? The course concluded with a reflection on the virtue of penance as a means of enriching one’s participation in the Sacrament. It is hoped that such a deeply theological analysis of these sacraments will provide our students with the intellectual and spiritual tools in their vocation to restore all things in Christ.
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S E N D YO U R S U B M I S S I O N S TO C L A S S M AT E S @ C H R I S T E N D O M . E D U
CLASSMATES YO U R PA P E R & I N K A L U M N I S O C I A L N E T WO R K
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After four years of intensive study, Maria (née Garvey) O’Grady ’84 has completed her master's degree in osteopathic manual sciences. This methodology of manual therapy involves a comprehensive study of the human body and its ability to self-heal and self-regulate. Maria wanted to thank all her Christendom prayer warriors for their prayers and encouragement.
Jeff and Jacinta (née Whitaker) ’05 Whiting announce the arrival of their baby on the Feast of the Holy Rosary! Baby Elizabeth Rose was born October 7, measuring 20 in. and weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz. Mom and baby are doing well and are so thankful to Our Lord and Our Lady. 1 Danielle Lussier ’07 married TAC alumnus Peter Six on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, June 19, 2020. Fr. Daniel Gee was the celebrant. 2
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2010-15 Kimberly (née Rogers) Cook ’10 (M.A.) wrote a book published by TAN Books, Motherhood Redeemed: How Radical Feminism Betrayed Maternal Love. She also has a popular Catholic podcast called The Dignity of Women: kimberlycook.me/podcasts 5 Sarah (née Marchand) ’10 and Ben Salmon welcomed Naomi Rose on September 11, 2020 (9 weeks early). After her stint in the NICU she will be welcomed home by older sisters Francesca and Zoe. 6
Spencer and Noreen Barrs (née Daly) ’11 welcome their third daughter, Lily Nieva Barrs, born September 23, 2020, weighing 6 lbs. 4 oz. Older sisters, Fay and Gwen, are so happy to have another sister. Fellow classmates Lisa Ruhl (née Irwin) and Ben Ranieri will be her godparents. 7 Theresa Francis ’14 and Scott Bosnyak were married at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville, VA, on September 12, 2020. 8 Peter Foeckler ’15 has begun priestly formation for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, VA. He is studying at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, in their Pre-Theology program. Julie Wells ’15 has recently illustrated her 6th book. “Magnificent Meg,” by author Andra Harris, is a read-aloud story to help children struggling with dyslexia. Available on Prime. 9 Brian Rankin ’15 created a new business to assist with annulment
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Beth (née Fettes) ’09 and Michael ’07 Collins welcomed their fifth child, Edmund Thomas, in early August. They are all very smitten with “Baby Ned.” 3 Lori Janeski ’09 published a book, The Carter Files: Phoenix. 4
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paperwork preparation and information surrounding the annulment process. For those curious about how the annulment process works, his blog can be found on his company website, www.rankinrota.com. For anyone who either personally needs or knows anybody who could use his assistance, Brian can be reached at brian@rankinrota.com.
2016-19 Clare Fletcher ’17 is now teaching Latin I and Junior & Senior Theology at Chesterton Academy of the Holy Family in Lisle, IL. She is so glad God has led her here and describes her work to anyone who will listen as “life-giving” and “incredibly joyful”! For JP2’s Feast Day, she did some doodles for her senior class before school. Meghan (née Uebel) Belk ’17 and her husband, Alexander, welcomed a son, Augustine Joseph, on July 18. At 8 lbs. 10 oz., he is such a happy little guy. 10 Monica Burke ’17 and Philip Jeffery were engaged on October 3, 2020. They plan to marry in May 2022. 11 Gemma (McMahon) Buckner ’19 and Baron Buckner were married on September 19, 2020 on campus at Christ the King Chapel. 12 Mary Storey ’18 and Dominic Carolla were engaged in September
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2020 and plan to be married on May 1, 2021, in Gainesville, Virginia. 13 Garrett and Chloe (née Herrmann) Quigley ’18 were married July 17, 2020, at St. Mary’s Church in Norwalk, CT. 14 Zachary ’18 and Eliana (née Nurenberg) ’20 Doll welcomed their daughter Genevieve Marie into the world on August 29, 2020. 15 Mary McLaughlin ’19 married Sean Scanlon on July 18, 2020, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville, VA, with a reception following in Front Royal. 16 Emily Brown ’19 and Patrick Meier ’19 were married on July 11, 2020, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Johnny Echaniz ’19 and Maggie Adams ’19 are getting married in January 2021. 17 John Paul Janaro and Emily Farabaugh ’19 were married on August 8, 2020, at Christ the King Chapel. 18 Joshua Butek ’19 and Therese Rose ’21 were married on August 17, 2020, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica in Youngstown, Ohio. 19 Jeremy Mersch ’19 married Sophie Adams ’19 on August 14 at Sacred Heart Church in LaPlata, Maryland. 20 Patrick and Kate (née Willson) Pennefather ’19 married on January 3, 2020, and are expecting their first in November. It’s a boy! 21
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Athanasius Luke Ruf was born on September 21 to Christian and Lisa (née Foos) Ruff ’19. He weighed 7lb 8oz and is doing very well. 22
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2020+ Matt ’20 and Eileen (née Williamson) ’19 Hill were married on September 5th. 23 Caleb ’20 and Jillian (née Jenkins) ’21 Heffern got married on July 25, 2020 in Chapel Point, MD. 24
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Requiescat In Pace Brendan McGuire ’03 Carole (Yensko) Sizelove ’86 Ryan Jones ’00
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Omnia in Christo
Taken from the college’s motto “Instaurare Omnia in Christo,” this section features an essay or excerpt from a recent paper or talk by one of Christendom’s distinguished faculty.
Instaura re Omn i a in Chri sto : Cre ating a Bri g hter Catho l ic Future an d Ne w Order in the Sae c u lum BY MATTHEW TSAKANIKAS, STD, AND KEVIN TRACY, PHD
Christendom College’s motto
is taken from the Vulgate, Saint Jerome’s translation of the Bible into Latin. It is a partial quotation from a passage in Ephesians 1:10: …instaurare omnia in Christo. English translations of the same words vary: they include “to sum up all things in Christ” and variations of “to restore all things in Christ.” The words are from one of the most theologically rich passages in one of St. Paul’s most theologically developed letters. There may be no better way for a college to dedicate itself to excellence than by centering its mission on words like these. But to communicate the mission, one must explain the meaning of instaurare. To do that, we turn to the meaning of the Greek word anakephalaiosasthai [a-na-ke-fa-lie-OH-sas-thigh], which Saint Jerome chose to translate as instaurare. The meaning of the Greek word is an important corrective to those who might misunderstand what English translations, such as “restore all things in Christ,” are meant to convey. Like the English word “heading,” the Greek word kephalaion [ke-FA-lie-on], derived from the Greek noun for “head,” means “main point”. The verb kephalaiosasthai means giving the main point(s) of something, or summing it up. With the prefix ana-, which is like the Latin prefix re-, it has the sense of doing something over again. Thus, the verb anakephalaiosasthai means recapitulating, giving a new—usually shorter—version that clearly expresses the main point(s) of the original. That is why St. Paul uses the verb in Romans 13:19 when he, following Our Lord, “sums up” (anakephalaioutai) the commandments with a single phrase, “to love one’s neighbor as oneself.” In Saint Paul’s usage, anakephalaiosasthai also has a deeper meaning: it connotes bringing all that needs saving into the 40
Instaurare
present by purifying and restoring it inside the healing power of integration with God’s plan in Christ. It means forgiveness, reconciliation, and a new beginning through Christ’s glorious power to bring good even out of evil and past mistakes. “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). All the “main points,” the best things in human history (individual and communal), need to be brought into Christ for their saving and for their proper realization. The process involves shedding the misunderstandings and ignorance of the past and finding a new way forward through Christ. In the Pauline tradition of Saint Irenaeus, recapitulating is about lifting every aspect of creation into a new synthesis through the Incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ. It is about renewing our minds and hearts in Christ (cf. Rom 12:2). In the tradition of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Christendom’s motto can never mean a retreat to the past. The Thomistic
tradition is clear: “all truth is of the Holy Spirit.” In its heart and soul, Christendom’s mission is to recapitulate in the deeper sense of Sts. Paul and Irenaeus, not to retreat into the past. Instaurare cannot mean returning to the past and restoring the cultural makeup of Church and State at the time of Trent (or earlier). It must mean gathering up again the structures and fragments of goodness, gathering up the new discoveries of authenticated knowledge, gathering and summing up all that makes humanity better and producing day by day a new synthesis founded in the mystery of Christ (and love of our neighbor). Instaurare omnia in Christo means gathering all things in the daily Sacrifice of the Mass and implementing Christendom anew in today’s world. It means drawing the best from today’s and yesterday’s political systems. It means taking the best of today’s sciences and the revealed meaning of the imago dei and directing them lovingly to the development of all of humanity for the glory of Jesus Christ. Christendom is about a daily integration of faith and reason that renews and recapitulates both, as St. Thomas Aquinas did when he showed us “the right way to do theology” (Fides et Ratio #43.3). Matthew Tsakanikas, STD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theology at Christendom College.
Kevin Tracy, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Classical and Early Christian Studies.
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