Thumbs Up for Christendom College; Thumbs Down for Archishop Thomas Wenski

Christendom College alumnus N.J. Guld, class of 1987, was just ordained for the Diocese of Trenton. He's the 70th Christendom graduate ordained to the priesthood. Two more were ordained earlier this month to bring the grand total to 72. Thank you, Christendom, for fostering vocations. As of June 2nd, Christendom could count 149 religious vocations from its 37 year history of solid Catholic educational formation: 70 priests, 49 sisters, five deacons, three brothers, and 22 seminarians. What a record and proof of the value of fidelity.

Then there is Archbishop Wenski who described those of us who support border enforcement of showing the "bitterly zealous legalism of Inspector Javert" in Victor Hugo's novel Les Miserables.Wow! Talk about rash judgment and calumny. Here's more from the Archbishop:

Today, modern day Javerts, on radio and TV talk shows, fan flames of resentment against supposed lawbreakers, equating them with terrorists intent on hurting us.

"Supposed lawbreakers?" Let's see. If someone breaks into AB Wenski's house (I'm sure he locks the doors.) are they only a supposed lawbreaker? After all, they may need the archbishop's possessions more than he does. So why is it okay for him to keep them out with his Javert-like legalism, but our country can't enforce its laws against illegal entry without being portrayed as evil and legalistic? Ask the people on the border who are most impacted by the invasion what they think -- or ask the families of those killed by the drug cartels. Oh...and those whose schools are inundated and whose local hospitals closed due to bankruptcy. The archbishop talks out of both sides of his mouth saying illegal immigration should not be tolerated and then, effectively, promotes amnesty for illegals already here. Of course, AB Wenski will never have to worry about the economic or moral impacts of illegal immigration. He lives among the top one percent on the largesse of Catholics in the pew.

What I find particularly interesting about bishops attacking those who want border security is they always reserve their vitriol for American citizens who want to halt the invasion. When do we ever see a word of criticism directed to Mexico's corrupt government and failure to protect their own people? Why should Mexicans have to flee their own country and families for a better life? Let's hear a little exhortation for the rights of people to live in freedom and security in their own homeland!

Great Catholic Colleges Part II - Christendom

I admit I'm partial to Christendom for several reasons. First of all it is, as the Newman Guide says, joyfully Catholic. I occasionally go to daily Mass there and it's an incredible experience to see a chapel filled at midday with several hundred students who sing the hymns (including some Latin responses) with clear young voices that sound almost angelic. The college president and his wife and children, as well as many faculty members, sit side by side in the pews with the students. Sometimes students have younger children in tow which always brings a smile to my face. Daily Mass at Christendom is not only a treasure for the school, but the local community.

The chapel itself is absolutely beautiful with stained glass windows recycled from the old Blessed Sacrament Church in downtown Winchester. The window depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located above the white marble altar which is another piece of art. Two large angels bend toward the altar from the sides. Everything about the church lifts the mind and heart to God.

The library, built within the past few years, is another architecturalal beauty set back in the woods on a small knoll. It has a large foyer that invites one to pause in admiration to read the latin inscriptions set in the ceiling. The entire campus is a reminder that God speaks in the true, the good, and the beautiful. When I think of Christendom's humble beginnings I am in awe of what a handful of faithful Catholics with vision can accomplish. (Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Carroll and all your associates who had the courage to begin this great work of God.)

If you haven't seen Christendom and you are ever near Front Royal, Virginia stop and visit. I feel very blessed to have them in my own backyard. (Out in the country a 40 minute drive is the back yard).