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!

A Two-fer: Advent Music and Some Inspiring Sisters

Advent is a good time to ask, "What does the Lord want of me? How is He calling me? For what is this Advent season preparing me?" Have you ever considered a priestly or religious vocation? Advent is a great season to think about it.

One Big New Year's Resolution: Pray for Priests!

While browsing the Catholic news sites I came across an interesting bit of news. Fr. Corapi has disappeared from the internet. His Black Sheepdog website is gone and he no longer has a presence on Facebook. Patrick Madrid posted a short comment hoping that Father has reconciled with his religious order, S.O.L.T. I echo that hope.

Thinking about Fr. Corapi brought to mind all the priests who have touched my life over the years: the priests who gave me the sacraments, heard my confessions, counseled me during crises, etc. I also thought about the priests who failed: those who preach heresy and dissent, the pastor who left to marry and the associate who left to immerse himself in the Dupont Circle lifestyle, the one who fled to the Episcopal priesthood, and the one who stole another man's wife and family before he went out the door.

Priests are every bit as susceptible to the temptations of the flesh as the rest of us. And, in fact, I once read that Satan has a special corps of shock troops to go after priests because a fallen priest often brings down others with him. As Jesus said, when the shepherd is struck, the sheep scatter.

So, all you concerned Catholics and others of good will, let us make one of our resolutions to pray and make sacrifices for priests. Many of them live lonely lives. They often are castigated by parishioners for their flaws and condemned for preaching the truth. A former pastor of mine carried a thank-you note around in his missal from a parishioner who had the wisdom and courtesy to be grateful. Wouldn't it be wonderful to write one note a month to a priest or minister who has made a difference in your life. That would truly make 2012 a year of favor from the Lord. Gratitude is one of those virtues (along with obedience, humility, and fear of the Lord) that provide the rockbed foundation of the spiritual life.

Excuse me, gotta go write a thank-you note to a priest.

Prayer for Priests

A Pentecost Blessing on these new workers for the harvest!

We pray in the morning offering for the "reunion of all Christians." A big "Welcome Home" to these formerly Anglican priests. May they serve Holy Mother Church faithfully. What a Pentecost blessing!

Nashville Dominicans: Young Women Answering God's Call!

When you hear that there's a loss of interest in faith among young people, don't believe the picture is as dreary as they say. For a shot of joy watch the video below and then visit the Nashville Dominicans' website. They are growing by leaps and bounds and their vocations are young, vibrant, well-educated women, not the old gray mares going into the dissenting religious orders in miniscule numbers.

Welcome to the Springtime Pope John Paul II talked about where the buds on the trees are numerous and beautiful!


 
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