Following St. Thomas Aquinas

Question: What happens when you go to a Dominican School?
Answer: Everyone gets really excited about St. Thomas Aquinas!

Let me explain...

St. Thomas was a 13th century philosopher and theologian who pretty much set the course for much of the theology that would follow him (even until today).  His most famous work is the "Summa" which, after having had a mystical experience, he called "worth nothing more than straw."  And, he was a Dominican (ahhh, now the riddle makes sense.)

In this spirit, my school took a trip a few weeks ago in the footsteps of Thomas.

Our first stop was Fossanova, a few hours from Rome.  It is here, in a Cistercian Abbey, that Thomas died.  He was on his way to the Council of Lyons when he fell ill.  (Interestingly, his fellow theologian, and rival, St. Bonaventure died at the Council of Lyons under suspicious circumstances.)  Now, Thomas was a rather large individual, and was given an upper room with a narrow staircase (I can attest to that).  Because he could not easily go up and down the stairs, he took his meals in his room.  And, as the story goes, after he died, the monks decided to boil his body so that it would be easier to bury.  After all, as one Dominican told us on the trip, it's the bones as relics that are the most important!

From the cloister of the Abbey.

Inside the Church

In St. Thomas' room - a depiction of his last days.

St. Thomas' room is on the top floor, left side.

Fossanova

Next, we found our way to Roccasecca.  Here, Thomas was born into a slightly noble family (they weren't the richest in the area, but had titles nonetheless.)  The remains of the family castle are still on the top of the hill.  It was a bit of a climb, but well worth the views at the end.

Before setting out, we had to stop for a little to eat.

In his younger years, St. Thomas was a shooting guard.

The present day city.

Me.

Looking up to Thomas' family castle.

Of course, there are always sisters hanging around :)

Some of the ruins of the castle.

Don't worry, I know where we're going.

A church built to accommodate the Medieval pilgrims on their way to the top of the hill.

Almost to the top.

Thomas' home from down below.

Finally, we came to Monte Cassino.  Thomas went to school at the Benedictine Abbey here.  However, it is more famous for being the first monastery founded by St. Benedict in the 6th century.  It was sacked by the barbarians a few times, and succumbed to an earthquake, so it has been rebuilt a few times.  But, in 1944, the Allied Troops, thinking that the Nazis were hiding in the abbey, completely obliterated the complex.  Unfortunately, the Allies had bad information, and the Nazis were actually in the surrounding hillside.  The Abbey, however, has been completely reconstructed according to the specifications of the "rebuilt" monastery.  So, basically it looks the same, just several hundred years newer!

The outside of the Abbey Church.

And the inside of the church.

The tomb of St. Benedict and his sister, St. Scholastica.  (I'm not holding my breath for another brother-sister saintly duo from my family :)

Some of the cloister.

St. Scholastica

In St. Benedict's cell.  It was pretty cool to be in his actual room.

Painting of St. Benedict writing his Rule of Life.

The original door to the monastery.  It was through here that the monks escaped during the bombing

It was a foggy afternoon.  And because the monastery is built on top of a mountain, we were really in the clouds.

St. Benedict.

Bro. Dan and Bro. Chinnaiah with St. Benedict and friends.

Outside the main door.  It was raining, too, that day.

The courtyard.

Ciao!

37

I talked to my mom yesterday, and the first question she asked was, "So what did you do on your birthday?"  Of course, being the good seminarian that I am, I went to school!  So, on my birthday I listened to a lecture on the miracles in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke; I read a little bit from 5th century theologian John Chrysostom, and I learned how to use third declension 'i-stem' nouns in Latin!

But, of course, all work and no play makes not a good priest (and a cranky Bob)!  So, in true Italian fashion, we went for gelato after dinner.  For those who have been following this blog, this shouldn't come as a surprise.

At our favorite gelateria.  Being only two blocks from our house, it's a blessing and a curse :)

Every Wednesday, I volunteer at a home for senior citizens, and I found out that one of the other volunteers, Paolo, shares my birthday.  I never thought I would have an Italian Birthday Twin!  So, tonight, we celebrated together with Italian 'torta.' 

Celebrating our birthdays with Mariastella.

This birthday, I realized that I'm getting a bit closer to one of the those landmark birthdays (yikes!)  But I also realized how grateful I am for all the experiences that I have had, all the things I have been able to do and see, and all the people (both near and far) who are a part of my life.  I was overwhelmed with birthday greetings from all over the place...from the USA, Europe, South America, India, and Israel...written in English, Italian, and even Greek!  So, too all of you, a big THANK YOU!!!  and GRAZIE MILLE!!! and σας ευχαριστώ!!!

Ciao!

Medieval Times...

...And I don't mean the dinner theater show.  This is the real deal, folks.

This weekend, I visited three Medieval towns not too far from Rome.  Bro. Giuliano, an Italian Marianist, offered to take us on a little tour.  It was an absolutely beautiful day and a wonderful end to spring break.  Watch for the "Brothers Gone Wild" video shortly :)  Here's some (okay, a lot) pictures from the excursion.

Stop 1: Bagnoregio
This town is built on top of a hill that juts out of nowhere.  Most Medieval towns were built on a hilltop for defense.  Unfortunately, the city still needs defending today because the mountain is eroding away.  I read that there are now only about 12 permanent residents (and I"m not making that up!)  The only way in is the pedestrian bridge.  You can't get lost because it's so small, and you would just fall off if you went too far.  This is also the birthplace of St. Bonaventure, noted Medieval theologian and Doctor of the Church.

Civita di Bagnoregio

Getting ready to climb up

Bro. Bosco excited for the bridge.

The main piazza (plaza) in town.

Quaint.

A beautiful day in the beautiful country.

With Bro. Dan.

Bro. Les and Bro. Bosco.

Plaque marking the place where St. Bonaventure was born.  However, I still probably like his nemesis St. Thomas Aquinas better.

Near the place of Bonaventure's house.  Not a bad view to wake up to in the morning.

One more...I really liked this place.

Stop 2: Bolsena
This quaint town is situated on the shore of Lake Bolsena.  It was originally inhabited by the Etruscans who pre-date the Romans.  It is most famous for the "Eucharistic Miracle" of 1263.  A Germain priest was on pilgrimage and had doubts about the Real Presence in the Eucharist.  While celebrating mass in town, the consecrated host is said to have bled real blood, leaving some on a corporal (white cloth).  It is from this incident that we get the annual Feast of Corpus Christi.

The Castle

Bros. Dan, Les, and Bosco.

Looking out to the lake.

City planning was not too developed in the Middle Ages.

The old city.

Some Etruscan pottery in the museum.

The Church of Santa Cristina.

The miracle reliquary.

There is a second miracle attached here.  Cristina's father tried to drown her, but the stone that she was attached to floated!  Her footprints are still there!!!!

The chapel of the miracle.

The blood stained corporal.

Bro. Bosco taking a rest by the shore.

It really was a beautiful day.

Stop 3: Tuscania
Another quaint, little town.  We mainly stopped here to have a "merenda" (snack) before we headed back to Rome.  It is full of hilly, winding, and narrow streets.  The surrounding countryside was just breathtaking.

Lots of stairs.

Ruins in the countryside.

What an enjoyable day.  Thanks Bro. Guiliano!

Ciao!

Roll away the stone

Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Paschal Vigil
Easter Sunday

Today we complete our liturgical celebration of the Paschal Triduum - the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus - with Easter Sunday...but the celebration is really now just beginning. For the next 50 days, we celebrate Easter with unbounded joy.

After all, the unbelievable has happened.  On Friday, the apostles were left in the depths of despair.  Their teacher and master, the one they called Lord was put to death and placed in the tomb.  Now, some women are saying that the tomb is empty, the stone which stood in front has been rolled away.  Soon Jesus will enter into their midst with a greeting of "Peace."

And even today, 2000 years later, the unbelievable happens.  The Risen One comes to us with a simple offering, "Peace be with you."  He enters our lives so that he can give us life.  Will we roll away the stone that is in front of us and embrace the Risen Jesus in our midst?

My dear friends, let us be Easter people.  Let us radiate the light of the Paschal candle in all that we do.  Let our lives be a hymn of glory to our God and a resounding Alleluia to the world.  May we bless each other like the new water sprinkled upon us.  May we be Eucharistic Bread, sharing ourselves with all whom we meet.  The chains of death have been broken. All of creation rejoices in its Savior.  The love of God is victorious.  From death comes new life.  Yes, let us be Easter people who resound with great Easter joy.

Jesus is Risen.  Alleluia!
The stone has been rolled away.  Alleluia!
The tomb is empty.  Alleluia!
He is not here, but he has been raised.  Alleluia!
Why do you seek the living one among the dead?
Yes, he is truly risen indeed.  Alleluia!

Blessings on your Easter!

Ciao!

Keeping Vigil

Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Paschal Vigil
Easter Sunday

Today we continue our liturgical celebration of the Paschal Triduum - the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus - with Holy Saturday and the Paschal Vigil. Originally, I was going to reflect on some of the rich imagery that the Easter Vigil Mass offers us: the interplay of darkness and light, water and oil, silence and sound.  After all, it is one of my favorite liturgies.  But, after an experience yesterday evening, my thoughts turned elsewhere.

Friday evening, I attended services at Santa Susanna, the American parish in Rome.  Afterwards, my plan was to "stop by" the Colosseum where Pope Francis would preside at the Stations of the Cross.  I figured I'd get the book, stay for a few stations and then walk home.  I was tired and still recovering from a string of large Vatican gatherings.  But, as often happens, my plans changed and I learned a good lesson.

As I approached the Colosseum, I ran into two priests that I know.  They convinced me to join them on the other side of the Colosseum where we could see the Pope.  Long story short, I ended up not getting a booklet, and I stayed for the whole thing!  But....

...As we stood there listening to the reflections (which were written by young people from Lebanon) I was struck by the event itself.  First, thousands of people crowded around the Colosseum, and Pope Francis sat atop a hill overlooking it all.  If you came to get a glimpse of the Pope, well that was all you were going to get.  Second, judging by the conversations around me, there was a large number in the crowd who probably didn't understand the Italian that was being spoken through the speakers.  But even with both of those things, the people stayed.  They watched.  They prayed.  They silently kept vigil. 

And I think this is what Holy Saturday is all about, even if it gets lost in the coloring of eggs and preparations for tomorrow's dinner.  On Friday, we remember the stark reality that Jesus died and is laid in a dark, cold tomb.  As darkness fell over the city of Rome, we gathered together to remember these events.  We stood together, praying for our broken world.  We bore witness that the Crucifixion of Jesus means something in our lives.    I'm sure that the individuals in the the gathered crowd all had different reasons for coming.  But, the fact is, they all came together in quiet, they all paused for a few moments to reflect and try to make some sort of meaning for their lives. 

At the end, Pope Francis offered some brief remarks that seemed to sum up what I was thinking.  He simply said that there was no need for him to say much because there is only one word that matters and only one word that remains - that is the "word of the cross itself."  The cross of Jesus stands in testimony against the evil that is in the world.  The cross stands in testimony of the response of God's deep and abiding love for us.  The cross stands in testimony that death will not have the final answer. It is important that we, too, stand in testimony of these things.  Today, Saturday, we wait.  We wait silently but confidently that the cross will bring us to freedom, to forgiveness, to love.  We stand in vigil, awaiting the Day of the Lord, but our waiting is done in hope and in confidence.

Pope Francis concluded with: "We continue this Way of the Cross in all of our days.  We walk together on the Way of the Cross , we walk carrying in our heart this Word of love and forgiveness.  We walk awaiting the Resurrection of Jesus who loves us so much.  It is all love!"

Friends,  let us wait and pray together today.  Let us find a little bit of space to reflect on the great forgiveness and love that, while buried in the tomb, has never left us, and that will spring up to new life within us.  Let us find new life from death.

Blessings on your Triduum!

Ciao!

The disciple took her into his home.

Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Paschal Vigil
Easter Sunday

Today we continue our liturgical celebration of the Paschal Triduum - the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus - with the Commemoration of the Passion of the Lord.  We recall the Crucifixion of Jesus on Calvary. I am always struck by the simplicity of the service.  It begins and ends in silence.  The altar and sanctuary are bare, devoid of any unnecessary adornment.  There is typically very little music.  We simply gather around the cross to pray, to listen, and to be with each other as we remember one of the greatest mysteries of our faith.  It is this last point, that of coming together, that resonates with me this year.

In all honesty, the story we hear is not pleasant.  There is betrayal and denial, striking and scourging and torturing of a human person, an angry mob yelling, "Crucify him," humiliation, and death.  There is no denying that we hear a story of unspeakable brutality.  It is not surprising, then, that we need to come together to support each other and be with each other as we listen to the events of that dark day so many years ago.  But, I also think that we come together because this was Jesus' last great commandment and gift before dieing.  He reminds us of our need to be with and for each other, and he shows us the way to do it.  Once again, we are given an example to follow, and this brings us hope and leads us to community.

Nailed on the cross, Jesus sees his mother and the disciple whom he loved.  Looking at them, he says, "Woman, behold, your son,” and then, “Behold, your mother.”  In this moment, it is as if he is saying, "You are not alone.  Remember that you have each other."  This text seems to be more than just a devoted son making plans for the welfare of his mother.  Both Mary and the Beloved Disciple are given a mandate from Jesus on the cross to continue the proclamation of the Reign of God, and they are to undertake this mission together.  But, this directive is not only given to Mary and the Disciple; it is given to all of us.  In a symbolic way, all of us are there at Calvary when Jesus reminds us we are not alone.  First, we have Mary as our companion who will form us in her maternal womb as she once formed Jesus.  And then we also have each other.  The mission of Jesus cannot continue only through the Beloved Disciple, but through all of us who are beloved of God.  Together, as a community, we go out into the world, proclaiming the death of the Lord, but also proclaiming that death (as we know) will not have the final answer.  This is difficult work, but it is not our work to accomplish alone.  

Last weekend, on Palm Sunday, we heard another account of the Passion (from the Gospel of Luke).  In this account we hear that the crowd, the soldiers, and one of the thieves jeered at Jesus on the cross saying, "Save yourself!"  Yet, Jesus did not heed their suggestion.  He does not save himself, but in this act of ultimate love, he saves the world, he saves you and me.  As I reflected yesterday, Jesus forgot himself, emptied himself, took the lowest place  in order that we might have life.  He put our interests before his own so that we might live together in the Reign of God.  Once again, Jesus gives us an example to follow.  By becoming a servant for others, we become FOR the others.  We are able to bring life to them and also to find life for ourselves.  

Invitation, sharing, giving, and the Reign of God.  These are the backbones of community.  As we look upon the cross today, perhaps we can see community formed by the outstretched arms of Jesus, the loving embrace of the world, and the giving of self to others.  Maybe we can see empathy - Jesus taking on our sins and frailty, walking in our shoes and calling us to do the same with others.  We can see the tender gaze of Jesus' eyes on us, calling us into community with him, with his mother, and with each other.  

This great Paschal Triduum brings us to sadness and loneliness, but also to hope and community.  Let us pray that we might hear the words and see the example of Jesus on the cross.  To take each other into our homes.  To give our lives for each other.  To build community.  To find new life from death.

Blessings on your Triduum!


Ciao!


Description of photos: (from top to bottom) The Crucifixion by Niccolo dall'Arca in Bologna (I particularly like the representation of the carpenter on the far left who made the cross); Scene from the Gospel of John that is in the entryway of the community where I live; back of the ambo from the Church of St. Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo; Cross from the outdoor Church of St. Pio in San Giovanni Rotonodo.

Do you realize what I have done for you?

Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Paschal Vigil
Easter Sunday

This evening we begin the liturgical celebration of the Paschal Triduum - the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus - with the Mass of the Lord's Supper.  We recall the Last Supper that Jesus ate with his disciples.  And, in this liturgy, a strange thing happens.  When the Gospel is read we don't hear the expected words, "This is my body...This is my blood."  Instead, we listen as Jesus takes a basin or water, ties a towel around his waist, and washes the disciples' feet.  We hear the mandate of Jesus: "I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."  We are given an example to follow, and this leads us to community.

Christian songwriter Michael Card, in his song The Basin and the Towel, makes this point in his refrain:

And the call is to community,
The impoverished power that sets the soul free.
In humility, to take the vow,
that day after day we must take up the basin and the towel.

In the simple and humbling act of foot washing,  Jesus invites his disciples (and us) into community by showing them (and us) how to be a member of community.  It involves letting the self go and being for the other.  Jesus reverses the logic of his day (and our day).  He takes not the highest position, but the lowest.  He does not exalt himself, but empties himself.  He becomes the servant of the others, letting go of himself so as to be with the others in an intentional and authentic way.  With great humilty, Jesus shows us a supreme act of love - love not for himself but for his friends.

If you reread the passage you will see a succession of action verbs throughout the story (he rose, took off, tied, poured, washed, etc.)  The love that Jesus models is not one of lip-service or lofty platitudes.  It is, rather, an active love - one that "does" for the other.  This is how we build community, by emptying ourselves and actively loving those around us just as Jesus did at the Last Supper.  This impoverished power sets him free and sets all of us free.

In the end, this is what Eucharist is all about.  Jesus gives of himself to us.  It is an act of love that is a gift and a task.  His flesh and blood are gifts given to us for all time.  We truly receive Jesus in the communion ritual.  At the same time, we must be Eucharist.  That is, we must be in communion with our sisters and brothers.  At every mass, this is symbolically acted out as we, all together, approach the altar to receive the body and blood of Christ.  We join together in the same line and sing the same hymn.  We do not hoard the food, but share it.  We assent in our "Amen" to receive and to be "The Body of Christ" here and now.  As we do at Mass, so we must do in our families, schools, work places, communities, and world.  This is no easy task, but it is the task given to us by Jesus.  Day after day, we must take up the basin and the towel.

This great Paschal Triduum begins in a surprising way.  Let us pray that the God of surprises might help us to live and love as Jesus did.  To serve and not to be served.  To wash each others' feet.  To build community.  To find new life from death.

[I first heard Michael Cards' The Basin and the Towel while helping at a summer family retreat at the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May, NJ.  One evening, parents wash their childrens' feet in an act of reconciliation and love.  Click here for a link to the song.]

Blessings on your Triduum!

Ciao!