Spiritual Depression

BY MATTHEW KELLY

The great depression of our age is not economic; it is spiritual.  There seems to be a pervading sense of purposelessness in many people’s lives today.

“Why are we here?” is a question many people have stopped asking and started avoiding.  They have stopped asking this question not because they don’t want to know the answer but because they have seen nothing to make them believe anyone has the answer.  

It seems those who have the answer have hidden it under a bushel (cf. Matthew 5:14).  

There is a great need to re-identify the essential purpose of the human being.  Whenever brave men and women step forth and celebrate their essential purpose by striving to live holy lives, the do a great service to the world.

The Church and indeed the whole world desperately await a few brave souls to stand up and remind us of our great spiritual heritage by redirecting us toward the goal of the Christian life: living holy lives.

My team and I at Dynamic Catholic are committed to inspiring Catholics to live holy lives in the modern world.

We are working tirelessly to develop world-class learning systems intended to invigorate Catholics and their parishes.

But we need your help.

Please join the leadership of the Men of St. Joseph who have become members of the Dynamic Catholic Ambassador's Club and help us forge a bigger future for the Catholic Church in America. Today,  I would ask to click the link below to learn more how you can make a difference in the Church by supporting the Ambassador’s Club.

Click here to make a difference

About Matthew Kelly Matthew Kelly is founder and president of the Dynamic Catholic Institute. He is a best-selling Catholic author and world renowned speaker. His message, inspired by Vatican II's universal call to holiness, presents the genius of Catholicism in a way that is disarmingly simple, yet deeply profound.

Blue and Grey

By Most Reverend Thomas J. Rodi, Archbishop of Mobile

One Hundred and fifty years ago these months of summer witnessed the beginning of the carnage of the War Between the States, a four year conflict in which between 625,000 and 700,000 soldiers died and approximately 350,000 soldiers were wounded or maimed. As we observe the sesquicentennial of this war, I remember two soldiers who served. Both fought at the Battle of Port Hudson. Both died there. Both were named John. Both were my ancestors. One wore grey, the other wore blue.

I visited the Port Hudson Battlefield one summer day where battles and a siege raged from May 22 until July 9, 1863. I walked those once blood-soaked fields on that sweltering Louisiana summer day and thought back on those sweltering summer days of fighting almost 150 years before. I did not think so much about the two armies that faced each other across those fields; I did not think so much about the 45,000 soldiers who fought there or even the 11,000 who died; I only thought of the two young men named John. They were the only ones I envisioned as I trod that battleground and recalled the family stories about them which have been passed on to me.

John who wore blue was 19 years old. He was a recently arrived immigrant from Ireland, the only son of a widowed mother. As a young immigrant, it was difficult for him to find work. He was desperate to support himself, his mother, and his little sister. Enlisting in the Northern Army would provide him a salary. Service in the army would provide him the money to support his mother and sister. He enlisted and wore blue as an army private.

John who wore grey was a young husband and father in his early 20’s. He was born and raised in Louisiana. He did not have great wealth, just an ordinary man with a wife and baby. He was a volunteer in the Southern Army motivated by the fact that an enemy army had invaded his homeland. He fought for family, he fought for country. He enlisted and wore grey as an army captain.

These two young men named John faced each other that fateful summer across the battleground high above the banks of the Mississippi River. As they gave the ultimate sacrifice, one left behind a widowed mother and little sister, the other left behind a young wife and a one year old daughter.

Although on different sides, they had this in common: they responded to what they felt was their duty despite the danger and sacrifice. The memory of their example should not be lost in the mists of time. Their stories echo the stories of many other young men and women, in every generation, who respond in so many ways to honor their call of duty despite danger or sacrifice.

Their stories echo the stories of many young people who serve in the military. Young people enlist with any number of reasons: to support themselves and their families, to defend their homeland and loved ones, to do their duty, or even to seek adventure.

It is for the old people to argue about the large issues which underlie the causes of any war. Old people have the luxury to intellectually debate the grand currents of history. Some, out of the hardness of their hearts, may even attempt to dishonor the Honorable. Young people, however, are willing to risk life and limb because of simpler and more visceral motivations. The memory of their sacrifice, and even their youthful and lofty idealism, should not be forgotten.

It is sometimes difficult to remember the conflict which divided an entire land. Even today, The War can evoke strong emotions. Some seek to avoid the discussion altogether as if national amnesia serves any purpose.

But on that hot summer day at Port Hudson, I sat beneath a tree and allowed its shade to envelope me. I thought of those two young men named John, and then the thousands who died at that site and the thousands more who were permanently maimed due to loss of arms and legs. I thought of the hellish nature of war and the suffering it causes. I thought of the now silent example of those who sacrificed so much in the hail of rifle and canon fire; their example has much to teach our generation which can be so self indulgent. In the silence of the moment I paused, I prayed, and I remembered.

How Does Your Brain Influence Your Faith?

BY DAVID O’BRIEN

Quick! Answer the following two questions out loud and then respond to #3 with the first thing that comes to your mind.

1. What continent is Kenya in?

2. What color are the keys on a piano?

3. Name any animal.

Did you answer zebra or tiger? If so, you are in the majority. Approximately 20% of people respond zebra while 50% respond with another African animal like a tiger. Why? Because the brain compiles information in an associative manner, according to a recent book by neuroscientist Dean Buonomano entitled Brain Bugs.

Dr. Buonomano writes that the brain processes current information by recalling related concepts. So with our example, the brain saves Africa, black and white, and zebra in the same folder. Once the Africa folder is opened, what we know about Africa is pushed to the front of our minds.

Why bring this up in a column about Everyday Faith? Because Dr. Buonomano’s research confirms scientifically that we are influenced by what we absorb from the world around us. What goes into our brains creates patterns of thought, expectations and predispositions that can lead us toward virtue, goodness and holiness or down the road to destruction.

St. Paul warned the Christians in Corinth (15:33): "Do not be fooled. Bad companions ruin good character." To the Romans, he wrote: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (12:2)

So, if we surround ourselves with people of faith, God’s truth in scripture and tradition, Christian music and talk radio, morally uplifting television and movies, we are neurologically wiring our brains to see the world in a certain way, God’s way. Of course, the converse is equally true.

Still not convinced?

Dr. Buonomano recounts another study where two groups of people are given word puzzles to complete. One group’s puzzle includes words implying politeness, patience, courtesy and good manners. The other group’s puzzle is filled with rude, impolite, impatient and nasty words.

After completing the puzzles, both groups are told to individually talk to a researcher who pretends to be busy on a personal phone call. The rude puzzle group interrupts the researcher far more quickly, to which Dr. Buonomano concludes: brains can be primed toward certain behavior.

Dr. Buonomano points out how marketing agencies have successfully influenced shopping decisions for decades by priming people’s brains in this way even though they never had the scientific research to prove their strategies.

Brain priming happens because the brain’s neurons are connected by synapses. When synapses fi re together, they create shared folders filled with associated data, positive or negative.

Dr. Buonomano reports: "The synapses that fire together, wire together."

For example, at the mention of the word "barbecue", many Southerners recall happy childhood memories of Sundays spent with family, feasting on savory favorites. The result is a favorable disposition toward whatever is then associated with barbecues.

In other words, just as we train our muscles to do certain tasks like driving a car, shooting a basketball or swimming, so too our brains become trained or pre-routed to retrieve certain information based on association. That information influences our behavior.

The implications of this research for our Christian lives are monumental. If our children view 50,000 hours of TV filled with images of sex by the age of 21 and during their viewing only 6% of people having sex are spouses (40% are friends, 27% are strangers, www.sexrespect.com), how are their brains being wired?

If people attend Mass infrequently, rarely read the bible and hardly ever talk about God with their friends and family, what folders will their brains access when they receive a diagnosis of cancer? Will they immediately think of prayer and God, hope and healing, community support and miracles? Or will their brain pull out the file marked death, despair, betrayal, anger, isolation and useless suffering?

From the beginning, the Church has implored us to immerse ourselves in Christian community and fill our minds with the truth of Christ. Why? Because we are formed by what goes into our minds.

So we must ask the question: do the things I read, watch, sing, talk about and mentally consume lead me to Christ or not? The patterns we create today will be with us for the rest of our lives.

About David O’Brien David O’Brien is the Associate Director of Religious Education for Lay Ministry for the Archdiocese of Mobile. His column, Everyday Faith, appears regularly in the archdiocesan newspaper, the Catholic Week. Email David at dobrien@mobilearchdiocese.org.

World Youth Day Trip: Update & New Video

Elizabeth y Shannon - August 19, 1:06 a.m.

Hola from room 306! Elizabeth and Shannon here for the update from yesterday! We started off the day with a delicious Spanish breakfast of chocolate cake and various other breakfast foods then headed out to our catechesis session where we were all inspired to live a chaste life by the words of Jason and Crystallina Everett and had a mass with close to two hundred priests and fifteen- twenty bishops. Next was lunch at an Irish pub. Who wants spanish food in spain? Not us, that's for sure! Then we went to try and find a good spot for the papal arrival. After climbing over people, trash, and stuff and pushing through smelly people from all over the world ( this includes us), we found a decent spot. And we were only three and a half hours early! We made new Facebook friends, some of us took naps, and took lots of pictures. When the wait was finally over, we surged forward and got a glimpse of the pope in the pope mobile!!! While he didnt drive directly on front of us, our view of the stage was enough. Seeing the successor of Peter, the most powerful man in the free world, and the leader of the church here on earth made it all worth it! Adios for now! Love y'all!

World Youth Day Trip: Escorting St. Terese

Bill Harkins - August 18, 7:38 a.m.

We just left Mass at the KoC pavilion and are eating lunch as we await Pope Benedict to arrive.  Huge crowds, some protests by locals, but no major problems.  We are trading rubber bracelets and Franciscan lapel pins with folks from all over the world.  God bless, Bill

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Dan Johnson - On the Shoulders of Giants -  August 17, 10:55 p.m.

Beginning our pilgrimage in Rome and Assisi we were able to see so many saints. Visiting tombs and seeing many of the incorrupt saints. All these incredible saints always, though, looking from a distance and being pushed ahead by other pilgrims.
It was still amazing experience a true blessing to be in those holy places. To be with these holy people who surrendered their lives to serve God. We stand on their shoulders and try follow their example.

Then we arrive in Madrid. The opening mass for English speaking pilgrims is ready to begin. I heard just a moment before that they are waiting for St. Terese to arrive. I walked out and saw her pull up. A woman steps out, and noticing the size of the reliquary, I thought the only gentlemanly thing to do is ask... "Excuse me are you going to need help?" What I was really saying is, please please let me help you! I calmed myself and awaited the answer...."si,si" she responded! Quickly I called some others from the group over. Connor and I as well as six others in the larger Franciscan group processed St. Terese into the church as everyone knelt and honored this great saint. After seeing so many saints in Rome ad Assisi we came to Madrid and carried St. Terese to the pilgrims of World Youth Day! What an incredible honor! We were all moved by the experience.

Afterwords one of the young men who helped process commented, " for so long the saints have carried me, today I carried a saint." - I cannot think of a better way to begin World Youth Day!

Christopher Nolan, Batman, and Authentic Masculinity for Catholic Men

BY G. P. GALLE

In 2012, a movie called The Dark Knight Rises will be released. It is the third in the Batman trilogy, written and directed by the media giant Christopher Nolan. The first two films grossed billions of dollars. The third will probably do the same. These films did more than just box office success. They have ignited a blitz of comic book movies. But for a Catholic man, they do even more.

Nolan tends to keep his religious and political beliefs to himself, but his films speak to universal truths that diverge almost forcefully (but elegantly) from Hollywood. For instance, Batman Begins, the first in the film series, features a wealthy philanthropist in Bruce Wayneʼs Dad. Further, and most outside the boundary of traditional Hollywood, the Senior Wayne is a good Father. A mentor. His words, even as he lies dying in the street, allow Bruce Wayne to come to grips with fear, and for this reason to save Gotham City.

There is enough to write on simply through the noble father of Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins, but the focus of this article is actually about the second film in the series, The Dark Knight. The Dark Knight, a movie of incredible foresight and genius, is perhaps the strongest tale in the Batman legend.

I have watched The Dark Knight several times, and as with most Christopher and Jonathan Nolan scripts, there is far more to the story than is apparent on the first watch. The first time through, one will see the Joker tear through the city destroying everything. His reasoning seems arbitrary, insane. And in this insanity, one has trouble keeping up. In the fever pitch madness, Bruce Wayne (Batman) does not know what to do. His butler, Alfred, provides him advice.

Alfred:...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.

Bruce Wayne: People are dying, Alfred. What would you have me do?

Alfred: Endure, Master Wayne. Take it. They'll hate you for it, but that's the point of Batman. He can be the outcast. He can make the choice that no one else can make — the right choice.

And so Bruce Wayne does. Though in the end, the Joker is thwarted for different reasons. His final death trap, meant to play on the fear and judgmental attitude of mankind, fails because of all the men acting courageously. Indeed it is not just Batman that saves Gotham, but Gothamʼs goodness that saves Gotham.

This is what I got on the first watch. On the second, third, fourth, and fifth time through I started seeing something new: the Jokerʼs manipulation of everyone in the film. The Joker is not arbitrary, but in fact enormously calculated. Ironically, he is the superman Nietzsche touted. He is also the terrorist showing how fallen man is. He is a brutal, cruel, man-hating nihilist. In a nutshell, he is Satan.

In turn, throughout the film, Batman struggles to do the right thing, and makes many mistakes. He needs his friends, who also fail many times in the film, though they too are attempting good. It seems many times that they are fighting a battle that cannot be won. They cannot predict the Joker, because they are so unlike him. He is destruction for destructionʼs sake. It is only through blind but noble decisions can does he lose.

We as Catholic Men are in the same boat. Sin and evil can hit us in ways we do not expect, and hit quickly. We have pressure - pressure hitting us on all sides. And this pressure comes from a force desiring to show our weaknesses, our unworthiness of redemption. This evil force is real and far more intelligent than us. Our only choice is the same as Batmanʼs - we must endure. We endure as Christians, as outcasts, making the hard choices and being hated for it. And must we do so by continuously choosing good, despite the appearance that something else might be the better choice. The mask that we put on is Christʼs, for it is Him that lets us make the hard decisions.

Again, I am not sure that Nolan meant to have any Christian metaphors in his film. What he did have was a lot of truth. The result was that Jesus appeared, though hidden. This film is not meant for the faint of heart. It is, as its title suggests, dark. But it portrays serious truths about humanity, and how good does triumph over seemingly impossible odds.

About GP Galle G.P. Galle, Jr. has spent over 10 years studying the intersection of faith, politics, and pop culture. He is a writer and producer, previous works including A Dream Worth Living a culture of live musical, and vivace, a Christian Art extravaganza. He has a law degree from the University of Alabama Law School, and graduate magna cum laude from Auburn University.

World Youth Day: Travel Day

Dan Johnson - Madrid - August 16, 11:23 p.m.

We arrived in the evening jumped on a bus and headed to the hotel. For the most part it was a travel day. Not a whole lot of excitement. Actually, after the last "excitement" we went through in airports I am perfectly ok with calm, quiet, boring travel. That's not completely true, there isn't much with this group that is calm and quiet. We did play a little soccer in the airport- that is until Connor kicked a German! Don't worry he was very apologetic and she only had a broken ankle (not really.) When we arrived in Madrid we got to the hotel We were a couple of hours late so we missed the earlier mass. This turned out to a be a blessing. We went to dinner and then had a small private mass in a lobby of the hotel.

After mass we walked outside a bit. There were thousands and thousands of pilgrims starting chants and proudly waving flags. There was a lot of excitement among all the youth... the youth of the world! We are very happy to be here and are looking forward to the first sessions tomorrow!

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VIEW PHOTOS - CLICK HERE

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Lindsey, Gaillard, and Callie (collaborative effort) - When in Rome - August 14, 2:10 p.m.

Greetings from room 116. Great golly what a day! Full of laughter, tears, and the occasional sweat stain. Naturally, we kicked off the day with another faith deepening mass in St. Peter's Basilica. Despite our inability to fully comprehend the Italian dialect, we trusted that the priests words in his homily held great spiritual value. Immediately following, we made our way out to Vatican Square where we were able to pray the Angelus with The Holy Father...who was streaming live from his summer home eighteen miles up the rode. Nevertheless, it was an inspiring experience, and we are looking forward to seeing him in person.


After testing the cultured waters of Italy for so long, we decided to dine at a highly recommended Americana cafe, also known as the Hard Rock Cafe. We then skipped on back to our humble abode but not too quick, for we were able to steal some deals at a highly posh boutique in the area. Back at the hotel, cat naps were greatly appreciated and to every one's dismay, pasta was not served for dinner. Later we made our way to the monastery down the rode for a peaceful adoration and ended the night with nothing more than sleep.

World Youth Day Trip: St. Cecilia's tomb

Bill Harkins - August 16, 2:26 a.m.

We are packed and waiting to head to the airport in Rome.  Yesterday we toured the collesium after celebrating Mass at the basilica of Sts. Cosmas and Damian.  I have prayed for the Men of St. Joseph and their families all over Rome these past few days.

My highlight was finding the church of St. Cecelia with Fr. Dan Good and 4 of our girls, Savannah, Megan, Clare and Jenna (an adoptee of ours from Minnesota).  Fr. asked the nun running the show there if he could get the girls in the locked crypt below to pray directly in front of Cecilia's remains.  We we got down there we were amazed at the beauty of this tiny chapel.  So powerful to watch these girls pray for St. C's intercession, just a few feet away from her bones.

Today we'll be in Madrid, getting ready to see the Pope and participate in all the great things the Lord has in store for us.  I am sure our kids will be sleeping on the plane, they look pretty tired this morning.  God Bless, Bill

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Maegan from Mobile - August 15, 11:59 p.m.

Ciao from Roma! Hope all is well back in the States! As our days in Rome have come to an end, one thing is for sure: I am now physically fit. The daily walk to the Metro, the walk to 15 unique churches, the walk around the Vatican. All of the miles added up to approximately 45 miles! It's for sure though, the irreplaceable experiences are worth the achy feet! Speaking of long walks, I have a story! One church in particular grabbed my attention. I found out our second day in Rome that my Confirmation saint, St. Cecilia, has her own church in Rome. I was going to get there somehow and nothing seemed to stand in the way of that. Saturday, our third day, we found out that The Basilica of St. Cecilia is at least an hour and fifteen minutes away. To my excitement, Fr. Dan volunteered to take Claire and I anyway. It was like BAM! YES! I was so excited. I couldn't have lived with myself if I didn't go- so I was relieved. We went that afternoon while the rest of the group toured St. Peters. Still, another potential problem arose. Every Church takes a reposo or "break" in the afternoon. There was a good chance that St. Cecilia's would be closed. Step after step after step, I got even more excited. When we arrived an hour and forty-five minutes later, I couldn't believe what I saw. It was closed. I walked over to the gate and broke down. I was disappointed and somewhat angry at first. I had walked so far just to see St. Cecilia's tomb, and it was closed. The tears started flowing. A bit later, my anger subsided when Fr. Dan spoke some very powerful words. He said, "She is so proud of you. She can't wait to meet you in Heaven." I hadn't thought of it that way, and it really startled me. It was true. I was crying because I loved her and wanted to pray by her. She means that much to me. Now tears of joy, a waterfall streamed down my face. I was so overjoyed. St. Cecilia is proud of me. WOAH. You can definitely say the Holy Spirit was working. We said a group prayer and then left soon after. Little did I know, I would end up right back in St. Cecilia's presence two days later (today). Fr. Dan worked his priestly powers and we were allowed to go down to the crypt where Cecilia is buried. I prayed by her tomb and took a lot of pictures. I felt ecstatic that my patron saint was right there before me. I am so thankful that Fr. Dan realized how important she was to me and did whatever he could to get me in her presence. My visits to her Basilica will always stick with me. Her inspiring story makes her such a wonderful role model. This has been my most moving experience so far and I hope there is more to come. OH! By the way, my feet feel better!

World Youth Day Trip Update: Rome

Conner from Mobile - Paradox - August 14, 12:19 a.m.

Saturday the 13th started early in the morning with some light breakfast and than a metro trip to the Holy Fathers home church, Saint John Lateran. Inside of this basilica, statues of all the apostles with their means of death stand erected thirty feet in the air. We then celebrated mass and walked over to the Holy Stairs. This holy site is the exact stair way that our savior climbed before he was judged by Pilot. Tours of Saint Peter's and dinner with our very own Father Farmer were the highlights of the evening. Throughout the long day, we were constantly reminded that our journey is indeed a pilgrimage and that we MUST make sacrifices and DIE TO OURSELVES. The paradox of dying to ourselves in order to live is a constant theme and is embraced by our pilgrimage.

Michael from Mobile (inspired by lack of sleep) - In the Footstep of the Saints - August 12, 3:42 p.m.

We woke up early (5:45) and made our way downstairs for a filling breakfast of bread and small pieces of oatmeal. Being satisfied pilgrims, we left for Saint Peter's and experienced many natural wonders on the way including the metro station, which was built in the 8th century A.D. by Roman slaves who used only their bare hands. We arrived at Saint Peter's and after a brief stay in line we entered the church. Our hopes were high, but the basilica somehow exceeded all expectations. Father Dave gave a moving homily about following Christ that added to the divine atmosphere of the building. We then began our walking tour where we saw the Trevi Fountain, the incorrupt body of John XXIII-he looks like he is sleeping-and the church of Saint Ignatius, where Connor saw Robert Bellarmine, his patron saint. To finish the tour we stopped at a church made from the bones of over 4000 Franciscan clergy men and other small children. It was in no way creepy or slightly disturbing at all. Finally the night finished with adoration at a small church across the street from our hotel. Although it lasted for over an hour, it flew by and we left touched by God. ~ Michael - inspired by lack of sleep!

World Youth Day Trip Update: Rome Day 1

Dan Johnson - Gelato at the Zoo - August 11, 3:14 p.m.

Yes- I sat and listened as I heard donkeys, dauphins, lions, cats, monkeys, and some more wild noises on the side of a busy street in Rome while I had a nice big bowl of gelato. These wild animals are your children! Fun times as we all ate gelato and played a serious game of zoo!
Imagine with me a nice gelatoria, quiet with a few locals. Suddenly out of nowhere like a tornado of teenage fun we bounce in. Thankfully we are entertaining enough that others are not mad but somewhere between impressed and confused- either way they were having fun too! This was certainly a nice way to slow down before we prayed together and headed for bed.

It was a good day, busy! We woke in Assisi on the feast of St. Clare and the fifteen went early to visit her. We were really the only ones in there- that was amazing. Afterwords we headed to Rome to the Catacombs for mass and a tour. We saw the tomb of St. Cecelia and walked through these narrow passages going four stories down where over 600,000 early Christians were buried. We visited St. Paul's outside the walls and finally to the hotel for dinner.

We had fun! This not a surprise considering what incredible kids we have on this pilgrimage. I am still impressed to see them pray and grow and mature. Earliest morning of the journey tomorrow 5:45 to head for mass St. Peter's!

(if you do not know how to play zoo, please ask them to show you when they return. It is not something to be missed!)

Dawning

BY G. P. GALLE

This is a short story written in 2007 about the Culture of Life and Southern Culture, written while in UA Law School. The story is meant to show the Culture of Life on the Tuscaloosa River.

When the night died, the southern landscape yawned a breeze across the treetops and a great big eye of light slowly opened, so that a spectator could see the hint of a million shades combining. These shades are called dawn. This morning dawn draped the shore on the Tuscaloosa Lake in glitter and light, bestowing the River her proper crown, kindred with the steady shimmer of her morning decor. And her untouched surface glistened.

She had visitors. Joggers used her breeze, groups in convertibles went on joyrides on the asphalt beyond. Others paid her no heed, too busy with school and other social events.

One person watched. His name was Bill. And Bill loved the event. His favorite place was not the walkway or the road. Or even the river’s crown.

This morning he (as he had every summer Saturday for five years now) rolled his khakis to his ankles, left his padded shoes behind, felt her crown beneath his toes, and finally, when he breached her surface, watched the slow ripples radiate into her. Her chill woke him up, and he grinned, the creases of his aged skin arching looked like living stone.

World Youth Day Trip Update: Assisi Day 2

Bill Harkins - August 11, 12:08 a.m.

We are wrapping up our Assisi leg. Yesterday we walked up the mountain Francis took his followers to pray.  2 miles up a very steep incline, tough but worth it.  We attended Mass up there.  We moved on for a whirlwind tour of major St Francis sites.  Seeing the uncorrupted body of St. Clare was amazing.  We are heading to Rome this morning!  God Bless, Bill

Dan Johnson - Peace - August 11, 4:47 p.m.

Peace is illusive. What does it feel like? Where is it? How can I get it?

We woke up this morning and walked up a mountain in silence. When we stepped outside we were surprised to find that it was cool, very cool, brisk even. Then we walked. It was a long walk and as I prayed, I prayed for these teens and all those at McGill. I thought about walking up this mountain. Michael, Connor, Shannon, Maegan, Callie, Elizabeth, Clare, Savannah, Gaillard, Lindsey and our adopted member Jenna were all so excited to do this. Even as they became more and more tired they were happy. Even as we climbed and the road twisted up and the sun was warming they hiked at a quick pace- excited! They were excited to experience something new. They anticipated the beauty, the joy, and the peace. All of this began the thought- We are headed to heaven.

The hike was difficult for sure. We walked to a hermitage where Francis and his brothers would go to get away from the hustle and bustle of Assisi. (hard to think of Assisi as busy I know...but for them it was!) Each one as they arrived at the hermitage were breathing heavy as Maegan said, "I can't believe I did that...and I kept up with the runners!" Then off to mass, partaking in the heavenly feast on a mountain where Francis would celebrate with his brothers! Cool!

Now, heaven is what is hoped for. The beauty, joy, and peace of Heaven! The journey, much like ours, will be difficult. But the promise is glorious, the hope for heaven, being united with the communion of saints praising God for eternity! The anticipation and the excitement combined with faith and the grace of God will get us there! Today in a small way was a journey to heaven. Through the challenges the hike presented we persevered in prayer in joyous anticipation of the experience of Holy Communion. Often times looking ahead they would see someone pushing fowrad and would be encouraged to do e same. Apply this to our lives and we have the beginning of the formula. Then what? Well today's Gospel (which I did not realize yesterday) and the subsequent homily was on the paradox. The journey is hard to be sure, and so to live we must die!

As we closed the day having hiked, seen the Portiuncula, prayed in front of incorrupt St. Clare and the tomb of St. Francis, and finished with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament we talked about about this recurring theme- the Paradox. We think perhaps the Holy Spirit is saying something! Perhaps peace is in our hearts waiting to be awakened by God's love. Ever present we must surrender ourselves, die to ourselves and open our hearts to him- there is freedom, there is his love, there is peace!

World Youth Day Trip Update: Assisi

Bill Harkins: Wednesday, Aug 10, 1:25 AM

We arrived in Rome, then Assisi last night, attended Mass, toured the town until around 11pm, then back to hotel. Starting off with Mass this morning, then walking tour all over St Francis' hometown.  We are tied in to the main group, 142 pilgrims. God Bless, Bill.

Sent from my iPod

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Dan Johnson: Tuesday August 9, 3:13 p.m.
We have made it to Assisi! In addition to that all our luggage made it here too! Praise God, for He is good! Everyone is tired, bur this Pilgrimage has been very blessed so far. We have definitely come together as a group. This is an added blessing before we meet up with the larger Franciscan group.

We are learning to count our blessings. Honestly most of our disappointments have become great blessings. Our teens have made a great new friend in Jenna, we were able now to grab luggage for several other people at the airport which otherwise would have been a great hassle to get to the group in Ae been wearing a shirt (same shirt 3 days) that says Paradox on it. One of the teens asked, "what does that mean?" The shirt is implying the great Christian paradox that we must die to live! We must sacrifice as pilgrims on a journey. The paradox, that God can bring great good out of suffering and hardship. This is the paradox that through our minor difficulties, with eyes opened by Christ, we have Assisi. We will deliver one who was lost as well as luggage.  Thus the paradox! I have seen His great love for us and all His children. Here we find the Good News!

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Gaillard from Mobile: Monday August 8, 11:47 a.m.
“Miami is a swell place. But I don't think the people sleep well here. Or they just really don't like us. But it's okay because we smile anyway! Because we are going to EUROPE!!! So it's gonna take a lot to upset us. Not to mention we get to eat free meals here in Miami complementary of the Fantabulous American Airlines. This morning, after a deliciously free breakfast at our free hotel, we took advantage of our free time ( haha, free.. ) and went to a local - very beautiful- church for mass, Little Flower Church. It was a good way to relieve the stress and anxiety from the day before. We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare and things have run pretty smoothly today. Praise God! So despite being a day behind schedule, I'd say it's not been so bad! ~ Gaillard