Today I will be installed as a Lector at a special Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Camden. As I only have five minutes before I head to class I will keep this short.
Along the path to priesthood there are a series of steps one takes, the most famous of which is becoming a deacon. Today I will take the first step when I am installed as lector at 4:30pm. It should be a exciting and meaningful afternoon. My parents are coming down,as are many of my classmates parents. I suppose it gives them a good excuse to visit. None-the-less at the Mass each of the candidates for lector's name and diocese will be called. When mine is called I will have to stand, with hands folded, and say present. After that i will join a line of others doing the same. Then I will go and kneel before the Bishop, place my hand on the Bible as a prayer is recited. After that it is back into the line, back to my seat and on with the Mass.
It is kind of crazy that I will be taking the first step, be it a very small one. None-the-less it has given me much to pray about. It is crazy how when one has to think about it, it is powerful to be called to read the word of God, as a lector.
I will let you know how it goes and try to post some pictures, as I am sure my parents will embarass me while taking them.
Ahhhh three minutes until class....
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Lebanon
This weekend was busy as always. Saturday I went with the Rector and two other Seminarians to the Maronite Catholic Seminary in D.C. for a special Mass. For those that might not be familiar, Maronites are one of several "rites" within the Catholic Church. Most of us only think of the Roman Catholic Church, when we hear the word Catholic mentioned. However, what we often forget that within the Catholic Church there are many rites, one of which is the "Roman" church we are all familiar with. The best way I can explain it is that there are different branches in the Church, all of which are Catholic, the differences are not in the sacraments or dogmas, just in the way we celebrate parts of our faith,the traditions there in and the language of faith. For example the Maronite Church represents the early Catholic Church in Lebanon. All of the rites are united under the leadership of the Pope.
The Mass was very much the same but celebrated a little bit differently. There was a lot incense, the Mass was in English, Arabic and Syriac. We never knelt, responded differently at different points, etc... The Maronite Catholic Mass had a great beauty to it and was unlike anything I have ever attended before, yet similar as it was the same miracle of the Eucharist and the very same Catholic Church. As a Roman Catholic seminarian, I am studying to be a Catholic priest in the "Roman" rite of the Catholic church. This of course means that I will be learning the way the "Roman" church prays, celebrates, etc... The "Roman" rite of the Catholic Church makes up over 90% of the Catholic Church in the world. Hope this helps and does not confuse you. After the Mass we shared in a giant Lebanese feast. It was amazing food. Humus, lamb, etc...... I ate and ate and ate and then went home to sleep it off.
The Various Rites and Churches of the Catholic Church
Western Rites and Churches
Immediately subject to the Supreme Pontiff as Patriarch of the West
ROMAN (also called Latin)
The Church of Rome is the Primatial See of the world and the Patriarchal See of Western Christianity. Founded by St. Peter in 42 AD it was consecrated by the blood of Sts. Peter and Paul during the persecution of Nero (63-67 AD). It has maintained a continual existence since then and is the source of a family of Rites in the West.
• Ambrosian - The Rite of the Archdiocese of Milan, Italy, thought to be of early origin and probably consolidated, but not originated, by St. Ambrose. Pope Paul VI was from this Roman Rite. It continues to be celebrated in Milan, though not by all parishes.
• Bragan - Rite of the Archdiocese of Braga, the Primatial See of Portugal, it derives from the 12th century or earlier. It continues to be of occasional use
Eastern Rites and Churches
They have their own hierarchy distinct from the Latin Rite, system of governance (synods) and general law, the Code of Canons for the Eastern Churches. The Supreme Pontiff exercises his authority over them through the Congregation for the Eastern Churches.
ANTIOCHIAN
The Church of Antioch in Syria (on the Mediterranean coast) is considered an apostolic see by virtue of having been founded by St. Peter. It was one of the ancient centers of the Church, as the New Testament attests, and is the source of a family of similar Rites using the ancient Syriac language (the Semitic dialect used in Jesus' time and better known as Aramaic). Its Liturgy is attributed to St. James and the Church of Jerusalem.
1. WEST SYRIAN
• Maronite - Never separated from Rome. Maronite Patriarch of Antioch. The liturgical language is Aramaic. The 3 million Maronites are found in Lebanon (origin), Cyprus, Egypt, Syria, Israel, Canada, US, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Australia.
• Syriac - Syrian Catholics who returned to Rome in 1781 from the monophysite heresy. Syriac Patriarch of Antioch. The 110,000 Syrian Catholics are found in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Canada and the US.
• Malankarese - Catholics from the South of India evangelized by St. Thomas, uses the West Syriac liturgy. Reunited with Rome in 1930. Liturgical languages today are West Syriac and Malayalam. The 350,000 Malankarese Catholics are found in India and North America.
2. EAST SYRIAN
• Chaldean - Babylonian Catholics returned to Rome in 1692 from the Nestorian heresy. Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans. Liturgical languages are Syriac and Arabic. The 310,000 Chaldean Catholics are found in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey and the US).
• Syro-Malabarese - Catholics from Southern India using the East Syriac liturgy. Returned to Rome in the 16th century from the Nestorian heresy. Liturgical languages are Syriac and Malayalam. Over 3 million Syro-Malabarese Catholics can be found in the state of Kerela, in SW India.
BYZANTINE
The Church of Constantinople became the political and religious center of the eastern Roman Empire after the Emperor Constantine built a new capital there (324-330) on the site of the ancient town of Byzantium. Constantinople developed its own liturgical rite from the Liturgy of St. James, in one form as modified by St. Basil, and in a more commonly used form, as modified by St. John Chrysostom. After 1054, except for brief periods of reunion, most Byzantine Christians have not been in communion with Rome. They make up the Orthodox Churches of the East, whose titular head is the Patriarch of Constantinople. The Orthodox Churches are mostly auto-cephalous, meaning self-headed, united to each other by communion with Constantinople, which exercises no real authority over them. They are typically divided into Churches along nation lines. Those that have returned to communion with the Holy See are represented among the Eastern Churches and Rites of the Catholic Church.
1. ARMENIAN
Considered either its own Rite or an older version of the Byzantine. Its exact form is not used by any other Byzantine Rite. It is composed of Catholics from the first people to convert as a nation, the Armenians (N.E. of Turkey), and who returned to Rome at the time of the Crusades. Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians. The liturgical language is classical Armenian. It's 350,000 Armenian Catholics are found in Armenia, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Ukraine, France, Romania, United States and Argentina. Most Armenians are Orthodox, not in union with Rome.
2. BYZANTINE
• Albanian - Albanian Christians, numbering only 1400 today, who resumed communion with Rome in 1628. Liturgical language is Albanian. Most Albanian Christians are Albanian Orthodox.
• Belarussian/Byelorussian - Unknown number of Belarussians who returned to Rome in the 17th century. The liturgical language is Old Slavonic. The faithful can be found in Belarus, as well as Europe, the Americas and Australia.
• Bulgarian - Bulgarians who returned to Rome in 1861. Liturgical language is Old Slavonic. The 20,000 faithful can be found in Bulgaria. Most Bulgarian Christians are Bulgarian Orthodox.
• Czech - Czech Catholics of Byzantine Rite organized into a jurisdiction in 1996.
• Krizevci - Croatian Catholics of Byzantine Rite who resumed communion with Rome in 1611. The liturgical language is Old Slavonic. The 50,000 faithful can be found in Croatia and the Americas. Most Croatians are Roman (Rite) Catholics.
• Greek - Greek Christians who returned to Rome in 1829. The liturgical language is Greek. Only 2500 faithful in Greece, Asia Minor (Turkey) and Europe. Greek Christians are almost all Orthodox. Their Patriarch is the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople.
• Hungarian - Descendants of Ruthenians who returned to Rome in 1646. The liturgical languages are Greek, Hungarian and English. The 300,000 faithful are found in Hungary, Europe and the Americas.
• Italo-Albanian - Never separated from Rome, these 60,000 Byzantine Rite Catholics are found in Italy, Sicily and the Americas. The liturgical languages are Greek and Italo-Albanian.
• Melkite - Catholics from among those separated from Rome in Syria and Egypt who resumed Communion with Rome at the time of the Crusades. However, definitive union only came in the 18th century. Melkite Greek Patriarch of Damascus. Liturgical languages are Greek, Arabic, English, Portuguese and Spanish. The over 1 million Melkite Catholics can be found in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Canada, US, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela and Australia.
• Romanian - Romanians who returned to Rome in 1697. The liturgical language is Romanian. There are over 1 million Romanian Catholics in Romania, Europe and the Americas. Most Romanian Christians are Romanian Orthodox.
• Russian - Russians who returned to communion with Rome in 1905. The liturgical language is Old Slavonic. An unknown number of the faithful in Russia, China, the Americas and Australia. Most Russian Christians are Russian Orthodox. Their Patriarch is the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.
• Ruthenian - Catholics from among those separated from Rome in Russia, Hungary and Croatia who reunited with Rome in 1596 (Brest-Litovsk) and 1646 (Uzhorod).
• Slovak - Byzantine Rite Catholics of Slovakian origin numbering 225,000 and found in Slovakia and Canada.
• Ukrainian - Catholics from among those separated from Rome by the Greek Schism and reunited about 1595. Patriarch of Lvov. Liturgical languages are Old Slavonic and Ukrainian. The 5.5 million Ukrainian Catholics can be found in Ukraine, Poland, England, Germany, France, Canada, US, Brazil, Argentina and Australia. During the Soviet era Ukrainian Catholics were violently forced to join the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Their hierarchy, which continued to exist outside the homeland, has since be re-established in the Ukraine.
ALEXANDRIAN
The Church of Alexandria in Egypt was one of the original centers of Christianity, since like Rome and Antioch it had a large Jewish population which was the initial object of apostolic evangelization. Its Liturgy is attributed to St. Mark the evangelist, and shows the later influence of the Byzantine Liturgy, in addition to its unique elements.
• Coptic - Egyptian Catholics who returned to communion with Rome in 1741. The Patriarch of Alexandria leads the 200,000 faithful of this ritual Church spread throughout Egypt and the near east. The liturgical languages are Coptic (Egyptian) and Arabic. Most Copts are not Catholics.
• Ethiopian/Abyssinian - Ethiopian Coptic Christians who returned to Rome in 1846. The liturgical language is Geez. The 200,000 faithful are found in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Jerusalem.
The Mass was very much the same but celebrated a little bit differently. There was a lot incense, the Mass was in English, Arabic and Syriac. We never knelt, responded differently at different points, etc... The Maronite Catholic Mass had a great beauty to it and was unlike anything I have ever attended before, yet similar as it was the same miracle of the Eucharist and the very same Catholic Church. As a Roman Catholic seminarian, I am studying to be a Catholic priest in the "Roman" rite of the Catholic church. This of course means that I will be learning the way the "Roman" church prays, celebrates, etc... The "Roman" rite of the Catholic Church makes up over 90% of the Catholic Church in the world. Hope this helps and does not confuse you. After the Mass we shared in a giant Lebanese feast. It was amazing food. Humus, lamb, etc...... I ate and ate and ate and then went home to sleep it off.
The Various Rites and Churches of the Catholic Church
Western Rites and Churches
Immediately subject to the Supreme Pontiff as Patriarch of the West
ROMAN (also called Latin)
The Church of Rome is the Primatial See of the world and the Patriarchal See of Western Christianity. Founded by St. Peter in 42 AD it was consecrated by the blood of Sts. Peter and Paul during the persecution of Nero (63-67 AD). It has maintained a continual existence since then and is the source of a family of Rites in the West.
• Ambrosian - The Rite of the Archdiocese of Milan, Italy, thought to be of early origin and probably consolidated, but not originated, by St. Ambrose. Pope Paul VI was from this Roman Rite. It continues to be celebrated in Milan, though not by all parishes.
• Bragan - Rite of the Archdiocese of Braga, the Primatial See of Portugal, it derives from the 12th century or earlier. It continues to be of occasional use
Eastern Rites and Churches
They have their own hierarchy distinct from the Latin Rite, system of governance (synods) and general law, the Code of Canons for the Eastern Churches. The Supreme Pontiff exercises his authority over them through the Congregation for the Eastern Churches.
ANTIOCHIAN
The Church of Antioch in Syria (on the Mediterranean coast) is considered an apostolic see by virtue of having been founded by St. Peter. It was one of the ancient centers of the Church, as the New Testament attests, and is the source of a family of similar Rites using the ancient Syriac language (the Semitic dialect used in Jesus' time and better known as Aramaic). Its Liturgy is attributed to St. James and the Church of Jerusalem.
1. WEST SYRIAN
• Maronite - Never separated from Rome. Maronite Patriarch of Antioch. The liturgical language is Aramaic. The 3 million Maronites are found in Lebanon (origin), Cyprus, Egypt, Syria, Israel, Canada, US, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Australia.
• Syriac - Syrian Catholics who returned to Rome in 1781 from the monophysite heresy. Syriac Patriarch of Antioch. The 110,000 Syrian Catholics are found in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Canada and the US.
• Malankarese - Catholics from the South of India evangelized by St. Thomas, uses the West Syriac liturgy. Reunited with Rome in 1930. Liturgical languages today are West Syriac and Malayalam. The 350,000 Malankarese Catholics are found in India and North America.
2. EAST SYRIAN
• Chaldean - Babylonian Catholics returned to Rome in 1692 from the Nestorian heresy. Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans. Liturgical languages are Syriac and Arabic. The 310,000 Chaldean Catholics are found in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey and the US).
• Syro-Malabarese - Catholics from Southern India using the East Syriac liturgy. Returned to Rome in the 16th century from the Nestorian heresy. Liturgical languages are Syriac and Malayalam. Over 3 million Syro-Malabarese Catholics can be found in the state of Kerela, in SW India.
BYZANTINE
The Church of Constantinople became the political and religious center of the eastern Roman Empire after the Emperor Constantine built a new capital there (324-330) on the site of the ancient town of Byzantium. Constantinople developed its own liturgical rite from the Liturgy of St. James, in one form as modified by St. Basil, and in a more commonly used form, as modified by St. John Chrysostom. After 1054, except for brief periods of reunion, most Byzantine Christians have not been in communion with Rome. They make up the Orthodox Churches of the East, whose titular head is the Patriarch of Constantinople. The Orthodox Churches are mostly auto-cephalous, meaning self-headed, united to each other by communion with Constantinople, which exercises no real authority over them. They are typically divided into Churches along nation lines. Those that have returned to communion with the Holy See are represented among the Eastern Churches and Rites of the Catholic Church.
1. ARMENIAN
Considered either its own Rite or an older version of the Byzantine. Its exact form is not used by any other Byzantine Rite. It is composed of Catholics from the first people to convert as a nation, the Armenians (N.E. of Turkey), and who returned to Rome at the time of the Crusades. Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians. The liturgical language is classical Armenian. It's 350,000 Armenian Catholics are found in Armenia, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Ukraine, France, Romania, United States and Argentina. Most Armenians are Orthodox, not in union with Rome.
2. BYZANTINE
• Albanian - Albanian Christians, numbering only 1400 today, who resumed communion with Rome in 1628. Liturgical language is Albanian. Most Albanian Christians are Albanian Orthodox.
• Belarussian/Byelorussian - Unknown number of Belarussians who returned to Rome in the 17th century. The liturgical language is Old Slavonic. The faithful can be found in Belarus, as well as Europe, the Americas and Australia.
• Bulgarian - Bulgarians who returned to Rome in 1861. Liturgical language is Old Slavonic. The 20,000 faithful can be found in Bulgaria. Most Bulgarian Christians are Bulgarian Orthodox.
• Czech - Czech Catholics of Byzantine Rite organized into a jurisdiction in 1996.
• Krizevci - Croatian Catholics of Byzantine Rite who resumed communion with Rome in 1611. The liturgical language is Old Slavonic. The 50,000 faithful can be found in Croatia and the Americas. Most Croatians are Roman (Rite) Catholics.
• Greek - Greek Christians who returned to Rome in 1829. The liturgical language is Greek. Only 2500 faithful in Greece, Asia Minor (Turkey) and Europe. Greek Christians are almost all Orthodox. Their Patriarch is the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople.
• Hungarian - Descendants of Ruthenians who returned to Rome in 1646. The liturgical languages are Greek, Hungarian and English. The 300,000 faithful are found in Hungary, Europe and the Americas.
• Italo-Albanian - Never separated from Rome, these 60,000 Byzantine Rite Catholics are found in Italy, Sicily and the Americas. The liturgical languages are Greek and Italo-Albanian.
• Melkite - Catholics from among those separated from Rome in Syria and Egypt who resumed Communion with Rome at the time of the Crusades. However, definitive union only came in the 18th century. Melkite Greek Patriarch of Damascus. Liturgical languages are Greek, Arabic, English, Portuguese and Spanish. The over 1 million Melkite Catholics can be found in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Canada, US, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela and Australia.
• Romanian - Romanians who returned to Rome in 1697. The liturgical language is Romanian. There are over 1 million Romanian Catholics in Romania, Europe and the Americas. Most Romanian Christians are Romanian Orthodox.
• Russian - Russians who returned to communion with Rome in 1905. The liturgical language is Old Slavonic. An unknown number of the faithful in Russia, China, the Americas and Australia. Most Russian Christians are Russian Orthodox. Their Patriarch is the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.
• Ruthenian - Catholics from among those separated from Rome in Russia, Hungary and Croatia who reunited with Rome in 1596 (Brest-Litovsk) and 1646 (Uzhorod).
• Slovak - Byzantine Rite Catholics of Slovakian origin numbering 225,000 and found in Slovakia and Canada.
• Ukrainian - Catholics from among those separated from Rome by the Greek Schism and reunited about 1595. Patriarch of Lvov. Liturgical languages are Old Slavonic and Ukrainian. The 5.5 million Ukrainian Catholics can be found in Ukraine, Poland, England, Germany, France, Canada, US, Brazil, Argentina and Australia. During the Soviet era Ukrainian Catholics were violently forced to join the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Their hierarchy, which continued to exist outside the homeland, has since be re-established in the Ukraine.
ALEXANDRIAN
The Church of Alexandria in Egypt was one of the original centers of Christianity, since like Rome and Antioch it had a large Jewish population which was the initial object of apostolic evangelization. Its Liturgy is attributed to St. Mark the evangelist, and shows the later influence of the Byzantine Liturgy, in addition to its unique elements.
• Coptic - Egyptian Catholics who returned to communion with Rome in 1741. The Patriarch of Alexandria leads the 200,000 faithful of this ritual Church spread throughout Egypt and the near east. The liturgical languages are Coptic (Egyptian) and Arabic. Most Copts are not Catholics.
• Ethiopian/Abyssinian - Ethiopian Coptic Christians who returned to Rome in 1846. The liturgical language is Geez. The 200,000 faithful are found in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Jerusalem.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Breaking News
Below you will find a copy of the article I wrote for Friday's Union Leader. I am told it ran on the front page. Since I can't get the hyperlink feature to work, I will cut and paste in below. Nice work to all those who went on the March!
NH youths in March for Life
By ANDREW NELSON
Special to the Union Leader
Friday, Jan. 23, 2009
WASHINGTON – Fewer than 24 hours after the close of the final inaugural ball, Washington D.C. is once again abuzz with activity.
As the masses of humanity that witnessed the historic swearing in of America's first African-American President make their way home, another wave is just arriving.
They too come from every corner of the nation, are filled with an incredible sense of optimism and are emboldened by the audacity of hope. They invoke the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and are well-versed in the language of justice and equality for all.
The new wave arriving in the nation's capitol and filling its churches, gymnasiums, and streets, is young, energized, and passionate about defending the dignity of human life on the 36th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade.
- - - -
As the grand organ of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception boomed on Wednesday night, more than 16,000 people -- most of them under the age of 30 -- rose to their feet.
Pilgrims jostled for position as they occupied nearly every square inch of the Basilica. Nearly 1,000 priests and seminarians made their way forward in the opening procession of the National Vigil for Life Mass.
Among them was Manchester native Sara Boutin, a freshman attending with friends from Saint Joseph's College in Maine. Exhausted from a 12-hour drive, Sara sat slumped in her seat, which she arrived three hours early to secure. The best she could do was 10 rows from the back.
Taking part in a growing trend of youth activism, Sara and her friends spent the morning meeting with the Maine congressional delegation and even secured a meeting with Maine Sen. Susan Collins to discuss their opposition to the introduction of the Freedom of Choice Act.
The Freedom of Choice Act, which was the subject of much focus at the Vigil for Life Mass, would, undo any restrictions on abortion nationwide.
"We will need the help of all Catholic and pro-life organizations, as well as the participation of other Christian churches and all people of good will, in order to get the message to Congress that human life is sacred and must be protected," according to Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali.
Sara, for her part was pleased that Sen. Collins interrupted a busy morning for an unscheduled visit and hopes that she will decide to oppose the act should it be introduced.
- - - -
One of the busiest people at Vigil for Life Mass is Sister Miriam MacLean R.S.M. of Hudson, who serves as the Shrine's director of visitor services.
Sister Miriam oversees a massive organization of volunteers and coordinates logistics for 600 overnight guests who camp out in the basement of the Basilica.
Although this reporter spotted Sister Miriam in action, any hope of a sit-down interview was lost when the first busloads arrived.
- - - -
Partway through the 35-minute opening procession -- a virtual who's who of the American Catholic church-- six young seminarians from the Granite State filled with an "overwhelming sense of awe at the witness of the people and the reverence of their prayer" could be seen.
Jeff Paveglio, a 23-year-old seminarian and graduate of the University of New Hampshire described the evening's Mass "as a profoundly solemn occasion where the faithful are united in prayer for the cause of life."
His exuberance and that of the other seminarians was palpable as they eagerly prepared to serve in the evening's Mass. When asked if his mother would be watching for him on television as he took part in the opening procession, he laughed and responded: "Watching it? She will be taping it."
- - - -
Wednesday's Vigil is held each year in conjunction with the March for Life, which marks its 36th year standing in opposition to the Supreme Court's controversial Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion. Wednesday evening's enormous crowd seemed dwarfed when placed against the estimated 150,000 who took part in the March for Life yesterday.
Among them were six busloads of Granite Staters who made the long journey to take part in the national movement.
Greg Denis, 16, from Manchester, joined more than 120 of his friends and classmates from Trinity High School at the March.
He made the journey for much different reason than most. Sixteen years ago, Greg was placed up for adoption. Greg is marching to thank his birth mother for choosing life. He declared with a smile, "if I ever meet her, the first thing I will do is thank her for having me."
Greg admitted that this issue hits close to home, especially considering "my mom likely was in a bad situation and considered abortion as an option."
- - - -
Poignantly noting "the legalization of abortion almost cost me my life before it ever began," Liz, a 19-year-old from New Hampshire, knows all too well what it means to be in a difficult situation, scared and afraid of what to do.
She shared her story of how she became pregnant as a high school student last year.
"Suddenly, I felt as if I was alone in the world and that all my hopes and dreams came crashing down. I was scared. I did not know who to turn to. It was not until I was at the clinic scheduling my abortion that I knew what I needed to do. I started to get sick and realized I could not do it; I could not destroy my own child. I left the clinic, went home and waited a week before summoning the courage to tell my mom. When I did, I could no longer fight back tears. My mom responded with a loving embrace and open arms."
Liz fought back tears as she shared a picture of her beautiful daughter. "I just want other girls to know that within them is a great treasure and a beautiful life. I want them to know it is okay to be scared and to ask for help."
Liz shared how her life is different now, how her plans have changed, and how "listening to her heart saved not only her daughter's life, but her own."
As my interview with Liz ended, with sincerest conviction she said, "We will march until the world realizes that the greatest gift we have is not found in our bank accounts but in our human dignity."
Andrew Nelson is a Diocese of Manchester seminarian attending St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. He served as Trinity High's campus minister. He has reported for the New Hampshire Union Leader on Pope Benedict XVI's visit to America and Pope John Paul II's funeral in Rome.
NH youths in March for Life
By ANDREW NELSON
Special to the Union Leader
Friday, Jan. 23, 2009
WASHINGTON – Fewer than 24 hours after the close of the final inaugural ball, Washington D.C. is once again abuzz with activity.
As the masses of humanity that witnessed the historic swearing in of America's first African-American President make their way home, another wave is just arriving.
They too come from every corner of the nation, are filled with an incredible sense of optimism and are emboldened by the audacity of hope. They invoke the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and are well-versed in the language of justice and equality for all.
The new wave arriving in the nation's capitol and filling its churches, gymnasiums, and streets, is young, energized, and passionate about defending the dignity of human life on the 36th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade.
- - - -
As the grand organ of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception boomed on Wednesday night, more than 16,000 people -- most of them under the age of 30 -- rose to their feet.
Pilgrims jostled for position as they occupied nearly every square inch of the Basilica. Nearly 1,000 priests and seminarians made their way forward in the opening procession of the National Vigil for Life Mass.
Among them was Manchester native Sara Boutin, a freshman attending with friends from Saint Joseph's College in Maine. Exhausted from a 12-hour drive, Sara sat slumped in her seat, which she arrived three hours early to secure. The best she could do was 10 rows from the back.
Taking part in a growing trend of youth activism, Sara and her friends spent the morning meeting with the Maine congressional delegation and even secured a meeting with Maine Sen. Susan Collins to discuss their opposition to the introduction of the Freedom of Choice Act.
The Freedom of Choice Act, which was the subject of much focus at the Vigil for Life Mass, would, undo any restrictions on abortion nationwide.
"We will need the help of all Catholic and pro-life organizations, as well as the participation of other Christian churches and all people of good will, in order to get the message to Congress that human life is sacred and must be protected," according to Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali.
Sara, for her part was pleased that Sen. Collins interrupted a busy morning for an unscheduled visit and hopes that she will decide to oppose the act should it be introduced.
- - - -
One of the busiest people at Vigil for Life Mass is Sister Miriam MacLean R.S.M. of Hudson, who serves as the Shrine's director of visitor services.
Sister Miriam oversees a massive organization of volunteers and coordinates logistics for 600 overnight guests who camp out in the basement of the Basilica.
Although this reporter spotted Sister Miriam in action, any hope of a sit-down interview was lost when the first busloads arrived.
- - - -
Partway through the 35-minute opening procession -- a virtual who's who of the American Catholic church-- six young seminarians from the Granite State filled with an "overwhelming sense of awe at the witness of the people and the reverence of their prayer" could be seen.
Jeff Paveglio, a 23-year-old seminarian and graduate of the University of New Hampshire described the evening's Mass "as a profoundly solemn occasion where the faithful are united in prayer for the cause of life."
His exuberance and that of the other seminarians was palpable as they eagerly prepared to serve in the evening's Mass. When asked if his mother would be watching for him on television as he took part in the opening procession, he laughed and responded: "Watching it? She will be taping it."
- - - -
Wednesday's Vigil is held each year in conjunction with the March for Life, which marks its 36th year standing in opposition to the Supreme Court's controversial Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion. Wednesday evening's enormous crowd seemed dwarfed when placed against the estimated 150,000 who took part in the March for Life yesterday.
Among them were six busloads of Granite Staters who made the long journey to take part in the national movement.
Greg Denis, 16, from Manchester, joined more than 120 of his friends and classmates from Trinity High School at the March.
He made the journey for much different reason than most. Sixteen years ago, Greg was placed up for adoption. Greg is marching to thank his birth mother for choosing life. He declared with a smile, "if I ever meet her, the first thing I will do is thank her for having me."
Greg admitted that this issue hits close to home, especially considering "my mom likely was in a bad situation and considered abortion as an option."
- - - -
Poignantly noting "the legalization of abortion almost cost me my life before it ever began," Liz, a 19-year-old from New Hampshire, knows all too well what it means to be in a difficult situation, scared and afraid of what to do.
She shared her story of how she became pregnant as a high school student last year.
"Suddenly, I felt as if I was alone in the world and that all my hopes and dreams came crashing down. I was scared. I did not know who to turn to. It was not until I was at the clinic scheduling my abortion that I knew what I needed to do. I started to get sick and realized I could not do it; I could not destroy my own child. I left the clinic, went home and waited a week before summoning the courage to tell my mom. When I did, I could no longer fight back tears. My mom responded with a loving embrace and open arms."
Liz fought back tears as she shared a picture of her beautiful daughter. "I just want other girls to know that within them is a great treasure and a beautiful life. I want them to know it is okay to be scared and to ask for help."
Liz shared how her life is different now, how her plans have changed, and how "listening to her heart saved not only her daughter's life, but her own."
As my interview with Liz ended, with sincerest conviction she said, "We will march until the world realizes that the greatest gift we have is not found in our bank accounts but in our human dignity."
Andrew Nelson is a Diocese of Manchester seminarian attending St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. He served as Trinity High's campus minister. He has reported for the New Hampshire Union Leader on Pope Benedict XVI's visit to America and Pope John Paul II's funeral in Rome.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
March for Life 2009
Just back from two days of March for Life activities and little sleep. So tonight I will post pictures and leave the words until tomorrow.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Television Here I Come!
This Wednesday evening I will be appearing on national television as an altar server at the National Vigil for Life Mass at the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. This annual Mass on the eve of the March for Life is attended by over ten thousand people and televised around the world thanks to EWTN. I will be prominently featured so stay glued to your tv's and get ready for my latest national media appearance (long live Sharkman).
Now one might ask, how many servers will be there? I would say don't ask silly questions.
One might also ask what do you mean by prominently featured? Details, details
I will be one of hundreds of seminarians in the opening and closing procession on Wednesday night. I was chosen (cough, cough). Now, now it is not like they welcome any seminarians who want to participate and show up or anything. But none-the-less if you watch your televisions Wednesday night, squint real hard you might just see me.
One thing for sure is I am sure my mother will see me on television. She always thinks she sees me on tv, in the newspaper, etc... In June she thought she saw me in the Union Leader, the only problem was when I looked in the paper to check "I" was an overweight woman. Hopefully when you look at television Wednesday night you will see me, or if you don't, atleast mistake me for a professional model.
Now one might ask, how many servers will be there? I would say don't ask silly questions.
One might also ask what do you mean by prominently featured? Details, details
I will be one of hundreds of seminarians in the opening and closing procession on Wednesday night. I was chosen (cough, cough). Now, now it is not like they welcome any seminarians who want to participate and show up or anything. But none-the-less if you watch your televisions Wednesday night, squint real hard you might just see me.
One thing for sure is I am sure my mother will see me on television. She always thinks she sees me on tv, in the newspaper, etc... In June she thought she saw me in the Union Leader, the only problem was when I looked in the paper to check "I" was an overweight woman. Hopefully when you look at television Wednesday night you will see me, or if you don't, atleast mistake me for a professional model.
Special Guests
I am enjoying a wonderful three day weekend at the seminary. I am not sure exactly what I have done all weekend, but sleeping in this morning was great! Saturday afternoon I was lucky to enjoy a wonderful lunch with one my greatest former students and his family. Harrison Williams was on his way to Washington, D.C. for a national leadership conference and was able to meet for lunch. It was great to see him and his family and to catch up. The leadership conference he was on his way to sounded amazing with speakers like Archbishop Desmond Tetu and top political leaders. I must say they never had conferences like that when I was a kid.
Needless to say it was great to catch up with people from the homefront and to have visitors.
Needless to say it was great to catch up with people from the homefront and to have visitors.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Snow Emergency
This morning began like any other, my alarm rang at exactly 7:00am and I was filled with anger at its sound. After angrily hinting snooze three times I knew I needed to get up. After a quick shower, brushing my teeth and getting dressed I combed my hair (just kidding- that will be the day when I comb my hair). I actually I turned on the local news to see the scrolling list of delayed openings and cancellations due to snow. To my shock and amusement when I opened my window shade there was a quarter of an inch of snow on the ground. The anchors were also complaining about a massive of cold front in Baltimore bringing the temperatures into the low twenties. It is amazing at what difference a few hundred miles makes in perspective. Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Tomorrow marks the official ending of the first week of classes and the start of a three day weekend :):):). So far I am optimistic about the semester and what seems to be a more interesting and promising semester. I look forward to sharing details with you all. Due to a internet server malfunction the entire seminary is offline for a few days, leaving me to spend the evening at Panera. I would post more but there is a really scary looking man sitting across from me and he is beginning to freak me out. He keeps looking at me with a wild look in his eyes and I would not be at all surprised if he has escaped from a secure facility. Time to head out of here and back to the quiet and safety of the seminary
Tomorrow marks the official ending of the first week of classes and the start of a three day weekend :):):). So far I am optimistic about the semester and what seems to be a more interesting and promising semester. I look forward to sharing details with you all. Due to a internet server malfunction the entire seminary is offline for a few days, leaving me to spend the evening at Panera. I would post more but there is a really scary looking man sitting across from me and he is beginning to freak me out. He keeps looking at me with a wild look in his eyes and I would not be at all surprised if he has escaped from a secure facility. Time to head out of here and back to the quiet and safety of the seminary
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