Call To Holiness - Writings from a Catholic in Virginia

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

October 7, 2011 by John Clem 1 Comment

Our Lady of the Rosary

Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Pope St. Pius V established this feast in 1573. The purpose was to thank God for the victory of Christians over the Turks at Lepanto—a victory attributed to the praying of the rosary. Clement XI extended the feast to the universal Church in 1716.

The development of the rosary has a long history. First, a practice developed of praying 150 Our Fathers in imitation of the 150 Psalms. Then there was a parallel practice of praying 150 Hail Marys. Soon a mystery of Jesus’ life was attached to each Hail Mary. Though Mary’s giving the rosary to St. Dominic is recognized as a legend, the development of this prayer form owes much to the followers of St. Dominic. One of them, Alan de la Roche, was known as “the apostle of the rosary.” He founded the first Confraternity of the Rosary in the 15th century. In the 16th century the rosary was developed to its present form—with the 15 mysteries (joyful, sorrowful and glorious). In 2002, Pope John Paul II added the Mysteries of Light (Luminous Mysteries) to this devotion.

There is also a wonderful App for the iPhone, Itouch, and iPad that is helpful in leaning and praying the Rosary that I wrote about in a previous blog–iRosary.

Our Lady of Las Lajas

My friend, Father Jay Finelli, who has a wonderful podcast called iPadre, turned me onto a new series of prayer regarding the Rosary. It is a 33-Day Total Consecration, that was first started by Saint Louis-Marie Grognion de Montfort. Today marks the end of my 33-Day Consecration and found it to be a spirtually enlightening excercise that has strengthened my faith. A 33-Day Total Consecration always ends on a Marian feast day. You can learn more about the 33-Day Total Consecration and get a FREE prayer book through the My Consecration Apostolate at My Consecration.org.

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort studied in Paris and was ordained in 1700, and loved the writings of the church fathers and saints and found a true devotion to the Mary and praying The Rosary. Under Mary’s inspiration, he founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom, a religious institute of women devoted to the care of the poor. During this work, he began his apostolate of preaching the Rosary and authentic Marian devotion. In Rome Pope Clement XI conferred on him the title and authority of Missionary Apostolic, which enabled him to continue his apostolate after returning to France. A member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, Saint Louis was one of the greatest apostles of the Rosary in his day, and by means his miraculously inspiring book, The Secret of the Rosary, he is still so today; the most common manner of reciting theRosary is the method that originated with Saint Louis’s preaching.

His greatest contribution is the Total Consecration to the Blessed Virgin. He propagated this in his day by preaching and after his own death by his other famous book True Devotion to Mary. Consecration to Mary is for Saint Louis the perfect manner of renewing one’s baptismal promises. His spirituality has been espoused by millions, especially Pope John Paul II, who has consecrated not only himself but every place he has visited as pope. The cause for his declaration as a Doctor of the Church is now being pursued.

In praying this 33-Day Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, I discovered another prayer to Mary that has become a favorite that I want to share called:

Ave Maris Stella

Hail thou star of ocean

Portal of the sky,

Ever virgin Mother,

Of the Lord Most High.

O! by Gabriel’s Ave,

Uttered long ago,

Eva’s name reversing,

Established peace below.

Break the captives’ fetters,

Light on blindness pour,

All our ills expelling,

Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a Mother,

Offer Him our sighs,

Who for us incarnate

Did not thee despise.

Virgin of all virgins

To thy shelter take us,

Gentlest of the gentle

Chaste and gentle make us.

Still, as on we journey,

Help our weak endeavor,

Till with thee and Jesus

We rejoice forever.

Through the highest heaven,

To the almighty Three

Father, Son, and Spirit,

One same glory be. Amen.

LINKS

Mary, Mother of God (Catholic Online)

Catholic New Media Conference–Kansas City

October 4, 2011 by John Clem 3 Comments

Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kansas

I was very pleased to attend the 4th Annual Catholic New Media Conference held at the Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. There were religious and lay people who attended from all around America and Europe, who came together in prayer, and to learn about new media (podcasts, blogs, websites, social networks, and Apps) in today’s church. It was amazing to finally meet many of the people with the Star Quest Production Network (SQPN) who are podcasters and bloggers who have inspired me to also start this blog.

I went to this conference for three reasons:

To help me learn more about this communication medium and get some guidance from experts in this field.
Since I am an Ambassador for Word on Fire Ministry, I came to promote The Catholicism Project and Word on Fire.
To finally meet the great SQPN community and network with others in the new media field.

This conference exceeded my expectations. First, it was faith-filled, and the focus was always on living a prayerful and faithful life to the message of Jesus. The many people I met were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and had great ideas and strategies to help promote the Catholic Faith in this time of need using the power of the internet.

I will give a synopsis of the this two-day conference:

FRIDAY

Mass with Father Jay Finelli & Father Roderick Vonhogen

This was the first time that the CNMC was held for two-days. The first day started with a celebration of Mass with Father Jay Finelli (iPadre podcast) from Rhode Island, and concelebrant Father Roderick Vonhogen (founder SQPN and The Break podcast) from The Netherlands. It was also the Feast of Saint Jerome, a priest and Doctor of the Church, who is the Patron Saint of Librarians. It seems appropriate that we have this feast day to start the CNMC that features the largest library on earth–The Internet! The first day of the conference featured workshops from four people working the new media field around this year’s theme of the “Social Network.”

Father Roderick Vonhogen & Greg Willits

It was a real honor to finally meet the founder of SQPN, Father Roderick, who was my introduction to podcasting when I got my first iPod, which opened up a new world of Catholicism to me and strengthened my faith. I was also very excited to meet the other podcasters that I am big fans of from the SQPN family: Father Jay Finilli (iPadre Podcast), Dr. Paul Camarata (The SaintCast), Captain Jeff (Catholic Weekend & Secrets of Pan-Am). It was also an honor to meet Greg Willits who was an original member of SQPN, and later went on to Sirius/XM Radio to start the Catholics Next Door show that is heard in America and Canada.

Matt Warner – Flocknote

Jeff Geerling – Flocknote & CNL App

The first two workshops were hosted by Matt Warner and Jeff Geerling, who both work for Flocknote. They offered very good information about new technologies and use of the social networks effectively for community building, and evangelization. The both emphasized its not so much about the technology, as it is about relationships and building a community through listening and responding. Flocknote is an interesting system that a parish can subscribe to that offers a closed social network and messaging for a parish and their ministries–worth checking out. Jeff also programmed an aggregate news reader App of many Catholic news sites called CNL App, which this blog uses also.

Lisa Hendey – catholicmom.com

Pat Gohn

The second two workshops were from two of the founding women on the internet. Lisa Hendey from catholicmom.com who spoke about building social media in the parish community. Lisa also has two great books, The Handbook for Catholic Moms and just published A Book of Catholic Saints for Catholic Moms. I ask you please keep Lisa in your prayers as she is continuing drug treatments for post-breast cancer. Pat Gohn, of Behold Communications and Among Women Podcast, gave a powerful presentation about using new media, and related the image of the gospel when Jesus asked Peter to be “fishers of men” and related that we are doing the same on today’s internet with faithful use of the power of this new medium.

We also had two other times of prayer on Friday with Father Jay Finelli who did a marvelous job leading us in Vespers and ending the evening with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. I thought that it was interesting that we said the Mysteries of Light on Friday rather than the traditional Sorrowful Mysteries, maybe because this is with new media and the internet features use of light?

SATURDAY

Bishop Christopher Coyne

On Saturday, it was the feast of Saint Therese of Lisieux (The Little Flower), and we began Mass celebrated with Bishop Christopher Coyne (Archdiocese of Indianapolis). Bishop Coyne gave a wonderful homily about Saint Therese saying that “The Little Way” to holiness, is a good guide for us as we take little steps on the internet that help guide others toward Christ. Bishop Coyne is an active bishop on the internet and has his own blog and also has a Twitter feed. It was honor for everyone to have two bishops at the CNMC.

Sister Anne Flanagan, FSP

The first speaker we had was the Nunblogger, Sister Anne Flanagan. Sister gave a great talk about the Pauline Order and their founder, Blessed Father James Alberione (1884-1971), who was one of the first to promote the use of new media with radio, film, books, and TV, to spread the faith with new media. There is also a fundraising campaign right now to make a film about his life–take a look at the moving film clip at the movie website. The Pauline Sisters were there in great numbers thanks to new women just joining the apostolate and attending the CNMC with a great selection of Pauline books and media.

During our lunch break, we were treated to the premier of the first Catholic Sit-Com called Mass Confusion. This Sit-Com will be shown on Thanksgiving Day on Catholic TV and is sure to keep you laughing. Greg and Jennifer Willits (Catholics Next Door on Sirius XM) and Mac and Katherine (Catholics in a Small Town on SQPN) have joined with their families to make the new series that is sure to offer needed programming that has been lacking in Catholic TV. The crowd at the CNMC was engaged and laughing at this new show and I give it a thumbs up.

Mass Confusion on Catholic TV

The next speaker was Sean Patrick Lovett who has worked for Vatican Radio for 35 years. He gave a wonderful talk about the storied history of the Vatican Radio program and all the different Popes he has served under. Mr. Lovette also led the discussion panel with all the speakers present to talk about Catholic New Media and where it is going. I was pleased to hear author Brandon Vogt speak highly about The Catholicism Project and that it represented the three things that New Media need to include in their productions: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Mr. Lovett is a great story teller and motivator, and I can see why Father Roderick was drawn into his calling with new media by having him as a professor at The Vatican.

Sean Patrick Lovett leading panel discussion

The evening continued with a prayer service with Bishop Joseph Naumann (Kansas City) who was host to this event in his diocese. Bishop Naumann gave a brief statement that he supports the work that we are doing with the Pope’s call for New Evangelization with Catholic New Media. I was very excited that he stopped by my table and also gave his support for the work of Father Robert Barron at Word on Fire Ministry and The Catholicism Project.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann

The last thing I was able to attend at the CNMC was the World Premier of a great new film called The Mighty Macs. This a G-Rated film that is the true story of the first women’s basketball championship in 1972 where the under dogs from Immaculata College won the game. It is truly a great film and a must watch for the whole family. This film is coming to a theater near you on October 21st.

http://www.youtube.com/MightyMacs1

Immaculata College – The Mighty Macs

Thanks to everyone at the CNMC and SQPN for making at a great and faith-filled experience. The 2012 CNMC was announced as being in Dallas Texas in August. Hope that the seeds planted from this conference bear fruit, and it was so nice to see so many good people working on so many fine projects for the church.

Padre Pio – Inspiration in the modern age

September 24, 2011 by John Clem Leave a Comment

Saint Padre Pio

Today, September 23rd, is the feast day to honor Saint Padre Pio. Born, Francesco Forgione, in 1887 in a small Italian village to a poor and devout Catholic family. He had a calling at a young age to live a holy life, and joined an order of Capuchin friars at the age of 19. Padre Pio struggled all his life with health difficulties which was a burden he bore with great humility and strength. While praying before a cross, he received the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) on September 20, 1918, the first priest ever to be so blessed. During his lifetime his stigmata and miraculous healings he performed were doubted–even by some in The Vatican. He was also said to have been gifted through God with the powers of bilocation, levitation, and healing by touch. One of the great stories of WWII included that German bombers flying a mission were forced to abandon their mission, when in their astonishment, saw Padre Pio flying in the clouds forcing them to turn around. Padre Pio was also known to have incredible sessions of offering the sacrament of confession where he knew if people were truthful and knew how to bring about a healing penance. It was Pope John Paul II that canonized Padre Pio on June 16th, 2002 in Rome.

Padre Pio with stigmata

There is a FREE saint Pio App for the iPhone, iTouch, and iPad that features the pictures and inspirational quotes from Padre Pio. mySaintPio App is available in four languages (English, French, Italian, and German). It also has a wonderful soundtrack of Gregorian chanting that can be turn on or off for your contemplative prayer. The prayers and sayings of Padre Pio are a true inspiration and are timeless in this modern age. Download this App and you too will be touched by this great saint.

mySaintPio App

Available in Apple iTunes Store

I have recently watched a movie called Padre Pio: Miracle Man that was beautifully filmed, and it is a great biography of his holy and humble life devoted to Christ. It is a long movie at 210 minutes, but well worth watching. The acting and cinematography are first rate, as the filming takes place in the historic places around Italy that Padre Pio frequented. One of the moving scenes is where a young Karol Wojtyła makes a pilgrimage to see Padre Pio and they pray together an entire evening. A sceptic of Padre Pio, visited him nearing his death and to prove he was not a fraud, told him of the prediction that Karol Wojtyła would become a pope–indeed!!– Pope John Paul II who would make him a saint. The movie can be watched in Italian with subtitles, or can be viewed with dubbing in either English or Spanish. There is also a good booklet that offers more information about Saint Pio’s life and has discussion questions and commentary. This is a great movie that I highly recommend and will give you a deeper understanding of Saint Padre Pio.

Padre Pio: Miracle Man website and preview video by Ignatius Press

Padre Pio: Miracle Man Ignatius Press (2000)

The Museum of Virginia Catholic History

September 23, 2011 by John Clem Leave a Comment

The Museum of Virginia Catholic History is located in the Crypt, Baptistry, and aisle display cases of The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, Virginia. The museum was started in May of 2003 by Bishop Walter Sullivan who saw the need to preserve and display many rare artifacts that belonged to the Diocese of Richmond.

Crypt of The Museum of Virginia Catholic History

The Diocese of Richmond, formed from America’s first diocese, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, is among the nation’s eight oldest Catholic dioceses. Erected by decree of Pope Pius VII on July 11, 1820, the Diocese encompassed the entire state of Virginia, including what is now West Virginia.

At the time of its establishment in July 1820, the Diocese of Richmond encompassed the entire area shown above. In July 1850, the Diocese of Wheeling was erected. It was redesignated as the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in 1974. At that same time, the Diocese of Arlington was established. Presently, the Diocese of Richmond covers approximately 36,000 square miles of southern Virginia, and includes over 140 parishes.

Early English colonists established harsh laws that made it difficult for Catholics to settle in Virginia. It was not until the passing of Thomas Jefferson & James Madison’s Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom in 1786 that Catholics were free to worship openly in the Old Dominion. Within 10 years, Catholic communities began to form. St. Mary’s at Alexandria was established in 1795 as the first Catholic church in Virginia.

Virginia Act for establishing Religious Freedom 1786

St. Mary’s in Alexandria founded 1795

Thomas Jefferson

James Madison

The museum currently has a special exhibit called Let Thy Will Be Done! This exhibit is about the Catholic Chaplains and Daughters of Charity in the Civil War in Richmond. This is part of a state-wide commemoration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial (150 years). There are a number of artifacts including civil war uniforms, rosaries, and scenes from a tent mass and wartime hospital. I must say that when I saw the habits of the Daughters of Charity, it looked like they could take to the skies like Sally Field’s The Flying Nun (just kidding). It is a very moving exhibit to see all the sacrifices and faith held by both the soldiers, clergy, and sisters who served in The American Civil War.

Confederate Uniform

Daughters of Charity

19th Century items used by priests

Frank Parater

Frank Parater (1897-1920) is a man who is currently being considered for cannonization to sainthood. Francis Joseph Parater was born into a devout Catholic family on October 10, 1897, in the city of Richmond, Virginia. Frank was educated at the Xaverian Brother’s School (currently Saint Patrick’s School) and at Benedictine High School in Richmond. He graduated in 1917, top in his class and valedictorian. In his late teens, Frank became very active in the Boy Scouts of America. His involvement was so exemplary that he was asked to serve in roles of leadership even at his young age. As a scout, he achieved the rank of Eagle. A remarkable young man, Frank was known for his ideals and practical judgment. At a time when the Catholic faith was not considered to be a social asset, Frank was well thought of by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Frank Parater’s Missal & Eagle Scout Medal

In 1917, Frank began studies for the priesthood at Belmont Abbey Seminary College in North Carolina. He continued to lead a very devout life as is detailed in the journal he kept while there. His stated goal was: “To strive by every possible means to become a pure and worthy priest.” During this period, he continued to go to Mass and receive Holy Communion daily, prayed the Rosary, and went to confession weekly in accord with a Rule of Life he had drawn up for himself. He had an abiding sense that “…the Sacred Heart never fails those that love Him.” The Benedictine Fathers made him aware of the spirituality of the Little Flower, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. While at college seminary, Frank made the decision to study for the diocesan priesthood. This decision was made with the assistance of his spiritual director and after discussions with the Right Reverend Denis J. O’Connell, D.D., Bishop of Richmond. Frank decided that there was such a great need for priestly ministry in his native Virginia that he would forego his desire for monastic life in favor of direct service to the people of God.

In the fall of 1919, Bishop O’Connell, who had been a former Rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, sent Frank to study at the North American College. Frank was instantly popular among his fellow seminarians and displayed a warm sense of humor and cheer as he continued to deepen his spiritual life. In December he wrote an Act of Oblation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus which was sealed and marked to be read only in the event of his death. Frank expressed his motivation in making his offering in this way:

I have nothing to leave or to give but my life and this I have consecrated to the Sacred Heart to be used as He wills…This is what I live for and in case of death what I die for. Since my childhood, I have wanted to die for God and my neighbor. Shall I have this grace? I do not know, but if I go on living, I shall live for this same purpose; every action of my life here is offered to God for the spread and success of the Catholic Church in Virginia. I shall be of more service to my diocese in Heaven than I can ever be on earth.

In late January 1920, Frank Parater contracted rheumatism that developed into rheumatic fever causing him tremendous suffering. He was taken to the hospital of the Blue Nuns on January 27th. The spiritual director of the college, Father Mahoney, explained to Frank that his illness was grave, as he administered Last Rites. Frank wished to get out of bed and kneel on the floor to receive Holy Communion as Viaticum, but was prevented from doing so. With great devotion, and unafraid of death, he knelt on the bed and made his last Holy Communion. On February 6, Monsignor Charles A. O’Hern, rector of the college, offered the Mass of the Sacred Heart for Frank. Frank Parater died the following day.

In 2001, the Most Reverend Walter F. Sullivan having received authorization from the Holy See, initiated the cause of canonization for Frank Parater by establishing a Tribunal to examine the holiness of his life. Father J. Scott Duarte, J.C.D., a priest of the Diocese of Richmond, is the present Postulator for the canonization cause of the Servant of God, Seminarian Francis J. Parater.

More information about Frank Parater is available on the Diocese of Richmond Website:

Francis J. Parater – Servant of God (website)

One of the prized possessions of the museum is a small wood carving of Jesus that was done by Blessed Pope John Paul II while he was a cardinal in Rome. The carving called “Man of Sorrows” was given to a fellow bishop who served in Virginia. A visit to the Museum of Catholic Virginia History is well worth your time. The museum is available to visit by appointment only and there is no admission charge. Please call (804) 359-5651 for tours. The museum is new and is looking for additional donations to expand its displays, so any contributions are welcome.

The Museum of Virginia Catholic History (website)

One book I would like to recommend is called Commonwealth Catholicism: A History of the Catholic Church in Virginia by Father Gerald P. Fogarty, S.J. He has written a wonderful and comprehensive history of the Catholic Faith in the Old Dominion. Fr. Fogarty is the Professor of Religious Studies and History at The University of Virginia.

Commonwealth Catholicism by Father Gerald P Fogarty, S.J.

Amazon link for Commonwealth Catholicism

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

September 22, 2011 by John Clem 2 Comments

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond, Virginia

I recently attended Mass and the Open House this past weekend at The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, Virginia. It may be the most beautiful church in The Old Dominion, and serves as the seat for the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. The cornerstone to the church was laid on June 4, 1903, as well as a second stone hewn from the Garden of Gethsemene on the Sacred Mount of Olives, which is now found in the baptistry.

Stone from the Garden of Gethsemene

The Cathedral Consecration was held on November 29, 1906 and was celebrated by hundreds of priests, and thousands of people that stretched for four city blocks in the City of Richmond. The Cathedral was financed by a Thomas Fortune Ryan, who grew up in Nelson County Virginia. Mr. Ryan went as a young man to New York City and started a successful career that led to him being one of the ten wealthiest men in America by gaining his wealth and prestige through the businesses of railroads, streetcars, subways, insurance, tobacco, and diamonds. Mr. Ryan gave $250,000 for the construction of the building and his wife, Ida Barry Ryan, gave another $250,000, for the interior needs of the Cathedral.

Thomas Fortune Ryan, never forgot his Virginia roots, and made more investments in The Commonwealth. He bought a 5,000 acre estate in Nelson County called Oak Ridge and built a large home that had many amenities including its own railroad station. Since there was no Catholic Churches in the county at that time, he built his own chapel and invited county residents and a priest to a Sunday Mass, that eventually became a church in Lovingston, Virginia–now St. Mary’s parish. The Oak Ridge estate is enjoyed by the public now for gatherings and celebrations including the Annual Nelson County Festival.

Interior of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

It was very inspirational for me to experience Mass in this great Cathedral with its massive size, beautiful stained glass, powerful organ, and an angelic chorus. The church’s interior is designed as a Roman cross, and is a marvel to see with combinations of wood and marble that are very ornate. The organ is very large and has 3,916 pipes and takes up a large part of the balcony at the rear of the church.

Cathedral Organ

Sacred Heart of Jesus & Tabernacle

Stained Glass of Saint Joseph

Bronze Stations of the Cross

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is in the middle of the City of Richmond and next to the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University and has a very diverse community of people worshiping locally and from around the state. The parish is very active with ministries for youth, education, social justice, and the poor and disabled. The parish is twinned with helping a parish in Carrisade, Haiti where they have helped build a church, a school, a corn mill, two water wells, and a cafeteria. See video below of Mass in Haiti:

The Cathedral also hosts a number of concerts including performances by The Richmond Symphony. The Crypt in the church now houses The Museum of Virginia Catholic History which is available for tours with reservations. The Cathedral has recently gone through extensive renovations and restorations and is still in need of financial help. If you can help the Cathedral with its ministries or building funds it would be greatly appreciated by many throughout the Diocese of Richmond. The Diocese of Richmond recently updated their website and it is a great resource of information about the diocese and the many organizations and parishes associated with its works and services. (Check out the links below)

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Website

Catholic Diocese of Richmond Website

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

Rachel Weeping

Just outside the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is a statue called “Rachel Weeping” that was put in place 25 years ago by Bishop Walter Sullivan in memory of the martyrs of The Holocost and to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. There will be a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of this statue with Bishop of Richmond Francis DiLorenzo, Bishop Emeritus Walter Sullivan, and Dr. Jack Spiro the Distinguished Chair in Judaic Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University on April 22, 2012 at 2pm.

Thanks to the staff and parishioners at The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for hosting a wonderful Open House, and I encourage anyone to check out this beautiful church and vibrant parish community.

Rose Window

Remembering & Honoring 9/11

September 10, 2011 by John Clem Leave a Comment

As I look back at the day we remember ten years ago, a day that has changed the world. I was in Charlottesville, Virginia and working to support adults with intellectual disabilities at a day program. We were all watching the Today Show and having our morning coffee together as a regular morning ritual. In the moments of terror projected on the screen, all the staff and the people with intellectual disabilities were struck with sadness and anger of the events that unfolded that fateful day. I think we all knew that life in America would change profoundly for us all.

I want to look back at this weekend’s solemn ceremonies to remember a few things that we all took to heart in 9/11: Family, Faith, and Patriotism.

FAMILY

My parents happened to be visiting my home that day where they live in the Washington, D.C. area. They were very concerned about what had happened and especially in Washington D.C., and how life might change. They were on a road trip to visit with relatives in Chicago, and debated if they should continue their trip. They ultimately decided to forge ahead with their journey, and they were very moved by the great showing of patriotism by Americans as they drove the many miles from Virginia to Illinois to see thousands of American Flags and signs of support for our military, firemen, and police.

My brother Mike, was at Washington National Airport, and about to board an airplane for Chicago, when he saw the flames and smoke from the Pentagon, and a man ran out of the control tower yelling for everyone to evacuate the airport. America would later learn that it was speculated that the plane he was boarding may have been planned to have terrorist on board targeting the Sears Tower (Thank God that did not happen). Mike is a musician with the band, Eddie From Ohio, who later put out a 9/11 Tribute CD, that raised thousands of dollars for the Pentagon Memorial and victims families. They had also composed a song called “Oh My Brother,” which they sang in a club near Ground Zero filled with Firemen that became a favorite of the crowd and brought everyone to complete silence and reverence.

My brother, Dr. Joseph Clem, is a psychiatrist with the US Navy, and he was immediately called into service for the troops. He ended up serving two tours in Iraq and one in Kuwait in the past ten years to assist with the mental wounds of war. I am very proud of his service to our country and he was recently recognized for his great service and promoted to the rank of Captain at Portsmouth Hospital in Virginia. Joe not only serves the troops in the military, but also is the only child psychiatrist in the Tidewater Region to help military children and families.

Captain Joseph Clem & Ana Mari Clem

FAITH

After the events of 9/11 this country experienced a great revival of faith through prayer and increased attendance to churches, synagogs, temples, and mosques. However, this was short lived and it is sad that 10 years later religious prayer services are not being honored by all faiths in the big events in D.C. or New York. I will continue to pray the we as a nation keep God and faith in our prayers to remain strong in to help us through the difficult times ahead. I have a few links below regarding faith and 9/11: My cousin, Monsignor Charles Pope, has written a blog for the Archdiocese of Washington and wrote about the sad developments of our remembrances of 9/11 without faith and prayer:

Archdiocese of Washington DC Blog “No Prayer” Service in DC & NYC

The USCCB has put together a great website of videos, essay, and resources to commemorate and remember 9/11 with devout faith:

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – 9/11 The Catholic Church Remembers

Father Robert Barron has an excellent video dealing with this issue of Anger & Forgiveness about 9/11:

PATRIOTISM

I was very moved by all the patriotism that was in America for the first six months after the events of 9/11. I am also sad that the level of enthusiasm for patriotism has not stayed at a high level, since we still have many troops overseas and we are investing so much of our resources to the military and homeland security. It is sad that America did not support the countries efforts like we did in WWII through shared sacrifices and patriotic fervor. It is also sad that we seem to have lost many freedoms that our Founding Fathers probably would not support. A fellow Virginian recently jested that the recent earthquake in Virginia was due to Thomas Jefferson rolling over in his grave. I hope and pray that we as a nation find faith and patriotism to help us through the days ahead.

Following is a local article from “The Hook” about the loss of freedoms since 9/11:

The Hook: 3,000 Dead and Freedom Too

There is a wonderful App that has recently come out for the Apple iPad that has many resources and videos that tell the history and commemorate those who lost their lives:

The 9/11 Memorial App: Past, Present, Future (for iPad Only)

MEMORIAL LINKS:

National September 11 Memorial – World Trade Center Memorial

Pentagon September 11 Memorial

The Garden of Reflection – Pennsylvania Memorial

Saint Anthony Messenger Press: Death and Resurrection at Ground Zero

America’s First Mass

September 4, 2011 by John Clem Leave a Comment

The Great Cross - Site of America's First Mass

I made a trip to St. Augustine, Florida last year and was privileged to visit a very Holy Site to Americans–The site of the First Mass and First Shrine to Mother Mary. A Great Cross rising 208 feet in the air marks the very spot where the First Mass was said in America. On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed and proclaimed this site for Spain and the Church. It was here that Menendez knelt to kiss a wooden cross presented to him by Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, chaplain of his expedition. It was at this Great Cross that Fr. Lopez would celebrate the first parish Mass and begin the work at America’s first Mission.

The Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine is a popular pilgrimage site for many Catholics and offers a walking tour which has historical and spiritual way points of great significance. First, there is the Shrine to Our Lady of Le Leche, which is the first Shrine in America to Our Blessed Mother. The history of the devotion to the Mother of Jesus as Our Lady of La Leche may have roots in a 4th Century grotto in Bethlehem. To this day the Franciscan community maintains a shrine there called the Milk Grotto. Its centerpiece is the Blessed Virgin nursing the infant Jesus. Many believe that the crusaders brought the devotion to Mary as a nursing mother to Spain in the Middle Ages. Thousands visit the Shrine every year. Many ask for the blessings of motherhood, praying for intercession of Our Lady of La Leche that God will grant them a safe and happy delivery, and healthy, holy children. Many write requesting remembrances in Masses and prayers not only for motherhood but for petitions of all kinds. All who visit the Shrine find it to be a place of spiritual comfort and renewal. Those who make the pilgrimage may be granted a plenary indulgence (when received with The Eucharist and Confession).

Our Lady of Le Leche Shrine

Prayer To Our Lady of Le Leche: Prayer for Motherhood:

Lovely Lady of La Leche, most loving mother of the Child Jesus, and my mother, listen to my humble prayer. Your motherly heart knows my every wish, my every need. To you only, His spotless Virgin Mother, has your Divine Son given to understand the sentiments which fill my soul. Yours was the sacred privilege of being the Mother of the Savior. Intercede with him now, my loving Mother, that, in accordance with His will, I may become the mother of other children of our heavenly Father. This I ask, O Lady of La Leche, in the Name of your Divine Son, My Lord and Redeemer. Amen.

Interior of Our Lady of Le Leche Shrine

There are also wonderful features on the walk around these beautiful and inspiring grounds including the Prince of Peace Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Shrine, the Stations of the Cross, and places for solitude and prayer with Saint Joseph and Saint Francis. There is also a well-stocked gift shop with prayer cards, books, Holy Water, and Catholic gifts. The Mission is just a few blocks away from the historic district of St. Augustine, and worth your time to make this trip. You may also want to visit America’s first parish, The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Augustine. There are some very good videos on their website on the link below.

LINKS:

Mission of Nombre De Dios (Name of God)

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Augustine

Saint Francis

Catholic New Media & World Youth Day 2011

August 17, 2011 by John Clem Leave a Comment

World Youth Day is a gathering started by Blessed Pope John Paul II in 1985 and is held every 2-3 years in a different country. World Youth Day is actually a week-long event that involves bringing together youth, clergy, and church leaders from all over the world for fellowship and faith building. This year the event is being held in Madrid Spain, and is getting coverage from many sources in Catholic New Media and the mainstream press. It is interesting that there is a new youth catechism being released at this event called You Cat. I have been reading it myself and find it a good resource for adults too.

You Cat (Youth Catechism)

Father Roderick of SQPN.com is covering the events with podcasts, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and videos from Madrid. Father Roderick is a dynamic priest offering great insight to the Church teachings and relating them to popular culture and life experiences in his travels. Father Roderick started podcasting about the death of Pope John Paul II and his podcast was so popular that it led to the forming of a network called the Star Quest Production Network. Inspired by the Star of Bethlehem that led many people of many cultures to the birth of Jesus Christ. Today SQPN is a group of many Catholic New Media productions with podcasts, videos, and blogs. You can find links to SQPN and other media in this blog at the bottom of the page.

Word On Fire Ministries was founded by Father Robert Barron of Chicago. This priest is in Spain and covering the events from the perspectives as one the the Catholic Church’s finest theologians. He relates the Gospel to everyday life and makes it accessible to the common man and can debate anyone with confidence and fortitude in his faith. Father Barron has many videos expressing the power and beauty of The Catholic Faith on You Tube. He is about to release his Catholicism Project, which is a wonderful video project about the history, culture, art, and saints of the Catholic Faith. It is exciting that it has been just announced that it has been picked-up by 80 PBS TV stations across the US to air part of the 10-DVD series this Fall. (My Blog entry for The Catholicism Project)

Busted Halo is founded Father Dave Dwyer, a Paulist priest. The Paulist order was founded to use new communication methods to reach out to people and teach and preach the Catholic Faith. I first found Father Dave on XM/Sirius Satellite Radio with his Busted Halo Show. He also has a great website and blog and has a number of dedicated staff who assist him with his media powerhouse.

I really like the idea behind the naming of his network–The Busted Halo Show:

Catholic Christian belief is that all God’s children are “saints in the making.” Everyone is called to aspire toward the holiness and selflessness of a Mother Teresa or Saint Francis. At the same time we are all too often aware that this journey toward sainthood is one fraught with imperfections, struggles, and mistakes. Each of us sports a Halo that is either dented, scratched, tarnished… in some way Busted. Yet God loves us anyway and continually calls to bang out the dents and polish our halos up to a nice golden shine.

Catholic TV under the direction of Father Robert Reed and Cardinal Sean O’Malley has become one of the premier broadcast and internet based producers of Catholic New Media. Father Reed and his staff are also in Madrid to cover the week’s events and can be viewed through their website.

EWTN is one of the earliest Catholic TV networks founded by Mother Angelica in 1980. She founded a TV network that is now found in 127 countries and has millions of viewers. The Staff of EWTN are offering LIVE coverage of many of the events which can be seen on Cable-TV and though their internet webpage. Raymond Arroyo offers some of the best new coverage with his World Over show. Please say a prayer for Raymond, as he is currently looking for a new studio, since he will have to move out of the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington DC as the Knights of Columbus are converting his studio into additional museum space.

LINKS:

World Youth Day 2011 Website

SQPN Website

Word On Fire Ministry

Busted Halo Website

Catholic TV Website

EWTN Website

Father Roderick is even broadcasting events in 3-D:

Of Gods and Men

August 6, 2011 by John Clem Leave a Comment

Of Gods and Men

I recently viewed a great movie about a small group of monks who served a poor community in Algeria in 1996 during their civil war. This true story is about monks who served the people of a village offering faith, friendship, healthcare, and charity with conviction, but ultimately paid the price with their lives.

These men faced martyrdom with a strong faith knowing they were helping others in a community that needed their help. The actors in this film gave a strong performance and showed the struggles of being a disciple and apostle in a society that is facing oppression and violence through Muslim extremists. Actor Michael Lonsdale plays a great performance of the monk name Luc, who is a cornerstone of strength serving the local village as the physician. I find this interesting because, Saint Luke, is the patron saint of doctors. Lambert Wilson plays the abbott of the monks named Christian, and is good example of a faithful and informed man as he also reads the Koran and is able to know how to work with his fellow Muslims.

This movie has won multiple awards including accolades from the Cannes Film Festival, European Film Awards, and Telluride Film Festival. I recommend you rent and watch this film, but be aware there are some scenes of violence in this PG-13-rated film, and it is in French with subtitles. Following is the trailer for the movie:

You may also enjoy hearing the insights about this film review by Father Robert Barron. (Warning–Spoilers)

Evangelizing for Christians

August 6, 2011 by John Clem Leave a Comment

I would like to share a video from the Four Square Church that I think shows the true message of evangelization for Christians. Evangelizing is often thought of as a dirty word among our secular society, and often thought of as preaching, but it is much more about living the teachings of The Gospel and helping others with love and respect.

It has been my privilege to know Pastor Brandon Williams of the Church on the Hill in Fishersville, Virginia. He has built a very strong church through his ministry and helping many people and families in the Shenandoah Valley.

This is Discipling from The Foursquare Church on Vimeo.

Church on the Hill

My cousin, Monsignor Charles Pope also related to this video, and used it to explain how evangelization should look for Catholics:

Archdiocese of Washington Blog