Name: Sarah Elizabeth Grace Miranda
Age: 27 minus 10 plus 1 (18)
Year: Sophomore
From: Somerville, MA
Major: I'm not exactly sure, but I must say that English has sparked my interest
Any Hobbies? Well, many-a-morning my roomy and I are heard singing harmony
What's your favorite class or professor? Old Testament with Dr. Jenislawski is a blast. My brain cells are definitely stimulated every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:30 a.m.
Do you play any sports? Yes, I do. In fact, our volleyball season has been a lot of fun. I also love to play basketball, swim and run in the sunshine (or in the rain).
Do you participate in any drama or music related activities?
Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to be in any
of the plays here at Christendom... though, I may take a
wack at it in the near future.
What is your favorite thing about Christendom College?
I love the people here, and the family orientated community.
Everyone is essentially committed to helping each other
grow in mind and spirit.
Why did you choose Christendom College? Due to many unique circumstances here I am, and I'm definitely smiling.
What do you plan to do after graduation? God willing, I plan on doing missionary work and then possibly nursing school.
Ein, Zwei, Drei, Zum Wohl! Christendom Celebrates Oktoberfest
Last Sunday students and faculty gathered together to celebrate the great Bavarian Feast of Oktoberfest. The festivities started with vespers and a procession to the St. Lawrence Commons where College Chaplain Fr. John Heisler blessed the beer: Spaten and Sam Adams Oktoberfest.
Literature
Professor Dr. Robert Rice then led the crowd in a German
prayer, followed by a toast and traditional song sung in
the Hofbrauhaus of Munich.
Chef
Don served up a German feast of sauerbraten, weisswurst,
sauerkraut, fried potatoes, German potato salad, black forest
cherry cake, and sumptuous strudels.
After
the meal, students headed to the back of the Commons to
witness the "Strongman Competition," which included:
barrel rolling, farmer's carry, keg toss, barrel toss, and
axe throwing.
Later that evening students enjoyed a special Contra dance, which featured several folk dance styles in which couples danced in two facing lines. Naturally students also took part in a polka dancing completion.
Oktoberfest started back in 1810 when Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, who was later crowned King Ludwig I, wanted his people to share in the celebration of his marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.
Ludwig
organized a horse race and invited all the people of Munich.
The royal party drew about 40,000 guests -- a large crowd,
by ordinary standards, but only a small fraction of the
6.4 million people in Munich at Oktoberfest in 1997. A good
time was had by all that first year. It was decided that
the horse race would be held again in 1811, this time in
conjunction with the state agricultural show.
Although the horse race was eventually abandoned, many characteristics of the early Oktoberfest celebrations have been retained, if not expanded upon. Munich's annual celebration is still held on the original site, dubbed Theresienwiese ("Theresa's fields"), in front of the city gates.
The agricultural show continues to be a feature, though it is only held every third year now. The tradition of beer and food stands, begun in 1818, continues today and is perhaps the most significantly developed aspect of Oktoberfest.
Editor's
Note: Although Christendom College is alcohol free campus,
at official college events, those of legal age are allowed
a regulated amount to drink.
Modernism Explained at Senior-Faculty Dinner
This
past Monday, the Senior class was treated to an incredible
meal at the annual Senior-Faculty Dinner. Chefs Ron
and Don prepared an exquisite meal: berries and greens salad,
lobster ravioli in a cream sauce with fresh basil, and New
York strip steaks served with sautéed vegetables.
The chefs received a standing ovation for their handiwork.
Following
the dinner Theology Professor Dr. William Marshner delivered
a talk entitled The Recrudescence of Modernism and Christendom.
The talk, which was well-received, delved into the
true definition of modernism and its roots. This highly
informative talk can be listened to at Christendom's
Podcast Website.
Kick
It Up A Notch! The Excitement of Spirit Week
This
past week was Spirit Week on campus, and certainly has everyone
charged and ready for the upcoming Homecoming Weekend.
Each day had a different theme.
Monday
was "Back to the 80's" with Class Colors. Sophomores,
dressed in orange, were able to get the loudest and cheered
on their representative claiming the title of "Most
Spirited." Freshmen dressed in pink, Juniors dressed
in yellow, and Seniors dressed in green.
"Two
of a Kind Tuesday" was a success. Students dressed
up in various sets and pairs, including dressing up as te
cast of Gilligan's Island or Peter Pan,
Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer and even Italian soccer stars.
In the end Sophomores Alan Ng and Jared Mooney stole the
prize for best pair as Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker from
Rush Hour.
Wednesday
brought the creative genius of the Senior class to life:
"Dress-up a Freshman." From pitchers, prophets
and princesses to milk bottles, Mary Poppins, and Mets fans,
there was quite a spectrum of characters. Freshman
Nathan Scrivener, in a costume designed by upperclassman
KC Dufrain, won the prize as Mr. Tumnus from the Chronicles
of Narnia.
On
Thursday, students dressed up in Saint costumes. It
was apparent that there was no competition when Senior Noah
Morey entered the Commons wearing a long beard, a plank
in the measurement of a cubit, with many little stuffed
animals surrounding him. He truly looked like his namesake,
Noah, and won the contest that day.
And
on Friday, the school spirit reached its climax when everyone
dressed in support of their team, sporting team colors in
preparation for the big East-West game to be played this
Sunday. The Commons was filled with blues 'n white and reds
'n yellow. A representative from both the East (Senior
Joe Hitchborn) and West (Junior Dean Reineking) participated
in a mini egg-on-spoon race. Whether it's a sign of things
to come, no one knows, but the West won the mini race.
Check out the pictures below!
Buona Festa di San Francesco di Assisi!
The
feast of St. Francis on October 4 was celebrated in style.
Students
gathered with faculty and staff in the St. Lawrence Commons
to celebrate this great saint of the Church.
Fr. Heisler blessed the bread and the festivities began.
The
Carducci sisters, Senior Elizabeth and Sophomore Katie,
prepared a homemade Italian meal of baked ziti in a succulent
bolognese sauce, coupled with homemade bread made from
an old world recipe from Calabria given to the College by
alumnus Michael Schmittino ('03).
Seeing St. Peter's Used For What It Was Meant For
Well
hello again, Chronicler Online people. You know,
some people have asked me what the hardest thing about
writing the Rome Report is, and I must say it is
figuring out a new way to begin it every week.
Anyways, this past weekend was our first opportunity for a free weekend. These weekends are three-day weekends where we are free to travel to other cities in Europe. Destinations this time around included Vienna, London, Santiago, and Munich. A few people, though, just took the opportunity to relax and stay in the Eternal City for a few days.
All
and all, everyone had a wonderful and relaxing weekend,
and we were ready on Monday to begin the week again. On
Wednesday, we toured the Bishop of Rome's church, St.
John Lateran. We were especially struck by the gigantic
statues of the twelve apostles, as well as the relic of
the table of the last supper that was contained above
the tabernacle in the transept. After that, we proceeded
down to Santa Croce, where the relics of the passion are
kept. Among some of the relics were the nails, two thorns
from the crown of thorns, part of the sign that hung above
Christ, and part of the crossbeam of the good thief's
cross.
On Thursday, we were very blessed to attend the ordination of our philosophy professor Justin Kizewski to the deaconate. The ordination was held in St. Peter's, at the Altar of the Chair. It was such a moving experience, as we watched our professor dedicate his whole life to Christ in front of the chair, which the first Vicar of Christ used. Afterwards, we were able to meet with the new deacon for a while, and we all received rosary rings, which were than blessed by him!! We all enjoyed, as Mike Baggot put it, "seeing St. Peter's used for what it was meant for." We wish Deacon Kizewski best in his new ministry, and we will be praying for him as he continues his studies towards becoming a priest.
And
so, until next week, (this is the second most difficult
part, ending the Rome Report) God bless!
In
honor of the 30th Anniversary of Christendom College
the Chronicler Online takes a peek into the past
of the college each week.
Triangle, Virginia: The Early Days
Christendom
College's opening in 1977 was preceded by anxiety, prayers,
and hope. Located in St. Francis of Assisi parish hall,
Triangle, Virginia, the school faced the immediate problem
of lack of kitchen facilities and dormitories. Moreover,
the founders, who had launched the College from their homes,
were just beginning to move into the newly available office
space.
The problem of the dormitory was
solved through the use of a local
apartment complex located three
miles from the school. Transportation
between the school and dormitories was arranged through the use of a
local elementary school bus. Use,
however, was restricted to those
hours when the elementary school
was in session or dismissed for the
day.
The absence of a kitchen could only be remedied by construction. Mr.
William Smyth, an early supporter of
Christendom later to serve as Chairman of the Building Committee of the
Board of Directors, quickly went to
work and by opening day the school
had a functioning kitchen and Shirley
Carosi, a lay volunteer worker for the
parish, had been engaged as cook.
Finally, the school opened with 26 students, five professors, and two
staff members: Sr. John Eudes, O.P.,
as librarian, and the cook. Those first
few days were a little confusing, but
people soon became familiar with one
another so that the charitable spirit
of Christendom unified these 26.
Bam! Women's Soccer Team Kicks...
Look
out opponents. The Crusader Women's soccer team is currently
riding a five-game winning streak, and the potent attack
is showing no signs of stopping. Led by striker Ky Leopold
on offense and a defense that has allowed an average of
1.3 goals per game in its seven wins this year, the Crusaders
are peaking at the right time, with two games to go in the
season.
Coach
Mike Miller has done a fine job of organizing and using
the talent he has around him. With some of the seniors having
extremely busy schedules, the team has had to play some
games with the bare minimum number of players, shuffling
different players around to various positions. But the key
performers are stepping up, and that's what counts.
There
is no official record of statistics for this season, but
striker Ky Leopold has had a share in scoring in every single
win by the team. Anchoring the offensive attack is midfielder
Courtney Nelson, who has been acknowledged by multiple teammates
for her importance in guiding the offensive attack. Nelson
and fellow midfielder Kak Freeman have distributed many
of the assists this season that have been converted into
goals by the strikers. Therese Oligny has also accompanied
Leopold in shelling the opponents' net this season, with
multiple goals.
Meanwhile,
the defense has been solid. The team lost valuable sweeper
Kristin Elliot from last season, but Freshman Mary Kate
Vanderwoude has made sure that the transition at the position
has been very smooth, stepping up in the defensive role
that involves being the last player on defense before the
goalie. Mairin Vieira has also done her part in shredding
offenses with her athleticism at the stopper position. Freshman
Jane Snyder has also been a crucial addition in the net
this year as Goalie.
Two
seniors on the team, Kak Freeman and Veronica Miller, reflected
on the upcoming end to their careers at Christendom. "We're
pumped," they said in anticipation of the postseason
tournament. They both also realized it was their last opportunity
on the soccer field. "I'm also excited because this
could be the first season where I made it without injury,"
noted Freeman with a smile, who suffered an ACL tear her
Sophomore year. Both players praised coaches Mike and Kaylie
Miller who have been coaching here since their Freshman
year, and who have always enjoyed popularity with the players.
The Crusaders, led by talent from all classes, have also met some official competition from the NCAA and NAIA. They stomped Wilson College, NCAA Division III, this past week 3-0, with all three goals coming before halftime. The Crusaders tied NCAA Division II Columbia Union College on the road, while dropping a game to NAIA competitor Southern Virginia 4-0, their only loss of the season. The overall record stands at 8-1-1.
Q: What are your dorms like? -V.B. Pasadena, CA
A:
That's a good question, and one that is important to know
about because if you come to Christendom, you will be spending
a lot of time in them.
First
of all, we have separate dorms for men and women, and intervisitation
is not allowed. We have three main dorms for the women:
Blessed Margaret of Castello Hall, St. Edmund Campion Hall,
and St. Catherine of Siena Hall. And three main dorms for
the men: St. Francis', St. Benedict's, and St. Joseph's.
Additionally, we have three houses which are located directly
across the street from our main entrance to campus: St.
Augustine's (men), St. Pius' (men), and St. Theresa's (women).
Students who need to be off the meal plan, or who have special
needs, normally live in these houses. And finally, we have
Cardinal Newman Apartments, which are located about a mile
up the road from the campus, housing even more of our men.
Blessed
Margaret's, St. Fran's, and St. Joe's are similar in design.
Blessed Margaret's has 8 rooms in it, with two girls in
each room. Each room also has its own bathroom, and has
a desk, a dresser, a closet, and a bed for each student.
St. Fran's has 11 rooms and St. Joe's has 9 rooms. Since
men apparently need less space, there are three men in each
of these rooms, with the same furnishings as Blessed Margaret's.
St.
Ben's, St. Catherine's, and Campion are similar in that
the rooms do not have their own bathrooms, rather, they
share bathrooms on each floor, or wing. And there are normally
three men in each of the rooms in St. Ben's, while, again,
there are normally only two women per room in Catherine's
and Campion. Campion has three floors, with a total of 38
rooms; Catherine's has three floors with a total of 36 rooms;
and Ben's has three floors with 24 rooms.
The
houses across the street for the men hold 9 students each
and St. Theresa's houses 5 women, and of course, they have
full kitchens in them, as well as all the normal furnishings.
The Cardinal Newman Apartments are a little larger, with
two rooms in each of them, a living room, and small kitchen,
with a total of 12 men living in them.
Laundry
machines are in most of the dorms, as well as in the basement
of the College's main administrative building which is located
right next to St. Joe's men's dorm. Students may have small
refrigerators, popcorn poppers, and plug-in hot pots for
heating water. All coffee pots and irons must have automatic
shut-off features. Microwaves are available in various common
areas of the dorms for use by the students.
Here
is a link to our
campus map, which can show you the layout of where the
dorms are. The houses and the apartments are not shown on
the map, due mostly to the fact that the guy taking the
aerial photo didn't capture them, not because we are ashamed
of them or anything:)
And
that's all I have to say about that. I hope this helps and
if you want to see the dorms for yourself, I suggest that
you schedule a visit in the near future.
.g
