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Editor:
Tom McFadden
Managing Editor: Niall O'Donnell
Contributing Editors: Tom O'Connor,
Jack Anderson (Sports Center),
&
Emma Boyle (The Rome Report)
Contributing Photographers: Tom O'Connor & Andrew Briggs
Issue: April 4, 2008
Name: Katie Cruser
Age: 19
Year: Freshman
From: Ft. Sam Houston, TX
Major: Undecided, but I am leaning towards English right now.
Any Hobbies? Dancing, reading, shopping, writing, hanging out with my friends, quilting
What's your favorite class or professor? I'd have to say history with Mr. McGuire. I never knew history was so exciting and fun.
Do you play any sports? I was able to play on the College women's basketball team this year, which was so much fun... and lot's of excercise too. GO CRUSADERS!
Do you participate in any drama or music related activities? Does dancing to music count? I love going to the dances here, especially the ones where I can get all dressed up to go. From swing, "Christendom Swing" to other ballroom dances, it's all fun.
What is your favorite thing about Christendom College? The people here are definitely my favorite thing about the College. From dorm life to classes, to studying, to Mass—"Christendomers" are always there.
Why did you choose Christendom College? I had the privilege of attending the High School Summer Program, and as soon as I went home I told my parents I wanted to go to Christendom. And of course they were thrilled.
What do you plan to do after graduation? Living with my parents. Just kidding! I'm actually looking to do a bit of traveling and finding an internship. Of course if God wants me to go back home, then that's OK. It's all up to Him.
St. Patrick's Day Filled with Ceol agus Craic (Music and Fun)
St. Patrick's Day was full of good times this year.
Students gathered in the St. Lawrence Commons on Saturday March 15 for this annual festive high-point for a grand show worthy of St. Patrick.
All enjoyed an Irish feast of freshly carved corned-beef, Guinness Irish stew, and fish with fresh homemade chips.
The program started with 3 children of College faculty and staff dressed at St. Patrick, St. Bridget, and St. Columba processing into the commons to bagpipes and banners waving. Several Christendom men dressed in kilt and bearing swords (also known as the Hibernian Guard) followed the little saints and placed the Irish and Papal flags on the stage.
Then Bagpipers Senior Paul Provencher and History Professor Brendan McGuire put on a great exposition of their piping talent.
The night continued with College President Dr. Timothy O'Donnell leading the crowd in rousing Irish songs of rebellion, love, and cheer. He was joined by Junior Brendan Sheridan on the bazukie, College Chaplain Fr. John Heisler on the squeezebox and tin whistle, Freshman John Killackey and Senior Meredith Wise on the fiddle, and Zachary Miller on the bodrum
The evening was filled with display's of local talent. Philosophy Professor Dr. John Cuddeback's children, Magdalena and Paulina fiddled "Dance at the Crossroads." Founding President Dr. Warren Carroll read the 1916 Easter Proclamation as a prelude to the powerful song, The Foggy Dew. Countless Irish dancers showed of their skill both in hard shoe and soft shoe. Senior Peter Smith gave a great rendition of a song in gaelic "Mo Ghile Mear." Elizabeth Fraser gave a spirited performance of her Scottish highland dancing.
The evening came to a close with Fr. Heisler praying the Irish Te Deum and a giving a blessing.
It was a St. Patrick's Day to remember. Check on the fun below:
Italians Love St. Joseph
Everyone knows that Italians have a special place in their heart for St. Joseph (or as they call him San Giuseppe). It’s no different at Christendom—and on the feast of St. Joseph everyone is Italian!
Students celebrated the Feast on Sunday March 16. The celebration started in the Christ the King Chapel with a sung litany to St. Joseph. There was then a procession with a statue of the saint to the St. Lawrence Commons. The ladies of Christendom followed the statue caring lilies, which they then placed at the foot of the statue at the end of the procession.
In the Commons, College Chaplain Fr. John Heisler blessed a table full of homemade breads featuring rosemary and olive oil bread, salami and cheese bread, and more.
Dinner was then served and what meal it was!
Insalata caprese (fresh tomatoes and mozzarella buffala), pasta al pesto, galiaa del dragoncello (chicken cooked in white wine, tarragon, and lemon), tiramisu, and large Italian cream puffs—All made complete with San Pelegrino and vino (for those 21 years of age or older).
The entire menu was organized by Junior Josepha Bertolini who said, “My goal was to provide you all with a great meal in honor of St. Joseph. Is it great?”
To which the entire student body gave cheering affirmation.
San Giuseppe, prega per noi!
In Defense of Senator McCarthy
Christendom College’s Founding President Dr. Warren H. Carroll delivered a lecture entitled, McCarthy: the Myth and the Truth to the college community on March 31. The lecture is part of a series of history lectures being held this spring.
"If you are Catholic and have believed any of the slanders against McCarthy, you should know first of all that Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin was a loyal Catholic who was buried with a rosary around his neck,'" Carroll said at the beginning of his lecture. “Surely such a man deserves at least a hearing before the tribunal of your soul before you condemn him on hearsay evidence.”
Carroll said that Arthur Herman, a professor at George Mason University, wrote the only biography that corrects the lies and distortions about the senator, Joseph McCarthy: Reexamining the Life and Legacy of America's Most Hated Senator.
The lecture focused on McCarthy’s role in the Cold War, his anti-communist crusade, and the Army-McCarthy Senate hearings that led to his demise.
Carroll explained that the communist threat, which McCarthy fought against, was real. “Today we know better,” he said. “Archival materials from the former Soviet Union have revealed that Stalin's intentions were aggressively malign and expansionist, just as America's coldest cold warriors had believed.”
It was McCarthy's temper that got him in trouble, Carroll said. “Joseph McCarthy was a working man's Catholic. He was dark and heavy, and he drank beer—too much of it, dying of cirrhosis of the liver. He was loud and uncouth. He denounced his critics like a barroom bully... worst of all—to the liberal left—he named names."
His rough personality came to light during the televised Senate hearings where three particular issues raised by the lawyer Joseph Welch brought McCarthy down, Carroll said. A cropped photograph, a purloined letter, and, finally, the Fred Fisher incident.
Carroll explained that McCarthy accused Fisher, a member of Welch's staff, of being a communist—a fact that had been printed in The New York Times days before. Welch made a dramatic display accusing McCarthy of being reckless and cruel, weeping openly in front of the television cameras. Public opinion and the media turned against McCarthy. Fisher's career never suffered, and the Senate censured McCarthy, Carroll said.
“The next time you hear someone denouncing Joe McCarthy, tell him about Arthur Herman's book, which the vehemently anti-McCarthy media will never mention nor acknowledge,” Carroll said. “Perhaps you may help to make him no longer America's most hated Senator.”
You can listen to this insightful lecture at Christendom on iTunes U.
In Honor of the Annunciation
Since the Solemnity of the Annunciation was moved this year due to the Easter season, Christendom students had an opportunity to celebrate this solemnity upon their return from Easter Break.
On Monday, March 31st, Father Heisler led a Rosary Procession in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The procession extended throughout most of the campus and several students joined in as they saw the group pass their dormitory.
Although Christendom has several rosary processions throughout the year, this is the first time that such a procession was held in honor of the Solemnity of the Annunciation.
“I was very impressed by the student response to this first-time Annunciation procession and was especially proud of Nathan Scott, the Student Activities Religious Affairs Director, who organized the entire event,” said Siobhan O’Connor, Director of Student Activities.
After reverently traversing most of the campus, the procession reached the John Paul the Great Student Center for a festive brownie and ice cream social.
John Paul II Examined
Pope John Paul II was the "Author of the Month" for April. A panel consisting of Dr. Flippen, Professor of Philosophy, and History Professor Mr. McGuire discussed the life and writings of the late Pontiff. The discussion was held in the St. John the Evangelist Library, and was attended by faculty, staff and students.
Professors Flippen and McGuire offered insight into Pope John Paul’s encyclicals and personal writings and took questions and comments from those in attendance.
The panel discussion was held on April 2 after a Holy Hour of Adoration, commemorating the 3rd anniversary of the Pope’s death. Christendom College has always had a great love for Pope John Paul II and everyone was grateful for these events, which commemorated what may someday be his feast day.
Running Through Siena and to the Pope
Hello from Rome!
This week we were shocked to find our calendars telling us that it was April, because that means that we have less than a month left in Rome!
Although papers and tests are faintly calling (very, very faintly), we are still finding plenty of sunny afternoons, beautiful churches, and unexplored neighborhoods to distract us!
Last weekend, we went on a whirlwind daytrip to the beautifully sunny city of Siena. We celebrated Holy Mass in St. Catherine of Siena’s home and visited several other beautiful churches, including San Francesco, which houses the Eucharistic miracle of Siena.
We were privileged to have with us many friends of Christendom, and we capped the end of a great pilgrimage with a foot race inspired by the traditional Sienese contrade horse races in honor of various feasts of Our Lady. Although Thomas Francis ran the fastest around the central piazza, he was not quick enough to get back on the bus after our dinner stop; instead, he was obliged to rely on a few Italian police officers to help him track down the bus on the highway. Thomas said, “Um… I am really, really sorry.”
Back in Rome, the Christendom students received a great blessing this past Wednesday, April 2: an opportunity to attend the Papal Requiem Mass for the soul of our beloved John Paul II. We executed our “Wednesday Audience Extreme Football-Tackle Mad Dash” to perfection and were seated very close to the stairs leading up to the altar.
None were so lucky, however, as Trevor Karas. Through a connection with a priest friend from back home, Trevor obtained a seat up close to the altar in St. Peter’s Square.
“It was sweet to be that close to Benedict as he celebrated Mass,” said Trevor. “Even though we’ve been lucky to see him a lot this semester, it is always as exciting as the first time.”
As all of the United States prepares for the Holy Father’s visit, the Christendom students have been talking a lot about how fortunate we are to have seen Pope Benedict so frequently. At the Mass on Wednesday, an American reporter stopped to talk to us as young American Catholics. We were happy to tell her how blessed we feel at the opportunity we have to be in Rome with the Holy Father, and also to give positive answers to her questions about the role of the Church in the modern world.
It is always very energizing to be around so many enthusiastic Catholics of every age and from around the world. We are really trying to make the most of our last three weeks in the Eternal City.
St. Lawrence and St. Frances of Rome, pray for us!
In
honor of the 30th Anniversary of Christendom College
the Chronicler Online takes a peek into the past
of the college each week.
The Class of 1981
Seven of the fifteen students of the
graduating class of 1981 helped to give
birth to Christendom College in the heart
of Triangle, Virginia four years ago: Brian
Broggi (MA), Loretta Davison (OH), Sheila
Hobbs (WI), Peter Scheetz (CO), Laura
Spooner (VA), Joseph Stuart (VA), and
Peter Westhoff (CO). Within a year or two,
these seven were joined by eight other
pioneers; Joseph Mahoney (MA) Mark
Wenzinger (VA), Robert Scrivener (MD),
Linda Kerin (NY,), Bernie Tegeler (IL),
Paul Vota (CA), Robert Wiesner (CO), and
Diane Williams (VT).
Together they
formed not only the graduating class of
1981 but many of the traditions of
Christendom College.
Extraordinary in their leadership abilities, the senior class held each of the five
student government offices during this
past academic year and also boasted of the
founding and editing of the school student
newspaper two years ago. Both of these
operations, the student government and The Paper, boosted the spirit of the school
and were vital in providing a healthy
balance between academic and social life.
During their years at Christendom,
these energetic pioneers provided a variety
of activities and built a firm foundation
upon which the college will grow. Involved
in the religious activities these students
saw the beginnings of night prayers for the
college in which Vespers are recited and
also the tradition of having Benediction
every Sunday with the singing of Latin
Hymns. (These added to the daily Mass
and Rosary, which had already been
established in the overall daily schedule of
student life by the faculty.)
In the area of
athletics, the famous East-West football
game originated with this class, providing
fierce but friendly competition. Involved
somewhat with the Christendom College
Press, these seniors saw the beginnings of
a dark room, which helps to give general
training in photographic techniques for
those students who participate in the
journalism practica offered at the College.
The class of 1981 was involved.
Shouldering the responsibilities given to
them, they took even more upon themselves. They gave totally—all of their
God-given talents—and Christendom is
proud of them. As they venture from the
Shenandoah Valley into the world they will
follow a variety of paths: to teach in
Catholic high schools (Pete Westhoff and
Linda Kerin); to marry and so build a "little church" within the Church (Loretta
Davison and Laura Spooner); to help edit a
Catholic diocesan newspaper (Joseph Stuart); to enter and Christianize the business
world (Diane Williams); to pursue studies
at a Pontifical Institute (Bob Wiesner); to
continue their legal/political studies in
Washington (Brian Broggi and Sheila
Hobbs); to pursue vocations (Mark Wenzinger, Joe Mahoney and Paul Vota).
All of
these pioneers go forth to continue to
do whatever God has asked of them in the
effort "to restore all things in Christ."
From the Christendom College Report, June 1981.
Leaders for Crusader Baseball Step Up
As Crusader baseball approaches midseason, it has been great to see several players step up and provide solid leadership for the team. Outfielder Ryan Doughty, Catchers TJ Nacey and Tim Lanahan have given a great shot in the arm to this young team. They are all sophomores who have put forth a strong effort in the games and practices. Not only do they focus on their own individual game, but they also provide instruction for the whole squad.
Lanahan runs many of the drills in practice and possesses a vast knowledge of the game of baseball and all its intricacies. He plays a variety of positions including pitcher. He had a no-hitter going several weeks ago through four innings and that was something the whole team really took pride in.
Doughty also plays a key role in centerfield. He is a natural athlete and a gamer who will go all out to make plays. Like Lanahan, he is very familiar with the finer points of the game and can use his experience to help some of the younger players.
Nacey is an easygoing guy off the field, but once the game begins he can really turn up the intensity. Lanahan recently commented that when Nacey gets fired up, the rest of the team quickly follows suit. Nacey has played catcher for much of the season and has been a steady anchor behind the plate. He is also a strong force at the plate and has been a big contributor to the offense all season.
Lanahan, Doughty, and Nacey have been vital to the team this season and will continue to be so for the remainder of this season and seasons to come. They have so much to offer other players and they also possess the skills that really jumpstart the team. As this young group continues to improve, these guys will be looked upon as the building blocks for success.
Q: What makes your Semester in Rome Program different from other colleges, like the University of Dallas?
— J.K., Tully, NY
A: Well, I’ve answered a question similar to this a while back, but since I just got back from a 10 day trip to Rome, I think I can now answer your question even better.
First of all, the Christendom students are totally and absolutely spoiled. They stay in apartments literally within eyesight of the Walls of the Vatican and take classes in a building located about 20 feet from St. Peter’s. Yeah. Spoiled!
When I was over there, one of the students, Dean Reineking, tells me, “We have to cut across St. Peter’s Square everyday to get to class.” “Oh,” I said. “Poor you.”
One of the interesting things about the place where they take classes is that it has this incredible balcony that overlooks St. Peter’s. In fact, from what I could tell, there is no other building with a balcony overlooking the Square. The students can sit out there and see and hear the Pope’s Wednesday audience, which they do quite often.
Secondly, Christendom’s Rome Program is simply that: Christendom’s. This means that the other students in the program are Christendom students and the classes are those required of Christendom students. There are normally around 20-40 students involved each semester, thus ensuring that close bonds of friendship will be fostered and individualized attention will be given to each student.
As far as the differences between Christendom’s program and UD’s program, I guess I’d say that the biggest difference is location, location, location. While it is true that the University of Dallas actually has its own campus in Rome, while Christendom rents out apartments and classroom spaces, according to their website, “UD’s beautiful Rome Campus at Due Santi is located on the western slopes of the Alban Hills, about twelve miles southeast of the center of Rome, in one of the city’s most attractive suburbs.”
The difference between being 12 miles southeast of the city and being within sight of St. Peter’s, in my opinion, is huge. In Rome, people travel a lot by bus or metro and to go from UD’s campus to St. Peter’s, for example, takes about 45 minutes by bus. As a result, it makes it a little more difficult to immerse yourself into the heart of the city on a daily basis. But the Christendom students are immersed everyday, simply due to their location.
To be honest, the students who I have known who have attended the UD Rome Program have totally raved about it, but I think there is a different experience gained by Christendom students living so proximate to the Vatican. They are able to go to St. Peter’s for Mass every day if they wish, they can run around the city visiting station churches and hitting all of the many historic places in a more convenient manner.
Anyways, I’ve posted some photos from our program on our Rome page and I encourage any or all to check it out for more information.
If
anyone has questions about applying, visiting, scholarships,
financial aid, campus life, rules and regulations, majors,
core curriculum, transfer credits, or even about the food
here at Christendom, please do not hesitate to contact me
at any time: 800.877.5456 ext 1290 or tmcfadden@christendom.edu.
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