Peacemaker Spring 2020

Peacemaker The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia

Spring 2020

Pursuing the Happy Life Augustinian since 1907

And your gift of 5 minutes and 22 seconds, 5 hours and 22 minutes, or 52 hours will help us build a more peaceful community and reach our goal of completing 522 hours of community service in May. More information about how to log your service can be found on our website: www.SaintRitaShrine.org

CONTENTS

Peacemaker

Features

Spring 2020

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Publication of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia Shrine Director & Editor Jonathan Jerome Associate Editor Yuliana Saputro

Photography Director Fr. Dan McLaughlin, O.S.A.

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Design accent communications, inc.

Printer Gerald O’Neill

Shrine Staff

Michael Anastasi Stacey Dix Kathy Elmasry Fr. Bob Guessetto, O.S.A. Jonathan Jerome Fr. Dan McLaughlin, O.S.A. Deacon Olindo Mennilli Fr. Jim Paradis, O.S.A. Fr. Bill Recchutti, O.S.A. Tatiana Riani Yuli Saputro Michael Sheerin Fr. Jim Spenard, O.S.A. Br. Bob Thornton, O.S.A. Joseph Tierno

Contact us: The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia 1166 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19146 215-546-8333

www.SaintRitaShrine.org

© 2020 The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia

Make Peace. Find Peace.

Feast Day

2020 Solemn Feast Day schedule

Called to Love

5 women connect their stories to the life of Saint Rita

Forgive Us Our Trespasses

The true story of Brandt Jean’s act of forgiveness

Inside 2 3 4

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Letter from the Shrine Director Testimonial: Deaf Gain Staying Connected to Rita

12 Augustine on the Happy Life 15 Saint Rita’s Virtual Garden 18 The Voyage of Life 20 Augustinian Ministries

On the Cover

A stained glass window of Saint Rita of Cascia found in Corr Chapel on the campus of Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania. It was designed and installed in 2018 by the late Fr. Richard G. Cannuli, O.S.A., a friend of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia. As a tribute to Fr. Cannuli, this image will also adorn new banners hung on South Broad Street, in front of the Shrine.

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from the

Dear Friends of Saint Rita,

“

I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.

-John 10:10

Director

Over the past few months, as I have settled into my new role at the Shrine, I have come to learn and experience what so many of you already know: The extraordinary life of our beloved saint was unlike any other. From the moment of her baptism in the church of Saint Augustine in Cascia to her last breath on May 22, 1457, Saint Rita lived a remarkable life. As a daughter, a wife, a mother, a widow, and a professed religious, Saint Rita chose heroic patience and courageous perseverance that, at times, seemed near impossible.

This issue of the Peacemaker attempts to distill some of what made Saint Rita’s life so remarkable and share it with you. In fact, we have attempted to accomplish something seemingly impossible for ourselves, that is, to capture what it means to pursue a “happy life.” For millennia, philosophers, theologians, and scientists have tried to articulate the meaning of life, each with varying success. What makes the editorial team of our humble magazine think we can sufficiently answer these questions in 22 pages?

In short, we see Saint Rita, her perseverance, and her deep faith in so many of you, our patrons and friends. From the testimonial of Bryan and Megan, to the vocation stories of five remarkable women, to the wisdom of Br. Jimmy White, O.S.A., it is clear that the happy life exists when we are in close proximity to God; the One “who came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.” This is not to say that every moment is perfect, or that the pages of this magazine have all the answers. Instead, inspired by Saint Rita, we can look to these pages and find people who have chosen to rely on God for heroic patience and courageous perseverance to experience what’s truly possible. This should give us all great hope!

“

As you turn the pages of this issue, I ask you to remember the people and stories you come across in your prayers. And, as we give thanks to God for his abundant love, help us to bring the message of Saint Rita’s life – a message of perseverance and hope – wherever it’s needed most.

I’m confident that if we all do our part, we will surely be on our way to living the happy life.

Jonathan Jerome Shrine Director

w Click to Play Shrine Welcome Video

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Background Image: The Altar in the Upper Shrine

Deaf GAIN

Testimonial: Graham and Lydia McGee

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child is a blessing that has no comparison. Before the baby arrives, you can only imagine who that tiny person will be. In your mind, you can almost see your perfect son or daughter.

When my wife Megan and I were blessed with our first child, Graham, we had no idea what we were in for. Not even a full day old, Graham failed his newborn hearing screening in the hospital, and our not-so-typical journey as parents began.

Graham was born deaf, and we were devastated. How could we possibly raise this child? What did we know about life as a deaf person? What difficulties would he encounter in school? In life? Our prayers began in earnest.

In those first few weeks, I prayed countless times through the intercession of Saint Rita for God to intervene – to help Graham, to fix his hearing, to make him normal. It almost seems silly now, looking back on it. As is typical of answered prayers, God rarely grants what you think you need. But God will grant what is best for you.

Instead of changing Graham’s hearing, God changed our hearts. We know that Graham doesn’t need to be changed. He is exactly as God made him: perfect.

We started learning ASL, American Sign Language, and about what it means to be Deaf. We met new people who were able to help us. We learned that Graham inherited a culture simply by virtue of being born. Suddenly, a new way of looking at the world was opened to us. Negative feelings faded away to joy.

There is a popular phrase in Deaf culture that you will come across: Deaf Gain.

That is, the precise and direct opposite of hearing loss. Doctors and audiologists will tell you all about hearing loss, because that’s the way they choose to view the world. But we choose a different lens – a lens that we are grateful to have had God bless us with. We know that through God’s eyes, we all can be made perfect.

When our daughter Lydia arrived last year, she was also born Deaf. Once again, our prayers began in earnest. This time, though, we only had prayers of thanksgiving to offer.

- Bryan & Megan McGee Have you received a favor from Saint Rita? Share your experience and story with us. Call 215-546-8333 or e-mail admin@saintritashrine.org.

The McGee family

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Staying CONNECTED to Facebook.com/saintritashrine

ENCOURAGING COMMENTS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

Rita

Jan Smith One of my favorite saints I continue to pray for your assistance & guidance...ty 4 everything you have done to assist so many Gina Farnsworth I love you Saint Rita for your guidance and help.

Thank you so much

Kacey M Brown Through Saint Rita’s intercession I’ve seen many miracles. Now as our beloved grandma prepares for heaven, the miracles are overflowing. Today, as we were preparing to say our last goodbye, each of our children was given a gift they thought was impossible...Thank you Saint Rita for your faithful companionship and prayers. Thank you for praying for my family the way you do. We love you!

Patti Coates-Deibel Truly a great Saint...Please bless everyone

Twitter.com/saintritashrine

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Instagram.com/saintritashrine

Want to know what’s happening at the Shrine throughout the rest of the year? Follow us, give us a like, and check us out online!

SAINT RITA IN THE NEWS Amid conflict and pessimism, St. Rita shrine offers ‘impossible hope’ CatholicPhilly.com, October 4, 2019 “I think children understand that while there are headline-making peacemakers in the world, those peacemakers started small, with kindness and caring in the family, classroom, and neighborhood.” - Chesley Turner, Former Director of the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia

people reached

Augustinians name layman new director of St. Rita Shrine CatholicPhilly.com, October 15, 2019 “As the new director of this national shrine, my goal is to continue to collaborate with the Augustinian Friars, the dedicated staff, and the local community to promote these virtues as we invite others into deeper relationship with God. My prayer is that the life of St. Rita continue to serve as a model for us all as we pray for the troubled parts of our world, and the troubled parts of our hearts.” - Jonathan Jerome, Director of the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia

The Pride of South Philly people reached The South Philly Review, November 21, 2019 “Whether you’ve lived in South Philly your entire life, or you’re new to the area, know that the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia is your shrine. It is the pearl in the heart of Philadelphia, and the pride of South Philly.” - Jonathan Jerome, Director of the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia

St. Rita Shrine grateful for $50,000 donation CatholicPhilly.com, December 3, 2019 The $50,000 donation was given with a prayer that it be “used to better the lives of those (the shrine) chooses to help, both young and old, and that ultimately it helps to make the world a better, safer, and more peaceful place.” - John Cavallaro, Sr. Donor, St. Alfio Society of Pennsylvania

people reached Florence, Italy: Interview With a Renaissance Man HubPages.com, January 9, 2020 “‘Better for a young artist to draw from a mediocre sculpture than from a flat masterpiece.’ In other words, it’s best to draw from the real thing so that you can discern perspective and chiaroscuro. Learning how to see the world is crucial.” - Anthony Visco, Patron, the artist who painted the murals and created the sculptures in the Lower Shrine

Retiring from the service, he embarks on new service to church people reached CatholicPhilly.com, January 28, 2020 A special ceremony Jan. 2 featured First Class Petty Officer Michael Anastasi of the United States Coast Guard, who marked his formal retirement from military service after 20 years’ active duty. The ceremony ended with a blessing given by Augustinian Father Robert Guessetto, O.S.A. of the St. Rita’s Shrine staff. This was especially appropriate because Anastasi has now joined the shrine’s staff as director of security. “I have given the first 20 years of my (working) life to the world, and now I will give the rest to God,” Anastasi said.

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1 Click to View Past Feast Day Photos

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~ Click to Watch Live on EWTN

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On

May 22, 2019, during his General Audience in Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Francis ended his prepared remarks with a few thoughts about the saint of the day, Saint Rita of Cascia. He said, “Saint Rita of Cascia, whose feast day is observed today, was

a woman, wife, mother, widow, and nun of her time. May today’s women, following her example, be able to show the same enthusiasm of life and, at the same time, be able to have the same love that she had for all unconditionally.”

But what does it mean to be a daughter, a wife, a mother, a widow, and/or a professed religious in today’s world? By inviting five women to share a snapshot of their lives, and how Saint Rita inspires them to embrace their vocation, we begin to appreciate what Pope Francis was talking about; women who have an enthusiasm for life, and a love for others and for God.

CALLED to

Love

DAUGHTER

I was introduced to Saint Rita by my older sister Kathy, who always shared her strong devotion to this wonderful saint with family and friends. I found Saint Rita to be a wonderful model of faith and used her example of complete acceptance to God’s will as a guide for finding my own vocation. As a single woman, I found that praying to Saint Rita increased my faith and was the bridge I needed to move between where I was and where I needed to go to follow God’s plans for my life. Although our family suffered the loss of our father long ago in 1980, my sisters and I were very fortunate to have our mother, Kathleen, in our lives for many more years, and each of us honored our special and unique relationship with Mom by following the example set by Saint Rita’s devotion and love for her parents.

Helen McGoohan

As a daughter and a caregiver for my mother in the final years of her life, I often turned to Saint Rita for strength and hope as I navigated the challenges and hardships that go along Upper Darby, PA with this loving vocation. Keeping the story of Saint Rita’s life in my mind kept me strong, inspired, and helped me find peace in difficult situations. However, the joy I experienced in bringing Mom happiness and contentment in our life together far outweighed any challenges I faced as a caregiver. When God called Mom home last February, my sister Maureen and I were by her side and blessed her with Saint Rita oil, knowing that Kathy, who had passed away the previous year, was waiting in heaven with Saint Rita to welcome her. I have placed memorial candles at Saint Rita’s shrine for both my parents and sister, and I find much comfort and peace in visiting this sacred space often.

My message to adult children who now find themselves caring for a parent is to not look at this season in your life as one where you are giving things up, but see it as a divine gift, being able to step back and focus your life on the special person God chose to bring you into this world. Praying to Saint Rita will make your faith stronger than any fears or difficulties that you will encounter, and know that the Lord will provide many blessings during and after your journey as your loved one’s caregiver.

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Left to right: Kathy Cassidy (nee McGoohan), Kathleen McGoohan, Maureen Reihl (nee McGoohan) & Helen McGoohan

I first encountered Saint Rita when I was about 7 years old. My grandmother had a great devotion to her, and growing up, I used to attend Saint Rita’s Church with her. What I find most inspiring about the life of Saint Rita is her devotion to God and her ability to be a peacemaker and a reconciler. Through everything she endured in her life, her faith never wavered.

WIFE

Pat Bruno

When Saint Rita was married, she trusted her husband and relied on God working in her life. I have trusted and relied on God through my two bouts with cancer. He gave me the strength to accept what I had to do, with the help of Saint Rita. I feel like God put me in the places I needed to be in order to get the special treatment I required.

Throughout this trying time of my life, my husband, Sam, was always by my side. We have been married for 48 years. I can always depend and rely on him through everything we have gone through. He is always there for me and is the best thing that ever happened to me. He is my best friend! I have so many great memories with him that it is hard to choose one that stands out above the rest, although the birth of our daughters was really special for us. For young couples, or people who are about to get married, I offer these simple words of encouragement: Hang in there, have a sense of humor, don’t quit, and trust in God.

Philadelphia, PA

Sam & Pat Bruno’s Wedding in 1972 From Left: Anna McEntee, Samantha Bruno, Pat Bruno, Christina Bruno, Danielle McEntee, Bradley McEntee & Sam Bruno

After I graduated from high school in Columbia, SC, I moved back to Washington, DC, and enrolled at Howard University. My husband-to-be had an aunt in Philadelphia who he came to live with after graduating from high school. He attended Saint Rita of Cascia Church.

When I would visit, I would attend Mass with him. Soon enough, I began taking instructions from the Belgium Sisters at Broad and Wharton Streets and was able to get married in the large, beautiful room in the friary.

Then the children began to come. They had to be baptized and schooled, in addition to attending church with our family. I gave birth to one daughter and eight sons. As they grew, I began to learn more about Saint Rita’s childhood, her parents, and her complicated family life. Saint Rita married early in life and gave birth to two sons. When her husband was killed by another family Mary Bell in a vendetta, Saint Rita’s sons wanted to avenge their father. This conflict broke their mother’s Philadelphia, PA heart. Saint Rita prayed that her sons would avoid this fate; her prayers were and still are very powerful. Although her sons didn’t become murderers, they died early in life.

MOTHER

Nowadays, the contact with my sons is not as great as it was when they were living at home. The boys were closer to each other. And while their father was living and involved at the church, there was a closeness. Like Saint Rita, I am very thankful for my children who are in heaven already. I pray that they remember their family. My words of encouragement to all parents, new and old: Love your children. They are precious gifts from God. From Left: Mary Bell, Gary Bell (son) & Jasmine Bell (granddaughter)

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In the 1940s, a Caucasian neighbor asked my parents if I could attend church with her. At that time all black Catholics were encouraged to worship at Saint Peter Claver Church, located at 12th and Lombard Streets. However, St. Rita’s was only a couple of blocks away from where I lived. My first visit to St. Rita’s was amazing. I had never seen such beauty. I learned the inspirational story of Saint Rita later during my catechism. She endured so much and is the patron saint of heartbroken women.

WIDOW

Evelyn Gaskin Urquhart Philadelphia, PA

My husband, Alfred Peter Urquhart, was diagnosed with cancer in August 1990. Our lives changed in a way I had never considered. As always, God was there with us. I cared for Pete, making adjustments for his illness. God granted me the strength to face each day with love and determination. I was able to care for Pete’s body and spirit due to my strong faith and beliefs. God was right there guiding me, and I put my full trust and faith in Him. Even though Pete was in pain, his spirit remained upbeat. I would sit with him to pray and sing songs of comfort.

We were together from 1960 until his death in July 1996. Throughout our lives together, my husband was a gentle, caring man. He was the best husband to me, a loving father to Gail and Craig, and later was dedicated grandfather to their children. Our nieces, nephews, other relations, and longtime friends all have fun memories of Pete. These memories are a comfort to me every day. He never left home without a kiss and a hug, and he returned home with the same loving joy. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to experience true love with a kind, supportive life partner.

My advice for someone who finds themself as a widow or widower? Everyone has their own time and way to mourn. Do yours, and seek God’s comfort and ongoing blessings. I thank God for sending my husband to me and the beautiful years I shared with him. It will be 24 years this July that he has been gone. I feel like it was just yesterday.

I shall always love and miss him. I thank the Lord my God for the time he gave us together.

Pete & Evelyn

When I encountered the Sisters of Saint Rita in Racine, WI, I also discovered Saint Rita of Cascia. Her humility and forgiveness inspire me greatly. Saint Rita was obedient to what life presented to her as God’s will, and embraced the roles of daughter, wife, mother, widow, and religious. She became a model of forgiveness, even to forgiving her husband’s murderer.

PROFESSED RELIGIOUS

Sr. Clare Marie Rohutny, O.S.A.

The Sisters of Saint Rita, I have found, are hospitable, honest, funny, and down to earth. What you see, so to speak, is what you get. They are prayerful and take seriously Saint Augustine’s imperative to be of one heart and mind on our way to God. This comes first in Augustinian community life. For those women interested in religious life, I would advise daily prayer, frequent Mass and Communion, and a sensible spiritual director. Life is a process, as Sr. Angelica was wont to say during my formation.

And it is. When I entered the convent, I wanted to be a saint. Now, I am content if I am faithful to the Rule and prayer, communal and liturgical.

And three more pieces of advice: Be open and humble. Be able to laugh at yourself. And be grateful to God. Gratitude opens the Sr. Clare Marie with Saint Monica’s Senior heart, no matter where God leads you.

Living residents on Easter Celebration

Kenosha, Wisconsin

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At seven years of age, I felt God was calling me to be a religious Sister. When my father had refused to let me enter a convent after eighth grade, I waited until I had finished my education and had accepted a teaching job before I started my search again. It was a long journey for me before I truly felt where God was pointing me in the right direction. After much visiting of other communities, searching, praying, and discerning, I came upon the Augustinian Sisters of Saint Rita in Racine, WI. Facing all the challenges and changes this involved, as well as criticism and uncertainty, I persevered. I had no desire to disappoint Him as I truly felt God was calling me.

Andrew & Jaclyn Sorensen photo by David Thomas from All Set Creations Studio

Say

“I do�at

the Shrine

For over 100 years, couples have celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage in our stunning Shrine.

We invite you to consider celebrating your wedding in this historic and exquisite building as you look to begin your married life together.

Whether you or a member of your family plan on celebrating a Wedding Mass (which includes Communion) or a Nuptial Ceremony (which does not include Communion), our staff will accompany each couple through the preparation process, and arrange a prayerful setting with beautiful music for this joyful occasion. We are conveniently located on Broad Street, just a mile from both I-95 and Philadelphia City Hall.

Visit www.SaintRitaShrine.org/weddings for more information, and/or contact our front office at 215-546-8333 or via e-mail at weddings@saintritashrine.org.

We are happy to answer your questions and provide you with more information!

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AUGUSTINE on the

Happy Life

By Br. Jimmy White, O.S.A.

Br. Jimmy White, O.S.A.

A

Coming home to his kingdom of Ithaka is the goal of the Greek hero Odysseus, of whose voyage is told in Homer’s Odyssey.

fter fighting in the ten-year long Trojan War, Odysseus embarks on his nostos—a return home— itself lasting another ten years. On the homeward journey, Odysseus and his companions endure many hardships— suffering divine wrath, overcoming the mighty Cyclops, navigating a route between the sea-monsters Skylla and Charybdis—all for the sake of reaching home, because, according to Odysseus himself, ‘nothing is sweeter than one’s home’ (Od. 9.34).

Augustine nods to Homer’s Odysseus when he begins his dialogue On the Happy Life with a nautical metaphor.

One of Augustine’s ‘Cassiciacum dialogues’, On the Happy Life is a ‘banquet of words’ shared by Augustine and his mother Monica, brother Navigius, son Adeodatus, and friends on November 13, 386, his thirty-second birthday. Augustine opens the discussion by telling a tale of three classes of seafarers who are seeking to reach their homeland, the port of philosophy. First, there are those who arrive home ‘with little effort and stroke of the oars’ and establish ‘a bright banner’ to help lead others to the shores.

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In the Odyssey, the hospitable maritime Phaiakians provide such safe passage for Odysseus toward Ithaka. The second group are those ‘beguiled by the deceitful appearance of the sea’, who then dare to sail ‘by a wind, which they think is favorable’ far away, quickly forgetting their homeland. Elated at first, these mariners soon experience misfortune until they find their way back home. Here, Augustine perhaps sees Odysseus when he is marooned for seven years on the island of Ogygia, hindered from his voyage home by the goddess Kalypso, who desires to keep the king forever as her husband. Immortality—and with it riches beyond measure and no cares conceivable ever again—is placed before Odysseus, who weeps on these distant shores, resolving to be patient in his sufferings, as he wants something else: ‘But even so I wish and I long always, forever, both to go homeward and to see my day of my return, my homecoming’ (Od. 5.219-220). The third class consists of those who, ‘after having been tossed about for a long time’ by the sea, remember ‘their sweetest homeland’, either proceed to set sail toward the harbor ‘by a straight course’, or, more frequently, forget their intention as they are ‘gazing upon sinking stars’ or ‘seized by some enticements’. In these instances, here is Odysseus

both as he evades consuming the amnesiac plant of the Lotus-eaters and also when he and his companions are delayed from their journey after being enchanted by the charms of divine Circe. Perhaps there is a way in which Odysseus had to leave home to find it—to fight on the fields of Troy, to suffer in foreign, distant lands—in order to really desire home. To be, in a word, nostalgic, literally aching to return home, is a result of being not home— without meaning or happiness—because there is nothing sweeter than home.

–––––

Today, we ourselves might follow seemingly favorable winds or aimlessly look up at the stars, leaving us stranded far from home or oblivious of our destination. These and many more excitements fill us with contentment for a moment, until we then move on to seek the next fleeting pleasure—again and again—leaving us incomplete. We succumb to our instinctual craving for satisfaction in any given moment because (among other reasons of which I am unaware): ‘You Only Live Once (YOLO)’, ‘hashtag living my best life’, and ‘I’m happiest if I just do whatever I feel like doing’. Still, our contemporary longing for a fulfilling sense of happiness, ephemeral as it may end up being, indicates we do acknowledge that happiness is worth pursuing.

In a sermon on the feast of a group of martyrs known as The White Mass, Augustine proclaims to his congregation, ‘Every human being, of whatever kind or quality, wants to be happy’ (Serm. 306.2.3). At first glance, Augustine seems to be catering to our here-and-now sense of happiness, for, he continues, ‘people are carried away by the most diverse desires, and one desires this, another that’. But if we all wish to be happy, how is this ‘common possession of all’ possible for everyone, since we seek to find different kinds of happiness and enjoy different ways of life? Augustine notices a shared drive for the pursuit: a longing, love, draws us toward our sought-after object. So, we are left to discern and choose with great care what to love, with the hope that this will bring us happiness.

Happiness is doing and living well...

Augustine takes his cue from the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who, in his Nicomachean Ethics (1.7-8), asks what the greatest human good is, happiness, eudaimonia—‘good-spiritedness’—an objectively desirable state of well-being, representing the fulfillment of human nature, that can be pursued for its own sake. Happiness is doing and living well, something we want to possess and

participate in, and so not a feeling, but an activity. The object of happiness is that which is most complete (in that it is not pursued for something else), self-sufficient (in that it includes all things that are good for human beings), and most choiceworthy (in that it is chosen always and only for its own sake and nothing else), which our participation in and enjoyment of gives perfect, everlasting satisfaction; so Augustine concludes, ‘Only God remains, therefore. If we follow after him, we live well; if we reach him, we love not only well but happily’ (De mor. eccl. cath. 1.6.10).

If God is happiness, that for which we all long, then to seek happiness is to love God and to possess happiness is to reach God. Yet, who of us can say that they have obtained or gotten to God? Does this leave us on the beaches of some distant land, or lost at sea with Odysseus, nostalgic for the harbor of the happy life? How do we know which way to go?

Because of Jesus Christ...we can find our way home!

In book 13 of On The Trinity, Augustine describes the Incarnation as God’s gratuitous offer to us to participate in the happy life forever. The Word became flesh to give us proof of God’s love for us and his desire for us to live the happy life. Our human companion and brother, Jesus Christ, is God’s demonstration of the way for us to arrive at the happy life, thus revealing to us that true happiness—what seemed impossible—is attainable, and ‘will be forever assured’ (De Trin. 13.7.10).

There is no ‘clearer or more wonderful evidence’ of God’s utter generosity and desire for our happiness than in his entering into solidarity with us in the Incarnation. Because of Jesus Christ, who so compels us ‘to believe how much God loved us and to hope at last for what we had despaired of ’ (De Trin. 13.10.13), we can find our way home!

Statue of St. Augustine in the lower Shrine

1 Click to View Virtual Tour of lower Shrine

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Br. Jimmy White, O.S.A. leads his discussion, “Augustine on a Happy Life” at the Shrine

Nonetheless, though the route home has been graciously shown to us in the Incarnation, the reality is that we still forget the divine promise of the happy life, and oftentimes we still find ourselves to be wandering seafarers. The final difficulty all three classes of sailors face in Augustine’s metaphor of the sea voyage ‘to the land of the happy life’ is the temptation to climb a vast mountain, which presents itself as an accommodating dwelling and even ‘promises to satisfy the desires for the happy place itself ’. On this mountain are climbers filled with pride, who ‘benevolently instruct’ approaching sailors how to most easily scale its heights. In a vividly renowned episode of the Odyssey, as Odysseus sails toward the Sirens, creatures whose enchanting serenade lures sailors to shipwreck on the rocky coast of their island, he instructs his mates to stop their own ears and then to bind him to the mast of the ship, so that he can hear the Sirens’ song without being drawn to his doom. Odysseus’ prideful rejection of the Sirens’ music balances his paradigmatic cunning—here for the sake of curious exploration—with his perduring resilience in longing for his homecoming.

At one point in the return trip home, Odysseus reminds his weary companions of the many obstacles they have hitherto overcome and encourages them, ‘perhaps I think we will remember these things’ (Od. 12.212). Odysseus’ encouragement to his crew not to forget the ups and downs of the journey is to remember the destination.

This kind of remembering (plus a proper dose of humility) is the engagement of an Augustinian approach to memory, which can serve as an antidote to the amnesia that is typical on our way homeward. In book 10 of the 14 12

Confessions, memory—‘where I meet myself and recall what I am, what I have done, and when and where and how I was affected’ (Conf. 10.8.14)—is what allows us to remember the path home. Memory is the way forward to the happy life: ‘For I remember my joy even when sad just as I remember the happy life when miserable, but not through any bodily sense have I seen or heard or smelled or tasted or touched my joy, but I have experienced in my mind being happy’ (Conf. 10.21.30).

Within ourselves we encounter God

The great joy Augustine discovers in memory is the God who dwells within. Memory grants an experience of the happy life, for within ourselves we encounter God, who makes his wonderful and often hidden presence known to us throughout the story of our lives. Remembering these things—whether painful or joyous in the present moment—will be pleasing as we row with the oars we have, with great confidence in our companion Jesus Christ at the helm, to stay the course in our nostalgic journey toward the harbor of the happy life, our homecoming, for there is nothing sweeter than home.

This article was originally delivered as a speech at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia on October 22, 2019, as part of a larger faith enrichment series. Br. Jimmy White, O.S.A. graciously agreed to adapt the speech into its present, condensed form. A video of his full address can be found on the Shrine’s YouTube channel at: www.YouTube.com/saintritashrine

Have a special intention?

Want to commemorate or honor your loved ones?

SAINT RITA’S

A new virtual rose garden is now open on our website! Take this opportunity to offer a prayer or petition for your loved ones by ‘planting a rose’ in the garden. Let Saint Rita’s powerful intercession nourish your rosebud into a beautiful rose, offered to God and His loving care.

Virtual Garden

Saint Rita’s Virtual Garden will only be open during the Saint Rita Solemn Novena and Feast Day. In addition to the online rose, your intentions will be printed and placed in a petition basket at the reliquary area of Saint Rita in the Lower Shrine. Visit our online Gift Shop for more information about our virtual rose garden: www.SaintRitaShrine.org/gift-shop.

Saint Rita, mystical rose of every virtue, pray for us!

We have a new donate button on our website. Check out the new userfriendly donation page today at www.SaintRitaShrine.org/donate 15

“FOR

q

Banksy, "Forgive Us For Our Trespassing" (2010). Banksy is an anonymous Englishbased street artist and activist who uses his art to offer social and political commentary.

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One of the most defining moments in the life of Saint Rita involves the murder of her husband, Paolo Mancini. In the troubling political climate of the time, there was often open conflict

between families, and Paolo was the victim of one such rivalry; he was ambushed and killed one day on his way home from work. The expectation of society at the time was that Saint Rita’s sons should avenge the murder of their father to defend family honor. Saint Rita, however, influenced by the peacemaking example of her parents, pledged to forgive her husband’s killers. And she did just that. (Adapted from the book "The Precious Pearl," written by Fr. Michael DiGregorio, O.S.A.) What does forgiveness look like in today’s day and age? Is it possible for someone to forgive in such extreme circumstances? Like Saint Rita, the heroic story of Brandt Jean proves that as difficult as it may be at times, forgiveness, and not revenge, is at the heart of a more peaceful society: in other words, that love is stronger than sin.

“

G I VE

us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us…

Dallas, Texas, Oct 3, 2019 – The brother of a Dallas man fatally shot by an off-duty police officer used his time in court to offer a hug and a message of forgiveness to the officer as she received her prison sentence.

“If you truly are sorry, I Brandt Jean & Amber Guyger know I can speak for myself, I forgive you,” said 18-yearold Brandt Jean to former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger during his victim impact statement. “I hope you go to God with all the guilt, all the bad things you may have done in the past,” he said. “If you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you.”

Guyger, 31, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of Botham Jean, a 27-year-old black man who was killed last September. She will be eligible for parole in five years.

Guyger was off-duty but still wearing her police uniform when she entered Jean’s apartment and fatally shot him.

She said she had just finished a long shift, was distracted by a series of text messages from a colleague with whom she was having an affair, and did not realize she had entered the wrong apartment by mistake. Thinking that she was in her own apartment, she saw Jean sitting on the couch, thought he was an intruder, and opened fire. Prosecutors had sought at least 28 years in prison, in recognition of the fact that Jean was about to turn 28 years old when he was killed.

Guyger’s defense had argued that the murder was a mistake rather than a malicious act. Protestors outside the courthouse objected to the sentence, saying it was too short.

Inside the courtroom, however, Brandt choked back tears as he addressed Guyger, saying, “I don’t even want you to go to jail. I want the best for you, because I know that’s exactly what Botham would want…and the best would be give your life for Christ.”

“I love you as a person, and I don't wish anything bad on you,” he continued, before asking for – and receiving – permission to give Guyger a hug. The two shared a tearful embrace, with whispers that were not audible to those around them, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Bishop Edward Burns of Dallas praised the encounter, saying, “What an incredible example of Christian love and forgiveness we witnessed during the victim impact statement as Botham Jean’s brother, Brandt, forgave Amber Guyger, encouraged her to turn her life over to Christ and gave her a hug.”

“He said it is what Botham would’ve wanted,” Burns continued. “I pray we can all follow the example of this outstanding young man. Let us pray for peace in our community and around the world.”

After the sentencing, State District Judge Tammy Kemp offered Guyger her personal Bible, the Dallas Morning News reported. She encouraged Guyger to read it and told her, “Forgive yourself.”

Reprinted with permission by Catholic News Agency “The Precious Pearl,” is available at www.SaintRitaShrine.org/gift-shop

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the VOYAGE of

Life

By Fr. Dan McLaughlin, O.S.A.

In a series of four paintings, collectively known as “The Voyage of Life,” Thomas Cole, an American landscape artist, illustrates the beauty and uncertainties of life. By following the journey of a voyager, depicted in his childhood, youth, manhood, and old age, Cole invites us to discern how God is present in the signs and symbols of life. In fact, in each picture, Cole assures us that with a lens of faith, we can be certain that God is never far from the wayward traveler; God is never far from us. As we follow the voyager’s pursuit of a happy life, consider what resonates with you and your experiences, as well as where, how, and in whom God might already be at work.

Childhood “Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.” - Saint Augustine

In this first painting, Cole depicts a boat floating down a stream, with an infant joyfully playing with flowers inside. Unbeknown to the child, his smiling guardian angel steers the golden boat forward. If you look closely, you’ll see that the boat resembles smiling angel figures, with the angel at the bow holding an hourglass. This represents time and the promise of a full life ahead.

Notice also that the boat emerges from a dark cave that Cole described as “emblematic of our earthly origin and the mysterious past” (Powell, 88*). At this point, the infant is unaware of the lifeless, barren desert in the distance; life is truly a mystery for the child. The warm sunshine, calm river, and beautiful landscape symbolize joy, innocence, and a future full of hope.

Youth “Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence.” - Saint Augustine

In the second painting, Cole depicts our voyager surrounded by beautiful vegetation, which symbolizes the ripeness of this stage in life. The adolescent boy, overconfident in his abilities, takes complete control of the tiller in the boat. He waves his arm to the air castle in the distance and strains himself trying to reach what he believes will bring him fulfilment, even though it’s only an illusion. While his gaze is focused on the castle in the sky, the boy fails to see the river turning and a path full of rocks ahead. The guardian angel cautiously watches the boy from the shore, offering warning, while also allowing him to exercise his free will. Adolescence is a time of development and discovery; a time full of aspiration and growth, no matter the price.

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Manhood

“

“

Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God. - St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999

“Light of my heart, do not let my darkness speak to me.” - Saint Augustine

“Trouble is characteristic of the period of Manhood” (Powell, p. 92*). The vibrant and lush scenery of the past two paintings is gone, and it has been replaced by a dreary landscape that represents the misery of life. In this image, the tiller is missing from the boat altogether, showing that the voyager has lost confidence and control of his life. Notice also that the man is now encountering the dangers of nature’s fury, which speaks to his inner demons and probable death. He looks up to heaven in despair, pleading for some salvation. Instead, all he sees are dark green clouds representing the many temptations of life. Unbeknown to the man, his guardian angel appears in the sky, carefully watching over him with a peaceful, loving gaze. This gives us some hope that rescue and salvation are close at hand.

Old Age “In my deepest wound I saw your glory, and it dazzled me.” - Saint Augustine The final painting shows the man in his old age. The hourglass is missing from the old voyager’s broken boat, indicating that his time in the world is almost over. It appears that his faith has saved him from catastrophe and doom. “The chains of corporeal existence are falling away; and already the mind has glimpses of Immortal Life” (Powell, 92*). The ‘River of Life’ has brought his boat, which contains only him, to the ‘Ocean of Eternity.’ For the first time, he notices his guardian angel, who greets him as an old friend.

Following his guardian angel’s lead, he looks to eternal life, where the other angels are waiting for him in the heavenly clouds. His faith is rewarded.

The voyage of life is not certain, nor is it always easy. From his childhood to his manhood, it is clear that the voyager evolved and grew with each stage of life. In so many ways, each of us can relate to this in our own lives. More than just the journey of life, though, it is important to note that Cole also recognizes the importance of faith in our voyage.

He depicted the man as facing away from his guardian angel – a symbol of his knowing and accepting God’s will – until the very end. Cole recognizes and illustrates a simple truth: Only prayer can save the voyager from a tragic fate. We too can know God’s providence and presence more fully if we rely on prayer in the midst of life. Pursuing a happy life takes time and perseverance. And, luckily, we’re in good company! So many saints, including Saint Augustine and Saint Rita, understood the importance of prayer as they embarked on their own voyage of life. Let’s hope we never forget that God is always close to the wayward traveler.

Quote Resource: Powell, Earl A., Thomas Cole, New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1990.

Pictures: The Voyage of Life by Thomas Cole, 1842. Taken from the National Gallery of Art.

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PROVINCE OF ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA

Augustinian

Ministries

setting hearts on fire

Saint Augustine envisioned communities united in mind and heart, ablaze with God’s love. Today, the Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor (A.D.R.O.P.) put this vision into action by caring for the marginalized and underserved. As a sponsored ministry of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, we are united in our mission to empower individuals to make positive, impactful change.

Learn how Jimmy Cialella is setting hearts on fire at

www.Augustinian.org/justice-peace A.D.R.O.P. Adeodatus Prison Ministry’s Jimmy Cialella and his family. Adeodatus meetings are held at the 20National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia.

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