Instaurare | Fall 2010

The Christendom College Quarterly Magazine

Fall 2010

Inside this issue...

Grad School’s 2010 Commencement - pg 4

New Athlete Scholar Named - pg 6

ECSP Changes Lives & Hearts - pgs 7-10

Rome Program Gets New Directors - pg 12

From the President I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all of our readers of this fall issue of Instaurare. God continues to bless Christendom College abundantly, as you can see by the numerous articles found in this fall issue. One of the principal blessings has been the growth in enrollment we have experienced this particular year. We have 123 enthusiastic new students entering into our academic program which will help them become the future leaders for our church and society.

With the growth in enrollment come many challenges. Many of the students who are attending come from families that are struggling financially. This has necessitated the College to give out a record amount in student financial aid. The downturn in the economy has also had an effect upon us. Although we have recovered somewhat in the area of our endowment, operational fundraising has remained a great challenge for the last two years. We have actually seen a decline in the amount given to the annual fund. This is very serious and something that must be reserved. The annual fund is crucial in supporting the student financial aid program (without which we would not have the students we have) and also for paying for food, electricity, heating, and all the other costs that are involved in simply running the College. To try to reverse the last twoyear trend, this year, I have called for the beginning of what I am calling “Operation Annual Fund.” We will be trying in a special way this year to seek a reversal of the last two years in an effort to achieve our goal in operational fundraising. We will need to raise approximately $2 million between now and June 30, 2011, in order to achieve this goal.

For this reason, I ask you to be as supportive as you possibly can during

Timothy T. O’Donnell, STD, KGCHS

this time of economic difficulty.

While this will remain our focus, I would like to share with you the fact that the College has continued to work very hard in its development of a strategic plan. Strategic planning is essential for the long-term success of any institution, as it certainly is for Christendom College. Our strategic plan was based on a consultant’s report, which was given by Mr. William R. Hausman, the senior vice president of Campbell & Co. This report was based on the consensus reached at the College’s strategic planning retreat at Poplar Springs Inn on October 25, 2008. This retreat involved 37 members of the College community, representing faculty, staff, board, and members of the administration.

Despite the economic downturn, having a long-term vision for our College is of crucial importance. As a result of discussions with the various constituencies within the College, seven strategic visions emerged with each one of them having a priority issue. I would like to take this opportunity to share the vision contained in that strategic plan with all of you, as friends of the College and members of our extended Clan Christendom.

The first strategic vision calls for Christendom College to provide the finest grounds and facilities for its undergraduate, graduate, and foreign study campuses in order to provide the best possible education for all of our students. To do this, it will necessitate acquiring the financial endowment resources that are necessary to support the merit and needbased aid programs at the College. This is crucial in order that we might continue to attract some of our nation’s best and brightest. The building of endowment sources will also be crucial for the development of our faculty and for library and academic resources as well. In addition to maintaining our valuable capital assets, we have a beautiful campus with beautiful buildings, but we need to invest in those buildings in order to maintain them and to ensure that they are properly cared for.

Christendom College’s Summer Institute: July 8-9, 2011 Join these dynamic speakers for this special conference on

Dignitas Humanae: Catholic Teaching on Bioethics Dr. Joaquin Navarro-Valls President of the Advisory Board for the University Campus Bio-Medico in Rome Francis Cardinal Arinze Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments Dr. Joaquin Navarro-Valls

Francis Cardinal Arinze

Bishop Robert Morlino

Bishop Robert Morlino Bishop of Madison, WI, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of The National Catholic Bioethics Center Dr. Janet E. Smith Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit (invited) Dr. Marilyn Coors Associate Professor of Bioethics and Genetics, Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado (invited)

Dr. Janet Smith

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Dr. Marilyn Coors

Fr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk

Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. Director of Education The National Catholic Bioethics Center

The second strategic vision focuses specifically on campus facilities. It is the hope that our physical plant will meet the needs and expectations of students, faculty, and staff, and, at the same time, communicate a sensible sign of the deeper aspects of the quality and the character of the College. Christendom sits on 100 acres, nestled on a bluff overlooking the beautiful and historic Shenandoah River. We need to enhance this natural beauty in order to continue to manifest the quality of our education and the experience of going to school here.

Strategic vision three will involve see From the President page 11

Cover Story

College Begins 34th Academic Year with Record-Breaking Recruitment Season

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Christendom began its 34th academic year on August 24, with an enrollment of 409 students, hailing from 45 different US states and 7 foreign countries. In spite of seemingly bad economic times, Christendom’s admission office reports its best recruiting year in its history, and looks forward to getting to know all of the new freshmen this fall.

Admissions offices across the country rely heavily on certain amounts of data that they collect throughout the year to determine how the recruiting year is progressing and whether they are on target for the following fall. The main areas of concern are the number of people who have requested information about the college, the number of high school seniors from which to recruit, and most importantly, the number of applications received.

Christendom’s admissions office reports tremendous growth in all of these important areas.

The number of general requests for information rose 29%; the number of high school seniors who expressed an interest in Christendom grew 18%; applications for the Fall 2010 semester were 19% higher than this time last year; and the number of deposits were up 21% over last year. The College’s freshman class is 23% larger than last year’s, the student body has grown by 5%, and the College had to reinstitute its waiting list this year.

the College has been represented at dozens of conferences and college fairs across the country.

Another initiative that bears much fruit is the “Experience Christendom” Summer Program, held each summer for rising high school seniors. Forty-four percent of this year’s incoming freshman class attended one of these sessions last summer, thus indicating the positive effect this program has on prospective students. This year, the College held four one-week sessions of the program and welcomed 160 students to campus, with enrollment up 51% over last year’s programs.

Additionally, Christendom has seen a large growth in interest from Virginians over the past year. Typically, approximately 25% of Christendom’s freshman class is comprised of Virginians, but this year, 39% of the class call Virginia home.

“Last year, 23 of the 91 freshmen were from Virginia and this year we have 43 of 112,” says McFadden. “As economic times get a little tougher, it is no surprise that Virginians are beginning to look at more in-state colleg-

Class of 2014 Profile • 112 students • 39% from Virginia • 42% are siblings of current students

• • • •

•

or alumni 20% are legacy children 44% attended an ECSP 29 US States and 3 foreign countries Freshman SAT Midranges: Reading: 550-690 Math: 500-620 Writing: 550-650 30% on academic scholarship

es. Christendom is one of only two Catholic institutions of higher learning in Virginia – making it a good choice for those interested in a private, residential Catholic liberal arts education.”

Saving on travel expenses is one of the factors McFadden says affects a student’s decision to go to an in-state school. Another factor is the Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) – $1,300 a semester offered by the State to Virginia residents who attend in-state private colleges or see Record Year page 13

According to Tom McFadden, Director of Admissions, the growth in interest can be attributed to a number of different important areas that he and his team have been focusing on over the past year.

One of the most crucial areas is the amount of time and effort they have been putting into building relationships with potential students and their schools. Associate Director of Admissions Mike Schmitt has been hitting the road all year, visiting many Catholic high schools and parishes to meet with students, college placement counselors, as well as pastors and youth ministers. In addition to this,

College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell leads the entire faculty in an Oath of Fidelity to the Church.

Christendom is one of only a few colleges whose entire faculty makes this oath on a yearly basis.

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Graduate School Sends Forth Thirteen at Commencement 2010

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“Whether in our families or in the classrooms of higher studies, we can no longer claim ignorance or shy away from standing for the truth,” Dean Spoor told his fellow graduates during the commencement exercises of the Christendom Graduate School held July 31.

Catechetics for the Diocese of Arlington, Rev. Paul F. deLadurantaye, offered the Baccalaureate Mass. Dr. Timothy O’Donnell, President of Christendom College, and Dr. Kristin Burns, Dean of the Graduate School, conferred the degrees.

Thirteen students received the Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree, and two of them also received the Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Diploma.

The distinguished graduating class counts among its ranks one lawyer, two businessmen, two converts to the Faith, two Christendom College graduates, five DREs, a religious sister, and Spoor, a native of Park a consecrated virgin. The 13 Hills, KY, explained that Master of Arts degrees were he and his fellow graduates conferred on Victor Alcanhave a great deal of respon- Graduate Dean Spoor. tara, Carmen Briceño, John sibility to teach the truths Gannon, Joseph Horan, which they have learned faithfully and accu- Amy MacKinnon, Sr. Thu Mai, LHC, Jorately. seph Miller, Simone Rizkallah, Dean Spoor, Natalie Stilwell, Julie Thimons, David Wal“Some of us will continue in our education... lace, and Benjamin Zumdahl. Victor Alcanothers will directly engage in catechetics and tara and Amy MacKinnon also received the pass on the faith to those who need instruc- Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Diploma. tion. Whatever it is that we do, we must remember—if nothing else—that we are stu- Victor Alcantara, who earned his BA from dents of the science of sacred things,” Spoor Christendom in 2005, teaches at St. Louis said. parish in Alexandria, VA, and hopes that his MA will enable him to move on to teaching “Our task will be to continue what we started high school. He and his lovely bride, Kate, here and to counter the voices of dissidence wed a week after the graduation ceremonies. with the truth of the Faith,” Spoor concluded. “It is now expected of us, as Masters of Carmen Briceño, a native of Venezuela, enthe Divine Science.” tered the Order of Virgins in August of 2009.

She is currently living out her vocation as the Professor of theology and Director of the Bilingual Youth Ministry Director for the Office of Sacred Liturgy and the Office of Diocesan Laborer Priests. Next year she will

be handing on the fruits of her studies as a missionary to Banica, Dominican Republic.

John Gannon holds an MBA from Central Michigan University and is now retired from a fruitful career in business. He plans on teaching teen and adult religious education.

Texan Joseph Horan graduated from the Catholic University of America in 2006 and plans to use his MA from Christendom in his teaching and ministry.

Boston native Amy MacKinnon has been a Director of Religious Education at several parishes and is continuing her graduate theological education at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC. Sr. Annuncia Thu Mai, LHC, is a sister of the Lovers of the Holy Cross and a native of Viet Nam. She is a Director of Religious Education and is grateful for the enhanced ability she now has to draw souls to love God and His Church.

Joseph Miller is the Vice President of New Venture Partnerships for FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). This father of ten children plans to use his MA to provide guidance for FOCUS and to continue his studies at Holy Apostles College in Massachusetts.

Simone Rizkallah has been passionate about “all things Catholic” since her youth. Building on her communication degree from California Lutheran University, she has taken a Director of Religious Education position at St. Ambrose parish in Northern Virginia.

Originally from Kentucky, Dean Spoor came to the Christendom Graduate School after completing his law degree at the University of Cincinnati and working as a lawyer. Spoor plans to pursue further studies in theology and go on to teach.

After attending Dallas Baptist University for her BA, Natalie Stilwell converted to the Catholic faith. She works for the Office of Family Life in the Diocese of Arlington and plans to continue as a scholar and speaker on apologetics and ethics.

Graduates and Faculty of Christendom College’s Graduate School: Commencement 2010.

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During her time at the Graduate School, Julie Thimons served as the administrative as-

sistant to the Dean of the Graduate School.

She had previously taught grade school, and has returned home to Pennsylvania to continue teaching while getting involved in her parish RCIA program and in pastoral care for the dying.

David Wallace came to the Graduate School from Christendom College’s undergraduate program to continue and deepen his studies, though not before a year in Germany and Italy at the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. Wallace lives in Front Royal, VA, with his wife Elizabeth, who is also a Christendom College graduate, and two young boys. He is the DRE at St. Bernadette’s parish in Springfield, VA, and hopes to go on for further study.

Born in Illinois, Benjamin Zumdahl is another convert to the Catholic faith. He moved to Virginia with his wife to attend the Graduate School, and is the DRE of a parish in Virginia. He is considering furthering his education to earn a PhD in theology.

This is the first graduating class to include students who have taken some of their courses in the new online format. Five of the graduates took a total of nine online courses among them. The Christendom Graduate School only recently started to offer its courses in the online format, and hopes to have the whole MA program (catechetics concentration) online within the next two years.

“This is also a very scholarly class,” noted Dr. Burns. “Seventy percent of them graduated with honors, and two of the graduates – David Wallace and Dean Spoor – passed their comprehensive exams ‘with distinction.’ We are sorry to see such a talented group leave, but are expecting great things of them ‘to whom much has been given.’”

David Wallace and Victor Alcantara: Double Grads from Christendom College.

College Welcomes New Chaplain: Fr. Planty

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Arlington Diocese’s Bishop Paul Loverde has assigned Fr. Donald J. Planty, Jr., as the Head Chaplain to Christendom College. Fr. Planty’s assignment began on July 7 and he celebrated his first Mass in Christendom’s Chapel of Christ the King on July 8.

Fr. Planty was born in 1966 in Albuquerque, NM, to parents originally from New York, where his grandmothers still live - one in Upstate New York and the other in New York City. His parents, two brothers, sister-in-law and two nephews currently reside in Loudoun County, VA. Since his father was in the US Foreign Service, Fr. Planty grew up living in Panama, Chile, Mexico, Italy, and Spain, attending American overseas schools - and living in “home base” Northern Virginia, where he attended public schools. He graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, in 1988 with a BA in Government and French.

Fr. Planty attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, receiving an MDiv in 1992, the year he was ordained a deacon, and an MA in Theology in 1993.

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Arlington, VA, in 1993, and subsequently served as Parochial Vicar at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Arlington, VA, from 19931995, and as Parochial Vicar and Director of Religious Education at the Cathedral of St.

Thomas More in Arlington, VA, from 19951996. From 1996-2000 Fr. Planty studied at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome, Italy, to prepare for the diplomatic service of the Holy See; at the same time, he studied for and received a JCD (Doctor of Canon Law) degree from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, writing his dissertation on The Law of the Church and the Building of Churches: Canon 1216 and Sacred Architecture.

He worked as the Secretary (Deputy Head of Mission) of the Apostolic Nunciature in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 2000-2002, a post, which also covered Eritrea, Djibouti, and the African Union. In 2002, Fr. Planty left the diplomatic service of the Holy See to return to pastoral work in his diocese, and was assigned as Parochial Vicar and Director of Religious Education at Holy Family Parish in Dale City, VA, from 2003-2005, where he later became Administrator then Pastor, from 2005-2010.

Fr. Planty is fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian and joins Christendom’s theology faculty in teaching courses in Catholic doctrine to freshmen.

Former Chaplain Fr. Daniel Gee has been assigned as Pastor of the Church of Saint Rita in Alexandria, VA, where the entire community, who will miss him, wish him well in his new assignment.

Reverend Donald Planty became Christendom College’s new chaplain on July 7, 2010.

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Benefactors Find New Inventive Ways to Contribute to Christendom

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Christendom College benefactors, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kling, of Alexandria, VA, recently discovered a way to provide investment income from a piece of real estate they owned to use for possible health care needs in their future, and at the same time, a way to both avoid payments to Uncle Sam and make a generous gift to Christendom College. The solution they found is called a flip charitable remainder unitrust.

of these payments ‘flips’ upon the occurrence of an event stipulated in the trust instrument,” continues Ciskanik, “in the Kling’s case, the sale of real estate held by the trust.

Incidentally, other events, such as the arrival of a specific date or a single event whose occurrence is not within the control of the trustee or anyone else—like a marriage, death, or birth— may also ‘flip’ the trust payment instructions.”

“Though income may also be generated for a fixed term only, the Klings elected to arrange the income payments for their lives,” says Vice President for Advancement John F. Ciskanik. “With a simple signature, they irrevocably transferred their real estate to a trust, which is managed today by trustees of their choosing. Since Christendom is named as the remainder beneficiary, the Klings receive a generous income tax deduction, in return for the transfer.”

The practical impact of the “flip” is to allow distributions to be made to the benefactors in the form of cash payments. After the “flip,” if the unitrust’s value goes up (goes down) from one year to the next, its payout increases (or decreases) proportionately.

During the unitrust’s term, the trustees invest the unitrust’s assets. Initially, the trustees distribute the lesser of the unitrust’s net income or a stated percentage of its value, as revalued annually, to Dr. and Mrs. Kling. This “net income” feature guarantees that trust principal is not invaded to make a distribution during the time the real estate is still held by the trust.

“When the Kling’s unitrust term ends, the principal will pass to Christendom College,”

INSTAURARE

Volume XVIII, Number III - Fall 2010 Published quarterly by the Christendom College Admissions & Marketing Office.

Executive Editor: Tom McFadden Contributing Editor: Niall O’Donnell Copy Editor: Torey Cervantes Christendom College 134 Christendom Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630 800.877.5456 ~ www.christendom.edu Copyright © 2010. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the following credit line is used: “Reprinted by permission from INSTAURARE, the quarterly magazine of Christendom College (www.christendom.edu).” SUBSCRIPTION FREE UPON REQUEST.

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says Ciskanik, “to be used in support of our mission of providing the best Catholic liberal arts education. Unitrust donors may add funds to a unitrust whenever they want.”

Inaugural Thomas S. Vander Woude Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Awarded to Barbale

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“The method used to determine the amount

Benefactors Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kling.

Christendom’s Athletic Department recently created the “Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Scholar-Athlete Scholarship” in the memory of the late athletic director, Tom Vander Woude, who died in 2008 saving the life of one of his sons. This four year scholarship is awarded to one freshman each year, beginning this year with the incoming class of 2014.

The student athletes submitted essays, transcripts, a letter of recommendation, as well as their statistics from all four years of high school to the committee, which, in turn, chose the candidate that they felt best displayed the ideal of a Christendom Student-

Athlete as set by Vander Woude.

This year, the scholarship was awarded to Mary Barbale of Charlton, MA. One of ten children, Barbale was home schooled throughout high school and also played basketball, soccer, volleyball and even ran track her senior year, for a local high school, all while maintaining a stellar GPA. She made The Southern Worcester County League All-star team in three sports, leading the basketball team to the State finals her junior year. What separated her from the other applicants was her character outside of athletics, exemplified in her leadership in her local community. In addition to her athletic commitments, Barbale was a volunteer Religious education teacher in her parish. Her pursuit in excellence in all these fields, sports, academics, and leadership, exemplified the type of athlete that the selection committee seeks to recognize at Christendom.

“We are delighted to award this first scholarship to Mary,” says current Athletic Director Chris Vander Woude. “Her Catholic faith and her character affect every aspect of her life, from sports to academics. We look forward to Freshman Mary Barbale receives congratulations from Athletic Director Chris Vander Woude for being the inaugural recipient the positive impact that she will have on the College community.” of the newly established scholar-athlete scholarship.

“Experience Christendom” Summer Program

“Unlike Anything You Have Ever Experienced”

“Experience Christendom” Summer Programs Change Students’ Lives

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Christendom College’s ever-popular “Experience Christendom” Summer Program (ECSP) was held in four different one-week sessions this year, drawing 160 participants from all over the US. Last year, the College held three sessions of the ECSP which seeks to introduce rising

Students sing along during the Irish Barn Dance. high school seniors (and some rising juniors) to the College’s unique academic, social, and religious offerings. Approximately 45-50% of the participants normally choose Christendom for their undergraduate education, and this year is no different. Almost 45% of the incoming freshman Class of 2014 attended one of last year’s programs, showing the amazing effect that the program has on the participants.

Each summer, Christendom welcomes many students to campus who, at first, are a little unsure of what to expect from a summer program that is advertised as a type of “Catholic immersion program.” Some students are afraid that there will be a bunch of “religious fanatics” on campus and others think that the place will be full of nerds. Some think that it will be just like going to school in the summer while others believe that it will be “mind-crushingly boring.”

“At the end of each session, I ask the students to fill out a survey, and about 90% of the participants rate the program 5 out of 5, while the other 10% gave it a 4 out of 5 grade,” says Admissions Director Tom McFadden. “All of the participants agree that the program was better than they expected it to be, and quite a few say it was the best week of their lives.”

According to rising high school senior John Robert Griswold of Hilton Head Island, SC, Christendom was the last place he wanted to go to college, let alone a summer program.

But his parents thought that a week at the ECSP would be beneficial. He had made many assumptions about what the college was like and what type of people attended. But his impression soon changed.

“Perhaps the only assumption that was proven correct by that memorable week,” says Griswold, “is that the lifestyle at Christendom is the antithesis of that experienced in the campers’ hometowns. Yet, unexpectedly, that lifestyle is superior in virtually every conceivable way.”

Participants take classes in the morning, taught by Christendom faculty members, and then following Mass, and lunch, are given the opportunity to take a Scripture study class taught by College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell.

“A teaching president is a rarity in today’s world of higher education,” says high school senior Timothy Mire of Dripping Springs, Texas, “so it was a real treat having the College President teach us every day. He was awesome!”

In the afternoon, after adoration and time for confession, the students have some down time where they play some sports, go on a hike to Skyline Drive, or go off a rope swing into the glorious Shenandoah River. And in the evenings, students take part in a variety of entertaining activities, such as a swing dance, an Irish barn dance at the President’s home, a home-cooked steak dinner at the Admissions Director’s house, a talent show, and other fun events. All in all, it often ends up being one of the participants’ best Dancing the Virginia Reel is always a crowd pleaser. weeks of their lives.

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Bowling is always a lot of fun for the campers.

“People are constantly surprised that a oneweek program can change their lives,” says McFadden. “But it really can–just ask any of this past summer’s participants!”

“Before coming to Christendom I heard the interviews online and my mom told me how tons of kids said their lives were changed by the program and it was the best experience of their lives,” says high school junior Micah Davis from San Antonio, TX. “I thought that these kids were crazy and just needed to get some actual friends. After about the second day at camp, I realized I was just like every other kid who came to the camp. I met friends and after only a few days it seemed I had known them my whole life. My week at Christendom was the best week of my life and I most definitely want to spend my college education at Christendom breathing in a Catholic atmosphere.”

Many of the participants were given financial aid to attend the program, made available through the donations of a number of Christendom’s loyal benefactors. Anyone interested in financially supporting these programs may contact the Admissions Office.

To view pictures, videos, or testimonies from the various 2010 ECSPs, please go to Christendom’s website at www.christendom.edu. Four ECSP sessions are scheduled for the summer of 2011, with registration beginning in January.

Although taking classes in the summer may not seem like fun - the students leave with a new appreciation for Theology, Philosophy, English, and History.

In Their Own Words........Real Students – Real Testimonies It was a life-changing experience and one of the best weeks in my life! At the camp, I was able to discover what all those ads meant when they stated “Breathe Catholic.” Every aspect of every activity within each day during that glorious week pointed to our Catholic identity. From attending Mass to discovering the foundation of Philosophy to merely forming wholesome friendships, my fellow campers and I began to appreciate and take pride in our Catholic Faith. — Christina H., VA

The whole week was amazing! I never thought in a million years that I would consider attending Christendom. Now after only one week it is my number ONE choice. — Emily N., SC Before coming to Christendom I heard the interviews online and my mom told me how tons of kids said their lives were changed by the program and it was the best experience of their lives. I thought that these kids were crazy and just needed to get some actual friends. After about the second day at camp I realized I was just like every other kid who came to the camp. I met friends and after only a few days it seemed I had known them my whole life. My week at Christendom was the best week of my life and I most definitely want to spend my college education at Christendom breathing in a Catholic atmosphere. — Micah D., AZ

Everything really came together to make an amazing experience. This program gave me a little hint of what it really means to “live and breathe Catholicism.” — Kyle E., NY I had the best week of my life at the “Experience Christendom” Summer Program—it was amazing! The program was definitely life-changing, as Mr. McFadden said it would probably be. I had the most amazing week of my life. — Rebekah K., MA Finding a school with such intellectual caliber while maintaining Catholic morals and traditions is near to impossible in this day and age. The Christendom Summer Program confirmed my belief that a Catholic Liberal Arts education is the right path for me. The Christ-centered curriculum balanced with the fun activities showed me that one can find enjoyment while studying. I am convinced that the pursuit for truth, the Catholic environment, and the beautiful campus make for one of the best truly Catholic colleges in the nation. — David V., MA I loved absolutely everything about the program, except one thing: I wish it had been two weeks! My week at Christendom was like nothing I had ever experienced. It was everything I had expected and so much more. — Catherine S., GA I’ve been homeschooled my whole life so this was my first exposure to a classroom setting.

Being around like-minded teens at ECSP was both an inspiration and a joy. In this day and age, it’s hard to find such people. After the first day, I felt comfortable, like I belonged. I think I have found the college of my dreams, thank you. — Melanie H., NJ My week at Christendom was a life-changing experience for me. Prior to the program, I thought I had planned out my life. And, I regret to say, Christendom played no part in my plan. That one week at Christendom threw my world upside-down. The unmistakable Catholic aura of the college, manifested most beautifully during Mass and Adoration, touched me deeply. — Nicholas D., MD

It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced and I didn’t want to leave! Everything was unsurpassable in quality - from the intellectually challenging courses to the enthusiastic counselors, the never-ending fun-filled adventure and bountiful feasts! I enjoyed the counselors’ captivating tales of scholastic conquest in the academic world as well as the spiritual gains of the “Breathe Catholic” atmosphere of the Christendom College campus. I hope with a fiery passion to attend Christendom College in the future after my experience there this summer. I feel like we were made for each other! — Flannery M., VA When I first arrived on campus I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but over the next few days I saw unfold before my eyes a vision of how the world should be. The atmosphere on campus was infectious and I was soon completely in love with all the sights, sounds, activities, and people. For the first time in my life I was surrounded by young people who are in love with Jesus and His Church as much as I am. — William S., KY I had one of the best weeks of my life! It included incredible professors and class material, fun activities, and the chance to make friends. Coming from a public school, it was a real blessing to share and grow in our faith with other kids who accepted the same set of religious principles. This week gave me a new definition of what a true Catholic college is. — Jason Y., VA

I can honestly say it was one of the best weeks of my life. Everything, from the classes, to the activities, to the quiet times in the chapel helped me to grow in my faith, and ingrain myself in Christian culture. — Alex H., MO

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into everything you do, and I enjoyed it so much! Now, I can’t imagine going to a college that’s even a tiny bit weaker in its faith than Christendom. — Mary P., AZ

Words cannot describe how much fun I had at Christendom College this summer! I really thought that I didn’t want to go there because I had my mind set on going to Texas A&M for my medical degree. But after going to the summer program, my mind was shifted and converted in a single week! Christendom College truly is one of the best colleges I have ever heard of and to turn my whole mind and goals around in one week is truly something amazing. — Timothy M., TX Before I went to the summer program, Christendom was the last place on earth that I would have thought about attending for college. After the summer program, my view on Christendom has changed completely and now it is one of my first choices for college. — Stephen T., PA

When I arrived at the Christendom Summer Program I was pretty sure that I would not want to be coming back next year for college.

However, after spending time on campus taking classes, doing activities, and just hanging out with all the awesome people at Christendom, I have totally changed my mind. At Christendom College, I truly realized what is means to “Breathe Catholic.” — Jack B., TN It was the happiest, most wonderful week of my life, with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. And yet, I have had the hardest time describing my experience to my friends and family! It is unlike anything you have ever encountered, or will ever encounter. The Catholic faith is truly incorporated

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More than anything, I loved the “Catholic air” that flowed through every aspect of life at Christendom, not only in church but in the social activities and academics as well. — Katie T., VA The Christendom summer program was a refreshing, life-changing experience! I so enjoyed living in a Catholic environment with peers who wanted to truly practice their faith.

I can truly say that the program was possibly the best week of my life! — Rebecca N., KY The whole week was wonderful! The professors were interesting and funny and you can tell they really like what they do. I enjoyed the daily Mass, Adoration, and Rosary – it was so neat to be around other teenagers who are reverent in church. Like they say, “Breathe Catholic,” but it does NOT mean a place filled with snobbish “holy rollers.” It’s just that the Catholic faith is everywhere. I can’t wait to come back!! — Sarah J., PA The “Experience Christendom” Summer Program was the best thing that ever happened to me. The fun there was like things you thought would only be in movies. At ECSP, I experienced life to its fullest!! — Gabrielle M., VA When I first arrived at Christendom, I told myself that I would never want to go to college there. That soon changed. Everything at Christendom was amazing. The classes were not like any other classes I’ve ever taken. The counselors were really good role models. Everyone there shared the same beliefs I did and loved God just like me. I was so blessed to be able to partake in this camp at Christendom, a place where you truly “Breathe Catholic.” — Alexandra H., CT I came to Christendom expecting to have fun just because a few of my friends were going.

What I wasn’t expecting was to love the college for its own sake and to have one of the best weeks of my life. I have rarely experienced God’s presence as tangibly as I did at Christendom. The classes were engaging and inspiring and the counselors were amazing!

— Anna S., VA In one week at Christendom, I learned so

much and feel like I’ve grown closer to God. I was able to fully be myself because of the Catholic atmosphere and without the peer pressure. I felt like I was really living my life to the fullest. I had thought that the people would be wearing overalls, have no taste in music, or have no sense of humor, but I was way wrong. Everyone was so full of life and real and they did everything for God. I felt free to be Catholic and to be myself. I feel like I’ve grown spiritually and have started to gain the courage to say “yes” to whatever God tells me to do and it was all because of my experience at Christendom. Being at Christendom was like Heaven on earth. — Stephanie H., VA

The ESCP week that I went to was the best week of my life. I saw for myself that Christendom students really do “Breathe Catholic” because everything we did was with a Catholic atmosphere. — Lindsay T, OH The week that I spent at Christendom College was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It was an amazing week, much more than I expected. — Maggie S., CA Before going on the Christendom College summer program, I was very skeptical about going on a week-long “Catholic camp.” I was absolutely sure that I would never go to Christendom since it was way too Catholic.

My week at Christendom College completely changed my outlook and I had a blast! I loved every minute of camp. — Evelyn H., VA Four ECSP sessions are scheduled for the summer of 2011 – Session 1: June 11-18, Session 2: June 19-26, Session 3: July 2-9, and Session 4: July 10-17. Registration will begin in January.

Faculty and Staff Inspire Board Member

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Board member Richard Esposito says that many of the academics he knows are politically correct and get on his nerves — but not the ones he knows from Christendom. In fact, he finds the faculty and staff of Christendom inspiring.

“It is always a joy to meet and speak with them,” he says.

radar for a long time, hearing of it frequently from friends and The Wanderer newspaper.

In September of 2003, he joined the Board of Directors.

“I’m impressed with the students — their appearance, the way they carry themselves with intelligence and love of the Faith and Jesus Christ,” he says.

A native of Brooklyn, NY, He describes Christendom as Esposito is the founder and Board member Richard Esposito. “a first-class college.” owner of Lighthouse Wealth Management, LLC, a firm that takes a “holistic” approach “It is competitive with any secular or religious to wealth management: providing clear, easy- school, while faithfully following the teachings to-understand advice and specific guidance of the Church — without exception,” he says. on any and all matters related to money.

Esposito and his wife, Lida, have five sons Christendom College has been on Esposito’s and currently reside in the Bronx.

From the President...

an effort in applying contemporary technology solutions to try to enhance the campus communication network and student learning skills. By leveraging technology in an appropriate way, this will not only encourage the proper stewardship of our resources and will save money, but also enhance the interconnectedness found here on our campus.

Strategic vision four involves efforts to prepare our graduates to meet the challenges of securing financially beneficial careers and attending diverse graduate programs. The motto of the College, of course, is “to restore all things in Christ,” and this can best be done graduating leaders who are dedicated to the lay apostolate and who are in a position to contribute to the Christian renovation of the temporal order.

Thus, the development of a top-notch career development program is absolutely essential to our future, particularly given the uncertainty of the economic climate.

Strategic vision five seeks to offer our students a wide variety of diverse activities and opportunities, in order to ensure their understanding of today’s society and strengthen their determination to enter into that society as effective lay apostles. One of the primary goals of the Christendom education, as I said earlier, is to form leaders to help guide the Church and our society in the new evangelization.

Strategic vision six concerns the importance of

continued from page 2 continuing to try to strengthen our academic program by enhancing the integration of Faith and reason, according to the perennial wisdom of the Catholic liberal arts tradition. This will include strengthening, in particular, the offerings that we provide our students in mathematics and science.

Strategic vision seven involves an aggressive effort to continue to recruit and enroll students who are intellectually prepared for the rigor of the College’s liberal arts program, who share enthusiastically in our vibrant Catholic community, and who will best respond to the education offered. This will involve the development of an integrated recruitment plan that will seek to boost the number of inquiries, visits, applications, and enrollments each year.

It was remarkable to see the strong consensus that was felt on the part of all the various constituencies of the College concerning this strategic plan. This will afford us concrete working goals to guide us for the next five to ten years.

None of these things would be possible were it not for your commitment to the mission of Christendom College and to the vision espoused in this plan. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity and support. I ask you, particularly during this difficult time, to continue to support us, and if at all possible, augment it, that the great work of the College may continue and flourish, despite the current economic turmoil in our country.

Pope Acknowledges Spiritual Bouquet

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During the summer, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged the reception of a spiritual bouquet from the Christendom College community. College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell received a letter from the Vatican’s Office of the Secretary of State, which imparted the Pope’s Apostolic Blessing on all who participated in the bouquet.

The letter stated, “His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI gratefully acknowledges the spiritual bouquet sent for his intentions. He very much appreciates the prayerful support given to him in his ministry to the universal Church. Upon all who have remembered him in their prayers the Holy Father invokes joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ and cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing.”

While in Rome this spring, O’Donnell presented the spiritual bouquet to Francis Cardinal Arinze, who accepted the bouquet on the Pope’s behalf and promised to personally deliver it.

“It is crucial that we, as Catholics, express our loyalty and support for the Holy Father as a priest and as the supreme teacher,” said O’Donnell.

The bouquet was given as an act of thanksgiving and solidarity during the Year of the Priest. Contributions were collected over an eight-month period on campus and on Christendom’s website. The bouquet enumerated 1,343 Masses, 556 Holy Hours, 2,225 Rosaries, 637 visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and 1,202 Chaplets of Divine Mercy.

“I do hope that this gave him some consolation as he continues to shepherd the church with such courage and fidelity,” O’Donnell said.

Cardinal Arinze received the spiritual bouquet from Dr. O’Donnell and later gave it to the Pope.

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New Rome Program Directors Excited for Fall in the Eternal City

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Christendom College’s Junior Semester in Rome Program—now in its eighth year— has two new and enthusiastic leaders: John Noronha and Katy Ott. Noronha will be the Program Director and Ott will serve as the Associate Director.

“Both are well positioned to build in an excellent way on the academic, formational, and spiritual strengths of the program,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Steve Snyder says.

“I am very excited to be a part of the mission of Christendom ‘to restore all things to Christ,’ with the goal of education being to learn the Truth and live by it,” Noronha says.

“I am hoping to build on the good foundation laid by the former directors and help the students truly experience the universality and unity of the Church while experiencing a personal connection with the Pope and the story of the Church.”

Noronha has spent two years living in Rome, an experience he describes as “spiritually enriching.” He hopes to share his knowledge of the Eternal City with the students.

“Rome has such a profound wealth of history, art, and culture, and when this is understood in the light of Christianity, it leaves a lasting impression on the hearts and souls of the faithful,” he says.

Ott shares Noronha’s desire to facilitate the students’ growth.

John Noronha, Beth Doherty, and Katy Ott are Christendom’s Rome Program staff members. to go back again,” Doherty says. “The last two semesters provided a truly stellar group of students and I look forward to meeting and serving more Christendom juniors this year.”

Doherty says that the Rome Program takes students out of their comfort zone, helping them discover their own resources and find a healthy balance between independence and dependence.

“The pilgrimage mentality of the Rome Program emphasizes our complete dependence on Christ,” she says. “Students grow in their knowledge of themselves and their ability to handle a variety of situations. These situa-

tions can range from city living and cultural experiences to encounters with themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, and even their ultimate vocations.”

According to Noronha, what sets Christendom’s program apart from other universities is the students themselves.

“They already have a solid grounding in faith, morals, and spirituality—the true Catholic way of life,” he says. “By coming to Rome they will be able to mature and to take this way of life to the next level.

“I hope the students will leave Rome with a renewed exuberance and joy in their faith.”

“I hope that they are able to grow in faith, cultural awareness, and in their understanding of the Italian language,” Ott says.

Ott has been impressed with the unwavering support from the Christendom community.

“Everyone has been forthcoming in offering information, suggestions, and prayers.

Their support provides a solid foundation for the Rome Program and enables it to remain relatively seamlessly connected to the Front Royal campus and maintain Christendom’s academic rigor abroad,” she says.

Joining Noronha and Ott for a second year as the program’s resident coordinator is Christendom alumna Beth Doherty.

“I got a good taste of Rome and I am excited

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Students stay in the Residence Candia (marked above in red) and take classes in a convent located directly next to the Vatican (marked with an X).

Summer Study Abroad Program Takes on the Emerald Isle

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From July 26 to August 13, Christendom’s Summer Study Abroad Program immersed itself in Irish history, literature, and culture.

Beginning with a week of classes in Irish history and literature on Christendom’s Front Royal, VA, campus, a group of students, alumni, friends of the College, and others prepared for two weeks abroad on the Emerald Isle. Alumnus Father Kevin Walsh ‘87 served as chaplain of the tour, providing daily Mass and confession. The group was also blessed to have in its company another priest, Fr. Miles Walsh of Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. Timothy O’Donnell, Mrs. Cathy O’Donnell, and Dr. Patrick Keats served as the main tour guides.

During the journey, the Christendom group visited each of the four provinces of Ireland – Munster, Leinster, Ulster, and Connaught.

The major stops were in Killarney, Galway, Knock, Donegal, and Dublin.

Throughout the tour, the group visited many important religious sites. Among these were the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick baptized the King of Munster; Clonmacnoise, home of Saint Kieran; the Shrine at Knock, where Our Lady appeared in 1879; Ballintubber Abbey, where Mass has been celebrated for the past 800 years; the Hill of Slane, where St. Patrick lit the Paschal Fire in defiance of the pagan king in nearby Tara; and the ruins of St. Kevin’s monastery at Glendalough in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains.

One of the highlights of the tour was the trip to Inishmore on the Aran Islands, the site of the 3000-year-old Celtic cliff-top stone fort of Dun Aenghus and the Church of St. Benan, a contemporary of St. Patrick. From there, it was on to Donegal, a beautiful city in the northwest of Ireland. During their time in Donegal, the group was blessed to have Mass at a Mass Rock, at which two priests were killed during the penal days. Having Mass at this sacred location reminded each of the pilgrims of the sacrifices people have endured to preserve and practice their Catholic Faith.

On the way to Dublin, the group stopped at Armagh, the Primatial See of Ireland, for Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and then visited St. Peter’s Church in Drogheda, where the incorrupt head of St. Oliver Plunkett is preserved.

More people than ever took part in this summer’s Christendom in Ireland program.

The Christendom pilgrims returned to the US with a renewed gratitude for their Catholic

Record Year... universities.

Two high schools in Manassas, VA, are also showing more interest in Christendom. Eleven students from Seton High School and four students from Holy Family Academy are freshmen at Christendom this year. Over the years, graduates of these two popular high schools have been applying and enrolling at Christendom, but this year their numbers grew.

Freshman Jordan Mann, who graduated from Seton Home Study, says he chose Christendom because it was the school that best integrated the Faith with every aspect of life, “from the most fun game to the most difficult assignment.”

Mann is also impressed by the alumni he has met from Christendom.

“They have been able to do wonderful things for the Church and their communities because of their Christendom education. I decided that this is the kind of education I want to have so that I can do comparable things with it,” he says.

Freshman Jennifer Nussio, a 2009 “Experience Christendom” Summer Program participant, says she chose Christendom because she saw that it was “spiritually rich and academically challenging.”

“I wanted the benefits that Christendom offers to every student, a residence hall that feels like home, a curriculum that never ceas-

Faith and a lasting appreciation for the country of Ireland, its history, and heritage. continued from page 3 es to be fascinating, a collection of students, faculty, and staff that form a family, and the most beautiful Sacrifice of the Mass offered at the heart of the campus,” Nussio says.

The rest of the freshman class comes from 29 US States and three foreign countries (Ireland, England, and Canada).

“This economic recession has impacted Christendom in a good way,” says McFadden.

“You have to be flexible—be able to adapt— and have faith in God in this job market, and nothing prepares you better for that than Christendom’s liberal arts education. People are realizing this, and I think that is why we had one of our best recruiting years ever.”

The new year began with a very successful orientation weekend, organized by members of the Student Life office, which concluded with the Mass of the Holy Spirit, offered by the Diocese of Arlington’s Bishop Paul Loverde.

During that Mass, the entire faculty, with College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell leading, made a solemn profession of Faith and made an Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium. Christendom remains one of the only Catholic colleges in the US to have its entire faculty make this oath on an annual basis.

The entire College community looks forward to a wonderful year, growing in wisdom and, holiness. To keep up with weekly activities, please read the weekly online newsletter, The Chronicler, found on www.christendom.edu.

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Alumni Use Christendom Education to Publish the Truth

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Behind some of today’s most popular Catholic or conservative publishers you may just find one of Christendom’s alumni. Their education has equipped them to excel in this mass means of communication as a tool for spreading the Truth.

“From things as seemingly trivial as what typeface to use for a particular book, to how to present a concept to one of my superiors, to whether we should edit a certain passage in a book — my ability to step back from a project or situation and analyze it in light of its ‘end’ is invaluable,” she says.

Alumna Robyn Lee is the Managing Editor for the popular Faith & Family Aside from her Christenmagazine and the Editorial dom education aiding her in Assistant for the widely disthe technical aspects of the tributed National Catholic job, Bratt sees the formation Register. Lee graduated in she received at Christendom 2002, majoring in philosoas a powerful tool in daily phy with a minor in theol- Alumna Robyn Lee ‘02. tasks and personal interacogy. tion in the office.

“Faith and reason — what an awesome combination,” Lee says. “Every day I see how my solid grounding in these disciplines, together with my Christendom-aided understanding of the truths of the Catholic faith, has proven an essential tool for succeeding in the ‘real world.’ I frequently find myself drawing on my education in compiling information for my articles, handling readers’ questions, and serving our writers and editors.”

Lee got involved with Faith & Family and the Register because she wanted the opportunity to use her “God-given skills to help the Church proclaim the Gospel.” She knew that her versatile liberal arts education would give her the tools she needed to be successful.

“The fact that I had a liberal arts degree from Christendom College was instrumental in landing my position,” she says, “and my education is crucial to my daily work with the paper and the magazine.”

“Truly professional behavior requires quite a bit of self-discipline which, if not motivated by virtue, becomes hard to sustain,” Bratt says. “I have found I perform my job with much more success and enjoyment when I pay attention to how I can apply my understanding of the virtuous life in all of my day to day tasks.”

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“I am certainly a better writer after going to Christendom,” Tappe says, “but much of the editorial process requires clear thinking and an ability to see the big picture—as well as the small details— all at the same time. To the extent that I can do that, it’s credited almost entirely to the liberal arts education I received at Christendom.”

An English Language and Literature major from the class of 2007, Tappe says that he loves his job.

“It’s a lot of fun to read and craft books all day.”

Lee also loves her job. She recently added a blog to her list of activities at Faith & Family (www. faithandfamilylive.com/author/RobynLee).

Bratt calls this understand- Alumnus Christian Tappe ‘07. ing of the virtuous life Christendom’s “se- sion!” cret weapon.” She finds that it enables her to put her thoughts and work in better order.

“Christendom not only helped me launch a career I love,” Lee says, “but also strengthened my faith as I help build the kingdom of God. Our Lord calls us to bring as many souls as we can to Him. Christendom has laid the foundation for me to participate in this mis-

College Forgives Debts of Alumni Religious

“It is an ability that many people do not possess, or even realize is important,” she says.

Alumnus Christian Tappe, who came to the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) from conservative publishing giant Regnery in 2009, is also excelling as an editor.

ISI, a non-profit organization, seeks to give college A member of the class of Alumna Lesly Bratt ‘04. students a better under2004, Bratt is the Production Editor for standing of the values and institutions that Saint Benedict Press, a Catholic publishing sustain a free and humane society through company in Charlotte, NC, which recently publications, conferences, and the like. At acquired TAN Books.

ISI, Tappe is the Assistant Editor and PubliAlumna Lesly Bratt couldn’t agree more. “My ability to think clearly and with the ‘mind of the Church’ is constantly put to good use,” Bratt says.

cations Office Manager.

Most dioceses and religious orders require young men and women entering seminaries or convents to be completely debt-free. As a result, many college graduates are unable to enter the seminary or convent until they have paid off their loans.

But this is not the case for Christendom alumni. Since its founding, Christendom has been writing off loans of its alumni who choose to enter the religious life (over 100 alumni have entered the priesthood or religious life).

Any student who receives a loan from Christendom College, and then enters a religious order which requires vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience does not have to pay back his or her loan to Christendom.

Omnia in Christo Understanding Authentic Freedom: Some Lessons from Homer’s Odyssey During a 1987 visit to the United States—the Land of the Free—John Paul II said that “the only true freedom, the only freedom that can truly satisfy, is the freedom to do what we ought as human beings created by God according to His plan.” The late Holy Father maintains that any use of freedom that fails to be informed or guided by God or God’s will is not an authentic freedom. Freedom, while a capacity great in dignity, is not an end in itself—we do not so much value freedom for its own sake as for the sake of something else; we value freedom for the sake of those other good things we hope to attain in life through freedom.

In describing the traditional conception of human freedom as the condition for choosing the good, which is in its fullest sense God and God’s will for us, John Paul II underscored the indissolubility of freedom and responsibility.

Thomas W. Stanford III, Ph.D.

informed by piety, by the absolute acceptance of a more perfect and powerful divine will; that is, a faith that can move mountains (or kill suitors). Thus, Athena chastises Odysseus, who, just before the test of the bow, doubts if he can kill the suitors against such imposing odds, and wonders what will happen afterwards. Athena says: “Your touching faith! Another man would trust / some villainous mortal, with no brains—and what / am I? Your goddess-guardian to the end in all your trials.” Athena answers the question of man’s impiety plainly: it is a question of choosing whom to trust. Is one to exercise one’s freedom in order to trust imperfect and limited human desire; or, is one to exercise one’s freedom to trust the divine directive? After his free-will assent to Athena, the divine will finally guides and empowers Odysseus to re-establish order in his home.

And, when asked to by Athena to “command” himself and cease his pursuit of a group of men that had threatened him in the final scene of the Odyssey, Odysseus obeys and, we are told, his “heart was glad.” His felicity is a product, then, of his discipline, and his free choice has produced more freedom: as a product of exercising his freedom well and disciplining his—at times—wayward will, he is now fully free to fulfill his vocation as husband, father, and King of Ithaka.

There is no question that the literature of classical antiquity stresses the benefits of cooperating with the divine will and, thus, the The power of human freedom is perhaps never more in evidence necessity for the responsible than when one chooses to discipline of the passions. In The power of human freedom is perhaps never make the divine desire his own, the pagan world of ancient more in evidence than when one chooses to as is witnessed in the case of Greece and Rome, he is most Odysseus. This conception of free, it seems, whose will is most make the divine desire his own, as is witnessed freedom finds its fulfillment, in accord with the will of the in the case of Odysseus. This conception of of course, only in Christ’s gods. Whether in the case of freedom finds its fulfillment, of course, only in acceptance, in Gethsemane, of Diomedes in Homer’s Iliad or the will of the Father. As it is Orestes in Aeschylus’ Oresteia, Christ’s acceptance, in Gethsemane, of the will Christ who “fully reveals man disciplined cooperation with of the Father. to himself ” (Gaudium et Spes), Athena, the goddess of wisdom, it is Christ Who, in emptying inevitably brings rewards. For those who would flout the will of the Himself to cooperate with the will of the Father, gives all men gods, such as the suitors of Penelope in Homer’s Odyssey, there will be the model for the exercise of freedom. St. Teresa Benedicta of the a reckoning. If they cannot order themselves and bring their wills into Cross (Edith Stein) elegantly explains the meaning of authentic line with the divine will, they must pay a steep price, as the suitors freedom: do when they lose their lives. But Odysseus himself, the instrument The soul has the right to make decisions that concern herself. It is of divine justice upon the suitors, must first order himself—discipline the great mystery of personal freedom, before which God himself himself—so that he can fully comply with the will of Athena and comes to a halt. He wants his sovereign authority over created return home to his duties as king, husband, and father. spirits only as a free gift of their love. He knows the thoughts of If we are to give ourselves over to the divine will and to others through the heart. He sees through the deepest foundations and abysses of love (as authority figures, as husband and wife, as parents) it requires the soul . . . . But he does not yet want to take possession of her that we first possess ourselves, since we cannot give what we do not without her wanting it herself. Yet he does everything to achieve possess. That is to say, we must master ourselves in order to give the free surrender of her will to his as a gift of her love in order, ourselves up to the divine will or to give ourselves over to our families. then, to be able to lead her to the bliss of union.

The Odyssey suggests, then, that from discipline and submission a more perfect freedom will arise so that one can better follow one’s What better use of freedom, God’s great gift to us, than to bring vocation. As Tiresias warns Odysseus in the Underworld, the way us closer to God, in whom we find genuine happiness and our true home—the way to peace and fulfillment—lies through a “narrow home? strait,” which Tiresias defines as “denial of self, restraint of shipmates” (XI.118-19). Tiresias does not give Odysseus a topographical map Thomas W. Stanford III, PhD, is Associate Professor and Chairman of the with directions, but rather an interior, moral map: virtue, the “narrow Department of English Language and Literature at Christendom College.

He earned his BA and MA in English from the University of Dallas, and strait” between the extremes, is the only way to achieve the goal. his PhD from the Catholic University of America. He and his wife, Mary, But, Odysseus’ story also illustrates that self-discipline must be have five children.

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134 Christendom Drive Front Royal, VA 22630 Return Service Requested

Why do the Wursters Support Christendom?

“We were introduced to Christendom College at a reception held at the end of a Wanderer conference in 1996. As we learned more about the school, particularly its refusal to accept government financial assistance, it was obvious that financial aid from third parties was essential for the operational needs of the school, as well as for providing many students with financial aid for costs associated with their educational needs.

Later, we were able to spend a day attending classes with the students and were impressed, not only by the energetic faculty, but also by the intellect and enthusiasm of the students.

The curriculum is ideal for producing vibrant Catholic scholars who, with their liberal arts education, are prepared to participate in their chosen professions. The opportunities to practice their faith through daily Mass, rosary groups, Adoration, and confession are especially important.

With the able and devoted administrators, the astute and energetic faculty, enthusiastic students, a beautiful and modern campus, we are delighted to financially help Christendom College continue to send forth well-formed, committed Catholic men and women who will carry Christ’s Gospel well into the twentyfirst century and beyond.” – Gene & Cathy Wurster Contact VP of Advancement, John F. Ciskanik (jciskanik@christendom.edu), if you are interested in joining Christendom’s loyal family of benefactors and helping “send forth well-formed, committed Catholic men and women” who will work to “restore all things in Christ.”

Gene and Cathy Wurster, VA Members, President’s Council