Instaurare | Summer 2017

Instaurare The C hristendom College M agazine

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Commencement · · · 201 7

. . . y l i m o m r a f f s e We arsets of siblinguates!

8 110 grad our

The Beauty of the Sacrament of Penance | At the Intersection of Finance and the Liberal Arts Lessons from Managing the Marine Corps Budget | Crusader Rugby: National Champions

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VOLUME 25 | NUMBER 2 | SUMMER 2017 Published three times yearly by the Christendom College Marketing Office.

Executive Editor: Tom McFadden Managing Editor & Design/Layout: Niall O’Donnell Photos: Zachary Smith, Niall O’Donnell, Sarah Ziegler, Tamlyn Sheng, Bernadette Rohan, Tracy Dunne Photography (pg. 5) Contributors: Zachary Smith, Matthew Worley, Fr. Anthony Stephens Christendom College 134 Christendom Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630 800.877.5456 | christendom.edu Copyright © 2017. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the following credit line is used: “Reprinted by permission from INSTAURARE, the official magazine of Christendom College (christendom.edu).” SUBSCRIPTION FREE UPON REQUEST. Instaurare magazine (pronounced “in-sta-rar-ay”) receives its name from the Latin in the college’s motto, “Instaurare Omnia in Christo” or “To Restore All Things in Christ.”

Christendom College does not discriminate against any applicant or student on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADVISORS TO THE BOARD

Donna Fitzpatrick Bethell, Chair Douglas Dewey, Vice Chair John Cecconi, Treasurer Robert Scrivener ’81, Secretary Martin Boles Eugene D’Agostino Richard Esposito Richard R. Hough III Timothy O’Donnell, ex officio Stephen O’Keefe ’93 Vincenzo La Ruffa Mary Beth Riordan Mark Swartzberg Thomas West Luanne Zurlo

Mary Ellen Bork Bernadette Casey-Smith Robert Crnkovich Philip Crotty John DeMatteo Robert P. George Daniel Gorman Joan Janaro Katherine McAvoy Rev. C. John McCloskey III John McNeice Joseph Melancon Rev. Robert Morey Robert Mylod Hon. James Nicholson Rev. George W. Rutler Mark Ryland Rev. William Saunders Hon. Rick Santorum Owen Smith Marjorie Teetor David Vicinanzo George Weigel Thomas Young Eugene Zurlo

ON THE COVER

Eight sets of siblings from the Class of 2017.

Read more on page 16.

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“The summary of all natural and Christian anthropology is to say ‘dare to be great’ in the grace of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

– Cardinal Gehard Müller Cardinal Müller delivered the commencement address, which focused on Christian anthropology, inspiring graduates to recognize Christ in others as they now enter into a fuller participation with society.

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Inside This Issue 11

Commencement 2017 At the 38th Commencement Weekend the college awarded a record-setting 110 Bachelor of Arts degrees.

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Making the World Better Alumnus Patrick Weinert is on a mission to make the world a better place by sharing what he’s learned through managing the budget of the U.S. Marine Corps.

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Washed Clean Alumnus Fr. Anthony Stephens examines the beauty of the sacrament of Penance and the importance of prominent and beautiful confessionals.

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From the President

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A Call to Greatness: Campaign Update

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Alumni Priests and Religious Support the Campaign

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Interview with Benefactor: Dr. Elizabeth Frauenhoffer

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In the Classroom: On the Eternity of the World

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We Are Family: Class of 2017’s Eight Sets of Siblings

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Arts of Discourse: The Senior Thesis

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Photo Album

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Students Study under Renowned Philologist

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Finance and the Liberal Arts

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Faculty Notes

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Instagram: #mychristendom

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National Champions: Crusader Rugby Rises to the Top

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Classmates: Alumni News

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Persecution and the Perseverance of Japanese Christians SUMMER 2017

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Bursting Bubbles FROM PRESIDENT DR. TIMOTHY O’DONNELL’S CHARGE TO THE GRADUATES Before my youngest daughter, Dubh, entered a cloistered Poor Clare Monastery, she expressed a desire and longing to visit Ireland just one last time— and we of course agreed. We landed at Shannon airport and immediately set out for the west coast to County Clare. It was a stormy and windy day. She wanted to see one last time the majestic Cliffs of Moher, sheer cliffs that dramatically rise over 700 feet above the surging Atlantic. When we arrived, a sign said that access to the cliffs and parking area were closed. A gale was blowing off the Atlantic with winds over 80 miles an hour. Of course, we ignored the sign.

We were not going to let a gale stop us. We got out of the car and Dubh set off for the cliffs. I grabbed Cathy’s hand and arm and we battled the wind with difficulty, keeping low and struggling to lean forward.

Fortunately, the Visitor’s Center was still open. I took Cathy inside for shelter and noticed that Dubh had not gone inside. I went out to look for her, and the vision of what I beheld is still deeply etched in my mind.

“You have been striving to lead a life of virtue, centered on Christ and the sacraments, living faith, hope, and charity and striving for greatness.”

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She was standing on the highest cliff with the wind blowing through her dark hair and she was taking in the power and grandeur of the storm. When I began to struggle toward her and the cliffs, I saw an amazing sight. The wind was blowing so hard that it was blowing the seafoam up from the crashing waves, 700 feet below, off the face of the cliffs, sending enormous bubbles of foam over the land directly at me. It was surreal. It was an amazing sight and experience, for as the bubble wind-driven foam hit me in the face, it contained within it all the freshness and exuberance of the sea. It bore within itself the tangy salty taste of reality, which refreshed and exhilarated me.

Christendom has sometimes been pejoratively referred to as a “bubble.” For the past four years in this so-called “bubble,” you have been studying philosophy in the pursuit of wisdom; theology with its knowledge of God and His mysteries; history with its rich patrimony of faith and real heroes “who have made a difference;” great works of literature, drinking in what men and women of genius and profound insight have given to us; political science examining the common good and the nature of a just social order; classical languages, the intellectual scabbard of the mind; mathematics with Euclidean proofs giving the certitude that the mind truly can know things.

For four years, you have been studying the perennial

things. The great questions you have wrestled with: Who is man? What is the meaning of life? Who is God? Why am I here? What am I called to do?

In addition, many of you went overseas to study in Rome, in Ireland, traveled on mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Honduras, or you distributed goods to the homeless in D.C. Many also participated in Shield of Roses, counseling and praying in the face of the great evil of our time—abortion. You have been striving to lead a life of virtue, centered on Christ and the sacraments, living faith, hope, and charity and striving for greatness. Whatever this socalled “bubble” is, it is really and truly an immersion in what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful, and I would add, what is noble!

And even if we fall short on occasion, as Saint John Paul the Great reminded the youth of the world, “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures, we are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son.” It struck me that this so-called “bubble” truly is the real world. For you, like your forefathers, worship a Divine Person and are part of an entity that is venerated and loved because they both are concrete and real in a way in which no myth, no ideology, or any falsehood ever could be. Countless numbers of our brothers and sisters are trapped inside miasmic bubbles, of secular ideologies, untruths, confusion and doubt, loneliness and despair.

My hope, my prayer, and my charge to you this day is: May you always carry this concrete reality of the true, the good, and the beautiful with you wherever you go.

May you always bear Christ joyfully in your heart, and when you encounter, as you will, those toxic bubbles which have imprisoned your brothers and sisters, may you joyfully and confidently share the bursting forth of your bubble with that strong breeze of the Spirit with all its freshness, its exuberance—that freshness and exuberance of the Gospel that flows from the eternal sea, that it may wash over them and guide them to the One Who alone can set them free. Instaurare Omnia in Christo! God bless you all.

Praise be Jesus Christ now and forever!

A Call to Greatness |

A Call to Greatness THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE

U P D A T E

THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE

The college is boldly moving forward in faith with a $40 million comprehensive campaign.

$13.5 Million CHRIST THE KING PROJECT

$13 Million ANNUAL FUND

$13.5 Million ENDOWMENT FUND

campaign.christendom.edu

Campaign Progress $ 3 2 ,4 2 3 ,6 5 8 o f $ 4 0 M I L L I O N rais e d 81%

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THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE

S pi ritua l Family Bands Tog e t h er to Bu i l d C onfessionals Alumni Priests and Religious Support the Campaign

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elow is a list of alumni religious who have confirmed their spiritual and/or financial support of the new Christ the King Chapel project. The list includes 51 priests, 12 religious sisters, one permanent deacon, two transitional deacons, and 14 seminarians.

A Call to Greatness |

PRIESTS Rev. Zachary J. Akers, F.S.S.P. ’05 Rev. Jacob N. Almeter ’06 Rev. Charles J. Bak, M.S.A. ’91 Rev. Kevin J. Beres ’96 Rev. Msgr. Michael C. Bliss ’86 Rev. Michael Bowman, O.S.B. ’86 Rev. Joseph Mary D. Brown ’85 Rev. Thomas Cahill, M.J. ’82 Rev. Ben J. Cameron, C.P.M. ’91 Rev. Louis J. Caporiccio, C.P.M. ’92 Rev. Hezekias Carnazzo ’04 Rev. William Casey, C.P.M. ’91 Rev. Michael G. Cermak ’87 Rev. Jacinto Mary Chapin ’03 Rev. Philip D. Clement ’02 Rev. Michael Diemer, M.J. ’82 Rev. Denis M. Donahue ’89 Rev. Francis G. Fusare, C.P.M. ’91 Rev. James C. Grau ’08 Rev. Frederick W. Gruber ’06 Rev. Jerome J. Guld ’87 Rev. Daniel R. Heenan, F.S.S.P. ’05 Rev. Albert J. Heidecke ’89 Rev. John F. Heisler ’95 Rev. Thomas M. Longua, F.S.S.P. ’92

As of June, these alumni contributed a combined total of $86,500 towards their goal of sponsoring three confessionals.

This represents 57% of the goal of $150,000. Additionally, the chapel project is being held up in prayer by more than 19 convents and monasteries around the world.

Rev. Bjorn C. Lundberg ’97 Rev. Alexander C. McCullough ’09 Rev. Stephen F. McGraw ’88 Rev. Noah C. Morey ’08 Rev. Edward W. Murphy ’83 Rev. Basil Nortz, O.R.C. Rev. Robert E. Nortz ’85 Rev. Carroll L. Oubre ’87 Rev. Kevin T. M. Peek ’92 Rev. Francis J. Peffley ’86 Rev. Christopher J. Pelster, F.S.S.P. ’06 Rev. Joseph H. Portzer, F.S.S.P. ’94 Rev. Antonio W. Ramos ’91 Rev. Matthew Rensch ’11 Rev. Michael J. Ruddick ’98 Rev. Gerard C. Saguto, F.S.S.P. ’98 Rev. Robert Louis Schmid ’08 Rev. Michael A. Stein ’04 Rev. Anthony M. Stephens, C.P.M. ’99 Rev. Michael G. Taylor ’89 Rev. Thomas P. Vander Woude ’88 Rev. Kevin B. Walsh ’87 Rev. Mark E. Wenzinger, O.S.B. ’80 Rev. Shaun P. Whittington ’01 Rev. David M. Wilton, C.P.M. ’89 Rev. Matthew H. Zuberbueler ’92

RELIGIOUS SISTERS Sister Mary Immaculate of the Eternal Father Almeter, O.C.D. ’98 Mother Therese Dodge, R.S.C.J. ’06 Sister Mary Jordan Friemoth, O.P. ’05 Sister Juana Maria de la Cruz Guarnizo ’94 Sister Benedicta Marie of the Holy Cross Hain ’09 Sister Maria Rita of the Mother of God Kelly ’09 Sister Mary Agnes of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Peek, O.C.D. ’83 Sister Auriesville Pennefather, S.S.V.M. ’93 Sister Miriam Esther of the Pierced Heart of Jesus Podlinsek, O.S.B. ’05 Sister Peter Verona Bodoh, O.P. ’96 Sister Mary Lawrence Wright, O.P. ’08 Sister Mary Anne Zuberbueler, O.P. ’89

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Artist rendering of interior of the south transept of Christ the King Chapel. Confessional doors can be seen flanking the statues.

Sister Mary Lawrence Wright, O.P. ’08 Principal, Saint Paul Catholic School Memphis, Tennessee

Nicholas Blank ’13 Diocese of Arlington Seminarian Mount St. Mary's Seminary Emmitsburg, Maryland

“Christendom College's very motto is ‘To restore all things in Christ,’ and that would not be possible without Christ being at the heart of all we do. Like the old chapel, the new one will be the spiritual heart of the campus, a visible and beautiful emblem of the college's mission, as well as a testimony to the late Dr. Carroll's words: ‘Truth exists, the Incarnation happened.’”

Fr. Gerard Saguto, F.S.S.P. ’98 North American District Superior Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter South Abington Township, Pennsylvania

"The chapel is the heart of life on campus. I pray that this new chapel will change the lives of generations of future Christendom students by drawing them more deeply into union with God through the beauty and awe of the sacred liturgy."

Sister Mary Jordan, O.P. (formerly Ida Friemoth) ’05 Novice Mistress Dominican Nuns Marbury, Alabama

SEMINARIANS Mr. Nicholas F. Blank ’13 Mr. Philip Briggs ’13 Mr. Joseph Dalimata ’17 Mr. John William Erwin, Jr. ’00 Mr. Jonathan R. Fioramonti ’14 Mr. John Paul Heisler ’17 Mr. John T. Killackey ’11 Brother Silvan Michael Kopp, O.P. ’15 Brother John T. McFadden, O.S.B. ’13 Mr. Peter M. McShurley ’14 Brother John M. Solitario, O.P. ’11 Mr. Joseph Townsend ’11 Mr. Dominic I. Winter ’18 Mr. Steven W. Wood ’13

PERMANENT DEACON Rev. Mr. Gerard-Marie Anthony ’02

TRANSITIONAL DEACONS Rev. Mr. David M. Frank, Jr. ’12 Rev. Mr. Christopher F. Tipton ’12

“As a student, spending time in the chapel was crucial to my priestly discernment. I benefitted from the generosity of others and I wanted to support the new chapel to help future students in their discernment and love of God.” Rev. Msgr. Michael Bliss ’86 Director of Pastoral Care OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Diocese of Peoria, Illinois

We welcome the support of additional alumni religious who wish to be added to this list and invite them to contact Vince Criste at 540-636-2900 x 1652 or email vince.criste@christendom.edu.

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THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE

"In my own life, I have experienced the healing and transformative effect of the sacrament of Penance. It is my joy to contribute to the installation of confessionals in the new chapel and I look forward, God willing, to sitting in these same confessionals and offering the sacrament to students as a priest."

CONVENTS & MONASTERIES Abbaye Ste-Madeleine Community of St. John Discalced Carmelite Nuns (Erie) Discalced Carmelite Nuns (Brooklyn) Discalced Carmelite Nuns (Buffalo) Discalced Carmelite Nuns (Loretto) Dominican Sisters of St. Cecelia Fathers of Mercy Generalate Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist Mater Divinae Gratiae Convent Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament Most Holy Trinity Monastery Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus Saint Dominic's Monastery Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matera Sister Servants of the Eternal Word Sisters of Life Trinitarian Convent

A Call to Greatness |

“I was excited to hear about the chapel. You can be assured of my prayers—I will always be indebted to Christendom for nurturing my vocation.”

A Call to Greatness | THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE

By Fr. Anthony Stephens, CPM ’99

Washed Clean

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A Call to Greatness |

The Beauty of the Sacrament of Penance

THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE

The Inspiration Behind the Support of Six Alumni Priests

“RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT. IF YOU FORGIVE THE SINS OF ANY, THEY ARE FORGIVEN; IF YOU RETAIN THE SINS OF ANY, THEY ARE RETAINED.” (JOHN 20:23) With these words, Our Lord gave to His Church the wonderful and mysterious sacrament where a sinner has the opportunity to be washed clean by the Precious Blood of Christ in confession. The discipline regarding the sacrament has changed over the years, from once in your life after your baptism, to being a frequent (even daily, in the lives of some saints) occurrence. Ordinarily, when a person receives this sacrament of healing, it takes place in a room, or in times past, a “box,” known as the confessional.

This might sound judgmental, but it is meant as an observation: A great barometer to the life of faith in a parish is how prominent the Sacrament of Confession is, and even the confessional itself. The baptismal font will have a place of importance, since it is the ordinary place where a person becomes an adopted son or daughter of God. The altar and the Tabernacle will (should) have a place of prominence, being the place where the one Sacrifice is offered and the Body of Christ is reserved. The position of these fixtures in the Church, and the ways they are taken care of, speaks of the importance that they’ll have as the sacred liturgy is conducted.

But since the end of the Second Vatican Council, the confessional seems to have lost its former prominence in many churches. It has always been intended to be the place for the cleansing of a sinner’s soul and ensuring that the individual temple of the Holy Spirit is in right relationship with God. Sadly, in some churches today, the confessional seems to be the place of choice to keep cleaning supplies and dust mops to merely keep the physical church clean. There is something special about having “the box” present in or near the body of the Church. It points to the fact that the members of Christ’s Church recognize their sinfulness.

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THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE

One of the hallmarks of Christendom College is that it is a place where the Catholic Faith is lived out authentically. Part of living out that faith is recognizing that we Catholics are in a state of conversion...

The more that people strive to grow in holiness, the more it builds up the Body of Christ.

A Call to Greatness |

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The Congregation of the Priests of Mercy (more commonly known as the Fathers of Mercy) are a religious community whose primary work is itinerant mission preaching and the staffing of neglected parishes in rural areas. As itinerant preachers, our work is to preach and teach what Holy Mother Church teaches. Being the visiting priest in a parish, it is usually the case that a Father of Mercy will hear many hours of confessions while preaching a week-long parish mission.

Sometimes, people are nervous to go to confession to their pastor, but they’ll be more comfortable with the anonymity of confessing their sins to a visiting priest.

The Fathers of Mercy have been blessed by an association with Christendom College over the years. Six of the priests from the Congregation have spent a portion of their academic formation at the college. These priests benefitted from the good example and fidelity of the college chaplains who have served the college over the years. Confession was available because the college chaplains, as dedicated priests, made hearing confessions a regular part of their priestly duty in serving the student population on campus.

When the current Superior General of the Fathers of Mercy, the Very Reverend David Wilton ’89, heard that Christendom College was preparing to build a new Chapel of Christ the King, he got in touch with several of the Christendom alumni in the community and asked their opinion on donating money toward the sponsorship of one of the confessionals to be

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installed in the new chapel. Of course, the priests were happy to help support the college in this important and unique way.

As Christendom College prepares to build a new Chapel of Christ the King, it will be necessary to ensure that there are proper confessionals in the new chapel for students to encounter God’s mercy in this sacrament. One of the hallmarks of Christendom College is that it is a place where the Catholic Faith is lived out authentically. Part of living out that faith is recognizing that we Catholics are in a state of conversion. We know that this sacrament is the ordinary way for Catholics to receive the forgiveness of grave sins, but it has added graces to heal us and guard us against future sin (CCC 1497). We know all too well from sad personal experience that our personal sin can affect the Mystical Body of Christ. But the inverse is true as well. The more that people strive to grow in holiness, the more it builds up the Body of Christ. “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7) A member of the Class of 1999, Fr. Anthony Stephens is the Director of Field Education, the Director of Pastoral Interns at the Athenaeum and Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary of the West in Ohio.

He joined the Fathers of Mercy in 2000 and was ordained a priest in 2005. Fr. Stephens’ parish retreats, also known as “parish missions,” have taken him all over the United States, into Canada, and also to different parts of the Australian Continent.

Transforming the World A Call to Greatness |

An Interview with Longtime Benefactor Dr. Elizabeth Frauenhoffer of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE

Q A

How has your vocation as a Third Order Carmelite influenced your life and occupation as a medical educator?

Chr i s t t h e K i n g C h a pel H I G H L I G H T New Saint Windows The expanded nave of the new Christ the King Chapel will feature eight new aisle windows featuring heroic portraits of modern and ancient saints. The windows will be handcrafted by the Beyer Studio of Philadelphia with the attention to detail and quality that marked the great Munich studios of the 20th century. Donors will have the opportunity to participate in selecting the saint featured in the window, the choice of the image, and the unique experience of following the design process via updates from the Studio. Dedication inscriptions with hand-painted calligraphy fired into imported glass will remind future generations of this generous gift of art.

For information about Christ the King Chapel dedication opportunities, including stained glass, windows, altars, and bells, please contact Paul Jalsevac at 540-5519171 or pjalsevac@christendom.edu or visit campaign.christendom.edu.

As a diagnostician and educator, I must be open to the Truth while practicing charity. It’s a challenge to know and recognize the Truth and commit to living it every day, in everything I do, and to do it with love. The discipline required of a Secular Carmelite tremendously helps with living that Truth, particularly in the ascetical practice of detachment. As seculars (or Third Orders), we are called to live in the world as any other committed Christians are expected to do so. We fulfill our vocation as Secular Carmelites through prayer. The focus is not on ourselves or just on our relationship with God, but to pray for the whole Church and the world at large. This seems to me to be very much the vision and mission of Christendom College, to transform the world and to reclaim it for Christ.

Q A

What inspired you to begin giving to Christendom?

I have always wanted to support good Catholic higher education so when I learned that Dr. O’Donnell was the president of Christendom College, I immediately became interested, and decided to visit the campus. Once I came to a summer conference, toured the campus, learned about the curriculum and campus life, and met some students and faculty, I was committed. I then became very excited about contributing to its excellent mission and promoting the future of solid orthodox Catholic education. I have always felt very welcomed and appreciated by everyone at Christendom.

Q A

As a generous supporter, what is your motivation to give to Christendom’s student Endowment Fund?

I see this as more than just an investment, more than helping just one or two students, but as partnering in something that will help form our future Catholic leaders, to educate the next generation of committed faithful Catholics. What appeals to me is the idea that a small gift can continue to grow and contribute, even in a quiet way, to the transformation and restoration our culture desperately needs.

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In the Classroom HIGHLIGHTING A COURSE FROM OUR RICH CURRICULUM

Philosophy 492: On the Eternity of the World

By Dr. Mark Wunsch

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hilosophy is a discipline that looks seriously at questions that have always been relevant to man. One such question that has held man’s trans-epochal fascination, and likely will always be of interest to him, is the question of what can be known about the duration of the world. The importance of such a question quickly becomes manifest when one discovers that any solution demands a thorough examination of many other pertinent questions. For instance, do faith and reason provide conflicting or complementary answers to such an inquiry? Further, what does the answer to this question say about our knowledge of God, the Creator of all things in the heavens and on the earth?

In the course, On the Eternity of the World, we trace the attempts of the ancients, the medieval masters, and contemporary cosmologists to resolve this problem.

Over the course of the semester, we look at this issue circumspectly. The students must struggle with the subtle nuances in the various solutions to the question that are posited by these great minds. For instance, though both St. Bonaventure and St. Thomas Aquinas agree that we know by faith that the world has a beginning in time, they disagree regarding the possibility of God creating a world of infinite duration: Aquinas affirms this to be possible, while St. Bonaventure stridently opposes the position of Aquinas.

By the end of the course, the students are forced to clarify

what physics, metaphysics, and theology contribute to the question and begin to develop a greater means of seeing the complementary natures and limitations of these sciences.

Even if the student fails to come up with a definitive solution to a question that has troubled man since the very inception of philosophical inquiry, there is much to profit from when looking in depth at Plato’s famous creation narrative in his Timaeus, Aristotle’s argument for the eternity of time and motion in his Physics or Bl. Boethius’ clarification of the difference between eternity and perpetuity in his Consolation of Philosophy. Students can also appreciate the debates that existed between theologians and philosophers on this issue both in the context of Christianity and Islam, appraising with Cantor whether there are different kinds of infinities, or attempting to see to what extent the Big-Bang theory is reconcilable with a Christian understanding of creation ex nihilo.

This is certainly not a class for beginners. It is taken by mature, liberally educated, and precocious students. There is a high expectation that students take ownership of the classroom experience. They do so by actively contributing to classroom discussion and by presenting the fruits of their own research papers they write for the course. And yet, after all the learning that happens over the course of the semester, by the end we are usually confirmed in the learned ignorance of Socrates.

Dr. Mark Wunsch in the classroom.

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a pivotal moment Commencement

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Madeline Hill takes a photo with her niece.

Madeline is the fifth of her siblings to attend Christendom College.

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ommencement is a time for reflection, for thanksgiving, and for celebration. For Christendom, it is also a time to turn back to the college’s mission—“to restore all things in Christ”—and witness that mission coming alive in a host of new graduates. On May 12-14, the members of the Class of 2017 were honored for their tremendous achievements during Christendom’s 38th Commencement Weekend, as the college awarded a record-setting 110 Bachelor of Arts degrees.

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1. Accompanied by bagpipes, college registrar Walter Janaro leads the procession to the gym. 2. Cardinal Müller receives the honorary doctorate. 3. Double salutatorians: sisters Margaret Mary and Kate Lagarde. 4. Thomas Hepler receives the Student Achievement Award. 5. Mary

Among the guests for the historic occasion were Gerhard Cardinal Müller, the Vatican’s Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, who received an honorary doctorate and delivered this year’s commencement address, and the renowned Mary Ellen Bork, who was awarded Christendom’s St. Catherine of Siena Award.

The weekend of festivities officially kicked off on Friday evening, as graduates and their families gathered for the Baccalaureate Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Müller. In his homily, Cardinal Müller told graduates that they have a mission to show that the light of faith is true in the whole world, and encouraged them to not let their hearts be troubled, but, instead, to have faith in Jesus as they move into their next stage of life.

Following the Mass, graduates and their families joined members of the faculty and staff for the graduation dinner at the nearby Shenandoah Valley Country Club. As they overlooked the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, the parents of graduates met and mingled with the staff and faculty whom they had heard so much about over the past four years, discovering for themselves why they had such an impact on the lives of their children. With the dinner complete, everyone retreated back to campus for the annual graduation dance, which featured live swing music from the Yesterday Swing Orchestra.

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On Saturday morning, the sound of bagpipes filling the air announced the start of the Commencement Exercises, as graduates donned their caps and gowns to process to Crusader Gymnasium, where over 1,200 guests awaited them.

For the first time in the college’s history, the class had two salutatorians, sisters Margaret Mary and Kate Lagarde of Richmond, Virginia. Together, they welcomed all the attendees to the commencement exercises, and took time to reflect on their four years in their joint address.

“Our graduation is a pivotal moment in our lives. We will soon have new tasks and new responsibilities to face, and this is an opportunity to look back on the past four years with gratitude,” said Margaret Mary. “The interactions we have had with our teachers and our fellow students in the classroom and outside of it were an essential part of our development… we have pursued truth in the classroom and have encountered Truth Himself in the tabernacle.”

“Today is the 100th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady at Fatima, who is patroness of our college. Thus, it is fitting for us to look to Mary as an example of gratitude and generosity,” said Kate. “The message of today’s graduation is what Christ urged His apostles when he sent them out on their mission to preach the kingdom of Heaven: freely you have received, freely give.”

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Ellen Bork delivers remarks following the reception of the St. Catherine of Siena Award. 6. Colleen McCrum celebrates following the Commencement Ceremonies. 7. Grace Mooney delivers the valedictory address. 8. Paul Flagg with his family. 9. Kathleen Curran with her family.

Following their address, college President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell awarded the St. Catherine of Siena Award to Mary Ellen Bork for distinguished service to the Church and to Christendom College, after serving on the college’s advisory board for years. A noted speaker, a conservative activist, and the wife of the late Judge Robert Bork, she praised Christendom for its education and for its outstanding faculty, encouraging the graduates to go out and become diplomats and guides for all those looking for Christ in society today.

“This award reveals the soul of Christendom College, and I would like to say that we can emulate St. Catherine of Siena in two ways: her peacemaking ability and her fidelity to the life of prayer,” said Bork. “We too are standing against today’s forces of dissolution, and we will have many opportunities to encourage peaceful solutions to problems whether they be familial, political, or societal, knowing that we are rooted in Christ and in the treasures of the Catholic tradition. My wish is that you may be diplomats, peacemakers, and guides to all those who are looking for the bridge that is Christ. The world needs you. As Catherine famously said, ‘Be all that you can be and you will set the world on fire.’”

O’Donnell followed Bork’s remarks by bestowing an honorary doctorate on Cardinal Müller, making him an official member of the Class of 2017. During his commencement address, Cardinal Müller focused on

Christian anthropology, inspiring graduates to recognize Christ in others as they now enter into a fuller participation with society.

“The Father wills that, in all men, we recognize Christ our brother and love Him effectively in word and in deed,” said Cardinal Müller. “By thus giving witness to the truth, we will share with others the mystery of the heavenly Father’s love.

As a consequence, men throughout the world will be aroused to a lively hope, the gift of the Holy Spirit, that someday at the last they will be called up in peace and utter happiness to that fatherland radiant with the glory of the Lord. The summary of all natural and Christian anthropology is to say ‘dare to be great’ in the grace of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Following the commencement address, Assistant Director of Donor and Alumni Relations Vince Criste presented the Student Achievement Award to Thomas Hepler of Cranberry, Pennsylvania, for his dedication to the community. Hepler had a tremendous impact on the college during his four years, serving as head men’s resident assistant, sophomore class president, pro-life leader, and a leading force on the varsity rugby and basketball teams.

Valedictorian Grace Mooney of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, then delivered the farewell address to the Class of 2017.

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1. Graduates celebrate with the traditional hat toss.

2. Senior Peter Tapsak and his parents greet Cardinal Müller at the Senior Dinner on Friday. 3. Jen Mersch enjoys a father-daughter dance on Friday night. 4.

Philosophy professor Dr. John Cuddeback with his graduate Magdalena and members of their family. 5.

VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Greg Townsend and his wife with their daughter, Angela. 6. Selfie-time: Clare Fletcher, Meghan Uebel, and Olivia Musilli. 7. Nicole LaRochelle with her parents. 8. Senior Class President Cappy Lyon raises a glass to toast the faculty at the Senior Dinner.

Recalling the past four years, Mooney delivered an emotionally charged address filled with gratitude for the gifts received at Christendom as well as hope for the future of her class.

“We have been singularly privileged to receive four years of education and formation at an institution that so faithfully pursues the truth, values speculative wisdom, and trains students in the philosophical habit of mind.

Our lives are about to change, because most of us will not be able to pursue the intellectual life and speculative knowledge with the same time, vigor, and guidance that we have enjoyed during our college career. However, I want to enjoin my fellow graduates to never abandon the intellectual life nor forsake truth for truth’s own sake as we prepare to leave behind our lives as students at Christendom College and fulfill our various vocations and duties to the world,” said Mooney.

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Closing the ceremony, college President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell delivered his charge to the graduates. [See From the President, page 2.]

The Class of 2017 is ready to answer its call to greatness and has chosen a variety of career paths, which illustrates the versatility and power of a Christendom liberal arts degree: Allison Williams has joined the U.S. Park Service as a ranger at Mt. Rainer National Park in Washington State; Grace Mooney has accepted a position as a business analyst at Deloitte; Kate Lagarde will be a teacher at Veritas Academy in Williamsburg, Virginia; Corinne Weaver works at the Media Research Center; Emily Bufford will attend University of Washington in pursuit of a Master’s of Library Science; Rosie McNeely will attend nursing school this fall; and Angela Townsend has been hired as program coordinator for the Catholic Young Adult Sports mission in Denver, Colorado.

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The Class of 2017 is not only the largest graduating class, it is also among the most generous. An impressive 77% made a donation back to the college as part of the Senior Gift Pledge. Of these donations, 70% are on a monthly recurring basis. The Philanthropy Board, comprised of 10 seniors each year, educates its classmates on the financial aspects of operating a college, and it encourages them to reflect upon the incredible experience and value of their Christendom education, and inspires them to make, upon graduation, a meaningful contribution back to the college. The members of the 2017 Philanthropy Board include: Joseph Pennefather (President), Cameron DeLaFleur (Vice President), Abigail Wilkinson (Secretary), Hannah Gordon (Treasurer), John Adams, Magdalena Cuddeback, Bernadette Ellis, Matthew Kane, Elizabeth Rensch, and Peter Tapsak.

The 110 members of the Class of 2017 are John Adams, Bren Blackburn, Hannah Brezinsky, Emily Bufford, Monica Burke, Derek Casey, Amy Collins, Timothy Cook, Peter Corkery, Vincent Coyle, Magdalena Cuddeback, Kathleen Curran, Elizabeth De La Cruz, Cameron DeLaFleur, George Dewey, Timothy Egan, Sydnee Eidle, Bernadette Ellis, Gregory Ellis, Abigail Ethridge, Lindsay Farrall, Felicity Fedoryka, Paul Flagg, Clare Fletcher, Stephen Foeckler, Ashton Forbeck, Andrew Ford, Elizabeth Ford, Anastasia Forst, Sarah Furth, Lauren Gall, Emily Gary, Mary Goba, Madeline Gomez, Hannah Gordon, Sophia Guerrero, Matthew Hambric, Bridget Handy, Thomas Hepler, Madeline Hill, Rachel Hoover, Joshua Huber, Matthew Kane, David Keatley, Edward Kelly, Mary Kate Kelly, Melanie Kelly, Ksenia Koltusky, John Kristine, Joseph Kuplack, Margaret Mary Lagarde, Mary Katherine Lagarde, Nicole LaRochelle, Francis LoMascolo, Catherine Lyon, Peter Marra, Colleen McCrum, John McGlynn, Joseph McMahon, Michael McMahon, Patrick McNeely, Rosemarie McNeely, Claire Mello, Jennifer Mersch, Teresa Miller, Thomas Monico, Daniel Montanaro, Grace Mooney, Olivia Musilli, Anne Nelson, Martin Norton, Edmund O’Brien, Xochitl Ortega, Josephine Ostrowski, Sarah Padgett, Joseph Pennefather, Elizabeth Raabe, Hannah Rainey, Philip Redlinger, Abigail Reimel, Jonathan Reineking, Elizabeth Rensch, John Ross, Alexandra Skuba, Rachael Smith, Mary Solitario, Evelynne Stewart, Peter Tapsak, Katie Titus, Angela Townsend, Madeleine Trull, Elodie Turpin, Meghan Uebel, Michael Urban, Maximilian Van Hecke, Caitlin Van Valkenburgh, Katharine Ward, Corinne Weaver, Aidan Wenzel, Nicholas Wenzel, Francisco Whittaker, Rachel Wiener, Abigail Wilkinson, Allison Williams, Luke Williams, Brendan Williamson, John David Williston, Monica Wilson, Stacie Wimmer, and Anne Wysoski.

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we are family

For the past 40 years, families have been choosing Christendom College as a priceless investment in their future. There were eight sets of siblings in this year’s senior class. Parents and families had twice the reason to celebrate at Commencement as their sons or daughters walked across the stage to receive their diplomas from Dr. O’Donnell.

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Tu “We are proud of our daughters’ decisions to attend Christendom. Too many young adults are concerned about what career path they’ll embark on by attending a certain college. I am impressed that our two Turpins were more concerned about the pursuit of wisdom: Seeking the kingdom of Heaven first, counting on the promise that all else will follow. Both daughters moved right into great professions even before the cap and gowns were put away!”

- Bridget Turpin

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“This school year will mark the sixth of our twelve children that will have attended Christendom College. It is truly a blessing to have a college that not only we, as parents, feel confident in sending our children, but a place where our children are genuinely excited about attending. After our first daughter finished her Freshman year, she spoke so highly of her experience that it took little convincing for her younger siblings to choose the same path. Christendom College is the ideal place for our children to gain a solid education and flourish in their faith while simultaneously forming strong friendships and enjoying some of the best years of their lives.”

- Edward and Alysia Kelly

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Here are some insights from the parents of the 2017 siblings as to why Christendom becomes a family affair for so many.

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“Being Christendom graduates ourselves, we know firsthand the priceless value of a Christendom experience and education. Gregory and Bernadette both participated in the summer camp as high school juniors, and each decided right then that Christendom was absolutely where they wanted to be. Bernadette, in fact, went so far as to complete her entire senior year of high school during the remainder of the summer in order to attend as a freshman that very fall! Looking back, it was the best decision either could have made. As parents, our greatest hope for our children has been realized in their time at Christendom, namely, that they have come to deeply understand their Faith, to enthusiastically live their Faith, and to truly love their Faith with a passion and a joy which emanates from them and enables them to see Christ in every person they encounter. We find great peace of mind in the knowledge that whatever joys or sorrows and adventures or trials may await Gregory and Bernadette in the future, both now have a firm foundation on which to stand and a clear vision of the truth and goodness to be pursued as they navigate through this life.

We believe that our children would not be who they are today without having attended Christendom, and for that, we will always be profoundly grateful.”

- Mary Beth and Bennett Ellis

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“Margaret Mary and Kate researched many colleges to find a great liberal arts education before they finally settled on Christendom. What they found at Christendom more than met their expectations: excellent dedicated professors, a challenging integrated curriculum that will not become obsolete, and a strong Catholic community with opportunities for growth and leadership.”

- Jay and Shannon Lagarde

z “The surest judgment of any society is, following Dorothy Day, ‘how does that society make it easier to be good?’ I wanted my children to go to Christendom College because Christendom makes it easier to be good—to become good men and women. I asked my children to consider Christendom College so that they might better, more easily, ‘know, love, and serve God in this life,’ in order to be endlessly and ineffably ecstatic with Him in the next life. Because I love—beyond natural affection—my children, I want their good in this life and the next.”

- Paul Ford

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Arts of Discourse Highlights from the Senior Theses of the Class of 2017 As the culmination of the student's four years of study in the liberal disciplines, each senior writes a 30-40 page thesis. The thesis is a scholarly paper of substance that demonstrates the student's ability to do significant research in his discipline, and employs the senior's developed skills in the arts of discourse—especially mastery of the techniques of research, exposition, and argumentation. Many students are also required by their department to defend the thesis in an oral examination.

Below are a few highlights from the Class of 2017’s thesis award winners.

Rachel Hoover (Major: English Language & Literature) Winner of the Robert C. Rice English Language & Literature Award for her outstanding senior thesis.

Title: P. G. Wodehouse and the Comedy of Manners

Evelynne Stewart (Major: Theology) Winner of the William H. Marshner Award for Outstanding Theology Thesis Title: Genesis and Quantum Mechanics: A Compatibilist Response to the Cosmological Theories of Stephen Hawking Synopsis: In light of the significant opposition to the faith presented by such notable scientists as Stephen Hawking, my thesis seeks to eliminate some of the misconceptions about the apparent incongruity between the witnesses of faith and of reason regarding creation. My first chapter analyzes Dr. Hawking's cosmological theories, and critiques their metaphysical coherence.

I perform this analysis to show that modern science in no way eliminates the need for or possible existence of a transcendent, supernatural creator. My second chapter gives a summary of the attitude of the Catholic Church toward modern science and of the guidelines She offers for its application to a proper understanding of Scripture. I provide this summary to refute the frequent allegations of modern scientists that the Church is opposed to science. My third chapter takes the guidelines provided in chapter two, and the science included in chapter one, and employs them in an interpretation of the first four days of the creation account of Genesis, the days dealing with the creation of the cosmos.

I then do a detailed exegesis of these four days, primarily using a proper understanding of the original Hebrew words of the Scriptures. This chapter draws my research together to demonstrate that modern cosmology is not fundamentally opposed to the testament of Scripture, or to the witness of faith.

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Synopsis: P. G. Wodehouse is the celebrated author of the Jeeves and Wooster stories, the Blandings Castle series, and many other works. Many brilliant writers, such as Evelyn Waugh and Hilaire Belloc, praised him as one of the greatest comedic writers in the English language. However, relatively little scholarly work has been done about Wodehouse, and none of what has been done has mentioned his importance in the history of English literature.

My thesis argues that Wodehouse has this importance because he wrote in the genre known as the comedy of manners. To argue this, I first trace a history of the comedy of manners, which includes such illustrious names as Plautus and Terence, Shakespeare, and Oscar Wilde. This history draws out the primary features of the comedy of manners: its typical plot structure involving a young couple from different social classes who want to marry but are forbidden to; its stock characters, such as the clever servant; and themes of wealth, reputation, and tension between desires and social codes.

Next, I use examples from several of Wodehouse's novels to show that they fit the outline of the comedy of manners and incorporate many elements from the works in the history of the genre. I conclude by pointing out that scholars should notice this aspect of Wodehouse's skill and study him more thoroughly in the future.

P.G. Wodehouse

Commencement

Felicity Fedoryka (Major; Classical & Early Christian Studies) Winner of the Outstanding Achievement in Latin Award Title: Sunt Lacrimae Rerum: Tears, Triumph and Compassion in Virgil's Aeneid

Pope St. John Paul II

Mary Solitario (Major: Theology) Winner of the William H. Marshner Award for Outstanding Theology Thesis Award Title: The Condition of ‘Gender Dysphoria’ Considered in Light of a Catholic Anthropology Synopsis: The aim of this thesis was to examine the phenomenon of Gender Dysphoria, which is broadly speaking the condition where a human being identifies more closely with the opposite sex, and therefore struggles with a certain identity crisis. My goal was to cut through the popular liberal and conservative presumptions of this condition and view it in a more scholarly way. I did so by first reviewing modern gender theory and explaining how is has failed to capture the true nature of man.

I then gave an overview of Catholic anthropology, using the works of Pope St. John Paul II, as well as prominent theologians, scientists, and psychologists. With this proper view of man, I then went on to study gender dysphoria. I attempted to outline the current views on this condition, as well as possible causes. I came to the conclusion that both conservative psychology and modern gender theory lack a full understanding of gender dysphoria, and thus there is still much work to be done. Finally, I explained how sex-reassignment surgery is not the proper or ethical approach to this condition. In any case, it is essential for Catholics to remember that the people who suffer with this condition are children of God; it is our responsibility to love them as our brothers and sisters.

Monica Burke (Major: Philosophy) Winner of the Outstanding Senior Philosophy Major Award Title: On Willing the Common Good: Thomas Aquinas and Yves Simon versus F.A. Hayek

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Synopsis: This thesis is an examination of Virgil’s intention in writing the Aeneid, based on his use of tears as an expression of both suffering and compassion for suffering throughout the poem. I begin by explaining the two main schools of Virgilian interpretation: the “optimistic” school, which holds that Virgil was writing to praise the achievements of Rome, and the “pessimistic” school, which argues that Virgil was trying to subtly display the suffering that resulted from the rise of Rome. Next, I examine the way Virgil uses tears in relation to Aeneas, Dido, and Turnus, focusing on the language he uses, the rhetorical devices he employs, and the parallels he draws with both the Odyssey and the Aeneid. I conclude that Virgil uses tears throughout the entire Aeneid to signify a deeper and more complex reality: the mystery of how joy and sorrow, triumph and tragedy, celebration and suffering can exist in such an inseparable way in mortalia, or mortal affairs, and in the history of Rome itself. In doing this, I synthesize the “optimistic” and “pessimistic” interpretations, and assert that Virgil intended both to celebrate Rome and to express compassion for the suffering of its victims.

Synopsis: This thesis compares the thought of Thomas Aquinas and French Thomist philosopher, Yves Simon, with that of Austrian economist, F.A. Hayek, regarding the volition of the common good. The first chapter presents Aquinas’ and Simon's account for man and society rooted in natural law. Man is by nature political so he naturally lives in community. The common end of such communities is the flourishing of all or the "common good."

In order to have ordered society and achieve the common good, authorities and citizens alike must will that good, albeit in different ways due to their different roles in society. The second chapter covers Hayek's opinion, which is rooted in his evolutionary anthropology. Man is the product of biological evolution and society is the product of cultural evolution. He thinks that nowadays, ordered society consists of a "spontaneous order," which arises not from a common end or common good but through the use of common means. Order comes about when citizens collaborate in view of their own self-determined ends. Authority's role is simply to enable citizens to pursue their personal ends. As the thesis demonstrates, Aquinas and Simon come to a different conclusion on this question than Hayek. They think that citizens and authorities must will a supra-individual common good, whereas Hayek thinks that self-interest is a sufficient principle of order in society.

F.A. Hayek

For more information about the senior thesis or to obtain copies, please email marketing@christendom.edu.

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The Christendom Players performed the hilarious musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, in April.

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Whodunit fun at the annual Mystery Dinner Theater.

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Christendom’s personal education can be witnessed every day as professors sit with students at lunch.

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Christendom’s boxing club was in action this spring with a full tournament.

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Students enjoy dancing at the annual Spring Formal.

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Sophomore Maggie Adams prepares to send her pitch flying.

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Senior Ed O’Brien charges down the field at the annual Frassati Invitational, where the Crusaders defeated Ave Maria University and Franciscan University of Steubenville to win the tournament.

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Senior Peter Marra steps up to the plate.

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2016-17 Crusader Rugby.

10. 2016-17 Lady Crusader Softball.

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11. Music and juggling acrobatics at the college’s annual variety show, Coffee House.

12. Dr. Michael Hahn takes his class outside to enjoy the beautiful weather.

13. Senior Sarah Furth defends her theology thesis before peers and professors.

14. Alumnus Fr. Noah Morey ’08 speaks to students following one of the spring’s popular Friday night Holy Hours.

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15. Theology Professor Dr. Eric Jenislawski speaks at one of the Chester-Belloc Debate Society’s meetings.

16. Junior Laura Cermak conducted the student chamber orchestra this spring.

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Making the World

Better

Alumnus Managing Marine Corps Budget Shares What He Has Learned

GROWING UP IN HARRISONBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, ALUMNUS PATRICK WEINERT ’98 FACED TRAGEDY JUST BEFORE HIS 15 TH BIRTHDAY. HIS MOTHER PASSED AWAY FROM CANCER, LEAVING HIS FATHER A SINGLE PARENT TRYING TO RAISE FOUR CHILDREN ON HIS OWN. MOST CHILDREN AT SUCH AN AGE WOULD BE ANGRY AND CRUSHED, AND RIGHTFULLY SO. BUT WEINERT TOOK HIS PAIN AND CHANNELED IT IN A MANNER THAT WOULD SHAPE THE REST OF HIS LIFE. WITH HIS FAMILY STRUGGLING, HE TOOK IT UPON HIMSELF TO LEARN FINANCES AND HELP HIS FATHER ESCAPE FROM THE DEBT THAT WAS QUICKLY ACCUMULATING AROUND HIM. DECADES LATER, WEINERT IS HELPING OTHERS ACCOMPLISH THIS SAME GOAL—AND MANAGING A LITTLE SOMETHING KNOWN AS THE MARINE CORPS BUDGET ON THE SIDE AS WELL.

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When you look at the path that Weinert’s life has taken, it is not surprising to discover what his B.A. from Christendom was: political science and economics. After successfully helping his family and saving for college as well, Weinert took his intense drive for success into his coursework at Christendom, as he worked to expand his mind through the college’s liberal arts education. For Weinert, this education was crucial to his future success in finances.

“One of the most important things a liberal arts education gives you is the ability to think,” says Weinert. “This has been the most important factor in any job I've ever had.”

With this education under his belt, Weinert took the leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills he learned into the Marine Corps, where he rose from lieutenant

to captain to major and eventually to lieutenant colonel, serving as an aviator and as the program development officer.

He served multiple tours overseas, and even spent time as the executive officer of a Marine Corps squadron. While the Marines certainly lived up to their slogan of “The few. The proud,” Weinert unfortunately discovered another phrase in many cases as well: “the broke.”

Quickly, he realized that these Marines were not broke due to their income level, but rather due to their poor spending habits—a problem that affects not just young members of the Marine Corps, but countless people across the globe.

From that point on, Weinert made it his mission to help these service members fix their problems and achieve more financially stable lives—just as he had with his own family years before.

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If you knew that you could make something in our world today better—saving one unborn child, aiding one family of refugees, or maybe giving the Church the ability to evangelize in new ways— wouldn't that motivate you to work hard?

Over time, his leaders saw Weinert’s skills with finances and with leading others and asked him if he would take on a crucial position at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. “I went to visit a former squadron commanding officer of mine who had become a general officer. I was just making an office call to say ‘hello.’ He sat me down, and said: ‘Hey, I have this job for you. Do you want it?’ I didn't even know what I was getting into, but when a general officer asks you if you'd like to do something, the answer is yes,” says Weinert.

The job Weinert was offered was the management of the entire Marine Corps budget, clocking in at billions of dollars.

Daunting, perhaps, but Weinert’s entire life had led to this moment, and he took it on eagerly.

During his time in charge of the budget, Weinert dealt with numerous challenges head-on, such as a declining income due to Congressional issues. Denied the money needed to fully accomplish the mission of the Marine Corps, he was forced to prioritize items in the budget and find ways to ensure that the entire Corps could still function, even without all of the necessary resources. His hard work navigating these issues resulted in nothing short of a great success for the Marines, as he and his team achieved a $132 billion five-year budget that paid Marines, trained them, modernized their equipment, and improved their living conditions.

This December, Weinert will retire from the Marine Corps after a distinguished

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career. With his background and experience, he is now embarking on his next great mission: helping civilians and others overcome their financial difficulties. Weinert just released his second book, The Money Mission: Destroy Debt and Become a Strategic Investor, giving anyone looking for aid with their personal finances a blueprint for strategizing and saving for the future.

“I was really excited to publish another book. I believe I have a unique message to share when it comes to personal finance.

One of the things we lose in our daily lives is the reason why we are doing what we are doing. Why am I trying to get my finances in order? Why am I trying to get out of debt? Why do I want to build wealth? These are questions everyone needs to ask themselves. This will motivate you to take action. What motivates me is giving more in a way that helps the Church. If you knew that you could make something in our world today better—saving one unborn child, aiding one family of refugees, or maybe giving the Church the ability to evangelize in new ways—wouldn't that motivate you to work hard? These are all real people we are talking about,” concludes Weinert.

“The few. The proud. The wealthy.”

Thanks to Weinert’s efforts and desire to help others, hundreds of Marines are experiencing this reality for themselves.

Now, with this book and his desire to help people with their personal finances, anyone can change their lives for the better. As Christendom founder Dr. Warren Carroll was apt to say, “one man can make a difference.” In Weinert’s case, that statement could not be more appropriate.

In Rome, Students Enjoy Learning Ancient Languages from a Renowned Philologist

Left: Juniors Luke Maschue, Jane Adams (with her sister Frances), and John Martz in Naples, Italy. Right (2): Exploring Pompeii.

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ne might think that the experience of Christendom students in Rome is principally about growing in the spiritual life, enjoying good food and drink, having a rich intercultural encounter, and seeing some of the most wondrous, historically important places in the world, and less about doing arduous intellectual work. However, like most things Catholic, the truth can accommodate these realities simultaneously. This was the experience of the students in Rome during spring semester 2017, though it may have been especially true of a small cadre of these students who had the privilege of taking a course in Greek during their semester abroad.

Greek and Latin better than most could teach their mother tongues, and he showed us the original beauty and nobility with which men like Socrates and Jesus Christ spoke.”

To encourage students majoring or minoring in Classical and Early Christian Studies to participate in the semester in Rome experience, Dr. Mark Wunsch, director of Rome academics, arranged this spring for these students to have the chance to take an intermediate Greek course from a most extraordinary professor. The course was taught by Dr. Luigi Santopaolo, professor of Biblical Hebrew at the Pontifical Biblical Institute or “Biblicum,” which very well may be the most prestigious institute for scripture studies in the world. While a master of Sacred Scripture, Santopaolo is a renowned polyglot.

Not only did this class integrate various kinds of knowledge, but it also integrated classroom learning with a study of the textbook of the world. The class culminated in two trips to Santopaolo’s native Naples. The final exam included reading Greek and Latin inscriptions in the ruins of Pompeii, while discussing both the political themes that emerge from a paleographical study of the ruins and St. Augustine’s writings on Pompey.

“There was no greater blessing than to learn from a man who knows so well the power and principles of language, such that in conversation, he can move in and out of at least 10 languages comfortably,” Christendom junior Luke Maschue said. “His style was remarkable. As a philologist, he taught

Santopaolo brought all his competencies to bear upon his teaching of the course. While the text for the course was Plato’s Apology, he took time to connect the Attic Greek used

by Plato, not only to the more ancient Homeric form of Greek to which the students have grown accustomed to, but also to other ancient and modern languages and his expansive knowledge of the history, philosophy, and literature of Ancient Greece.

Reflecting on the experience, Santopaolo reciprocated his students’ praise by affirming that they were “absolutely amazing and unprecedently smart,” and adding that he looked forward to future collaboration with Christendom College, “a precious institution.” To put it simply, this was liberal learning at its best, an experience that blesses the whole person of professor and student alike.

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A T THE I NTERSECTION OF F INANCE AND THE L IBERAL A RTS

BY M AT T WORL EY ’12

“The reason that Apple is able to create products like the iPad is because we’ve always tried to be at the intersection of technology and the liberal arts.”

– Steve Jobs

The quote above from the late Steve Jobs is one of my favorites. It serves to harmonize the discord of seemingly disparate pairs to modern man’s ear: reason and creation. Technology and the liberal arts. Contemporary man equates creation to progressive chaos; he considers four years of the study of thought to be a progress-obstructing, antiquated remnant from the “Christian Dark Ages.” Where can liberal arts show the value of its four years of study to modernity?

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After answering my questions, my future boss looked across the desk and asked, ‘Are you sure you want this position, because honestly it seems like you could do any job here.’

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The finance industry might not be the first place that one would start. One would think that the finance degree dominates the industry. The prevailing thought is that if you want the golden ticket in the hallowed halls of bankers and traders, you must have the pedigree of a top ten school even to earn yourself an interview. After all, the CEOs of Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Citibank all went to Harvard University. How do you compete with your degree from Christendom College?

One thing about Harvard is that it does not sell itself as a factory churning out lawyers and future executives. On the contrary, their mission statement and the goal of the institution is simply, “We educate leaders who make a difference in the world.” To become “Harvard material” is not really to spend four years and hundreds of thousands of dollars; it is simply to become a leader and make a difference.

There are many inspiring talks about how to be a leader and make a difference in the world. In my experience, I would say that a leader is someone who can inspire others to greatness—making a difference at the micro level. Not all of us have the resources or sphere of influence to spearhead massive projects to combat poverty and disease, but every single one of us can exhibit the love and humility that can change the entire course of someone’s life in just one moment. I do not know if Harvard University promulgates this idea, but I can tell you that Christendom College does.

I discovered that I can compete for a job in finance with people who went to bigger colleges by demonstrating that I can lead and make a difference.

Now that I work in finance, I think one of the most striking things is how wrong everyone is all the time. My clients commonly ask me where one currency is going

Matt Worley earned his B.A. in History from Christendom College in 2012 and is currently a Private Client Account Manager for the foreign currency exchange firm World First in Austin, Texas.

compared to another. For instance, I find it amazing that one of my wealthy U.S. clients, who is interested in buying a 5-million-euro villa in Italy, is uneducated about how currency exchange works. He is unaware that the value of U.S. dollars to euros changes every second, and this can have huge consequences on a transaction of this size.

In the past year, a euro has been worth as little as 1.0350 US dollars, and as much as 1.14 dollars. While this does not sound like much, if you consider how much my client’s 5 million euro would have cost him in dollars, it can be considerable. His cost could amount to as little as $5,175,000 or as much as $5,700,000, a difference of $625,000, just on the fluctuation of the dollar’s value versus the euro.

In this uncertainty, the strength of liberal arts training manifests itself. I tell them all the factors from data indicators and prevailing trends to bank forecasts and expectations surrounding central banks that form a picture of what might be. The picture tells a story, a story that relies on history for past examples or in mathematical implications for future possibilities, a story which links together causes to their effects with logical right thinking.

Liberal arts prepared me for anything, and to me that is much more valuable than having a degree preparing me for one thing.

One thing I remember quite clearly is how my interview for my current company ended. After answering my questions, my future boss looked across the desk and asked, “Are you sure you want this position, because honestly it seems like you could do any job here.” That ability is something for which I am grateful to Christendom College and the study of the liberal arts; it’s worth every penny for my current work in finance.

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Faculty Notes Christendom professors are primarily student-oriented educators and mentors. At the same time, they are experts in their fields of study and are engaged in a variety of other scholarly pursuits as they seek “to restore all things in Christ” beyond the college’s campus.

Prof. Joseph Arias, assistant professor of graduate theology, presented “Justifying Abraham: The Fruits of Saint Thomas’ Favorable Reading of the Patriarchs Revisited in Light of Magisterial and Canonical Sources” at the Towards a Biblical Thomism: Thomas Aquinas and the Renewal of Biblical Theology International Conference at Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika (Nicolaus Copernicus University), Toruń, Poland, as well as “Natural Law Teaching on the Properties of Marriage: A Comparison of the Doctrines of Saint Thomas Aquinas and the New Natural Law Theorists in Light of the Catholic Magisterial and Canonical Tradition” at the 52nd International Congress on Medieval Studies, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Dr. Andrew Beer, assistant professor of classical and early Christian studies, delivered a paper titled “Socrates’ Changing Account of the Art of Rhetoric” at the 17th Biennial Rhetoric Society of America Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Robert Matava, assistant professor of graduate theology, presented a paper titled “The Beauty of the New Creation Is a Reflection of the Splendor of the Almighty: Jesus’ Human Holiness and the Kingdom of God” at The Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture 17th Annual Fall Conference: You are Beauty: Exploring the Catholic Imagination at University of Notre Dame.

Dr. Thomas Stanford, associate professor and chair of English language and literature, presented a paper titled “The Law of the Gift and the Short Fiction of Tim Gautreaux” at The Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture 17th Annual Fall Conference: You are Beauty: Exploring the Catholic Imagination at University of Notre Dame.

Dr. Matthew A. Tsakanikas, assistant professor of theology, gave a guest lecture on Thomistic Moral Theology at Venerable Fulton Sheen Seminary’s “Thomistic Week: EsseEssentia Conference.”

Dr. P. Bracy Bersnak, associate professor and chair of political science and economics, delivered a paper titled “Weighing and Interpreting the Documents of the Social Magisterium” at the Society of Catholic Social Sciences Conference.

Dr. John Cuddeback, professor and chair of philosophy, submitted an article titled “Reflections of a Green Thomist on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si” to Nova et Vetera, a journal for theological and philosophical studies from a Thomistic perspective, and published an article titled “Aristotle and the Elections,” in First Things Online Edition.

Dr. George Garrigan, adjunct instructor of science, attended a Vatican Observatory Foundation’s week-long conference on Faith and Astronomy in Tucson, Arizona.

Dr. Christopher Lane, assistant professor of history, gave a lecture on the survival of the Church in Japan during its long period under persecution at the Springtime of Faith Foundation’s Unity 2017 in Manchester, Tennessee.

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media.christendom.edu FEATURED LECTURE DR. PAUL KENGOR, professor of political science at Grove City College, delivered a talk titled, “A Pope and a President: John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, and the Extraordinary Untold Story of the 20th Century.” Sponsored by Christendom’s Cincinnatus League, the talk examined that while historians do credit Ronald Reagan and Pope St. John Paul II with hastening the end of the Cold War, they have failed to recognize the depth or significance of the bond that developed between the two. Watch and listen to the lecture at media.christendom.edu.

#mychristendom

What makes Christendom special to you? This question was posed to the students at Christendom College over the course of the spring, and they were encouraged to come up with visual answers to the question—answers they could share with the whole world on the social media platform Instagram. Using the hashtag “#mychristendom,” students posted 356 individual photos during the spring. By the end of the campaign, the pictures generated over 2,000 likes on Christendom’s Instagram page alone, not to mention the likes generated on students’ own personal pages. Thanks to them, we got an exclusive peek into what makes Christendom special to the people who live and study here during the year.

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Nationa Champion

#1 #1 #1 #1 Christendom College Rugby Rises to the Top The Cubs. The Patriots. The Cavaliers. The year 2016 was dubbed by many in the sports world to be the “year of the comeback,” as these teams and others overcame incredible deficits to win the sports world’s biggest prizes.

The Christendom Crusaders decided to extend the magic of the “year of the comeback” as they headed to the biggest national rugby stage: the Collegiate Rugby Championships in Philadelphia. The Crusaders were not expected to go far in the NSCRO Sevens National Championship. It was their first year competing on the national level and they were the smallest school by a wide margin. The average rugby fan simply thought that they could not be good enough, but the fans of Christendom’s Crusader rugby team knew better.

After starting as a scraggly club sport years ago, the Crusader rugby team rose to varsity level before impressing the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) enough to earn an invite into the Cardinals Rugby Conference this past year. While the majority of the players had never touched a rugby ball before coming to Christendom, head coaches Theo Smith and James Conrad pulled the team together, making them one of the most successful teams at the school.

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During their 2016-17 season, the Crusaders went 12-2-1 in 15s play (15 men on the field at a time with 45-minute halves), while also taking a crack at Sevens (seven men on the field at a time for seven-minute halves) rugby in March.

Why? Because the coaches simply wanted to give the players some competition on a free weekend, and found an NSCRO Sevens National Championship qualifying tournament in nearby Maryland they could compete in. What was simply a desire to compete suddenly became a conquest, with the Crusaders winning that tournament and something even more unexpected: a berth into the NSCRO Sevens National Championship in Philadelphia in June.

When they arrived in Philadelphia on June 3, the Crusaders quickly got to work in pool play, taking on Colby College, Wisconsin Stevens Point, and New Mexico Highlands University. After defeating Colby and Wisconsin, the Crusaders fell in a tough match to two-time defending champion New Mexico, but still finished the day with the #1 seed in the pool, earning them a trip to the semifinals the next day.

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On Sunday morning, Christendom played Babson College inside Talen Energy Stadium, quickly jumping out ahead of the Beavers. While Babson would soon tie the game, the Crusaders answered with more tries of their own, winning the match 24-5 and, more importantly, winning a trip to the national championship finals.

Every early morning run, every afternoon practice, every grinding offseason workout led to this moment. The Crusaders hugged each other in the tunnel and prayed together one last time, before the stadium announcer bellowed, “Please welcome onto the field, Christendom

Senior Joe McMahon scores the championship-winning try.

Above: Junior Dan Snyman scores a try in the semifinal.

Below: The 2017 Crusaders: Rugby Sevens national champions.

College!” With over 15,000 watching, including a contingent of Christendom’s faithful fans, the Crusaders charged onto the field for the final, and their destiny, against St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

St. Mary’s quickly showed why they had earned their own trip to the finals, beating the Crusaders throughout the first half and ending the first seven minutes with a 14-0 lead.

With only seven minutes remaining, the odds were against the Crusaders. But, it was with their backs against the wall that they revealed a strength that shocked not only the fans, but perhaps even themselves.

With time running out, the Crusaders fought their way up the field, with Daniel Snyman scoring not one but two tries, narrowing the lead to 14-12. That fight made the next minute that much more heartbreaking, as St. Mary’s answered with a try of their own, making the score 19-12.

The Crusaders received the ball again as time ran out on the clock, forcing them into an impossible situation: make one mistake, and the game is over. They did not make a single one. Derek Casey willed his body over the line to bring the Crusaders within two points, and team captain Joey Kuplack made a successful conversion kick to tie the score at 19-19 and send the game to overtime—the period in sports that fans and players dream of, with every moment taking on even greater drama and intensity.

Every soul in Talen Energy Stadium could feel that drama and intensity as Michael McMahon received the ball and began a breakaway run down the field in the opening minutes of overtime, bringing the entire crowd to their feet.

St. Mary’s brought him down close to the try line, but a Crusader was behind him to support him, Richard Blank, who then passed the ball to Michael’s brother, Joe. With St. Mary’s at his heels, McMahon dove into the end zone.

Flags flew into the air, and the siren wailed. The match was over: Christendom 24, St. Mary’s 19. Christendom College: national champions. Joe McMahon’s response? Kneeling and making the sign of the cross, before emotionally embracing his brother and his teammates on the field, as fans screamed in the background.

What was once a club sport is now a national championshipwinning juggernaut. Little Christendom College, in its first year competing on the national level, becomes national champions. No one could have guessed it. That fact only makes the victory that much sweeter. All for the glory of God.

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Send your submissions to classmates@christendom.edu.

CLASSMATES Your Paper & Ink Alumni Social Network

1980s

1990s

Rev. Edward W. Murphy ’83 has moved from the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Jacksonville, Florida, to a new assignment in Corpus Christi Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida.

Mike and Bunny (Martell) Cerny ’04, enjoyed a visit to the Topeka Zoo and Gage Park in Topeka, Kansas, with their seven children on Memorial Day.

Jacqui (Walz) Fetsko ’83, Therese Fetsko ’10, and Sarah Fetsko went to Magenta, Italy to visit Gianna Emanuela Molla, the daughter for whom St. Gianna Molla gave her life. Gianna gave them a personal pilgrimage to her mother’s birthplace, parish, house where she died, and tomb, and even hosted them for dinner where they ate off of St. Gianna’s wedding china and Sarah played her piano. It was a powerful week and was topped off by a personal invitation to visit Don Giuseppe Marinoni (shown in the picture above), the rector of the Basilica of San Martino, where St. Gianna was baptized and married.

Frank Nicely ’86 is excited to become the new headmaster at St. John Paul II Classical School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He worked on building the Classical model for the last seven years as principal at St. William of York Catholic School, but is now thrilled to have the opportunity to build the full Classical vision and have the enthusiastic support of Bishop David Ricken and the patronage of the saint who ordained him. Frank and Peggy look forward to their new adventure in the Land of Cheese.

Deirdre (Brien) Pennefather ’93 and her husband, Richard, welcomed a baby boy, Hugh Anthony, in 2015 to their group of gals.

Rev. Bjorn C. Lundberg ’97, who served as chaplain at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries, Virginia, since August 2012, was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Winchester, Virginia, effective July 12.

Benjamin Akers ’98 received a Sacred Theology Doctorate from the Angelicum in Rome on April 3, 2017.

2000s Sarah Akers ’00 received a Master’s in Psychology from Divine Mercy University on May 19, 2017.

Maria Bissex ’02 has officially launched her theatrical costume design business, MVB Costumes. She offers design services and costume rentals for school, community, and professional theater companies in Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland, as well as an internship program for high school students.

She can be reached at mvbcostumes@gmail.com.

David and Elizabeth (Rice) Wallace ’05 welcomed their 6th child (and first girl), Cecilia Marianna, into the world on the Feast of the Visitation. Earlier in the month, Elizabeth was one of the first four in the world to complete AMI’s Montessori for Aging and Dementia Practitioner Certificate.

Dr. Kelly Scott Franklin ’06 is an Assistant Professor of English at Hillsdale College. In November 2016, he and his wife adopted their first child, Gianna Kay (named after St. Gianna Molla). He has published multiple essays since May of last year in publications that include: The Catholic World Report, National Catholic Register, The American Conservative, and The Federalist.

IN OUR PRAYERS: Mass is offered for the alumni on Sundays and all First Fridays. Remember that you can have Masses said for special intentions or friends and family! Contact Vince Criste for more info at vince.criste@christendom.edu.

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Bobby and Angela (Von Ehr) Murphy ’07 bought their first home and are now living in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with their three young daughters.

Jaclyn Weber ’06 graduated with her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) on May 24, 2017, from the joint program at the University of Baltimore and Towson University. She was very happy to have her brother Dane Weber ’04 and his family come celebrate this accomplishment.

Sam Phillips ’08 and Tom McFadden ’90 caught up with former Christendom College Dean of Student Life Joe Wurtz during a college admissions conference at Benedictine College.

Hilary (Schafer) Bataille ’09 and her husband, Clement, welcomed their third child, Faustine Louise Bataille, on October 3, 2016. Clement also recently accepted a faculty job at the University of Ottawa in Canada, so they will be moving up north at the end of the summer!

After living in Indiana, Utah, Texas, and North Carolina over the last six years, they are certainly happy to settle down at least for a little while. They are sad to leave the States (and Clement became an American citizen only in April!) but they are looking forward to the adventure. Zelie (five) is excited to start school at Notre Dame du Mont Caramel, and JeanBosco (three) is excited to play hockey.

2010s

Deacon Michael Baggot ’07 assisted Pope Francis at the 2017 Corpus Christi procession.

SAVE THE DATE

Homecoming 2 40 TH ANNIVERSARY ALUMNI

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CELEBRATION WEEKEND

October 6-8, 2017 Featuring fireworks, a special Alumni Dinner & Dance, and reunion receptions for the classes of 1987, 1997, & 2007.

You don’t want to miss this Homecoming! More information at: CHRISTENDOMALUMNI.COM/HOMECOMING

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Jessica (Reineking) Dalimata ’10 and her husband, Neil, have three kids, Rita (seven), Charlie (five), and Hugh (two). Jessica earned her Master’s in nursing (MSN-CNL), graduating with honors in 2013.They purchased 20 acres of raw land near Glacier National Park in Neil’s native state of Montana. Neil popped up a tent and spent the summer of 2014 carving a five-cabin resort into the wilderness and opened The Ridge at Glacier in 2015, theridgeatglacier.com.

Anthony ’11 and Jessie (Williams) ’15 Barren welcomed their son, Xavier, on January 31, 2017.

He weighed 8.6 pounds and was 21 inches long.

On May 20, David Frank ’12 was ordained a deacon along with six others by Archbishop Gregory Aymond at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. Four of them, including David, were ordained for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Alumni Tim and Frances (Dewey) Ginski ’12 traveled with their family from their home in Memphis, Tennessee, to attend. Alumna and fellow Louisianian Lauren (Enk) Mann ’14, made an appearance at the reception via FaceTime, thanks to her parents, who attended in person.

Joseph and Heather (Lawrence) Strickland ’13 welcomed their first child, Dismas Peter Nicholas Strickland, on April 13 (Holy Thursday).

Last year, Mark Turner ’15, Margaret J. Killackey ’15, and Maria Bonvissuto ’15 enjoyed completing the Camino pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

Philip Gilbert ’15 is still in seminary and just finished his second year of Theology, meaning that he’s half-done. This summer he will be travelling to Ukraine where he will spend six weeks studying the language (at the Ukrainian Catholic University in L’viv) for use in his future ministry.

Timothy ’14 and Kinsey (Benz) Johnston ’16 were married April 29, 2017. They are now living in Falls Church, Virginia.

Christopher F. Tipton ’12 was ordained to the transitional diaconate on June 3 by Michael Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, Virginia, at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, where he is assigned to serve until his anticipated ordination to the priesthood in June 2018.

Clare Fletcher ’17 is entering the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on August 28, the Feast of St. Augustine.

Christine Nussio ’12 was awarded the 2017 Phyllis A. Savino Grant by Oakcrest School to lead an interdisciplinary curriculum development project this summer defining “An Oakcrest Liberal Arts Education.” She has taught history in the Upper School at Oakcrest for the past five years.

Christine Ascik ’12 has just finished her first year of the Master’s program in Early Christian Studies at the University of Notre Dame du lac.

Jacob Morgan ’14 graduated from George Mason’s MBA program, with honors, and was given the Student of the Year Award.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/groups/cdomalumni

Alumni Make Music Christendom graduates Fr. Zachary Akers, F.S.S.P., and Fr. Gerard Saguto, F.S.S.P., along with other members of the Fraternity of St. Peter, are bringing sacred music to a new generation with the release of Requiem—an album of Gregorian chant, released through De Montfort Music and Sony Classical.

Alumna Marie Miller released a new album, Letterbox, in April. Billboard magazine was so impressed with the album that they released it to preview one day early on their site. “The 12-song record is quite the introduction, as Miller's sound meshes her singer-songwriter background with poppy country vibes—almost like a combination of Shania Twain and Sara Bareilles,” writes Taylor Weatherby on Billboard.com.

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Taken from the college’s motto “Instaurare Omnia in Christo,” this section features an essay or excerpt from a recent paper or talk by one of Christendom’s distinguished faculty.

Omnia in Christo Persecution and the Perseverance of Japanese Christians

By Christopher J. Lane, Ph.D.

I

n 1614, the Japanese shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu issued an edict that definitively banned Christianity from Japan. At the time, there were about 300,000 Japanese Catholics, but the bloody and bureaucratic persecution that ensued over the next few decades was immensely successful. After the expulsion of the missionaries, thousands of martyrdoms, and many more thousands of apostasies, Japan was left with a remnant underground Church of about 150,000 by mid-century.

And so, we must ask ourselves, how did this secret remnant Church survive for two and a half centuries? How were Japanese Christians able to organize themselves into communities that were so remarkably resilient, and how did they perpetuate their beliefs and practices?

Furthermore, how much did their beliefs and practices conform to the Catholicism they originally had embraced? Several scholars, such as Stephen Turnbull, Ann M. Harrington, and Peter Nosco, have traced both the means of the perseverance and the character of daily religious experience for Kakure Kirishitan.

This history reminds us that persecution works.

Despite the heroism of the martyrs and of the hidden Christians, a powerful government in Japan devastated the Church numerically and succeeded in coercing surviving Christians to deny Christ publicly even as they worshiped him secretly. Other historical persecutions, when they have been systematic and long-lived, have yielded similar results. Today, with many Christians suffering worldwide, we might ask ourselves about the sufficiency of our response.

And yet remnant Christian communities, isolated from one another, devoid of priests, and unable to profess their faith openly, endured underground until Japan was reopened to the West in the middle of the 19th century.

The rediscovery of the Kakure Kirishitan (“hidden Christians”) is a remarkable moment.

In 1859, Japan saw its first legally present Catholic priest since the 17th century, but it was not until 1865 that Fr. Bernard Petitjean of the Paris Society of Foreign Missions finally found hidden Christians. Public worship by the Japanese remained illegal, and so it was risky for a small group of Japanese to stand silently in front of the missionaries’ new church and then silently to enter at Petijean’s suggestion.

After the priest knelt down to pray, a woman of the group whispered, “All of us have the same heart as you.” They reported that, in their section of northern Nagasaki, “nearly everyone there has the same heart.” After questioning him and finding that his Church had celibate priests, statues of Mary, and many of the same liturgical feast days, they took him fully into their confidence. Petitjean discovered about 30,000 secret Christians, about a third to a half of whom declared explicit full communion with the Catholic Church. The mission was invigorated, and there was an initial surge of new conversions, as well. Petitjean was made bishop and apostolic vicar for Japan the very next year, 1866.

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Concrete rituals and material objects were integral to maintaining long-term adherence to Christian faith. Baptism was preserved universally among hidden Christians as the gateway to salvation. Basic prayers such as the Our Father and the Hail Mary were still said—sometimes both in good Japanese and in garbled Latin. The Christians carefully hid doctrinal and ritual texts, and they disguised Christian objects as innocuous Buddhist and Shinto objects. Most famously, statues of the Buddhist deity Kannon—a mother with babe in arms—were used to represent the Blessed Virgin Mary.

One of the most important factors in the endurance of Catholicism without priests is that there were so few priests to begin with. At its height in 1614, the mission had about 140 priests for a Christian population of 300,000.

The priests thus depended on the work of officials known as dojuku and kanbo, both drawn from models of assistants to Buddhist clergy. These quasi-lay church officers were entrusted by the priests with performing many educational and sacramental tasks, with the more qualified ones preaching, teaching, leading prayers, and performing baptisms and funerals. Dojuku and kanbo took the lead in organizing communities of the faithful after the expulsion of the missionaries. This led to the formation of more permanent offices in each locality, with particular persons being tasked with, for example, performing baptisms, giving instruction on the liturgical calendar, and ministering to the sick.

And yet this history also shows that persecution never works completely, and it suggests that a strong church in desperate times must grow from a strong church in good times. The depth of lay commitment in Japan’s Church was fundamental to its endurance. And ritual— fidelity to consistent, disciplined practices—was fundamental to perpetuating that commitment.

Ritual incarnates Christian faith in a culture, and careful ritual was integral to Japanese culture to begin with. All the various rituals of the hidden Christians served to enhance their fidelity to one ritual above all, the sacrament of baptism.

This excerpt is adapted from talks given by the author at the International Catholic Lay Leadership Forum Workshops (Manchester, Tennessee) in April 2017 and at the IHM National Conference (Fredericksburg, Virginia) in June 2017.

Christopher J. Lane, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of History at Christendom College. His doctoral dissertation at the University of Notre Dame focused on the history of vocational discernment and of lay vocation in early modern France.

Save the Date Celebrate with us at a gala in honor of our 40th anniversary at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Mark your calendars!

Joi n • U.S. Vice President M IKE P ENCE (invited) • Gala Dinner Chairmen S ENATOR

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M RS . R ICK S ANTORUM

• Honorary Chairman F RANCIS C ARDINAL A RINZE • Their Imperial and Royal Highnesses A RCHDUKE I MRE A RCHDUCHESS K ATHLEEN OF A USTRIA

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T HE M A R K ET IS U P! AVOID C A PI TA L GA I NS TA X If you’re invested in the stock market, I’m sure you’ve noticed its explosive growth over the last year. Many of you might have noticed that some of your stock has significantly appreciated as well. Did you know that donating your appreciated stock directly to Christendom could enable you to deduct the full value of the stock and avoid capital gains tax?

Contact me to learn about the ways your stock gift can put your money to work.

May Our Lord continue to bless you and your good work,

John Ciskanik Executive Director Office of Planned Giving 540-551-9160 ciskanik@christendom.edu

Non-Profit U.S. POSTAGE PAID Huntington, IN Permit # 832

DAR E TO BE GRE AT 134 Christendom Drive Front Royal, VA 22630

Spain & Portugal

OCTOBER 13 - 22, 2017

Santiago de Compostela • Madrid • El Escorial • Toledo • Segovia • Salamanca • Avila • Fatima • Lisbon

Join EWTN Host and Christendom College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell and his wife, Cathy, as they lead a pilgrimage to the holy sites of Spain and Portugal.

For more information, contact Brenda Seelbach at 540-551-9189 or brenda.seelbach@christendom.edu.