http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog en frcharlie@dominicanvocations.com Copyright 2010 2010-02-06T16:07:50-05:00 http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/pope_benedict_xvi_speaks_on_saint_dominic/ http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/pope_benedict_xvi_speaks_on_saint_dominic/#When:16:07:50Z In his February 3, 2010 general audience, held in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about the life and work of St. Dominic de Guzman, the founder of the Order of Preachers, or Dominican Order. The text of his talk follows below. Last week I presented the luminous figure of Francis of Assisi; today I would like to speak to you of another saint who, in the same period, made an essential contribution to the renewal of the Church of his time. It is St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers, known also as the Dominican Friars. In his February 3, 2010 general audience, held in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall,  Pope Benedict XVI spoke about the life and work of St. Dominic de Guzman, the founder of the Order of Preachers, or Dominican Order. The text of his talk follows below. Dear Brothers and Sisters, Last week I presented the luminous figure of Francis of Assisi; today I would like to speak to you of another saint who, in the same period, made an essential contribution to the renewal of the Church of his time. It is St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers, known also as the Dominican Friars. His successor in the leadership of the order, Blessed Giordano di Saxony, gives a complete portrait of St. Dominic in the text of a famous prayer: "Inflamed by zeal for God and supernatural ardor, by your limitless charity and the fervor of a vehement spirit, you consecrated yourself wholly with the vow of perpetual poverty to apostolic observance and to evangelical preaching." It is in fact this essential feature of Dominic's witness that is underlined: He always spoke with God and about God. In the life of saints, love of the Lord and of neighbor, the seeking of God's glory and the salvation of souls always go together. Dominic was born in Spain, in Caleruega, around 1170. He belonged to a noble family of Old Castille and, supported by an uncle priest, he was educated in a famous school of Palencia. He was distinguished immediately for his interest in the study of sacred Scripture and for his love of the poor, to the point of selling books, which in his time constituted a good of great value, to help victims of famine with what he collected. Ordained a priest, he was elected canon of the chapter of the cathedral in his native diocese, Osma. Although this appointment could represent for him some motive of prestige in the Church and in society, he did not interpret it as a personal privilege, or as the beginning of a brilliant ecclesiastical career, but as a service to render with dedication and humility. Is not perhaps the temptation to a career, to power, a temptation to which not even those who have a role of leadership and governance in the Church are immune? I recalled this a few months ago, during the consecration of some bishops: "We do not seek power, prestige or esteem for ourselves. [...] We know how in civil society and often also in the Church things suffer because many people on whom responsibility has been conferred work for themselves rather than for the community" (Homily, Cappella Papale per l'Ordinazione episcopale di cinque Ecc. mi Presuli, Sept. 12, 2009). The bishop of Osma, who was named Diego, a true and zealous pastor, very soon noticed the spiritual quality of Dominic, and wished to make use of his collaboration. Together they went to Northern Europe to carry out diplomatic missions entrusted to them by the king of Castille. While traveling, Dominic became aware of two great challenges for the Church of his time: the existence of people who were not yet evangelized, in the northern limits of the European continent, and the religious scourge that weakened Christian life in southern France, where the action of some heretical groups created disturbance and a falling away from the truth of the faith. Missionary work on behalf of those who do not know the light of the Gospel and the work of re-evangelization of the Christian community thus became the apostolic goals that Dominic intended to pursue. It was the Pope, to whom Bishop Diego and Dominic went to ask advice, who requested the latter to dedicate himself to preaching to the Albigensians, a heretical group which held a dualistic concept of reality, that is, of two equally powerful creative principles, Good and Evil. This group, consequently, had contempt for matter as coming from the principle of evil, even rejecting marriage, and reaching the point of denying the incarnation of Christ, the sacraments in which the Lord "touches" us through matter, and the resurrection of bodies. The Albigensians esteemed a poor and austere life -- in this sense they were even exemplary -- and they criticized the wealth of the clergy of that time. Dominic accepted this mission enthusiastically, which he carried out precisely with the example of his poor and austere existence, with the preaching of the Gospel and with public debates. He dedicated the rest of his life to this mission of preaching the Good News. His sons would fulfill St. Dominic's other dreams: the mission ad gentes, that is, to those who did not yet know Jesus, and the mission to those who lived in the city, especially in the universities, where new intellectual tendencies were a challenge for the faith of the well-educated. This great saint reminds us that a missionary fire must always burn in the heart of the Church, which drives incessantly to take the first proclamation of the Gospel and, where necessary, to a new evangelization: Christ is, in fact, the most precious good that men and women of all times and all places have the right to know and to love! And it is consoling to see how also in the Church of today there are so many -- pastors and lay faithful, members of old religious orders and of new ecclesial movements -- that with joy spend their life for this supreme ideal: to proclaim and witness the Gospel! Other men associated themselves to Dominic Guzmán, attracted by the same aspiration. Thus, gradually, from the first foundation of Tolosa, was born the Order of Preachers. Dominic, in fact, in full obedience to the directives of the Popes of his time, Innocent III and Honorius III, adopted the ancient Rule of St. Augustine, adapting it to the needs of apostolic life, which led him and his companions to preach, moving from one post to another, but returning, later, to their own monasteries, places of study, prayer and community life. In a particular way, Dominic wished to highlight two values considered indispensable for the success of the evangelizing mission: community life in poverty and study. First of all, Dominic and the Friars Preachers presented themselves as mendicants, that is, without vast properties of land to administer. This element rendered them more available for study and itinerant preaching and constituted a concrete witness for the people. The internal government of the Dominican monasteries and provinces was structured on the system of chapters, which elected their own superiors, confirmed later by major superiors; hence, an organization that stimulated fraternal life and the responsibility of all the members of the community, exacting strong personal convictions. The choice of this system stemmed precisely from the fact that the Dominicans, as preachers of the truth of God, had to be consistent with what they proclaimed. Truth studied and shared in charity with brothers is the most profound foundation of joy. Blessed Giordano of Saxony said of St. Dominic: "He received every man in the great bosom of charity and, because he loved everyone, everyone loved him. He made a personal law for himself of being joyful with happy persons and of weeping with those who wept" (Libellus de principiis Ordinis Praedicatorum autore Iordano de Saxonia, ed. H.C. Scheeben, [Monumenta Historica Sancti Patris Nostri Dominici, Romae, 1935]). In the second place, with a courageous gesture Dominic wished that his followers acquire a solid theological formation, and he did not hesitate to send them to the universities of the time, even though not a few ecclesiastics regarded with diffidence these cultural institutions. The Constitutions of the Order of Preachers give great importance to study as preparation for the apostolate. Dominic wanted his friars to dedicate themselves to study, sparing no effort, with diligence and compassion -- to study founded on the soul of all theological learning, that is, on sacred Scripture, and respectful of the questions posed by reason. The development of culture imposes on those who carry out the ministry of the Word, at various levels, to be well prepared. Hence I exhort all, pastors and laity, to cultivate this "cultural dimension" of faith, so that the beauty of the Christian truth can be better understood and faith can be truly nourished, reinforced and also defended. In this Year for Priests, I invite seminarians and priests to appreciate the spiritual value of study. The quality of the priestly ministry depends also on the generosity with which one applies oneself to the study of revealed truths. Dominic, who wished to found a religious Order of Preachers-Theologians, reminds us that theology has a spiritual and pastoral dimension, which enriches the spirit and life. Priests, consecrated persons and also all the faithful can find a profound "interior joy" in contemplating the beauty of the truth that comes from God, truth that is always up-to-date and always living. Hence, the motto of the Friars Preachers -- contemplata aliis tradere -- helps us to discover a pastoral yearning in the contemplative study of such truth, by the need to communicate to others the fruit of one's contemplation. When Dominic died in 1221 in Bologna, the city that declared him its patron, his work had already had great success. The Order of Preachers, with the support of the Holy See, had spread to many countries of Europe to the benefit of the whole Church. Dominic was canonized in 1234, and it is he himself, with his sanctity, who indicates to us two indispensable means for apostolic action to be incisive. First of all, Marian devotion, which he cultivated with tenderness and which he left as precious legacy to his spiritual children, who in the history of the Church have had the great merit of spreading the prayer of the holy rosary, so dear to the Christian people and so rich in evangelical values, a true school of faith and piety. In the second place, Dominic, who took care of some women's convents in France and in Rome, believed profoundly in the value of intercessory prayer for the success of apostolic work. Only in Paradise will we understand how much the prayer of the cloistered effectively supports apostolic action! To each one of them I direct my grateful and affectionate thoughts. Dear brothers and sisters, may Dominic Guzmán's life spur all of us to be fervent in prayer, courageous in living the faith, profoundly in love with Jesus Christ. Through his intercession, we ask God to enrich the Church always with genuine preachers of the Gospel. 2010-02-06T16:07:50-05:00 http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/dominicans_celebrate_500_years_in_the_americas/ http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/dominicans_celebrate_500_years_in_the_americas/#When:15:47:31Z Fr. Brian Pierce, O. P., a friar of our Province, wrote a very timely reflection as mark the 500th anniversary of the first Dominicans in the Americas.  His essay Seeing, Touching and Speaking the Truth: First Dominicans in the Americas, provides a wonderful resource on the impact of that first group of Spanish Dominican friars upon their arrival on the island of La Española – today Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Click here to download a PDF copy of his essay.   Fr. Brian Pierce, O. P., a friar of our Province, wrote a very timely reflection as mark the 500th anniversary of the first Dominicans in the Americas.  His essay Seeing, Touching and Speaking the Truth: First Dominicans in the Americas, provides a wonderful resource on the impact of that first group of Spanish Dominican friars upon their arrival on the island of La Española – today Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Click here to download a PDF copy of his essay. 2010-01-31T15:47:31-05:00 http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/pope_benedict_on_the_mendicant_orders/ http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/pope_benedict_on_the_mendicant_orders/#When:19:53:55Z Shown below is a translation of the January 13, 2010 address Benedict XVI delivered during the general audience in Paul VI Hall. His topic of the mendicant religiousorders speaks directly to our Dominican charism and life. Dear Brothers and Sisters, On the Mendicant Orders "The Proposal of a 'Lay Sanctity' Won Many People" Shown below is a translation of the January 13, 2010 address Benedict XVI delivered during the general audience in Paul VI Hall. His topic of the mendicant religiousorders speaks directly to our Dominican charism and life. Dear Brothers and Sisters, At the beginning of the new year, we look at the history of Christianity, to see how a history develops and how it can be renewed. In it we can see that it is the saints, guided by the light of God, who are the genuine reformers of the life of the Church and of society. Teachers by their word and witnesses with their example, they know how to promote a stable and profound ecclesial renewal, because they themselves are profoundly renewed, they are in contact with the true novelty: the presence of God in the world. Such a consoling reality -- that in every generation saints are born and bear the creativity of renewal -- constantly accompanies the history of the Church in the midst of the sorrows and the negative aspects of her journey. We also see come forth, century by century, the forces of reform and of renewal, because the novelty of God is inexorable and always gives new strength to go forward. This was what happened in the 13th century, with the birth and the extraordinary development of the Mendicant Orders: a model of great renewal in a new historic period. They were called thus because of their characteristic of "begging," namely, of going to the people humbly for economic support to live the vow of poverty and to carry out their evangelizing mission. Of the Mendicant Orders that arose in that period, the most notable and most important are the Friars Minor and the Preaching Friars, known as Franciscans and Dominicans. They have these names because of their founders, Francis of Assisi and Dominic de Guzmán, respectively. These two great saints had the capacity to wisely read "the signs of the times," intuiting the challenges that the Church of their time had to face. A first challenge was represented by the spread of several groups and movements of faithful that, although inspired in a legitimate desire for authentic Christian life, often placed themselves outside of ecclesial communion. They were in profound opposition to the rich and beautiful Church that developed precisely with the flourishing of monasticism. In recent catecheses I reflected on the monastic community of Cluny, which had always attracted young men and, therefore, vital forces, as well as goods and riches. Thus logically developed, initially, a Church rich in property and also immobile. Opposed to this Church was the idea that Christ came on earth poor and that the true Church should be, in fact, the Church of the poor; a desire for true Christian authenticity was thus opposed to the reality of the empirical Church. This brought about the so-called pauper movements of the Medieval Age. They harshly contested the lifestyles of priests and monks of the time, accused of having betrayed the Gospel and of not practicing poverty as the first Christians, and these movements counterpoised to the ministry of the bishops their own "parallel hierarchy." Moreover, to justify their choices, they spread doctrines that were incompatible with the Catholic faith. For example, the movement of the Cathars or Albigensians proposed again old heresies, such as depreciation and contempt of the material world -- opposition to wealth quickly became opposition to material reality as such -- the negation of free will, and then dualism, the existence of a second principle of evil equated with God. These movements had success, especially in France and Italy, not only because of their solid organization, but also because they denounced a real disorder in the Church, caused by the less than exemplary behavior of several representatives of the clergy. On the other hand, the Franciscans and Dominicans, in the footsteps of their founders, showed that it was possible to live evangelical poverty, the truth of the Gospel, without separating from the Church; they showed that the Church continued to be the true, authentic place of the Gospel and Scripture. Thus, Dominic and Francis drew, precisely from profound communion with the Church and the papacy, the strength of their witness. With an altogether original choice in the history of consecrated life, the members of these orders not only gave up possession of personal goods, as monks had since antiquity, but even wanted real estate and goods put in the name of the community. In this way they intended to give witness of an extremely sober life, to be in solidarity with the poor and trust only in Providence, to live every day by Providence, in trust, putting themselves in God's hands. This personal and community style of the Mendicant Orders, joined to total adherence to the teaching of the Church and her authority, was greatly appreciated by the Pontiffs of the time, such as Innocent III and Honorius III, who gave their full support to these new ecclesial experiences, recognizing in them the voice of the Spirit. And fruits were not lacking: The poor groups that had separated from the Church returned to ecclesial communion or, gradually, were re-dimensioned until they disappeared. Also today, though living in a society in which "having" often prevails over "being," there is great sensitivity to examples of poverty and solidarity, which believers give with courageous choices. Also today, similar initiatives are not lacking: movements, which really begin from the novelty of the Gospel and live it radically today, putting themselves in God's hands, to serve their neighbor. The world, as Paul VI recalled in "Evangelii Nuntiandi," willingly listens to teachers when they are also witnesses. This is a lesson that must never be forgotten in the endeavor of spreading the Gospel: to live first of all what is proclaimed, to be a mirror of divine charity. Franciscans and Dominicans were witnesses, but also teachers. In fact, another widespread need in their time was that of religious instruction. Not a few lay faithful, who lived in greatly expanding cities, wished to practice a spiritually intense Christian life. Hence they sought to deepen their knowledge of the faith and to be guided in the arduous but exciting path of holiness. Happily, the Mendicant Orders were also able to meet this need: the proclamation of the Gospel in simplicity and in its depth and greatness was one objective, perhaps the main objective of this movement. In fact, with great zeal they dedicated themselves to preaching. The faithful were very numerous, often real and veritable crowds, which gathered to hear the preachers in the churches and in places outdoors -- let us think of St. Anthony, for example. They dealt with themes close to the life of the people, especially the practice of the theological and moral virtues, with concrete examples, easily understood. Moreover, they taught ways to nourish the life of prayer and piety. For example, the Franciscans greatly spread devotion to the humanity of Christ, with the commitment of imitating the Lord. Hence it is not surprising that the faithful were numerous, women and men, who chose to be supported in their Christian journey by the Franciscan and Dominican friars, sought after and appreciated spiritual directors and confessors. Thus were born associations of lay faithful that were inspired by the spirituality of Sts. Francis and Dominic, adapted to their state of life. It was the Third Order, whether Franciscan or Dominican. In other words, the proposal of a "lay sanctity" won many people. As the Second Vatican Council recalled, the call to holiness is not reserved to some, but is universal (cf. "Lumen Gentium," 40). In every state of life, according to the needs of each, there is the possibility of living the Gospel. Also today every Christian must tend to the "lofty measure of Christian life," no matter what state of life he belongs to! The importance of the Mendicant Orders grew so much in the Middle Ages that lay institutions, such as labor organizations, ancient corporations and even civil authorities, often took recourse to the spiritual consultation of members of such orders for the writing of their regulations and, at times, for the solution of internal and external opposition. The Franciscans and Dominicans became the spiritual leaders of the Medieval city. With great intuition, they put into practice a pastoral strategy adapted to the transformation of society. Because many people were moving from the countryside to the cities, they placed their monasteries no longer in rural but in urban areas. Moreover, to carry out their activity for the benefit of souls, it was necessary to move in keeping with pastoral needs. With another altogether innovative choice, the Mendicant Orders abandoned the principle of stability, a classic of ancient monasticism, to choose another way. Friars and Preachers traveled from one place to another, with missionary zeal. As a consequence, they gave themselves an organization that was different from that of the majority of monastic orders. In place of the traditional autonomy that every monastery enjoyed, they gave greater importance to the order as such and to the superior-general, as well as to the structure of the provinces. Thus the mendicants were in general available for the needs of the universal Church. This flexibility made it possible to send friars more adapted to specific missions and the Mendicant Orders reached North Africa, the Middle East and Northern Europe. With this flexibility, missionary dynamism was renewed. Another great challenge was represented by the cultural transformations taking place at that time. New questions made for lively discussions in the universities, which arose at the end of the 12th century. Friars and Preachers did not hesitate to assume this commitment as well and, as students and professors, they entered the most famous universities of the time, founded centers of study, produced texts of great value, gave life to true and proper schools of thought, were protagonists of scholastic theology in its greatest period, and significantly influenced the development of thought. The greatest thinkers, Sts. Thomas Aquinas and Bonaventure, were mendicants, operating in fact with this dynamism of the new evangelization, which also renewed the courage of thought, of dialogue between reason and faith. Today also there is a "charity of and in truth," an "intellectual charity" to exercise, to enlighten intelligences and combine faith with culture. The widespread commitment of the Franciscans and Dominicans in the Medieval universities is an invitation, dear faithful, to make oneself present in places of the elaboration of learning, to propose, with respect and conviction, the light of the Gospel on the fundamental questions that concern man, his dignity, and his eternal destiny. Thinking of the role of the Franciscans and Dominicans in the Middle Ages, of the spiritual renewal they aroused, of the breath of new life that they communicated in the world, a monk says: "At that time the world was growing old. Two orders arose in the Church, from which it renewed its youth, like that of an eagle" (Burchard d'Ursperg, Chronicon). Dear brothers and sisters, let us indeed invoke at the beginning of this year the Holy Spirit, eternal youth of the Church: May he make each one of us feel the urgency of giving a consistent and courageous witness of the Gospel, so that saints will never be lacking, who make the Church shine as a Bride always pure and beautiful, without stain and without wrinkle, able to attract the world irresistibly to Christ, to his salvation. [Translation by ZENIT] [At the end of the audience, the Holy Father greeted the people in several languages. In English, he said:] Dear Brothers and Sisters, In our catechesis on medieval Christian culture, we now consider the movement of ecclesial reform promoted by the two great Mendicant Orders. In every age the saints are the true reformers of the Church's life. In the thirteenth century Saints Francis and Dominic inspired a vast evangelical renewal which met three significant needs of the Church of that time. The Franciscans and the Dominicans adopted a lifestyle of evangelical poverty which, unlike that of the Cathars, was grounded in communion with the visible Church and a sound Christian understanding of the goodness of creation. As zealous preachers, especially in urban environments, the Friars provided religious instruction and spiritual guidance to the lay faithful, many of whom became members of their "Third Orders." Traveling freely from place to place, they also contributed to the overall renewal of Church life and the spiritual transformation of society. By their presence in the universities, the Friars worked for the evangelization of culture, affirming the harmony of faith and reason, and creating the great synthesis of scholastic theology. May their example of holiness and evangelical lifestyle inspire our own witness to the Gospel and our efforts to draw the world to Christ and his Church. I offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking visitors present at today's Audience, especially those from Denmark, Australia and the United States of America. My particular greeting goes to the many student groups present and to the faculty members. Upon all of you I invoke God's blessings of joy and peace! Copyright 2010 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana [In Italian, he added] Finally, as usual, I turn to the young people, the sick and the newlyweds present. Today's liturgy remembers St. Hilary, bishop of Poitiers, who lived in France in the 4th century, who "was a tenacious champion of the divinity of Christ" (Liturgy), defender of the faith and teacher of truth. May his example sustain you, dear young people, in your constant and courageous search for Christ: Especially you students of the Diocese of Caserta, thank you for your presence and thank you for your commitment in the faith. I see and feel the strength of your faith; I encourage you, dear sick people, to offer your sufferings so that the Kingdom of God is spread in the whole world; and help you, dear newlyweds, to be witnesses of the love of Christ in family life. I now wish to address an appeal for the tragic situation currently being experienced in Haiti. My thoughts go in particular to the population hit just a few hours ago by a devastating earthquake which has caused serious loss of human life, large numbers of homeless and missing people, and vast material damage. I invite everyone to join my prayers to the Lord for the victims of this catastrophe and for those who mourn their loss. I give assurances of my spiritual closeness to people who have lost their homes and to everyone who, in various ways, has been affected by this terrible calamity, imploring God to bring them consolation and relief in their suffering. I appeal to the generosity of all people so that these our brothers and sisters who are experiencing a moment of need and suffering may not lack our concrete solidarity and the effective support of the international community. The Catholic Church will not fail to move immediately, through her charitable institutions, to meet the most immediate needs of the population. [Translation by ZENIT]   2010-01-14T19:53:55-05:00 http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/the_gospel_in_action_project/ http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/the_gospel_in_action_project/#When:01:46:26Z The Gospel in Action is an exciting and innovative multimedia project of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans). It's purpose is to highlight stories of Dominicans throughout the world living out their Dominican vocation of preaching and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dominican friars and sisters are encouraged to create and submit short films highlighting their work with the poor and marginalized. The Gospel in Action is an exciting and innovative multimedia project of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans). It's purpose is to highlight stories of Dominicans throughout the world living out their Dominican vocation of preaching and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dominican friars and sisters are encouraged to create and submit short films highlighting their work with the poor and marginalized. The first film submitted (and shown below) is a 25 minute video sharing the story of six friars actively putting the Gospel into action on behalf of the poor and showing the strong connection between their actions, the Gospel, and the Dominican Tradition. They include Henri Burin des Roziers, OP, ministering to farm workers in Brazil; Godfrey N’Zamujo, OP, ministering to the people of Berin, West Africa; Pedro Meca, OP, working and living among the poor and homeless in Paris; and Bishop Pierre Claverie, OP, who was assassinated in Algeria in 1996.  Certainly the most poignant images in the film are those of Bishop Claverie, courageously extolling dialogue between people of different faiths shortly before his own death.  Interspersed among the stories are the words of such great Dominicans as Dominic himself, Thomas Aquinas, Bartholome de las Casas, and Martin de Porres.  The inclusion of such great members of the Order situates the work of the contemporary Dominicans to those of our 800 year tradition.  The film is also a reminder of the necessary link between study and ministry.  Dominicans of every generation study theology and scripture in addition to the signs of the times, in order to preach the Good News to all. Two Masters of the Order are featured in the film.  First the previous Master, Timothy Radcliffe, OP, tells of the inspiring faith of the African peoples, finding God in the midst of the hardships of life.  Finally, our current Master, Carlos Aspiroz Costa, OP, invites Dominicans throughout the world to share films of their evangelizing ministries with the Order.      You can also view the video by clicking here. 2010-01-13T01:46:26-05:00 http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/dominican_friar_appointed_bishop/ http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/dominican_friar_appointed_bishop/#When:01:25:46Z Bishop Anthony C. Fisher was appointed on Friday by Pope Benedict XVI as bishop of Parramatta, Australia. Bishop Fisher, 49, who currently serves as auxiliary bishop of Sydney, was Coordinator of the 2008 World Youth Day and is credited for his extensive work in helping organize it.  “It is a very great privilege to be entrusted with this role of leadership and service in the vibrant young diocese of Parramatta,” Bishop Fisher said on Friday. Bishop Anthony C. Fisher was appointed on Friday by Pope Benedict XVI as bishop of Parramatta, Australia. Bishop Fisher, 49, who currently serves as auxiliary bishop of Sydney, was Coordinator of the 2008 World Youth Day and is credited for his extensive work in helping organize it. “It is a very great privilege to be entrusted with this role of leadership and service in the vibrant young diocese of Parramatta,” Bishop Fisher said on Friday. “Western Sydney is one the Australia's fasting growing areas, with a median age of only 32, many young families and numerous ethnic communities. Parramatta may be one of our youngest dioceses but it is already the fifth most populous in Australia and has many exciting possibilities.” Speaking about the impact that the 2008 World Youth Day had on him personally, Bishop Fisher said that “World Youth Day brought home to me the importance of youth ministry and the major contribution young people can make to our Church today. I will be bringing that experience and energy to my new role.” Born in South-West Sydney and educated in local schools, Bishop Fisher eventually studied History and Law at the University of Sydney.  Following his studies there, he practiced in a law firm in the city and began his involvement in the pro-life movement. In 1985 he entered the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and began his theology studies in Melbourne. He was ordained a priest in 1991 and finished his doctorate in bioethics at the University of Oxford in 1995. In addition to lecturing in numerous countries and being widely published, Bishop Fisher served as foundation Director for the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family in Melbourne where he is still a professor. “I have a passion for preaching, teaching and formation, and so I will be very interested in the disctinctive contribution the Catholic Church makes in this regard in the Diocese of Parramatta,” said the Bishop. The installation Mass for Bishop Fisher will take place at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Parramatta on March 4, 2010.   reprinted from Catholic News Agency 2010-01-13T01:25:46-05:00 http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/three_brothers_ordained_deacons/ http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/three_brothers_ordained_deacons/#When:17:06:00Z On Saturday, December 12, 2009, our brothers Dominic Colangelo, O.P., Eduardo Logiste O.P, and Jorge Rativa, O.P. were ordained to the Order of Deacons. The Ordination Mass began at 10:00 am ... Welcome Our Three New Deacons On Saturday, December 12, 2009, our brothers Dominic Colangelo, O.P., Eduardo Logiste O.P, and Jorge Rativa, O.P. were ordained to the Order of Deacons. The Mass of Ordination began at 10:00 am at Saint Dominic Parish Church in New Orleans Louisiana with the Most Rev. Gregory Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans. After the ordination ceremony the new deacons gathered with their Dominican brothers, sisters, family and friends in the Parish gym to celebrate this very important moment in their lives. The brothers will now move to their new assignments where they will begin their diaconal ministries. Br. Dominic will be serving at St. Dominic parish in New Orleans. Brother Eduardo will minister at Holy Ghost parish in Hammond, Louisiana and Brother Jorge will serve on the Campus Ministry staff at Duke University. Please keep these brothers in your prayers as they begin their new ministries. 2009-12-30T17:06:00-05:00 http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/student_brothers_explore_islam/ http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/student_brothers_explore_islam/#When:20:05:42Z In the summer of 2009 two of our student brothers joined 16 other Dominican friars from around the world as guests of the Institute Dominican d'études Orientales (IDEO). The goal of this program was to learn ... In the summer of 2009 two of our student brothers joined 16 other Dominican friars from around the world as guests of the Institute Dominican d'études Orientales (IDEO). The goal of this program was to learn about the mission of IDEO, review some of their academic research, and encounter Islam in a predominately Islamic country. Read the reflections of this young friar's journey to a very different, but exciting world. A New World As I sit in a small tea house, an elderly man approaches. He does not speak English, but signals for me to remove my shoes. Knowing it is the custom in the region to do so in many buildings, I take them off and place them next to my table. The man walks off with my shoes. Much to my relief, he returns with them a few minutes later, a fresh black finish and the smell of polish greet my senses. After bartering over the price of an unwanted shine, I have my shoes back at the price of five Egyptian pounds. Within minutes of walking down the street, my shoes again are covered in dust. So begins my second full day in Cairo. From July 1st through the 15th, Br. John Paul Phillips and I joined 16 other friars from around the world as guests of the Institute Dominican d'études Orientales (IDEO). Our goal during this visit was to learn about the mission of IDEO, review some of their academic research, and encounter Islam in a predominately Islamic country. While we reviewed some basic history of the Islamic movement, we also dug deeper into their traditions and culture, including the charismatic nature of Sufism, the mystical school of Islam. The Egyptian mornings are cooler than one might expect, ranging between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius. Thus, we took advantage of that break in the heat. While we spent several hours in conferences, learning about the institute and its work, we also had the opportunity to experience Egyptian culture and tour places that typically are not on tourists' maps. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with open arms and great hospitality. We were treated to personalized tours of many prominent places, from the Ibn Tulun Mosque, one of Egypt's oldest (built in A.D. 850), to the state-of-the-art Al Azhar University, one of the world's most respected Islamic schools. Of course, no trip to Egypt would be complete without a visit to the Pyramids of Giza. Over the first few days, we met prominent writers and professors from Cairo, had conversations with many local Muslims, and visited street vendors, bazaars, parks, and even the tomb of St. Mark the Evangelist. Although the heart of Cairo was opened for our benefit, and we were treated as honored guests, the visit should not be viewed entirely through rose colored glasses. We had several encounters with local Coptic Christians, many of whom also greeted us with great generosity and warmth. However, their daily lives differ in many ways from their Muslim-Egyptian counterparts. No one hid the fact that certain jobs, like judgeships, high ranking military offices, and many teaching positions are off limits to non-Muslims. A few Copts, speaking softly and with great attentiveness to their words, criticized government actions, such as increased taxes for non-Muslims and other domestic affairs that made life for them tougher than for the average citizen. The Sinai Desert We did not spend the entire two weeks in Cairo. Towards the end of our stay, we made our way through the Sinai Desert to Dahab, a small resort town on the Red Sea. Both figuratively and literally, the summit of our experience in Egypt pyramid occurred atop Mount Sinai. All but one brother walked two and a half miles up a long, winding, and steep path. I, on the other hand, paid for a camel ride. Once my four-legged friend reached the limit of his abilities, I joined the other brothers in climbing several hundred steps (actually large stones) to the peak. Once we reached the top of the mountain, we watched the sun set and celebrated Mass with a large stone as our altar. Having stuffed our pockets with bottles of water and candy bars, we rented thin sleeping pads and blankets, smelling not unlike the camel, and settled down for the night. The atmosphere was so clear that thousands of stars could be seen across the sky. A gentle wind was the only sound. Around 2 am, those of us who were able to sleep were awakened by Muslim pilgrims who ascend the mountain each night and chant in Arabic - a beautiful sound. Shortly thereafter, other visitors came to the top of the mountain in expectation of sunrise. At approximately 5:30 am, fifty tourists from around the world watched the first sun of the day come up over the desert. To end our excursion, we took the steps to St. Catherine's Monastery, a 4,500 step descent from the top of the mountain to the valley below. The opportunity to visit Cairo and learn about the mission of IDEO is one that I will not forget. The greatest benefit to my education was living and studying at the institute, and its eighty year- old endeavor to learn more about the Islamic faith. While predominately a project of the French Province, IDEO earnestly seeks friars from around the world who have an interest in advanced Arabic studies and in adding to the corpus of work produced by the institute these last eighty years. Even though the focus of IDEO centers on the Islamic faith, anyone interested in Arabic history, language or culture should contact them. The friars in Cairo have many contacts and useful resources in the Arab world. My Thanks If any communities or friars have an interest in learning more about IDEO or the program John Paul and I attended this summer, I would be pleased to present some of the information we received as well as share some of our experiences in greater detail. I wish to offer my sincere thanks to fr. Carlos Azpiroz-Costaand fr. Jean Jacques Pérennès, who made this program possible through grants and many hours of work. I also want to thank the Province and our benefactors for making this trip a possibility. My vocation has only been enriched by this opportunity to meet so many brothers from around the world and experience Dominican life in such a unique environment as Egypt. 2009-11-05T20:05:42-05:00 http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/cara_study_on_vocations/ http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/cara_study_on_vocations/#When:20:04:27Z A landmark study on US Catholic vocations reveals hopeful news for the Church.  The study surveyed 4,000 members of U.S. religious communities in initial formation or final vows since 1993. The demographic composition and preferred lifestyle of religious communities in the U.S. are undergoing dramatic changes according to a first-of-its-kind survey of newer members. A landmark study on US Catholic vocations reveals hopeful news for the Church. The study surveyed 4,000 members of U.S. religious communities in initial formation or final vows since 1993. The demographic composition and preferred lifestyle of religious communities in the U.S. are undergoing dramatic changes according to a first-of-its-kind survey of newer members. The landmark Study of Recent Vocations to Religious Life was undertaken by the Center for the Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), a Georgetown University-based research center, on behalf of the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC), a professional association of religious vocation directors, based in Chicago. The study sought to determine best practices for religious institutes in attracting and retaining new members. Holy Cross Brother Paul Bednarczyk, executive director of the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC), applauded the findings. "People of all ages and walks of life continue to be called to religious life, which is changing with the times," he said. "The Church and the world need women and men religious. Their witness has been the impetus for social change and spiritual renewal throughout history. "Now a new generation of religious men and women show a renewed appreciation of our Catholic worship, identity, and communal living. Their witness remains a vital part of the life of the Church." Mercy Sister Mary Bendyna, executive director of CARA and principal author of the study, called the men and women religious who participated "a sign of hope for religious life and the Church. "They face many challenges and are making a choice that family and friends don't understand," she said, "but they are embracing their call with faith and enthusiasm." Growing Diversity The new members' total is likely higher than the 4,000 surveyed, as some religious institutes did not respond. The study's findings, which did not include diocesan priesthood, show an increased diversity in ethnicity, age, and life experiences among new members. Among those in training: 21 percent are Hispanic, 14 percent are Asian or Pacific Islander, and 6 percent are African/African American, which is a shift from 94 percent white among finally professed 43 percent are under 30 Among all new members: 70 percent enter with a bachelor's degree and nine in ten held full-time jobs 7 percent have been married and 5 percent have children 73 percent attended Catholic schools for at least part of their education 68 percent considered religious life before age 21 Overall, religious are an aging population. Most communities report diminishing numbers, yet some attract new members and a few are experiencing significant growth. Men's communities and women's communities following more traditional practices have better success attracting younger members today. The Spirit Attracts Approximately 75 percent are drawn to religious life very much by a sense of call and desire for prayer and spiritual growth. An overwhelming 85 percent say what attracted them to a community was its members, citing their sense of joy, commitment, and zeal. Beyond the example of professed members, the most significant draw for new members is community life and prayer. Most new members want to live, work, and pray with other members of their community. Younger new entrants look for an institute's fidelity to the church; older new entrants are drawn to its mission. New entrants prefer to live in large communities (8 or more). Institutes in which members live alone face challenges attracting new members. Many younger members seek to wear a religious habit, a practice that has diminished in most religious institutes in the past 40 years. If You Build it They Will Come Many younger members report not having known men and women religious when they first felt drawn toward that life. Some report relying on a friend or mentor for recommendations. Younger members made use of online vocational resources, including community Websites. Effective strategies for attracting and retaining new members include programs and promotions, such as "Come and See" weekends, in which those discerning a vocation can spend time with community members; retreats; ministry experiences; and an engaging online presence. Having a full-time vocation director or vocation team and leaders who involve the entire community in promoting vocations also helps. Hope In the Future Religious institutes acknowledge the challenges of diminishing numbers, generational differences, and diversified ministries. New members express hope in the future of religious life. One study participant said religious life "has been here a long time, and it will continue in whatever shape that God wants it to be." Another said: "Community life--if it's lived well, if it's joy-filled--attracts people." The study is available at www.nrvc.net. 2009-11-05T20:04:27-05:00 http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/pope_speaks_to_young_people/ http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/pope_speaks_to_young_people/#When:20:10:27Z Dear Young Friends, At the conclusion of this celebration I turn to you directly and I greet you warmly. You have come here in great numbers from all over the country and from neighbouring countries. Being with you makes the Pope feel young! I extend a particular word of thanks to your representative for his words and for the wonderful gift. Dear friends, it is not hard to see that in every young person ... Dear Young Friends, At the conclusion of this celebration I turn to you directly and I greet you warmly. You have come here in great numbers from all over the country and from neighbouring countries. Being with you makes the Pope feel young! I extend a particular word of thanks to your representative for his words and for the wonderful gift. Dear friends, it is not hard to see that in every young person there is an aspiration towards happiness, sometimes tinged with anxiety: an aspiration that is often exploited, however, by present-day consumerist society in false and alienating ways. Instead, that longing for happiness must be taken seriously, it demands a true and comprehensive response. At your age, the first major choices are made, choices that can set your lives on a particular course, for better or worse. Unfortunately, many of your contemporaries allow themselves to be led astray by illusory visions of spurious happiness, and then they find themselves sad and alone. Yet there are also many young men and women who seek to transform doctrine into action, as your representative said, so as to give the fullness of meaning to their lives. I invite you all to consider the experience of Saint Augustine, who said that the heart of every person is restless until it finds what it truly seeks. And he discovered that Jesus Christ alone is the answer that can satisfy his and every person's desire for a life of happiness, filled with meaning and value (cf. Confessions, I.1.1). As he did with Augustine, so the Lord comes to meet each one of you. He knocks at the door of your freedom and asks to be welcomed as a friend. He wants to make you happy, to fill you with humanity and dignity. The Christian faith is this: encounter with Christ, the living Person who gives life a new horizon and thereby a definitive direction. And when the heart of a young person opens up to his divine plans, it is not difficult to recognize and follow his voice. The Lord calls each of us by name, and entrusts to us a specific mission in the Church and in society. Dear young people, be aware that by Baptism you have become children of God and members of his Body, the Church. Jesus constantly renews his invitation to you to be his disciples and his witnesses. Many of you he calls to marriage, and the preparation for this Sacrament constitutes a real vocational journey. Consider seriously the divine call to raise a Christian family, and let your youth be the time in which to build your future with a sense of responsibility. Society needs Christian families, saintly families! And if the Lord is calling you to follow him in the ministerial priesthood or in the consecrated life, do not hesitate to respond to his invitation. In particular, in this Year of Priests, I appeal to you, young men: be attentive and open to Jesus's call to offer your lives in the service of God and his people. The Church in every country, including this one, needs many holy priests and also persons fully consecrated to the service of Christ, Hope of the world. Hope! This word, to which I often return, sits particularly well with youth. You, my dear young people, are the hope of the Church! She expects you to become messengers of hope, as happened last year in Australia, during World Youth Day, that great manifestation of youthful faith that I was able to experience personally, and in which some of you took part. Many more of you will be able to come to Madrid in August 2011. I invite you here and now to participate in this great gathering of young people with Christ in the Church. Dear friends, thank you again for being here and thank you for your gift: the book of photographs recounting the lives of young people in your dioceses. Thank you also for the sign of your solidarity towards the young people of Africa, which you have presented to me. The Pope asks you to live your faith with joy and enthusiasm; to grow in unity among yourselves and with Christ; to pray and to be diligent in frequenting the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession; to take seriously your Christian formation, remaining ever obedient to the teachings of your Pastors. May Saint Wenceslaus guide you along this path through his example and his intercession, and may you always enjoy the protection of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother. I bless all of you with affection!.... Dear young friends, your enthusiasm for the Christian faith is a sign of hope for the Church that is present and active in these lands. In order to give a fuller meaning to your youth, follow the Lord Jesus with courage and generosity as he knocks on the door of your hearts. Christ asks you to welcome him as a friend. May the Lord bless you and bring to fullfilment every good plan that you make for your lives! 2009-09-29T20:10:27-05:00 http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/great_video_for_lapsed_catholics_-_check_this_out/ http://www.dominicanvocations.com/index.php/blog/more/great_video_for_lapsed_catholics_-_check_this_out/#When:20:10:53Z You definitely need to see this amazing television commercial, created by Catholics Come Home aimed at Catholics who have fallen away from the Church. Very well done and inspiring. I've sent the link to a few of my close friends who have "issues" with the Church. Unfortunately they do not allow other sites to embed the video so you have to click on this link to watch the video on Youtube. I encourage everyone to check out their site as well. It provides a lot of resources to help friends or family members who have left the church. Wish I could think of a way to fund broadcasting these videos during prime time TV! 2009-03-05T20:10:53-05:00