"THE PERNA EXPERIENCE"

Chistmas Homily from Pope Benedict XVI

2009-12-26T16:27:00.002-05:00

Pope Benedict XVI is a Biblical Master who understands the affairs of the world and the lack of God that this pagan world professes. We are blessed to have him as our Papa! To understand what I mean fully, read his book, Jesus of Nazareth.

Christmas Homily can be read here.

We Shouldn't Make Popes Saints? Wake Up Fr. Reese!

2009-12-18T17:27:00.003-05:00

Greg Burke, a writer for Fox News just wrote an article about the Beatification of John Paul II. See his article here. My letter below is what I wrote back to Mr. Burke and his craziness when he quotes priests like Fr. Thomas Reese, S.J.

Mr. Burke,

I recently just read your article - "Blessed John Paul II, Book Your Hotel Now" on Fox News regarding the Beatification of John Paul II. I enjoyed the article up to the point where you quoted Fr. Thomas Reese. I understand that you are trying to give both perspectives, but I urge you next time to attain a quote from someone that supports John Paul II's Beatification as well.

Fr. Reese is an anti-Papal priest who has strayed from the faithful teachings of the Church and her Magisterium. So according to his logic and his quote, me as I lay person should not read the lives of the saints unless they are lay people? That is absolutely ridiculous!

I think John Paul II should be canonized for enduring the sexual scandals. Plus the seeds of that scandal began before he was Pope in the early to mid 1970's. Fr. Reese obviously needs a Church History lesson. Should we not consider the 12 Apostles saints then or the Popes from the Early Church that kept the Church alive, fought against the internal heresies in the Church and were even martyred for Jesus Christ?

On a more personal note, I enjoy reading your articles and I am glad that Fox News covers news that comes out of the Vatican. Just next time, get someone who knows what they are talking about and person who supports the Church, unlike Fr. Thomas Reese.

In Christ,

Tom Perna

O NO!

2009-11-04T00:47:00.003-05:00

O NO! Could this be the foreshadowing of what is to come one year from now? Is this the underwater earthquake that will generate the political tsunami for the Democrats in the House and Senate?

We need to take our country back from these left-wing, radical, pork spending, baby killing, socialists. They all need to go the way of the dodo.

See this article if you have not already!

Don't Tread on Me! Long Live the Revolution!

Busy, Busy and the White House Tyranny

2009-10-20T17:32:00.002-04:00

I am so busy with school work I don't know which way is up right now. I am still working on my development of the veneration of relics paper. I have 9 pages and need another 11 by this time next week since it's due in 7 days. I have reading coming out of my ears and realize that my four day break might be spent reading, but I will find some time to relax. I also have to write a 4-6 page paper on the relationship between Scripture and Tradition from The Meaning of Tradition by Yves Congar, O.P. This paper is also due next Tuesday. Plus this weekend I am working a few shifts as a driver for the Bioethics Conference. I will be picking up and dropping off people from the airport. To say the least, I am very busy, but I will get the work done. Please pray for me as you are all in my prayers.

Now on a fun note, I am sitting here watching the Glenn Beck show on FOX NEWS. There is so much I could write on regarding our current administration, but as stated above, I have work to do for my graduate degree. I just thought of something, scary as it is, in a tyranny, such as Fascism and Socialism, I would be rounded up, put on truck, and set off to a death camp because I have graduate degrees in Theology and Education. These tyrannies, this goes back to Plato's Republic, get rid of the scholars, intellectuals, and teachers because we can teach others about the wrongs that are being committed against us and how our free speech is being destroyed. Sorry for that side note, but it had to be mentioned.

Our current White House administration is walking towards tyranny. From O, Axelrod, Dunn, Gibbs (who is softer than toilet paper), and the Czars, they are talking about taking away our freedom of speech. I can't believe they are attacking a news organization now. To see what Robert "Toilet Paper" Gibbs said today, click on - toilet paper.

What can we do about this current White House Administration? First, next year, vote out all those cry baby liberals in the House and Senate. Get involved! I know I am. Second, vote out O and all his radical, left-wing, socialist, we don't like to be criticized henchmen. November 2012 can't come soon enough. I know that I will be heavily involved in making him the next Jimmy Carter (by the way, this guy died and nobody told him). Third, PRAY! Storm the Heavens with Prayer!

SAY IT AIN'T SO...

2009-10-09T09:35:00.004-04:00

SAY IT AIN'T SO "O", SAY IT AIN'T SO!

I woke up this morning to text message from a friend of mine asking did I hear the crazy news about the President. I ran to my computer and found that Obama (who has only been President since January 20 - that's just shy of 9 months) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I gaffed at the article I read online. This is the BIGGEST load of crap I have read in the news in many many years. My friend who texted me this morning said that, "it just negated every nobel ever awarded."

He has done nothing! He has not helped this country, actually, he is making this country weak. All this will do is add to his narcissistic egotistical personality. Obama is a ego-maniac! I am going to make a prediction - I bet he uses that he won the award in his upcoming speeches to promote his left-wing, socialist, and radical views.

The man is an empty suit. He brings nothing to the table. He has no experience for this position and the GOP was correct in establishing this point against him pre-election last year. He has no clue what do with Iran and the Islamic terrorists, he has given us a pork package that couldn't stimulate a female pig (that's hard to do since animals don't have the ability of self-control as humans do), Health Care is a stinking mess, he is giving Al Qaeda more time in Afghanistan since we won't make a decision on troop levels, he is now controlling the auto industry and he wants to control the internet, so people like me, people that are free, can't write blogs that will damage his narcissistic personality. There are probably other things he is doing that we just don't know about yet or because CNN, MSNBC and the other "state" controlled media are not reporting it.

I remember when I was 18 years and Bill Clinton was elected to the Presidency, my Father said to me, "Every few years, the American people do something stupid." Well Dad was correct this year too - they elected this clown from the political cesspool called Chicago, Illinois. Not only have the American people done something stupid this year, it looks like the world has joined in on the stupid party too.

Pro-Life America

2009-10-04T19:25:00.003-04:00

I had friends that walked across the United States of America this summer in the annual Pro-Life Walk sponsored by CROSSROADS and they said to me that nearly everywhere they walked they were greeted very well and it seemed as if America was PRO-LIFE. This is good news since we have the most Pro-Abortion President in the history of this country sitting in the Oval Office for another three painful years. Read this article - Pray To End Abortion!

Pew poll finds abortion support at new low, especially among certain Catholics

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Appointed to be Missionaries

2009-10-01T08:28:00.009-04:00

This was taken from the Meditation of the Day (October 1, 2009) in the Magnificat. The Magnificat is essentially a smaller version of the Liturgy of the Hours/Office of Readings (The Official Prayer of the Church). It contains Morning and Evening Prayers, the Readings for Mass, Meditations of the Day, Saint of the Day, and the Eucharistic Prayers.

Today's Meditation of the Day was written by Saint Therese of Lisieux, whose feast day is today. St. Therese was a Carmelite Nun who died at the age of 24. She is considered one of the great modern saints of the Church, a patron saint of Missionaries - although she never left her convent, she was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Pope John Paul II, and she is one of my favorite saints. She is known as the "Little Flower" and often the smell of roses accompanies her prayerful intercession for you. After reading this meditation, you will see what she is 1 of the 33 Doctors of the Catholic Church.

Ah! my Jesus, pardon me if I am unreasonable in wishing to express my desires and longings which reach even into infinity. Pardon me and heal my soul by giving her what she longs for so much!

To be your spouse, to be a Carmelite, and by my union with you to be the Mother of souls, should not this suffice me? And yet it is not so. No doubt, these three privileges sum up my true vocation: Carmelite, Spouse, Mother, and yet I feel within me other vocations. I feel the vocation of the WARRIOR, THE PRIEST, THE APOSTLE, THE DOCTOR, THE MARTYR. Finally, I feel the need and the desire of carrying out the most heroic deeds for you, O Jesus. I feel within my soul the courage of the Crusader, the Papal Guard, and I would want to die on the field of battle in defense of the Church.

I feel in me the vocation of the Priest. With that love, O Jesus, I would carry you in my hands when at my voice, you would come down from heaven. And with what love would I give you to souls! But alas! while desiring to be a Priest, I admire and envy the humility of St. Francis of Assisi and I feel the vocation of imitating him in refusing the sublime dignity of the Priesthood.

O Jesus, my love, my Life, how can I combine these contrasts? How can I realize the desires of my poor little soul?

Ah! in my spite of my littleness, I would like to enlighten souls as did the Prophets and the Doctors. I have the vocation of the Apostle, I would like to travel over the whole earth to preach your name and to plant your glorious cross on infidel soil. But O my Beloved, one mission alone would be sufficient for me, I would want to preach the Gospel on all the five continents simultaneously and even to the the most remote isles. I would be a missionary, not for a few years only but from the beginning of creation until the consummation of the ages. But above all, O my Beloved Savior, I would shed my blood for you even to the very last drop.

President or Candidate for the Presidency?

2009-09-30T11:37:00.005-04:00

Will he ever be our President or just a candidate for the Presidency for the next 3 years?

Don't you think with two wars, the health care mess (that he created), the economy, Iran, and other issues at home, he would want to focus his attention on this country? But NO - he wants to go and be a salesperson for the 2016 Olympics with his wife and the other corrupt "officials" from Chicago. God help us since Washington is now seeing Illinois politics first hand.

5 Weeks In

2009-09-30T10:45:00.003-04:00

It's been nearly a month since I have written anything on this blog, so I thought I would update you all on what is happening here in the beautiful town of Steubenville - ha ha ha! The Fall Semester is already 5 weeks in. Mid-terms are right around the corner, but the good thing for me is that I only have one this term and it's a take home, plus it's in the class that I love very much - Biblical Foundations with Dr. John Bergsma. To learn more about him and to order his CD's, check out his website by clicking on his name: Dr. John Bergsma - I would suggest ordering one or two of his CD's to start. He records them in the classes I have taken with him.

My other two classes are as equally as good. Grace and Virtues has been a study in Grace by way of spirituality and poetry. Dr. Martin has such a passion for the subject and for teaching as a whole. The Meaning of Grace by Charles Journet is a book I suggest to everyone. It is a fantastic explanation of grace and the five existential states of grace. My third course is Catholic Theology and Development of Catholic Doctrine. I am very glad that I transferred into this class. It has been a decent class so far and really has helped me understand the development of Catholic Tradition much better. I am excited to start reading John Henry Newman soon. I am also writing a 2 papers, 15-20 pages a piece for this class. My topic is the Doctrinal Development of the Veneration of Relics. A very interesting topic to say the least. I am going to visit St. Anthony's Chapel in Pittsburgh this Saturday since they have the largest collection of relics in the world outside of Rome. From what I have been told by others, it's quite an amazing mini-pilgrimage. (Note: Pittsburgh is also second to Venice, Italy in having the most bridges in a city).

Those of who read this blog for - A Baptist Knocking At My Door - at this time the correspondence with Matthew has ceased. I have emailed him a few times, but have not received a response back. We are both back in school so that could be the reason why I have not heard from him.

On the weather note, since I know Zonies (persons that come from the state of Arizona) are reading this blog and could be interested in the Ohio climate, I will give a short update. The Autumn season has arrived. The trees are changing colors and the temperature have quickly dropped. Yesterday was 56 degrees and today will be the same. Tonight's low is expecting to reach 39 degrees. However, the temps are to increase into the the 60's during the day for the weekend. The weather is stating that over the next 10 days, we will have 4 days of sunshine. That is pretty good actually!

Remember that you are all in my prayers. Please pray for me and my studies here at Franciscan. Please also pray for our country because it needs very much - see other blog entries.

The Fighting Rabbi's?

2009-09-04T12:15:00.004-04:00

Everyone has heard of the Fighting Irish, but the Fighting Rabbi's? Check out this article from the New York Post that is about a Jewish Security Force who are teaching Rabbi's how to protect their synagogues from Islamic terrorists.

Since the Old Covenant has been replaced by New and Everlasting Covenant, I still wonder what Aaron, his sons, and the Levitical Priests who followed would have thought about this since it was their job to work and GUARD the Sanctuary. This takes guarding up to a whole new level!

GO AHEAD, MAKE MY HIGH HOLIDAY

White House withdraws call for students to 'help' Obama

2009-09-03T08:25:00.002-04:00

Even though the language has "changed" from the White House, I still don't trust this administration. They have a hidden agenda just as all of us thought during the Presidential Election. Continue to stand up and resist the evils that this administration wants to bring to us. 2010 is almost here! We must do everything we can to get rid of those politicians who stand arm and arm with this administration - VOTE them out! If I had children who attended a public school on this day, I still would keep them home and not subject them to this socialist administration.

WH withdraws call for students to 'help' Obama - Washington Times

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Critics Decry Obama's 'Indoctrination' Plan for Students

2009-09-02T11:00:00.004-04:00

This is the now the biggest load of garbage that I have seen come out of this White House Administration or should we begin to say, White House Dictatorship. Everyone who subscribes to this blog or reads this blog must pass this article on to their friends. We are losing our great country to socialists who want our children to assist them in their socialistic ways. This has the stench of Red Communism and Nazi Germany. The Nazi's had the Hitler Youth (Hitler-Jugend) who used propaganda and now it looks like our president wants to do that with American schoolchildren. As a former high school teacher, this is an absolute crime and outrage.

STAND UP AND FIGHT this nonsense!

What's going to be next? The President's Term should be extended or will they start questioning all the intellectuals and teachers who could instruct others to resist this socialist trash.

Critics Decry Obama's 'Indoctrination' Plan for Students - Political News - FOXNews.com

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Cardinal Mahony calls Kennedy a champion of the powerless - REALLY?

2009-08-29T00:56:00.002-04:00

This is pure nonsense! The powerless? The voiceless? When did Ted Kennedy ever speak for the unborn of this country? 40 million human lives have been silenced because of abortion. Many of my generation never had a chance to life. I understand he is a priest and all, so I will refrain, but when does he turn 75? He has got to go!!!

Cardinal Mahony calls Kennedy a champion of the powerless [Updated]

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Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

2009-08-28T13:24:00.003-04:00

I worked with three of these Dominican Sisters at St. Mary's High School in Phoenix, Arizona. Summer of 2008, I attended a Final Profession for one of the sisters I worked with and also a few others I knew from Phoenix. They are an amazing order that continues to grow by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for them!

First Week of Classes at Franciscan - Fall 2009

2009-08-27T20:24:00.002-04:00

Well I just finished my first week of classes or should I say my first two days of classes. I only have class this semester on Tuesday and Thursday. I am very excited for my courses this semester. I am now taking Biblical Foundations with Dr. John Bergsma (I had him for PBS 1 & 2 - great prof!). Grace and Virtue with Dr. Regis Martin - this class is going to be very good. I like his poetic style of teaching. And today I just added Catholic Theology of Tradition and the Development of Doctrine with Dr. Steven Hildebrand (he honestly scares me a bit..ha ha). I was taking a course on the Catholic Philosopher, Dietrich Von Hildebrand, but chose to drop that course. I know my limits and what I am capable of and I was not going to do well in this class since it's a high level philosophy course. Even though I have a B.A. in Philosophy, this class was over my head. I can admit that and feel fine with it. I will read the books from the class though on my own time.

The books for each of my classes all look fantastic and just packed full of orthodoxy. Particularly, I am looking forward to read Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI, Letter and Spirit by Dr. Scott Hahn, and The Meaning of Tradition by Yves Congar, O.P. This book should help me with my dialogue I am having with the young Baptist missionary (see A Baptist Knocking At My Door on this blog). I am excited to read all of my texts, but these three caught my attention.

Those of you who are read this blog, please keep me in your prayers. I am praying whether or not I should study in Rome in the Spring. There are some obstacles in my way at the moment. If I don't go to study in Rome, I might take a trip in May to Rome. Please pray for me as I begin another semester here at Franciscan. You are in my prayers as well.

I am off to have a beer and cigar on my front porch.

Catholics should imitate Mary and say 'yes' to God, Pope Benedict says

2009-08-17T14:23:00.002-04:00

Check out what Pope Benedict XVI says about Catholics imitating Mary. We should always do what Mother does. We are blessed to have such a Pope that loves his flock.

Catholics should imitate Mary and say 'yes' to God, Pope Benedict says

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The Assumption of Our Lady

2009-08-15T10:23:00.004-04:00

Defined a Dogma by the Catholic Church on November 1, 1950. The Definition of the Dogma is that the Immaculate Mother of God, the Ever Virgin Mary having completed the course of her earthly life was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.

There are five general sources of support for this Dogma:

1. The consensus of the teaching church –

Pope Pius XII asked the Bishops of the world in 1946 -

a. Is the Assumption definable?

b. Do you and your flock desire a definition?

8 million petitions over 95 years wanted this Dogma declared. There was a petition from the Fathers in Vatican I to make this a dogma.

2. Sacred Scripture – Pope Pius XII returns us to Genesis 3:15 and the teachings of St. Paul on sin. Mary shares the same victory over sin and death Jesus does due to their mutual entity with Satan and sin. St. Paul tells us (Romans 5-8, 1 Cor 15, 24, 26) the effects of the seed of Satan are sin and death, therefore Mary had to triumph over sin and death. She triumphs over sin through her Immaculate Conception and triumphs over death in her Assumption.

a. Luke 1:28 – Full of grace: her being full of grace would not be tainted by the effects of sin which would not be bodily death.

b. Psalm 131:8 – Arise O Lord out of your resting place and you and the Ark which you have sanctified.

c. Rev 11:19 – Mary as the Ark of the Heavenly Jerusalem

d. Rev 12:1 – Woman crowned is the woman assumed.

3. Sacred Tradition – First clear reference in the homilies of St. Gregory of Tours (+593) by this time there are established liturgies.

4. Sacred Liturgy – In Egypt and Syria there are liturgies on our Lady by the 5th and 6th centuries. There is a clear and common teaching. By the 7th century, the Assumption is celebrated in Gaul and 8^th century it’s celebrated in Rome. 12th century – accepted as doctrinal teaching.

5. Connection between the Assumption and other Marian Dogmas –

a. Theotokos – Mary would be presented from the decay of the grave by a privilege their her divine son could grant her.

b. Immaculate Conception and the Assumption – the Assumption is the natural effect of the Immaculate Conception.

Now arises the question that has been debated for centuries and is still debated today - Did Mary Die? There are two schools that make their respective arguments on this question, the Mortalists and Immortalists.

First, the Mortalists position is that Mary experienced a temporary separation of spirit and body but without body corruption. Her spirit would assume directly into heaven and her body would be on earth for three days like Jesus. She wants to be a disciple. [Stronger position] Pope John Paul II favored this position. The Eastern Church also views this position as the Dormition of Mary (August 14).

Second, the Immortalists position is that Mary with Body and Soul intact was just assumed into heaven. She could not do this on her own power. Her assumption is active.

Personally, after studying this Dogma and reading of I have read about it, I favor the Mortalist view. My favoring of this view is rooted in the Death of Christ. If Jesus had to die, why wouldn't have Mary had to die? Both were perfect and without sin, but I think Our Lord allowed his Mother to see death. Her body did not corrupt as our bodies do at death. Like Jesus, the body of Mary remains here on earth for three days. The Body of Mary is then assumed into heaven where it is united again with her soul.

Then there is the question, Where did Mary die?

1. Jerusalem – She ended her life with the Apostles in Jerusalem.

2. Ephesus – Mary did go with John to Ephesus.

Mary, Assumed Body and Soul into Heaven - Pray for Us!

This information came from notes that I took in Theology 655 - Mary in the Modern World with Dr. Mark Miravalle, Spring 2009.

A Baptist Knocking At My Door, Part 4

2009-08-11T04:13:00.006-04:00

As promised in Part 3, I would answer the questions Matthew brought up in his lastest email to me. This is by far the most extensive response I have given him so far. Sorry for the length everyone! I have a hard time saying things simply.

Dear Matthew,

I apologize for my absence over the past few days, but I have been dealing with a medical issue and spending some quality time with my family while I am back home in Phoenix. Before we get back to our discussion, I wanted to thank you for sharing with me some personal information about your life. It is good for us to know one another on a personal level. I have B.A in Philosophy and a Masters in Secondary Education. You know already that I am working on a second masters in Theology. I enjoy watching baseball and football. I am a big NY Yankees and NY Giants fan. I also enjoy playing golf when time permits.

Okay...let's return to the Saints. Yes, Jesus did walk the earth and yes he did experience all things that we experience without sin, but that still does not take away from his glory if we ask our fellow humans, who were just like us, to pray for our intercession. The saints in heaven are in the presence of God perpetually. The saints worship God, but they also intercede for us if we request them to do so. Not sure what you meant when you said, "those saints are worshipping God and not interceding for him." The saints are in full communion with God since they are in heaven with him. Having others pray for us should be a good thing. It should not be despised or just thrown aside. It's essential that we ask Christ to pray for us directly in all that we desire (John 14:13-14). This is something that the Catholic Church encourages quite a bit during the highest form of worship and prayer - the Catholic Mass. The Mass is the central form of worship which is directed towards God and Jesus, not the saints. However, this does not mean we should not ask our fellow Christians to pray for us, especially those in heaven, who are in the ever presence of God and Jesus. Those who claim that our fellow Christians in heaven do not hear our prayers are narrow-minded. The Bible points out to us in numerous places that those in heaven (which includes the angels) pray with us and for us. Please see Psalm 103:20-21, 148:1-2, and Revelation 8:3-4.

Furthermore, you bring up the words - "dead saints" a few times in your latest response to me. I imagine you are referring to Deuteronomy 18:10-11 when God commands not to talk to the dead. However, Christ himself speaks to the dead! At the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3, Mark 9:4, Luke 9:30), Jesus speaks with both Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the Old Law and Elijah is the greatest of the prophets. They appear to attest to the authority of Christ. What God does not allow when speaking with the dead is the practices such as seances that want to contact spirits. God commands us not to contact the dead to gain information - we are to look to the prophets for that. There is clearly a difference between trying to contact the dead for personal gain and asking a fellow Christian who has passed to pray for us on God's behalf. In regards to your point about James 1:5-7 -- you are taking it out of context to fit your argument against me. It does state that we should ask God for wisdom if we lack it, but it says nothing about not praying to others who also have wisdom and have gone before us. You clearly misunderstand what the passage is saying. Also, Jesus does not say that we can't pray to the saints. Prayers that are offered as intercession for others is "good and pleasing to God" (1 Timothy 2:3). I am not sure what you are trying to prove when you say that Jesus gave us the Our Father and that he did not say pray to saints.

I am happy to hear that you have heard of Augustine. He is one of my favorite fathers of the church. His conversion story, Confessions, is a classic. Have you ever read it? His mother, Monica, who is also a canonized saint, prayed for his conversion. Finally after 25 YEARS (can you imagine?) of prayer from his mother, he converted. What other Early Church Fathers have you read or heard about? Please tell me. I love the Early Church Fathers.

Asking for the intercession of the saints is not something the Catholic Church just decided to make up one day. This practice of praying to the saints began in the Early Church. The catacombs throughout Europe, specifically in Rome, clearly show that the Early Christians asked the saints to pray for them. In the catacombs in Rome, there are writings on the walls asking for Paul and Peter to pray for them. The Early Church was persecuted and the Early Christians knowing that both Peter (crucified upside down) and Paul (beheaded) were martyred for the faith prayed for their intercession and guidance since they could be martyred as well.

In regards to Catholics worshipping religious pictures and statues of saints -- this claim has been made for hundreds of years. I still can't believe people bring this up. You think that Catholics are breaking the commandment in Exodus 20:4-5 and 32:31, right? First, it is correct to warn people about idolatry. From the early days of the apostles, the Catholic Church has boldly condemned the sin of idolatry, the early Church Fathers condemned it and so have many Church councils. Someone who calls a Catholic an idol worshipper simply because he or she has a statue of a saint or a picture of Jesus in his home, clearly is ignorant of what the Bible teaches about statues. Second, there are many scripture passages where God clearly commands that statues be made. When giving instructions on how the Ark of the Covenant was to be made, he speaks of the cherubim statues (Exodus 25:18-20). Again, David's plan for the temple which included statues of angels (1 Chronicles 28:18-19). Also, in Ezekiel 41:17-18, the prophet speaks of the images that were to be carved in the inner room and on the nave looking like cherubim. More so, in Numbers 21:8-9, we read about when Moses was told by God to make a statue of a fiery serpent (bronze serpent) and set it on a pole so whoever looks at it would be healed (they were bitten by a plague of serpents for punishment). This passage clearly shows that the statues were not just religious decorations, but could be used within a ritual.

So why do so many faithful and practicing Catholics have statues, paintings and other religious devices in their homes or on their front porch (I imagine you saw that in Steubenville on your mission trip)? Simply: Catholics use statues and religious images to depict or recall the person. By looking at pictures of the saints or Jesus, it helps Catholics to remember that person in a more visual way. Think about this Matthew. As human beings, we come to know the world through our five senses. Having a statue or a picture amplifies us to use our sense of touch and sight more. Catholics DO NOT worship these pictures or statues. We do not bow down to them as the Greeks and Romans did with their gods. They are merely there to help us pray more and to remember more what that person was like here on earth. I have a statue of Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, in my living room. I ask St. Joseph to pray for me so I can be a great role model for other men since he is such a great role model for men. Imagine his vocation, he was to care and protect Mary and Jesus! What a job! I do not worship that statue, but it helps me to remember who he was when he lived on this earth.

Let's put it another way - do you have pictures of your family and friends either in your home, wallet, or your dorm room/apartment at school? Why do you have these pictures? Is it to remember who they are and how important they are to you?? Do you worship these "images"? Do you bow down to these "images"?

Just as you use pictures of your family members, those still alive and those who are deceased, to remember them when you are away from them, so do Catholics use the pictures and statues to remind them of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us. Catholics also use statues and religious art as tools for teaching. Throughout the history of the Church, there have been periods of illiteracy (illiterate = those who cannot read). The Church would use the religious art to often explain the Biblical stories to the faithful. In Art History, Stain Glass Windows were known as the "Bible of the Poor." [Make sure you click on that link for stain glass windows]. I imagine that your community has images of Jesus and other biblical pictures they use for Sunday school. Catholics also use statues to remember certain people and events, similar to Protestant communities who have three-dimensional nativity scenes during Christmas.

Well...I think that is a good place to stop for now. I have given you a lot to read and think about regarding the saints. Remember, this is just one topic. Wait till we get to Scripture and Tradition, The Last Things, The Blessed Mother, The Sacraments, the Papacy and so much more. If you want to wait and get back to me after you return from your missionary work in Nicaragua on August 21, that is okay too. If you want to write me before you go too, that is fine as well.

You are in my prayers. Pray for me.

In Christ,
Tom

Please pray for Matthew's conversion!

A Baptist Knocking At My Door, Part 3

2009-08-10T05:15:00.007-04:00

After not hearing from Matthew for a few days, I decided to write him again to see if he was still interested in having this discussion with me. Finally after nearly a week, I heard from him again. He first asked about the Protestant Reformation. He claims that Martin Luther and Jean Calvin both brought their "churches" back to the way the Church was originally set up by the apostles. He also asked me why do Catholics pray to the saints. I am not sure why he chose such vast differnt topics.

After thinking about it for a short time, I replied and below is what I said to him --

Dear Stephen,

A discussion on the Protestant Reformation is a vast topic. We can discuss this later. Plus, it was not in your original email to me and I want to focus on the topics you gave to me there. I will not jump from one topic to another.

Let's start on the saints first -- You are asking why shouldn't we pray to just God the Father or to God the Son Jesus?

Catholics do pray to God directly! Last night I prayed for a friend of mine who is having surgery this week. I went directly to Christ! However, it does not mean that it is not a good thing to ask others to pray for us as well. Catholics believe that there are holy men and women in heaven already that can pray for us, just as if I asked you to pray for me. Do you ask others to pray for you? I know I do.

The saints are our brothers and sisters in the faith that have come before us and are now in the presence of the Holy Trinity. The saints intercede for us when we ask them to do so. Catholics do not omit God the Father from their prayers at all. They simply just ask others (the saints) to pray to God the Father since they are already in his presence in heaven. If we look at Revelation 5:8 - here we see the saints actively interceding for us. As John writes, the incense the saints offer up to God are our prayers. Prayers are not physical and cannot be offered up physically to God. The saints as they intercede for us offer up our prayers to God mentally.

Now does this violate the mediatorship of Christ? Not at all! Christ is the unique mediator between God and man because he is both human and divine. He is the bridge between the two since he is the God-man (John 1:14). The role as mediator is not compromised at all by the fact that others intercede for us. Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant which binds God and man (Hebrews 9:15, 12:24) just as Moses was the mediator of the Old Covenant (Greek - mesitas). Galatians 3:19-20 shows this. The saints in heaven do not violate this mediatorship because what Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4. The intercessory prayers of Christians, which includes the saints in heaven, does not violate Christ's role as mediator, but is "good and pleasing to God." Paul in other places asks for people to pray for him. Please see Romans 15:30-32, Epheisians 6:18-20, Colossions 4:3, 1 Thessolonians 5:25, and 2 Thessolonians 3:1. It is important to note, that Jesus himself required us to pray for others and not those who just asked us to do so (Matthew 5:44).

In conclusion, since the saints are already in heaven and are not distracted with the day to day dealings we face in life, they can help us by interceding for us. They are there to support us in our trials and sufferings since they themselves at one point were here on earth dealing with the same daily activities we face. The saints, since they are in the presence of God, have a greater devotion and confidence to God. Jesus himself supplied for one person based on another person's faith (see Matthew 8:13, 15:28, 17:15-18, Mark 9:17-29, and Luke 8:49-55). Just as the saints intercede for us from heaven, so too must we pray for one another here on earth.

You are in my prayers. In the Peace of Christ, Tom

Matthew responded by saying that he now has a better understanding of this topic. However, this was not good enough for me. During these emails that will go back and forth between us, I am really looking to draw him out to fully understand where he is coming from in this thoughts. I, playing "devils advocate", asked to some more questions about the saints - i.e. statues, relics, religous pictures. He responded by saying -

I believe there is much to be learned from the people God has used for his purposes on this earth, however I don't need to communicate with them for wisdom on how to live even if they have been in my shoes. Jesus has walked this earth and experienced everything they have without sinning so that he is able to help fill that role Heb 4:15-18. In fact he says that if you lack wisdom, ask the Lord (James 1:5-7) not dead saints who have gone to be with him. Those saints are worshipping God and not interceding for him. What could they have to offer that is more valuable than communion with God who came as a man and lived a full life on earth engaging and surrounded by every human experience and temptation. I think much can be learned from the early church fathers and I read about St. Augustine and other influential saints throughout the history of Christianity. However, Jesus never instructs us to pray to them. He said pray like this... Our Father which art in heaven... Never did he say.. sometimes pray to saints in heaven. A concern about the statues of saints would be that they arise to the level of idols. In the old testament the people of Israel made asherah poles and worshipped statues of idols to Baal. God detested this. My question is..what's the difference.

I will answer these questions this week. Please pray for Matthew's conversion.

A Baptist Knocking At My Door - To be continued...

A Baptist Knocking At My Door, Part 2

2009-08-09T03:32:00.007-04:00

I was intrigued by the whole account with Matthew on July 21 that I decided to email him on July 22. Below is what I wrote to him:

Hello Matthew,

I am the guy who was reading on my porch that you spoke to yesterday in Steubenville. As I promised, I would email you to have the discussion you wanted to have with me yesterday. I am sorry if I came off as impatient and uncharitable yesterday, but I am taking a 3 week course on the Nature of Love. It's a graduate theology/philosophy course at the Franciscan University of Steubenville - www.franciscan.edu Check out the school when you get the chance. This class is an amazing course in the discussion of love. I am reading some amazing texts and the content is as equally impressive. As Christian men, we really need to fully understand the importance of love and how we are to love others, especially, our beloved wives.

Now I might not be able to answer your questions for another two weeks, but I would like to know what questions you were seeking yesterday on my porch. I have to give you and the other two kids some credit. It takes courage to go out door-to-door and preach the gospel to the world. The genesis of missionary work begin in the Catholic Church, but I have to admit it's something we don't do enough here in this country as much (I mean door-to-door). There are great Catholic missions in the world today, especially in Nigeria, where so many vocations to the priesthood are originating. If you want to have this dialogue with me, that is fine.

I look forward to hearing from you.

In Him,

Tom
P.S. The book I was reading yesterday - A Severe Mercy, by Sheldon Vanauken is fantastic. Read it - it's well worth it!

Six days later on July 28, Matthew wrote back to me. He thanked me for being a man of my word by emailing him like I said I would. He told me again, like he did on my porch, that his "catholic" friends really had no idea what the Church taught. He told me that the bible answers so many of the questions of life in a simple way. His claims were those I had heard many times before - Mary is elevated above Jesus robbing him of his glory, the traditions of the church are false (this is humorous since 2 Thessalonians 2:15 speaks of the traditions taught by the apostles), no one man could have infallible thoughts, the Pope is the Anti-Christ, the teaching of purgatory was invented because of money purposes and the worship of idolatry when speaking of the saints. He also claimed that the Church makes "Christianity a religion and not a relationship with God." Not sure where he is going with this one.

Matthew thinks that it is fate that he and the two others came to my door that day. He thinks that it is his mission to pull me out of the deception of the Catholic Church, which he also claims is a product of Satan. In his own words -

"Tom, I think God sent us to your doorstep that day for a reason, could it possibly be to let you see that many Catholics will be deceived on the day they stand before Christ because they are not putting all of their trust in Christ on the cross. They are putting their hope in Religion, hoping they will be "Good Enough" to enter heaven. It will be a sad day when they see that they are among the "many" Jesus refers to in Matthew 7:21-23."

When I first read his email, honestly, I laughed a bit. I then forwarded it on to two of my professors for them to read it. Dr. John Bergsma responded and said that I had a live one on the line. He also said that it will be good experience for me to talk to him and answer his questions.

In my response, I told him that I thought his email was harsh and uncharitable. I told him that he clearly attacked Catholicism and I never once attacked his faith tradition. I went on and said to him numerous times that whoever gave him this information about the Catholic Church has gravely mislead him. The Church is not some evil organization looking to take over the world. I lovingly, yet forcibly, told him that I would never leave the Catholic Church and that I believe the Church is the one true church established by Christ 2000 years ago. I told Matthew that I would not hold any of his claims against him and that I was looking forward to explaining what Catholics believe and why we believe it. I told him that he is in my prayers and that I would write again soon.

That day I went to Holy Mass and offered up my mass intention for him. Please pray for Matthew's conversion!!

A Baptist Knocking At My Door - To be continued...

A Baptist Knocking At My Door

2009-08-06T14:31:00.004-04:00

On the afternoon of July 21, as I was reading the book, A Severe Mercy, three young Baptist missionaries came knocking on my door. There were two boys and one girl. The older boy, who is in college, did all of the talking. The other two were silent. They were going door-to-door inviting people to come to a dinner and a movie at some small non-denominational community in Steubenville.

I asked them besides inviting people to dinner, why were they here in Steubenville. The older boy, Matthew (name changed), said to me that they were here to investigate the spiritual formation of Steubenville. I was taken back a bit and sort of chuckled and replied by saying, "Do you have any idea where you are?" Matthew said no. I went on to tell him that Steubenville is home to Franciscan University of Steubenville. It's one of the most orthodox and passionate Catholic universities in the country and maybe even the world. He picked up on the word catholic and informed me that he has "catholic" friends at school, but they don't seem to know what Catholicism teaches. I said well you have come to the right door. I am working on a Masters in Theology from Franciscan. I would enjoy informing you on what the Catholic Church teaches, but that I had to get back to reading my book for class.

Instead of just saying okay, the next question out of his mouth was, "Do you think you are saved?" I thought to myself okay we can talk for a bit. Once I began to engage him he automatically began to quote different scriptures to me. He was jumping from scripture to scripture and not really making much sense at all. I should have gone and got my bible, but since I was so involved in my book, I chose not to get it. We spoke about the scriptures a bit, sacred tradition, and some other topics. He told me that the Catholic Church's view on history has been skewed and is not correct. I found this humorous since many Protestants leave off at St. Paul and pick up again at Martin Luther. They clearly leave out 1500 years of Christian history. Realizing that he is young, I let it go...for now.

His interpretation of scripture was incorrect and he was constantly on the defensive. He thinks that the "Word of God" is only the Scriptures. I informed him that the "Word of God" is both the written word (scriptures) and oral (tradition). I asked him where in the scriptures does it say, sola scriptura - scriptures alone, he kept on referring to the Word of God. He then catapulted into sola fide - faith alone. After that, he then jumped from that subject and asked me, "When you stand before God Almighty, what will you tell him so he lets you into heaven?" He was really all over the place the whole time.

After we danced a bit on a variety of subjects, I asked him to give me his email so I could write him when I was finished with my class. Matthew gave me his email and they left my porch.

A Baptist Knocking At My Door -To Be Continued...

Applied Biblical Studies, Defending the Faith, Steve Ray, and Fr. Benedict Groeshcel

2009-08-03T15:17:00.009-04:00

Wow! That is all I can say after experiencing the Applied Biblical Studies Conference, the Defending the Faith Conference, Steve Ray and Fr. Benedict Groeschel.

Over this summer, as I was taking courses here at Franciscan, I was working the Summer Conferences. Although all of the conferences were very good, the last two (ABS and DTF) were what I was anticipating all summer long. The reason I was so excited was because some of the best theologians in the Church today were coming to these two conferences. Since I was working during these two conferences, I ordered CD's I would have liked to attend.

During ABS, I was able to meet and speak with Dr. Edward Sri, David Currie, and Dr. Jeffery Morrow. Dr. Sri and David Currie also signed a book that each of them wrote. It was such a surreal experience to speak theology with these men.

During DTF, I was given the opportunity to pick up from the airport, Steve Ray. Ever since I started teaching theology at St. Mary's High School, I have wanted to meet Steve Ray. Over the past six years, I had emailed him a few times. After his flight was delayed for nearly 2 hours, he arrived at the Pittsburgh Airport. On the car ride back to Franciscan we spoke about many things. It was such a great experience to meet him. He is really down to earth. I thanked God that day that we have him in the Catholic Church and for the work he is doing.

Although meeting these great men was fantastic, I would say that driving Fr. Benedict Groeschel to the airport at 5:30 am. on Sunday morning was by far one of the most memorable experiences I have had as a Catholic. Yes - I did see John Paul II three times, but never sat with him like I did with Fr. Groeschel. Below is my account of the car ride with Fr. Groeschel --

I arrived at the Holiday Inn at 5:15 am. Fr. Groeschel and his assistant (David I want to say) came to the lobby where I was waiting at 5:30 am. Fr. Groeschel shook my hand and asked if we had met before. I kindly said, "no, we have never met." After getting Fr. into the car, he blessed 3 plastic bags I had of rosaries and other religious items (one was my bag and 2 friends had given me bags as well). He also signed one of this books for me - "Praying in the Presence of Our Lord - Prayers for Eucharistic Adoration." By this time, I was shacking a bit. It was such a blessing to be in his presence. He asked me if I had a wife, I said no, and he replied by saying, "Okay. Me either." All three of us laughed at his comment.

It was raining the morning I picked him up. As I began to drive down University Blvd, Fr. asked me where I was from. I told him Arizona is home, but I was born in New Jersey. He continued to ask where in New Jersey. As I told him the town of Woodridge in Bergen County, he couldn't believe it. He was born in Jersey City, but lived in Woodridge for a short period. Fr. Groeschel was Baptized in the same church where I received my First Holy Communion - Our Lady of the Assumption. He said he had never met anyone from Woodridge before and I concurred with him.

As we began to drive on the freeway to the airport, Fr. said a blessing for our short trip. All I could think of was stay focused on the road! To be able to pray with such s holy man was making my mind race in a million different directions. Fr. asked where I received my undergraduate degree. I told him I went to the University of San Franciscco with the Jesuits, his response was - Good Lord! We both laughed a bit. I went on to explain to him that the only reason I attended USF was because of the St. Ignatius Insitute. He responded with great enthuaism and said, Fr. Joe's program was fantastic and that I received a great education then. We also talked about how the program was destroyed in 2001 and that he spoke about it on his EWTN program. He then continuned to ask me about how I got to Franciscan and what I was interested in doing after working on my M.A. in Theology. I told him that I have a real passion for the Scriptures and that Apologetics was entering the picture again and that although I loved teaching high school, I was hoping to work for a lay apostolate. I said to him that I think the Lord might be telling me something and he completely agreed. He said that I should look into Catholic Answers.

Furthermore, we talked about a Baptist missionary who had come to my door recently and how I emailed him. Fr. said, "he is looking to convert you, but really you will convert him." He spoke a bit of the Early Church Fathers - St. Irenaeus, St. Polycarp, and St. Ignatius of Antioch. Fr. said that the Protestants leave off at St. Paul and start up again at Martin Luther. They completely leave out 1500 years of Christian history. I was thinking to myself - No way! I am talking about the theology of the Early Church Fathers with Fr. Benedict Groeschel.

He asked me about what classes I had enjoyed at Franciscan. I told him that Mary in the Modern World was probably my favorite so far and how it changed my relationship with the Blessed Mother. He liked hearing that he said. We also spoke about my course the Nature of Love and the texts I had read in that class. I told him that I really enjoyed Dietrich Von Hildebrand's book - The Heart. We spoke briefly about him and his contributions. He mentioned that he knows Alice Von Hildebrand. The two of them sat on Franciscan's Board of Trustees at one point together. I told about the book - "A Severe Mercy" by Sheldon Vanauken. I explained the thesis of the book and how the love of Van and Davy although a great love on many levels was flawed and inconsistent with Christian thought. We also spoke about Karl Adam's - "The Spirit of Catholicism." I told him I was amazed how I found teachings of Vatican II in his book. Fr. agreed with me and had some rather great points to give me.

By this time, we had entered the airport and our car trip was coming to an end. As I pulled up to the Delta curb, his assistant got out of the car to get a wheelchair for Fr. Groeschel. Fr. then gave me a blessing and told me that he would pray to Mother Teresa for me. He told me that I would do good things for the Church soon. I got out of the car and helped him into the wheelchair. He shook my hand and say good-bye. His assistant gave me a hug, said God Bless you, and asked me to pray for him. I walked back over to the driver side of the car and realized I had tears rolling down my face. I got into the car and began to weep slightly. I drove off thinking how blessed I have been since coming to Franciscan.

I hope you enjoyed this blog entry!

In Christ through Mary!

I Am Published

2009-07-17T22:43:00.002-04:00

I am officially published! You can check out my article - The Geribah: Our Advocating Queen Mother on the website: www.motherofallpeoples.com

I am in the July 18 issue.

It's Been A Long Time Coming

2009-06-22T23:21:00.007-04:00

Some will think that I forgot about my blog here, but in reality I never forgot about it, I just never had the time to write with my studies in Graduate Theology here at Franciscan. My last posted was dated December 6, 2008. So much has happened to me since then, I really have no idea where to start.

The first semester ended very well and I was happy with most of my grades. There was one that I was disappointed in, but I still passed the class and did not effect my GPA overall. I am not really sure why I am so worried about my GPA since I am not going on to work on a Ph.D. Going home for Christmas was great and spending time with my family was very enjoyable.

I returned to Steubenville in the beginning of January and started a semester that confirmed with nearly a "Papal Bull" that being at Franciscan is the place I should be at right now in my life. I learned quite a good deal about Tommy Perna between January and May. For the second year in a row, I attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C. It was yet another great experience even though the most Pro-Choice President in the history of this country now sits in the Oval Office. We must pray for his conversion.

Lent this past year was probably the best Lenten Season I had in a very long time. I worked on some serious faults and even though I still struggle with them, Lent allowed me to see that I can fight them with the grace of God. It is not through my ability, but only through the love and grace of Jesus Christ. The sacraments are so important in the daily life of a Catholic Christian. I realized, maybe for the first time in my life, that when I received the Holy Eucharist daily, the perpetual sins and concupiscence are weakened to the point where I can fight them with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Furthermore, throughout the semester and leading into this summer, I learned that I have many strengths, but many more weaknesses. I am grateful for two friends here who charitably told me things I need to work on in my life. Pride is such a major sin of mine! I rarely ever want to admit that I am wrong. I have been praying for humility in my own life. I often know what the right choice is, but more often than not, I choose the wrong thing to do. I now understand what St. Paul was speaking about in Romans 7:13-25 and what Czeslaw Milosz writes about in his poem, A Confession (This poem is posted on here from last year - look it up! It's worth it).

It was through my studies in the Spring Semester that I realized being in the Graduate Theology Program here at Franciscan was the place I needed to be in my life at this time. Although I loved all of my classes (Theological Foundations with Dr. Scott Hahn, Principles of Biblical Studies 2 with Dr. John Bergsma, and Mary in the Modern World with Dr. Mark Miravalle), it was the last class that really had the most impact on my life. My relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary has dramatically changed my life. Not only have I learned the Theology of Mary (Mariology) in great detail, I have come to see her as my own Mother who intercedes for me to Jesus. I go to her for nearly everything. Of course I still have great devotions to the saints too, but she is my Queen Mother (1 Kings 2:19-21). For this course, we had to write a 20 page paper on the Blessed Mother and her role as Mediator. The title of my paper was - The Geribah: Our Advocating Queen Mother. Dr. Miravalle asked to me submit it for publication. At this time, I am still waiting to hear if it will be published or not. If is not, I will post it on here.

I just finished taking Historical Foundations with Dr. Alan Schreck. We went through 2,000 years of Church History in three weeks! Let me tell you, it was a lot of history for three weeks. I learned a great deal about the history of the Church and throughly enjoyed yet another course here at Franciscan. I wrote two papers for this course, but the paper on St. Gianna Molla was my best (First paper: The Council of Trent). She is an amazing certain saint! If you do not know about her, go to this link - www.saintgianna.org (see recommended books below on her life)

In a few weeks, I begin the Nature of Love with Dr. Michael Healy. I hear that this course will change my life in other areas. I look forward to it greatly since we are going to read John Paul II, Dietrich von Hildebrand, and other great minds of the Church.

I am going to make a very good effort not to go another 6 months without writing on here. I will write more this summer since I have more time to do so. Before I end this post, there are some very good books I would like to recommend. Most of these books can be purchased on Amazon.com --

1. The Spirit of Catholicism - Karl Adam (As a cradle Catholic, I was pumping my fist in the air).

2. First Comes Love - Dr. Scott Hahn

3. Introduction to Mary - Dr. Mark Miravalle

4. The Nature and Mission of Theology - Card. Joseph Ratzinger (now Benedict XVI)

5. The Compact History of the Catholic Church - Dr. Alan Schreck

6. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla - A Woman's Life - Giuliana Pelucchi

7. Saint Gianna Molla - Wife, Mother, Doctor - Pietro Molla & Elio Guerriero

Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary to the Sacred Heart of Jesus!

FINAL EXAMS

2008-12-06T08:30:00.001-05:00

It's been some time since I have written anything on my blog, but what I am asking for today is PRAYERS. We are now in Final Exams. I have a final exam in my Vatican II class in two hours. Please pray that I remember the information I need to remember for this test. I also have a final on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. Please pray to St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine for their intercession.

Snow in October?

2008-10-27T14:23:00.003-04:00

Yes! There is the potential for snow this evening and tomorrow. Snow in October. I spoke with some friends in Phoenix and they said it was going to be 91 degrees today. Please pray that my thin Arizona blood can handle the winter here in Steubenville, Ohio.

I also want to thank my blog readers for your prayers. I did very well on my two midterms. I received an "A" on my PBS 1 (Old Testament) midterm. This is by far my favorite class of the three. I have learned so much about the Old Testament. I love going to this class every Tuesday and Thursday. In my Vatican II class, I received a "B+" on my midterm. I missed an "A-" by a few points.

I am currently working on a paper that is due next Tuesday, but I need to finish it by tomorrow night since I am going to Washington, D.C. on Thursday for our four day "fall break." This paper is how the Gospel of Matthew is considered the "catechists gospel." I have spoken already about Christ as the one true Teacher. He is the fulfillment of Moses as Teacher. You have to love typology!! Once this paper is turned in next week, I will begin writing a major research paper for my Vatican II class. I am going to write a paper on Gravissimum Educationes - Declaration on Christian Education.

I hope and pray that all of you that read this blog are doing well. Please continue to pray for me.

P.S. I am very glad that I decided to come to Franciscan to get my Masters in Theology. The Catholic Church's teachings are so wonderful. To study them in depth is a real blessing from Christ.

Midterms

2008-10-06T12:35:00.003-04:00

I don't have much time, but I wanted to write a little something today. It's been a few weeks since my last post. I was hoping that I would write weekly on here, but with the demands of graduate school in Theology, it's just not possible.

I have two midterms coming up in the next week. My first is in Principles of Biblical Study I (Old Testament). This test is on Thursday, October 9th at 3:30 pm Eastern time. My second and final test is on Monday, October 13th at 1o:00 am Eastern time. This test is in Teachings of Vatican II. It's been a lengthy time since I last took midterms exams. All of you who read this blog, please keep me in your prayers. Pray for the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bonaventure, and the Blessed Mother.

Also, I have decided to apply to study in Rome during the Spring of 2010. Franciscan University will send me to Rome to study theology at heart of the Church. As details unfold, I will post more information. Fr. Steve Lopes, a friend from the St. Ignatius Institute at USF is working in Rome for the CDF. At least he now has time to spiritually prepare for my arrival. Ha ha ha!

Please pray for me as you all are in my prayers.

One Month in Steubenville

2008-09-14T01:54:00.000-04:00

Today is September 14 and it marks my first 30 days in Steubenville, Ohio. Being here these past 30 days has been such a blessing. I have read more in the past 3 weeks of school than I have read in the past 11 years. I love my courses and the professors are stellar. I did drop one of my classes though. I have decided not to do the Catechetical emphasis, but to just focus on a systematic approach to Theology. I have found that my love is scripture. My Old Testament class with Dr. Bergsma (it's comedy hour with an OT Biblical scholar) is my favorite class to date and a close second is Vatican II with Fr. Dan ("Papa, Papa, Papa" - joke in the class).

I am dropping the Catechetics emphasis not because I don't have a passion for teaching, I very much do and I am missing the high school classroom, but because I need and want theological content. The Lord has blessed me with the ability to teach the faith in a variety of arena's. This has been made known to me because all of my superiors have told me that I am an excellent teacher. Will I return to high school teaching when I am finished with my studies here? That is a question that still remains unanswered. I am hoping to take classes on the Patristic Fathers and Doctors of the Church. Dropping the catechetical emphasis opens the door to some excellent elective choices in the theology department.

Besides my classes, I am making wonderful friends here at Franciscan. I told my Dad the other night that it's very easy to make friends here at Franciscan. It's easy because we all have a similar belief system - Jesus Christ is the savior of the world who redeemed us by his blood on the cross and that is Bride, the Catholic Church is the one true Church that he established with Peter as the Rock (read Matthew 16:13-20) with help from the 11 apostles. Actually that is more than I told him, but now that I think about it, it's the main reason why it's easy to make friends here. I can tell that many of my friends here will be friends for my the rest of my life on this earth. So many of us are going into the same field and will be support for one another when we re-enter the world to spread the gospel message (Read Lumen Gentium - Chapter IV). Some good friends already are: Paul, Huck, Craig, Campbell, James, the Turk, Erin aka Pupper, Haley, and Breanne. There are others, but I would say this is the main group that I ROLL with here in Steubie.

On a side note, the weather in Steubenville changes like people change their socks. It's been nice and humid. Some rain, but overall the cold stuff hasn't really hit us yet. However, I have been told many times...it's on the way.

Please continue to pray for me and my friends here at Franciscan as we embrace our two years of theological discoveries.

Letter of Recommendation

2008-09-14T01:50:00.000-04:00

I wrote this letter of recommendation for a student at St. Mary's High School. One of my friends thought I should post the letter on this blog. I hope you enjoy the letter.

December 19, 2006

Mr. Dave Stapleton
Head Baseball Coach
Grand Canyon University
3300 W. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017

Dear Mr. Stapleton,

I am writing this letter of recommendation for Gabriel Servin, a senior at St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona. I have known Gabe since his freshman year at St. Mary’s, where I teach freshman and sophomore theology. There are so many good qualities and characteristics to say about this student, I hardly know where to begin.

I can honestly say that Gabe has developed from a young boy into a responsible, passionate, and genuine man. He has the strength and integrity that all people should strive for in their life on this earth. Although a reserved man, Gabe walks with the presence of a prince and is one of the most humble high school students I have ever encountered. In every endeavor he takes on, Gabe puts his whole heart and person into the project. For every project Gabe is involved in, he is the foundation and cornerstone. I have yet to see him do anything halfheartedly. From his work as President of the Senior Class, his responsibilities as an athlete on the football and baseball fields, to his work with the Columbian Squires, and his work in his youth group, Gabe is a natural born leader and truly is an adult among adolescents. He is responsible and his work ethic is unprecedented.

Not only is Gabe a hard worker, he is a genuine and sincere person. As I have watched him grow into the man he has become, I can say with my whole heart that God is present within him. He tirelessly places other before himself and does all that he can when asked to help others. In a year where he has been through some family difficulties, Gabe remains strong is his faith to God. He is a virtuous man with heroic qualities and the Kingdom of God will notice him and be grateful because he is among the saints in heaven.

I hope and pray that Grand Canyon University will allow this student to be an integral piece of your family for the next four years. If given admission to your university, Gabriel Servin will impress you as he has impressed me and every other teacher at St. Mary’s over the past four years.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Perna

Freshman and Sophomore Theology Teacher
Moderator – Sophomore Class and Columbian Squires

First Week of Classes at Franciscan

2008-08-31T22:05:00.000-04:00

I am currently sitting in the John Paul II Library. I have been in here for the past 3 1/2 hours reading. I should really be reading Dei Verbum for Sr. Johanna's class, but I have been playing on Facebook. I will be up late tonight reading that Vatican II document as well as 20 pages in another book about the history of Vatican II. This is life here at FUS when your studying theology at the graduate level.

We just finished our first week of classes. Let me say - WHOA! My "WHOA" has a dualistic meaning to it. First, my classes just ROCK of orthodoxy. They are really amazing and my professors are just spectacular. Franciscan is such a holy and Catholic institution. The second meaning is that I have so much reading ahead of me that the Tommy Perna of old is now gone. I was once a fun guy in a previous life (2 weeks ago), but since I am now in this program, my attitude has switched to study, study, study. I am not complaining, but making an observation. The primary reason I am here at FUS is to attain my Masters in Theology.

My classes are as followed: Teachings of Vatican II (Fr. Dan Patee, TOR), Principles of Biblical Study I - Old Testament (Dr. John Bergsma [this class is great because Dr. Bergsma is very funny]), Catechetics (Sr. M Johanna Paruch), and Scripture, the Heart of Catechesis (Bob Rice).

Please pray for me this semester! All my family and friends back in Phoenix and around the globe are in my prayers. Pax!

Franciscan University of Steubenville

2008-08-23T11:49:00.000-04:00

Wow! That is all I can say for my first week living in Steubenville. Classes begin on Tuesday (August 26th) and I find myself feeling like a Pavlovian Dog. All the new graduate students are chomping at the bit to begin classes as well. There is so much to write that I can't find the time to keep this blog current. I am excited for my four classes: Vatican II, Catechesis, Scripture - Heart of Catechesis, and PBS 1 (Old Testament). I have my books now and ready to go. Look for a new Blog on Tuesday or Wednesday explaining my first days of school.

On a personal note, I am making lots of new friends here at Franciscan. There are so many new friends, I can barely remember all of their names. I can clearly say that this is where God wants me to be at this time in my life. College life and the whole campus environment is such a blast. On Friday, we had the Oath of Fidelity Mass here at Franciscan. This is where the new professors profess their fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic faith and promise not to teach against it. It was an amazing Mass with the Bishop of Steubenville, Most Rev. Daniel Conlon. This Mass was only the tip of spiritual iceberg that I will experience here at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

New Beginnings & Remembering the Past

2008-08-13T00:02:00.000-04:00

It was my intention to begin this blog last night, but after arriving late at my destination, I chose to put it off until today. I am half through my trip to the Franciscan University of Steubenville. For the next two years, I will be studying Theology and Catechetics at one of the most CATHOLIC schools in the United States. Honestly, I am so excited I can't sit still. Sleeping at night has been difficult because I want to arrive to Ohio as soon as I can. Patience is not my thing, but I have to be patient.

Personally, my heart is heavy because I am leaving behind my mom, dad, friends, and students at SM. My parents saw me off yesterday and it was an emotional time. The three of us went through this 11 years ago when I started at the University of San Francisco. My parents are the two most important people in my life. Their support for me over the 34 years of my existence is unspeakable. They support, support, and support. Although they are having a difficult time with my departure, they know (at least they say it), how important this second masters is for me. I am also leaving at an important time in my sister's (Carla) life. Her boyfriend (Brandon) recently proposed to her and they are in the beginning stages for the marriage. I pray that all goes well as they begin their marriage preparation.

My friends -- I will miss you as well. Thanks Phil & Amy for my going away party on Saturday night. The two of you have always been such good friends to me. Phil, we go back to USF and the bonfire parties at the beach when nobody wanted to go out that night. We always made a party happen. Pat (Patricio Juan Pedro) - thanks for always being such a great friend. Like Philly Boy, we go back many years. Garibaldi - I was glad to see you come to Phoenix and working with you for the past 3 years. With Christina, bringing the zeal of JP II to SM was challenging and also rewarding. Pate - we partied in Scottsdale before it was Scottsdale. You have always been a loyal friend. We have to thank Quinn for introducing us to one another years ago. (Bear Down!)

To all the students who have graduated or are currently at SM -- remember always that Our Lord and his Blessed Mother will always love you. Pray for me as I pray for you. The Morning Crew: Yeager, Butts, Paige, Jaime, Sydney, Christina, Abby, Ober, Sarah, and Rodia (RIP). Graduates: Emilio - a young adult with a heart of service and obedience. I will pray for you and your time at CU. Ciani - another powerhouse, strong character and a natural born leader. Amy Povinelli - one of my first students at SM and the most faithful student in the Class of 2007. Continue to be strong in your Catholicism.

On a personal note, I wish I would have paid more attention in my high school geography class. On this trek I am driving through places that I remember from geography, but can't remember all the details and the importance of the locations. Mrs. Pearl would not be pleased with me.

;-)

Nicole Rodia

2008-04-10T13:26:00.001-04:00

This was an email I sent out to many of my friends yesterday through email. It’s about a student of mine...pray for her soul and for her family. Thank you.

Hello everyone,

It has been quite a long time since I have sent out a blast email, but St. Mary’s High School needs your prayers at this time. Nicole Rodia, a junior here at SMHS, was killed in a car accident on Sunday evening. I received the call and was at the hospital within minutes. Nicole and her friend Meghan (out of the hospital) were driving home from Mass (she had just received Holy Eucharist!) at St. Theresa’s when the accident occurred. Nicole was pronounced dead at the scene.

This has hit me very hard personally. I had Nicole in my Theology class last year. She began hanging out in my classroom last year with her friends. When this year began, Nicole and about 10 other students were ALWAYS in my classroom before school and during break. She was often sitting in my desk chair or right next to me in another chair near my desk. There were mornings when I would arrive a few minutes tardy to school; there was Nicole waiting for me at my door.

I find myself in tears as I write you this email. I loved this kid! She was a fantastic all around student. Gifted academically and athletically as well as had a strong Catholic faith. I had many conversations with her regarding the Church in class and outside of the classroom. I remember encouraging her to go on the March for Life with us in Washington D. C. She was a true example everyday of a holy and virtous child of God. One of her friends said to me, we all make the wrongchoices, but Nicole always made the right choice.

Tomorrow night is the prayer service and rosary and Friday will be the Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s at 10am (Arizona time). Please say a prayer for Nicole and the entire Rodia family as well as for Meghan Lawrence and her family.

Note to the Readers: On the inside of my sun visor in my 4 Runner, I have Nicole's Funeral Mass Prayer Card.

"A Confession"

2007-09-30T16:35:00.000-04:00

This is a poem written by a Polish poet whose name is Czeslaw Milosz (1911-2004). I first read this poem Spring semester of 1997 in my Senior Seminar in the St. Ignatius Institute at the University of San Francisco. This poem had such an impact on me that it inspired me to write my senior thesis around it. The title of my thesis was -- The Flawed and Aware Prophetic Witness: A Condition of Human Existence. Along with another student, I won the Senior Thesis award that year in the St. Ignatius Institute.

I remember Dr. Erasmo Leiva gave us this poem the week before at the end of class and at the next class he asked who would like to read it. My hand went up like it was shot out of cannon. Dr. Leiva said to me, "Tom, how did I know that you would be the one that would like this poem?" I guess he knew me pretty darn well. I hope you enjoy.

"A Confession" (1985)

My Lord, I loved strawberry jam

And the dark sweetness of a woman's body.

Also well-chilled vodka, herring in olive oil,

Scents, of cinnamon, of cloves.

So what kind of prophet am I? Why should the spirit

Have visited such a man? Many others

Were justly called, and trustworthy.

Who would have trusted me? For they saw

How I empty glasses, throw myself on food,

And glance greedily at the waitress's neck.

Flawed and aware of it. Desiring greatness,

Able to recognise greatness wherever it is,

And yet not quite, only in part, clairvoyant,

I knew what was left for smaller men like me:

A feast of brief hopes, a rally of the proud,

A tournament of hunchbacks, literature.

OPENING DAY

2007-04-05T04:03:00.000-04:00

I wrote this the first time in 2004 and then again in 2007. It was composed two days before Opening Day.

Today is the day that begins 7 months and 162 days of pure American delight; a pastime that has steamrolled through history as an army into battle. For us, fans of the Bronx Bombers, we will cheer and smile just like children opening presents on Christmas morning because today is the day that the Yankees play again.

As the 2007 season begins in the House that Ruth Built, our team, will run unto the field with great enthusiasm and vigor. They will sprint to their positions as children run to a playground. We know how our Bombers have won World Series Championships in the past, its called tradition--104 years of New York tradition.

Along with this tradition, will be the twin advocates of awe and mystique; twins who have in the past shattered the confidence of Yankee opponents. These legendary twins have catapulted 26 teams into the books of baseball history. The god's of baseball--Ruth, Gehrig, Joe D, Mantle, Maris, and Munson, will open the clouds with the might of their bats and throw from their gloves the passion and love that helps us cheer on our team,

THE TEAM…..THE NEW YORK YANKEES.

Pope Benedict XVI and Evangelization

2007-02-02T00:42:00.000-05:00

For all of us that work with teenagers and wonder if they will ever "get it", here is what Pope Benedict XVI says about evangelization...

Pontiff: No Soloists in Evangelizing
Highlights Paul's Collaborators in Building the Church

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 31, 2007 (Zenit.org).- St. Paul didn't evangelize alone, but acted as a member of the Body of Christ, Benedict XVI says.

The Pope explained this at today's general audience in Paul VI Hall where some 6,000 people gathered to hear a reflection dedicated to three of St. Paul's collaborators: Barnabas, Silas and Apollos.

Highlighting the support the three men gave the Apostle, the Holy Father said: "Paul does not act as a 'soloist,' as an isolated individual, but together with these collaborators in the 'we' of the Church."

For Paul, there is no "I" but a "we" of the Church, the "we" of the apostolic faith, Benedict XVI explained.

"Each one has a different task in the field of the Lord," the Pontiff said, quoting 1 Corinthians 3:6-9: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave growth ... for we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building."

The Pope explained that Paul's collaborators "found the meaning of life" in their evangelizing mission "and thus they are presented to us as luminous models of selflessness and generosity."

"This is valid for us also today, for the Pope, as well as the cardinals, bishops, priests and laity," Benedict XVI added. "We are all humble ministers of Jesus. We serve the Gospel in the measure that we can, according to our gifts, and we ask God to make his Gospel, his Church grow today."

Pope Benedict XVI

2007-02-02T00:35:00.000-05:00

When John Paul II died, I wondered if the Church through the College of Cardinals could find a successor with the eloquence and theological strength that JP II gave to the world (of course the Holy Spirit guided this through and through).

The day the new pope was announced I remember getting a call from my sister, Carla, who was watching television with her students at the catholic school she taught at. I was so excited that I could hardly contain myself. I went from classroom to classroom in my hallway at St. Mary's High School to tell the other teachers. There was a presentation occuring in my room at the time. I asked the presenter if we could put on the television to watch the announcment. Even though she was not Catholic, she agreed and was as equally excited as I.

I remember being in my classroom with a large number of students waiting and watching during break. The bells of St. Peter's were ringing and people were running to the square to wait for the new pope. HABEMUS PAPEM -- As the cardinal came out and read off the name of the new pope, Joseph Ratzinger, I did a double take and asked one of the kids, "Did he say Ratzinger?" I jumped up so high, I nearly hit the ceiling. Cardinal Ratzinger chose the name, Benedict XVI. He chose Benedict because St. Benedict brought Catholicism back to Europe and he must do the same.

As I sat down to write this blog (my first), I was only going to copy and paste an article that I had read from Zenit.org, but I guess the Holy Spirit inspired me to write this. I will post the article in another blog. Let us pray for his Holiness and the work he must do for the Church.