Grapes of Reflection 2020

Upon reaching the conclusion of 2020, it's a fitting time to reflect on the journey of this year, which I feel is represented in a significant way by this photo of me at the San Bernadino Amtrak Station back on the evening of Saturday, October 3, right before I boarded the eastbound Southwest Chief train.

While I can't remember which friend took this photograph, I know it was either Tyler or Roy.

I entered into 2020 thinking it would be a special year, in large part because of the digits.  In fact, I made a habit, in certain instances, of writing out 2020 in dates, like for today, 12-31-2020, rather than abbreviating with just "20", like I had done "19" for 2019.

Any notion of this year being special overall was pretty well dashed by the major limitations imposed by the pandemic starting in March throughout the United States and the world, unlike anything most of us have faced in our lives.  Probably the pandemic alone has been reason enough for people to bandy around the idea of tossing 2020 into the trash can, and I don't blame them.  In some ways, I think back to late December 2008 when Lester Holt, on a broadcast of NBC Nightly News, made a remark that surely echoed others' sentiments when he said people were ready to put a challenging year behind them which brought about hardship because of a major economic recession, even though it was also the year of a historic election.  I'm sure others felt similarly at the end of 2001 after the September 11 terrorist attacks.  Events in 2020 took the meaning of hardship to a whole new level in limitations that were so widespread.

But as I reflect back on 2020, I recognize so much good happened, and there were many blessings, and, on account of them, I wouldn't want to write off the whole year, even with the pandemic's limitations weighing so heavily.

Granted, I can say so because I was not as limited or affected by the pandemic as others.  But I also think this way more broadly because of something I read in a statement that the pastoral staff at Valparaiso University's Chapel of the Resurrection wrote in response to their furlough during the summer break 2020.  They noted that while it's difficult to be grateful in all circumstances, we can still find some reason to be grateful in all circumstances.

And so with gladness and gratitude for the goodness and blessings of this year, I offer this reflection on 2020, based on the Spanish custom of consuming 12 grapes on the occasion of the changing of the year.  Like in all previous years I've done this "grapes" reflection, I don't necessarily aim to cover the events of the year comprehensively, or in any sort of ranking, but rather I reflect on this concluding calendar year with some of the major points of note.

Grape #1- celebrating Candlemas on Sunday: I should note this occasion is one example of the many wonderful experiences we had in 2020 before the pandemic's severe restrictions.  Candlemas Day, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, is on February 2.  I like this Feast because it reinvokes a sense of Christmas Day, 40 days later, and in the past, marked the conclusion of the Christmas Season.  It was great that it fell on a Sunday in 2020, which gave us the opportunity to celebrate it with greater emphasis when gathered at Sunday Mass.  I incorporated the celebration into my RE classes by purchasing small tea candles and having Father Hurlbert bless them, and then I gave them to my students as a small gift.

Grape #2- State Fair at Julian Middle School: I was so delighted that one of my favorite musicals of all time was staged at Julian, a story that resonates with me so deeply in a place that is so special in my life.  It was notable to see it on stage after having watched the movie so many times, and I enjoyed the experience, which I shared with my family for a Sunday outing, back on February 23.  I also knew some of the students in the cast, including one of the students I had in class for the 2019-2020 RE year, which added a notable touch to my attendance of the play.  (Again, this outing was another example of something memorable that happened before the pandemic.)

Grape # 3- trip to Madison, WI: I was eager to get back to visit my friends in Madison, as it had been 5 years since my last visit there, since other summer trips precluded me from going there in the years since.  I was glad to make one last visit there before my friend Tyler moved.  It was also great seeing Arthur, and seeing my friend Matthew's house for the first time since he moved there.  And even just going out for a weekend road trip into another state in mid-July was a nice opportunity after all the limitations imposed since March.

Grape #4- trip into southern Illinois and environs: I was glad to channel my yearning for a summer trip by exploring more of Ilinois, having been inspired by my travels for the recent Illinois Bicentennial celebration.  Driving Route 66 was a marvelous way to reconnect with a delightful part US cultural history.  And there was great nature to see in the Shawnee National Forest area.  Upon returning home, I completed my longest road trip yet in Avila, over 1300 miles.

Grape #5- trip to Southern California and then some: I was so glad to go on this trip after waiting out two previous attempts that didn't materialize.  It was amazing to visit Arizona for the first time, and to see the Grand Canyon.  And spending time with Roy, along with Tyler and their significant others, in SoCal was fantastic.

Grape #6- the wedding of Rogenique and Roy on November 7: I am so delighted that Roy is happily married to a wonderful person, and that they have set themselves up for a life together of love for each other in the name of God and for the blessing of others. I am glad I was able to squeeze attendance at their wedding into a break at work that day.  It was great getting to know Rogenique while I attended the virtual Bible study group Roy hosted, and then to meet Rogenique when I visited Roy about a month before their wedding.

Grape #7- Cale Clarke's programming on Relevant Radio: Cale started two new programs on Relevant Radio back in July, The Cale Clarke Show and The Faith Explained.  He brings a very thoughtful and insightful approach to discussing matters of faith on both programs, especially talking about saints of the day on The Cale Clarke Show.  His approach has a good deal of depth because after having grown up Roman Catholic and then drifting away to become a Protestant minister, he returned to practice as a Roman Catholic.  His experiences greatly inform his ability to go in-depth with Roman Catholic beliefs.  (These programs are two of many Relevant Radio offerings I have enjoyed.  I was wistful about the end of St. Joseph's Workshop and A Closer Look, as well as Go Ask Your Father, but still grateful for the content they offered while on air.  Trending with Timmerie also expanded its air time this year, and that program is excellent.)

Grape #8- serving as an election judge: I hadn't necessarily planned to be an election judge for the November 2020 election, but as the year progressed, I felt like the time was right to offer this important service to my community and country.  It was once again another meaningful day of service.

Grape #9- beatification of Father McGivney: As a Knight of Columbus, it was very special to see the founder of the Knights recognized in such a significant way, and I was glad to watch the Beatification Mass live on October 31. The story of the miracle leading to his beatification is a great one, and speaks so powerfully in many ways to what the Knights are about.  This Mass was a fitting prelude to All Saints' Day, and all that it means for us as people of faith.

Grape #10- summer fun in Chicagoland: I am pleased that the summer brought so many ways to get out.  It was nice to shop at the Oak Park Farmers' Market from the summer into the autumn.  I went on a great outing to the Chicago Botanic Gardens on August 22.  We had a fine block party on August 8, which included a fun carnival with games. I enjoyed going to Hole in the Wall on a few occasions, including on opening weekend on May 2, and then on its closing weekend on October 9.  And I really enjoyed going to Gina's, especially to have one of their new flavors for the 2020 season: guava.

Grape #11- family celebrations: It was wonderful to celebrate special birthdays for both my parents. I was also very glad for my cousin Sam Hines in Texas upon the occasion of his ordination as a permanent deacon.  Abuela had told me a long time ago he had started the process of studying to be a deacon, but I had lost track of his progress, so I was delighted when Abuela received word that his ordination was set for August 15.  It was marvelous to tune in to the livestream of the Mass that day.

Grape #12- vocational experiences: I enjoyed getting to know Kevin Ripley while he spent time as a seminarian assisting at Ascension, which included his assistance at Masses as a transitional deacon.  I was so heartened when he was ordained a priest on July 10, and it was a blessing to see him a few weeks when he came to Ascension to celebrate Mass and to receive his blessing.  I was also glad to have him join my RE class a few weeks after that in October: He did a great job sharing about his path to the priesthood and vignettes from his ordination Mass.

His appearance in class was one of many wonderful experiences in RE class for the 8th graders for the 2020-2021 year. After the in-person classes were suspended back in March, I was so glad to get back to teaching in October with a new group, although I was glad I got to do some virtual classes to finish the 2019-2020 RE year, and then have a wonderful prayer service for the 8th grade class of 2020.

As I planned what we would do in virtual classes for the 2020-2021 year, I figured I could seamlessly bring in guest speakers to share their experiences and perspectives on faith, and they have all done a great job.  I have brought in people I have know from different times in my life.  I sense that the students have enjoyed the guest speakers.  But I have been greatly heartened to invite them, because it reminds me of how blessed I have been to know so many devout people in my life, which has been part of fostering an environment in which I have embraced faith more deeply.

In that spirit, I celebrated two 15-year anniversaries in 2020, my 8th grade graduation on June 8, and my Confirmation on October 15.  Both occasions speak to how I have come to understand my calling to live a life with purpose in faith.  It was special to start a new RE year 9 days before celebrating my Confirmation anniversary.  That celebration carried over into the following weekend when the readings at Mass cycled back to the same set of readings from my Confirmation Mass.  It was also a weekend when the Knights held a coat collection, and I was joyful to see so many of the 8th grade students helping out, and to spend some time with them as I volunteered.

I also marked 11 years since first attending Mass at St. Teresa's, which was an important part of my faith journey that led to my decision to teach RE.  I am grateful for attending Mass at St. Teresa's on the actual anniversary, Sunday, August 23, and then to return a week later for Mass with Bishop McClory.  I also had a fabulous time back at St. Teresa's in February assisting with the post-Mass dinner for the students.

Reflecting on 2020 as a whole, there is no denying that it was a year marked by heartache, especially because of the pandemic.  I say this as a person whose life was affected because of limitations, but not necessarily impacted at the same level as those who were ill or died because of the virus, or who experienced other hardships because of it like job loss, or heartache over missed celebrations like the graduates of the class of 2020 at all levels of school.  It has hurt to see suffering in all forms around me due to the pandemic, especially as I think about students who missed out on meaningful school activities, especially graduates, like those I know.  I also feel palpably the emotions of those who pray to God that He will never again permit His people to be without Masses for weeks on end.  And as if the pandemic wasn't enough, there was the flare-up of renewed tensions triggered by the lingering devastation of racism.

At the same time, I feel that this year is not defined by these heartaches.  Ultimately, I am convinced it's defined by what's most important in life, which we can sense deep inside of us, which we discovered in new ways this year, even in painful experiences, which even lead rise to examples of goodness.

On that note, I think of Mat and his teenage daughter Savanna Shaw in suburban Salt Lake City, UT.  When the pandemic suspended her choir's meetings, she decided to record a song, "The Prayer" for the group, and requested her dad join.  Upon posting it to social media, it went viral, and soon they started a YouTube channel, posting recordings of various songs, which have all gone viral.

For their first album--they currently have released two--they performed a song they wrote themselves, "Picture This", which I sense is autobiographical in nature, describing how they became a famous YouTube duo.  One line in the song says, "What if all we wanted is there all along", and I feel that line speaks to how 2020 has put us through experiences that cause us to look at what we already have and who we are, to value and appreciate it as the fulfillment of our deepest longings.  Furthermore, they sing, "I'm taking myself the freedom to hear out/The voice that's inside of me".  Those lyrics speak to the idea of vocational discernment, understanding what's deep inside of us, and how that is what matters most in life.  (Please feel free to view the song video by clicking on the link for the title.)

Mat and Savanna Shaw are just one wonderful example of the good that has come out of the pandemic-riddled year of 2020.  And I imagine that more blessings will arise from this year that have yet to become apparent.

Again, there are blessings that we can be aware of now as we look at what's right before us, which I acknowledged upon the conclusion of the 2019-2020 RE year, as I went to the homes of the 8th graders to deliver them gifts.  In some cases, I was fortunate to actually see some of my students when I came to their homes, and in some instances, I conversed with them for a few minutes.

It was in such a conversation when I told one particular student, as a way to affirm her, that who she is cannot be taken away by the virus, words that speak to the powerful reality of who God has made us to be by faith.  Shortly thereafter, when her mom asked about how I was doing, I started my answer in a general way, and then drew upon what I noticed imprinted on her daughter's shirt, the verse of Hebrews 6:19, about hope as an anchor for the soul.

We indeed have great hope in the blessing of the Great I AM, our God Who entered into our world in the Incarnation of Christ to face the same evils we do, and effected a glorious redemption, which reminds me of another song.

This past Christmas Day, I took time to really listen to the Casting Crowns performance of the Christmas Carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", which is slightly different from other performance versions.

Here's a live version:

Here's a version with lyrics.

I then read the story about the circumstances in which the song was written.  To summarize, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote in the 1860's, when the United States was engulfed in a terrible war, and in the wake of personal hardship in his family, which is summarized in the line "hate is strong and mocks the song".  We could easily apply that line to the troubles of 2020, with the pandemic, riots, and a polarized sociopolitical environment, not to mention whenever has been happening in our personal lives and families.  It all mocks the idea of "peace on Earth, good will to men".

But the next stanza speaks of the great revelation Mr. Longfellow had when he heard the bells on Christmas Day, and the epiphany I had when I heard this song.  The bells, a symbol of the Good News we celebrate on Christmas Day, declare that "God is not dead; nor doth He sleep/The wrong shall fail, the right prevail/With peace on Earth, good will to men".  In the Casting Crowns performance, one can hear the choristers repeating "peace on Earth", in an almost mystical way, symbolizing how that Truth persists in our world.

By faith, we declare that no matter what difficulties we face that try to mock our God, He is stronger and more powerful, and thus He deals a mighty blow to those difficulties.  Ultimately, Christmas is a glorious celebration because by the birth of Christ, God demonstrates His ability to defeat all that is wrong, and to truly bring "peace on Earth, good will to men", something worth celebrating all throughout the year.

Drawing toward the conclusion of a year marked by, but not defined by, discouragement, I was immensely encouraged by this song, because it speaks to the reality I believe about God, which nothing, not even a raging virus, can remove from us.  So long as we grow in and walk by faith, we have the blessed assurance of this unchanging reality, which is the same through all years, and in all circumstances.

Through it all, we remember our connections that demonstrate what matters most: 

All my relations.

Thanks be to God.

2020 News and Events in Review

There were two big events to anticipate in the United States as we entered 2020: the once-a-decade census and the every-four-year presidential election.

Like much of life this year, those two events were greatly affected by the pandemic.  Though as essential government functions, they still managed to go on, and some of the proceedings of both were able to get started before the pandemic had a major effect on life in the USA and throughout the world.

And somehow, even when much was shut down and so many were staying in place at home, a certain vibrancy emerged with altered social activities through virtual events.  When certain functions started again, it's interesting to note how much people could still get out for even leisure and recreation.

Disney planned to release a live-action version of Mulan in late March, but ended up releasing it through its Disney+ platform months later.  A movie version of the Hamilton musical also debuted on that platform.

In some ways, the year 2020 started off with the waters being stirred with Congress going through impeachment proceedings for President Trump, which resulted in his acquittal.  Then, in February, President Trump commuted the prison sentence of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who had been removed from office through the impeachment process.  He then started a podcast, The Lightning Rod.

As if the chaos of the pandemic wasn't enough, turmoil erupted anew in the late spring/early summer when George Floyd's death prompted a wave of intense race riots in cities throughout the United States.  I had a brush with it on June 1: After being dismissed early from work because of concerns about a demonstration nearby, I encountered police activity in response to looting in Cicero that spilled over into Berwyn.

George Floyd's death prompted renewed scrutiny on the effects of racism in the US at present and in history, which soon affected other historical figures like Christopher Columbus and St. Junipero Serra and their alleged mistreatment of indigenous Americans.

There was even the launch of the 1619 Project.  President Trump sought to counter the aims of that effort by launching a 1776 commission to promote patriotic education, which he discussed in a speech at the National Archives on September 17, US Constitution Signing Day.

He also extolled American values at a speech at Mount Rushmore right before Declaration of Independence Day on July 4.

On January 24, he became the first sitting US president to personally speak at the March for Life in Washington, D.C. I was personally pleased to see yet another example of his strong commitment to upholding the preborn.

That commitment also factored into his nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett as an Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court after the passing of the legendary Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  Judge Barrett stood her ground well during the confirmation hearings in the barrage of questions from Democratic senators about how she would rule in cases pertaining to issues of abortion, healthcare, and various rights like guns and voting, though the opposition never quite rose to the ferocity that happened in Justice Kavanaugh's confirmation process.  She was confirmed along party lines about a month after the announcement of her nomination.

The event at which her nomination was announced had been pegged as where President Trump contracted the c-virus.  After a stay at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he recovered.  (As an aside, with all the heart-wrenching news about new cases and deaths, perhaps it would have been worthwhile to report the number of those who recovered all along.)

There were so many departures this year due to the pandemic, and others from different causes.  They include Alex Trebek, former Illinois Governor James Thompson, John Lewis, and Kobe Bryant.

Multiple Chicago priests were tapped as bishops for various dioceses. Three new bishops were appointed for Chicago.  Robert McClory, rector of the National Shrine of the Little Flower in Michigan, was installed as Bishop of Gary on February 11.

Pope Francis also appointed several new cardinals, including Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, D.C., the first African-American cardinal.

Among the significant natural events in 2020, the year started with wildfires in Australia that had started back in December 2019. A significant derecho event swept through the central United States on August 10. There were numerous notable tropical systems in the Atlantic Basin, which set a record of 30 named storms. There were earthquakes in the Caribbean in January. On a gentler note, there was a blue moon on October 31.  The closest conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in nearly 800 years peaked on December 21.

Notable anniversaries in 2020 include Maine's Bicentennial on March 15.  It was also the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.  The bicentennial of Florence Nightingale's birth was on May 12, and was marked by buildings lit up with her image.  May 18 was the centennial of Karol Wojtyla's birth, who became Pope St. John Paul II.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception also marked its centennial: In May was the centennial of the blessing of the land, and September 23 was the centennial of the placing of the foundation stone.  The Shrine held a special centennial Mass on Sunday, September 20, to start a year of commemoration.

This year also marked 150 years for the 15th Amendment for voting rights for African-Americans, and the centennial of the 19th Amendment for women's suffrage.  Buildings were lit up in purple, white, and gold to celebrate the 19th Amendment.

During a focus group I attended with election judges to debrief on the November 3 Election Day, Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough noted in spite of the troubles marking 2020, this year was notable for the milestones of these amendments, and she mentioned how they marked important steps to build upon the heritage of freedom, and they gave added historic significance to the 2020 election.  While there remains much work to be done, we can be encouraged to continue as we behold the progress we have already achieved as a society, with hope in what we can do to accomplish more.  And we have a system that works pretty well in spite of its flaws, and facilitates the capacity to realize more fully the ideals of freedom that were part of our founding.  So we go forth from 2020 into 2021 to draw upon the good that is already present and work to enhance our world.

Houses of God

A major theme weaving through Advent and Christmas Seasons is how God has come to dwell among us through Christ and how we, like Mary, bear God's presence into the world.  Even as we await the celebration of Christ's Birth at Christmas, we rejoice at how God comes to be present with us each day.

We, as the Church, join together in community to make God known in the world, and church buildings have a special role to play in building that sense of community.

One church building that resonates with me deeply is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  It is in the midst of its yearlong centennial celebration, celebrating the events in 1920 when physical work starting, first with the blessing of the land in May, and then the placing of the foundation stone.

I first visited the Shrine on October 16, 2013, during an hours-long layover between trains while traveling back to Chicagoland from South Carolina.  I was talking with a professor in college who told me about this Shrine.  At the time of my first visit, the federal government was in shutdown mode, and that was part of the motivation to visit, since it was open.  My visit was also born of a desire to see the Shrine.

I actually saw the Shrine from the train tracks on my way to South Carolina as the train neared Union Station, but only a brief glimpse.  My first substantial gaze came on that October 16, as I beheld the colossal size, I was truly in awe, a sensation I continued to feel as I toured the inside and gazed at the vast upper sanctuary.

Yet even in such a huge space, I was able to find humble, quiet ways to connect with God.  Strung all along the sides of both levels of the Shrine are smaller chapels, each for a devotion of the Blessed Mother from different parts of the world.  I was particularly drawn to the CHapel for La Virgen de Guadalupe, and when the tour guide asked me if I wanted to see any particular space, I requested to go there.  I lingered there later on after attending Mass and before departing.  There are other statues there of saints that resonate with me and the American experience, like St. Kateri Tekakwitha and St. Mother Katharine Drexel.

I also learned that Mary of the Immaculate Conception is the Patroness Saint of the United States, and so it's fitting a Shrine would be built in her honor in the national capital city.  I was invigorated with deeper appreciation for the Immaculate Conception, and every year since 2013, I have eagerly gone to Mass on this Feast, not only for what the occasion means for our faith, but also what it means for me as a Roman Catholic in the United States.

And almost every time I have gone to Washington, D.C., since, I make a point to visit the Shrine, to reconnect with the special experience I had there the first time, and also for rekindling how it continues to facilitate a connection to God.

This month of December 2020 marks a special anniversary for St. Teresa of Avila (Roman) Catholic Student Center in Valparaiso:  It was 10 years ago, on Gaudete Sunday, December 12, 2010, that the new Ministry Life Center was blessed, as part of the special Advent Student Mass and Dinner, an annual custom on the Sunday before semester test week.

I remember earlier that year in February--I believe it was on Ash Wednesday--I gathered with other students and Father Kevin as he showed us plans for a new addition that would join together the two main buildings at St. Teresa's.

Ground was broken in May after summer break started.  When I returned for my second year, much progress had been made.  I remember being led through the partially-finished site, imaging what it would become.

Work was completed a few months later, and the blessing was set for December 12.  That was a very snowy day, but Bishop Dale Melczek was still present to celebrate the Mass, along with a large group of students.  Even newly-ordained Father Ted was there.  That Advent Student Mass and Dinner is one of my fondest memories of my college years, and that year was extra special because of the blessing.

We put it to good use right away by gathering in the large space on the main level for the meal, much larger than the space that was used before for meals, and even for Mass way back in the earlier years of St. Teresa's.

A few months later came an even bigger snowstorm in early February 2011, and students were in the student lounge on the upper level long into the night having fun as the snow unleashed its fury.  I heard later Father Kevin expressed how pleased he was to see the student lounge being used as such.

Indeed, as I witnessed as a student and as I sense as an alumnus, the spaces at St. Teresa's have been used so well for the important purpose of building community by which the individuals join together and encounter God.

That is what makes any church space so special, the way the gathered community recognizes God's presence and then is sent forth from that encounter to make God known.

Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth peace to people of goodwill.

Dad's Favorite Things

Following after my Mom's milestone birthday back in May, it's time to party again with my Dad's milestone birthday.

As I think about Dad, I recall his favorite things.

He thoroughly enjoys dogs.  After having grown up with the presence of one dog or another, the nature of a dog lover has definitely gotten into him.  Even though he hasn't had a dog at home with him for years, he delights in other people's dogs, like the ones his parents have had since he married Mom.  He has enjoyed playing around with their dogs, taking them for walks, and giving them treats and other expressions of affection.  The goes for Weasley, the dog of my brother and sister-in-law.  Dad even enjoys greeting the dogs in the neighborhood as he goes out for exercise.  I often hear him talk, with great enthusiasm, about how such and such dog he knows is a "nice dog".

I also think it's pretty notable that Dad has biked regularly to work over the course of his decades of time in the working world, usually at least 10 miles one way and then back home.  I pretty much consider him a bike expert, and his expertise has proved helpful over the years, especially as I grew to like biking myself, particularly for pleasure rides.

When it comes to his favorite television shows, there are two that come to my mind: Watching M*A*S*H brings back fond memories to him and Mom of their early years, when it was still airing in its original run.  Another show he enjoys is The Andy Griffith Show, which is something I've grown to enjoy with its down-to-earth feel and fine humorous touches.

And when it comes to radio, he is a big fan of Relevant Radio.  For years, I've seen him reach for radio dial in the car, in the kitchen, and in other rooms of the house to tune in for great Roman Catholic content.  I would absorb much of it through osmosis.

In the past few years, I started listening to it regularly on my own.  I've enjoyed great shows like St. Joseph's Workshop and A Closer Look in the past, and current shows like Trending with Timmerie and the two shows that debuted this year, The Faith Explained and The Cale Clarke Show.

Relevant Radio actually started 20 years ago this month on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Over these two decades, it has engaged in the work of evangelization so magnificently by teaching and discussing the faith with such great depth.

In all the programming, those who participate, the hosts and their guests, offer such thoughtful and insightful perspectives that help audiences understand faith more deeply.  Indeed, the programming on and resources of Relevant Radio faithfully upholds the teachings of the Church and helps the faithful who listen to know how to uphold it in their own lives.  One great example is the book Father Rocky recently offered on well-formed consciences, very timely in preparation for the recent elections, but a good tool for any time as well.

Relevant Radio has played a faithful role in the work of evangelization, helping promote and explain the faith to radio audiences.  Time and again, stories are shared on-air about the profound impact the station has had on people.  The impact continues as it expands its network throughout the United States, and even now with tools like online livestreaming and the Relevant Radio app.  We as the faithful are truly meant to continue learning all throughout our lives, since there is so much to discover about God, and Relevant Radio has done such a great job to facilitate lifelong learning.

I can sense why Relevant Radio resonates so much with Dad, as a person of deep faith.  So with this recent milestone for Relevant Radio, I have even greater reason to celebrate Dad's birthday as I think about how Relevant Radio represents how Dad has handed on the great gift of faith to me.

In gratitude to you, Dad, for enjoying these and more things in life, and for what you've handed on to me, I say, "Happy Birthday!"

We are ever connected as family and in faith: All my relations.

Thanks be to God.

The Years of Ludwig van Beethoven

With joy, I mark 250 years since the birth and baptism of composer Ludwig van Beethoven on December 16/17, 1770.

My fascination with L. Beethoven started back when I began learning to play the piano in early elementary school.  I had a book that provided age-appropriate pieces to play, and one of them was a child version of "Ode to Joy" from his Symphony 9, which I played at a piano recital.  From that point on, I enjoyed listening to his music on a double-CD album I acquired, and even spent more time learning about his life.

It's amazing to think of how he displayed great genius even in the hardships of his life.  I especially think of how he was deaf toward the end of his life, but that was when he wrote great music, like his Symphony 9.  My sense of the story of how that was written is influenced by the story Beethoven Lives Upstairs: The story resonated with me because of how I can view this great composer through the eyes of the boy whose mother rented the space above them to Beethoven, and after initially struggling to appreciate the composer's presence, was invited to the premiere performance of Symphony 9.

I've also enjoyed Symphonies 3 and 5, whose beginnings are well-known melodies.  A biography video I read mentioned how L. Beethoven originally wrote Symphony 3 as a tribute to Napoleon.  But when Beethoven became disillusioned with Napoleon, he scratched out Napoleon's name and simply wrote, "Eroica", a term that means heroic, which is a fitting title word for the epic feel of the beginning part of the piece.

I also learned how to play Fur Elise, which is a rich piece.  The 2-CD album I got of his music includes a performance of Fur Elise on the harpischord, and I definitely like listening to it.

And I thoroughly enjoy the Moonlight Sonata.  When we get to that point in the month of the full moon, I enjoy playing it, and gazing at the light of the full moon.

My time studying piano helped me appreciate the great classic composers, and L. Beethoven was the first one, so that I've enjoyed his music for the longest time of all composers.

So Happy 250-Year Birthday Ludwig van Beethoven!

Thank you for some remarkable contributions to music in this world.

Experiencing Vocation at Father Ted's Ordination

On a snowy Saturday morning, December 4, 2010, 10 years ago today, I went with Dan and Ann Ruggaber to the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary for an experience like none I had ever had before in my life: I attended an ordination Mass for Ted Mauch, who became a priest that day.

Ted was assigned as a deacon to St. Teresa's, where I attended Church, for the last few months before his ordination.  I had the chance to meet then-Deacon Ted when I returned to ValpU for my 2nd year, and I had the chance to get to know him over the course of the succeeding months.

It was in the beginning part of the 2010-11 school year when St. Teresa's announced December 4 as the date for his ordination.  I was pleased when arrangements fell into place to attend.

Notably, it was the first time I can recall attending Mass at a diocesan cathedral outside Chicago.  The Mass booklet was filled with details about the design of the Cathedral.

The ordination Mass was so grand, with great music, carrying that theme of God's spirit and our calling as His servants.  After some pre-Mass songs, there was a lengthy procession, which included servers, the Knights of Colmbus in full 4th-degree attire, and about 50-60 priests.  I had never seen so many priests in one place before in my life.  As they processed while we all sang the opening hymn, I heard one voice louder than the others, which was Father Kevin, then pastor at St. Terersa's.

Bishop Dale Melczek was the principal celebrant for the Mass--he was then the Bishop of Gary, now Bishop Emeritus.  I have memories of him as an insightful homilist.  He spoke well to the occasion of the history of the preisthood, stretching back to Melchizedek, and how the power of God was coming upon Ted at this Mass so that he could take his part in the priesthood.

I had seen clips of priest ordinations before in film and photos, so I had some sense of what would happen.  

It was a stirring moment when Ted stood before Bishop Melczek, who asked him, "Do you pledge obedience to me and my successors?" to which Ted responded, "I do."  I truly wonder what was going through Ted's mind in that exchange, and to make such a strong statement of commitment.

I didn't get a good view of Ted when he prostrated himself on the floor, at which time the congregation knelt and chanted the Litany of Saints.  It was an eloquent scene to call upon the holy men and women of the years gone by as Ted took this significant step.

Then there were the gestures when all the priests took their turns to lay their hands on Ted, as part of an ancient gesture of calling upon the Holy Spirit, who empowers priests and all of us faithful in our work to which He calls us.

I happened to be sitting right by the ambry when one of the servers came to it and took out the sacred chrism for Ted's anointing.

Subsequently, it was time for the "Kiss of Peace", which was basically when all the priests gave now freshly-ordained Father Ted a hug.  Father Kevin looked so excited when it came time for that part of the ordination rite, and was practically ready to barge right up to Father Ted.

The Mass was close to 2 hours long, but it was so action-packed, it really didn't feel long.  The elements of the splendid liturgy captivated me.

Following the Mass, Dan, Ann, and I went to the reception.  We got in a long line to greet Father Ted, and then he offered to give us a blessing, my first time receiving a blessing from a newly-ordained priest.

In the gathered assembly were Father Ted's family, and others who had been part of his path toward the priesthood.  While I had come in toward the end of his journey, I was so blessed that I could say I was a part of it, and took my place at the ordination Mass as a way to support him.

And it was something amazing to just attend an ordination Mass, as I'm uncertain how many Roman Catholics actually get to have that experience in their lives.  It's interesting to think that I've never been to a Roman Catholic wedding Mass, but I have attended multiple ordinations, this one, and another 6 months later.

The Roman Catholic Church opened up in a whole new way for me that day.  I gained new insight into what the priesthood is all about by watching the ordination rite.  I see that the Roman Catholic Church offers so many pathways to live out the call to holiness, as the saints God has called and equipped us to be.

My years at ValpU were so significant in that I shifted my attitude to approach life more thoughtfully.  Rather than just go through the motions, the environment in college really helped me think more deeply about how to live life with purpose, to discern my calling.  It was special to see Father Ted take that important step in living out God's calling to his vocation, which impacted how I come to understand what my vocation is and how to fulfill it.

Congratulations, Father Ted, on your 10th anniversary.  May God continue to equip and empower you today as He did 10 years ago to fulfill the vocation to which He calls you, so that all the faithful can answer God's call to each of us and collectively as His Church.

Another 21 for Illinois at 202

It's time to party like it's 1818 again as we celebrate the Statehood Day of Illinois, now at 202 years. For the occasion of the Illinois bicentennial, which was two years ago, I created 2 lists of 200 things about Illinois that I included in various blog posts.  You can access links to them in this post from 1 year ago.  It was a great way to consider all the amazing things about Illinois, and has inspired me to keep musing about this state.

In honor of Illinois's birthday today, here's a list of 21 more things about the 21st state, especially as I remember my recent travels in Illinois as a starting point.

While St. Louis is a major city in Missouri, it has multiple suburbs on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, referred to as the Metro East area.

I stayed at a hotel in Granite City (#1) this past summer after driving Historic US Route 66 through Illinois.  Just west of there is Choteau Island (#2), which was formed by the creation of Chain of Rocks Canal (#3), which helped boats navigate a treacherous area of the Mississippi River that is littered with rocks from thousands of years ago.

Just to the north of Granite City in Hartford is the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower (#4).

It is close to the Lewis and Clark State Memorial Park (#5), preserving the site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition started and finished.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (#6) has a lovely garden area (#7).

While driving there from Hartford, I impulsively stopped at a farm stand, where I bought some Calhoun peaches (#8), a type of peach grown particularly in southern Illinois.  That shopping stop there was my first time ever encountering this type of peach.

Collinsville (#9) is known for its giant Brooks Catsup (Ketchup) Bottle water tower (#10).

In the northern reaches of the Metro East Area is Alton, which, among other claims to fame, was the home of abolitionist Elijah Lovejoy (#11), where he moved after pro-slavery mobs destroyed his printing press in Missouri.  In Alton, he published the abolitionist newspaper The Alton Observer (#12).  The Elijah Lovejoy Monument (#13) in Alton continues to testify to his courage in standing for the dignity of all people.

Further north is Pere Marquette State Park (#14), at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.

Over on the eastern outskirts of the Metro East area near Shiloh (#15) is Scott Air Force Base (#16), a major military installation.

Belleville has the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows (#17), where I had a very quiet, prayerful visit this past summer.

St. Clair County (#18) is one of the counties in the Metro East Area, and is the oldest county in Illinois.  It was named for Arthur St. Clair (#19), the first governor of the vast Northwest Territory.

Cahokia (#20) was started in 1697 as a French settlement.

In the midst of continuing to celebrate the spirit of the bicentennial and learn more about Illinois, I encountered a series of podcasts from Illinois Humanities (#21) that were recorded for that occasion.

They are archived at this link, and well worth the time to listen to them, as a way of learning more about the great state of Illinois, my home sweet home.