There is a TV show slated to begin airing on A&E this Easter Sunday that will document the lives of four young men who are discerning whether they are called to the priesthood or to the married life. It would seem that the title is misleading—according to many media sources and interviews with the young men themselves, this show is not so much about 'God' vs. 'Marriage,' but rather a genuine discernment process. One of the show's featured young men says:
"The title of the show is less than appealing to any faithful Catholic," said DeMatte. "It's not a decision between God or the girl. It's a decision between serving God through celibacy or serving God through married life. God is No. 1 no matter what. The title is simply to catch eyes." (Read more...)
However, I don't think it is a good idea to document and commercialize a vocation story. It would be one thing if someone were to make a video or DVD for vocational discernment promotion (such as the one that we have [STL Office of Vocations] in our Archdiocese). But it's entirely different if the point is to sell television commercials. Perhaps this wasn't what the four young men had in mind, but I'm not too sure I would have approved of my vocation story being publicized on a prime-time TV show. But, what do you think? I only wish this were an April Fools' joke...
I was forwarded a link to the Justice for Immigrants website today, and it brings up a very important issue—should we, or should we not, offer assistance and citizenship to 'illegal immigrants?' According to Catholic teaching and Christian solidarity, the least we can do is provide them with corporal assistance (food, shelter, etc.). But there are forces at work in our government that might work to make it illegal for even a priest to give food to illegal immigrants under certain conditions, and try to make any 'undocumented' persons leave the country.
Please take a minute and read more about this issue—it has faced our nation many times before, and it is an important issue to familiarize yourself with.
[Update: I have posted pictures from the competition.]
Yesterday, the Cardinal Glennon College seminarians particiated in the annual 'international' festivities by competing and enjoying food prepared by the Italians. Needless to say, the stakes were high (especially with the Germans gloating about 'their Pope' and all that...), and the games were tough (Volleyball with a large inflatable, a spoon race, a relay race and a trivia quiz (one of the questions was, "Which of the seven dwarves in Snow White is drawn with only one tooth?" Answer: Dopey)), but the 'Italians/Other' team (the team I, a Dutchman/Irishman/German... with a little French thrown in the mix, was on) prevailed in the end.
I have taken many pictures of the event, but I have not yet had the time to organize them and post them on the Internet. I shall do so shortly (within a day or so), and I'll let you know when the pictures are online.
In other news, today was Laetare ("Rejoice") Sunday—the 4th and middle Sunday of Lent—and it is one of only two days during the year when priests are permitted to wear pink rose-colored vestments. Did your pastor 'think pink rose' today?
Last night, George Weigel delivered the eleventh annual Peter Richard Kenrick Lecture. His speech was entitled "01 Pope Benedict XVI and the Catholic Future: A Global View." Weigel is well-known for his many Catholic writings, especially his biographical work on Pope John Paul II, Witness to Hope. He spoke about many issues facing Pope Benedict XVI and our Church today, especially problems facing Europe (such as the rapidly declining birth rate and a lack of religious fervor), and presented ways we can work to overcome these problems.
I have posted pictures from the Kenrick Lecture on my Seminary Website. There is also an audio and video recording of the event, but I'm not sure if or when they will be released on the web...
