Monday, October 15, 2012
Evening Six
How was God present in the Industrial Revolution?
In what way did the miracle of Our Lady of Lourdes affect the Declaration of the Immaculate Conception?
What did God accomplish through the First Vatican Council?
How was God’s will expressed in Pope Leo XIII’s encyclicals?
What error in holiness motivated the practitioners of Nazism?
What part did sin play in the rise of America anti-Catholicism?
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All Righty!
ReplyDeleteFirst, on behalf of all the on-lookers, thank you Deacons Mike and Tim for your great presentation. Well done and much appreciated!
The last session was particularly interesting to me because I was able to relate to the events and names on a bit more personal level. I found myself sympathizing with my grandfather and his father as they left Italy for the United States. My grandfather stayed, becoming the first Baruffa here (I believe, anyway). It was interesting to consider what was playing out politically and within the Church at the turn of the century... well, two turns ago... when they came through Ellis Island.
Also... Vatican II, when considered in the proper light, proves to be one of the greatest blessings of the Church. A series of presentations could be held on this topic alone! Actually... maybe it SHOULD be held in order to dispel any misunderstandings that may still linger.
Something to ponder....
What was your greatest 'take-away' from our get-togethers? For me, on one level, the mere getting together for these discussions strengthens our faith. As we understand more and more of what it means to be Catholic, you can't help but fall head over heels in love with Christ. Being Catholic is much more than a label, but a life... one that has endured many hardships, folly and persecution over the centuries... one that will endure forever, as our Lord promises.
Wonderful insights, Mike. Thank you for your thoughts expressed so well.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking about my personal answer to your question on what was my greatest "take-away" from our six nights together? After some weeks off to reflect, I must confess that my greatest take-away was examining in detail times of sinfulness in the Catholic Church. I am like most Catholics and I want to believe only the best about the Catholic Church which I love. It was hard to hear the stories of sin and scandal. The truth is that the people who have claimed to be champions of Catholicism have done great harm to the institution of Christ's bride in the world. As unhappy as I felt discovering that sinfulness in the people who claimed to be God's messengers, I was also awed at how the Holy Spirit always preserved the truth and the institution of the Catholic Church itself, despite the sinfulness of some who committed crimes in the name of Jesus.