Join us for a discussion on the impact of faith traditions on political life and public policy.

Faith + Politics + Public Policy

Monday, October 27, 2008

6:00 pm in the Ebeid Center

Forum members:

Dr. Geoffrey Grubb

Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and Professor of Theological Studies

Dr. Dale Lanigan

Director of the Criminal Justice Program and Assistant Professor of Sociology & Justice Studies

Dr. Joyce Litten

Chairperson of the Department of Social Work and Assistant Professor of Social Work

Ø  What role does faith play in the formation of public policy?

Ø  How do faith-based organizations impact political life?

Ø  Do we expect our elected officials to vote their conscience or the desires of their constituents?

Are there questions that you would like to direct to the forum members?

1.     Email them to me (bvano@lourdes.edu)

2.     Respond to this blog

3.     Bring questions in writing to the forum on October 27

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in the midst of a very LONG political campaign. While issues have run the gamut from the economy to energy policies to affordable health care to the war in _____ (you get to fill in the blank with any of a multitude of choices) to life issues, a good deal of the ‘election news’ has been about  appropriate campaigning. What can be said? Who can say it?

As U. S. citizens, we certainly hold dear our principle of religious freedom. No one wants to be told what to believe and certainly people don’t want to find themselves supporting a church that they don’t believe in. Yet sometimes it seems (to me, at least) that we forget the role that religious tradition and religious institutions have played in strengthening and improving our society. Health care, social services, educational systems, and social justice movements are just a few of the areas that have been impacted by (and in many cases originated with) faith communities.

If our beliefs (whatever they may be) don’t inform our daily choices, then our faith seems lifeless. Having said that, there is certainly much room for discussion about where the line should be drawn in the discussion. What is the appropriate role of churches in our political arena? How do we balance the demands of our consciences with the basic principles of our form of government?

What questions do you have?

To print out a flyer for this event, click on: Faith_and_Public_Policy

 

Faculty and Staff | Franciscan Footnotes

Thursday, October 16, 2008 4:33:24 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

Well, the days in Assisi are over. Our 'official' visit to the Basilica of Francis was wonderful. We had Mass at the tomb of Francis, which was a very powerful experience, and then had an amazing historical tour by one of the pilgrimage leaders. It's hard to believe how much you can miss when you're just looking around by yourself.

And it's hard to believe how much can change in the course of a few weeks. All of those stories on paper have come to life and so many of the people and places have taken on a new dimension. Seeing the area in front of the Bishop's house where Francis renounced his father, taking a 'night-time' walk through the gate that Clare used when she left her family, or seeing the spots where Francis spent days and weeks secluded in prayer...reading these accounts will never be the same. And hearing the contemporary stories of Franciscans in Italy, Tanzania, and Pakistan continue to put flesh and bone on the vision that Francis and Clare have passed down to us.

Of course, walking through the streets of Assisi at 4:00 am and going to meet our bus just added an extra touch of poignancy to the farewell.

And on to Rome for a few days of exploration! I arrived here on Friday safe and sound. I had a choice between taking a cab from the Airport to my hotel (that would have cost $60) or the train (which was about $8)...you guess which one I chose. Anyway...picture this...I have my luggage (suitcase, backpack, and another small bag)...I take a train from the airport...then I had to transfer to another train...which of course wasn't on the same track...so I walk DOWNSTAIRS (think of something that looks like a subway station)...then across...then UPSTAIRS to the other track. I take the second train and get to a spot that is reasonably close to my hotel. So I get off that train, walk DOWNSTAIRS...and then back UPSTAIRS to street level. Now this is the same pensione that I stayed at when I first got here...did I mention that it's at the top of a BIG hill...with several stairs and steep roads. This whole excursion took almost 2 hours. Now I have to decide what I'm going to do next week when I have to get back to the airport.

Sunday, July 27, 2008 2:14:58 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

It's hard to believe that we've been in Assisi for almost 2 weeks. When we arrived, it seemed like we would be here forever, now the days are dwindling.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008 10:55:59 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

Well, I haven't been good about keeping up with the postings...The days have been filled and the in the evenings I generally have to make profound decisions like...go for gelato or blog...go for gelato or blog...gelato seems to win out...of course, it's all in the interest of connecting with the rest of the pilgrims! Don't want to seem rude or stand-off-ish.

There have been SO many events this week. Will just try to touch on the highlights. Earlier in the week we had a prayer service at dusk. We gathered near the site where Clare's family home would have been and we slowly made our way through the town to the gate that she used the night that she left her family and met Francis and the brothers at the Portiuncula. We stopped several times along the way to reflect on all that she was leaving behind...family...friends...social standing...security - what a leap of faith! You hear the stories so often, but it's fascinating to put the pieces together when it comes to location. The gate that Clare used to leave the town isn't far from the bishop's residence. She would have needed someone to help her get out without alarming the town guard. Was Bishop Guido part of the plan?

By the time we got to the gate it was dark. Clare would have still had quite a distance to cover through wooded roads to get to the Portiuncula - an intimidating journey.

A few days later we headed to Bastia, which is the site of the Benedictine monastery where Clare stayed for a brief time. Here she invoked the right of sanctuary when her uncle and relatives came to drag her back home. The ruins of the original altar are still there. It seems to strange to connect 'physically' with these events that took place almost 800 years ago. It makes you ask yourself, "Where do we find 'sanctuary' and security from those that don't understand our choices in life?

The taxi ride back from Bastia was an interesting 'reality check'. Having spent so many days as a pedestrian dodging the cars on these tiny, narrow streets...it was odd being on the other side. I felt like I was in some type of action movie with people scurrying to get away from the run-away car!

Finally (for now)...we took some time in the cathedral church of San Rufino. Among the many time historical and spiritual notes of the town, one side chapel contains a memorial marking honoring the bishop of Assisi during WWII who helped to hide and conduct to safety the many Jewish refugees that were fleeing persecution. Another little shop contains the printing press that was used by one of the local merchants to print false documents for the refugees (the family still owns the shop). And people tell the story of Valentin Mueller, a german physician in charge of the hospitals in Assisi during WWII. He 'ignored' all that was going on and convinced the germans to declare this a 'hospital city' so that it was saved from bombing. Not all the heroes of this town lived in the 13th century.

The photo below is the dormitory at the Monastery of San Damiano, where Clare eventually 'settled'. Can you picture 40-50 sisters sleeping on the floor in this one room? It's about the size of a classroom (so much for 'personal space'!) After her death, the sisters who lived with her told of how she would get up in the middle of the night to tend to the sick sisters and to make sure they were all covered and warm.

Sunday, July 20, 2008 7:30:27 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [3] | 

Well, we're here in Assisi! It's difficult to know where to begin. The pace has slowed down quite a bit as we have more time to wander, to get to know the place, and to reflect on all that this town is and means to us.

Just spending time in the town square, listening to the variety of languages, seeing tourists and families wander the area, meet friends, and celebrate life...it's a whole different world. Of course, the others in the group have FORCED me to go out for gelato on several occasions (I highly recommend the peach and the lemon).

We've climbed to the top of the Rocca Maggiore and remembered the battle that took place between the middle class and the nobles of Assisi. We've joined the Poor Clares for vespers at the Basilica of St. Clare (my Italian is coming back slowly!). We've visited the church that now stands on the site of the property owned by Francis's father. This IS a small town and it's easy to imagine how word of Francis's actions would have traveled from one end to the other in less than an hour.

This morning we went to San Damiano. From that vantage point we could see Rivo Torto (where Francis gathered with the early brothers) and the Porziuncula (the 'home base') as well as the area where Francis would have ministered to the lepers. All those stories on paper come to life in this small town. The walk DOWN to San Damiano was gorgeous...of course that meant that we would have to walk UP on the way back. Am getting used to the pace, though.

And a photo of the piazza!

Monday, July 14, 2008 11:40:28 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [3] | 

Well, we've finally arrived in Assisi. After the hustle and bustle of Rome we spent much of this past week in the Rieti Valley (away from internet access). Rieti is one of those areas where Francis found spots for quiet and solitude...at the tops of mountains and in tiny caves. It took a bit of huffing and puffing but I made it to the top of Poggio Bustone...a spot where Francis went to find peace and the assurance of God's love and concern.

This too is the home of Greccio, where Francis celebrated that memorable Christmas Eve...calling the people to gather, to celebrate, and to remember the wonder of God's love. The day ended with a wonderful celebration of Christmas. The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (who run the retreat house where we stayed) couldn't quite understand why we were celebrating Christmas in July...but they joined in the spirit and sang some Italian Christmas carols for us.

One of the 'newest' highlights, though, was at La Foresta...yes, there is an ancient cave where Francis spent time in solitude and prayer...but there is also a strong reminder of the Franciscan presence here today. Several years back a friar became aware of the growing number of young men who were not 'well connected' with society. As a result, they turned to drugs, alcohol, and a host of other destructive behaviors. Here he started a community called Mondo X. This is a self-sufficient community of young men who come to learn how to deal with the world in healthy ways -- they refer to themselves as 'communities of Life'. Some stay for three years, some stay on longer and become the 'directors' of the communities. There is a strong sense of the power of community and the support that they give to one another. And they proudly shared with us the stories of Francis and the time he spent in this area.

...On to Assisi

Saturday, July 12, 2008 9:14:53 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

I must confess - I never would have thought of an excursion to the town where Thomas of Celano lived much of his life and eventually was buried. But now that we're here, it's clearly an integral part of the journey. The home of Francis's first biographer - a man willing to but his talents at the service of the Order (and willing to subject himself to hundreds of amateur critics!) to let the life and light of Francis - and his passionate desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus - inspire others as well. Centuries later, this quaint little town still looks the same in many ways and has as its 'claim to fame' the body of this humble writer. It makes one wonder...whose story do I tell? What message do I keep alive?

Sunday, July 06, 2008 7:10:48 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

These first few days have been 'foundation days'. We missed the day at St. Peter's. Francis had stopped here & exchanged clothes with a beggar -- he wanted to get a better understanding of what it meant to be at the bottom of the pile and at the mercy of others. Of course, the buildings weren't the same back then, but the 'spirit of place' certainly had to be here. Wherever you go, there are sounds of people, of families, of life! Francis must have reveled in it.

The next day -- a visit to St. John Lateran and remembering Francis's first visit to Innocent III. Again he came as a 'beggar', but this time asking for the Church's verbal blessings on his proposed way of life. Years later he returned to receive the official approval for his written rule -- a very different Francis now. He was just as passionate but he carried a few more 'battle scars'. He had spent years walking that fine balance in life of being true to the vision and the dream while trying to live it WITH others (who of course had their own visions and dreams!). He could have gone charging off on his own, but then we probably would not be remembering him today.

Saturday, July 05, 2008 7:10:05 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Knowing that Francis enjoyed being among the people - it seemed appropriate that we check out a 'marketplace' experience. After much walking, a few tram and train rides, and a bus ride, we finally made it to our destination: Navy Pier.

No, you're not crazy. We had a bit of a detour on our trip. Bad weather forced the cancellation of our flight to Chicago...so the plane for Europe left without Sr. Valerie & me. We spent the night in Romulus, MI. (Romulus...Rome...at least there was SOME connection!) Left for Chicago at 7 am and spent some time on Lake Michigan instead of Lake Trasimeno. 24 hours later than planned, we were on our way...safe and sound. Despite the delays, we were grateful for all the helpful people along the way...and the safety of our journey thus far.

More to follow...from the 'real' pilgrimage sites!

Friday, July 04, 2008 7:09:17 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

      There is so much that we (or at least I) take for granted. That was brought home last summer when Sister Judy, one of the Sisters in our Congregation, shared that she was involved in filming a documentary about Catholic Religious in Europe who were persecuted and tortured under Soviet rule from the 1940s through the 1980s. At the end of our community Assembly last summer, Sr. Judy shared a preliminary film clip that included descriptions of how these women had struggled to secretly continue practicing their religion. Many were harassed, beaten, and tortured. When the film clip was over and the lights came back on, there was not a sound to be heard in the room…and you would have been hard pressed to find a dry eye among us.

      This past weekend, a portion of the on-going filming of this project took place here in the Toledo area. If you missed the article in the Toledo Blade, please check it out here.
 

      Sr. Judy hopes that the documentary (Sister Survivors: Catholic Sisters and European Communism) will be ready to be aired next year. It will be a powerful testament to the courage and the faith of countless women and men who made a conscious choice to quietly and peacefully live out their beliefs despite opposition from the government. And it will be a moving reminder of the freedoms that we so often take for granted.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:09:26 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] |