Today, as a school, we attended the opening Mass of the Conclave. As Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Ratzinger presided. Many news outlets do not understand his position and claim that he is already claiming the papacy. I guess only the Holy Spirit knows. We were just off to the North side of the High Altar. It was the section for seminarians. The Boys Choir was just off to our right and angelic as always. All the cardinals passed by us on their way to vest in the sacristy. I hope to have pictures for you soon. I’m not as immediate as other websites - but I promise quality and a good amount of heart behind the pictures. Tonight, we waited for the first ballot to be cast. It was expected at 7 pm, but smoke didn’t come until 8. At first, it looked to be white and the crowd roared. It was so unexpected to have a majority - 2/3rd’s on the first vote. But then it turned a very rich black. The crowd was stunned again - but this time they clapped. And that is where we now stand. Tuesday, and possibly beyond, we wait for the smoke. Until then we lift our hearts in prayer.
January 2005
Monthly Archive
Wed 19 Jan 2005
Tue 18 Jan 2005
On Sunday, along with my other First Theology Brothers, I was installed as a Lector. Through this, we are appointed for the task of reading the word of God in the liturgical assembly. The formation we have experienced so far has helped us to cultivate knowledge and love of the sacred Scriptures, preparing us not only to read the word of God, but to assimilate that word in our hearts. We have begun serious study of the Bible and been immersed in the Liturgy of the Hours and Lectio Divina. The movement of invitation and response in our relationship with the Word of God makes us well prepared to take this step and well prepared to received and exercise this ministry.
I want to share an exert from the Encyclical from Pope Paul VI on this ministry. The reader is appointed for a function proper to him, that of reading the word of God in the liturgical assembly. Accordingly, he is to proclaim the readings from sacred Scripture, except for the gospel in the Mass and other sacred celebrations; he is to recite the psalm between the readings when there is no psalmist; he is to present the intentions for the general intercessions in the absence of a deacon or cantor; he is to direct the singing and the participation by the faithful; he is to instruct the faithful for the worthy reception of the sacraments. He may also, insofar as may be necessary, take care of preparing other faithful who are appointed on a temporary basis to read the Scriptures in liturgical celebrations. That he may more fittingly and perfectly fulfill these functions, he is to meditate assiduously on sacred Scripture.
Because of alphabetical order, I was honored to kneel in front of Cardinal Law with my brother from Washington, Patrick Riffle.
Wed 12 Jan 2005
Well it doesn’t happen that often - but it did this morning. We woke up to snow. It stuck to the Campo Sportivo outside my window.
This is a short video of us making a “snowman.” Enjoy the snow while its lasts 
Sat 1 Jan 2005
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
I recently returned to Rome after spending some time in the city of Vienna. There are many pictures already posted - but keep your eyes open - I will be posting more soon.
Although I headed north to see snow for Christmas, I work out that way. There were patches of white on the ground - but nothing fell from the sky. Some highlights of the trip:
Saint Stephen’s Feast Day: Although back in the US, you probably celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family, St Stephen is the Patron of the Archdiocese of Vienna. I arrived at the Cathedral around 9:30 to get a seat for the 10:30 celebration. It is a very cold church, but the music and the reverence was inspiring. Cardinal Schönborn, the Archbishop of Vienna was the main celebrant. By this time, I had been to a few masses in German, so I was able to make some of the responses. As far as the Cathedral itself - The Stephansdom was built in 1147 and is the city’s most famous landmark. The cathedral has two very impressive features: The gigantic roof and the tall, lean gothic tower. Those are the tourist stats - I took a few pictures but mainly used the building to pray.
Melk: We had the opportunity to take a day trip up the Danube to Melk. This town is famous for its Abby - one of the world’s finest baroque buildings. It is also named in book “The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco. I have never read the book, but almost watched the movie starring Sean Connery. The view from here is one of the most panoramic in a country known for its views. The building itself is situated on a promontory above the Danube. This baroque masterpiece has burned many times, the first time in 1297 and then in 1683 and 1735, but each time has risen from the ashes. After a 1947 fire, the golden abbey church was restored yet again, even to the regilding of statues and altars with gold bullion. During our visit, we sat in on an organ concert.
The Opera: In the spirit of Christmas, we attended a showing of “The Nutcracker,” at the Staat Oper House. We stood in line for about an hour to buy the standing tickets, but they were only 3 euro’s. It was a modern interpretation. The music was the same, and the dance was the same but the scenery and story line was the tradition version. All elements like the toys were cut out of the story and replaced by the emotion between the prince and the princess. It was contemporary, reduced to the minimum, but not loosing the important fairy-tale touch.
Overall, it was a very relaxing and enjoyable holiday. I missed everyone back home, but knew that I was in your prayers and thoughts.
PS - a picture for my mom!
