1. Letters To A Young Catholic By George Weigel

2. Letter One - Baltimore and Milledgeville Acquiring the Habit of Being Growing Up Catholic The Catholic Culture

3.  - Baltimore was the first American diocese  - The Baltimore Catechism was used to instruct Catholics in the faith.  - Growing up Weigel (right)  instinctively knew of a world made up of Catholics and non-Catholics.  - The parish made Catholics a "tribal" people. There was a rivalry and a loyalty to a particular church and your fellow parishioners.  - Baltimore was the first American diocese  - The Baltimore Catechism was used to instruct Catholics in the faith.  - Growing up Weigel (right)  instinctively knew of a world made up of Catholics and non-Catholics.  - The parish made Catholics a "tribal" people. There was a rivalry and a loyalty to a particular church and your fellow parishioners.

4.  - Words that were part of a Catholic vocabulary: vocation, monstrance, missal, chasuble, ciborium, paten.  Weigel mentions The idealistic Catholic life portrayed in films like “Going My Way”.  - There was a consciousness of the Catholic Baltimore Athletes (Unitas, Donovan, Robinson) and to which parishes they belonged.  - Words that were part of a Catholic vocabulary: vocation, monstrance, missal, chasuble, ciborium, paten.  Weigel mentions The idealistic Catholic life portrayed in films like “Going My Way”.  - There was a consciousness of the Catholic Baltimore Athletes (Unitas, Donovan, Robinson) and to which parishes they belonged.

5.  - Catholic education shaped society (uniforms, phonics, nuns, discipline).  - Latin was the language of the Church before Vatican II (Benediction, Gregorian Chants, Prayers).  - Marian devotion is a key part of the faith - May Crowning, Rosary, Angelus)  - Catholics had a unique leader - The Pope  - Catholic education shaped society (uniforms, phonics, nuns, discipline).  - Latin was the language of the Church before Vatican II (Benediction, Gregorian Chants, Prayers).  - Marian devotion is a key part of the faith - May Crowning, Rosary, Angelus)  - Catholics had a unique leader - The Pope

6. The Catholic Difference  - One real "Catholic Difference" was a way of seeing the world.  - Catholicism is an optic, a way of seeing things, a distinctive perception of reality.  - Catholicism has its own culture.  - One real "Catholic Difference" was a way of seeing the world.  - Catholicism is an optic, a way of seeing things, a distinctive perception of reality.  - Catholicism has its own culture.

7. Milledgeville, Georgia  Milledgeville was the home of Flannery O'Connor  - born in 1925 in Savannah  - dies in 1964 of Lupus  - wrote with a deep intuition about the Catholic optic on life  - her friend published a collection of her letters called The Habit of Being  Milledgeville was the home of Flannery O'Connor  - born in 1925 in Savannah  - dies in 1964 of Lupus  - wrote with a deep intuition about the Catholic optic on life  - her friend published a collection of her letters called The Habit of Being

8.  - her writing was often misunderstood as a dark parody and violent satire when actually she was holding a mirror up to a world that thought of its distortions as natural.  - O'Connor's "Habit of Being" - as the spiritual sensibility which allows us to experience the world as the arena of creation, sin, redemption and sanctification.  She grew up Catholic in the heart of the Bible Belt.  - her writing was often misunderstood as a dark parody and violent satire when actually she was holding a mirror up to a world that thought of its distortions as natural.  - O'Connor's "Habit of Being" - as the spiritual sensibility which allows us to experience the world as the arena of creation, sin, redemption and sanctification.  She grew up Catholic in the heart of the Bible Belt.

9.  - O'Connor said, There is nothing harder or less sentimental than Christian realism.  - History and humanity are the vehicles by which God reveals himself to the world he created.  - History is the arena and Humanity is the vessel through which God redeems the world.  - O'Connor said, There is nothing harder or less sentimental than Christian realism.  - History and humanity are the vehicles by which God reveals himself to the world he created.  - History is the arena and Humanity is the vessel through which God redeems the world.

10.  - God's love is unsentimental but cleansing (i.e. Prodigal Son)  - Catholicism is the antidote to Nihilism  - Debonair nihilism-- the nihilism that enjoys itself on the way to oblivion. (The world, us, relationships, sex, beauty, history is really just a cosmic joke)  - God's love is unsentimental but cleansing (i.e. Prodigal Son)  - Catholicism is the antidote to Nihilism  - Debonair nihilism-- the nihilism that enjoys itself on the way to oblivion. (The world, us, relationships, sex, beauty, history is really just a cosmic joke)

11.  - Nihilism says that nothing is of consequence vs. Catholicism everything is of consequence.  - Catholicism changes the way everything looks (excerpt on pg. 14)  - Catholicism wants to change the world by converting it.  - Catholicism is not about conformity (page 15)  - Catholicism differentiates between sign and symbol  - Nihilism says that nothing is of consequence vs. Catholicism everything is of consequence.  - Catholicism changes the way everything looks (excerpt on pg. 14)  - Catholicism wants to change the world by converting it.  - Catholicism is not about conformity (page 15)  - Catholicism differentiates between sign and symbol

12.  "If I really believed like you say you do that Christ is in that tabernacle, I'd be crawling up the aisle on my hands and knees.”  Catholicism helps us to acquire the habit of being, the habit of seeing things on depth as they are and for what they are.  - Catholicism stresses the importance of living a moral life and the examination of conscience.  "If I really believed like you say you do that Christ is in that tabernacle, I'd be crawling up the aisle on my hands and knees.”  Catholicism helps us to acquire the habit of being, the habit of seeing things on depth as they are and for what they are.  - Catholicism stresses the importance of living a moral life and the examination of conscience.

13. Letter Two Rome - The Scavi of St. Peter's and the Grittiness of Catholicism  Pope Pius XI died in 1939 prompting the building of his tomb. Needing more room for the massive marble structure caused the excavation (scavi) to begin under the altar of St. Peter's.

14. The History of St. Peter's  - The first St. Peter's was built by Constantine (right) in the fourth century. It remained until the latter half of the fifteen century.  - Some of the greatest architects in the world worked on the basilica (Bramante, Michelangelo, Bernini) The History of St. Peter's  - The first St. Peter's was built by Constantine (right) in the fourth century. It remained until the latter half of the fifteen century.  - Some of the greatest architects in the world worked on the basilica (Bramante, Michelangelo, Bernini)

15. - Under the altar, they found the Tropaion (right), a classic structure that could have been the original altar.  - At the back of the Tropaion the archeologists found ancient graffiti that seemed to say "Peter is here."  - The central grave that defines the Tropaion is surrounded by other graves. - Under the altar, they found the Tropaion (right), a classic structure that could have been the original altar.  - At the back of the Tropaion the archeologists found ancient graffiti that seemed to say "Peter is here."  - The central grave that defines the Tropaion is surrounded by other graves.

16.  - Amid the fragments of St. Peter's bones there is nothing from the ankles down. (Peter is crucified upside down according to tradition.  - Peter died during the persecutions of Nero.  - Amid the fragments of St. Peter's bones there is nothing from the ankles down. (Peter is crucified upside down according to tradition.  - Peter died during the persecutions of Nero.

17. St. Peter  The obelisk in St. Peter's piazza is probably the last thing Peter sees before crucifixion (right).  - The scavi are more than excavations, the scavi demand that we think through the meaning of an extraordinary story involving some ordinary people.  - The main story of the scavi revolved around Simon (son of John) who was a fisherman in Galilee. St. Peter  The obelisk in St. Peter's piazza is probably the last thing Peter sees before crucifixion (right).  - The scavi are more than excavations, the scavi demand that we think through the meaning of an extraordinary story involving some ordinary people.  - The main story of the scavi revolved around Simon (son of John) who was a fisherman in Galilee.

18.  - Jesus called Simon Peter which means "rock" The imperfect Peter  - Peter resists when Jesus insists that the Messiah must suffer. (Matt. 16:13- 23)  - When Jesus is arrested, Peter denies that he knew him. (Matt. 26:69- 75)  - Jesus called Simon Peter which means "rock" The imperfect Peter  - Peter resists when Jesus insists that the Messiah must suffer. (Matt. 16:13- 23)  - When Jesus is arrested, Peter denies that he knew him. (Matt. 26:69- 75)

19. Peter's Conversion  - Peter's conversion begins on Easter Sunday after encountering the Risen Christ.  - On Pentecost after being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter becomes the Church's first great evangelist. (Acts 2:14- 41) Peter's Conversion  - Peter's conversion begins on Easter Sunday after encountering the Risen Christ.  - On Pentecost after being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter becomes the Church's first great evangelist. (Acts 2:14- 41)

20.  - Peter welcomes the centurion Cornelius, a gentile into the Church enabling his fellow Jews to see that God intends the saving message of Christ for the whole world. (Acts 10:1 - 11:18)

21.  - As the early Church struggles with what it means to be Christian, Peter is recognized as the center of the Church's unity. Christian identity and practice are thrashed out. (Acts 15:6-11).  - According to tradition Peter goes to Rome where he meets his death.  The scavi and the obelisk confront us with the historical tangibility, the sheer grittiness of Catholicism. You can touch Christianity.  - As the early Church struggles with what it means to be Christian, Peter is recognized as the center of the Church's unity. Christian identity and practice are thrashed out. (Acts 15:6-11).  - According to tradition Peter goes to Rome where he meets his death.  The scavi and the obelisk confront us with the historical tangibility, the sheer grittiness of Catholicism. You can touch Christianity.

22.  - Catholicism does not rest on pious myth.  - Real things happen to real people who made real life and death decisions. Seized by the Truth  - Peter did not make his physical and spiritual journey because of something he had discovered and wanted to satisfy his curiosity.  - Peter moved from the security of his modest job to the center of the dangerous Roman empire because he had been seized by the truth, the truth he found in Jesus Christ.  - Catholicism does not rest on pious myth.  - Real things happen to real people who made real life and death decisions. Seized by the Truth  - Peter did not make his physical and spiritual journey because of something he had discovered and wanted to satisfy his curiosity.  - Peter moved from the security of his modest job to the center of the dangerous Roman empire because he had been seized by the truth, the truth he found in Jesus Christ.

23.  - Being seized by the truth is not cost-free. (Matt. 10:8)  - Faith in Christ costs not just something, but everything,  - Peter was told that his love of Jesus would not be easy. (John 21:15- 17)  Jesus asks Simon, "Do you love me more than these?"  - Being seized by the truth is not cost-free. (Matt. 10:8)  - Faith in Christ costs not just something, but everything,  - Peter was told that his love of Jesus would not be easy. (John 21:15- 17)  Jesus asks Simon, "Do you love me more than these?"

24.  - Only in binding himself to Christ and the lambs of his flock, will he find himself.  - Peter's failures and skepticism really happened. (Matthew 14:25-32) (walking on water). The more Peter looks around for security and less on Jesus he beings to sink into the water.  - When we have our eyes fixed upon Christ, we, too, can do everything.  - Only in binding himself to Christ and the lambs of his flock, will he find himself.  - Peter's failures and skepticism really happened. (Matthew 14:25-32) (walking on water). The more Peter looks around for security and less on Jesus he beings to sink into the water.  - When we have our eyes fixed upon Christ, we, too, can do everything.

25. Quo Vadis Domine?  - As Peter flees from Nero's persecutions, he meets Jesus.  - As Jesus is heading to where from Peter just came, Peter asks, Quo Vadis Domine? (Lord, where are you going?  - Jesus responds, "I am going to Rome to be crucified." Quo Vadis Domine?  - As Peter flees from Nero's persecutions, he meets Jesus.  - As Jesus is heading to where from Peter just came, Peter asks, Quo Vadis Domine? (Lord, where are you going?  - Jesus responds, "I am going to Rome to be crucified."

26.  - Peter then returns to Rome to embrace martyrdom.  - The stories of Peter tell us that failure and weakness have been part of the Church since the beginning.  - "It seems to be a fact that you have to suffer as much from the Church as for it." - Flannery O'Connor  - Even with scandal, the humans running the Church are earthen vessels carrying the treasure of faith in history.  - Peter then returns to Rome to embrace martyrdom.  - The stories of Peter tell us that failure and weakness have been part of the Church since the beginning.  - "It seems to be a fact that you have to suffer as much from the Church as for it." - Flannery O'Connor  - Even with scandal, the humans running the Church are earthen vessels carrying the treasure of faith in history.

27.  - All members of the Church including its leadership must be purified by love.  - We must avoid The Great Catholic Sin - Smugness (great or offensive satisfaction with oneself.)  - The story of Peter reminds us that failure is not the final word. Love is!  - All members of the Church including its leadership must be purified by love.  - We must avoid The Great Catholic Sin - Smugness (great or offensive satisfaction with oneself.)  - The story of Peter reminds us that failure is not the final word. Love is!

28. Letter Three St. Catherine's Monastery, Mt. Sinai/The Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem - The Face of Christ. The Face of God  - Mt. Sinai - the mountain where God met Moses (Jebel Musa)  - Jebel Musa became a pilgrimage site (the traditional place where God appears as a burning bush)  - Byzantine emperor Justinian built a great Monastery on the mountain in 527 The Face of God  - Mt. Sinai - the mountain where God met Moses (Jebel Musa)  - Jebel Musa became a pilgrimage site (the traditional place where God appears as a burning bush)  - Byzantine emperor Justinian built a great Monastery on the mountain in 527

29.  - Justinian dedicated the monastery to Mary. It was named for St. Catherine after her relics were brought here in the eighth century.  - The main jewel of St. Catherine is the Christos Pantokrator (an icon of Christ the All Sovereign, Christ the Universal King. Icons  - are not intended to be work of representational art  - Justinian dedicated the monastery to Mary. It was named for St. Catherine after her relics were brought here in the eighth century.  - The main jewel of St. Catherine is the Christos Pantokrator (an icon of Christ the All Sovereign, Christ the Universal King. Icons  - are not intended to be work of representational art

30.  - are written, not painted, by an iconographer for whom his work is both a vocation an a form of prayer  - they write icons because they believe God intended them to do so  - icons are intended to be another border place between the divine and human  - icons are symbols that make present what they convey  - in the Christos Pantokrator-- the iconographer intended that we meet Jesus Christ, The Lord.  - are written, not painted, by an iconographer for whom his work is both a vocation an a form of prayer  - they write icons because they believe God intended them to do so  - icons are intended to be another border place between the divine and human  - icons are symbols that make present what they convey  - in the Christos Pantokrator-- the iconographer intended that we meet Jesus Christ, The Lord.

31. Iconoclasts  - The iconoclasts destroyed icons  - The issue of icons was resolved at the Second Council of Nicea in 787 ( above)  The council defended icons saying that through the incarnation the image of God became a man. Simply put, an icon is an image of the Image. Iconoclasts  - The iconoclasts destroyed icons  - The issue of icons was resolved at the Second Council of Nicea in 787 ( above)  The council defended icons saying that through the incarnation the image of God became a man. Simply put, an icon is an image of the Image.

32.  - God, who once forbade the people of Israel to make images of himself, has given us the true Image in the flesh.  - Icons show that we can touch the truth of our salvation. Christianity is a matter of truths enfleshed. God becomes man. Christos Pantokrator  - God, who once forbade the people of Israel to make images of himself, has given us the true Image in the flesh.  - Icons show that we can touch the truth of our salvation. Christianity is a matter of truths enfleshed. God becomes man. Christos Pantokrator

33.  - Christ is full-face toward us  - His head is surrounded by a golden corona or halo.  - His left arm clutches a Bible (The Word of God)  - His right hand raised in both greeting and blessing, the thumb and ring finger touching (a symbol of the two natures united in one person of Christ.)  - The index and middle fingers crossed (a symbol of the instrument of salvation.)  - The Holy Face is majestic, calm and masculine.  - Christ is full-face toward us  - His head is surrounded by a golden corona or halo.  - His left arm clutches a Bible (The Word of God)  - His right hand raised in both greeting and blessing, the thumb and ring finger touching (a symbol of the two natures united in one person of Christ.)  - The index and middle fingers crossed (a symbol of the instrument of salvation.)  - The Holy Face is majestic, calm and masculine.

34.  - We find a truly human face that is unlike any face before (human and divine)  - The Christos Pantokrator embodies the teaching of the Second Vatican Council: In Jesus we meet the truth of the merciful father and the truth of our humanity.  - Catholicism is about God's search for us (ex. the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32)  - We find a truly human face that is unlike any face before (human and divine)  - The Christos Pantokrator embodies the teaching of the Second Vatican Council: In Jesus we meet the truth of the merciful father and the truth of our humanity.  - Catholicism is about God's search for us (ex. the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32)

35. Karol Wojtyla  Preparing for the second Vatican Council-- a commission asked the bishops of the world what they wanted to talk about. The Acta (the official record of Vatican II) contains their responses.  - Most submission by the bishops were mundane, but the response from the auxiliary Bishop of Krakow seemed profound. Karol Wojtyla  Preparing for the second Vatican Council-- a commission asked the bishops of the world what they wanted to talk about. The Acta (the official record of Vatican II) contains their responses.  - Most submission by the bishops were mundane, but the response from the auxiliary Bishop of Krakow seemed profound.

36.  - Karol Wojtyla asked, how could a century that had so much promise go so off track.  - He suggested that the project of Western humanism had gone off the rails.  - He proposed that the Catholic Church undertake a gigantic rescue mission to save humanism.  - He said that we see the true meaning of humanity in the face of Christ.  In Christ, we meet the Father, whose mercy redeems our humanity and fulfills its true external destiny.  - Karol Wojtyla asked, how could a century that had so much promise go so off track.  - He suggested that the project of Western humanism had gone off the rails.  - He proposed that the Catholic Church undertake a gigantic rescue mission to save humanism.  - He said that we see the true meaning of humanity in the face of Christ.  In Christ, we meet the Father, whose mercy redeems our humanity and fulfills its true external destiny.

37.  - Humanism without God is unhuman and ultimately inhuman. The Holy Sepulchre  The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built to commemorate where Jesus died and rose.  - The stone of unction (right) is where the body of Jesus was anointed when it was taken off the cross.  - The Stabat Mater commemorates Mary receiving the dead body of her Son.  - Every Sunday Easter Mass is celebrated.  - Humanism without God is unhuman and ultimately inhuman. The Holy Sepulchre  The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built to commemorate where Jesus died and rose.  - The stone of unction (right) is where the body of Jesus was anointed when it was taken off the cross.  - The Stabat Mater commemorates Mary receiving the dead body of her Son.  - Every Sunday Easter Mass is celebrated.

38. St. Helena (above) and the True Cross  - Sought to find the true cross of Christ.  - English novelist Evelyn Waugh constructed a fictional account of the confrontation between legend and history in his play Helena.  - Catholicism thinks of men and women who have loved a crucified God as true humanists because they have been given the grace of knowing the true measure of our humanity redeemed at such a cost. St. Helena (above) and the True Cross  - Sought to find the true cross of Christ.  - English novelist Evelyn Waugh constructed a fictional account of the confrontation between legend and history in his play Helena.  - Catholicism thinks of men and women who have loved a crucified God as true humanists because they have been given the grace of knowing the true measure of our humanity redeemed at such a cost.

39.  - The Pope's visit to the Holy Sepulchre (below) shows how we bear witness to the Christ who reveals who we are and thereby enables us to be truly, fully, radically human.  - In the Holy Face, we meet the truth about ourselves, in the flesh.  - The Pope's visit to the Holy Sepulchre (below) shows how we bear witness to the Christ who reveals who we are and thereby enables us to be truly, fully, radically human.  - In the Holy Face, we meet the truth about ourselves, in the flesh.

40. Letter Four The Dormition Abbey, Jerusalem - Mary and Discipleship Mount Zion  - The site of King David's original fortress.  - Also known as the traditional site of the Cenacle (The Last Supper site) and surrounded by places where Jesus preached.  - Mount Zion is the site of the Dormition Abbey. (It was built by Kaiser Wilhelm II) (left) Mount Zion  - The site of King David's original fortress.  - Also known as the traditional site of the Cenacle (The Last Supper site) and surrounded by places where Jesus preached.  - Mount Zion is the site of the Dormition Abbey. (It was built by Kaiser Wilhelm II) (left)

41.  Mary's Dormition  - Mary's assumption was defined as an article of Catholic faith in 1950.  - There is no place that claims to be the burial place of Mary or to hold her relics.  - One tradition says that Mary died in Ephesus, where John lived.  - Another tradition says that Mary "fell asleep" on Mt. Zion.  Mary's Dormition  - Mary's assumption was defined as an article of Catholic faith in 1950.  - There is no place that claims to be the burial place of Mary or to hold her relics.  - One tradition says that Mary died in Ephesus, where John lived.  - Another tradition says that Mary "fell asleep" on Mt. Zion.

42. Devotion to Mary  - Weigel says that "Mary is both an invitation to Catholicism and for many Protestants, an obstacle to Catholicism."  - Even John Paul II questioned his devotion to Mary.  "I began to question my devotion to Mary, believing that if it became too great, it might end up compromising the supremacy of the worship owed to Christ." (Gift and Mystery, John Paul II's memoirs) Devotion to Mary  - Weigel says that "Mary is both an invitation to Catholicism and for many Protestants, an obstacle to Catholicism."  - Even John Paul II questioned his devotion to Mary.  "I began to question my devotion to Mary, believing that if it became too great, it might end up compromising the supremacy of the worship owed to Christ." (Gift and Mystery, John Paul II's memoirs)

43.  - Karol Wojtyla read French theologian St. Louis Grignion de Monfort's masterwork True Devotion to Mary.  - Monfort ( right) said that all true devotion to Mary necessarily pointed us to Christ.  - Rather that an obstacle to an encounter with the living Christ, Mary was and is a privileged vehicle for meeting Christ the Lord.  - Karol Wojtyla read French theologian St. Louis Grignion de Monfort's masterwork True Devotion to Mary.  - Monfort ( right) said that all true devotion to Mary necessarily pointed us to Christ.  - Rather that an obstacle to an encounter with the living Christ, Mary was and is a privileged vehicle for meeting Christ the Lord.

44.  - The New Testament supports Monfort's proposal. The last words Mary recorded in the Gospel "Do whatever he tells you" sum up Mary's singular role in history of salvation.  - Mary is a witness who always points beyond herself to her son.  - Mary also points us to the heart of the Trinity.  - Summing up Monfort's theology: "All true devotion to Mary is Christocentric and Trinitarian."  - The New Testament supports Monfort's proposal. The last words Mary recorded in the Gospel "Do whatever he tells you" sum up Mary's singular role in history of salvation.  - Mary is a witness who always points beyond herself to her son.  - Mary also points us to the heart of the Trinity.  - Summing up Monfort's theology: "All true devotion to Mary is Christocentric and Trinitarian."

45.  - Hans Urs von Balthasar ( right) in The Office of Peter and the Structure of the Church suggests that the Church in every age is formed in the image of the great figures of the New Testament:  St. Paul- the church of proclamation and evangelization  John - the church of contemplation and mystical insight  Peter- the church of authority  Mary- the church of discipleship  - Hans Urs von Balthasar ( right) in The Office of Peter and the Structure of the Church suggests that the Church in every age is formed in the image of the great figures of the New Testament:  St. Paul- the church of proclamation and evangelization  John - the church of contemplation and mystical insight  Peter- the church of authority  Mary- the church of discipleship

46. FIAT  - Mary's Fiat "Be it done to me according to your word."  - The Fiat makes possible the incarnation.  - Through her Fiat we glimpse into the primary lesson of discipleship - We are not in charge of our lives, God is.  - Mary's silent Fiat - the reception of the dead body of her son at the foot of the cross (Mary's Martyrdom)  - Mary teaches us to trust in God's wisdom. FIAT  - Mary's Fiat "Be it done to me according to your word."  - The Fiat makes possible the incarnation.  - Through her Fiat we glimpse into the primary lesson of discipleship - We are not in charge of our lives, God is.  - Mary's silent Fiat - the reception of the dead body of her son at the foot of the cross (Mary's Martyrdom)  - Mary teaches us to trust in God's wisdom.

47.  - Mary, in Catholic teaching, is the first of disciples in every way.  - Her assumption anticipates for us our own bodily resurrection to eternal life.  - The Church teaches that the saints enjoy the fullness of God's life in heaven, but saints also await the completion of God's saving purposes in the resurrection and transformation of their mortal bodies (God saves all of us, not just the "spiritual" within us.)  - Mary, in Catholic teaching, is the first of disciples in every way.  - Her assumption anticipates for us our own bodily resurrection to eternal life.  - The Church teaches that the saints enjoy the fullness of God's life in heaven, but saints also await the completion of God's saving purposes in the resurrection and transformation of their mortal bodies (God saves all of us, not just the "spiritual" within us.)

48. The Rosary  - The Rosary is the most popular form of Marian devotion in the Catholic world.  - The Rosary s a privileged form of prayer precisely because it points us, through Mary, to the truth about her son.  - The Joyful Mysteries - involves the events in the pre-public life of Christ.  - Sorrowful Mysteries - involves the events of Christ's passion and death.  - Glorious Mysteries - The Resurrection and its effects in the life of the early Church. The Rosary  - The Rosary is the most popular form of Marian devotion in the Catholic world.  - The Rosary s a privileged form of prayer precisely because it points us, through Mary, to the truth about her son.  - The Joyful Mysteries - involves the events in the pre-public life of Christ.  - Sorrowful Mysteries - involves the events of Christ's passion and death.  - Glorious Mysteries - The Resurrection and its effects in the life of the early Church.

49.  - In 2002, John Paul II added the Luminous Mysteries that recall the events in the public ministry of Jesus. (Baptism, Wedding at Cana, Preaching of the Kingdom, Transfiguration, The Last Supper.)  - The Luminous Mysteries seem to fill the gap of the other mysteries. Vocation  - The Rosary is a prayer that lends itself well to reflection on vocation.  - In 2002, John Paul II added the Luminous Mysteries that recall the events in the public ministry of Jesus. (Baptism, Wedding at Cana, Preaching of the Kingdom, Transfiguration, The Last Supper.)  - The Luminous Mysteries seem to fill the gap of the other mysteries. Vocation  - The Rosary is a prayer that lends itself well to reflection on vocation.

50.  - The annunciation takes us back to the Fiat and reminds us that Mary is also the pattern of Christian vocation.  - Her Fiat says “Let it be. I am the Lord's servant and the Lord will provide.”  - "Keeping your options open" is not the path to happiness, wholeness or holiness."  - Weigel shows how John Paul II learns to trust in his devotion to the Blessed Mother.  - "Do whatever he tells you" is Mary's gentle invitation to make her fiat your own.  - The annunciation takes us back to the Fiat and reminds us that Mary is also the pattern of Christian vocation.  - Her Fiat says “Let it be. I am the Lord's servant and the Lord will provide.”  - "Keeping your options open" is not the path to happiness, wholeness or holiness."  - Weigel shows how John Paul II learns to trust in his devotion to the Blessed Mother.  - "Do whatever he tells you" is Mary's gentle invitation to make her fiat your own.

51. Letter Five The Oratory, Birmingham, England - Newman and "Liberal" Religion. Birmingham Oratory -Founded in 1564 by St. Philip Neri ( left), the Oratory is composed of members who live in community, but have no specific line of work as a founding purpose. Birmingham Oratory -Founded in 1564 by St. Philip Neri ( left), the Oratory is composed of members who live in community, but have no specific line of work as a founding purpose.

52.  - The Birmingham Oratory (right) was founded in 1848 by John Henry Newman.  - Newman spent most of his life combating Liberal Religion.  - Apologia pro Vita Sua is Newman's spiritual autobiography. It was written in response to the false claims of Charles Kingsley.  - The Birmingham Oratory (right) was founded in 1848 by John Henry Newman.  - Newman spent most of his life combating Liberal Religion.  - Apologia pro Vita Sua is Newman's spiritual autobiography. It was written in response to the false claims of Charles Kingsley.

53.  - Newman believed that the pope could, under certain well-defined circumstances, infallibly define matters of faith and morals.  - However, he did not know if it was prudent to assert this truth through the actions of an ecumenical council.  - The doctrine was affirmed at Vatican I (1869 - 1870)  - The doctrine was attacked by William Gladstone and Newman effectively defended it in his letter to the Duke of Norfolk.  - Newman was made a cardinal by Leo XIII in 1879  - Newman delivered an address when he became a cardinal in Rome (p. 70)  - Newman believed that the pope could, under certain well-defined circumstances, infallibly define matters of faith and morals.  - However, he did not know if it was prudent to assert this truth through the actions of an ecumenical council.  - The doctrine was affirmed at Vatican I (1869 - 1870)  - The doctrine was attacked by William Gladstone and Newman effectively defended it in his letter to the Duke of Norfolk.  - Newman was made a cardinal by Leo XIII in 1879  - Newman delivered an address when he became a cardinal in Rome (p. 70)

54. Liberalism  1. Is the doctrine that there is no positive truth in religion. One creed is as good as another.  2. It teaches that all religions should be tolerated.  3. Teaches that revealed religion is not a truth but a sentiment and a taste; not objective fact, not miraculous.  4. It is the right of each individual to make it say what strikes his fancy.  5. Devotion is not necessarily founded on faith. Liberalism  1. Is the doctrine that there is no positive truth in religion. One creed is as good as another.  2. It teaches that all religions should be tolerated.  3. Teaches that revealed religion is not a truth but a sentiment and a taste; not objective fact, not miraculous.  4. It is the right of each individual to make it say what strikes his fancy.  5. Devotion is not necessarily founded on faith.

55. Newman and Catholicism  Newman converted from atheism then Anglicanism to Catholicism. He saw Catholicism as the one true faith.  - Catholicism to Newman is not a matter of opinion but truth.  - Liberal Catholicism was its own worst enemy.  - Liberal religion couldn't tell the difference between appearances and reality.  - Liberalism - a culture in which about all that can be conceded is that there may be your truth and my truth. Newman and Catholicism  Newman converted from atheism then Anglicanism to Catholicism. He saw Catholicism as the one true faith.  - Catholicism to Newman is not a matter of opinion but truth.  - Liberal Catholicism was its own worst enemy.  - Liberal religion couldn't tell the difference between appearances and reality.  - Liberalism - a culture in which about all that can be conceded is that there may be your truth and my truth.

56.  - Newman's motto was inscribed on his tombstone "From shadows and appearances into truth"  - He found that faith was more complex than adding two plus two always equaling four.  - He used the term "illative sense" to describe how a convergence of factors reaches a point where probabilities, added together, drives us to certainties.  - Newman's motto was inscribed on his tombstone "From shadows and appearances into truth"  - He found that faith was more complex than adding two plus two always equaling four.  - He used the term "illative sense" to describe how a convergence of factors reaches a point where probabilities, added together, drives us to certainties.

57. Edith Stein  - Read the Autobiography of St. Theresa of Avila at a friend's house. ("This is the Truth")  - Four months later she was baptized.  - Twenty one years later she was martyred in Auschwitz as a Carmelite nun.  - She became a saint in 1998 as Saint Theresa Benedicta of the Cross. Edith Stein  - Read the Autobiography of St. Theresa of Avila at a friend's house. ("This is the Truth")  - Four months later she was baptized.  - Twenty one years later she was martyred in Auschwitz as a Carmelite nun.  - She became a saint in 1998 as Saint Theresa Benedicta of the Cross.

58.  - Edith Stein experienced a form of grace while reading the Autobiography.  - Grace brings things together in such a powerful way that the force of the truth demands a response.  - Liberal religion is religion we make up.  - Revealed religion - is a religion into which we are incorporated.  - Liberal religion has no confidence in the human capacity to be seized by the truth of things.  - Edith Stein experienced a form of grace while reading the Autobiography.  - Grace brings things together in such a powerful way that the force of the truth demands a response.  - Liberal religion is religion we make up.  - Revealed religion - is a religion into which we are incorporated.  - Liberal religion has no confidence in the human capacity to be seized by the truth of things.

59.  - Mature Catholic faith is a matter of being seized by the truth.  - Liberal religion (including liberal Catholicism) is dying.  - Liberal religion deprives of the joy that comes from the obedience of faith. Weigel's Encounter with Liberal Catholicism  - Weigel saw that some of the intellectuals who helped the bishops craft the documents of Vatican II became the self- proclaimed teaching authority of the church.  - Mature Catholic faith is a matter of being seized by the truth.  - Liberal religion (including liberal Catholicism) is dying.  - Liberal religion deprives of the joy that comes from the obedience of faith. Weigel's Encounter with Liberal Catholicism  - Weigel saw that some of the intellectuals who helped the bishops craft the documents of Vatican II became the self- proclaimed teaching authority of the church.

60. The Hartford Appeal  - known also as "An Appeal for Theological Affirmation"  - challenged the view that "modern thought is superior to all past forms of understanding reality"  - thought that Christian thinking should adopt an ecumanism of time, employing wisdom and insight from any historical era.  - argued against the suggestion that "religious language refers to human experience and nothing else." The Hartford Appeal  - known also as "An Appeal for Theological Affirmation"  - challenged the view that "modern thought is superior to all past forms of understanding reality"  - thought that Christian thinking should adopt an ecumanism of time, employing wisdom and insight from any historical era.  - argued against the suggestion that "religious language refers to human experience and nothing else."

61.  - insisted we did not invent God, God invented us.  - denied that all religions are equally valid. (p. 8)  - insisted that while worship is personally and communally enriching, it is a mistake to assume that the only purposes of worship are self-realization and human community.  - denied that a world sets the agenda for the church.  - obedience to Christian truth is liberating.  - insisted we did not invent God, God invented us.  - denied that all religions are equally valid. (p. 8)  - insisted that while worship is personally and communally enriching, it is a mistake to assume that the only purposes of worship are self-realization and human community.  - denied that a world sets the agenda for the church.  - obedience to Christian truth is liberating.

62. Letter Eight The Sistine Chapel, Rome - Body Language, God Talk, and the Visible Invisible The Sistine Chapel The original Sistine Chapel was named in honor of its builder, Pope Sixtus IV -1475 (below)  - Its dimensions are 132 feet long by 44 feet wide and 68 feet high (the dimensions of Solomon's Temple) The Sistine Chapel The original Sistine Chapel was named in honor of its builder, Pope Sixtus IV -1475 (below)  - Its dimensions are 132 feet long by 44 feet wide and 68 feet high (the dimensions of Solomon's Temple)

63.  - The original ceiling was painted blue with golden stars. The life of Moses was painted on the south wall and the life of Christ was painted on the north wall.  - Julius II (Sixtus' nephew) had to deal with structural problems because the soft soil under the chapel began to shift.  - Julius wanted to commission Michelangelo (right) to paint the ceiling but architect Bramante objected.  - The original ceiling was painted blue with golden stars. The life of Moses was painted on the south wall and the life of Christ was painted on the north wall.  - Julius II (Sixtus' nephew) had to deal with structural problems because the soft soil under the chapel began to shift.  - Julius wanted to commission Michelangelo (right) to paint the ceiling but architect Bramante objected.

64.  - Michelangelo initially refused, but after being ordered back to Rome, he began work.  Julius wanted portraits of the twelve apostles.  - Michelangelo came up with a design that showed the creation of the world and the early history of the human race.  - On November 1, 1512 the ceiling was unveiled.  - Michelangelo initially refused, but after being ordered back to Rome, he began work.  Julius wanted portraits of the twelve apostles.  - Michelangelo came up with a design that showed the creation of the world and the early history of the human race.  - On November 1, 1512 the ceiling was unveiled.

66.  The Last Judgment  - Paul III in 1535 asked Michelangelo to execute a fresco of The Last Judgment. When it was unveiled in 1541, most were awestruck, but some prudes were angry.  - Later some loin cloths were added to the nude figures  - A major restoration of the frescoes was commissioned by John Paul II. He also had many of the loin cloths removed.  The Last Judgment  - Paul III in 1535 asked Michelangelo to execute a fresco of The Last Judgment. When it was unveiled in 1541, most were awestruck, but some prudes were angry.  - Later some loin cloths were added to the nude figures  - A major restoration of the frescoes was commissioned by John Paul II. He also had many of the loin cloths removed.

67. The Dedication of the Chapel  - April 8, 1994 John Paul II celebrated a Mass in the Sistine Chapel to mark the completion of the restoration of the Michelangelo frescoes.  He said that the frescoes were a kind of sacrament in which we encounter the visible reality of an invisible God.  - The Pope suggested: The Last Judgment completes the proto-history of humankind on the ceiling.  First six frescoes - God brings creation out of chaos.  Next three frescoes - humans tend to always make a mess out of the gift of the created world. The Dedication of the Chapel  - April 8, 1994 John Paul II celebrated a Mass in the Sistine Chapel to mark the completion of the restoration of the Michelangelo frescoes.  He said that the frescoes were a kind of sacrament in which we encounter the visible reality of an invisible God.  - The Pope suggested: The Last Judgment completes the proto-history of humankind on the ceiling.  First six frescoes - God brings creation out of chaos.  Next three frescoes - humans tend to always make a mess out of the gift of the created world.

68.  The Last Judgment: Christ who establishes his kingdom and brings the righteous into reign with him forever thereby brings creation to its end.  The frescoes tell us: a) Life is not random and aimless b) There is a purpose in the world, a divine purpose.  In The Last Judgement, we come face to face with the Christ who expresses himself as the whole mystery of the "visibility of the Invisible."  Michelangelo showed that the human body is an icon of God's outpouring of himself to his creation; God himself is the "source of the integral beauty of the body."  The Last Judgment: Christ who establishes his kingdom and brings the righteous into reign with him forever thereby brings creation to its end.  The frescoes tell us: a) Life is not random and aimless b) There is a purpose in the world, a divine purpose.  In The Last Judgement, we come face to face with the Christ who expresses himself as the whole mystery of the "visibility of the Invisible."  Michelangelo showed that the human body is an icon of God's outpouring of himself to his creation; God himself is the "source of the integral beauty of the body."

69.  - The Sistine Chapel is the "sanctuary of the theology of the human body." The beauty of man (man and female) is completed in the beauty of the Risen Christ, come in glory to judge the living and dead.  Human bodies aren't objects.  Human bodies are icons. Theology of the Body  - John Paul proposed that sexual love within the bond of faithful and fruitful marriage is nothing less than an icon of the interior life of God himself.  - The Sistine Chapel is the "sanctuary of the theology of the human body." The beauty of man (man and female) is completed in the beauty of the Risen Christ, come in glory to judge the living and dead.  Human bodies aren't objects.  Human bodies are icons. Theology of the Body  - John Paul proposed that sexual love within the bond of faithful and fruitful marriage is nothing less than an icon of the interior life of God himself.

71.  - Sex helps teach us about God even as it teaches us about ourselves.  - John Paul II's "theology of the body" which he laid out in 129 general audience addresses between 1979 and 1984.  - John Paul begins with Genesis, which teaches us what we are: made in the image and likeness of God.  - We are made to make a gift of ourselves to others, as our lives are a gift to us, which means that the creation of man was not complete until He created Eve.  - The only way to find ourselves is to give us away.  - Sex helps teach us about God even as it teaches us about ourselves.  - John Paul II's "theology of the body" which he laid out in 129 general audience addresses between 1979 and 1984.  - John Paul begins with Genesis, which teaches us what we are: made in the image and likeness of God.  - We are made to make a gift of ourselves to others, as our lives are a gift to us, which means that the creation of man was not complete until He created Eve.  - The only way to find ourselves is to give us away.

72.  - The "Law of the Gift" is the deep imprint of the "Image of God" in us for the Holy Trinity is a communion of self- giving love returned and received for all eternity.  - When Adam and Eve lived this freedom as a free gift of self, they felt no shame.  - Original sin: is the tendency to ignore the Law of the Gift.  - Genesis teaches human happiness depends on self giving not self assertion.  - Lust is the opposite of that self-giving. Lust uses another person or even abuses another. The other person is no longer a person but an object. There is no giving or communion in lust.  - The "Law of the Gift" is the deep imprint of the "Image of God" in us for the Holy Trinity is a communion of self- giving love returned and received for all eternity.  - When Adam and Eve lived this freedom as a free gift of self, they felt no shame.  - Original sin: is the tendency to ignore the Law of the Gift.  - Genesis teaches human happiness depends on self giving not self assertion.  - Lust is the opposite of that self-giving. Lust uses another person or even abuses another. The other person is no longer a person but an object. There is no giving or communion in lust.

73.  Catholic sexual ethic liberates the exotic by transforming longing into self-giving. It channels our desires "from the heart" so that desire leads to communion, a true giving and receiving.  The mastery of desire lets us give ourselves to others intimately in a way that it affirms the other. This is what Jesus means by "purity at heart" (Beatitudes)  Catholic sexual ethic liberates the exotic by transforming longing into self-giving. It channels our desires "from the heart" so that desire leads to communion, a true giving and receiving.  The mastery of desire lets us give ourselves to others intimately in a way that it affirms the other. This is what Jesus means by "purity at heart" (Beatitudes)

74.  - Marriage is one of those sacramental realities that takes us into the extraordinary that lies just on the far side of the ordinary.  - Marriage is an icon of God's creation of the world which was an act of divine love and self-outpouring.  - Marriage is also an icon of God's redemption of the world. The love of Christ for the church is like the love of husband and wife. It shows the passion of His love for which He laid down His life.  - Marriage is one of those sacramental realities that takes us into the extraordinary that lies just on the far side of the ordinary.  - Marriage is an icon of God's creation of the world which was an act of divine love and self-outpouring.  - Marriage is also an icon of God's redemption of the world. The love of Christ for the church is like the love of husband and wife. It shows the passion of His love for which He laid down His life.

75.  - The church knows that marital sexual love is not always ecstatic, but ecstasy is what love should aim for.  - Sex (as a contact sport) as purely physical is no different than animal sexuality.  - John Paul II calls chastity the "integrity of love." Chastity - is the virtue by which I can love another as a person.  - The church knows that marital sexual love is not always ecstatic, but ecstasy is what love should aim for.  - Sex (as a contact sport) as purely physical is no different than animal sexuality.  - John Paul II calls chastity the "integrity of love." Chastity - is the virtue by which I can love another as a person.

76.  - Chaste sexual love = ecstatic sexual love.  - True sexual love is a matter of putting my emotional center in the care of another. Catholic Viewpoint  Masturbation - when we confuse loving with self pleasuring, our capacity to give ourselves to others atrophies. There is no growth in love in the illusory world of pornographic self-indulgence.  Pre-Marital Sex - Christians only make love to people to whom they have made promises.  - Chaste sexual love = ecstatic sexual love.  - True sexual love is a matter of putting my emotional center in the care of another. Catholic Viewpoint  Masturbation - when we confuse loving with self pleasuring, our capacity to give ourselves to others atrophies. There is no growth in love in the illusory world of pornographic self-indulgence.  Pre-Marital Sex - Christians only make love to people to whom they have made promises.

77.  Contraception - The Catholic question is not whether a couple should plan their family, but how they should live that plan. The church encourages natural family planning.  Homosexuality - The church does not teach that homosexuality is sinful, it does teach that homosexual desire is a disordered affection, a sign of spiritual disturbance.  Contraception - The Catholic question is not whether a couple should plan their family, but how they should live that plan. The church encourages natural family planning.  Homosexuality - The church does not teach that homosexuality is sinful, it does teach that homosexual desire is a disordered affection, a sign of spiritual disturbance.

78. Letter Ten St. Stanislaw Kostka Churchyard, Warsaw The Metropolitan Curia, Krakow - How Vocations changed History Poland  Weigel calls Poland the most intensely Catholic Country in the world.  Poland is a land of shrines and pilgrimages - Kalwarzia Zebrydruska draws thousands of pilgrims every year  - A Basilica dedicated to our Lady of Fatima for having spared the life of John Paul II Poland  Weigel calls Poland the most intensely Catholic Country in the world.  Poland is a land of shrines and pilgrimages - Kalwarzia Zebrydruska draws thousands of pilgrims every year  - A Basilica dedicated to our Lady of Fatima for having spared the life of John Paul II

79.  Jasna Gora the home of the Black Madonna (right) Warsaw  Hitler ordered the city flattened in retaliation for the Uprising of 1944.  Weigel says it isn't a very lovely or lovable city  In Warsaw you find the Church of St. Stanislaw Kostka  Jasna Gora the home of the Black Madonna (right) Warsaw  Hitler ordered the city flattened in retaliation for the Uprising of 1944.  Weigel says it isn't a very lovely or lovable city  In Warsaw you find the Church of St. Stanislaw Kostka

80. St. Stanislaw (right) and Fr. Jerzy  In its churchyard you find a giant cross that is part of a large rosary. Buried under the cross is Father Jerzy Popieuszko.  - Fr. Jerzy became the chaplain to the workers of a steel mill. They were striking in support of the Gdansk shipyards.  - Fr. Jerzy had poor health and a weak pulpit voice. St. Stanislaw (right) and Fr. Jerzy  In its churchyard you find a giant cross that is part of a large rosary. Buried under the cross is Father Jerzy Popieuszko.  - Fr. Jerzy became the chaplain to the workers of a steel mill. They were striking in support of the Gdansk shipyards.  - Fr. Jerzy had poor health and a weak pulpit voice.

81.  - After martial law was imposed in Dec. of 1981, he started celebrating a "Mass for the Fatherland" at St. Stanislaw.  - Soon, tens of thousands packed in and around the church for this mass. He preached non-violence.  - The secret police saw him as a threat and killed him in October of 1984.  - Fr. Jerzy was buried in the churchyard and it instantly became a shrine. It became known as Solidarity's Sanctuary.  - After martial law was imposed in Dec. of 1981, he started celebrating a "Mass for the Fatherland" at St. Stanislaw.  - Soon, tens of thousands packed in and around the church for this mass. He preached non-violence.  - The secret police saw him as a threat and killed him in October of 1984.  - Fr. Jerzy was buried in the churchyard and it instantly became a shrine. It became known as Solidarity's Sanctuary.

82.  - The voice of Fr. Jerzy helped band the people of Poland together non- violently.  - His story teaches us that faith has consequences. At the personal level, those consequences are vocational. Faith has consequences for history, too. (St. Paul p. 657) John Paul II  - first pope in a long time to tell us that he had a hard time making a vocational decision for the priesthood  - The voice of Fr. Jerzy helped band the people of Poland together non- violently.  - His story teaches us that faith has consequences. At the personal level, those consequences are vocational. Faith has consequences for history, too. (St. Paul p. 657) John Paul II  - first pope in a long time to tell us that he had a hard time making a vocational decision for the priesthood

83.  - he did not think he would be a priest, rather, an actor or writer  - Karol Wojtyla, born in Poland, made the decision that changed his life during Nazi occupation of Poland (in Hans Frank's Gestapoland) right-->  - The goal of the Nazis was to erase any trace of Polish culture  - so Polish culture went underground. It was a capital crime to have any part of Poland's culture (Chopin)  - he did not think he would be a priest, rather, an actor or writer  - Karol Wojtyla, born in Poland, made the decision that changed his life during Nazi occupation of Poland (in Hans Frank's Gestapoland) right-->  - The goal of the Nazis was to erase any trace of Polish culture  - so Polish culture went underground. It was a capital crime to have any part of Poland's culture (Chopin)

84.  - Karol formed the Rhapsodic Theatre which worked to keep the classics of Polish stage and poetry alive. (His apartment, where this took place, was called the "Catacomb")  - His father died in February 1941. He wondered why so many young people were losing their lives and he wondered, “Why not me?”  - His mentor was Jan Tyranowski (right). He gave him St. John of the Cross and St. Therese of Avila to read.  - Karol formed the Rhapsodic Theatre which worked to keep the classics of Polish stage and poetry alive. (His apartment, where this took place, was called the "Catacomb")  - His father died in February 1941. He wondered why so many young people were losing their lives and he wondered, “Why not me?”  - His mentor was Jan Tyranowski (right). He gave him St. John of the Cross and St. Therese of Avila to read.

85.  - When most of the priests were arrested in Karol's parish, Jan was asked to take over the youth ministry.  - Tyranowski formed "Living Rosary" groups. Karol was chosen to be one of the youth leaders.  - Karol became an underground seminarian under Archbishop Adam Stefan Sapiela.  - Karol's partner at the seminary was arrested and shot in April 1944. Again he asked, “Why not me?”  - When most of the priests were arrested in Karol's parish, Jan was asked to take over the youth ministry.  - Tyranowski formed "Living Rosary" groups. Karol was chosen to be one of the youth leaders.  - Karol became an underground seminarian under Archbishop Adam Stefan Sapiela.  - Karol's partner at the seminary was arrested and shot in April 1944. Again he asked, “Why not me?”

86.  - The underground seminary was now located at the residence of the archbishop - Metropolitan Curia.  - Karol was ordained Nov. 1, 1946.  John Paul was shot by Mehmet Ali Agca. "In the designs of Providence, there are no mere coincidences." John Paul II  - The underground seminary was now located at the residence of the archbishop - Metropolitan Curia.  - Karol was ordained Nov. 1, 1946.  John Paul was shot by Mehmet Ali Agca. "In the designs of Providence, there are no mere coincidences." John Paul II

87. Vocation  - A career is something you have. A vocation is something you are.  Fr. Jerzy, St. Paul, Jan Tyranowski and Karol Wojtyla are living examples of how sometimes God has more planned for us than we know.  His-story = God at work in the world under the surface of history. Vocation  - A career is something you have. A vocation is something you are.  Fr. Jerzy, St. Paul, Jan Tyranowski and Karol Wojtyla are living examples of how sometimes God has more planned for us than we know.  His-story = God at work in the world under the surface of history.

88.  - The obedience of faith has consequence to societies and history as well as individuals.  - The obedience of faith is profoundly counter-cultural.  - The obedience of faith has consequence to societies and history as well as individuals.  - The obedience of faith is profoundly counter-cultural.

89. Letter Fourteen The Basilica of the Holy Trinity, Krakow, On Not Being Alone The Basilica of the Holy Trinity  - St. Hyacinth is buried in the basilica. Hyacinth persuaded the bishop of Krakow to give the property to the Dominicans.  - Thomas Torquemada, the feared inquisitor, once stayed here.  - The fire of 1850 gutted the interior  - The Nazis used the priory property as a supply depot The Basilica of the Holy Trinity  - St. Hyacinth is buried in the basilica. Hyacinth persuaded the bishop of Krakow to give the property to the Dominicans.  - Thomas Torquemada, the feared inquisitor, once stayed here.  - The fire of 1850 gutted the interior  - The Nazis used the priory property as a supply depot

90.  - Weigel used the Krakow base when he was researching John Paul II's biography.  - The best time to come to the basilica is 7:00 p.m. or Sunday night when almost 3,000 young people pack the church  - The conviction on the faces of the young people impressed Weigel the most. Modernization  - Weigel used the Krakow base when he was researching John Paul II's biography.  - The best time to come to the basilica is 7:00 p.m. or Sunday night when almost 3,000 young people pack the church  - The conviction on the faces of the young people impressed Weigel the most. Modernization

91.  Modernization usually means secularization - the withering away of traditional religious belief and practice  The more modern you are, the less religious you become  At the beginning of the 20th century advanced thinkers predicted that a maturing humanity, tutored by science, would lose its "need" for religion.  Modernization usually means secularization - the withering away of traditional religious belief and practice  The more modern you are, the less religious you become  At the beginning of the 20th century advanced thinkers predicted that a maturing humanity, tutored by science, would lose its "need" for religion.

92.  Atheistic Humanism  Henri de Lubac (who was an influential figure at Vatican II) called this new phenomenon "Atheistic Humanism" = this was atheism with a developed ideology and a program for remaking the world. (right)  The prophets of atheistic humanism (Comte, Feuerbach, Marx, Nietzsche) all taught that the God of the Bible was an enemy of human dignity.  - de Lubac argued that men were free and responsible. The God of the Bible was not a willful tyrant.  Atheistic Humanism  Henri de Lubac (who was an influential figure at Vatican II) called this new phenomenon "Atheistic Humanism" = this was atheism with a developed ideology and a program for remaking the world. (right)  The prophets of atheistic humanism (Comte, Feuerbach, Marx, Nietzsche) all taught that the God of the Bible was an enemy of human dignity.  - de Lubac argued that men were free and responsible. The God of the Bible was not a willful tyrant.

93.  - The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses and Jesus entered history and had become our companion on the pilgrimage of life.  - To be in communion with this God was to be liberated from fate  - What atheistic humanism had proved was that without God humans could only organize the world against each other.  - The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses and Jesus entered history and had become our companion on the pilgrimage of life.  - To be in communion with this God was to be liberated from fate  - What atheistic humanism had proved was that without God humans could only organize the world against each other.

94.  The story of Edith Stein suggests that the alternative to ultra-mundane and the antidote to its lethal effects is not to abandon the great project of western humanism; the alternative is Christian humanism (which is built on the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love.)  - Weigel says that the "secularization hypothesis" has been falsified. The new century is becoming more intensely religious.  - As people of faith, "we are not alone."  - Weigel gives several examples of flourishing faith experiences (234, 235)  The story of Edith Stein suggests that the alternative to ultra-mundane and the antidote to its lethal effects is not to abandon the great project of western humanism; the alternative is Christian humanism (which is built on the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love.)  - Weigel says that the "secularization hypothesis" has been falsified. The new century is becoming more intensely religious.  - As people of faith, "we are not alone."  - Weigel gives several examples of flourishing faith experiences (234, 235)

95. World Youth Day  - Meant to recreate the experience of Holy Week.  - Each WYD begins with a variant of Palm Sunday in which a cross is solemnly processed into the site of the opening ceremony.  - There is an analogue to Holy Thursday where the Pope discussed having a life of service. World Youth Day  - Meant to recreate the experience of Holy Week.  - Each WYD begins with a variant of Palm Sunday in which a cross is solemnly processed into the site of the opening ceremony.  - There is an analogue to Holy Thursday where the Pope discussed having a life of service.

96.  - Then each WYD has its Good Friday in which the young people pray for man's redemption through the cross.  - A candlelight vigil symbolizes the Great Easter vigil. WYD ends with a mass that evokes the experience of Easter Sunday and sends everyone out with a message of the resurrection.  - Weigel tells of experiences at different WYD's 1997 - Paris(p. 237) 2002 - Toronto (p. 239) 2000 - Rome(P. 239)  - Then each WYD has its Good Friday in which the young people pray for man's redemption through the cross.  - A candlelight vigil symbolizes the Great Easter vigil. WYD ends with a mass that evokes the experience of Easter Sunday and sends everyone out with a message of the resurrection.  - Weigel tells of experiences at different WYD's 1997 - Paris(p. 237) 2002 - Toronto (p. 239) 2000 - Rome(P. 239)