Pope Francis Visit to Catholic University in Washington, DC, 2015 » walkwithfrancis

#WalkwithFrancis: Jessica Lau

Lisa Carroll — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 17:56:37 +0000

In the days leading up to Pope Francis’s visit to the United States in September, Catholic University is highlighting the work members of the CUA family are doing in the community. The #WalkwithFrancis initiative coincides with the “Share the Joy, Walk with Francis” theme for the D.C. leg of the Pope’s visit.

Below, Jessica Lau, a third-year CUA law student, reflects on the work the Columbus School of Law’s Legal Services Society does with the New Orleans Public Defender Office every year. Over the course of a week, law students assist local public defenders in meeting some of the legal needs of their most impoverished clients.

At Catholic University we are taught that there exists a path to the common good. The school encourages us to use every effort we can to work together, create new relationships, and to demand of everyone kindness, dedication, and love in order to reach the common good.

Every year in May the law school’s Legal Services Society goes to the New Orleans Public Defender Office in an attempt to bring light and hope to those who have been marginalized and branded by society as a ‘criminal.’ In a joint effort, students work with attorneys, investigators, family members, and defendants in an attempt to allow each client to experience kindness, dedication, and some sort of social justice to which they are entitled. In this week spent attempting to assist those who have been labeled as poor, undeserving, or malicious, many students come to learn the injustices of the world, but also the strength of their faith and hope in the world to change its current state. The experience of being in New Orleans is a profound and shocking experience. Moreover, it is the exact type of experience that strengthens one’s commitment to serve others, and to serve without judgment or limitation. An experience that makes one realize that if we stand for only some, we in fact stand for none.

Want to share how you #WalkwithFrancis? Send us a photo via email hidden; JavaScript is requiredor tag your submissions #WalkwithFrancis on Twitter or Instagram. If you are a member of the CUA community, please also send a few short sentences describing the type of service you do (for the Church, in the neighborhood, anywhere) and what #WalkwithFrancis means to you. We will feature some submissions on CUA’s website and social media.

The Archdiocese of Washington also has launched a #WalkwithFrancis pledge campaign, which encourages D.C.-area residents to take a pledge to follow the example of Pope Francis by serving in their community however they can. The pledges will be gathered via social media and on WalkWithFrancis.org. Thousands of the pledges will be compiled into a book that Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington and chancellor of Catholic University, will present as a gift to the Holy Father during his visit.

For more information on the archdiocese’s campaign or to make a pledge, go to WalkwithFrancis.org.

CUA Service Day Draws Hundreds

Lisa Carroll — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 14:41:38 +0000

In preparation for Pope Francis’s upcoming visit, students, faculty, staff, and alumni from Catholic University participated in “Serve with Francis Day” on Sunday, Sept. 13, in the Washington, D.C., area.

President John Garvey joined students at the Franciscan Monastery on Serve with Francis Day.

Approximately 530 people spent the day serving at locations such as Carroll Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Catholic University’s community garden, Archbishop Carroll High School, and the Franciscan Monastery, where University President John Garvey helped with work in the garden.

The day of service was part of the Office of Campus Ministry’s programming tied to Pope Francis’s Sept. 23 visit to the University’s campus. Under the theme “Walk with Francis: Joy of the Gospel,” Campus Ministry is inviting members of the CUA community to “Walk with Francis” through events related to prayer, learning, and service. The events are tied to the Archdiocese of Washington’s #WalkwithFrancis initiative, which encourages D.C.-area residents to take a pledge to follow the example of Pope Francis by serving in their community however they can.

Pope Francis will celebrate Mass on Sept. 23 on the East Portico of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. During the Mass, Pope Francis will canonize American missionary Blessed Junípero Serra. The congregation will assemble in the area surrounding the steps of the Basilica, including the 3.6-acre University Mall.

#WalkwithFrancis: Alexis Park

Lisa Carroll — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:57:56 +0000

Below, Alexis Park, a first-year law student, reflects on the Columbus School of Law’s Community Service Day, which is part of Orientation Week for incoming law students. On Aug. 20, a large number of new students, current students, faculty, and staff fanned out across northeast Washington, D.C., for several hours of service and fellowship. There were opportunities for service at five local sites: St. Anthony Catholic School, Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Carroll Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Ronald McDonald House.

One of the main reasons why I chose the Columbus School of Law is that it encourages its students to answer their callings to live lives of service to others. As a 1L student, I loved starting my law school experience with a delightful visit to the Armed Forces Retirement Home. The visit involved making thank you cards and distributing them to the residents. I was struck with the realization that service is an integral part of life. Service seamlessly entails forming relationships and being fully present with others. The experience brought me joy as I listened to the history of the establishment and bonded with fellow students over card-making. Being in a class with other individuals who desire to live for others is so uplifting. While interacting with the residents, it did not feel like I was ‘serving’ other people. As we exchanged pleasantries and stories, I felt like I made some new friends. Serving is not merely to make the world a better place. Rather, it also grounds us in that we, as human beings, are made to love and to be loved.

For more information on the archdiocese’s campaign or to make a pledge, go to WalkwithFrancis.org.

Student Excitement Building Before Papal Mass

Katie Bahr — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 14:04:18 +0000

After the Sept. 3 Mass of the Holy Spirit, students exited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to the sight of new “Welcome Pope Francis” banners hanging on the University Mall, as well as cardboard cutouts of the Pope with which they could take photos. University President John Garvey stood by to chat with students from campus ministry. He also took a ride in the cherry picker workers were using to install the new banners.

Several students spoke about the growing excitement around campus in the weeks leading up to Pope Francis’s visit.

“I went to Rome last fall and I got to see Pope Francis while I was there, but to have him come to us instead of going to him is just an amazing thing,” said senior Anne Ahlering. “I think it’s going to bring a lot of life to this campus as well as to all the people who are coming and traveling here. It’s going to be a blessed time.”

“The campus is kind of crazy right now trying to get ready for this, but everyone is really excited to have him here,” said senior Katie Fournier. “It’s definitely an honor.”

Both Ahlering and Fournier said they have been coming to the Mass of the Holy Spirit each year they’ve spent at the University. Now they are looking forward to participating in the #WalkwithFrancis initiative.

“I think it’s great because it brings to life what we’re being called to do,” said Fournier. “We should already be doing these things — praying, serving, and acting, and just sharing the truth that we’ve learned and we’ve studied through this campus. It’s definitely a good push, like, ‘Let’s recommit ourselves to this mission.’”

Students Challenged to #WalkwithFrancis at Mass of the Holy Spirit

Katie Bahr — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 13:44:34 +0000

Students, faculty, and staff from The Catholic University of America were encouraged to walk with Pope Francis through their prayers and actions Sept. 3 as part of the University’s annual Mass of the Holy Spirit.

The Mass, which took place in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, is held annually at the opening of the school year. This year’s celebrant was Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington and University chancellor, who asked God to invoke the gifts of the Holy Spirit on the University community to strengthen and guide students, faculty, and staff throughout the 2015-16 academic year.

In anticipation of Pope Francis’s upcoming visit to the Basilica and the University, Cardinal Wuerl encouraged students to prepare themselves spiritually by working to make a difference in their community.

Faculty members dressed in full academic regalia attend this year’s Mass of the Holy Spirit.

“Pope Francis challenges us to be ‘missionary disciples,’” he said. “We are not bystanders but rather participants in the great human endeavor to make of this world a better place.

“There is a sense in which each one of us has to make that call and anointing in the Holy Spirit our own,” Cardinal Wuerl said. “This is what Pope Francis asks us to do. We are challenged to take the love and mercy of God and share it with others.”

The cardinal encouraged students to use this upcoming academic year to continue spiritual formation and to ask God’s help in living their faith.

“Here at this university, in addition to preparing for a job and a means to a paycheck, we should also accept that we have a deeper calling — to do our part to help make the world just a little better,” he said. “We come together to ask for the gifts of the Holy Spirit because we dare to believe we really can make a difference. We are capable of renewing the face of the earth, or at least trying — at least, doing our part with the help of God.”

Following the homily, Cardinal Wuerl conferred the Canonical Mission — the authorization to teach in the name of the Church — to William Daniel of the School of Canon Law.

In his remarks after Mass, University President John Garvey advised students to live the virtue of constancy in their academic, spiritual, and personal lives.

Members of the University community, including Jeanne Garvey, bring up the gifts during the Mass of the Holy Spirit.

“When the alarm goes off at 6 a.m., constancy is the virtue that gets you out of bed in time for Mass, because you are a Christian striving to grow in holiness,” President Garvey said. “It’s the virtue that keeps you in the library when your friends call it a night because you are a scholar determined to excel in your field. It is the virtue that gives you the conviction to opt-out of the hookup culture, because you are a child of God made for love far greater than that.”

Garvey encouraged students to follow Pope Francis’s example of constancy by taking small, concrete steps to follow Christ. Garvey encouraged students to participate in the Archdiocese of Washington’s #WalkwithFrancis initiative by making concrete commitments to pray, serve, and act. Garvey also pledged to participate in the initiative and said he would serve at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Brookland.

“If we call ourselves Christians, we must affirm that fact in our actions,” Garvey said. “This is constancy.”

Following Mass, all students who pledged to participate in the initiative received blue wristbands marked #WalkwithFrancis. In his closing remarks, Cardinal Wuerl noted that if everyone wears the bracelets during the papal Mass on Sept. 23, it will be a visual reminder of the University’s commitment to service and prayer.

President Garvey Pledges to Walk with Francis at Mass of the Holy Spirit from CUA Video on Vimeo.

#WalkwithFrancis bracelets to be Distributed to Students

Katie Bahr — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 19:18:23 +0000

Catholic University will celebrate its annual Mass of the Holy Spirit this Thursday, Sept. 3, at 12:10 p.m.

In his address following communion, University President John Garvey will encourage students to participate in the Archdiocese of Washington’s #WalkwithFrancis campaign. #WalkwithFrancis bracelets will be distributed to all Mass attendees, along with information about the campaign, which calls local Catholics to pray, serve, and act in preparation for Pope Francis’s visit.

Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, archbishop of Washington and chancellor of the University, will serve as the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass. As many as 50 priests from the University community will concelebrate the Mass.

The Mass — which draws heavy attendance by students, faculty, and staff — marks the official start of the academic year at Catholic University, a practice that goes back to the universities of medieval Europe. It will be televised live by Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).

University classes will be cancelled from noon to 3:30 p.m. so that students, faculty, and staff may attend.

Campus Ministry Invites CUA to #WalkwithFrancis

Lisa Carroll — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 16:45:38 +0000

In preparation for Pope Francis’s Sept. 23 visit to campus, Catholic University’s Office of Campus Ministry will hosts a series of events with the theme “Walk with Francis: Joy of the Gospel.” Campus Ministry is inviting members of the CUA community to “Walk with Francis” through events related to prayer, learning, and service.

The events are tied to the Archdiocese of Washington’s #WalkwithFrancis initiative, which encourages D.C.-area residents to take a pledge to follow the example of Pope Francis by serving in their community however they can.

Below are details about the events.

Pray

Tuesday, Sept. 8
8 p.m., The House, Caldwell Hall
House Mass with veneration of a relic of Blessed Junípero Serra
The veneration of a relic is an act of faith that honors the memory of the saint whose intercession is implored.

Tuesday, Sept. 15
5:10 p.m., Caldwell Chapel
Our Lady of Sorrows Mass
This Mass will be offered in Spanish and will include veneration of a relic of Junípero Serra.

Tuesday, Sept. 22
5:10 p.m., Caldwell Chapel
Votive Mass for Our Lady of Mercy
This Mass will be offered in Spanish and will include veneration of a relic of Junípero Serra.

Throughout September
University Prayer Cards
Before Pope Francis’s visit, Campus Ministry will distribute University Pope Francis prayer cards. The Pope Francis Five Finger Prayer serves as a guide for personal prayer before the visit.

Learn

Saturday, Sept. 12
7 p.m., Hartke Theatre
“Joy of Loving” multimedia dance-drama
In this performance, Nrityalaya, a traditional Indian dance company, will showcase Mother Teresa’s legacy of love and compassion for the needy, mercy to the “poorest of the poor,” and devotion to education. Tickets are required.

Wednesday, Sept. 16
10 p.m., The Cellar, Caldwell Hall
Pope Trivia Night
Students will be quizzed about how much they know about Pope Francis. Free food will be available at the event.

Thursday, Sept. 17
3:45 p.m., Monsignor Stephen P. Happel Room, Caldwell Hall
Junípero Serra: Apostle of California
Rev. John T. Ford, C.S.C., professor and coordinator of Hispanic and Latino programs in the School of Theology and Religious Studies, will discuss Serra’s life and the founding of California missions.

Thursday, Sept. 17
5 p.m., Caldwell Auditorium
Follow Francis’s Footsteps: The Pope’s Guide to Modern Life
Faculty from Catholic University will address questions about Pope Francis and the Catholic Church, exploring topics such as poverty, peace, theology, and encyclicals.

Sunday, Sept. 20
6:30 p.m., St. Vincent’s Chapel
Documentary and Discussion: The Francis Effect
Followed by Mass
Rev. Thomas M. Rosica, C.S.B., CEO of Canada’s Catholic TV channel Salt + Light, and Sebastian Gomes, producer for Salt + Light, will lead a discussion and share their documentary The Francis Effect, which takes a critical and in-depth look at how an ancient institution is rapidly changing under the leadership and vision of Pope Francis. Father Rosica will preach at the Mass that will take place at 9 p.m. in St. Vincent’s Chapel.

Serve

Sunday, Sept. 13
9 a.m., Caldwell Auditorium
Serve with Francis Day
This day provides an opportunity for members of the CUA community to serve at sites throughout Brookland and other D.C. neighborhoods. More information can be found here.

Throughout September
Service Opportunities
There are several opportunities throughout September for students to participate in weekly service events. A full listing of service opportunities can be found here.

Throughout September
Office of Campus Ministry, Caldwell Hall
#WalkwithFrancis T-Shirts
Campus Ministry will be selling Walk with Francis T-shirts to commemorate Pope Francis’s upcoming visit to Catholic University, and to raise money to help support CUA’s mission trips.

#WalkwithFrancis: Michael Nguyen

Lisa Carroll — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 13:56:56 +0000

In the months leading up to Pope Francis’s visit to the United States in September, Catholic University is highlighting the work members of the CUA family are doing in the community. The #WalkwithFrancis initiative coincides with the “Share the Joy, Walk with Francis” theme for the D.C. leg of the Pope’s visit.

Below, Michael Nguyen, a senior nursing major from Silver Spring, Md., reflects on a trip he took to Nicaragua last winter with the School of Nursing’s Spanish for Health Care Program.

Experiencing a different culture while serving those in need is essentially living the best of both worlds. Altogether, 11 nursing students in the Spanish for Health Care Program at The Catholic University of America participated in serving the Limon community of Nicaragua. During our one-week stay, we all rotated different responsibilities and roles to better help the Limon community. Some of us triaged and provided care for patients in the Roberto Clemente Health Clinic, while others crafted informational health promotion posters and visited other nearby clinics to provide health teaching sessions on prevalent diseases, diabetes, oral hygiene, and preventative measures of wearing helmets while on motorcycles. On days when very few patients arrived at the clinic, we always tried to help in any way we could, whether it was tending to the clinic’s vegetable garden or visiting a clinic volunteer’s home to clean up her yard to build a garden. Personally, I absolutely loved the experience that I had in Nicaragua because of the positive influence my classmates and I had on everyone we met and because of the cultural insight we gained from being in a Latin American country.

Our service in Nicaragua definitely ties to the Catholic teaching of human dignity. One of our duties and responsibilities as Catholics is to ensure that every person has a fundamental right to life and the right to things required for human dignity, such as health care. While in Nicaragua, 11 nursing students and our professor endeavored to tackle the issue of health care. By helping out in the health clinic and providing information on preventative care, we essentially spread awareness on the matters of health and increased access to care.

For more information on the archdiocese’s campaign or to make a pledge, go to WalkwithFrancis.org.

#WalkwithFrancis: Katie Bahr

Katie Bahr — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 14:07:43 +0000

Below, Katie Bahr (bottom, right)— a writer in the University Office of Public Affairs — reflects on the recent short-term mission trip she took to the Dominican Republic. Over the course of one week, her team of volunteers helped lay cement floors in seven homes, repainted a rural chapel, and painted religious murals on several local homes. The trip was led by the local non-profit Commissioned by Christ, which organizes mission trips for working adults and families.

“We worked in the same rural village for several days and it was amazing to get to know the local families over time. I was especially inspired by the warm welcome we received. Even though we were there to help them, the villagers were always looking out for us by giving us water, food, or making sure we had a shady spot to rest. It was humbling to see their generosity.”

For more information on the archdiocese’s campaign or to make a pledge, go to WalkwithFrancis.org.

Father Eric de la Pena: “Master, to whom shall we go?” (Jn 6:68)

Meghan Duke — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 13:30:34 +0000

One of the most moving encounters that Pope Francis had this year was his meeting with the survivors of typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban, Philippines. His outdoor Mass last January which also happened on a stormy day was reminiscent of the catastrophic event that took place in that very same place in November 2013. Haiyan brought strong winds and surging waves from the sea that engulfed the island, leaving a trail of death that took more than 6300 lives. The aftermath from the devastation left many wondering if God even cared about what the people went through in that calamity.

Father Eric de la Pena

Pope Francis was visibly moved by the human suffering he found in Tacloban. Wearing a yellow plastic raincoat like the rest of the people during the Eucharist, he very compassionately told them, “We have a Lord who is capable of crying with us, capable of walking with us in the most difficult moments of life. So many of you have lost everything. I don’t know what to say to you. But the Lord does know what to say to you. Some of you have lost part of your families. All I can do is keep silent. And I walk with you all with my silent heart.”

The words of Pope Francis echoe Peter’s sentiments to Jesus in the Gospel, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” When tragedy strikes, when plans fail, when hopes are dashed and we feel down, Pope Francis gently reminds us to come to Jesus. He is the true Friend who will never let us down no matter how bad life situations may turn out to be. But in order that God’s compassion may not be just sympathetic words, Pope Francis made sure that his prayers were followed by action. After celebrating the Eucharist, he then welcomed the survivors to a luncheon with him where they meet him personally. Beyond that, the pope also gave $150,000 to an emergency fund to help the victims. For Pope Francis, word and action are two sides of the same coin, that is, the Gospel.

At CUA, we too try to follow along the pope’s compassionate footsteps. Just a few days after the typhoon, a campus Mass was offered for the victims and fund raising events were organized to contribute to the needs of Tacloban. In fact, Campus Ministry continually looks for ways to bring God’s love to the needy not only during moments of calamity but throughout the year. On September 13 of this Fall Semester, for example, we will sponsor a service day to honor the Pope in the days leading up to his visit. We pray that more students will participate in this joyful experience of sharing their gifts and blessings so that others may know that God loves them. Life can surely get tough, but as long as “charity and love prevail, there God is ever found.”