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Posts Tagged ‘spiritual desolation’

legendary “Tree of Vocational End” @ SJVCS

September 24, 2008 Leave a comment

Here at St John Vianney College Seminary (Miami, FL), there is a beautiful and gigantic tree outside the Library building with a legend attached.  Apparently any seminarian that has tried to climb the tree has left the seminary [and not become a priest].  I’m not one for superstitions, but knowing that now may make the tree a temptation during a time of spiritual “desolation” or just on one of those “stressful” seminary days that forces the question, “Why am I here again?”  I hope I don’t do something that extreme [and immature] to actually consider an avenue of “vocational suicide” in a moment of weakness.  Fortunately for me, I have a long walk to that “tree” from the Pre-Theology houses … and I know my fellow brothers are there to keep me from “myself” in those moments.  — Thank God today is a “good” day  : )   lol

Mother Teresa + Sophists

September 5, 2007 Leave a comment

Mother TeresaMASS – (Fr Vallee) — at the 10 year anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Fr Vallee noted how newly release letters reveal she experienced long periods of “darkness” when she couldn’t feel God.  She would even refer to Jesus as “the absent one” at times.  Lately, the media is questioning her canonization with such “revelation,” not realizing all go through such times in the spiritual lives.  Even St Augustine, St Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross would echo such experiences.  We, just as Mother Teresa, are called to continue through times of spiritual desolation with patience and faithfulness, knowing consolation will come.  — even in seminary, I’m anticipating highs and lows.

MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we covered the resurgence of math and rise of modern science.  Notable line: “Psychology is the questionable child of philosophy.”

Art n Ideas with Fr ValleeANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we covered the Sophists.  — The politics of today has only perfected the art of rhetoric from the Greeks.

ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — we continued with some slides of paintings and began reading his 40+ page handout on the Ancient Philosophy period.  — The power went out during class and lasted through worklist.

worklist dustingWED WORKLIST — Some of our worklist jobs were changed, but I remained in “Sacristy,” where I dusted pews, organized songbooks and collected some garbage.  It was hot (no A/C) but fruitful.

BenedictionWED HOLY HOUR — We had benediction and silent prayer time, where I used my new St Joseph’s Prayerbook (that I just realized I left in the cafeteria) and found some great prayers “Before the Blessed Sacrament.”