A Fall Reflection
Our academic year is in full motion. Part of me feels like we just began a week or two ago; as you all know, the time here seems to move quickly. There is so much going on: lectures, notes, discussions, research, grading, office hours, hours of reading, and the last-minute Hail Marys before a major deadline. We may not see each other in physical hallways, but solidarity is a reality here at Catholic International University, and in the spirit of that solidarity, let us all continue to lift up one another, faculty and students, in prayer so that we might be co-workers in one another’s joy (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:24).
As we move through this time of procession towards the culmination of the liturgical year, I am always amazed by the number of saints we remember and stand with in prayer each fall season: Saints Monica and Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Matthew, St. Mother Teresa, St. John Paul II, St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Martin de Porres, St. Catherine of Alexandria, many Marian feasts, etc. Situated in the midst of this are All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. It is a time to remember three truths for our university experiences:
-
The Universal Call to Holiness—All of us are called to grow in Christ and become saints, whether faculty or student, single or married, and regardless of our respective departments.
-
The Communion of Saints—In Christ, we share a covenantal and sacramental unity as a university, with our brothers and sisters throughout the world, and with the saints. Even when the grading or learning is at its most difficult, we never face that difficulty alone.
-
The saints show us the path to authentic diversity that does not destroy unity but enhances it, like the many instruments of a beautiful symphony. As a truly international university with a diversity of regions, cultures, and languages, we are still one; we are Catholic International University.
One difficulty that tends to make us feel the most alone, although it is something we all share in common, is the pain of losing a loved one. Whether it is someone in our family or community, the loss is never easy. Please know on November 2nd, All Souls’ Day, that I will be praying for those you have lost. Feel free to email me their names.
As co-workers in one another’s joy, as co-workers in the truth, let us continue in our procession towards Christ the King and offer to the Lord our daily fiats and acts of solidarity. I count myself truly blessed to journey as a co-pilgrim with all of you.
In Christ,