Another Church, another teacher

Today we were taught by Fr. Giertych, OP, who just happens to be the theologian of the  Papal Household.  His responsibilities are to read all the speeches of Pope Benedict XVI to assure that they are theologically without error.  He taught us on moral theology and it was a wonderful review of Thomas Aquinas.  The one thing I found most helpful was how much St. Thomas believed in the grace of the Holy Spirit.  Also, the reminder that spirit of Christ saves any one who responds to this grace, even if they do not know it.  Thus, a good Hindu or other person who does not recognize Christ but follows the grace of God is saved by Jesus Christ.  There is room in heaven for many, if not all.


Outside of the Basilica of St. Mary Major


The day before we had a tour of the Basilica of St. Mary Major.  This completes our tours of the four major Basilicas.  Mass was celebrated by a priest with a special vocation story related to the Basilica.  He was a medical doctor but was contemplating a vocation to the priesthood.  So he took a trip to Rome to pray and attended a Papal Mass of John Paul II in this very church.  During the exist procession, John Paul blessed the folks, but then paused and looked  him in the eye just for a moment longer.  For this priest, it was a moment of affirmation that he needed to change vocations and become a priest.


Inside this container is the wood from the manager of Jesus


Later we had a tour by Monsignor McInerny, one of the canonist of the church.  He explained the history of the church and took us places within the church that few visitors see, including the Borghese crypt where two Popes are buried.  Yet, the highlight of the visit was praying before the wood of the manager where Christ was born.  I do not care who believes in these relics or not; it does not even matter if it is the holy relic, but I do believe it is, either way, the focus of prayer before the manager humbles one to love God more. Just think the One who is all powerful, who died for our sins, who rose from the dead, who sends His Spirit upon us was born in a humble place, in the wood for feeding animals of poor parents who were far from home.  The depth of God's love for us is extreme.  Praise be to God.

Tomb of Pope Paul V, a Borghese

I will be leaving for the Holy Land on Friday so I will not be blogging until my return sometime around October 24th.

Peace and prayers until then.