The Way

Check out this interview with Martin Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez about their new movie "The Way." According to Parish Vitality.net, the film is about "an American doctor named Tom who goes to France following his son's accidental death in the Pyrenees Mountains.  Tom, a lapsed Catholic, goes to retrieve his son's body, but then decides to finish the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) as a way to deal with his grief and honor his estranged son."

I haven't seen it yet, but it sounds like a great film. We should be starting a film series at Newman soon! Freshman Jack Petrillo has already suggested watching The Passion of the Christ sometime during Lent. Be sure to let us know if you've seen anything you'd like to share!

Saint Sebastian

In honor of St. Sebastian's Feast Day tomorrow, I thought we should do a small spotlight on him. My Life with the Saints has really got me interested in learning more about saints lately. Do a little digging of your own and I'm sure you'll find a few who really speak to YOU!

According to his legend, Sebastian was born at Narbonne, Gaul. He became a soldier in the Roman army at Rome in about 283, and encouraged Marcellian and Marcus, under sentence of death, to remain firm in their faith. Sebastian made numerous converts: among them were the master of the rolls, Nicostratus, who was in charge of prisoners and his wife, Zoe, a deaf mute whom he cured; the jailer Claudius; Chromatius, Prefect of Rome, whom he cured of gout; and Chromatius' son, Tiburtius. Chromatius set the prisoners free, freed his slaves, and resigned as prefect.

Sebastian was named captain in the praetorian guards by Emperor Diocletian, as did Emperor Maximian when Diocletian went to the East. Neither knew that Sebastian was a Christian. When it was discovered during Maximian's persecution of the Christians that Sebastian was indeed a Christian, he was ordered executed. He was shot with arrows and left for dead, but when the widow of St. Castulus went to recover his body, she found he was still alive and nursed him back to health. Soon after, Sebastian intercepted the Emperor, denounced him for his cruelty to Christians, and was beaten to death on the Emperor's orders.

Saint Sebastian was venerated at Milan as early as the time of St. Ambrose and was buried on the Appian Way. He is patron of archers, athletes, and soldiers, and is appealed to for protection against plagues.

[He is patron saint of athletes because of his physical endurance and his energetic way of spreading and defending the Faith. Sebastian is also patron to all soldiers. He entered the Roman army under Emperor Carinus in 283 in order to defend the confessors and martyrs of his day without drawing attention to himself. His efforts kept the Faith of Marcus and Marcellian firm during their persecutions, right up to the time of their martyrdom. He was declared patron of plague sufferers of his reported cures of those afflicted with many diseases.]

(As seen on Catholic.org)

Daily Devotional

Looking for a great Daily Devotional? Check out Our Daily Bread at http://odb.org/ . If you prefer a book, Newman has them available in the Weimar room or at our table in the Union. Our first day on Campus is Thursday the 26th. Make sure to stop by and say 'Hello'!

Check out this great post titled "12 Really Stupid Things to Never do Again" from the author of My Life with the Saints. James Martin has the perfect mix of humor and wisdom to lighten up this dreary and snowy third day of the New Year!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-james-martin-sj/12-really-stupid-things-to-never-do-again_b_1174709.html

Enjoy!!

Crazy Love

If you're looking for a great Christian book to read during Winter break, I highly reccomend "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. The video I've posted is a teaser for the third chapter. It's available at any bookstore and I own a copy, too! Remember, we have a fantastic library at Newman that you are welcome to browse through any time.

Also, I found a place doing free Salsa and Bachata lessons this Friday. Any students still in the area are welcome to come--just let me know!

Carmen

Swing Dancing

Okay, so the look on my face might not convey happiness or excitement, but trust me--Swing Dancing is FUN! Any students staying in the area are more than welcome to come learn. My friend Jordan does lessons at St. Francis in Tonawanda on Tuesdays at 7pm. Contact me for more information!

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

A Prayer To Our Lady of Guadalupe 

To Our Lady of Guadalupe

O Mother of the Americas,
You came
On a dark hill in a dark time
To one who had no documentation.
To the challenge of the authorities,
You offered roses and grace.

You wanted a space,
Simple and extraordinary,
A space where all could worship
Together, equally your children.

You call us again
In this dark time
To create a space
Where all your children
Are welcomed,
Cherished,
Offered bread, roses,
and what grace we can gather.

O Lady, still shining,
Madre, Mother,
You wait on the hillside,
Until we believe,
Until we can welcome
The ones whom you send.

 

 

Taken from: http://www.educationforjustice.org/latest-prayer