Visiting Catholic University Students in Rome
The week before Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure of visiting our Catholic University students studying in Rome. While being in this magnificent city was a joy, it was seeing and talking with the students that made me the happiest. Sharing a cappuccino with them and talking about their studies, I learned so much about them, their experiences in Rome, and how the University is providing a world-class education in such a vibrant, historical setting.
On my visit with the students, we enjoyed a delicious lunch and I toured the neighborhood of Trastevere on the Janiculum Hill with the students who were not attending class. I also met with our talented faculty and staff who are providing these young men and women with this once-in-a-lifetime educational and cultural experience. I am grateful to these scholars and professionals for their time and dedication to the students.
While I was only there for a short while, I left knowing that our students are truly living life to the fullest and taking advantage of the opportunities they have in front of them. Given the proximity of our campus to the Vatican and to the heart of the City of Rome, this experience is one which should greatly enhance our value proposition for prospective students to The Catholic University of America.
In addition to visiting our students, I had the good fortune of visiting with the rector of the Angelicum, Fr Thomas Joseph White, O.P., and with a seminarian from the Pontifical North American College who provides our spiritual direction. These men are helping to form students who will one day be parish priests and serve God’s people, delivering the Liturgies of the Word and Eucharist. I can tell you that with seminarians such as these, the Church is in very good hands. I look forward to one day welcoming some of them to the University where they can share their experiences with our students.
I also had the good fortune of meeting with the Cardinal Prefect for the Dicastery of Culture and Education, Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonca. Our meeting was warm and reassured me that the connection between our University and the Vatican is strong and they are encouraged by the work we are doing to grow, educate our students, and stay true to the Faith.
The Holiday Season
This past Sunday, November 27, was the start of Advent. It is one of my favorite times of year as we anticipate and celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on Christmas Day.
It is the anticipation that fills me with great joy since, as Christians, we find Advent to be a time for us to think of the mysteries of the Lord and relive the feelings of hope like those written in Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Of course, it is during this time that we celebrate the Lord’s arrival through praise and thanksgiving. Here at Catholic University we will have many opportunities to celebrate this magical season, starting with a Christmas concert by our students in the Basilica on Friday, December 2 and the lighting of our beautiful Christmas tree earlier that evening. We will also have a magnificent Nativity Scene and our community will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in many other authentic ways.
Grateful
In Psalm 118:24 it is written that: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Indeed, each and every day is an opportunity to express our gratitude to God and to those who have made a difference in our lives.
As we enter the season of Advent and gather together with family and friends at various festivities, I want to acknowledge how grateful I am to be here at The Catholic University of America. Our students, faculty and staff have fully embraced me and my family. I cannot be more thankful for all of the love and kindness that has been extended to us. We are truly blessed and I am humbled to serve as your President.
On behalf of Nancy and our family, I wish all of you a very Happy Advent and I look forward to seeing you on campus over these next few weeks before the Christmas break.
With anticipation,
Dr. Peter K. Kilpatrick
President
The Catholic University of America