Holy Card

DEMONstration

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Christian Ianniello is a first year student majoring in journalism.  Christian comes to DePaul from California and is an active blogger.  In the future, she hopes to work in a job that combines her passions for journalism and photojournalism with her passion for social justice.

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Have you ever been listening to someone speak and you understand so perfectly what they are trying to say that their words begin to move inside of you? Before you know it, you are standing up and the words seem to be guiding you, and you realize the words are now flowing out of your mouth and dancing in the air creating harmony. The one way to describe that feeling is humanity.

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Well, on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, many DePaul students and I shared that feeling. We listened to students from all different backgrounds chant and speak about the injustices within the police force. The demonstration was not about one ethnic group but about any ethnic group who is stereotyped and profiled, which ultimately leads to injustices. The words that were making us experience that harmonious feeling connected us because of the simple fact that we are all human beings – brown, black, white, rainbow. We all have hearts, feelings, and a voice.

The group leaders, from clubs such as JASA (Just A Sister Away) and MOVE (Men of Vision and Empowerment), directed the group, who had their hoods on and hands up in honor of Trayvon Martin. We began in front of the Student Center, moved to the SAC and the Vincentian Circle and onto Fullerton, and ended by coming back to the Student Center.

As I was taking pictures, I could feel the power through the lens of the strong faces looking, not towards me, but towards justice. Bystanders were curious and, after understanding the chants, some even joined in on the marching. I did not intend to be a part of the demonstration, rather behind it taking pictures, but before I knew it, I was chanting as I snapped photos.

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I was profusely sweating while I tried to be vocal, take pictures, and not get in the way. When we arrived back at the Student Center, I realized my heart was pounding and my camera’s memory card was almost full. I had never participated in a demonstration before, and I was proud to call the DePaul Injustice System Demonstration my first demonstration.  I hope it will be the first of many more because it was quite the DEMONstration.

JASA and MOVE hosted and organized the DePaul Injustice System Demonstration, which was sponsored by The Sankofa Student Formation Program.

More information about JASA can be found here.

More information about MOVE can be found here and here.

More information about The Sankofa Student Formation can be found here and here.

Purchase of the Week. The Vincentiana Collections at DePaul University 7/28/2014

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This early 20th century holy card is a rare example illustrating the work of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Two members are shown distributing bread to the poor.

The card is Czech. The Vincentiana Collections at the Archives and Special Collections of DePaul University include material culture or ephemera collections that illustrate engagement with the Vincentian tradition over almost four hundred years.

Rev. Jack Melito, C.M. passes away. Popular V.S.I. author

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The Reverend Ignatius M. Melito, C.M., entered into eternal life on July 18, 2014 at St. Louis.  He was 88 years old.

 

Fr. Jack, as he was affectionately called, was born in the city famous for Mardi Gras – New Orleans, on July 8, 1926 to Edna (Flynn) and August J. Melito.  He grew up in our parish of St. Joseph in the heart of New Orleans and home to the largest church in the South, where he attended elementary school, staffed by the Daughters of Charity.  He began his studies at St. Vincent’s College, Cape Girardeau, MO in 1938 and entered the novitiate on May 30, 1943.  He took vows in the Congregation of the Mission on May 31, 1945.  He completed his philosophy and theology at St. Mary’s of the Barrens, Perryville, MO and was ordained there on May 20, 1951.

 

Fr. Jack taught for one year, 1951-1952 at Los Angeles Preparatory Seminary, then the high school seminary for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  After his brief time in California, he spent the remainder of his priestly ministry in Missouri and Denver, CO.  His many assignments included St. Thomas Seminary, Denver, CO; St. Mary’s Seminary, Perryville, MO; St. Louis Preparatory Seminary South, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and St. Catherine Laboure Parish, all in St. Louis, MO.  He also served as the Director of the Daughters of Charity of the then West Central Province from 1976 until 1985 and as one of the archivists for the then Midwest Province.

 

Fr. Jack loved literature and writing.  He received his master’s degree in English from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., in 1953 and then his doctorate in English from the University of Denver in 1965.  In addition to teaching English literature, he wrote or edited a number of articles and texts about the life of St. Vincent de Paul.

 

From 1989 until 1996 he was the editor of the then Midwest Province Newsletter.  He continued to contribute to the Province’s Newsletter until his death.  From 2003 until 2010 he was one of the proofreaders for a project of the translation of the letters and writings of St. Vincent de Paul.  From 2003 until 2009 he also served as editor for the Servicette, the newsletter of the Ladies of Charity.

 

Because he was blessed with reasonably good health until his sudden death, Fr. Jack was able to keep active well beyond the normal retirement age.  The beginning of the 21st century found him still involved in the life of the Vincentian Family in St. Louis, especially as spiritual advisor for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  He was also an active, involved member of Lazarist Residence, his last community house.

 

The book of Proverbs mentions that “pleasing words are a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and healthful to the body.”  The pleasing words of Fr. Jack, especially for those who read his bulletins and publications, made us more knowledgeable about our Vincentian heritage and helped us follow Christ more closely.  May he rest in peace!

Purchase of the Week The Vincentiana Collection at DePaul University 7/13/2014

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This week’s featured purchase from the Vincentiana Collection at DePaul University’s Archives and Special Collections is a late 19th century holy card depicting the death of Vincent de Paul. The surviving account of Vincent’s last days documented the fact that he died fully-clothed sitting upright in a chair. The account also recalls the presence of his confreres from Saint-Lazare at his passing.

A Spiritual Life…

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emily

“Spiritual but not religious” is how many people identify themselves. I hesitate to label myself this way as I begin to uncover the truth, or lack thereof, in my own religious upbringing. Those who identify as such catch some flak for it, I think, because we don’t commit to a particular community. We don’t gather to celebrate our spirituality in a church, synagogue, temple or mosque. So what does our spirituality look like? Is it “watered down,” unfounded or ungrounded? I hope not.

I once heard that it is unacceptable to be a “cafeteria Catholic,” choosing various parts of the faith that one liked and discarding the parts that one doesn’t like. I found I had done that. I like the parts of Catholicism about preferential option for the poor, serving others and walking with people in their brokenness. But I didn’t like the hierarchy, patriarchy or history.

So now I see the spiritual life as “outside.” That “outside” is both literal and figurative. For me it is a journey outside of myself, outside into nature and outside of the comforts and norms to which we acquiesce.  Maybe it’s a focus on what science explains to be so amazing: redwoods that have stood for thousands of years, the physics of lift for a flying bird, the euphony of rain. It’s outside of buildings but also outside of one’s self. Spirituality seems to require the first step of listening – listening to others whether they are 7 years old, 47 years old or 97 years old, the President of the company or the janitor of the facility. It also requires listening to every moment; listening to the water drip in the shower, your shoes hitting the pavement, wind in the trees, air as it circulates a room, the breath of the person next to you and the laughter of a stranger.

There is a spirit that runs through and connects all those things. Maybe to get in touch with one’s spiritual self is to just stop, go “outside” and listen; but truly listen. So often we try to think of a best response to someone that we don’t actually listen to them. So often we try to think of a best response to a situation that we don’t listen to that situation. Before the planning and action, why not listen? When an upsetting situation or event arises I try to come up with a solution immediately. Maybe I just need to listen to the situation before attacking, as if it needs quelling. When a good or positive situation arises I try to think about how I can keep it going and preserve the good. Maybe I should just listen to it and let it go.

There is the spirit that gives people, animals and plants life. There must be a spirit that gives each moment and social movement life. When a community gathers to support equal rights, when a community stands up against injustice, when a community collaborates to bring about social change, it invokes a spirit. How do we nourish that spirit? How do we give spirit to the spiritual life?

 

Emily Kraus is an Administrative Assistant with the Division of Student Affairs who is also pursuing her Masters degree in Bilingual Bicultural Education at DePaul’s College of Education.  She is a former University Ministry student leader who completed her DePaul undergraduate degree in 2006 . 

Watch Your Bacc!

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Capture

Need a little more pomp and circumstance in your life? Want a chance to march around campus in your cap and gown taking all the family photos you want without worrying about dire post-commencement rental-return warnings?

Join us at Baccalaureate Mass!

I’m writing to let you know that ALL graduating students regardless of religious affiliation are invited – welcomed, encouraged, urged – to participate in DePaul’s Baccalaureate Mass!

Don’t be afraid – I’ll walk you through it now and hope to see you this Friday afternoon, June 13th, as DePaul’s Baccalaureate is held at St. Vincent de Paul Church the Friday of Commencement Weekend.

First of all, “Baccalaureate:” Five syllables. Sounds like some sort of award, or a card game played in a Monte Carlo casino. One meaning, derived from Latin is “undergraduate degree.” Another definition is “a religious service held at an educational institution before commencement.” Bingo. As a faith-based institution DePaul wants to celebrate and pray with/for graduating students.

Secondly, Baccalaureate Mass is indeed a mass, but not an ordinary Sunday one. It begins with an academic procession led by the DePaul banner and banners representing each of the colleges that make up the university. Faculty and students in their academic regalia file into St. Vincent’s as guests of honor (your parents will love it). Following this academic procession is the liturgical procession – there’s incense, cross, candles, and those assisting in celebrating the Mass all process to celebratory music led by a 22-member orchestra and 24-voice choir.

If you’ve never been to a Catholic mass and are graduating from “The largest Catholic university in North America,” it’s a good time to check one out before you depart. If you are a regular Sunday attendee you’ll find a lot to like. Fr. Holtschneider, our president, will be the presider. Muslim, Jewish, and Protestant staff of University Ministry will be up front as well, along with Vincentian priests in addition to Fr. Holtschneider.

Thirdly, all graduates are encouraged to wear your cap and gown (and any other academic regalia you have been given or awarded). Somehow people often fail to get this message – so feel free to share it. Students line up in the Student Center Atrium between 3:00 and 3:30pm for the academic procession to the church at 3:45pm. Families and guests are encouraged to arrive at St. Vincent’s as early as 3:00pm, as seating is limited.

You can give me a shout to answer any questions you may have about the Baccalaureate Mass. Hope to see you there!

Matt Merkt is Chaplain for Liturgy with DePaul’s Catholic Campus Ministry

Photo courtesy of Jeff Carrion/DePaul University

Newsnote: “Vincentiana purchase of the week: 6/5/2014”

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This week’s featured purchase for the Vincentiana collection at the Special Collections and Archives Department of DePaul University’s Richardson Library features a mid-10th century French holy card featuring a Daughter of Charity serving the poor as an icon of charity.  This is from a series of these holy cards that reflect the public and ecclesial perception of the Daughters of Charity  as the personification of Christian and human charity.  This holy card features a Daughter making a home visit to a garret apartment where the mother of the family is ill in bed.  The sister prepares her medicine as she also cares for the woman’s children. The legend of the card reads: “The sister of St. Vincent de Paul: a missionary of charity.”

Marketing and Profiting from Vincent de Paul

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The Vincentiana material culture collection at DePaul University’s Archives and Special Collections Department possesses a large number of devotional items (holy cards, statues, medals, prints) of Vincent de Paul created over the last four hundred years.  These items not only reflect the popularity of Vincent de Paul, but the potential profit of that popularity.  After all, printers would not have put out editions of Vincent de Paul holy cards and images if there weren’t a ready supply of interested buyers.  Supply and demands works as inexorably with devotion as it does with capitalism.  One of the most interesting ways to use Vincent’s name and image to brand an item for sale was several historical examples of “elixirs” or patent medicines designed to cure a variety of ailments, including the ever-popular “anemia.”  It appears that some of these were directly or indirectly sponsored by the Daughters of Charity themselves.  Attached is an example of a late 19th century advertisement for such a medicinal product.

Ozanam Centennial and Bicentennial

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2013 marked the bicentennial of the birth of Frederic Ozanam.  The year that is about to end witnessed a large number of celebrations in Paris and world-wide for the anniversary.  The Vincentiana collection at the John T. Richardson Library at DePaul University in Chicago has recently acquired  a copy of the announcement for the centennial celebration held in Paris in April 1913.  The card appears below:

 

Book of the Week: “Saint Francois de Sales et la Contre-Reforme”

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Aimé Richardt, Saint François de Sales et la Contre-Réforme, Paris: François-Xavier de Guibert, 2013. Pp. 269. ISBN 978-207554-0553-8. 25,90.
“C’est souvent dans les périodes difficiles que surgissent d’authentiques témoins de la foi chrétienne. François de Sales est l’un de ceux-là.
Cet homme qui vit à la charnière de deux siècles, au lendemain du concile de Trne don’t il s’emploie à appliquer la réforme, est une personnalité de premier ordre. Né à Thorens, aux abords d’Annecy, aux portes de Genève don’t il deviendra l’évêque, c’est à tous égards un «homme de frontières» que nous présente avec talen Aimé Richardt.
Personnalité marquant de la »renaissance catholique«, qu’il s’agisse de convertir les protestants de son diocèse ou d’initier la vie religieuse, la force de François de Sales était tout entière celle de l’Amour, d’un amour puisé dans l’amour même de Dieu, don’t il a su parler mieux que personne dans le fameux Traité qui porte ce titre.
Cet amour de Dieu est pour lui inséparable de l’amour de l’Église, comme il le soulignait lui-même en citant saint Cyprien: «Nul ne peut avoird Dieur pour père qui n’aura cette Église pour mère.»
Cet home énergique alliait avec bonheur bon sens et couceur, et cet amouor a eu une fécondite extraordinaire. Outre la Visitation fondée avec Jeanne de Chantal et qui, trente ans après, comptera quatre-vingt-dix monastères en Europe, il existe ou a existé aussi au mons ving instituts féminins et six masculins qui se sont inspirés de sa doctrine spirituelle, en particulier les Salésiens de Dom Bosco, ces grands éducateurs. C’est en reconnaissance de sa dette spirtuelle que le Bienheureux Newman prendra comme devise de cardinal ce mot de François de Sales: Cor a cor loquitur, le cœur parle au cœurs.”

Specialiste des XVIe et XVIIe siècles, Aimé RICHARDT a publié de nombreux ouvrages, dont un Fénelon couronné par l’Académie française. Parmi ses derniers ouvrages parus: Calvin, Érasme et Henri VIII ou le schisme anglican.