ADVENT 2020

JANUARY BRUNCH 68th ANNUAL RED MASS Georgetown University Civil Servants Called to President to Deliver Be Authentic Witnesses January Keynote of Hope Says Bishop

he 48th president of Georgetown ollowing strict guidelines issued TUniversity is scheduled to address Fduring the coronavirus pandemic, the Society at the January lecture. the John Carroll Society celebrated the John J. DeGioia, Ph.D. will speak to the 68th Annual Red Mass with a livestream Society on the effects of Covid-19 on broadcast of the traditional Solemn higher education via Zoom on Jan. 10. Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sunday, October 4. Fewer than 100 members of

Named president Photo by Christopher Newkumet the Society and special guests including of the Jesuit-led Suvia Yuan, assistant secretary of the John university on July the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Carroll Society served as a lector at the 68th 1, 2001 DeGioia attended the Mass at St. Matthew’s Annual Red Mass. earned both his Cathedral in Northwest Washington Bachelor’s Degree while over 3,800 people later viewed the first Monday in October – blesses those in English and liturgy on YouTube. Cardinal Wilton D. involved in the administration of justice later his Doctorate Gregory, Archbishop of Washington was as well as all public officials from all lev- in Philosophy the principal celebrant and was joined els of government and calls on the gifts Georgetown University Photo from Georgetown by other concelebrants including of the Holy Spirit for all civil servants where he has also served as a senior Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the and members of the law profession. apostolic nuncio to the United States administrator and faculty member. In his homily, Bishop Burbidge called on The administrator continues to teach and Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge, who delivered the homily. Monsignor the specific gifts of wisdom, understand- an Ignatius Seminar each fall for first ing, counsel, and strength. “We need year students focusing on the Jesuit Ronald Jameson and Monsignor Peter Vaghi also concelebrated the Mass. these gifts to defend every human life, educational theme Cura Personalis – from the moment of conception to natu- care for the whole person. The Mass – which is held before the ral death; to eradicate the evils of racism, Supreme Court opens its term on the In nearly 20 years of leadership DeGioia Continued on page 5 strengthened Georgetown’s academic excellence, commitment to its Catholic and Jesuit identity, and ties to Wash- Archbishop Gregory Elevated to Cardinal ington D.C. and beyond. The univer- sity recently completed a $1.5 billion n Oct. 24 Pope Francis named 13 new cardinals – including Washington campaign to enhance the lifelong value OArchbishop Wilton Gregory. Scheduled to be elevated at a Nov. 28 consistory of a Georgetown education. at the Vatican, the prelate became the first African- American to be elevated to the College of Cardinals. A recipient of the John Carroll Society Medal, DeGioia received the Lifetime In a statement following the announcement, the new Achievement Award for Excellence in cardinal said, “With a very grateful and humble heart, Academia by the Sons of Italy, and the I thank Pope Francis for this appointment which will allow me to work more closely with him in caring for Continued on page 5 Christ’s Church.” A native of Chicago, Cardinal Gregory was installed as the Archbishop of Washington in May 2019 and at the VOL. 27 time said he was committed to transparency and telling NO. 1 INSIDE the truth. Since then Cardinal Gregory has helped shep- herd area faithful during a worldwide pandemic and Page 4 Pro Bono Awards racial unrest in the country – praising peaceful protests

for racial justice. Photo by Christopher Newkumet Top of the Town Page 6 On Oct. 4 Cardinal Gregory served as the principal celebrant of the 68th Annual Page 7 Member News Red Mass. The John Carroll Society joins the archdiocese in praying for the newly named cardinal.

WWW.JOHNCARROLLSOCIETY.ORG John Carroll Society Established 1951 Archdiocese of Washington UPCOMING EVENTS 2020-21

Officers January 10, 2021 President, Jeffrey H. Paravano JANUARY LECTURE ON THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD First Vice President, Andrew N. Cook Lecture to be broadcast via Zoom at noon. Followed by a Q&A session. Second Vice President, Preeya Noronha Pinto Secretary, Elizabeth A. Young Speaker: Jack DeGioia, President, Georgetown University, will be presenting Assistant Secretary, Suvia Yuan a keynote address on the effects of COVID-19 on higher education. Treasurer, Christopher H. Mitchell Assistant Treasurer, Mary Ann Dmochowski February 20, 2021 APRIL 23, 2021 Parliamentarian, Jane Sullivan Roberts LENTEN DAY OF RECOLLECTION 35th ANNUAL DINNER Historian, John J. DeGioia, Ph.D. Immediate Past President, Carol Grefenstette Bates Washington Retreat Center, 8:30 a.m. The Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, DC, 6:30 p.m. Board of Governors March 14, 2021 October 2020 through May 2021 Bret Baier 30th ANNUAL ROSE MASS James D. Bishop Church of the Little Flower, Bethesda, FIRST THURSDAY FELLOWSHIP Gregory D. Grant 10:30 a.m. Mass. Speaker: Rev. Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi Michael R. Huston Series Title: The Eternal Word in a Catherine Ronan Karrels Principal Celebrant and Homilist: Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, COVID-19 World Alexandra LaFrankie Archbishop of Washington Michelle Lally Every First Thursday at the Church Jeff MacKinnon of the Little Flower in Bethesda. Hon. Anita McBride Theological Reflection at 7:00 a.m. Eileen Moore, MD in the Church. Jack Murphy Ricardo Perez, DDS Scott Rembold Philip J. Ward NEW JCS MEMBERS As of October 30, 2020 Society Chaplain Stephen Holowesko Charmi Blan James Mazon Rev. Monsignor Peter J. Vaghi Laura Sheehan Kallen Sponsor: Chris Mitchell Sponsor: Nicholas Reeves Darryl Kelley Executive Director Sofia Markovich Michael Cozzi Hon. Michael McAuliffe Sponsor: Msgr. Peter Vaghi Sponsor: George Braun Sponsor: Dr. John Morrissey Colleen Mudlaff Rev. Anthony Lickteig Daniel Horning Brigid Prosser Communication and Rev. George Stuart Sponsor: John E. Lazar Sponsor: Michael Huston Outreach Committee Sponsor: Elizabeth Meers Samuel Lucas Rev. William M. Watson, S.J. Chair, Raj Noronha Erica Armstrong Sponsor: Dan Hardwick Sponsor: Jan O’Brien Editor, Lynnea Mumola Sponsor: Adam Higgins Dan Wilson Designer, Andy Eng Sponsor: Tim Gleeson

MEMBER PROFILE New Co-Chairs Proud of Society’s Traditions his past August John Carroll Society She noted that all of the professionals in Tmembers Jennifer Abbey and the Society also show their faith – in their Michelle Lally were named co-chairs of professional life – something that is impor- the Younger Fellowship Committee. tant to Lally as she continues to work on Active in the Society since joining in strengthening her faith and prayer life. 2016, Lally credited the members of the Her goals for the committee are to bring group for sharing their faith, providing more membership “so we can grow into fellowship and helping her adjust to life the tradition and grow in our faith.” in a new city. Although never a member Lally said she has been most concerned herself, Lally’s aunt – a lawyer working in about younger members who are single the District when Lally relocated to the At left Michelle Lally, and Jennifer Abbey were and are experiencing increased loneliness area – recommended that her niece look recently named co-chairs of the Young Adult during the pandemic. Some of that can be into joining the professionals in the John Fellowship committee. countered by the events of the John Carroll Carroll Society. Additionally, Lally soon Society – “it gives us hope and a place to found herself working at the same hospital as Dr. Thomas come to,” adding that she was pleasantly surprised at how suc- Loughney, president of the society at the time. cessful the all-virtual Top of the Town event was this year. The “The richness of the society is passing the tradition down,” Zoom meeting provided a quality speaker and an opportunity said Lally, a physician assistant during a recent interview. for intimate small group discussions. Lally added that she was “We have a lot to learn from the older generation.” Continued on page 6

2 — The Carroll Citizen Advent 2020 CHAPLAIN’S LETTER — ADVENT 2020

My dear John Carroll Society members, The moving image of Rembrandt’s “Return of the Prodigal Son” has for a long time been impressed on my mind and is very much a part of my heart especially as we approach Advent in this pandemic year. It reflects so well not only the alienated son who finally returned to his loving father, but importantly it speaks of our Father, God the Father, who in the words of Ephesians “is rich in mercy,” (Eph 2:4). Pope Francis, who often speaks of mercy when he speaks of Jesus, writes, that “the signs he works, es- pecially in the face of sinners, the poor, the marginalized, the sick, and the suffering are all meant to teach mercy. Everything in him speaks of mercy, nothing in him is devoid of compassion,” (Misericordiae Vultus 8). This well-known parable of St. Luke could as well be called the “Parable of the Merciful Father,” (Lk 15:11-32). Meditate, if you will, as we begin this joyful season of Advent, these 26 days of preparation for Christmas, on that very precise and loving action of the Father in this parable. St. Luke so beautifully describes it: “While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him,” (Lk 15: 20). During this Advent season 2020, and especially during this season of this world-wide pandemic, each one of us, John Carroll members, is challenged to put on the love and mercy of God the Father as continually revealed by His Son. Mercy was, after all, born at Christmas. Our present challenge, I suggest, includes actively reaching out to at least one specific person in our lives who is alienated from God, from the Church, from our family or from ourselves, a person discouraged and marginalized in this time of pandemic. Do not wait for that person to pick up the telephone or drop by your home or send you an email. Like the loving Father, I invite you to take the initiative. It is an initiative of our God living within us. Our Catholic faith, moreover, is always about taking initiatives in life, taking risks for others. That is at the heart of mercy – God’s restorative power within us. Or in the words of Pope Francis, in his latest and most beautiful encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti: “No one can face life in isolation…We need a community that supports and helps us, in which we can help one another to keep looking ahead. How important it is to dream together… By ourselves, we risk seeing mirages, things that are not there. Dreams, on the other hand, are built together,” (8). We thus pray for each other and reach out to each other, during these challenging times, Advent 2020. We pray that no prodigal son or daughter be left alone or suffer- ing for lack of our concrete and intentional and loving care in this Advent season. A blessed Advent and a most holy Christmas and New Year! Know that I will remember you at my Christmas Masses and throughout this holy season. In the mercy of God the Father, a mercy continually revealed by His Son, I remain Prayerfully yours, Monsignor Peter J. Vaghi Chaplain, the John Carroll Society Photo by Eddie Arrossi

PRE-ADVENT RETREAT Advent Retreat Highlights the Ultimate Season of Hope

egistration for the Pre-Advent Retreat was limited to 40 people, required participants to wear masks, Rand moved to Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center in order to abide by restrictions of the Coronavirus pandemic. Members of the John Carroll Society and their friends experienced a half-day retreat held on November 21. “Advent – A Season of Hope” was presented by the retreat director, Father Anthony Lickteig, vicar for clergy and assistant secretary for ministerial leadership at the Archdiocese of Washington. Father Anthony Lickteig, Although this year’s fall retreat was smaller, participants still were invited to take a break from their served as the spiritual regular routines and reflect on the meaning of Advent. Dr. Ricardo Perez served as the Chair for this director of the Pre-Advent annual event that also offers time for fellowship, prayer and the celebration of Mass. Retreat held on Nov. 21

The Carroll Citizen Advent 2020 — 3 Annual Awards Honor Volunteer Service of ‘Legal Heroes’ ollowing the liturgy, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Attorney Lindsey Erdmann accepted a pro bono case from FArchbishop of Washington and the principal celebrant Catholic Charities Legal Network in July 2019, and she of the 68th Annual Red Mass announced the recipients was able to successfully complete the complicated Prince of the 2020 John Carroll Society Pro Bono Legal Awards. George’s County family law matter involving domestic Describing the honorees as “legal heroes,” the following violence by February 2020. Erdmann’s legal practice focuses four individuals and one law firm were recognized for on family law at the firm of McNamee Hosea in Maryland. their dedication over the past year volunteering with the Erdmann is a graduate of the University of Delaware, Catholic Charities Legal Network. earning a Bachelor of Arts, and a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law. The awardees for 2020 included: Sanjay Jose Mullick, Esq.; Kathleen The law firm of Wiley Rein LLP has “Kitty” T. Wach, Esq.; Steven B. Mudd, conducted telephone intake since Esq.; Lindsey Erdmann, Esq.; and the January 2016. Attorneys and legal law firm of Wiley Rein LLP. All “role professionals at the firm have been models for serving those in need,” thorough and discerning while per- Cardinal Gregory said. “Pope Francis forming this service on a continuous issued his encyclical inviting people basis for over four years. In addi- of good will to care for one another as tion to staffing biweekly telephone brothers and sisters,” the cardinal said, intake through the coordination of “these honorees have done just that Julianna Chuslo, attorneys from the with fervor and compassion.” firm have also represented clients, including in one notable public Attorney Sanjay Mullick has been benefits case. Attorneys Martha conducting thorough intake assess- Vázquez and Louisa Brooks, under ments in Spanish for Catholic Chari- the direction of Stephen Obermeier, ties Legal Network for over two years. were able to protect a DC resident’s As a bilingual attorney, he has been 12 hour per day home health care invaluable to the program as one of assistance. Given the man’s substan- only a handful of volunteer attorneys tial needs as a paraplegic suffering qualified to do so. Since the pandemic from colon cancer as well as his began, Mullick has been in regular past evaluations, the 2019 evalua- telephone contact with Spanish- tion decision to reduce assistance speaking clients who seek the services to 4 hours per day made little sense of the Legal Network. His desire to and threatened to substantially always say “yes” when program staff degrade the client’s quality of life. ask him to assist is commendable. The attorneys worked throughout 2019 to gather and present evidence Mullick is a partner in the Inter- from his doctors, social worker national Trade & National Security and current home health aide. All practice at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. the while, the client continued to He earned a Bachelor of Science in

Photo by Christopher Newkumet receive 12 hours of care per day Foreign Service, International Politics, during the pendency of the recon- from Georgetown University, and The principal celebrant of the 68th Annual Red sideration. Finally, on December 19, a law degree from Georgetown Mass, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of 2019, the man learned that 12 hours University Law Center. Washington, also announced the recipients of the per day were to continue through 2020 John Carroll Society Pro Bono Legal Awards 2020, elating him and protecting Attorney Kitty Wach served two terms at the conclusion of the liturgy. the quality of life he deserves. on Catholic Charities Legal Network’s Advisory Council from 2011-2017. She was an active Stephen Obermeier, partner at Wiley Rein and the mentor member of the council, bringing her experience as the Pro attorney mentioned above, is currently serving on Catholic Bono Counsel at Miller & Chevalier Chartered to guide and Charities Legal Network’s Advisory Council. He has been instruct CCLN. Wach has overseen the representation of a member since October 2018, and he is the contact for numerous pro bono cases, many of them complicated the firm. family cases, referred by Catholic Charities Legal Network to attorneys at Miller & Chevalier, and she is also the point Established over 30 years ago, the Legal Network annually of contact for Miller & Chevalier’s biweekly telephone serves over 3,000 people who are below the poverty line, intake shift, staffed by attorneys and legal professionals providing free legal service and referrals. Since March 16, at the firm. 2020 services continued virtually due to the restrictions and health concerns of Covid-19. Wach is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, earning a Bachelor of Arts, and of Georgetown University Honoree profiles provided by James Bishop, Esq., director of Catholic Law Center, where she earned her juris doctorate. Charities’ Legal Network

4 — The Carroll Citizen Advent 2020 Bishop Burbidge Calls Civil Servants to be Authentic Witnesses Continued from page 1 discrimination, and bigotry that plague our communities; to bring justice to the poor, the weak, the immigrant and the marginalized; to promote religious liberty and freedom of conscience; and to care for God’s Creation, our common home,” he added. The prelate also prayed for civil servants and guardians of the law who served the country especially remembering Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who died on Sep- tember 18 at the age of 87 after serving on the Supreme Court for 27 years. Photo by Christopher Newkumet Addressing those in government service Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge delivers the homily at the 68th annual Red Mass on Oct. 4 including Chief Justice John Roberts, held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral and broadcast to a virtual audience. members of the Supreme Court and federal and local judges, Bishop Burbidge asked God for strength and clarity. “In Later Cardinal Gregory announced During the Mass additional prayers of this Red Mass, we ask that these gifts this year’s Pro Bono honorees calling intention were offered for healing of be yours as you confront the complex the individual lawyers and firms all people diagnosed with Covid-19 issues facing our nation, bear the public “Legal Heroes.” (See related article on including United States President scrutiny brought upon you, and discern Page 4.) Cardinal Gregory said those Donald Trump and First Lady Melania the many voices and demands that honored are already living out the Trump; those who died including clamor for your attention,” he said. themes of Pope Francis’ latest encycli- Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and “Sadly today, the justice and peace for cal, Fratelli Tutti. “Pope Francis issued his members of the John Carroll Society; which we long are seriously threatened. encyclical inviting people of good will and immigrants and the poor. How do we respond?” he asked. “As to care for one another as brothers and Prior to the Mass, Anita McBride, a Christ reveals, we begin by listening to sisters,” the cardinal said, “these honor- member of the Society’s Board of God’s word and allowing it to reign in ees have done just that with fervor and Governors, explained the history of our hearts.” compassion.” St. Matthew’s Cathedral and some of The prelate called on all public servants Msgr. Peter Vaghi, chaplain of the the history of the Red Mass. Named for to become witnesses to Gospel values Society said although the circumstances the red vestments worn by the clergy and bring Christ to the “public arena. and Covid-19 safety protocols resulted at the liturgy, the color represents the Be authentic witnesses of His saving in a different way of celebrating the tongues of fire symbolizing the presence work, who alone is the Way, the Truth, Red Mass, Society members and leaders of the Holy Spirit. This year, Edward A. and the Life.” Additionally, Bishop did “not want to interrupt the tradition. O’Connell served as the chair for the Burbidge offered the example of St. We needed to pray for our nation.” society’s Red Mass Committee which Thomas More, a statesman and lawyer The small in-person gathering and included the following members: James in England who despite threats to his virtual presentation enabled people Bowe, Andrew Cook, Gregory Grant, own life remained faithful to God from the entire world to learn about the David Matuszewski, Chris Mitchell, without compromise. After refusing to ancient liturgy for public servants and Raj Noronha, Jeff Paravano, Neil take the Oath of Supremacy to King to provide a way to pray as well, noted Schumacher, Hon. Margaret Sweeney, Henry VIII, St. Thomas was convicted the chaplain. “We prayed for healing in Msgr. Peter Vaghi, Phil Ward and of treason and executed. “Authentic every level of our life and for all of the Elizabeth Young. witnesses are those who seek no politi- human family,” Msgr. Vaghi said. By Lynnea Mumola cal gain or worldly honors,” reminded Bishop Burbidge whose cathedral in Arlington is named for St. Thomas More. Georgetown University President to Deliver The bishop said today more than ever Keynote at January Brunch public servants must turn to God and Continued from page 1 ask for the courage to live in a manner worthy of upholding the sacredness “Catholic in the Public Square Award” by Commonweal. He was also honored of law. “This is your sacred duty and as a “Brave Thinker” by The Atlantic, and in 2008 DeGioia was named “Wash- we need you today, more than ever ingtonian of the Year” by Washingtonian magazine. before,” Bishop Burbidge said. “Authen- This year the lecture will be broadcast on Zoom on Jan. 10 with a question tic witnesses never despair. They are and answer session. The presentation is part of an annual event focusing on filled with joyful hope because Jesus Catholic higher education, and marks the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Christ, through his suffering, death and All registrants will receive a link to join the talk. resurrection, turned suffering to glory.”

The Carroll Citizen Advent 2020 — 5 TOP OF THE TOWN Speaker Advises Praying the Beatitudes In Times of Unrest xplaining how the Ewell-known Beatitudes found in the Gospel might be used for insight dur- ing challenging times, the keynote speaker at this year’s annual Top of the Town event urged Society members to slow down

in order to bring peace to Photo courtesy of the John Carroll Society troubled times. “All of the Members of the John Carroll Society enjoyed an evening of virtual fellowship on September 23 at the annual effort, purpose, and hope Top of the Town event. Each year the Top of the Town kicks off the programs for the Society. This year members (of the Beatitudes) leaves met over Zoom for a presentation by Professor Amy Uelmen and small group discussions. room for the Holy Spirit to be the healing balm,” said for forgiveness and listening to one an- The annual event, sponsored by the Professor Amy Uelmen, a lecturer at other in a fractured society. Younger Member Fellowship, moved Georgetown Law Center and senior online due to coronavirus restrictions research fellow at Georgetown’s “Blessed are the Peacemakers,” said limiting large gatherings but allowed Berkley Center. Uelmen, noting that “slowing the pace helps me… appreciate what’s going on for smaller conversations about the “Pope Francis writes that we are called with other people – especially when they loss and difficulties faced by all of the to be contemplatives in the midst of are suffering.” She added that by also participants. action,” Uelmen said. remembering God blesses those who After a welcome from Society President Although speaking virtually to over 30 mourn it helps her to train “my gaze – Jeffrey Paravano, Washington Auxiliary participants on Sep. 23, Uelmen led to not look away, to not duck when Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville delivered the members in an intimate discussion there is suffering in my life.” the opening prayer at the all-virtual on how praying the Beatitudes can The professor guided members to think event noting the need to remember increase prayer and assist in bringing about the tensions seen in the Beatitudes to pray for immigrants, refugees and calm to those around us. in order to find meaning in a year that people displaced around the world. During the event participants listened has included Covid-19, reckoning of race “There is no better way than when to Uelmen’s reflection, “Integrating in society and an election dividing the we stop thinking of ourselves and Faith and Professional Life: Praying nation. She urged participants to con- give time, thoughts, and room in our with the Beatitudes” and later divided sider the implication of the Beatitudes hearts for those in need,” Bishop into smaller groups to share their and how they might be applied to life Dorsonville said. reactions and own ideas how the and “to choose a beatitude that leads By Lynnea Mumola Beatitudes can open up possibilities to prayer, reflection and action.”

New Co-Chairs Proud of Society’s Traditions legacy of the John Carroll Society can be passed down to the Continued from page 2 next generation. At this year’s virtual Top of the Town event, Abbey told partici- able to meet some new people and have deeper conversations pants the Society “has really been a consistent community for during the evening online event. me as I transitioned from being a student to a professional.” Although going online to protect people from Covid-19 is not And like Lally, her co-chair agreed that adjusting the format to ideal, Lally has come to embrace using the Internet to gather an online event gave members “an opportunity to be together. for fellowship. She and the committee are working on a pos- The break-out rooms really helped” Abbey said, adding they sible trivia game over Zoom and perhaps an online book club will be “thinking of creative ways to get people engaged.” in the future. Lally said she hopes and looks forward to when During the event, Lally also noted that the pandemic resulted members can gather together without restrictions from the in many losses including some of the usual Society gatherings pandemic but overall feels, “blessed to be a part of it all.” – “there are many things we are all mourning during this time, A lawyer, Jennifer Abbey has been a member of the John big or small,” but the John Carroll Society can provide healing Carroll Society since 2014 - while still a student at Catholic and connectedness. For both chairs, faith is an important part University Law School. As a faith leader on campus, Abbey of life and the society helps to foster faith. recalled she was asked to serve on the Red Mass committee. “The John Carroll Society is a wonderful, diverse group of She joined the Society and remembered “instantly” feeling people,” said Abbey, noting she has “formed friendships and welcomed by the community of professionals. Members mentorships” throughout her entire time with the organization. “provide mentorship and an opportunity to be part of a com- “My experience has been a great way to meet new people of munity that accommodates the busy lives of professionals,” different professions – all of whom are devoted to their faith.” Abbey said. And with a younger members committee, the By Lynnea Mumola

6 — The Carroll Citizen Advent 2020 MEMBER NEWS

n On June 29 Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi, n JCS Member Frank n JCS members Society Chaplain, celebrated 35 years J. Butler’s new mem- Adam Higgins and as a priest for the Archdiocese of Wash- oir, “Belonging: One Erica Armstrong ington. The pastor of the Church of the Catholic’s Journey”, is became engaged Little Flower in Bethesda is a graduate of now available. The book on May 15 near the Gonzaga Catholic High School, College contains reflections of Southeast waterfront. They are planning of the Holy Cross, Frank’s life, faith and ser- a 2021 wedding at St. Joseph’s Parish on University of Salz- vice for over thirty years Capitol Hill. burg, University of as president of FADICA, Virginia Law School an association of Catholic n Laura Miranda Flefil and U.S. Army and the Gregorian grant makers, and responsibilities for one Colonel (R) Timothy Andrew McKernan University in Rome. of the largest grassroots consultations on were married by Father Carlo Magno In Oct. 2019 the Catholicism ever undertaken by US bishops Nuñez - custodian Society recognized - Call to Action. A founding board member of Our Lady of Msgr. Vaghi for of Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR!), Suyapa - at Christ’s his three decades he currently serves on the board of the Mercy Parish in Saint of support to the National Catholic Reporter. Frank also writes Lucia on the 20th of Catholic Charities’ of the hopes for renewal of the Church. February of this year. Legal Network by n surprising him with the 2019 Pro Bono n Margaret Sweeney completed her 15- Hope Blake Belford Legal Service Award. Last summer, year term as a judge of the United States arrived on June 24 Society members marked his priestly Court of Federal Claims on October 24. to proud father and anniversary with notes and cards of Society member congratulations and a slide show high- n Elizabeth B. Meers recently began a Patrick Belford and lighting Msgr. Vaghi’s life and ministry. three-year term on the Board of Directors grandparents Jane In an interview published in America of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Belford and Kevin magazine five years ago, the priest said, Washington. Belford. “By far, I believe a consistent highlight n Armando Varricchio, Ambassador of Italy in my ministry over the last 30 years to the United States recently presented has been my commitment to teaching DECEASED MEMBERS Anita McBride, with the title “Cavaliere” the faith…Teaching the Catholic faith, Please pray for the repose of the of the Order of Merit in every aspect, is what has brought soul of the following members and of the Italian Republic me great satisfaction as a parish priest.” friends of the John Carroll Society: – the highest-ranking Congratulations to our Society Chaplain honor last October. on 35 years in the priesthood. Nancy Fronterio McBride, executive-in- Janis Cook n Karen Naumann APR, has joined the residence at the Center Donald Rhinehart for Congressional and Presidential Studies U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Ken Psillas at American University also serves as Vice Information School in Fort Meade, Md. Donald Anderson Chair of Cultural Affairs for The National Ital- In her senior instructor role for the ad- Arthur Hamm vanced instruction ian American Foundation. “I am humbled Patsy Van Dyke team, she will train to receive this honor from the President Joanne West U.S. military, DoD of the Italian Republic,” Anita said. “My civilian, internation- thoughts go immediately to my parents and William Baier al military and inter- grandparents, and extended members of Bill Whitty national students in my Bevacqua and DePiano families, all who Lucy Ronan public affairs. immigrated from Calabria and Campania David Ahern seeking opportunities in America.”

Book Review: G.K. Chesterton – balks at actual conversion, having “come Because ultimately, “we do not really An Eloquent Convert and Apologist too near to the truth and has forgotten want a religion that is right where we for the Faith that truth is a magnet with the power are right. What we want is a religion Continued from page 8 of attraction and repulsion.” Chesterton that is right where we are wrong.” After recounts that he “was never less troubled conversion, deeper education in the responsible to” and “will know what he by doubts than in the last phase, when I Faith aids that inquiry. is responsible for.” This challenge, once was troubled by fears.” But, in a mysteri- Although Chesterton wrote almost a accepted, yields to the exciting discovery ous way, “the iron leaps to the magnet,” century ago, his message still resonates of the Church’s many truths and and “a spirit of wonder and the glow of in today’s society. As he predicted, future traditions. an unexpected good” emerges. generations can discover that conversion Then, the “truest and the most terrible The convert now has a “starting-point provides “the actual alternative in the challenge” can occur – the individual for straight and strenuous thinking.” awful actualities of our time.”

The Carroll Citizen Advent 2020 — 7 John Carroll Society P.O. Box 454 Glen Echo, MD 20812

The Carroll Citizen is published by the John Carroll Society, PO Box 454, Glen Echo, MD 20812 Visit our web site www.johncarrollsociety.org Lynnea Mumola, Editor | Raj Noronha, Chair, The Carroll Citizen | Chris Newkumet, Photographer | Andy Eng, Designer For more information on the programs and services sponsored by the Society, contact: Colleen Mudlaff, Executive Director, by phone at (301) 654-4399.

BOOK REVIEW by Ted Hirt

or that “contemporary ideas” lacked G.K. Chesterton – An Eloquent Convert staying power. and Apologist for the Faith For Chesterton, the Church is a “house with a hundred gates; and no two men G.K. Chesterton. The Catholic Church and Conversion enter at exactly the same angle.” He (Ignatius Press, 2006, $9.95). modestly describes his conversion expe- recently reviewed Saint John Henry audience that, rience as “a very trivial one.” Raised in INewman’s 1865 account of his in his view, often a household that was “at least as much conversion to the Faith – Apologia Pro treated Roman Agnostic as Anglican,” he witnessed Vita Sua (“Apology for His Life”). The Catholicism many attacks on the Church, its Catholic Church and Conversion also as a novelty or doctrines, priesthood, and rituals. But addresses that experience, combining even as a “New he was not affected by “old-fashioned intellectual insight, wit, and personal Religion,” out of charges against Rome,” which, after reflections. place in a world study, he decided were erroneous. increasingly at- Such charges were weak obstacles to Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936), conversion. was a renowned English author and tracted to socialism (as he was for a time), prolific writer – over 80 books, and, or to spiritualism or various social move- After concluding that attacks on the perhaps more startling, “over 4,000 ments. The paradox was that the Church Church are unwarranted, the prospec- newspaper essays, including 30 years- itself was “the only old religion that is so tive convert next must try to grasp the worth of weekly columns for the new.” At a personal level, a convert’s ex- Church’s truths. This can be difficult, Illustrated London News, and 13 years of perience did not differ from that of a first because, in the modernist world, weekly columns for the Daily News.” See century citizen of Greece who had listened religion often does not propose adher- www.chesterton.org (a great website!). to Saint Paul’s teachings. And, Chesterton ence to doctrine, or even to personal He became a Roman Catholic in 1922. asks, who will explain why the Faith “is responsibility. The individual experi- still as new to the last converts as it was ences doubt after discovering that Published in 1926, The Catholic Church to the first of the shepherds?” Roman Catholicism expects responsibility, i.e., and Conversion is a profound and pro- Catholicism would be particularly attrac- the convert “will have somebody to be vocative examination of the conversion tive to individuals who decided that they experience. Chesterton addresses an had no reason to remain in their churches Continued on page 7

8 — The Carroll Citizen Advent 2020