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Home , Philosophical realism

SUMMER 2017 • Volume 10 • Issue 1

A R ATIONAL SEARCH FOR THE SCHOOL OF ’S UNIFIED APPROACH “Faith and are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself—so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves.” —St. John Paul II These opening words from St. John Paul II’s encyclical on the Speakers at fi rst session of the philosophical conference “The Metaphysical relation between faith and reason Dimensions of .” Fr. Rafael Martínez (Santa Croce) at the podium, and are a succinct and beautiful expres- from left to right: Dr. Enrico Berti (University of Padova), Fr. Kevin Flannery sion of the at the core of (Gregorian University), and Fr. Stephen L. Brock (Santa Croce). Santa Croce’s School of Philosophy. tory have philosophers embraced the of a radi- In the history of there are a few cal , where truth is not grounded in objec- other famous expressions of this basic . St. Augus- tive , but relative to individual perspectives or tine wrote, “I believe in order that I may understand.” language. This modern mindset has been vigorously Another phrase from St. Anselm of Canterbury is his rejected by the Church through the teachings of the motto, “faith seeks .” magisterium and encyclicals of the popes. The antith- Because man is made in the image of God, Christian esis of philosophical is philosophical philosophy insists on a proper anthropological view of – most famously supported in the works of the nature of man as a starting point. That would in- and later in the writings of St. . clude the that human freedom, the human con- Since the challenges of contemporary culture and in- science, and rational are compatible and even tellectual continue to present themselves, it is intrinsic to the practice necessary for Christian philosophers to defend the of Christianity. These foundations of Christian understanding. In recent are refl ected in the , it has been increasingly important to address philosophical tradition questions arising from the experimental and human of Christian sciences. As stated in an introduction to the philosophy which is part of the cur- program, students from Santa Croce “are taught to ana- riculum at Santa Croce. lyze texts actively and critically, dialogue with open- A second school of ness and breadth of perspective, and respond to the thought which is foun- deepest questions of others with empathy and lucidity.” dational for the School Fr. Rafael Martínez, the academic vice-rector and Fr. Rafael A Martínez, Professor of of Philosophy is philo- former dean of the School of Philosophy for eight and Academic sophical realism. Only Vice-Rector of the Pontifi cal years, listed two main emphases at Santa Croce: 1) University of the Holy Cross. in relatively modern his- and sciences, and 2) and anthro- THE SCHOOL OF PHILOSOPHY ST CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA The patron saint of Santa Croce’s School of Philosophy, St. Catherine was pology. The sciences would include a virgin and martyr whose feast is celebrated on November 25th. In the ear- more than physical sciences, but also ly 4th century, when the emperor Maxentius began persecuting Christians, and the science of Catherine visited him and rebuked his decision, even though she was just a psychology. The human elements of teenager. Maxentius could not answer Catherine’s , so he gathered government, economics, and the life 50 learned philosophers to oppose her. When her reasoning converted them, of an organization all have ethical and Maxentius was enraged. He tried to seduce her and make her part of his court, philosophical dimensions. but she refused and was beaten and im- Considering that Christian phi- prisoned. She continued to convert peo- losophy is the foundation for sound ple who came to visit her in prison, in- thinking, it is clear why the Church cluding the emperor’s wife, so Catherine requires its priests to obtain a philoso- was condemned to die upon a spiked phy degree in addition to theology. wheel. When she was placed upon it, her Santa Croce offers a bachelors degree, hands were miraculously freed and the a specialized licentiate degree, and a wheel shattered. She was then beheaded; doctoral degree. The School of Phi- her martyrdom took place in 305. Her losophy also sponsors annual confer- intercession is traditionally sought by ences, monthly seminars, and various theologians, apologists, preachers, and publications. Philosophy professors philosophers.” contribute to a variety of research projects, such as the Center for Mar- Image from the altarpiece painting by Lorenzo Lotto (1480-1556) located at kets, Culture, and Ethics (MCE). the Church of Santa Spirito, Bergamo, Italy. “Madonna and Child with Saints While it is common for secular Catherine of Alexandria and St. ” (1521). universities to study philosophy from a purely historical, compartmental- ized, skeptical viewpoint, Santa Croce “I picked Holy Cross University to study teaches a unifi ed, rational search for philosophy because I wanted to get the best truth. “After all,” said Fr. Martínez, and clearest education possible in a fi eld “we just have one world to under- which is notoriously confusing. The stand.” By understanding the philo- philosophy department has lived up to my sophical foundations of Christian expectations. The education is not just an truth, students of Santa Croce are pre- intellectual formation but also a pared to contribute to the New Evan- formation of the whole person. And as part gelization in the 21st century. of this, the professors are very loyal in supporting you.” —Robert Greer Robert Greer, Philadelphia, PA Licentiate in Philosophy

FAITH AND REASON READINGS FROM BENEDICT XVI On the occasion of the 90th birthday of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (on April, 16), the Research Center for Inter- disciplinary Documentation on Science and Faith (DISF) posted on its webpage a collection of “readings about faith and reason,” relating to speeches and homilies delivered over the years by Joseph Ratzinger. The documents and services on their website are intended to meet the growing need for accurate on the relation between theology, phi- losophy, and scientifi c thought.

2 PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY CROSS FOUNDATION | Santa Croce | Summer 2017 FROM THE RECTOR

A House of Welcome for those who have the opportunity to and must be open to other fi elds of attend our classrooms, but also those , in order not to fall into who are at home, and living far away a sterility. from our University. Every challenge that society puts to This technological progress, how- us have to be addressed, valuing ever, must not distort the work of one it from different angles, to acquire of our strong points from the start of greater authority among others worlds this university: the to the of knowledge, because although the person. This should be an ongoing ecclesiastical academic community of challenge, so that our University re- Rome does its job well, it has not yet mains the place where everyone can had the impact it deserves in the cul- feel at home, where anyone can say, tural debate. they were always treated by everyone Fr. Luis Navarro, Rector of the In this , I think that our Uni- Pontifi cal University of the Holy Cross. as a person, as a family. versity has many strengths, such as We live in a of great change, We must continue to welcome ev- the ability to deepen the relationship where the institutions seem to have lost eryone, even those who have different between the world and the Church, their authority and . This cultural and spiritual settings. Every- between the Church and civil society, confronts us with a major challenge: one should feel at home and welcome or present with fascination the func- to understand that the search for truth in the family. tion of the laity in the Church and in is always worthwhile for everyone, not It’s great to know that in our class- society, and to be able to bring for- just for us academics, but for all of us rooms there are many cultures, many ward cutting-edge research on the Catholics, and those who are not. languages, many rites, many races, family and marriage. This rigorous research is the only because these differences bring us to- Increased scientifi c research and possible and true answer to the emer- gether in Charity – a tangible sign of a greater interdisciplinary approach gencies of the contemporary world; it hope, which can be a feasible model will bring substantial results in this is the only way to heal those wounds because we are centered in the true sense, and in these areas we must en- that man brings. Above all, a careful and only Hope model which is Christ. gage and accept the challenge. look is essential towards those mar- Listening to the of oth- But, most of all among the things ginalized, those excluded, to which ers, to see the positive things of one I mentioned, I would say that these the Pope always turns his attention or the other is a tangible sign of a goals will not be viable unless we put and his gaze. Here, the purpose of our way forward. Proposing this to others the Eucharist and Christ at the cen- university is to adhere to this search means promoting knowledge of life ter of our lives and also at the center for the Truth, as a service to the whole in Christ, the life of the Church and of the university, because you cannot Church and to all men. life in God. To propose this model, it give to others if you are not centered We must not only be engaged in means fostering hope in every man. in the Eucharist. this research, but we must ensure that Another challenge for us will be to For this, I wish our students, our this is promoted and made accessible, foster interdisciplinarity, since a alumni, our teachers, our staff, and and then, as a university, we have to university means to engage students, all our benefactors, all good things accept those educational, cultural, teachers, employees, technicians, but and that deep peace that can only and spiritual challenges. also the benefactors, towards a com- come from adoration of the God who Let me give an example. Today, we mon goal. Theology, philosophy, law became a child out of Love and who have the duty to use the full potential and training in social and institu- we fi nd every day in the Eucharist. of online tools that are at our disposal. tional communication, are areas that This address from Fr. Navarro is We must engage in the development need to be increasingly at the service of man, for his integral development. abridged and reprinted from a recent of online learning in order to achieve, Santa Croce Alumni Newsletter. with our academic offerings, not only The individual disciplines should 3 UNIVERSITY NEWS

Business for Good Perspectives for a More Humane Economy The Center for Markets, Culture, Church’s social teach- Part two presents a and Ethics (MCE) has recently pub- ing.” historical view of so- lished the seventh book in the MCE The fi rst part of the cial entrepreneurship Books series which is available in Eng- book argues that a cor- with potential exam- lish as an e-book. Business for Good: rect view of the human ples of precedents. A Perspectives for a More Humane Econ- being (anthropology) case is made that the omy is a collaborative effort based on should be factored into rise of social entrepre- research by Daniela Ortiz and Bene- contemporary econom- neurs have become a detta Scotti. With additional input ic life and brought into major force due to the from Santa Croce’s Fr. Juan Andres dialogue with theology decay of the welfare Mercado, Professor of and philosophy. The state and the failure of and Vice-Director of the MCE Re- authors then discuss aid strategies. search Center, the book refl ects many ethical imperatives for Business for Good is of the aims of MCE. business leaders drawn from the an excellent academic introduction In the book’s introduction by Fr. claims of Social Christian Thought for readers who wish to understand Mercado, he says “The subjects treat- about integral human development. the work of MCE and its importance ed here are at the core of our work at Finally, the authors look at the con- in exploring solutions to contempo- MCE, which strives to be an authori- crete role the private business sector rary ethical issues in the area of eco- tative voice in the dialogue among plays to promote the “inclusive growth nomics. The e-book can be ordered economics, philosophy, and the paradigm.” for $5.99 from Amazon.com.”

The Art of Preaching The Center for Priestly Formation catechesis, spiritual exercises, and organized a series of eight weekly lecto divina. classes between February 15th and To effectively communicate at the April 5th on “The Art of Preach- service of evangelization, the classes ing.” Fr. Sergio Tapia Velasco and Fr. aimed to show students how to avoid Alberto Gil each taught four of the generic and abstract homilies. To classes. be convincing to a modern listener, Topics ranged from classical rheto- speakers must anticipate an audience ric to the specifi c kinds of accustomed to short multi-media pre- sacred oratory, such as homilies, eu- sentations.” logies, funeral orations, meditations, Fr. Alberto Gil Santa Croce videos There are 183 Santa Croce videos If the page is in Italian, just right- Santa Croce videos on YouTube, which available either directly from the click your mouse and press the option is a great way of keeping informed university website (http://en.pusc. “translate to English.” In order to see about the many special programs and it/news/video) or from the YouTube English sub-titles on most videos, lectures and activities throughout the website and entering “santacrocevi- turn on closed captions (Ǫ), then year.” deo” (all one word). The videos are click the settings icon () and follow divided into the following categories: the menu : sub-titles/auto- news, theology, canon law, philoso- translate and fi nally choose English phy, Church communications, Ju- from a list of dozens of languages. bilee of Mercy, talking about books, You can subscribe for free to the and lectures/interviews.

4 PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY CROSS FOUNDATION | Santa Croce | Summer 2017 OUR AMERICAN IMPACT

The Personal Approach of Bishop John O. Barres Bishop John O. Barres was installed on January 31st as the head of the Diocese of Rockville Center in Long Island, New York. This diocese is the sixth largest in the United States serv- ing 1.5 million Catholics with 291 ac- tive priests in 133 parishes. In his installation homily, he told the congregation, “You and I are called to be men and women of com- munion and mission. We are called to be saints.” Born in 1960, Bishop Barres is the fi fth of six children born to two Protestant ministers, Oliver and Mar- jorie Barres, who met at Yale Divin- Bishop John O. Barres was installed as bishop of the Diocese of Rockland ity School and converted in 1955. Center on January 31, 2017. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic His father worked for Bishop Fulton nuncio to the U.S., presented Bishop Barres with a crosier which symbolizes Sheen at the Propagation of the Faith his role as the diocese’s new shepherd. in New York City. Bishop Barres was baptized by Fulton Sheen, the famous of Allentown, Pennsylvania, for eight and for all of you,” he tells them. He host of the “Catholic Hour” radio years. During this time he reached out likes to give them a basketball trading show and the television show “Life is to Hispanics and young people who card that shows him in bishop’s robes Worth Living.” he values as the of the church. on the front and making a layup as a To inspire and relate to youth, he basketball player on the back. Bishop Barres was ordained in 1989 spoke to them about his time playing and became a member of the Priestly “What’s on your card?” he asks basketball in high school and then at them. He says that whatever gifts Society of the Holy Cross, the Opus Princeton University. Dei organization for diocesan priests, God has given you, “the Holy Spirit is in 1991. Before studying for the priest- “I really believe all those hours I using that to form your destiny.” hood, he graduated from Princeton spent during ball-handling drills, it This interaction refl ects the bishop’s University with a BA in English, then was the Holy Spirit preparing me to pastoral style with an emphasis on from New York University Graduate be a point guard for the Holy Spirit personal spirituality. It is also indica- School with an MBA in Manage- tive of the Opus Dei spirituality and ment. After earning degrees in the- the training of students at Santa Croce ology from The Catholic University in Rome – to bring the worship of in America, he went on to study at God into all aspects of life in an ef- The Pontifi cal University of the Holy fort to sanctify it. Cross in Rome, earning a Licentiate In an interview, Bishop Barres ex- in Canon Law in 1998 and a Doctor- plained his personal approach: “I see ate in Spirituality in 1999. His doc- myself as a pastor of souls, someone toral thesis was entitled “Jean-Jacques who is going to listen to people at a Olier’s Priestly Spirituality: Mental deep contemplative level to their life Prayer and as the Foundation . And, at the same time, to for the Direction of Souls.” be a bridge to what we believe is the Prior to his assignment in Rock- splendor of truth, which is ultimately ville Center, Barres was the bishop Bishop Barres’ Coat of Arms liberating to all humanity.”

5 DONOR SPOTLIGHT

THOUGHTS ON THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE Like many of our benefactors, Tim now 89 years old, still corresponds volved in day-to-day management, and Shann Patton believe in the posi- with people she has never met person- he currently is part-owner in a com- tive impact of Catholic education. ally, who prayed in the midst of this pany run by his business partner. They both attended Catholic grade diffi cult time for Tim’s recovery and Meanwhile, Tim encourages other school, and Tim graduated from for his sister’s soul. Christian business leaders and CEOs Catholic high school. Their six chil- Shann was greatly infl uenced by the to operate their companies according dren have also benefi ted from Catho- example of her pro-life parents. Her to Christian principles to change the lic school. mother, in , was a faith- world. Tim and Shann met in college and ful prayer warrior attending weekly Part of Tim’s inspiration for this have been married for 35 years. But it prayer vigils in front of Planned Par- stage of his life and career came from was a tragic car accident before they enthood abortionaries. Shann con- learning about the Half-Time Insti- tinues in pro-life ac- tute and reading a book by its found- tivities, including her er, Bob Buford. The of the current position as the institute is to impact top-tier Chris- board chair of a pro- tian business leaders to maximize the life organization in good they can do as successful busi- Ann Arbor, Michigan. ness men and women. During their years In , the institute challenges of marriage, Tim has those who have been successful in the had a career of grow- fi rst half of their lives to employ their ing and selling a se- talents and resources in the second ries of businesses. He half of their life for the kingdom of describes himself as God. a “serial entrepre- For Tim and Shann, one way they neur.” Conscious of could apply the Half-Time concept his opportunity to was to start a charitable family foun- incorporate Christian dation. Their foundation contributes principles into his to a variety of Catholic education businesses, he decided institutes and religious groups in the that they would all be United States. But they also wanted private companies. to help future leaders of the universal As a private com- Church. For this, Santa Croce was a Tim and Shann Patton. pany, they could pray perfect fi t. openly at meetings. After coming to know some priests Company leadership was able to cre- met, when Tim was a freshman at from Santa Croce, Tim and Shann ate a culture that honors the family the University of Ohio, which had became convinced that the Pontifi cal and is faithful to the core values of a profound infl uence on his faith. A University of the Holy Cross would Catholicism. Top management rec- police car traveling 100 mph hit the be a great investment during the “sec- ognized that whatever gifts they pos- car where Tim and his sister were pas- ond half” of their lives. By supporting sessed as business leaders are given by sengers. His sister died and Tim was Santa Croce, they know that top notch God – which requires giving back to in a coma for weeks. priests and religious from around the others as faithful stewards. world will be prepared to faithfully Prayers from far and wide reached It has been seven years since Tim guide the future of the Church. the Patton family – prayers from sold his last business. No longer in- friends and strangers. Tim’s mother,

6 PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY CROSS FOUNDATION | Santa Croce | Summer 2017 YOUR LEGACY AT SANTA CROCE

JOIN OUR SUSTAINER SOCIETY Many loyal supporters of Santa Croce choose to heighten • You will automatically be invited to regional events the impact of their giving through a member of to meet priest professors on their visits to the our Sustainer Society. What are the benefi ts of becoming a United States partner in this elite group of committed supporters? Becoming a Sustainer is a convenient way to consistently • Your sustaining gift will provide funds each month support Santa Croce on a regular basis. It’s easy to begin for student sponsorships at the university – either go to our website (universityholycross.org) under • More of your funds will go directly toward the Ways To Give or just complete the form below and return sponsorships due to the lower cost to process such it in the enclosed envelope. You can choose either to use a gifts—your generosity goes further credit card or your bank account. You can always increase, decrease or cancel your gift at any time and for any reason. • You are included in a special annual Mass in Rome Thank you for considering joining the Sustainer Society celebrated by a priest at Santa Croce with any amount you are comfortable with!

RECURRING PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION FORM — Please complete the applicable information below or on the Donate page on our website. ❏ Yes , I would like to become a member of Santa Croce Sustainer Society by my monthly recurring gift of $______. Please enroll me now, realizing I may change the amount or discontinue at any time. I authorize the Ponti cal University of the Holy Cross Foundation to charge my ❍ credit card / ❍ debit my checking/ savings account for the amount and frequency indicated above (please check box and ll in respective box below):

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José Delgado | Pontifi cal University of the Holy Cross Foundation | P.O. Box 4508 | New York, NY 10163-4508. 7 MAKING A WORLD OF

FROM ALL THE WORLD TO ALL THE WORLD Our students are tremendously grateful for the unique opportunity they have to study at Santa Croce. They study with world-renowned thinkers, and they meet friends from every continent – all within an easy stroll of the Vatican, the Pantheon, and the countless other treasures of the Eternal City, and more importantly, all done for the glory of God and the good of His holy Church.

“I am currently in my third year “My experience at Santa Croce has “ e majority of people in the area of of theology studies at Santa Croce greatly increased my love for the my diocese are Muslim.  e challenge in order to better serve people in Catholic Church. Aside from my we face of bringing the faith to people my priestly ministry.  e result studies, part of my formation has is what motivated me to embrace will depend on the grace of God been assisting with pastoral work at the formation o ered in Rome. Even and your prayers. In spite of the a parish. I will be forever grateful though you have never met me, you challenges I might face each day, for these years of studying and have supported me and prayed for me His presence and help will never formation – and I will always keep ... all out of love for Christ and the stop.  ank you very much!” you in my prayers.” Church. May God bless you!” Felix Aman Luboya Matthew Nidhin Viytus Naameh Theology Theology Licentiate Theology Oceana Tanzania, Africa India Ghana, Africa 10% Africa

Students by Location: Asia Santa Croce’s current student ■■■ Europe 10% ■■■ Americas body of hail from Americas 1,600 ■■■ Africa 45% ■■■ Asia Europe 75 different countries! ■■■ Oceania (less than 1%) 33%

On behalf of all our students, THANK YOU! Your help makes a world of difference!

The Pontifi cal University of the Holy Cross Foundation Get to know the students who your fi nancial donations help P.O. Box 4508 | New York, NY 10163-4508 support. Web: www.UniversityHolyCross.org Our brief e-newsletters Phone: (646) 558-6490 introduce you to the people Email: [email protected] who make up the heart of Santa Croce. The Pontifi cal University of the Holy Cross Foundation raises much-needed resources Go to our website to sign up for the university’s mission. To support the university, please contact the foundation by for your free copy, delivered phone, email, or mail. bi-weekly to your email inbox. UniversityHolyCross.org

8 PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY CROSS FOUNDATION | Santa Croce | Summer 2017 © 2017 PUHCF. All Rights Reserved.