FALL 2017 • Volume 10 • Issue 3

WHY A SCHOOL OF CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS? Santa Croce was launched in 1984, but did not attain the status of being a Pontifi cal University un- til it added the School of Church Communications in 1996. One of the requirements of being a Pon- tifi cal University is to offer four degree programs. The fi rst three schools were Philosophy, Theology, and Canon Law. Why was Church Communications chosen as the fourth school? One reason can be traced to the infl uence of the founder, St. Josemaría Escrivá. Nearly 60 years ago, as the fi rst Chancellor of 2017 graduates with a licentiate from the School of Church the University of Navarra in , Communications. Countries represented include Nicaragua, Columbia, he asked for a journalism program Brazil, Mexico, Ivory Coast, India, Ukraine, Malta, South Africa, Venezuela, to be created. The university web- Dominican Republic, Great Britain, Romania, and Poland. site states that the program refl ected the saint’s found- Joaquín Navarro-Valls, “encouraged the Church ing charism: “a tradition in the hu- Communications School from the beginning.” (for manities combined with technologi- more see Navarro-Valls article on page 4) cal innovation; teaching based on Fr. Laporte explained that a degree in Church both research and on contact with Communications is built upon four pillars: 1) a clear reality; raising the profi le of media- understanding of the Church’s identity, 2) the context related professions through theoreti- or cultural environment in which a communicator cal and practical research; ongoing works, 3) the types of communication, such as public relations with the professional and opinion, radio, and television, and 4) how to manage academic world alike, and close con- a communications department or offi ce. tact between students and alumni.” While there are a handful of universities who A second reason was the infl u- offer a communications degree, they are generally ence of St. John Paul II, who emerged aimed at pastoral or vocational communications. as the fi rst “media” pope in a time Thus, Santa Croce’s program is unique. when communications technology There are currently about 120 students en- (television and computers) were rap- rolled in Church Communications – 80% of them idly expanding. Also, according to are priests and religious. The majority are working Communication Fr. José María La Porte, Dean of the on their licentiate degrees, while about 20 are in the students learn to use School of Church Communications, doctoral program. Graduates frequently return to the radio and television the Pope’s long-time Director of the dioceses of their home country to serve their bishops equipment. Press Offi ce (1984-1996), in effectively communicating the Church’s message INSIDE SANTA CROCE

to the faithful as well as the general COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH public. Fr. LaPorte says the role of this kind of communications expert is “to PROJECTS AND CONFERENCES make the bishop close to the people Center of Research into diocesan communication bureaus, and the people close to the bishop.” the Relationship between non-profi ts, bishops conferences, and Family and Mass Media journalists dealing with religious in- This international group studies the formation. infl uence of social media on the fam- Poetics and Christianity ily in two ways: fi rst, how the family Addressed to academics and artists is presented in the media (fi ctional from different fi elds, the aim is to portrayals and news) and second, identify in the life of art a source of how institutions that promote the light in which they can implement family can present a better public im- their own discipline and expertise. age of the family. “The Church Up Close” Rhetoric and Anthropology Addressed to journalists around the Rhetoric is a multi-dimensional dis- world who cover the Roman Catho- cipline which includes theory and lic Church, this seminar gives jour- practice, logic, and linguistics. It nalists an array of tools to strengthen must also examine the attitudes and their coverage about the Pope, the intentions of the speaker and receiver. Vatican and faith in general. This center seeks to fi nd the balance News Issues on the of these elements in what it means to be authentically human. 2017 marks the 7th year for this Fr. José María La Porte, The Church and the Media course of eleven 2-hour sessions held Dean of the School of Church Santa Croce Communications pro- on Fridays between March and June. Communication fessors investigate the relationships Organized by ISCOM Association Licentiate degrees (similar to a between the Church and the media, and the PUHC communications fac- Master’s degree in the U.S.) require especially the journalistic coverage of ulty, this year’s topics included the writing and defending a thesis as well faith and values. reorganization of the Curia, ecologi- as passing a comprehensive exam. Professional International cal themes of Laudato Si, the relation Doctorates in Church Communica- Seminar between a global economy and a soli- tions likewise require writing and de- Church communications profession- darity economy, and how the Church fending a thesis under the supervision als gather every other year to discuss manages money. and accompanied by a faculty advisor. issues of importance to directors of Considering the fast-paced spread of information and misinfor- “I love studying communications at mation in today’s media-saturated Santa Croce. To help me integrate into society, it is extremely important for our fi eld, the communications faculty the worldwide Church to have me- sent me to the USA for a month-long dia professionals who understand the internship at the Catholic TV Station theological and philosophical basis of EWTN in Alabama. I learned so much Church teachings and can communi- there! Santa Croce is not only concerned cate them faithfully. with our education, but also with our With its degree programs and spiritual growth. I would say that my special study centers and conferences, dreams are complete, just being here Santa Croce provides an essential ser- and seeing the beautiful roots of Fr. Nicholas Kaliminwa, vice for the needs of local dioceses and Christianity. Archdiocese of Kasama religious news organizations around — Fr. Nicholas Kaliminwa, Zambia (Zambia, Africa) the world.

2 OF THE HOLY CROSS FOUNDATION | Santa Croce | Fall 2017 INSIDE SANTA CROCE

Dostoevsky: Living the Mystery informative and inspirational, as it highlighted Dostoevsky as an author who communicated God’s message of hope. Father Joshan Rodrigues, a student from Bombay, currently in his second year of Communications studies, was moved by the Confer- ence, and shared: “it helped me to give words and structure to some emo- tions which I felt deeply while read- ing Dostoevsky’s works, but which I was unable to describe with words.” He learned how relevant Dostoevsky is for our times and social context, “The Other’s Gaze: Emotion and Relation in The Brothers Karamazov,” Prof. that “in our current world where na- Federica Bergamino, Pontifi cal University of the Holy Cross, Rome. ture and absolute principles are made The Pontifi cal University of the fruitfulness of an author who gained a subservient to the individual and his Holy Cross’s Department of Institu- relationship with God and who want- aspirations, Dostoevsky shows us that tional Communications had the plea- ed to share this relationship with the we can start with the individual, but sure of offering the seventh interna- world,” said Bergamino. Her goal for that his destiny is always the Divine, tional Poetry and Christianity the event was that students would and without that destination our conference in a two-day event entitled delve deeper into and leave with a journey on earth has no meaning.” “Dostoevsky: Living the Mystery”, clearer idea of what this author intend- which took place at the University on ed to communicate with his writings. April 27th and 28th, 2017. The con- “Reading and studying Dosto- ference featured talks, video presenta- evsky,” she explained, “is to enter into tions and a roundtable discussion, the deepest and most hidden dimen- providing students, professors, and sions of humanity; Dostoevsky reveals other participants, an in-depth look to mankind the traps and mecha- at this great Christian author and the nisms in which man becomes more infl uence his work has had on our or less aware, and Dostoevsky places world. Twenty speakers were present, the reader into the very conditions some even coming from as far as Lon- that make him realize those choices don, Berlin and Moscow, to expand that can damage his life. This offers on the theme. him the opportunity to become bet- “Dostoevsky in Contemporary Film,” The event was orchestrated by ter and to experience Christ through Dr. José García, Film Critic, Berlin. Dr. Federica Bergamino, a literature human mediation. The purpose of professor in the Communications De- this Conference was to show how this The Conference concluded on partment, who was the President of author can help the modern day man Friday at 6 PM with a roundtable the Conference and brought together to escape from a culture of shame, in discussion, which gave students the experts from around the world to which the outer world – exteriority opportunity to ask questions and speak on this author and his relevance and performance – prevails, and to ar- exchange ideas. Like previous Poetry in our Christian world today, especial- rive to a culture in which man returns and Christianity Conferences, these ly for future Church communicators. to being in contact with himself, with two days gave students of Santa Croce “The Conference had a strong impact his interior life and deepest desire.” a new opportunity of seeing how lit- on the University because it brought Student participants from the erature and art are inspiration for re- together philosophers, scholars, theo- Faculty of Communications found fl ections on God from various disci- logians and artists, to refl ect on the the Conference to be particularly plinary perspectives. 3 UNIVERSITY NEWS

Navarro-Valls, Church Communications Pioneer (1936-2017)

Joaquín Navarro-Valls, a great pioneer of Church communications, the young age of 22, he was the fi rst friend of Santa Croce and infl uential passed away on July 5th at the age of journalist to hold that position, which 81. He was a welcome face he continued throughout St. John at various School of Com- Paul II’s pontifi cate and into the fi rst munications conferences 15 months of Pope Benedict XVI. or when dropping in on a Profi cient in four languages, Na- communications class. Fr. varro-Valls promoted the use of mul- Jose Maria La Porte, re- tiple languages in the Italian-centric marked, “he encouraged press. He is credited with bringing the Church Communica- computer technology to the Press Of- tions School from the be- fi ce and giving journalists better ac- ginning and was involved cess. With degrees in both journalism as a visiting professor. He and medicine (specializing in psychi- was a real gentleman with atry) he was particularly important as a profound faith and a se- a press liaison during the fi nal months rene sense of humor.” of St. John Paul II’s reign. Navarro-Valls was a Navarro-Valls was a member of foreign correspondent for Opus Dei, dating back to 1970, when a Spanish newspaper when he lived in the central headquarters Joaquín Navarro-Valls with St. John Paul II in the 1980s St. John Paul II offered with St. Josemaría Escrivá, the found- while in charge of Vatican Communications as Director of him the job of director of er of Opus Dei. the Press Room. the Vatican press offi ce. At

The Happy Dispute: Denial without quarreling on social networks, on the media, and in public Thanks to the advances of digi- tively and courteously. Nearly every- tal technology, it seems like everyone one with a smart phone can be thrown is faced with constant confrontation. into public debate, discussing crucial Many different worlds – cultural, so- issues for our existence, or other top- cial, and religious – meet each day on ics far removed from our experience. social media, without mediation and With the help of the best principles without fi lters. Diversity, which in of rhetoric, media training, and crisis This humorous advertisement for times past was a specifi c experience in communication, The Happy Dispute The Happy Dispute, shows author life, has become an ordinary aspect of offers a concise guide to learn to sup- Bruno Mastroianni being punched. reality. This is the root of online hos- port one’s own point of view, and to Mastroianni is head of the press tility based on polarization and op- disagree with others without quarrel- offi ce of Opus Dei in Italy and pression that regularly pollutes public ing. That is the “happy dispute”. director of the Italian projects of the speech. Thanks to the web, we have Considering the many confron- Associazione Iscom, which promotes become close to one another, but not tations today between the extreme communications and training activities for non-profi t organizations. He necessarily “good neighbors.” That is right, extreme left, and everyone in be- also teaches Media Relations at the something that we need to work at tween, these are necessary skills for Pontifi cal University of the Holy Cross day by day. our communications students as well in Rome. The Happy Dispute is a book as the priests who will leave Santa Croce born of a necessity, because we must to become arbiters of truth as well as learn to confront one another effec- peacemakers in the world.

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

Formation of the Mind and Heart Just south of the Mason-Dix- on line, separating Maryland from Pennsylvania, is the historic town of Emmitsburg, MD. It is the home of Mount St. Mary’s University and Seminary, the second oldest Catholic seminary in the United States (estab- lished 1808). It is also the site of two pilgrimage site: The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Basilica and Shrine of St. Eliza- beth Ann Seton. The Civil War battlefi elds of Gettysburg are just 12 miles away, causing even the casual visitor to consider the ultimate ques- tions of life. The seminarians at Mount St. Mount St. Mary’s Seminary was founded in 1808 - the second oldest seminary Mary’s Seminary, however, are not in the United States. Msgr. Andrew Baker, an alumnus of Santa Croce, was casually interested in pursuing the appointed as rector here in 2015. ultimate questions of life. They are actively contemplating the truth and Santa Croce, having earned a doctor- United States serving bishops from beauty of the Catholic faith as aspir- ate in Moral Theology there in 1997. 21 partner dioceses. The seminar- ing priests. Since 2015, Msgr. An- Ordained as a priest in 1991, he fi rst ians, currently 117, typically spend drew Baker has served as their Rector, served as a Parochial Vicar in Al- from four to six years in formation. guiding them in their vocations, and lentown, Pennsylvania. During the As rector, Msgr. Baker is focused on bringing his considerable training 1990s, he also taught in Catholic high forming the minds, hearts, and souls and talents to the position. schools and at St. Charles Borromeo of these future shepherds. He consid- Msgr. Baker is an alumnus of Seminary in Philadelphia. Msgr. Bak- ers Santa Croce to be a model of what he wants for Mount St. Mary’s. “During my time at Santa Croce “Priestly formation must I was always struck by the pervasive be done with the mind love of the Church among the profes- sors, the way the entire student body and heart of the Church had recourse to the chapel, and the and I encountered both individual care the administration at Santa Croce.” and staff had toward the students. In my role now as rector of a major semi- — Msgr. Andrew Baker nary, I could not have asked for a bet- ter preparation and example. Priestly formation must be done with the er returned to Rome in 2001 where he mind and heart of the Church and I served as an offi cial for the Congrega- encountered both at Santa Croce.” tion of Bishops until 2009. In 2006 he The impact of a rector on a was named Chaplain of His Holiness seminary is considerable – and we are and gained the title of Monsignor. proud to present Msgr. Baker as an- Mount St. Mary’s is one of the Msgr. Andrew Baker, Rector of other example of Santa Croce’s impact largest Catholic seminaries in the Mount St. Mary’s in America.

5 DONOR SPOTLIGHT

MAKING CONNECTIONS IN WISCONSIN Paul and Janet Smyczek were both born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In fact, both families at- tended Blessed Sacrament parish in the south side of the city. Being brought up in the same faith and in the same neighborhood gave them a sense of the importance of main- taining strong connections. Perhaps that played some ironic part in Paul founding Electronic Cable Special- ists, Inc. in 1984, and raising a large family with Janet in their home town. Having strong connections is good for both electronics and fami- lies, but being well grounded is equal- ly important. So, when Paul and Ja- net fell in love they wanted to make sure their marriage was grounded in the Catholic faith. Through the years Janet and Paul Smyczek they have raised ten children, now visit Santa Croce in Rome twice in the ranging between the ages of 21 and past ten years and have been very im- 36. Seven of their children are now pressed by the tremendous quality of married and the Smyczeck family has students and professors. Paul believes STAY TUNED twelve grandchildren and three more that “the spirituality and teachings of FR. BOB GAHL ON on the way. St. Josemaria, the founder of Opus RELEVANT RADIO Clearly, Paul and Janet have an Dei, are a reason that the graduates of excellent understanding of the impor- Santa Croce are not only holy priests Beginning tance of good Christian formation. but also good teachers who connect September 20, They feel that one of the most impor- with the lay people on a personal level.” Fr. Bob Gahl, tant things that anyone can do for the “The future of the Catho- Associate Professor Church is to help form holy priests. “I lic Church depends on well-formed of Ethics at believe there is a revival today in the priests and I don’t know of any other Santa Croce, will Church,” said Janet, “and I am glad university who does a better job than contribute to to support Santa Croce so it can con- Santa Croce in being in accord with the Morning Air®, a daily morning drive tinue to have the positive impact that teachings of the Magisterium,” says talk show on Relevant Radio®, the is does now on so many young priests Paul. He adds, “we support our parish largest Catholic talk radio network in and seminarians.” and the archdiocese but we feel that the US. Their programs are broadcast Fr. Bob Gahl, a professor at with our contributions to Santa Croce on 120 stations in 39 states or on Santa Croce, is another connection we are helping the whole universal your computer via relevantradio. the Smyczeks have with the university Church in a very effective way.” com. Save the program as a podcast, (see the sidebar about a radio program We’re glad that Paul and Ja- or listen for free on their mobile app with Fr. Bob on Relevant Radio). Fr. net are connected as benefactors which has been downloaded over Bob was in High School in Milwau- of The Pontifi cal University of the 340,000 times in 192 countries. kee when Paul fi rst met him and they Holy Cross. Their endorsement of Tune in to hear topics explored from have kept in touch since then. Santa Croce’s educational/spiritual a balanced perspective rooted in the The Smyczeks have been able to excellence is high praise. teachings of the Church.

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

CREATIVE WAYS TO HELP SANTA CROCE In addition to giving alms the traditional way by Some reasons to consider one of these special gifts– writing a check, there are a couple of other ways to opti- • Gifts of appreciated securities are deductible at mize your giving. Other than cash, which is always wel- their full value and avoid capital gains tax. Some- come to fund annual sponsorships for our students, you times such a gift will allow for a gift greater than might fi nd one of these suits your needs: might be possible with cash alone. • Gifts of Securities • Bequest gifts build for the future with just a few words! There are many way to make a bequest to • Bequests Santa Croce through the Foundation. • Qualified Charitable Distribution from IRA • Qualified charitable distribution (QCD), for those who turned age 70-1/2 in 2017 or are older, offers a We want to be able to fund all deserving seminar- way to benefit even if you don’t itemize on your tax ians or graduate student priests who are accepted into our return. If made by 12/31/2017 it will satisfy your programs at Santa Croce, especially those from very poor minimum required distribution for this year. dioceses who need a full or partial scholarship. All gifts of cash to the Pontifi cal University of the Holy Cross Foun- These gifts may afford special tax advantages for you. dation are used for the purpose of providing sponsorships. If you are interested in making such a planned gift, please These special gifts also help us well into the future, be- contact us. Our Charitable Gift Counselor can work with yond the year they are received. you to provide any information or assistance you require.

REQUEST FOR MORE INFORMATION — Making A Special Gift.

❏ Yes , I would like to consider making a special gift please contact me to discuss some gift options. ❏ Please send me your new brochure to consider other options A Brief Overview of Charitable Planning

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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 DIFFERENCE

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.

“In studying Communications at “Studying communications at “I came to Rome with the goal of Santa Croce, we acquire the skills Santa Croce helps you to better learning how to evangelize and spread of handling media technology, “package” the message of the Gospel the values of the Church in a but we also learn how public that you are sharing. All of our class professional and e ective manner. opinion works in relation to material seems to be very relevant Santa Croce o ers students exposure to the Church and that social to what is going on currently. Our the world of social communications that communication projects a certain professors are up-to-date on current prepares us with the skills to implement spiritual path, so that each events, relating class work to what is what we have learned in our diocese.” Catholic becomes a living Gospel happening in the Church right now.” Fr. Didier Mokuba Ngankoy to spread hope around the world.” Fr. Joshan Rodrigues, Diocese of Inongo, Congo Fr. Gilbert Hervias OSJ Archdiocese of Bombay, India Oceana Iloilo, Philippines 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 P.O. Box 4508 | New York, NY 10163-4508 your fi nancial donations help support. www.UniversityHolyCross.org Web: 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 for the university’s mission. To support the university, please contact the foundation by Go to our website to sign up 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 | Fall 2017 © 2017 PUHCF. All Rights Reserved.