Via Sacra - Canons Regular of Saint John...

1

Via SacraVOLUME VIII, NUMBER 1 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN CANTIUS APRIL 16, 2006 EASTER

COORDINATING COUNCIL

Rev. C. Frank Phillips, C.R.Fr. Director

Rev. Burns Seeley, S.S.J.C.Fr. Assistant Director

Rev. Albert Tremari, S.S.J.C.Bursar

Rev. James Isaacson, S.S.J.C.Member

BOARD OFSPIRITUAL DIRECTORS

AND ADVISORS

Rev. Regis Barwig

Rev. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.

Rev. John Hardon, S.J.(deceased)

Dr. James Hitchcock

Bishop Basil Meeking

Rev. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem.

Bishop Joseph Perry

Msgr. Richard Schuler

Msgr. James Turro

Telephone: 312-243-7373

Fax: 312-243-4545

FROM THE SUPERIOR’S DESKApril 9, 2006Palm SundayDear Friends and Benefactors,

I take great pleasure inextending Easter Greet-ings to you from all themembers of the Society ofSt. John Cantius. In addi-tion to my updates on theSociety’s activities thesepast months in this issueof the Via Sacra, a couplemembers of the Societywill add their ownthoughts on what hasbeen happening.

Late this past Decem-ber, Cardinal George onceagain spent an eveningwith the members of theSociety. On a very per-sonal level, he shared withus some of his reflectionson the recent Papal Con-clave, in which he wasprivileged to participate.While he was bound un-der oath not to reveal thespecifics of the Conclave,he did reflect on how hesaw the Holy Spirit work-ing within the College ofCardinals to select thenext Successor of St. Peter.

Also, in December, ourgood friend and SpiritualAdvisor, Father RegisBarwig, arrived for a visitwith some very unex-pected news. Unbe-knownst to me or anyoneelse in the Society, he had

secured my acceptanceinto the Polish Associa-tion of the Sovereign Mili-tary Hospitaller Order ofSt. John of Jerusalem ofRhodes and of Malta,commonly know as theKnights of Malta.

Fr. Barwig returnedonce again on January 6,

2006, to preside over theinduction ceremony hereat St. John CantiusChurch. A more formalofficial investiture, how-ever, will take place in lateNovember in the WawelCathedral in Krakow, Po-land. This is a great honor,not so much for me, as it is

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Anne’s Chapel inLawton, Michigan. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

2

for the Society and theparish.

In mid-January, a num-ber of parishioners fromSt. John Cantius traveledto Washington, D.C., un-der the direction of FatherJim Isaacson for theMarch For Life. Many ofour young people fromthe parish went along, andas in the past, they stirredup the crowds with theirchants and slogans. Ontheir way back to Chicagothey were also able to visita number of shrines. Butalthough it was a veryfruitful trip, our heartypilgrims were very tiredby the time they returnedhome. See the accompa-

nying article written by Br.Brian Schafer for anotherperspective on this event.

Because “Old ManWinter” did not comearound much this year, themild weather allowedmany of the Brothers, aswell as a faithful group ofyoung men from the par-ish, to go a number oftimes to our retreat centerin Lawton, Michigan,during this past winter.Together they did an enor-mous amount of workclearing the land of treesand brush, burning largepiles of felled trees thathad to be cleared from theovergrown land. Eventhough the work was

hard, the Brothers andthese young men chantedthe Divine Office, sangand served Mass, and of-fered the Rosary everyday. I believe that therewas even time for recre-ation. One of our youngmen, who is particularlyskilled in the kitchen,Anselm Karas, preparedthe meals to make surethat everyone ate well.

Father Brendan is nowthe “chaplain” for agroup of homeschoolerswho meet at St. John’seach Friday. The day be-gins with Mass followedby a variety of activitiesand special classes. Manyof the mothers assist inthis special day and every-one enjoys the spirit ofcommunity which is beingbuilt among our youngparishioners.

In addition to his Fri-day activities, Father

Fr. Frank Phillips, C.R., after his induction into theKnights of Malta at St. John Cantius Church on January 6, 2006.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

Brendan also travels to thesmall community of Volowith Brother Chad oneSaturday every month toconduct a program of ac-tivities for boys of St.Peter’s Parish (where ourpriests have been sayingone of the Sunday Massessince August 2004). Fa-ther Brendan gives theboys spiritual formationand Brother Chad con-ducts sporting activitiesfor them. Not only theboys, but also the parentsare eager to attend thesemonthly gatherings.

In between all of theseactivities, Brother Chaddirects the Holy InnocentsChoir, which already hasnearly 100 voices. A vol-unteer from the parishtakes the younger childrenand instructs them in therudiments of music whileBrother Chad conductsthe older children. Not

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Anne’s Chapelduring a day of retreat in Lawton, Michigan.


3

only is there a tremendousamount of enthusiasmamong the children in thechoir, but the families whobring their children eachweek show great supportfor this program. TheHoly Innocents Choir hasalso become a feeder forthe adult ResurrectionChoir, which I direct my-self.

But Saturdays are notjust filled with Holy In-nocents Choir rehearsalsand once-a-month tripsto Volo. The day beginswith the morning DivineOffice, followed by Mass.Then, after a very quickbreakfast, the Brothersare off once again—thistime, to St. Gregory theGreat Schola Cantorumrehearsal to practiceSunday’s chants forMass, followed by Latinclass.

In fact, every day hereis busy. Sometimes peopleask us, “What do you doall day?” Let me just saythat when visitors inter-ested in the communitystay for a few days or aweekend, they usuallyleave tired. While thedaily schedule does notseem demanding to us,who have been living itday in and day out, ourvisitors find that they areconstantly trying to keepup with us. They quicklylearn to live the daily rou-tine of the communal reli-gious life.

On a more seriousnote, our Father Seeleyhad surgery a few monthsback and as part of his re-covery he went to visitfamily members in Cali-fornia. Because he wasstill too weak to travelalone at that time, I asked

Father Jim to accompanyhim. This gave Father Jiman opportunity to visit hisold Alma Mater, ThomasAquinas College, andwhile there, he met with anumber of young men in-terested in Religious Life.

On March 14th, mem-bers of the Society took anexciting trip to Rome! Ac-tually, we went to Mil-waukee, Wisconsin, to seea special exhibit entitled,“Saint Peter and theVatican: the Legacy of the

On February 12, Members of the Society of St. John Cantiusand many parishioners took part in a spontaneous march to

Holy Name Cathedral in support of Francis Cardinal George.Here, Br. Chad McCoy stands amidst a flock of parish youth.


Despite the brisk winter weather on that day, the march invigorated everyone.They were still in very high spirits by the time they returned to St. John Cantius Church for this parting photo.


4

Following the Mass for Admission to Candidacy at Holy ApostlesSeminary on March 16, 2006, Br. Scott Haynes, SSJC (back row,right), posed in the seminary chapel with His Excellency, Robert

McManus, D.D., Bishop of Worchester, Massachusetts (right center),seminary rector, Fr. Douglas Mosey, C.S.B. (left center), as well as

other seminarians, who were accepted for candidacy that day.(PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER MCGRATH)

Popes.” It was truly awonderful presentation ofthe history of the Popesfrom St. Peter to ourpresent Holy Father. Nu-merous works of art, bothliturgical and secular,from various papacieswere there right beforeour eyes. We saw many ofthe tiaras of previous Pon-tiffs, sacred vestments,sacred vessels, relics, icons,maps, and much more. Itwas a very affordable tripbecause Rome was able tocome to us.

On March 16th, BrotherScott Haynes was receivedinto Candidacy for ordina-tion during a special Massat Holy Apostles Seminary.His next step towards thealtar is the Diaconate andfinally the Priesthood. This

coming August 15th, bothhe and Brother Chad willmake Final Vows. We askyou to keep them both inyour prayers.

I would also like to askfor your help in our up-coming annual fundraiser.This very important eventwill be held on Sunday,August 6th at the Univer-sity Club in downtownChicago. The monies weraise from this fundraiserare essential not only tosustain the Society but alsoto help it grow. As withany family, costs continueto rise and so it is with ourreligious family. Even if itis slight, tuition and theever-necessary insurancecosts continue to climband that is why your finan-cial assistance is so deeply

On Saturday, April 1, 2006, St. John Cantius Church was the site of an exceptional musical eventand Lenten meditation, the St. Matthew Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach.


appreciated. Tickets forour Benefit Dinner are$500.00 a person. So, al-though I realize that manyindividuals cannot help atthat level, I do hope that

you will consider assistingus in any way that you canbecause without your fi-nancial support we cannotcontinue to Restore the Sa-cred.

For forty days wefasted with Our Lord dur-ing Lent, so now let usfeast with Our Risen Lordfor the fifty days of Pas-chal glory at the Banquetof the Feast of the Lamb.We encourage each of youto celebrate the joy of thisgreat feast for the full fiftydays, thanking the Lordfor the many blessings Hehas bestowed upon you.As each of us in the Soci-ety of St. John Cantiusdoes the same, we willparticularly give thanksfor all of the blessings thatwe have received throughyour generous support. Asalways, all of our friendsand benefactors will be re-membered daily in theSociety’s prayers.

Rev. C. Frank Phillips, C.R.Founder-Superior

5

“Look at all the peopleout here for babies,” anawestruck young parish-ioner from St. JohnCantius exclaimed at thesight of the throng of pro-lifers present at the 2006March for Life. As onewho has participated inseveral of these marches, Icould not help but agreewith his sentiment. Thepro-life individuals at thisannual event appear si-multaneously to increasein number and decrease inage with each successiveyear. A brief perusal of theInternet yielded an esti-mate of a hundred thou-sand people in Washing-ton, D.C., for this year’smarch.

Our own pilgrimsfrom St. John Cantiusgenerated much of thefervor at the march. Un-daunted by the surpris-ingly quiet crowd, ourgroup persistently in-jected a vivacity into themarch that others founddifficult to match. Witha relentless barrage ofchants such as “We’vegot life, yes we do, we’vegot life, how aboutyou?” and “Hey-ho,hey-ho, Roe v. Wade hasgot to go,” we managedto rouse some somnolentpro-lifers from the stu-por of their “bus lag.”Before long, some evenjoined us in our cheersand attempted, albeitunsuccessfully, to topour enthusiasm.

The pro-life contingentfrom our parish, however,was not solely concernedwith generating a merelysuperficial, external ex-pression of support forlife. We also attended tothe more important and

enduring spiritual founda-tion of the pro-life move-ment, which derives itspower from prayer andthe Most Holy Eucharist.Our group prayed rosariesthroughout the course ofthe journey and, while inthe nation’s capitol, wevisited the Basilica of theNational Shrine of the Im-maculate Conception. In

addition, we had Mass atthe Franciscan Monasteryin Washington, D.C.,which houses replicas ofholy shrines in the HolyLand. On the way home,we celebrated Mass at St.Anthony’s Chapel in Pitts-

burgh, Pennsylvania,where one can view over5000 relics and a life-size,wood-carved set of theStations of the Cross.

The trip reaffirmedand re-energized our com-mitment to the cause oflife. This year, more thanfifty-five parishionerstook part in the march,most of them teenagers—

SPIRITUAL VITALITYCHARACTERIZES DC MARCH FOR LIFE

St. John Cantius parish youth wait for the January 2006 March for Life to begin in Washington, D.C.(PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENDAN DEMPSEY)

over four times last year’scount. Hopefully, morepeople will join us at thenext march and keep thistradition alive.

Many thanks are dueto Fr. Jim and Br. Chadfor their work in orga-

nizing and executing thispilgrimage with suchsuccess, as well as to allthe volunteers who as-sisted them. May theRestoration of the Sa-cred always include ourefforts to defend andpromote one of the mostsacred of God’s gifts tous, the gift of life.

Br. Brian Schafer, SSJC

6

Fr. Jim Isaacson and some of the brothers from the Society wait forthe March for Life to begin in Washington, D.C., this past January.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENDAN DEMPSEY)

Fr. Jim Isaacson, who organized the youth trip to the March forLife this year, helps some of the participants with their posters.


Following the January 2006 March for Life in Washington, D.C., St. John Cantius parish youth and members of the Societypose in front of the Library of Congress.


7

Before traffic piles upon the expressways or thesun reaches over the Chi-cago skyline, the fathersand brothers of the Soci-ety of Saint John Cantiusbegin another day. Silentprayers of thanksgivingare tested by shrill sound-ing alarm clocks echoingthrough the hallways.Coats, breviaries andmumbled greetings arefound on the way out thedoor. The birds singinghappily in the crisp morn-ing breeze make one wishthat the walk from therectory to the Churchwere a little longer. Sooneighteen are seated in thefront pews and soon thebell “St. Anne” tolls sixo’clock.

“I gaze on You in thesanctuary…” Its toweringaltars ornamented withcarvings and gold aremonuments to a greatlove of You. But their in-tricate symmetrical equa-

tions and flourishes arebland and lifeless com-pared to Your beauty. Webecome small under thesoaring ceilings, so that inour humility You can liftus up to greater heights.Here we sing the words ofthe Divine Office, medi-tate on divine things andmeet You in the sacrificeof the Mass. Here, beforethe storm of the dayahead, we take advantageof every quiet moment forassiduous union withGod.

After breakfast, wefind which chores, whichchallenges will be ourroad to sanctification. Wemay be in the sanctuarykeeping down the freshfall of dust. Other timeswe will be restoring orderto the force of rescued al-tars, confessionals and sa-cred things. Some days weare sent to wage war onthe dead trees and “shark-toothed brambles of sor-

row” in the Lawtonwoods. All are thankfulthat some days are easierthan others. In our workof restoring the exteriorthings to sacredness wefind ourselves purifiedand restored interiorly bythe submission of ourwills to Christ’s.

Sanctification comesalso through knowledge.At the hand of the Lord’sanointed we are broughtup in the way we shouldgo. We are instructed bytheir words and exampleso that we may more fullycomprehend all that is the“Via Sacra,” from theTen Commandmentsgiven by the Father, to theGospel teaching of Christ,to the Holy Spirit work-ing in the Second VaticanCouncil. The teachings ofour Mother Church, hersacred liturgy, her sacredmusic and her sacred lan-

The Joys of the Novitiate

On Wednesday of Holy Week, the Society had its traditionalTenebrae service. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

In preparation for the Tenebrae service on Wednesday ofHoly Week, Br. Brian Schafer lights the candles on the “hearse,”

which is used during this service.(PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

guage fill our minds withthe way of perfection andour hearts with the inspi-ration to follow it.

Throughout the day,life is enriched with manyopportunities to be chari-table and to be humbleenough to receive charity.There are times of joy,sorrow, rushing, waiting,feast and fasting, all ofwhich make life fulfilling.When the stained glasswindows have darkenedand the golden gild shinesin the sanctuary, whenthe sound of constructionand traffic has dieddown, and the pages ofthe breviary replace thebusiness of the day, onecannot help but be thank-ful for the grace that Godgives us and for the mercyHe shows in granting usthis end of day.

Br. Nathan Caswell, SSJC

8

Br. Brian Schafer avails himself of the beautiful weatherto take a walk during a Society of St. John Cantius day of retreat

in Lawton, Michigan. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

Deacon Bart Juncer does some spiritual readingduring a Society of St. John Cantius day of retreat

in Lawton, Michigan.(PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

Br. Matthew Lewis walks back from St. Anne’s Chapel during aSociety of St. John Cantius day of retreat in Lawton, Michigan.


An early spring view of St. Anne’s Chapel acrossthe Society’s lake in Lawton, Michigan.

(PHOTO COURTESY BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

Fr. Brendan Gibson prays the Stations of the Cross during a Society of St. JohnCantius day of retreat in Lawton, Michigan.


9

The new storage barn at the Society’s Lawton, Michigan, retreatcenter is already standing and functional.


In mid-March, a number of Society members and young menfrom the parish spent some time in Lawton, Michigan, clearing

brush and dead trees from Society’s land.(PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

Fr. Jim Isaacson cuts up some of the dead trees from the Society’sland in Lawton, Michigan, that were taken down by members of

the Society members and young men from the parish in mid-March.(PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

Br. Brendan Bartlett (left) and Trevor Karas get ready to throw a logonto the large burn pile that they used for brush and dead trees

cleared from the Society’s land in Lawton, Michigan, in mid-March.(PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

Br. Nathan Caswell prepares to fell a dead tree,while Br. Matthew Lewis (left) and Br. Brian Schafer rake up

dried brush in mid-March, when a number of Society members andyoung men from the parish spent some time in Lawton, Michigan,

clearing brush and dead trees from Society’s land.(PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

Members of the Society and young men from the parishtake a break for lunch one day in mid-March

while they were in Lawton, Michigan,to clear brush and dead trees from Society’s land.


10

Brothers Brendan Bartlett (left to right),Nathan Caswell, Matthew Lewis,Brian Schafer, and Robin Kwan waitpatiently for their entrance to the exhibit“Saint Peter and the Vatican: the Legacyof the Popes,” which the Societywent to see in Milwaukee this past March.(PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

Br. Brian Schafer (left to right),Fr. Frank Phillips, C.R., Br. Brendan Bartlettand Br. Nathan Caswell leave the MilwaukeePublic Museum after visiting the “Saint Peterand the Vatican” exhibit this past March 14.

(PHOTO COURTESY BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

After visiting the exhibit “Saint Peterand the Vatican: the Legacy of the Popes”at the Milwaukee Public Museum onMarch 14, members of the Society stoppedto see the magnificent St. Josaphat’s Basilicaon Milwaukee’s South Side.(PHOTO COURTESY OF BR. JOSHUA CASWELL, SSJC)

11

SSJC CRESTYou have seen the Society of St. John Cantius’ crest

on our Via Sacra newsletter. You have seen it on ourstationery and other printed materials. And maybe youhave wondered what its elements symbolize.

The red cross on the crest’s shield comes from thetraditional Resurrection banner used as a symbol of theCongregation of the Resurrection, of which ourFounder, Fr. C. Frank Phillips, C.R. is a member.

The cross, however, is placed off-center as in PopeJohn Paul II’s coat of arms to show that we werefounded during his pontificate.

The Papal colors of white and gold found on theshield’s background declare our unqualified loyalty tothe Holy Father.

Finally, the jug on the lower right refers to a legendfrom the life of our patron, St. John Cantius. Accord-ing to this legend (in much abbreviated form), a poorpeasant girl one day accidentally broke a clay jug, inwhich she was carrying milk to sell at the market for herimpoverished family. Out of the compassion for whichhe was known, John Cantius helped pick up the piecesand miraculously restored the jug to its original state.

The jug on our crest not only represents this eventfrom the life of our patron but is also a symbolic rep-resentation of our charism—”Restoration of the Sa-cred,” which is written in Latin on the bottom of thecrest.

SAVE THE DATE!Society of St. John Cantius

Annual Benefit Dinner

August 6, 2006

University ClubChicago, Illinois

A PILGRIMAGE TO KRAKOWAND SOUTHERN POLAND

WITH THE SOCIETY OFST. JOHN CANTIUS

September 11-21, 2006—$1,999(PLUS AIRLINE TAX)

Although for a long time, Poland’s treasures layhidden behind the Iron Curtain, more and morepeople have begun to discover its beauty andrich culture. But for Catholics, Poland is a par-ticularly unique spiritual experience—a coun-try that has been staunchly Catholic for over1,000 years, a country that is still vibrantlyCatholic, and a country that produced one ofhistory’s greatest popes.

Krakow was once Poland’s capital. It wasand still remains one of the great cultural cen-ters of central Europe. The proliferation ofmagnificent churches, chapels and monasteriesin this Royal City once gave it a reputation asthe “Rome of the North.” This pilgrimage willtake you to many of these beautiful churchesand shrines, the tombs of saints, miraculous im-ages, as well as many places connected with thelate John Paul II. Each day of the pilgrimage in-cludes the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in one ofmany historic churches.

For registration forms and more informationabout this pilgrimage, call Fr. Dennis Kolinski,SSJC at 312-243-7373.

Space is limited! Reserve your place now.

THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OFST. JOHN CANTIUS

Let us take your special intentions to the tombof St. John Cantius. On two separate occasionsthis fall, we will celebrate the Holy Sacrifice ofthe Mass at our patron’s tomb at St. Anne’sChurch in Krakow, Poland. You can have theopportunity of having your special intentionsplaced on the altar of his shrine during each ofthose Masses. Look for the special Mass cards,which we will be sending in the near future.

12

VVVVViiiiiaaaaa SSSSSaaaaacccccrrrrraaaaaThe Society of St. John Cantius

825 North CarpenterChicago, IL 60622-5405

THE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN CANTIUSTHE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN CANTIUSTHE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN CANTIUSTHE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN CANTIUSTHE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN CANTIUSThe Society of St. John Cantius is a Public Association of the Christian Faith-

ful in formation as a new religious community of men formed with the approvalof Cardinal George and the Congregation of the Resurrection. Its mission is theRestoration of the Sacred in the Church through solemn liturgies, devotions, sa-cred art and sacred music, as well as instruction in Church heritage, catechesis, andCatholic culture in the context of parish ministry. The community’s eighteen mem-bers include six priests, three seminarians, two professed religious brothers and sixmembers in formation.

VISIT US ON THE WEBVISIT US ON THE WEBVISIT US ON THE WEBVISIT US ON THE WEBVISIT US ON THE WEBLearn more about the Society of St. John Cantius

on its website www.societycantius.org . You canalso learn about the Society’s work by visiting theSt. John Cantius Parish website www.cantius.org ,where you can visit the community’s mother churchon a cybertour or view an exhibit of Sacred Art fromthe Society’s collections.

GET THE WORD OUT!GET THE WORD OUT!GET THE WORD OUT!GET THE WORD OUT!GET THE WORD OUT!Do you know of someone who you think should

know about the Society of St. John Cantius? Pleasesend us their names and addresses so that we can addthem to our Via Sacra mailing list.

HELP RESTORE THE SACREDHELP RESTORE THE SACREDHELP RESTORE THE SACREDHELP RESTORE THE SACREDHELP RESTORE THE SACREDYou too can help Restore the Sacred through your

tax-deductible contribution or as an Associate Memberof the Society of St. John Cantius. In addition to menwho are seeking a vocation in religious life, the Society’sstatutes also allow the laity—male or female, married orsingle—to affiliate themselves with the Society as Asso-ciate Members in order to aid in the advancement of itsmission. For more information about how to become anAssociate Member, write to: Fr. C. Frank Phillips, C.R.,Superior, Society of St. John Cantius, 825 North Carpen-ter Street, Chicago, Illinois 60622-5405. You can alsosend your check made out to “Society of St. JohnCantius” to the above address.

Via Sacra - Canons Regular of Saint John...

Documents

Transcript of Via Sacra - Canons Regular of Saint John...