Nov 8, 2024 | Library
Shortly after noon on November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as he rode in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas, Texas.
Crowds of excited people lined the streets and waved to the Kennedys. The car turned off Main Street at Dealey Plaza around 12:30 p.m. As it was passing the Texas School Book Depository, gunfire suddenly reverberated in the plaza.
Bullets struck the president’s neck and head and he slumped over toward Mrs. Kennedy. The governor was shot in his back.
The car sped off to Parkland Memorial Hospital just a few minutes away. But little could be done for the President. A Catholic priest was summoned to administer the last rites, and at 1:00 p.m. John F. Kennedy was pronounced dead. Though seriously wounded, Governor Connally would recover.
The president’s body was brought to Love Field and placed on Air Force One. Before the plane took off, a grim-faced Lyndon B. Johnson stood in the tight, crowded compartment and took the oath of office, administered by US District Court Judge Sarah Hughes. The brief ceremony took place at 2:38 p.m.
Less than an hour earlier, police had arrested Lee Harvey Oswald, a recently hired employee at the Texas School Book Depository. He was being held for the assassination of President Kennedy and the fatal shooting, shortly afterward, of Patrolman J. D. Tippit on a Dallas street.
On Sunday morning, November 24, Oswald was scheduled to be transferred from police headquarters to the county jail. Viewers across America watching the live television coverage suddenly saw a man aim a pistol and fire at point-blank range. The assailant was identified as Jack Ruby, a local nightclub owner. Oswald died two hours later at Parkland Hospital.
The President’s Funeral
That same day, President Kennedy’s flag-draped casket was moved from the White House to the Capitol on a caisson drawn by six grey horses, accompanied by one riderless black horse. At Mrs. Kennedy’s request, the cortege and other ceremonial details were modeled on the funeral of Abraham Lincoln. Crowds lined Pennsylvania Avenue and many wept openly as the caisson passed. During the 21 hours that the president’s body lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda, about 250,000 people filed by to pay their respects.
On Monday, November 25, 1963 President Kennedy was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. The funeral was attended by heads of state and representatives from more than 100 countries, with untold millions more watching on television. Afterward, at the grave site, Mrs. Kennedy and her husband’s brothers, Robert and Edward, lit an eternal flame.
Perhaps the most indelible images of the day were the salute to his father given by little John F. Kennedy Jr. (whose third birthday it was), daughter Caroline kneeling next to her mother at the president’s bier, and the extraordinary grace and dignity shown by Jacqueline Kennedy.
Nov 8, 2024 | Library
ST PETER
Peter, who was also known as Simon Peter of Cephas, is considered the first Pope. Despite his papacy, Peter had humble beginnings and became one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was ordained by Jesus in the “Rock of My Church” written in Matthew 16:17-18, which says, “Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a blessed man! Because it was no human agency that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So, I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my community.
Peter was Jesus’ closest friend and disciple and became an apostle during his ministry. After the death of Jesus, Peter became the leader of the apostles and is often described as their spokesperson in the gospels.
Aside from his position as the most important apostle, legend has it that he held the keys of heaven and hell, which he received from Jesus Christ himself after he was made the leader of His new church. He is always mentioned first in the Bible and any other historical texts because he was the representative of the Twelve Apostles. This shows us how important St. Peter was to Christianity. St Peter’s Basilica in Rome is dedicated to his martyrdom.
ST PAUL
Saint Paul is one of the most important and influential of all the saints. Many of his writings are contained in the Canon of the Bible and have influenced the growth and development of the Church since the first century.
St. Paul was originally known as Saul, and he was a Roman citizen and a Pharisee. He even presided over the persecutions of the early Christians and was present at the martyrdom of St. Stephen.
However, Saul experienced a powerful vision that caused him to convert to Christianity while on the road to Damascus. He was duly baptized and took the name Paul.
Paul traveled the world, first to Arabia then back to Damascus. He also visited Jerusalem to see St. Peter, the first pope and pay homage to him. During these travels, he preached ceaselessly, often drawing criticism and ire from those who rebuffed his message. Jews, in particular, hated his preaching as they saw him convert people to Christianity from Judaism.
Eventually, Paul returned to Tarsus, where he was born. He preached there until he was called by Barnabus to come to Antioch. After a year spent in Antioch, a famine occurred in Jerusalem and the pair was dispatched to the city with alms.
Paul traveled throughout much of Europe, particularly in Macedonia, Greece, and Italy. While preparing for a missionary trip to Spain, he was imprisoned in Caesarea by the Jews for two years. He traveled again, was shipwrecked in Malta, and was imprisoned for another two years for preaching in Rome. Despite these imprisonments, Paul continued to preach.
Paul eventually made his way to Spain, then returned to the East, and finally returned to Rome once again. In 67 AD, Paul was arrested in Rome for a second time and this time he was beheaded under the insane Emperor Nero. According to John Chrysostom, Nero knew Paul personally.
Paul is among the most famous, intelligent and influential of the apostles. There are some who argue that he was the leader of the apostles, but this is not supported by the evidence. Instead, he likely preached at the request of St. Peter, who was pope.
Bibliography for St. Peter & St. PAUL
SAINT PETER:
- Bockmuehl, Marcus. The New Testament Apostle of the Early Church: Simon Peter in Scripture and Memory. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. 2012.
- Craughwell, Thomas J. St. Peter’s Bones: How the Relics of the First Pope were Lost and Found and then Lost and Found Again. New York, NY: Crown Publishing Group. 2013.
- Dolan, Cardinal Timothy. To Whom Shall We Go? Lessons from the Apostle Peter. Huntington, IN: Sunday Visitor Publishing Division. 2008.
- Fasola, Umberto M. Traces on Stone: Peter & Paul in Rome. ROME: Stapato a Firenza Press. 1980.
- Grant, Michael. Saint Peter: A Biography. New York, NY: Scribner. 1994.
- La Due, William J. The Chair of St. Peter: The History of the Papacy. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books. 1999.
- Murphy, Jennie Catherine. “Peter’s Journey through the Gospel of John Culminating in John 2:15-19.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2018.
SAINT PAUL:
- Buck, Charles, and Taylor, Greer. St Paul: A Study in the Development of His Thought. New York, NY: Charles Scribner & Sons. 1969
- Grant, Michael. Saint Paul. London, UK: Phoenix Press. 1976.
- McRay, John. Paul: His Life and Teaching. Grand Rapids, MI: 2003.
- Perez de Urbel, Justo. St. Paul the Missionary. Westminster, MD: 1957.
- Perowne, Stewart. The Journey of Saint Paul. New York, NY: Hamilton Publishing Group Ltd. 1973.
- Weldeghiorghis, Fr. Estifanos Helafu. “The Impact of St. Paul’s Imprisonment on the Faith of the Early Christians.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2016.
Oct 23, 2024 | Library
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, called during a vision of the Suffering Christ, on August 1, 1925 she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and took the name Sister Mary Faustina. She lived in the Congregation for thirteen years and lived in several religious houses. She spent time in Kraków, Poland and Vilnius, where she worked as a cook, gardener, and porter. Externally nothing revealed her rich mystical interior life. She zealously performed her tasks and faithfully observed the rule of religious life. She was recollected and at the same time very natural, serene, and full of kindness and disinterested love for her neighbor. She hid within herself an extraordinary union with God. At the specific request of and following the example of the Lord Jesus, she made a sacrifice of her own life for this very goal. In her spiritual life, she also distinguished herself with a love of the Eucharist and a deep devotion to the Mother of Mercy.
Francis of Assisi was an Italian mystic, poet, and Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. Inspired to lead a Christian life of poverty, he became a beggar and itinerant preacher. He is commonly portrayed wearing a brown habit with a rope tied around his waist, featuring three knots symbolizing the three Franciscan vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. According to Christian tradition, in 1224 Francis received the stigmata during the apparition of a Seraphic angel in a religious ecstasy. Francis is associated with patronage of animals and the environment. It became customary for churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of the fourth of October, which became World Animal Day. He was noted for his devotion to the Eucharist.
Bibliography for Saint Maria Kowalska Faustina and Saint Francis of Assisi
SAINT FAUSTINA:
- Faustina, Saint Maria Kowalska. Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska. Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press 2004.
- Kosicki, George W. Herald of Divine Mercy Meet Saint Faustina. Cincinnati, OH: Charis Books 2021.
- O’Boyle, Donna-Marie. 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina A Year of Grace & Mercy. Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press 2018.
- Sosnowski, Leszek. The Gospel of Lagiewniki: The Life and Work of Saint Sister Faustina. Cracow, Poland: Bialykruk 2002.
- Tarnawaska, Maria. Sister Faustina Kowalska. London, UK: Veritas Foundation Publication Centre 1989.
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI:
- Cunningham, Lawrence. San Franciso, CA: Harper & Rowe Publishers 1981.
- De la Bedoyere, Michael. Francis of Assisi. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press 1999.
- Deacon, Fr. Angelo (translator). Francis of Assisi. Freiburg, Germany: Herder KG Publishers 1975.
- North, Wyatt. Saint Francis of Assisi: A Life Inspired. Boston, MA: Wyatt North Publishing 2014.
- Schatzlein, Joan and Sulmasy, Daniel. Francis the Leper. Phoenix, AZ: Tau Publishing 2014.
- Simsic, Wayne. Living the Wisdom of St. Francis. New York, NY: Paulist Press 2001.
- Van Doonik, Fr. N.G. Francis of Assisi: A Prophet for Our Time. Chicago, IL: Franciscan Herald Press 1979.
- Velar, Editrice. Francis of Assisi: Innovator for a New Society. Waterford, WI: Franciscan Missions, Inc. 1994
Aug 16, 2024 | Library
This August, our library is excited to showcase a special display dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a powerful symbol of devotion and faith. Each month, we will focus on a different theme, curating a collection of resources that highlight its significance. This month, we turn our attention to Mary’s profound interior life, marked by both joy and sorrow, yet always steadfast in her faith.
On August 15th, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, when she was taken up into heaven in both body and soul. To honor this feast day, our display includes a diverse selection of books, art books, encyclicals, and several theses and professional papers from our alumni. These resources reflect the depth of Mary’s devotion and her role as a model of holiness.
Mary’s feast reminds us that we are created for the glory of God, and we must respect the dignity of every human life.
Featured Resources:
- Alberione, Rev. James. Mary Hope of the World. Indianapolis: St. Paul edition 1962.
- Allegra, Gabriel. Mary’s Immaculate Way to God. Chicago: Franciscan Herald Press, 1985.
- Eudes, Saint John. The Admirable Heart of Mary. New York: P.J. Kenedy & Sons, 1948.
- Fox, Rev. Robert J. Immaculate Heart of Mary True Devotion. Indianapolis: Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, 1986.
- Heinrich, Sister Grace Marie. “Queen of Heaven and Earth: Scriptural Foundation of the Queenship of Mary.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2015.
- The Immaculate Conception in the Life of the Church: Essays from the International Mariological Symposium in Honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, ed, Calloway, Donald H. Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press 2004
- Life of the Madonna in Art, 1985 Boston: Daughters of St. Paul.
- Magnificat 5, no. 6 (August 2024).
- Mater Misericordiae An Annual Journal of Mariology 4 (2019).
- The Marian Movement of Priests, To the Priests Our Lady’s Beloved Sons 12th edition. St. Francis, ME: Marian Movement of Priests, 1989.
- Mongelos, Amanada Cristina. “Mary’s Spiritual Motherhood in the Church.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2018.
- Murphy, John F. Mary’s Immaculate Heart. Milwaukee: The Bruce Publishing Co., 1951
- Nguyez, Sister Thuan, “The Blessed Virgin Mary: Model of Consecration in the Consecrated Life.” M.A. Professional Paper, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2021.
- Ngyen, Sister Thuy, “Mary as Mother.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College &Seminary, 2016
- Pope Pius IX, Apostolic Constitution on Defining the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, issued December 8, 1854. Boston, MA: Saint Paul’s Books & Media.
- Pope John Paul II, Encyclical Letter, Mother of the Redeemer on the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Life of the Pilgrim Church, March 25, 1987.
- Pope John Paul II, Holy Thursday Letter to Priests, Holy Thursday 1988. Boston: Saint Paul’s Books & Media.
- Swirzon, Peter, J. “Mary Mediatrix of Sacramental Grace.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2016.
- The Virgin Mary and the Theology of the Body, ed. Calloway, Donald H. Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press 2005Vu, Sister Thom. “Mary as a Model of Obedience.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2016
- Wheeler, Marion M. Mary Images of the Virgin in Art. New York: BCL Press/Book Creation LLC.
We invite you to visit the Library and explore these materials. Join us in celebrating the virtues exemplified by the Immaculate Heart of Mary and reflecting on the glory of God that each of us is called to embrace.
