News 2017-2018 – Page 2 – Studium Theologicum Salesianum

April 23, 2018September 23, 2021

STS STUDY TRIP TO TURKEY A GREAT SUCCESS

By Leonard Carlino SDB

April 6 2018 - Turkey On April 2 at 1 am, the students of the Studium Theologicum Salesianum boarded a bus for a 4 day visit of Turkey. Christians call the land of Turkey the “cradle of the Church” because of its importance in the Church immediately following the resurrection.

Our first day was focused on two things: arriving to Turkey from Jerusalem and the Goreme open air museum, home to the unique settlements of 4th century monks connected with St Basil the Great. The buildings are hewn from rocks formed by 9000 year old volcanic eruptions paired with millennia of erosion of the fine sediment.

On day 2 we visited two towns central to the life and ministry of St Paul. We began the day in Konya (known as Iconium at the time of Paul). In the early Church it was a significant Christian community. Today it is considered one of the most religious cities in Turkey due to the impact of Mevlana, a teacher of the Suffi Muslim philosophy and founder of the Dervish monasteries. Our visit, especially to the Mevlana museum, was eye opening to the impact of Islam and its beauty as a religious tradition.

Our second locale of focus was Antioch of Pisiddia. Paul stayed in this large ancient Roman city six times, including preaching in the city’s synagogue (See Acts 13). The beauty of the area and presence of a temple dedicated to Augustus enlightens the practical things that Paul was referencing when speaking of the beauty of creation and the negative life of the pagans.

On our third day, after a long drive from the village of Pamukkale, where limestone and hot springs mix to create the white stones that give the town its name of “Cotton Castle”, we drove to the ancient city of Ephesus. This is the city where Paul lived for at least a year and a half in addition to the times of his multiple visits. We saw the streets he would have been familiar with, the theatre where his disciples Gaius and Aristarchus were brought before the crowd, and the local squares where he would have spoken regularly. It was this city of 25,000 people that was the home to one of the earliest Christian communities, mentioned by John in the book of Revelation, as one of the seven Churches to whom God spoke (See Rev 2:1-7). Finishing our visit, we stayed at the Church of Mary, built on the outskirts of the city, and place where the Council of Ephesus gathered in 431 for proclaiming Mary as the Mother of God (Theotokos).

After lunch we visited also the House of Mary. In the 19th century a German nun, blessed Catherine Emmerich, had a dream where she saw the location of the homestead. Having never been to Ephesus, she was able to describe the area in great detail. A local priest explored the area and found a 4th century building over a 1st century foundation. It was an experience to pray at this location inside the house alongside Muslim pilgrims from Turkey (Mary is mentioned five times as worthy of praise as being the Mother of Jesus).

At the end of an awe-inspiring trip we spent the day in Istanbul. This city showcases how Turkey is a cross between Arab/Ottoman tradition and Western culture. The Basilic of the Hagia Sofia (today, a Museum) and the Blue Mosque not only witness the ability of humanity when it comes to architecture and design, but also the rich history of this region. The images of these magnificent places speak for themselves.

The highlight of the day was visiting the Cathedral of St Esprit, administered by the Salesians. It was a great moment of Salesian family spirit as we were greeted by the Rector of the community, Pastor of the Cathedral, Principal of the school, and the German Provincial on visitation to the community.

It is opportunities such as these that make the experience for an STS student, different than anywhere else in the world. To be at the heart of history, both global and biblical, and experience these locations in lived experience, is simply priceless.

March 26, 2018September 23, 2021

THE TOPOGRAPHICAL VISIT AT HARAM AL-SHARIF AND THE OUTER WALL

By Tresor Lulenga Amani, M.Afr.

March 26 2018 - Haram Al-Sharif – Jerusalem Joining our guide, Fr. Leopold Vonck M.Afr., as well as the STS Principal, Fr. Gustavo Cavagnari SDB, the first-year students visited the Haram Al-Sharif, a sacred place for both Judaism, as the site of the old Temple, and Islam, as the place of Mohammed’s ascension into heaven. The square, occupying the 1/6 of the Old City, has still some importance for us, Christians, as the site was frequented by Jesus himself many times, even His apostles, and many pilgrims in the past.

At first before entering, we gathered at the Dung gate and then proceeded inside the complex to first see some tombs of venerated Muslims. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, or real site of prayer, and the Haram al-Sharif, or the Muslim “Noble Sanctuary”, stand out in the complex. The later, built on top of the ruins of the Jewish Temple, is one of the most magnificent Islamic monuments with the famous golden “Dome of the Rock”. Fr. Vonck highlighted the architectural art-decoration from the time of Mamluk period and the many Mastbat or open-air platforms for prayer; also, some attractive fountains like the Sabil Qa’it Bay, useful in many ways, especially for washing one’s feet before prayer in the mosque.

The visit continued to The Qanatir with some stairs and special columns, two of which are made from the ancient Christian columns of some churches and arches even probably from the Temple. We progressed to investigate some small domes (Qubba): like the dome of Moses, of the winds or spirits, of St. George or St. Elijah (Qubbat-al-Khadir), the Qubbat al-Mi’raj (Dome of the Ascension of the Prophet), the Qubbat al-Nabi (Dome of the Prophet or Gabriel) and many other interesting domes. Afterwards we saw the mistakenly called Golden gate, thought to be the site of the healing by St. Peter of the lame man (cf. Acts 3:1-10).

Finally, we went outside the Haram Al-Sharif square to the Davidson Center Jerusalem Archeological Park, just a few steps away from the Western Wall. In this park we saw some remains of the Jewish Temple built by Herod the Great, especially the re-use of stones from the said Temple. One stone is thought to be the sight of the place of trumpeting prior to the Sabbaths. We saw the Mikveh’ot or pubic ritual baths, the main gate and the famous Robinson’s arch, the double gates and the remains of the Ophel wall of the 1st Solomon’s Temple, trying also to understand the Jewish culture surrounding the Temple on the use of the coins, the way forward for sacrifice. A great and educational experience was had by all.

March 15, 2018September 23, 2021

STS PARTICIPATES IN JPIC CONFERENCE ON ‘LAUDATO SI’

By Vladimir Plasek SDB / Leonard Carlino SDB

March 12 2018 - Notre Dame Center – Jerusalem On March 12, the STS students and prof.s participated in “The Integral Ecology by Pope Francis for Safeguarding of the Common Home”, a Conference focused on Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato si’. The conference was animated by the General Office for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land (JPIC). It was also held under the patronage of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Apostolic Delegation of the Holy See to Jerusalem and Palestine, and the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land. The location of the conference was the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center.

The day began with welcoming comments from Fr. Giorgio Vigna OFM, Custodial animator JPIC, and Fr. Francesco Patton OFM, Custos of the Holy Land. Dr. Beatrice Guarrera, Journalist of the Custody of the Holy Land, gave a brief outline of the encyclical Laudato si’. Following this introduction, Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for promoting Integral Human Development, took the stage to speak of the encyclical in light of recent church history, practical theology, and inter-religious dialogue. Cardinal Turkson highlighted that the encyclical was not a “new invention”, but has been built up through the Churches ministry and reflection, especially in the last 200 years. Hints and building blocks for the integral ecology emphasized in the encyclical can be find in such documents as Rerum Novarum, Mater et Magistra, Gaudium et Spes, Populorum Progressio, and Octogesima Advenies. Saint Pope John Paul II especially emphasized the interaction of the human person and creation in Redemptor Hominis. This document presented three theses: The nature of the human person is primary, natural sources are not all renewable, and ecological pollution has effects on the human person, thereby making morality a sine qua non issue for understanding the world and the nature. Pope Benedict XVI further developed these themes of nature, human, and social justice by uniting them under the banner of “Peace”, developing a covenant language in speaking of the interactions of nature and man, and emphasizing anthropology and the narrative of the “Dignity of the Person”.

The following presentation was given by Prof. Mohammed S. Dajani Daoudi, Director and Founder of the Wasatia Academic Graduate Institute. Prof. Dajani Daoudi highlighted the Muslim view of the man-nature relationship and emphasized its correlation with Christian and Jewish traditions. He also brought in some practical reflections on moderation versus extremism in correcting issues, giving both politico-social and pedagogical examples that he has personally interacted with. The afternoon sessions included presentations by R. David Rosen, the American Jewish Committee’s International Director of Interreligious Affairs, and the Economist Stefano Zamagni, Professor at the University of Bologna and Member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. Rabbi Rosen outlined the image of an Integral Ecology from a Jewish perspective, looking primarily at Scriptural, Talmudic, and Midrashic sources. Such traditions as the sabbatical year and the food and food preparation traditions show forth the principles of divine ownership, creative partnership, and responsibility. Prof. Zamagni presented the economic and market implications of Pope Francis’ presentation. He pointed out that Pope Francis presented three main theses in this encyclical, namely the reduction of poverty and sustainable development are “two sides of the same coin”, the ecosystem is a global common good, and there should be more focus on biodiversity.

Cardinal Turkson closed the day by identifying 7 “C’s” of the encyclical, and in term theme of our practice of Integral ecology. Such an ecology is in continuity with the church tradition, collegiality with the global bishop’s conferences, built on communication of dialogue with other Christian, Abrahamic, and world religions, is based on a care which itself is custody, but all requires conversion, contemplation, and compassion of our hearts. The event as a whole was not only informative and reflection-encouraging on this theme of ecology for the STS students and professors, but also a great moment of inter religious dialogue of life based on a shared concern and value.

Photos from Custodia website, ©Nadim Asfour/CTS

March 14, 2018October 12, 2021

STS PUBLICATIONS RELEASES BOOK ON THEOLOGY OF HANS URS BALTHASAR AND JEAN-MARIE TILLARD

From the Foreword:

In the present book, Father Dennis Kasule has done us the service of bringing together Tillard's and von Balthasar's ecclesiologies, with careful attention to their different methods, images for the Church, principles for reading Scripture, recourse to the Church Fathers, attitude toward St. Thomas Aquinas, understandings of spirituality, and general emphases. Tillard's Eucharistic ecclesiology, which is rooted in Christ and the Spirit, is compared and contrasted with von Balthasar's Cross-centered, Marian and Petrine understanding of the Church. Father Kasule makes a powerful case for the complementarity of Tillard's and von Balthasar's approaches. In so doing, he mounts a marvelous defense of the fruitfulness of their two sets of concerns, pursued within the bounds marked out by the documents of Vatican II.

Father Dennis Kasule teaches at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He is an assistant professor in the departments of pre-theology, dogmatic and pastoral theology, Associate Dean of Formation, and Director of the Holy Pilgrimage. He did his doctoral studies at Boston College and University of St. Mary of the Lake. He is a priest of the Archdiocese of Kampala in Uganda.

March 14, 2018September 23, 2021

BACK TO THE SOUTH…FINALLY: ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCURSION TO TEL BEER’SHEVA AND EIN AVDAT

By Calvin Ototo Akunga M.Afr.

March 14 2018 - Beer Sheva Sun, sand and sea… okay, the last of these and the Negev have not been properly acquainted yet, and it might not happen any time soon, so let us leave it sun and sand. Good enough. Add several millennia of the unrivalled sculpting skills of the elements on nature, the technological nous behind climate-defying flora, the engineering marvels of an Iron Age city and you have the highlights of a visit to Tel Beer Sheva and Ein Advat.

When a horned altar is the first thing encountered on a historical site, even if it is a replica, it must be a very important place. In jest, the guide asked what could be sacrificed there at Tel Beer Sheva. One student was busy scanning the area. He was hoping that Providence had arranged for a fat ram or two to give up on trying to free their horns from the bushes. Well, no such luck. It might have been a real biblical moment; then we realised that the fellow was a member of the food team, barely winning the battle against his hunger pangs.

The layout of this World Heritage site betrays meticulous urban planning, all the way from the gate to its inner recesses. Security (military, food and water), administration, circulation and drainage are just some of the factors that had been taken into account. Take water security: the subterranean system that brought water into the city from the Hebron stream-bed is quite impressive. The reservoir, divided into 5 spaces has a capacity of around 700 cubic metres, with its floor roughly 17 meters below street level. Trust a keen, critical student to ask, “But why is there a fire extinguisher in here? Are you sure this was not an oil reservoir?” You can bet your house that the red, factory-produced fire extinguisher was not from the Iron Age, but he was not too convinced.

The walk through the Ein Avdat Canyon was surreal. Over time, the Master Architect had shaped and planed the canyon walls into features that clearly reminded us of our relative littleness before the forces of nature. Some of the caves had such enormous clear-spans that structural engineers must still be scratching their heads in a bid to explain the distribution of forces in action. The waterfall had however been reduced to a trickle, as if to make us carry the guilt for not returning in the winter. As consolation, it offered a beautiful backdrop for the man behind the camera. The resident fauna also wanted to be noticed. Stirred from their afternoon siesta by our animated arrival, various lizards would sneak out of their crevices, acknowledge our presence by respectfully nodding their heads and then scamper away to attend to more pressing matters. The vultures, probably believing that we were taking the Lenten fast very seriously, did not think we had any meat on us and so they kept their distance. Not very hospitable!

Oh! We cannot forget the story of one of our very active ambassadors. During the hike, his larger-than-life personality was reduced to a few murmurs here and there by his mild acrophobia (fear of heights). Happily, a little encouragement finally had him at the top of the canyon scarp, recording his “death-defying” feat on his Facebook account. He is still very proud of himself, but I do not think he is ready to climb Mount Hermon just yet.

The last stop was a bonus: a visit of the parish of Beer Sheva. No sooner had the table been set for lunch when the welcoming committee of unguiculate quadrupeds approached us. The dog was more enthusiastic than the cat, licking its lips with obvious glee at what was served. Curiosity was all that stirred the cat before it sashayed back to its favourite corner to continue its personal hygiene regimen. A tour of the presbytery followed, the most striking elements being the architectural theme of the chapel and the well-stocked panic room.

It was a very enjoyable trip. I have the feeling that we are not yet finished with the south. A special mention goes to Fr. Stephen who once again proved that age being nothing but a number might have some truth in it. More importantly, he was very good company. Until next time…

March 8, 2018September 23, 2021

CULTURAL DAY 2018

John Langan SDB

March 1 2018 - STS - Jerusalem On Thursday the 1st of March, the Studium Theologicum Salesianum hosted a Cultural Day themed, “The Medicine of Compassion: Learning about Hope from Refugees”. The students, faculty, and staff of STS were joined by the third-year students of Mundelein Seminary of Chicago, Illinois (U.S.A.), along with the faculty that was accompanying them on their visit to the Holy Land.

After a short prayer and the Principal’s words of welcome, Fr. Eric Wyckoff introduced the Chief Guest. Mrs. Stephanie Saldaña, originally from San Antonio, Texas, received a Bachelor’s degree in Literature from Liberal Arts College in Middlebury, Vermont. She went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School with a focus on Muslim-Christian dialogue as an Elizabeth Monrad Fellow. She was also a Thomas Watson Fellow in the Middle East and Europe and served as a journalist in at the Lebanon Daily Star, Beirut. In 2004 she traveled to Damascus to study Arabic and Islam on a Fulbright Scholarship, specializing in the Prophet Jesus in Islam. In 2009 she joined the Faculty of Al-Quda Bard College where she is a Lecturer. She wrote “The Bread of Angels: A Journey to Love and Faith” (2010) and “A Country Between: Making a Home Where Both Sides of Jerusalem Collide” (2017).

Mrs. Saldaña shared with all gathered her experiences visiting Syrian Refugees in various cities throughout the Middle East. In her presentation, she mentioned as a gift to be able to convey the immense number of Christians that have been affected in Syria, but at the same time having a personal connection with individual refugees themselves. Most of Mrs. Saldaña’s talk focused on a handful of refugees she has met in her travels throughout various countries and cities, expatriates who had each in their own way come to terms with the reality they had faced and the way in which they were able to not give in to despair or even simply survive this tragedy, but overcome this difficulty finding again the joy of life. The presentation showed the rich culture of the refugees through their music, clothes, and personal stories.

After the main talk, the assembly up into small groups to reflect on the presentation through means of prepared questions. The questions were geared to help the participants connect the presentation to our shared Catholic faith, Scripture, and to help us in our priestly formation as we prepare to go out and lead others to follow Christ’s call to care also for refugees like these. The group gathered again in the hall to share their reflections with one another.

After the main event of the day, everyone gathered for lunch prepared by the Salesian Community of Ratisbonne. This was followed by a little healthy competition between STS and Mundelein Seminary in the form of a few volleyball and basketball games. At the end of the day everyone who participated knew they had received a beautiful example of witnessing Christ present in all those around us and had much to continue to reflect upon from the Mrs. Saldaña’s presentation.

February 27, 2018September 23, 2021

ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCURSION: MA’ALE ADUMIM, WADI QELT & JERICHO

Leonard Carlino SDB

February 23 2018 - Wadi Qelt On a slightly dreary and rainy Friday morning the Students of STS boarded a charter bus for another Archaeological Excursion, this time to Ma’ale Adumim, Wadi Qelt, and Jericho. Fr Piotr Zelazko led the excursion, with a contingent of STS professors joining.

The first stop was the Monastery of Martyrius, the most important Centre of cenobitic life in the Judean Desert during the Byzantine era and located at Ma’ale Adumim. The students learned of the social impact of such a complex through its economical impulse to the neighborhood as well as structures for settlement and thriving. Architecture, art and life of monasteries during this period were also discussed. After a short visit, came a ride down the hill to Mishor Adumim and the Monastery of St Euthymius. Founded as a Laura by the Armenian master of Martyrius, it later became another one of the oldest examples of cenobitic lifestyle in the Judean Desert. While there is no large square, the remnants of cisterns, animal holdings and mosaics in multiple chapels attest to its praxis of life.

Next came a visit which many students had been looking forward to: The Monastery of St. George in Wadi Qelt. The group was privileged enough to enter the monastery and hear some background on the lifestyle of the Greek Orthodox monk residents from one of them. The “Cave of Elias” was also visited and Monastic lifestyle was discussed at great length.

After the climb out of the Wadi, the excursion continued to Jericho, namely to the ruins of Herod’s palace and finally to the monastery of St. Gerasimos. The history of these sites as well as the visualization through the ruins helped the students grasp life of the Herodian and Byzantine periods respectively. These excursions are always a great blessing in that they bring all of the education of Theology to life.

February 13, 2018September 23, 2021

TOPOGRAPHICAL VISIT TO MT ZION

Steve Demaio SDB

February 8 2018 - Mt Zion - Jerusalem On Thursday February 8th 2018, the first-year students of STS, as well as the Director of the Salesian Community and a 4th year student, were guided by Fr. Pol Vonck M. Afr. to the Holy Sites of Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. The visit began at Zion gate in the afternoon and then we walked to St. Peter’s in Gallicantu. St. Peter’s is venerated as the place where Jesus, after being arrested, was imprisoned awaiting his upcoming trial and where pilgrims reflect on the denial of Peter. It was beautiful to pray together as a group in that space and to reflect on the life of Christ. The three-tiered church has a very prayerful atmosphere, in part by the memory attached to the place, but also because of the many icons that decorate the walls. The visit proceeded to the over-look of the panoramic view of the Kidron Valley, the Temple Mount, Mount of Olives, the City of David and Gehenna. From there we hiked up in order to visit the Tomb of David, the Cenacle and Dormition Abbey.

Although many of us in the group had already visited many of these places on our own, Fr. Pol brought a wealth of knowledge that helped deepen our love and understanding of our Christian tradition. For example, he took us first to a small cloister that used to be the dwellings of the Franciscans, but also the place where many scholars locate the walls of the 1st century church of Hagia Sion. The place where we stood could very well have been the place where the first Christians gathered to break bread. Whether it was that exact wall or that exact place, the possibility of even being in the vicinity of the first Christian church was quite overwhelming. Each holy site brought with it a similar experience, I’m sure different for each one of us, but none the less impactful.

We completed our visit to the Dormition Abbey, and although many of us were tired, we were able to appreciate the beauty of the Church as well as the crypt where the statue of Mary and the many side altars gave us time to reflect on the tradition of how Mary’s earthly life ended; the great and glorious mystery of the Assumption. Our mini pilgrimage to the sites of Mt. Zion gave us a better understanding and appreciation for our faith, as well as more “food” for prayer that will nourish our future visits.

February 6, 2018September 23, 2021

OPENING OF THE SECOND SEMESTER

Samson Gebretsadik SDB

February 1, 2018 – STS - Jerusalem On February 1, 2018, the Studium Theologicum Salesianum (STS) opened the Spring 2018 semester holding a conference entitled: “Toward Practical Ecumenism: On Catholic-Lutheran Relationship”, in occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

The Chief Guest was Rev. Robert G. Smith, Academic Director of the Jerusalem Global Gateway program, a global consortium of the University of Notre Dame institutions of which Tantur Ecumenical Institute is part. He earned his BA from Oklahoma State University and his PhD from Baylor University. For the past several years, he served as the Special Adviser to the President of the Lutheran World Federation, Bishop Munib Younan. Smith is author of More Desired than Our Own Salvation: The Roots of Christian Zionism (Oxford, 2013) and editor, with Swedish scholar Göran Gunner, of Comprehending Christian Zionism: Perspectives in Comparison (Fortress, 2014).

After the prayer to the Holy Spirit and the words of welcome, the Principal of STS, Fr. Gustavo Cavagnari, SDB, introduced the Chief Guest and underlined in his greeting the importance of the topic, especially for those taking the Diploma in Inter-religious Dialogue and Ecumenism. He also made a reference to the Pope Francis’ new Apostolic Constitution “Veritatis gaudium”.

In his conference, Rev. Smith emphasized the essential importance of reconciliation and dialogue among Catholics and Lutherans, by quoting St. Paul: God “has committed to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:17-19). He added that this vision of God’s reconciling embrace in Christ Jesus and call to the ministry of reconciliation has animated his career of engagement across lines of ecumenical and inter-religious difference. He stressed also the confession that Jesus is the incarnation of a universal God with a universal mission, and so we are called into a life of global awareness with an unceasing commitment for the wellbeing of the poor. In this sense, he briefly added practical ecumenical and interreligious cooperation in the relation to the three interlocking areas of international law, global migration, and climate justice.

Rev. Smith cited later the text “From conflict to Communion”, highlighting the five ecumenical imperatives presented in the document, and he concluded saying that we are all disciples of Jesus, even if we have different paths. We should now freely affirm to one another that we follow the One who has broken down the dividing wall, and therefore we have to seek unity and not division for the good of the society.

Rev. Richard Amalanathan, SDB, moderated the questions and answers session, where time was given to all the participants seeking clarification and comments on the matters under discussion. Rev. Robert briefly answered the questions that were raised.

The full text of Rev. Smith’s conference can be found here.

January 31, 2018October 12, 2021

POPE FRANCIS RELEASES NEW APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION REVISING THE NORMS OF ECCLESIASTICAL UNIVERSITIES AND FACULTIES

Leonard Carlino SDB

On January 29, Pope Francis presented Veritatis gaudium (“The Joy of Truth”), an Apostolic Constitution presenting revisions and updates to the directives for all institutions granting pontifical degrees in fields such as Theology, Philosophy, and Canon Law, as well as numerous other disciplines. The document updates the directives of Sapientia Christiana, released in 1979, along with directives outlined in other normative texts such as the Code of Canon Law.

The full text of the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis gaudium can be found here.