Random thoughts from the desk of J Trowbridge
Carpe Diem - There are many opportunities here in Rome and it is a great blessing to be here to enjoy the riches of antiquity and to be immersed in the breadth of our Catholicity which is represented here in Rome. Many times I have found myself telling people that I love studying in Rome because I can enjoy what the city has to offer without the common frustrations of 'tourist anxiety.' However, the challenge of daily living presents itself as well. I noticed that we, at home, fall into a routine and seldom take time out of our crammed schedules to enjoy what our local community has to offer. So that we may 'stop and smell the roses,' if you will. Before I left for school I was really getting into learning the history of my home county of Boone, in northern Illinois, and the neat little tid-bits which I ran across were quite entertaining and eye-opening. And to think, this Capronly are has a history which is pre-ebryonic compared to Rome. Getting back to my point, I am making efforts to see a new sight in Rome every week. So we will see how this plan works out amid the hecticity of seminary life.
Charades - This past week I realized how I am indebted to the inventors of Charades. This comes to the floor in light of my Italian inadequacy which is accompanied by the quip, 'actions speak louder than words.' I went to a few stores this past week [on my own] to pick up some supplies for a project and I had to get a new watch battery. I was able to get everything done that I had set out to do, so that was good, but my dialogue was atrocious and had it not been for my unique dramatizations I would have ended the day empty handed. I actualized this phenomenon last summer while I was in Mexico and I am happy to see that those skills are serving me well in Italy.
Case Study - My first spiritual director in my life as a seminarian was an aged, brilliant and wise priest from the diocese of Lincoln, NE. I am still, at times, drawn back to the advice which he gave me on pursuing a live in Christ. One of the practical points of advice that he gave me was congruous to the study practicum of a law student wherein these aspiring lawyers are encouraged to engage in case studies. A case study is as simple as reading how a case unfolds, these include the accusations, rebuttals, et cetera. They say that this investment of time is one of the most practical according to the learning process. Well, my spiritual director said that we can benefit from this approach to learning in our walk with Christ by doing our own case studies of those saints whom we hear about all the time. It is here where we have the opportunity to see what struggles they were faced with and we are able to learn their style in reorienting their desires, will and actions toward Christ. This is a very fruitful way of growing in accord to what the Lord is calling us to. One example from my reading is from St. Maria Goretti. This young girl grew up in a poor home and was taught the ways of Christian living from her mother. Since her mother was not too educated her advice was simple yet profound. From this domestic catechesis little Maria had it on her heart to try and live daily without sinning even once for fear that she would sadden her Lord. Her common sobering prayer was 'I would rather die a thousand deaths, O Lord, than commit one sin against you'...simple, childlike and profound. We are then drawn to how we can get into the habit of passing off small sins and not being too attentive to them due to their venial classification. An example of how we can be called to holiness by way of a young poor Italian farm girl who was martyred for fear of offending her Lord. Many lessons similar and dissimilar to this one can be found in the volumes and volumes written on those heroes and heriones of our faith.
Thank you for all of your prayers both for myself and for vocations as a whole. Living here at the North American College with 173 candidates for the priesthood in America and Australia I am inspired and hopeful of the Church's future. Your prayers are being answered. And I ask that you continue to pray that we may be formed into the priests which Christ is calling each one of us to become.
God Bless,
J. Trowbridge
Charades - This past week I realized how I am indebted to the inventors of Charades. This comes to the floor in light of my Italian inadequacy which is accompanied by the quip, 'actions speak louder than words.' I went to a few stores this past week [on my own] to pick up some supplies for a project and I had to get a new watch battery. I was able to get everything done that I had set out to do, so that was good, but my dialogue was atrocious and had it not been for my unique dramatizations I would have ended the day empty handed. I actualized this phenomenon last summer while I was in Mexico and I am happy to see that those skills are serving me well in Italy.
Case Study - My first spiritual director in my life as a seminarian was an aged, brilliant and wise priest from the diocese of Lincoln, NE. I am still, at times, drawn back to the advice which he gave me on pursuing a live in Christ. One of the practical points of advice that he gave me was congruous to the study practicum of a law student wherein these aspiring lawyers are encouraged to engage in case studies. A case study is as simple as reading how a case unfolds, these include the accusations, rebuttals, et cetera. They say that this investment of time is one of the most practical according to the learning process. Well, my spiritual director said that we can benefit from this approach to learning in our walk with Christ by doing our own case studies of those saints whom we hear about all the time. It is here where we have the opportunity to see what struggles they were faced with and we are able to learn their style in reorienting their desires, will and actions toward Christ. This is a very fruitful way of growing in accord to what the Lord is calling us to. One example from my reading is from St. Maria Goretti. This young girl grew up in a poor home and was taught the ways of Christian living from her mother. Since her mother was not too educated her advice was simple yet profound. From this domestic catechesis little Maria had it on her heart to try and live daily without sinning even once for fear that she would sadden her Lord. Her common sobering prayer was 'I would rather die a thousand deaths, O Lord, than commit one sin against you'...simple, childlike and profound. We are then drawn to how we can get into the habit of passing off small sins and not being too attentive to them due to their venial classification. An example of how we can be called to holiness by way of a young poor Italian farm girl who was martyred for fear of offending her Lord. Many lessons similar and dissimilar to this one can be found in the volumes and volumes written on those heroes and heriones of our faith.
Thank you for all of your prayers both for myself and for vocations as a whole. Living here at the North American College with 173 candidates for the priesthood in America and Australia I am inspired and hopeful of the Church's future. Your prayers are being answered. And I ask that you continue to pray that we may be formed into the priests which Christ is calling each one of us to become.
God Bless,
J. Trowbridge
posted by Jeremy Trowbridge at 4:17 PM
2 Comments:
Did they make you cut your hair?!?
I always enjoy your thoughts, Jeremy! It's hard to believe this is the same little boy I used to chase around the house!
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