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Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Secretary Babysits!

One of the wonderful people you will meet when you come to Gaming is our secretary, Mrs. Andrea Ritt. She lives in Gaming with her husband, three children, and infamous cat, Francis.
Andrea loves our boys and thus volunteered to watch them both for an afternoon while my wife and I went skiing. Not going to turn down a ski trip together, we readily agreed.

Below are some pics of the kids at Andrea's house and of course we had to include Francis the cat as well....






Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Austria: Coming and Going!












160+ students just left Gaming to all parts of the United States and the rest of the world. It is amazing to think that in only a few more weeks, another 160+ students from all over will arive and inhabit this former 14th century Carthusian monastery. Future posts will focus on the highlights of next semester, but for all those leaving and for all those coming, I thought it might be nice just to post some general pictures of Austria and Gaming.

Also, for those who have the time, I would definitely recommend reading the US State Department's info on Austria as it is concise, to the point, and very informative.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The end in sight!

With finals being finished and only one more day to go, the campus has a different feel: Some are sad, others thrilled, and still others, have mixed emotions.

Still trying to process everything that has happened these past 16 weeks, most are in a whirlwind. I would encourage all of the fall 2008 participants to begin to reflect and actually write down their experiences. A few years from now, many of the precious insights will have disappeared. Don't let them slip away!

I especially want to thank all those students who have contributed, have served the program, and have been faithful to their daily tasks as student, brother, sister, friend, and travel partner.

Also, special thanks to Cory Heimann who helped put together the semester DVD project! It turned out wonderful and many of the students have already watched it and thoroughly enjoyed it.

To end with, I encourage all just to say thank you go God for the gift of this program and for the amazing opportunity that you all have been given.

Blessed Advent and enjoy these pics of Gaming in the snow!








Wednesday, December 3, 2008

The Festive Season!

In the past week or so the Kartause community has celebrated Thanksgiving, the beginning of Advent, and couldn't bypass a day trip to the ski mountain of Hochkar about 45 minutes from Gaming.
While classes were held on Thanksgiving day, evening commenced with an all campus turkey dinner. Mind you, the Turkey was brought out with sparklers in it as the students sang the star spangled banner in honor of the good ol' USA!




After dinner, classic Austrian dancers and dance instructors came to teach the students group Austrian dancers. Then the evening was finished off by a student manned DJ.


Advent here in Gaming is celebrated by a large and festive Advent Market right in the main courtyard of the Kartause. Here they sell sausages, kebabs, cheeses, honey, crepes and a million other goodies and delicacies...It is a great time to all.

Finally, on Saturday, over 50 students participated in a ski trip to the Hochkar mountain resort.

Skiing / snowboarding all day was a welcome relief to studies and exam preparations. We were even blest with an incredibly beautiful day which just topped off an already near perfect day.


Today is the last day of classes, then reading day, final exams.....and back to the USA! Can't believe the end is in sight!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!

This past weekend in Gaming we had our first snowfall. Everybody was ecstatic as it was pouring rain before the snow came. Over the weekend, students--male and female--as well as faculty & staff, and numerous children could be found sledding, playing in the snow, or building snowmen! What others are even more excited about is that this Saturday, the Hochkhar ski mountain opens for business. Incidentally, we will be doing a ski trip on opening day! Can't wait!
Can you believe it, only two more weeks until the semester is over! Just a reminder to make the most of it!




Wednesday, November 19, 2008

10 day Pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi











All 160 students as well as the Student Life Staff, T.O.R. Friars and Sisters headed down to the "Eternal City" of Rome and then off to Assisi for the past 10 days.

The schedule was jamm-packed with walking tours everyday, mass at a different major basilica each day, a papal audience, as well as some free time to explore the Vatican Museums or some other treasure. In Assisi, we also had tours, more free time, and also a special silent hike up to the hermitage of St. Francis up in the mountains. Concluding the pilgrimage was a special Tau Cross ceremony during the closing Mass where each person would kiss the cross as a sign of their conversion and "new beginning."
The weather was fantastic and I believe the most drama we had was a train / metro strike on one of the days which caused us to change around the schedule.

Eating pasta and wine for both lunch and dinner, gelati and other goodies has resulted in many of us dieting from Rome. But, nonetheless, we all loved every minute of it.

Now, we are looking at only 3 1/2 more weeks and the semester will be wrapped up!

The end's still a bit off, so finish strong, stay focused, and enjoy your last few weeks in Europe!





Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Kid's Fall Festival








Yesterday at the Kartause, the students along with female residence director, Katie Hess hosted a Fall/All Saint's Day party for the Kartause kids. As I watched from afar, it was evident that the kids were thoroughly enjoying themselves! They loved all the attention from the students as they paraded through the dorms and they especially loved all the cookies, candies, and cake at the party. Who wouldn't?

Among many other instances, the kid's party underscores and illuminates one of the unique parts of Austria: its intimate involvement with children and families. I have often heard students comment about how much they enjoy, appreciate, and admire the children. They uplift their tired and too often weary spirits. They are living witnesses to the joy of life and to the joy of knowing and loving Jesus with a child-like faith.

I hope, for years to come, that children will remain intimately involved in the program for indeed they are an icon of simplicity, joy, love, and trust, and gentleness. We would do better to imitate their example and learn from them as much as they learn from us!

Friday, October 31, 2008

Busy days of Fall

I know it has been a long time since the Gaming blog has been updates. I offer no excuses except that life has been busier than usual. Back to back we have had Parent's week, the Board of Trustees, and this weekend, the Poland pilgrimage. Next week is the highlight of the semester -- the 10 day pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi.

With all of these crazy events going on, many of the staff, faculty, and students have just stopped to take in the fall beauty here in Gaming. Perhaps you can live it vicariously through us:





































Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Students attend Beatification of St Thérèse's Parents


With the students returning from their 10 day break, there are stories and tales from all parts of the European continent. This is by no means unusual, and faculty and staff look forward to hearing about all the mishaps and blessings which the students encounter.

This semester, about 10% of the student population (mid teens) attended the beatification ceremony of St Thérèse's parents in Lisieux France.

The beatification process was quickened when wast July, Pope Benedict formally approved the miracle cure of a young Milanese child, Pietro Schillero, through the couple's intercession.

Below is an article entitled, St. Thérèse's Parents Beatified on World Mission Sunday
The Pope said the couple "proclaimed the Gospel of Christ through their exemplary married life. They lived their faith ardently and transmitted it to their family and all around them."

POMPEII, Italy (Zenit) - Benedict XVI said the second couple to be beatified in the history of the Church proclaimed the Gospel through living an "exemplary" married life.

Louis Martin and Marie-Zélie Guérin, the parents of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, were beatified today in Lisieux, France, by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, retired prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes.

Before praying the Angelus today during his one-day trip to the shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, the Pope noted that the beatification fell on the same date as World Mission Sunday. Pius XI, he explained, declared St. Thérèse "patroness of the missions."

The Pontiff said the two parents "proclaimed the Gospel of Christ through their exemplary married life. They lived their faith ardently and transmitted it to their family and all around them."

"Through their prayer and their evangelical witness," he added, "St. Thérèse’s parents accompanied and shared the journey of their daughter, who was called by the Lord to unconditionally consecrate herself to him within the walls of Carmel."

1st duty

"It was there, in the obscurity of the cloister, that St. Thérèse realized her vocation “to be love in the heart of the Church,'" he added, quoting from the saint's autobiography.

"Prayer," affirmed Benedict XVI, "is the first missionary duty of each one of us. It is first of all through prayer that the way for the Gospel is prepared; it is through prayer that hearts are opened to the mystery of God and that souls are disposed to receive his Word of salvation."

"With the beatification of the Martins in mind," he continued, "I would like to recall another intention that is close to my heart: the family, whose role is fundamental in nurturing in their children a universal spirit, open and responsive to the world and its problems, and in forming vocations to missionary life."

The Pope then asked for prayers for the 4th World Meeting of the Families, which will take place in Mexico City in January.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Call by Fr. Corapi for Rosary Novena

Being abroad during an election year can be both exciting and frustrating at times. It is exciting because it is easier to withdraw from all the noise and bickering of the parties but at the same time renter the political scene through news and other media outlets. It is also frustrating in the fact that one feels less powerful or less able to influence the election process and results.

Fr. Corapi has given us all, both at home and abroad, a way to influence and impact this election through the Rosary Novena.

Details are below:


A Call for a Rosary NovenaBy Fr. John Corapiwww.fathercorapi.com

Among the most important titles we have in the Catholic Church for the Blessed Virgin Mary are OurLady of Victory and Our Lady of the Rosary. These titles can be traced back to one of the most decisivetimes in the history of the world and Christendom. The Battle of Lepanto took place on October 7 (dateof feast of Our Lady of Rosary), 1571. This proved to be the most crucial battle for the Christian forcesagainst the radical Muslim navy of Turkey. Pope Pius V led a procession around St. Peter's Square inVatican City praying the Rosary. He showed true pastoral leadership in recognizing the danger posed toChristendom by the radical Muslim forces, and in using the means necessary to defeat it. Spiritualbattles require spiritual weapons, and this more than anything was a battle that had its origins in thespiritual order―a true battle between good and evil.Today we have a similar spiritual battle in progress―a battle between the forces of good and evil, lightand darkness, truth and lies, life and death. If we do not soon stop the genocide of abortion in theUnited States, we shall run the course of all those that prove by their actions that they are enemies ofGod―total collapse, economic, social, and national. The moral demise of a nation results in the ultimatedemise of a nation. God is not a disinterested spectator to the affairs of man. Life begins at conception.This is an unalterable formal teaching of the Catholic Church. If you do not accept this you are a hereticin plain English. A single abortion is homicide. The more than 48,000,000 abortions since Roe v. Wade inthe United States constitute genocide by definition. The group singled out for death―unwanted, unbornchildren.No other issue, not all other issues taken together, can constitute a proportionate reason forvoting for candidates that intend to preserve and defend this holocaust of innocent humanlife that is abortion.I strongly urge every one of you to make a Novena and pray the Rosary to Our Lady of Victorybetween October 27th and Election Day, November 4th. Pray that God's will be done and themost innocent and utterly vulnerable of our brothers and sisters will be protected from thisbarbaric and grossly sinful blight on society that is abortion. No woman, and no man, has theright to choose to murder an innocent human being.May God grant us the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and counsel to form our conscience inaccordance with authentic Catholic teaching, and then vote that well‐formed Catholic conscience.Please copy, email, link and distribute this article freely.

God Bless You,

Fr. John Corapi www.fathercorapi.com

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Keynote Address: Mark Inglis speaks at the Kartause







Mark Inglis is the first and only double amputee to ever summit Mount Everest, and he was here at the Kartause to speak to the student body on October 1st. Mr. Inglis is also a formidable wine-maker and consultant, founding trustee to several charitable trusts, created of his own high performance fuel called Peak Fuel and an internationally renowned speaker.

We were lucky enough (or call it providence) to have him here. What first appeared to be insurmountable obstacles disappeared rapidly to make it seem like it was just "Meant to be."

Mark first spoke to the many children at the Kartause in a special afternoon session where he took off and passed around one of his legs for all to see. The kids were thrilled to have him all to themselves.

Later that evening, Mark addressed a jammed audience of nearly 200 faculty, staff, students, and guests. He ended to a standing ovation. I think little else needs to be said for how well it was taken.

Mark encouraged the students to dream big, to be able to take healthy criticism so as to improve, and to push themselves to the limit so that they can surprise themselves (and others) just how far they can go.

Mark also gave a powerful testimony of how his charitable trusts have gone to help countless people. He said, "helping Tellee (double amputee in Nepal) gain a pair of artificial legs meant more to him than summiting Mount Everest." He encouraged students to help others in their work and to give back to society.

Mark also touched on the idea of sustainability. He said that he often finds buildings which were donated or funded through charitable organizations just rot into the dirt. He said that our charities should seek to become trusts which just use the interest for their projects. In this way, the money supply never runs out and can continue on into perpetuity.

Overall, the evening was memorable to all. Special thanks to Professor Herrera for the pictures which I have been able to upload.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Fall Kartause Crew!



Here is the crew for this semester! They are a lively bunch....in many ways!!
Also, for those who are interested, I entreat everyone who has not already signed this petition to the UN for the rights of the unborn children of the world, to do so. We need to show the world that life will not be defeated and that it is a sacred gift from God.
Good luck to all on finals and as they prepare for the 10 day break!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Hiking the Grossglockner: the Highest Mountain in Austria!







Last weekend, I satisfied a recent obsession to hike the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner, or the "high Bell" mountain. I hiked with Alumnus, Fr. Avram Brown, Theology professor, Robert Cassidy, and the female RD, Katie Hess.  

It was a spectacular trip with perfect weather: blue skies, moderate temps, a dusting of snow on the hilltops and rugged conditions.  

The Grossglockner summit is right about at 14,000 feet or about half the height of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest. 

We departed Gaming at 4:55 Am and it took us roughly 5 hours to arrive at the base of the mountain.  From here we began our trek up.  About hiking up another 5 hours we spent the night in the highest hut in Austria where we had to acclimatize due to the altitude.  We all felt dizzy and sick and found it hard to sleep.  Lucky for us, with Fr. Avram, we celebrated Mass in the hut overlooking the most stunning view of the mountains.  

Even without sleeping much in the hut, we departed again in the morning at 6:15 to begin our hike to the summit.  After climbing (literally) another 1.5 hours, we summited to our great relief!  From here we could see into Italy and it felt like we were on top of the world. 

After pictures and rejoicing at the summit, we headed back to our car where we celebrated Sunday liturgy in the woods before departing back to Gaming. 

All in all, it was a trip which we all will remember for a lifetime and probably one of my most memorable weekends of my life! 


Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Netherlands Travel Idea - Working Replica of Noah's Arc


For all those interested in travelling to the Netherlands, check out this replica of Noah's Arc:

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,269090,00.html


SCHAGEN, Netherlands — The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was thrown open Saturday — you could say it was the first time in 4,000 years — drawing a crowd of curious pilgrims and townsfolk to behold the wonder.

Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark, built by Dutch creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.

Reckoning by the old biblical measurements, Johan's fully functional ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house.

Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold.

"The design is by my wife, Bianca," Huibers said. "She didn't really want me to do this at all, but she said if you're going to anyway, it should look like this."

A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine — biblical scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been.

Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005.

On the uncovered top deck — not quite ready in time for the opening — will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats. And one camel.
Visitors on the first day were stunned.

"It's past comprehension," said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over the local landscape.
"I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big."

In fact, Noah's Ark as described in the Bible was five times larger than Johan's Ark.
But that still leaves enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater, where kids can watch the segment of the Disney film "Fantasia" that tells the story of Noah.

Another exhibit shows water cascading down on a model of the Ark. Exhibits on the third level show ancient tools and old-fashioned barrels, exotic stuffed animals, and a wax model of an exhausted Noah reclining on a bed in the forecastle.

Genesis says Noah kept seven pairs of most domesticated animals and one breeding pair of all other creatures, plus his wife, three sons and three daughters-in-law together on the boat for almost a year while the world was deluged.

Perhaps it was only logical that the replica project would be the brainchild of a Dutchman: fear of floods are ingrained in the country's collective consciousness by its water-drenched history.
Lois Poppema, visiting from California, said she thought the Netherlands was exactly the right place for an ark.

"Just a few weeks ago we saw Al Gore on television .. saying that all Holland will be flooded" due to rising sea levels, she said.

"I don't think the man who made this ever expected that global warning will become (such an important) issue — and suddenly having the ark would be meaningful in the middle of Holland."
Under sunny clear skies Saturday, Huibers said he wasn't worried about another biblical flood, since according to Genesis, the rainbow is the sign of God's promise never to flood the world again. But he does worry that recent events such as the flooding of New Orleans could be seen as a portent of the end of time.

Huibers said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands, where churchgoing has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years. He also plans to visit major cities in Belgium and Germany.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

What a weekend!





This past weekend was the first 4 day break for the Austrian Program and while the 160 fall students departed to all corners of the European globe, I decided I would take advantage of the local opportunities. Moreover, with the 2 children, it is getting more and more difficult to travel as if were single....staying closer to Gaming just makes sense.

Lucky for us, (and two students who happened to be staying back), we went to work in a vineyard which was owned by the Kartause some 800 years old in Pfaffstetten! We worked for nearly 5 hours picking the grapes and removing the the diseased or rotten parts. The weather was cool and refreshing and it just felt good to get our hands dirty in the vineyard. After picking, we took the wine to the press and ended with a BBQ.

As if we were not sated yet, we decided to hike the Otscher Mountain which is the highest mountain in our neck of the woods. Little did we (Prof. Cassidy, RD - Katie Hess, and I) know, but as we climbed higher and higher, we were entering the Arctic. It was blizzarding, and with wind chill in sub zero temperatures. Depending on where you would step, one would also step into between 3 and 6 feet of snow! It was truly unbelievable with our visibility impaired, the deep snow, and arctic conditions. Nevertheless, after nearly 3 hours of intense climbing, we summitted the mountain and began our descent. It was probably the most intense climb of my life!

The reason why I don't have any pictures is that whenever I turned on my camera, it would just close back up, I am guessing because of the cold!

The hike was supposed to prepare us for our hike this weekend up the Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria. Look for a future post about this hike....

In doesn't get boring, even when you don't travel all around Europe; there is plenty of excitement in the back yard!