It was an interesting weekend for me. I embarked on a journey to a renowned Catholic university, drawn by the allure of a football game. The experience was steeped in tradition, marked by grandiose basilicas, pregame prayers, and the familiar secular trappings of college football. It’s striking how a football weekend at a major Catholic university can bridge the gap between piety and passion..
Imagine me walking towards the stadium, wearing my alma mater’s colors with pride. Just then, a fan from the Catholic school smugly retorted, “It’s going to be a long afternoon for you.” Instantly, my mind wandered far from Christian thoughts. I silently pondered, “Did they teach you to be an @#$#$# at this school or is this a skill you picked up afterward?” My wife, embodying grace, mused that a kinder retort might be, “It is supposed to be when playing your school.”
Catholic institutions, celebrated as pillars of education and faith, sometimes tread intricate paths. Take, for instance, Notre Dame, which has had its share of disagreements with its bishop. Or Georgetown, which once covered its crucifixes during a speech by President Obama. DePaul actively promotes its LGBT programs without aligning with groups like Courage International.
Graduating from these prestigious institutions is neither akin to receiving a sacrament nor a minor Order. Too often, these universities sideline John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution, Ex Corde Ecclesiae, under the banner of “academic freedom.” This Apostolic Constitution outlines four critical characteristics for Catholic identity::
> Christian inspiration in individuals and the university community.
> Reflection and research on human knowledge in the light of the Catholic faith.
> Fidelity to the Christian message in conformity with the magisterium of the Church.
> Institutional commitment to the service of others.
To be fair, Catholic institutions generally excel at the first and fourth points, but the second and third often seem like suggestions rather than firm guidelines. This often involves a delicate dance between maintaining faith and securing federal funding.
I found myself puzzled when the university turned off their scoreboard immediately as the game clock expired. Isn’t embracing suffering an intrinsic part of Catholic teaching? My weekend experience revealed a broader issue: the uneasy mix of Catholicism and popular culture. I naively believed that the two could seamlessly blend. However, Jesus never implied they should. His Kingdom is “not of this world,” and we, too, are called to be separate from it (John 15:19, 1 John 4:5-6).
Every time I see the crucifix around my neck, it must serve as a meaningful reminder of my relationship with Christ, and never a symbol for outward show. My daily prayer rituals, such as saying the rosary or the Sorrows of Mary while walking my dog, aim for intention rather than attention.
Practicing humility, though, can be challenging, especially following an unexpected victory by your team. I must admit, after our surprising win, a part of me yearned to confront those earlier smug fans and, not to bestow a blessing upon them.
The game itself was a fascinating blend of Catholic imagery and competitive spirit. It was heartwarming to see advertisements with Catholic themes adorning the stadium scoreboard. I appreciated the inclusion of campus Mass times after the game. However, I couldn’t help but reflect on how, for many, “going to Mass” has degraded into the bare minimum requirement of our faith—a bar that still proves too high for some.
True Catholicism extends far beyond the boundaries of any university or the excitement of a football game. Our faith must reside in our hearts, not merely in external displays. Attending a Catholic school or cheering for its sports team does not make one’s faith credible; it is the authentic witness of our faith through actions that truly counts.
Upon reflecting on this experience, I realized the deeper significance of humility and intention in living one’s faith. Following the victory, I had an internal battle between humility and pride. Even though part of me craved a triumphant return to those earlier fans, my better judgment reminded me of the call to authenticity and humility that my faith demands.
Moreover, the juxtaposition of Catholic symbols and the secular world of college football highlighted an important lesson. While it’s heartening to see religious imagery and references in a public setting, the essence of faith lies in its sincere practice and embodiment. Religious rituals and symbols, from basilicas to the rosary, are tools to deepen our relationship with God, not instruments for social show.
Catholic universities indeed play a significant role in shaping the faith and intellect of students. However, their challenge lies in staying true to the foundational principles of their faith amidst the pressures of modern society. Ex Corde Ecclesiae offers a solid framework, emphasizing Christian inspiration, intellectual reflection through the lens of faith, fidelity to the Church’s teachings, and a commitment to service. While many institutions excel in inspiration and service, maintaining a balance in reflection and fidelity remains a complex challenge.
My weekend journey unexpectedly became more than just a football game; it became an opportunity for discernment in faith, humility, and the balance between religious convictions and popular culture. Catholic institutions, with their rich traditions and educational prowess, hold the potential to guide their communities toward profound faithfulness. Yet, this potential is fully realized not merely through grand symbols or victories but through living a faith that transcends the walls of any institution and manifests in genuine, humble actions.
Looking back, I am reminded that true Catholicism is not a spectacle but a lived experience. It is about the quiet moments of prayer, the acts of kindness, and the intentional practice of faith. This journey of faith is continuous, much like a football season filled with ups and downs, victories and defeats. What remains constant is the commitment to living out our beliefs genuinely and humbly, whether in the grandeur of a basilica or the bustling excitement of a football stadium.
