February 6th, 2010
So, on Wednesday evening, after getting back from having supper with a group from the Diocese of Charleston which is visiting Rome, I had a phone conversation with Bishop Guglielmone about topics that led to yesterday’s announcement of my assignment. After the phone conversation, I was psyched and just couldn’t sleep.
Thursday morning, I offered Mass at the Altar of St. Josaphat in St. Peter’s Basilica. It was good to be back in the basilica. Recently, due to studies and research, I’ve just been offering Mass in one of the chapels here at the priest house. St. Josaphat was a great peacemaker in the Church. He rests in the altar itself. Here’s a picture:
After Mass, I went and studied some. For a break from studies, I headed over to the Venerable English College. This is where the displaced seminarians and priests came for studies during the English Reformation. Many of them returned home, and died martyrs for the Faith. There’s a great exhibit on this history at the English College. I went to see the exhibit, but also to stage a scene in the mock “priest hole” in the exhibit. The scene was photographed by the Catholic News Service (CNS), and was used in its article on the exhibit. Check out the story. It’s currently the front page on American Catholic’s website. Here’s another picture from the CNS photographer:
After all that fun and some coffee and great conversation, I headed back to my desk to study for exams.
On Thursday evening, I had a phone conversation with Gus and Kathy, my co-hosts on the radio show, “Pathways to Rome.” We recorded a show on the Holy Father’s recent visit to the synagogue in Rome, the history and importance of Catholic-Jewish relations, and the questions surrounding Pope Pius XII. The recording went very well. Currently, it’ scheduled to run on Friday, February 19. I’ll post more details as time gets closer.
Later Thursday evening, I spoke with the Vicar General of the Diocese of Charleston regarding some details to Friday’s announcement, and then attempted to call all the seminarians of the diocese to let them know about my new assignment. It was decided that the seminarians should know about the assignment before the public announcement was made. I was impressed and encouraged by the excitement and support of the seminarians. They’re a great group of men, and I look forward to working with them as they discern and prepare for priestly Ordination.
Friday morning, I had an early study group, and then my exam on The Principles of Bioethics. After the exam, I came back to the priest house, had lunch, made my regular Friday Confession, and then headed back to the university for my exam on the Moral Act. I think both exams went well.
Later in the evening here (12 Noon EST), the announcement of my assignment was made public, and I was very inspired by the immediate phone calls and e-mails of support, especially from my brother priests. I hope to be a good Vicar for Vocations, Chaplain to Cardinal Newman High School, and parish priest at St. Joseph’s in Columbia. Please remember me in your prayers.
This morning, I spent some time with a friend who’s visiting Rome. We had a great tour of St. Peter’s Basilica (I really love that place!), and then went for lunch.
It’s been a packed and exciting few days. The Lord is truly kind and merciful. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
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February 5th, 2010
To: All Priests
From: Most Reverend Robert E. Guglielmone, Bishop of Charleston
Date: February 5, 2010
Re: New Appointments
I am pleased to announce the following appointments:
Effective February 15, 2010, Reverend Bryan Babick, STL, Vicar for Divine Worship and Sacraments, with continued assignment to Christ Our King Parish in Mount Pleasant.
Effective February 15, 2010, Reverend Jeffrey Kirby, Vicar for Vocations, with concurrent assignment to Cardinal Newman High School as Chaplain and residence at St. Joseph Parish in Columbia effective June 30, 2010.
Deacon Joseph Cahill will continue to run the Office of Vocations until Father Kirby’s return from studies in Rome.
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February 3rd, 2010
Yesterday, I was up early, went for a run, and then began to study for my exam on Christian Virtue Ethics. In the afternoon, I met with two classmates for a long study group, and then I wanted to review some more.
I was up late last night reading and preparing for the exam. This morning, I was up early, went running (which I usually try to do after exams, but I needed the stress reliever), and then began to evaluate and review things for the exam. The exam was later in the morning, and – surprise – it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I think it went well!
Speaking of Christian Virtue, I’d like to point out the depictions of some virtues in St. Peter’s Basilica. Along the wall of the nave in the basilica, there are: (on the left) Authority, Divine Justice, Virginity, Obedience, Humility, Patience, Justice, and Fortitude; and, (on the right) there’s Charity, Faith, Innocence, Peace, Clemency, Constancy, Mercy, and Fortitude. The above image is of Humility.
As an interior principle of action, a virtue is one way in which a person becomes open to the workings of grace and the transformation of himself towards the Good. Christian believers become more configured to Christ through the exercise and habit of the virtues. In Christ, the virtues take on a greater power and ability to convert and form a person. The virtues establish the Christian way of life, and are essential to the life of a disciple.
Incidentally, this is why the virtues are shown along the way of the nave in St. Peter’s Basilica. The nave symbolizes our walk with Christ that should be manifested in the virtues, and their artistic representation along the nave emphasizes this point.
After my exam, I ran some errands and cleaned up my room. It was great to see the top of my desk again. I had to reorganize some notes, and get ready for my next exam. This evening, I met with a group from a parish back in South Carolina. This is prime time for guests in the city.
Now, it’s time to begin studies for my next exam on bioethics. Please keep your prayers coming!
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February 2nd, 2010
Aiken Book Presentation and Signing:
What a wonderful evening it was at Aiken Center for the Arts! The PTO from St. Mary Help of Christians School, friends, and Signo Press hosted a reception and book signing and the public introduction of "Becoming Father Bob." The guests were excited to see Alice Judd's wonderful illustrations and could immediately identify the local inspirations for her works of art. There was quite the applause when Fr. Kirby, co-author, arrived for his visit via the internet and Skype.
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The turnout of friends, members of St. Mary's and other nearby parishes, teachers, and children surpassed expectations.
Hostesses Rosemarie, Dee, Holly, Janiece, and Mary kept everyone refreshed with tasty food and drinks. Colleen and Lizette ran the Signo Press "store" efficiently and welcomed everyone with a bright smile. Ken was the official photographer and Derron was the tech expert.
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The roadies' t-shirts were quite popular...especially the listing of presentations on the back. A few of the roadies' 2010 World Tour shirts were made available to guests. None of this would have been possible without the suppport of the Wertz and Judd family members--all present in their roadie shirts.
The hit of the night? ...Why, of course, it was Bobby (a.k.a. Fr. Bob)!
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Here are some pictures from the evening:
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February 1st, 2010
Here’s some great encouragement from Pope Benedict XVI to all priests (and Religious) who are out there trying to use communication technology. This is from the Pope’s “Message for the 44th World Communications Day”:
“The spread of multimedia communications and its rich “menu of options” might make us think it sufficient simply to be present on the Web, or to see it only as a space to be filled. Yet priests can rightly be expected to be present in the world of digital communications as faithful witnesses to the Gospel, exercising their proper role as leaders of communities which increasingly express themselves with the different “voices” provided by the digital marketplace. Priests are thus challenged to proclaim the Gospel by employing the latest generation of audiovisual resources (images, videos, animated features, blogs, websites) which, alongside traditional means, can open up broad new vistas for dialogue, evangelization and catechesis.”
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February 1st, 2010
This morning I was up early, studying for my exam on Virtue Ethics. In between the reading, reviewing and memorizing, I would take a study break and work on my last paper for the semester. It’s a paper on hope, a reflection on the virtue inspired by the Pope’s encyclical Spe Salvi (Saved by Hope). It’s done, and now I’m done with all of my papers for this semester’s classes. Thanks be to God!
In the later morning, I went to run some errands over by St. Peter’s Basilica, and then met up with the seminarian from the Diocese of Charleston who is studying here in Rome. It was a good lunch and conversation. Afterwards, I headed back to the priest house, and on my way, I bumped into a priest-friend who is involved in reporting and media affairs, etc. Well, he saw me and said that we had to go for coffee. Sounds good! In Rome, you never refuse an invitation to a coffee bar! 
After coffee, he invited me to tag along. He said he had something to cover. Well, it turned out to be the Press Conference of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales (they’re here meeting with the Pope). And there I was in the midst of it all, and I was thinking: “What am I doing here?”; and, “Isn’t the Catholic Church awesome?!” The Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, led the press conference (pictured below).
After the Press Conference, some of us went for more coffee, and then I headed back to the priest house. My early evening was full with some meetings, and then some quick studies for my exams. This day was made complete by a brief Skype visit to the Aiken book signing for “Becoming Father Bob.” What a day! Only in Rome, and only in the Catholic Church. Thanks be to God!
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January 31st, 2010
This morning the US Ambassador to the Holy See, Dr. Miguel Diaz (pictured above), visited the Casa Santa Maria (the priest house). He and his family attended Mass and stayed for lunch. As a theologian, Dr. Diaz is a unique diplomatic appointment. He’s been here in Rome for a few months, and there’s great hope surrounding his office.
Today in Aiken, South Carolina, the local newspaper, “The Aiken Standard,” ran a story on “Becoming Father Bob.” The book’s grand release and its first presentation and signing will happen in Aiken tomorrow evening. I hope many in the area can turn out for the event!
On Friday, I took my exam on the “Introduction to Moral Theology,” and am now studying and preparing for my next exam on Virtue Ethics. This is a major movement within moral theology and ethics right now. Of my exams, this might be the most difficult. Please keep your prayers coming!
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January 27th, 2010
I received the following message from an older friend in North Carolina. He has recently been allowed to experience some pretty heavy crosses. With his permission, I’d like to share his sentiments:
Father Kirby-
When I first received your book I figured I’d read it in two nights. The fact is it took over 3 weeks. Your first chapter was a refresher of Christianity that I haven’t thought about for decades, and the rest of the book was like a “book” retreat. Besides trying to visualize our past visits to St. Peter’s each paragraph was an opportunity for me to meditate and pray. Thank you so much. It was a retreat I needed.
The book on St. Peter’s proved to be a consolation to this friend, and, knowing his sufferings, I received great consolation in knowing that the book was such a great help to him.
I am amazed at what God does in our midst. Brothers and Sisters, the Lord desires to do a wonderful work through each of us. We just have to let him work!
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January 25th, 2010
Well, I’m sorry I haven’t been able to blog the past few days. The semester classes ended last week, and we have entered the “final exam period.” Unlike the US, the final exam period lasts several weeks. A final exam normally consists of a ten minute oral conversation with the professor. He can ask any questions based on the material from the class. For this reason, studying can be very intense. In the preparation, the student has to cover and review everything! I’m laughing, I promise.
My first exam was this past Friday, which was the last day of class. Talk about jumping right in! It was the methods class, and I think it went well. Over the weekend, I was working to complete some papers for the semester, and today I was supposed to have my second exam on the Moral Act course, but the professor is sick. So, now, the focus is to complete one final paper for the semester, and to study for my exam this Friday, which will be on the Introduction to Moral Theology course. And, then, the next exam, and the next one, etc., etc. Step by step.
I’ll try to blog as time and energy let me. Please send some prayers this way!
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January 25th, 2010
Well, congratulations, to all the young people who gave great answers. Last week’s church was the Church of St. Agnes’ Agony in the Piazza Navona. And, I appreciate all the wonderful facts on this powerful young saint! Isn’t she awesome?!
Some of you might remember that I go to class near the Piazza Navona and so I try to visit the Church of St. Agnes whenever I can (and whenever it’s open). St. Agnes has become a close spiritual friend of mine. She’s a powerful patroness of young people, especially girls and young woman. She is also the patroness of young women who are looking for good husbands! We’ve got to support that!
St. Agnes was born into a Roman noble family that was Christian. She grew up as a Christian, even though it was illegal to believe and publicly profess the divinity of Jesus Christ. A nobleman found Agnes to be a virtuous girl and he wanted Agnes to marry his son. She refused. She wanted to marry a Christian. The nobleman was very insulted and so he turned in the family to the authorities. He accused them of being Christians, and they were “guilty.” Agnes was only 12 or 13 years old, but she was a very strong young woman!
The authorities wanted to embarrass Agnes and so they dragged her through the streets naked, but the young saint’s hair miraculously grew and covered her body. When some men tried to do violence to her, they were each struck blind. Then they tied Agnes to wood and tried to burn her, but the wood would not set fire. Finally, one of the guards, drew his sword and beheaded the young girl who was so brave for the Lord Jesus. She died in AD 304 as a martyr for Jesus and a strong little witness to his Lordship in our world.
After her death, many young girls went to her tomb to pray for her protection. One of these young girls was caught by the authorities, and killed. To this day, young women and Christians of every gender, age, and state in life seek out Agnes and ask for her prayers.
On the feast of St. Agnes (which was this past Thursday, January 21), the pope blesses some very special lambs. Now, “Agnes” is very close to the Latin word for lamb, “agnus,” and the word is thought to derive from the Greek word which means “pure.” So, these special lambs are brought to the pope and blessed on St. Agnes’ feast day.
These are special lambs because from their wool the pallia will be made. The pallium (pallia in the plural) is a special vestment worn by all the Metropolitan Archbishops (which means the archbishops who run archdioceses and are “in the field”). The lambs blessed on St. Agnes’ feast day are shorn on Holy Thursday, and the making of the pallia begin.
Here’s a picture of the pallium:
The pallia are made from wool to remind the archbishop that he is called to be a shepherd of the Lord’s flock. It is worn as a yoke reminding the shepherd that he carries the yoke of Christ and must lead the sheep with patience. The different crosses on the pallium remind the archbishop of the sacred wounds inflicted on Jesus’ sacred body, and that he should be willing to “lay down his life” for the sheep. Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta wears the pallium as the Metropolitan of Atlanta and the Atlanta Province (which includes the dioceses of Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Savannah). All of the archbishops receive the pallium from the pope, after the vestment has rested on the bones of St. Peter. As the year moves along, we’ll talk more about the pallium.
Here’s a picture of Pope Benedict XVI, as Bishop of Rome and Metropolitan Archbishop of the Roman Province, wearing the pallium:
Many people have been inspired by St. Agnes. The great English poet, John Keats, who lived in Rome and is buried here, wrote the poem, “The Eve of St. Agnes,” because he was so impressed with the saint and the devotion surrounding her. The Venerable Pope Pius XII, when he canonized St. Maria Goretti, he harkened back to St. Agnes. He preached:
“Maria Goretti resembled St. Agnes in her characteristic virtue of Fortitude. This virtue of Fortitude is at the same time the safeguard as well as the fruit of virginity. Our new saint was strong and wise and fully aware of her dignity. That is why she professed death before sin. She was not twelve years of age when she shed her blood as a martyr, nevertheless what foresight, what energy she showed when aware of danger! She was on the watch day and night to defend her chastity, making use of all the means at her disposal, persevering in prayer and entrusting the lily of her purity to the special protection of Mary, the Virgin of virgins. Let us admire the fortitude of the pure of heart. It is a mysterious strength far above the limits of human nature and even above ordinary Christian virtue.”
St. Agnes is a powerful saint for today’s Christian, and especially for today’s young people. Often, in my prayers, I ask St. Agnes to protect our young Christians, and I ask her to pray that marriages may become stronger in our world.
AND, NOW, OUR NEW JEOPARDY QUESTION:
What is this church?
I’ll give you a hint: think of our saint! Let’s see if you can identify the church, and tell me something about it.
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