Balancing Saints and idolatry

By Tristen

---

We all know that iconic song, the saints come marching in. In the Catholic religion, they definitely do march around the center of the religion. In the Catholic religion, it seems that saints are worshipped and even idolized in the Catholic faith, even though in Christianity/ Catholicism are based upon the 10 commandments, and one of those commandments says to not worship idols. Therefore, making statues and worshipping the relics of these influential people seems wrong. I understand that the saints were men and woman of God, and they did miraculous acts in the name of God, but to idolize them in every church seems a bit sinful and wrong. I also understand it shows that God is still working and living in current times. But, to idolize, pray, kneel down to these statues of people's past goes against a core value and commandment in the Christian faith. The core entity that should be praised is Christ our Lord and Savior only. However, I do believe we should commemorate these people for their acts, but not idolize them. Because doing that makes us one step closer to making a golden calf as the people of the ancient Bible once did, and God did not look favorably upon that.

Protestant and Catholic Aesthetics

By Amanda

---

Being raised Protestant, I never really understood the rosary. I liked them, and would hold onto the ones given to me in Catholic grammar school. I hung them from my bed post and put them on my desk, but the meaning was lost on me. So, when going to the Papal Audience, with a handful of rosaries, I found myself questioning what they were for. I struck up a conversation with Fr. Dave, and found myself making comparisons between the Non-Denominational Protestant faith and the Catholic Church. The churches I was raised in were (in great contrast to the ones we have seen this trip) functional, minimalistic, and plain. An empty cross. The occasional stain-glass window. Theatre chairs with cup holders (which, personally, I quite enjoyed). This is not to say that this aesthetic choice is wrong- no, it is nearly a difference rooted in history. Catholics have a deep sense of artistic expression of historical events. The churches are meant to hold our history, our stories, and show why we believe what we believe. Regardless of your language or literacy, one can walk into a cathedral and find a visual history. I asked my parents if they wanted me to bring back any crosses or religious items, even though they are not Catholic. My father responded that my mom might want a cross, but that “most of them have Jesus on the cross but as a Christian she would want one without because he is risen”. Ultimately, I suppose, this one visual difference that encapsulates various expressions of faith.

Pure Happiness

By Elizabeth

---

I always wondered why humans have to suffer if God loves us. Why would he want to put his children through so much burden? In Assisi, I realized what pure happiness really meant. It's not what one usually thinks of feeling joy or going through certain life events. Pure happiness is felt when going through suffering. I had to ponder this idea when I heard it because it seems like the polar opposite of what I thought. But once explained further to me it made sense. One has to know what suffering feels like to understand pure happiness. After going through suffering one can be proud of ourselves because we had to go through that pain and suffering and can now be happy. That's what pure happiness entails. I would have never thought about pure happiness like that until now but it makes sense to me. I realized that when I’m suffering now I should look on the bright side because I’m about to experience pure happiness.