Quo Vadis?

This Latin question is one which has been much used in the work of the spiritual life.   It means “Where are you going?”   It was also the title of a famous book and subsequent movie about the life of the early Church, right after the Resurrection.  In the most famous scene at the end of the book, St. Peter has discerned that he should leave Rome and save his life, since he was the Vicar of Christ, the first Pope.  Other sincere Christians had encouraged him to go, so that the Church would be able to survive the great persecution.  As he was walking out of Rome early one morning, he saw a familiar figure walking towards him from the east, but the rising sun blinded him.  As the man approached, St. Peter saw that it was Jesus and he fell to his knees and said, “Quo Vadis Domine?”  Where are you going Lord?  Jesus replied that He was going into Rome to be crucified again to save the world (the implication being “since my first pope is fleeing”).  St. Peter turned around and returned to Rome, where he was soon crucified, upside down, according to tradition.  He died a martyr.  And that was the plan of God to begin and to save the Church.  I will be having a retreat here at Tybee for young men discerning priesthood Dec 13-15, and now you know why it is entitled “Quo Vadis Retreat.”  

Today is the beginning of our annual Called by Name campaign.  We ask every parishioner to look around and notice the young men and women who clearly love the Lord and the Church and could be our future leaders.  It is not only about priesthood, but about encouraging our “rising stars” to take their important place in the Church; to discern what Jesus is calling them to do.   There are cards in the pews, and I ask you to “honor” these young people by nominating them in Called by Name, both boys and girls.  We understand that many of the same names will be turned in as last year, but every year, young people grow up, mature, and begin to take their place in the Church.   And yes, you can certainly nominate your own children or grandchildren!  

Where are you going?  We all want to go to Heaven, and we should always be discerning “Am I doing the right things, taking the right steps, to grow in the holiness required to enter Heaven?”   November is such a great month to sit back and take stock:  How am I doing in regard to this very important question?  November marks the end of the Church’s liturgical year and we start the new year Dec 1^st, the first Sunday of Advent.  Please start thinking now about what acts of prayer and goodness you would like to practice this Advent.  

I will fly this afternoon to Maryland where I will visit our seminarians who study at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg.  I am bringing three potential seminarians with me, so that they can experience seminary life.  On these visits, I meet with the Rector and receive a report on how each seminarian is doing, and then I meet privately with each man to check on him personally.   On Tuesday night, we will drive to Baltimore to have supper with Bp. Stephen Parkes, who will be there for the annual bishop’s meeting.  On Wednesday, I will fly to Boston to visit another seminary, Pope St. John XXIII.  I return Friday evening.  

November is such a great month to grow in holiness.  Ask your deceased loved ones in Heaven to pray for you as you ask that ever important question:  Quo Vadis?

Fr. Brett Brannen 

Pastor