Fr. Groeschel Visits Ave Maria
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Published on Monday, 09 November 2009 14:47
It wasn't the typical morning Mass at the Donahue Academy Monday. In attendance was popular author and spiritual teacher Fr. Benedict Groeschel, who is in Ave Maria for a meeting of the university board of trustees, of which he is a member.
Fr. Groeschel told the students about how he was struck by a car five years ago and knew that he was helped by all the people praying for him. He said that after the accident, he "actually died," but said he "didn't see any white lights or angels," but wished he did because it "would have been a great story."
Sunday, Fr. Groeschel spoke on the Ave Maria University campus to a large group of students, faculty and residents.
"I can't believe he's here!" exclaimed Ave Maria University student Samantha Donahue at Fr. Groeschel's appearance. "I'm honored that he's here," Miss Donahue added.
Speaking while seated in front of the audience (right, in photo by Casey Truelove, AMU), the 76-year-old priest said that all religions, including Catholicism, are moving more toward orthodoxy, which is bringing many Catholics toward a deeper meaning of the faith.
"The Christian faith, the Catholic faith has a very important component of intelligent understanding, knowledge, philosophical background, and theological construct based on divine revelation, of course," Fr. Groeschel said, adding that each individual is a part of the movement toward orthodoxy.
"I thought it was fascinating when Father Groeschel said, that despite the increase of immorality in the culture, there is a push for orthodoxy in all the religions, not just Catholicism. I think he really has a point." student Jay Hamilton stated.
Fr. Groeschel said that universities like Ave Maria play an important role in this, and noted that there are more than 200 Catholic colleges and universities in the U.S. but Ave Maria University is one of only 32 named by the Cardinal Newman Society as "authentic Catholic colleges."
The audience responded with a standing ovation when Fr. Groeschel concluded his talk with St. Augustine's famous quote: "Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, O Lord."
Left, Fr. Groeschel leaving the Donahue Academy in a golf cart. Photo courtesy of Roy Lenardson)
Ave Maria University student Maria Anderson contributed the report of Sunday's talk by Fr. Groeschel.
