Lex Cordis Caritas - The law of the heart is Love

Greetings from Baltimore, where I am attending the annual meetings of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Prior to our general meetings of all the bishops of our country, I participated in a seminar on “The Liturgical and Pastoral Practice of Exorcism.”

Last Sunday, Oct. 17, I ran and completed the Denver Marathon in 4 hours, 21 minutes and 47 seconds. It was my 17th marathon! The mile-high altitude was a challenge, but it was fun running with some friends. As I’ve done in the past, I used my marathon effort to raise money for charitable causes. Over $17,000 and a vacant lot were donated in the Chicago area to support the Chicago Legal Clinic, which provides legal services for the poor. Here in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, over $30,000 was raised so far to help pay off the debt of our beautiful Cathedral renovation. I very much appreciate the generosity of all those who contributed. We still have a way to go to retire the outstanding debt of over $2 million, but I am confident that we will do so eventually.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of a very significant book, We Hold These Truths: Catholic Reflections on the American Proposition, by Father John Courtney Murray, S.J. It is significant not only for what he said but for when he said it. He wrote just before the Second Vatican Council took place. In fact, he was an expert who was called on at that council for his theological expertise, particularly in the area of the relationship between church and state.

One of the reasons why I run marathons is to raise money for charity. Over the years, I have used my marathon efforts to solicit funds for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, the Chicago Legal Clinic, the Cardinal’s Annual Catholic Appeal and other charitable organizations.

I am writing this week from the state of Michigan, where I am visiting the Orchard Lake Schools near Detroit. The Orchard Lake Schools are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year. I am here with Father Christopher House, vocation director for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, since there is a vocation dimension to our visit that I will explain shortly.