Jumping Jesuits

I remember when I was younger my mom told to never discuss these 3 things: how much someone makes, politics, and religion. I always thought this was good advice. However, if you know my mom or are a facebook friend of hers, you know she doesn't follow her own advice.  She loves to talk politics! Today, I'm not going to try and get too political nor am I going to ask how much money you make.  I am going to venture into the world of religion.

My good friend and sorority sister (see photos below - i needed to add some cute photos) has nudged me to write about religion. She has recently started a blog and I love it! We attend Marquette University where we were encouraged to discuss religion in our many theology classes and around campus.  It is a Catholic (Jesuit) University and it wasn't uncommon to hear students sharing and debating dogmas, doctrines, and personal beliefs. I actually miss the theological debates.  I greatly enjoyed her post about our new Pope.  I had been meaning to write a post about him and now I want to add my 2 cents.

Formal our sophomore year

Formal our senior year - We are both wearing strapless dresses, but the angle of this photo doesn't really show that. It makes me giggle a little.

A mixer our senior year

Let me start off with a little background on my religious views before I jump into one of my favorite Catholic topics, the Jesuits. So if you didn't already know and you haven't figured it out yet, I'm Catholic. I went to Catholic School my entire life.  My first day in a public school was teaching - this makes me laugh. If you ever need a "life-line" on Who Wants to be a Millionaire or some other TV show and the question is about the Catholic Church, call me.  I have learned a great deal about the church in my schooling. This knowledge is now basically used for when I watch Jeopardy.

I was encouraged to question and think for myself thanks to my dad and many amazing professors. Learning more about my faith lead me to question and at times doubt even more. I still believe, but I have struggled a lot recently. I have more issues with the human flaws of the church - sex scandals, lack of equal rights for women and gay people, voicing political opinions during mass, and social issues. Do I have perfect mass attendance? HA! No.  Do I still go? Sometimes. Does it still provide some comfort? Yes, but I still really miss the response "And also with you." Do I still pray? yep.

I have thought many times it would easier to become an Episcopalian because my social/political beliefs line up more with them. Don't worry Mom and Dad, I won't jump ship. Being Catholic is my culture, heritage, and religion, which at times has given me pride and made me feel shameful/embarrassed. Someday we will raise our kids Catholic. The only way the church will ever change is if its members want it to change. I want change. Before I was doubtful it would ever happen, but now I am hopeful all thanks to this man.

Pope Francis ~ Our first Jesuit Pope and 1st Pope of the Americas!

Why does Pope Francis make me hopeful?

1. He is a Jesuit. My favorite!

The order of the Jesuits was formed to help create reform within the church.  I like to view them as the black sheep of the church. Black sheep...why - well there was that time that they were suppressed from the church for supporting free thinking and being too powerful. They also tend to be a little more liberal than other priests. Jesuits are really into philosophy and education. You may have heard of some of their excellent schools like Marquette, Fordham, SLU, Boston College, etc. Jesuits take a vow of poverty. I had many professors who were Jesuits, they were always very open minded and wanted us to think for ourselves. I also love that my Jesuit university had a GSA  (Gay Straight Alliance) organization. #wearemarquette!

2.His Name!

He is a simple man just like St. Francis of Assisi his name sake. He doesn't need wealth nor worldly possessions. He will not live in the papal palace.  He prefers to take public transportation. St. Francis was a wealthy young man and gave it all away to serve God.

I remember this book from my childhood. Teacher recommended for at home reading.

3. He loves the poor

I think this is what our church needs. Let's focus on the poor or those who truly need our help. Maybe this simple message can bring more people together.  He would rather have people donate money to the poor than come visit him in Rome. 

4. Welcoming of Single Mothers

Some priests will not baptist babies born out of wedlock. As the cardinal of Argentina he spoke out against this practice. He has been photographed washing the photo of feet of moms and the poor.

5. Privately he has favored civil unions for same sex couples

In 2010 in a meeting of bishops of Argentina he tried convince his peers to support legalizing civil unions for same sex couples. He wanted this as an alternative to legalizing same sex marriages that the country wanted. He was voted down by his follow bishops. Publicly he spoke out and organized protests against same sex marriages. I am hopefully because of his first actions. I don't agree with his later actions.

Change comes slowly. I am hopeful that some positive changes will happen within the church. I hope the church reaches out to people of my generation because many have turned away from the church. Our society is changing and I think our church needs to stay in touch with our society.

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/20/world/americas/pope-francis-old-colleagues-recall-pragmatic-streak.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130320

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21949118

Disclaimer: These are just my opinions.  You are welcome to disagree with them.