February (Virtual) Events - Don't Miss Out!

We’re pleased to co-sponsor two excellent events in February, free and open to the public.

Along with the Lumen Christi Institute and the Harvard Catholic Forum, we invite you to register to attend:

Humanism as an Educational Ideal (February 6 @ 4:00 p.m. ET)

and

Pledges of the Saints: The Cult of Relics in the Catholic Tradition (February 13 @ 11:00 a.m. ET)

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John W. O’Malley, S.J. is University Professor Emeritus of Theology at Georgetown University. In this presentation, he will discuss humanism by examining the courses of study that came to characterize it, how humanism has developed and adapted over time, and what may be its prospects in the future. More information and registration here.

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Patrick Geary is Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at the Institute for Advanced Study. In this presentation, Professor Geary will discuss the origin of the cult of relics, the tombs of saints, and how the veneration of saints led to the dismemberment of saints’ bodies and the distribution of relics. Other topics covered will include relics’ authenticity, the control and regulation of relics, and the competition that relics have received from other types of sacred or sanctified objects. More information and registration here.

Student Stories: The Freshman Experience

Student Stories: The Freshman Experience

This semester has been challenging in a multitude of ways. People say, “Keep it up” or my favorite phrase, “you’re living through history right now!” As true as that may be, it doesn’t take away from the difficulties this unforeseen virus has brought to our world. As a freshman living in the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains a mix of emotions about the new life, and also new limitations and guidelines, I am experiencing.

When I first started at Hope, I was overjoyed to be on campus and that remains true to this day after seeing how many schools have been shut down. However, I have encountered academic struggles, homesickness, and limited opportunities to get to know people. This semester is shorter, but the workload remains normal. Extra time spent doing online work keeps me pent up in my room more than I enjoy. Homesickness has also been more prominent as the lack of breaks means more days between seeing my family and friends back home. Lastly, it is hard to meet people outside of my dorm building. I am a social butterfly, even still spreading my wings to other communities proves difficult with masks and the 6 ft. distance rule.

Upon joining Hope Catholics, I have found a true community with people who challenge me to look on the bright side and focus my attention on those things greater than evil. I have found a church and home with people who hold the same core beliefs that I do. I have had opportunities to join a Bible study, participate in a women's group, go to Mass, receive guidance in my faith and life, and hang out with genuine individuals. I can’t wait to see everything else I will experience with these new friends. No matter the struggles, I know relationships will always remain. I believe the book of Romans sums it up best when it reads, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Katherine is a freshman from Chesterfield, MO. It may be too soon to be sure, but she is planning to major in Religion and Psychology. Fun fact: Katherine is a blackbelt in taekwando!