KARLO M. LEONOR

Board the plane, exit the plane. Then repeat.

Karlo M. Leonor — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:04:27 +0000

Yup, it’s time for school and the usual jet-setting that goes along with it. I’ve been home from the monastery for less than a week and now it’s time to make the trip back to the Bend for a retreat with the other Holy Cross seminarians. The excitement is bursting (and so are my suitcases).

This week marks the eighth month since I received word from the Provincial Superior that my application to the seminary was accepted. And so, this trip back to the Dome has been in the making for quite some time. With the prayers of my parish, friends, and family, I’m as ready as I’m ever going to be. If only I could fit just a few more things into my hand-carry…

In just a few weeks, my parents are flying out to Notre Dame for the first football game of the season and the first victory (please, God)…as well as a tour of the campus and seminary and introductions to the formation staff, of course. It’s turning out to be a pilgrimage to the two “greats” of the University — the Faith and football.

In the meantime, traveling, unpacking and retreat-ing will take up the next few weeks. To all of those who pledged their prayers and support — thank you. I need them now more than ever!

Ave Crux, spes unica.

Out of Town, Out of Touch

Karlo M. Leonor — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:30:28 +0000

This Friday, I’m off to Kentucky to spend a month in retreat at The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, motherhouse of all the Trappist monasteries in the United States. Some of you may be familiar with the writings of Thomas Merton, a monk of this community who lived and is buried there. The monks are also known for their fruitcake, cheese, and bourbon fudge.

The next thirty days promise to be a quiet time for recollection and prayer before I enter the seminary with the Holy Cross Fathers this fall. I won’t have regular access to the internet or my phone (my choice), so I’ll respond to any emails and messages when I come back in August.

Please keep me in your prayers. Leave a message after the beep.

Beep.

Well Said

Karlo M. Leonor — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:38:02 +0000

“Love is the fullest realization of the possibilities inherent in man.”

–Karol Wojtyla, Love and Responsibility (82)

San Josemaria Escriva

Karlo M. Leonor — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:01:20 +0000

This Saturday 26 June is the feast of Saint Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei. Father Escriva’s writings and intercession have been very influential in my life ever since I discovered him three years ago. His books of “proverbs” — The Way, The Furrow, The Forge — provide good material for meditation and a bit of a spiritual pick me up. I am praying the following novena in preparation for his feast:

O God, through the mediation of Mary our Mother, you granted your priest St. Josemaría countless graces, choosing him as a most faithful instrument to found Opus Dei, a way of sanctification in daily work and in the fulfillment of the Christian’s ordinary duties. Grant that I too may learn to turn all the circumstances and events of my life into occasions of loving You and serving the Church, the Pope and all souls with joy and simplicity, lighting up the pathways of this earth with faith and love. Deign to grant me, through the intercession of St. Josemaría, the favor of … (make your request). Amen.

Pater, Ave, Gloria Patri

Digital Age Rosary

Karlo M. Leonor — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 05:09:09 +0000

In the window of a religious goods shop in Spoleto, Italy.