Incense

USA Today: Ave Maria is Affordable Slice of Paradise

2008-08-12T23:39:00.006-04:00

Last week the USA Today featured Naples and the "Paradise Coast" - and gave special props to Ave Maria: Unlike many Florida cities, Naples has a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown, centered on Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, both lined with shops, cafes and more than 130 art galleries. This commercial core is linked by boardwalk to beaches and parks. Fishing and sailing are popular,

More Good News: ABA Dismisses Faculty Complaint Against Ave Maria School of Law

2008-07-02T22:05:00.015-04:00

Critics of the Ave Maria School of Law's administration are joyless at the good news the school received from the ABA this week. Coming on the heels of last week's announcement that AMU received full AALE accreditation, the ABA rebuffed a complaint made by faculty members opposed to the school's move to Florida. Of the several complaints that were made last year, all but one were dismissed out of

Facts pronounce progress, success of the town of Ave Maria

2008-07-02T21:49:00.001-04:00

The Naples Daily News published a nice summary of progress made in the new univesity town of Ave Maria, Florida:By BLAKE GABLE, vice president, Barron Collier Companies; project manager, town of Ave Maria8:00 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2008Recent press reports have suggested that activity at Ave Maria has been far slower than anticipated. Unfortunately, the numbers cited failed to acknowledge that

Ave Maria Obtains Full Accreditation from AALE

2008-06-19T14:08:00.014-04:00

The American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE), a national accreditor of liberal arts colleges,located in Washington, DC, granted accreditation to Ave Maria University(AMU), thus rendering AMU a fully accredited institution of higher education that offers quality baccalaureate degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences. The announcement was made by AMU Chancellor, Thomas S. Monaghan. "

Ave Maria at 8 months: Milestones and Progress Continue

2008-05-10T11:13:00.022-04:00

It's been about eight months since the university moved and the town opened. Ave Maria continues to pass new milestones while it unfolds as a new university town. Homes keep selling, new residents keep arriving, townsfolk keep starting new activities and traditions, and the university keeps moving full speed ahead. These same things happen in many other places in the nation; some will find it

Reality: Ave Maria School of Law to Moves to Vineyards Campus

2008-04-18T18:18:00.012-04:00

Reeking RumorSweet RealityA picture is worth a thousand words!One of these is a picture from that other website next to the title "AMSL Announces New Home in Florida." The other is Ave Maria School of Law's new location. Guess which is which correctly and you'll receive a special prize.For more information, click on the title to this post, or go to the link below on just how nice a facility this

Jesus is in the house: Town Overjoyed as Bishop Places Eucharistic Lord in Tabernacle of Ave Maria Oratory

2008-03-31T21:25:00.034-04:00

Under sunny blue skies, the residents and students of Ave Maria, joined by hundreds of others, celebrated the day that the Incarnation was made known by the message of an angel as they delighted in the long-anticipated dedication ceremony of the absolute center of town: the Ave Maria Oratory.As the sounds of the university schola cantorum filled the oratory with rich angelic songs of praise, the

Fresh Air: Reporter Covering Church Affairs Actually Does Some Homework!

2008-03-30T20:24:00.011-04:00

Kudos to Naples News reporter Liam Dillon, who has recently written several articles (here, here, and here) that indicate he actually did some research about the religious topic he was covering.Pointing this out is no slap at Mr. Dillon, but at his profession, wherein his colleagues across the USA normally cover religion as cliche and simply refuse do the hard work of chewing on foreign concepts

Gaudeamus Hodie: The Parish of the Ave Maria Oratory to be Dedicated

2008-03-25T18:47:00.012-04:00

So much to celebrate! It's Easter - He is risen, alleluia! And we have even more reason to rejoice:Bishop of the Diocese of Venice to Dedicate the Quasi-Parish of the Ave Maria OratoryThe Dedication of the Church and Holy Mass to be Celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on March 31, 2008WHAT: His Excellency Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Diocese of Venice in Florida will dedicate the "Quasi-Parish

Ave Maria University offers wholesome "Guys & Dolls" conversion story; NDU offers Holy Week "Vagina Monologues"

2008-03-15T19:34:00.026-04:00

This week, the students of AMU presented a wonderful production of the Broadway musical Guys & Dolls, which is a humorous story about wayward craps shooters who find redemption in the women they marry. It was a nice evening of wholesome entertainment before the sober mood of Holy Week arrives tomorrow.Meanwhile, the president of Notre Dame University, Father John Jenkins, spent this week

Round the Clock Emergency Services Now in Ave Maria, Florida

2008-03-15T14:11:00.012-04:00

Ave Maria now has a medical clinic staffed during the week and emergency medical teams in town 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And residents know that you can't drive through town without seeing a sheriff driving by or the AMU security patrol making their rounds through the town. One more reason the people in Ave Maria find it such a great place to live. Here is an excerpt from the Naples News:

Pediatrician to Immokalee's Poor Finds Support at Ave Maria University

2008-02-23T12:10:00.008-05:00

God has big plans for Ave Maria, Florida, and one of them is close ties to the people of Immokalee. AMU's support of the work of pediatrician Dr. Melanio Villarosa with the people of Immokalee is but one example of those ties. Pray God, both communities will benefit from further interaction and mutual support.Here is an excerpt from the Naples News:He’s the male Mother Teresa, Garcia says....At

Ave Maria's Incense Welcomes Naples News Readers

2008-02-23T08:35:00.011-05:00

The Editors wish to thank the Naples News for linking to us on their main “Ave Maria” page. Welcome! We thought it appropriate to introduce our perspective to new readers, so here is a start with more to come in the weeks that follow.1. What is Ave Maria? Well, there is no official definition, but as people who have been associated with Ave Maria for a long while (some for almost a decade), we

Father Fessio Loves Ave Maria University

2008-02-23T08:28:00.004-05:00

Father Joseph Fessio, SJ, is to be commended for his charity, among other things, which shines through in this exchange excerpted from an interview by Sober Inebriation:Q: The university you are in residence at, Ave Maria, has taken a lot heat publicly for difficult situations such as the university in Naples. I remember back when you were released from your former position at the university and

Esprit de Corps at Ave Maria University

2008-02-16T06:28:00.013-05:00

Ave Maria University offers full four-year tuition at the school for Marines, special forces from other branches of the armed forces and all combat veterans. The annual black-tie “Gyrene Gala” benefit to honor veterans and raise scholarship funds will be tonight at 6 p.m. at the Naples Grande Resort. Attendees at the 2008 Gyrene Gala will have the opportunity to commemorate posthumously two

Local journalists document thriving Ave Maria Florida (the new university community)

2008-02-09T07:25:00.000-05:00

For those considering Ave Maria Florida as a place to live or start a business, it is now clear that Ave Maria offers both a great atmosphere and a sound investment.The recent spate of articles about the town - and swirl of development in the immediate area surrounding Ave Maria - speaks for itself, and the Incense editors especially invite polite comments from those living in Ave Maria or

Bishop Dewane Keynotes Ave Maria University Scholarship Benefit

2008-01-29T22:20:00.000-05:00

More good news! Looks like the good bishop is set to speak at an annual benefit dinner that funds a scholarship established in Terri Schiavo Schindler's honor. The scholarship is exclusively for students attending Ave Maria University. From the Naples News:My Jesus Mercy Ministries will host a benefit dinner for Ave Maria University’s pre-theologate program on Feb. 5 at St. Raphael’s Parish Hall

New Independent Video Documents Founding of Ave Maria, Florida

2008-01-22T20:54:00.000-05:00

From the dream of one...comes a community built upon Catholic doctrine. Ave Maria is now officially open and during our three-day documentary series, we examine the impact on the residents and the outward secular surroundings of Southwest Florida. We interview new residents, returning students, and highlight the businesses arriving in the fledgling town. Meet the creators, listen to the believers

Crowds Pack Ave Maria Oratory and Prep School Events

2008-01-13T16:18:00.001-05:00

Two events were held today in Ave Maria, Florida, for the "friends" of all things Ave Maria.The Ave Maria Grammar & Preparatory School held a Mass, tour and picnic with a capacity crowd of several hundred. Plenty of smiling faces basking in the glow of such a wonderful accomplishment: the founding of this wonderful school under the helm of headmaster Dr. Dan Guernsey.Later on, town and university

Women’s Benedictine Monastery Planned in Ave Maria, FL

2008-01-08T12:01:00.000-05:00

Queen of Peace Monastery continues to move slowly toward construction, as the Benedictine Sisters gracefully face obstacles. The Monastery is to be built in a style based on “traditional monastic architecture,” and the church will “welcome those persons who wish to participate in the Divine Office,” sung five times a day.While some of the Sisters of Queen of Peace Monastery will be a part of Ave

Local Media: Sun Shines on Ave Maria University

2007-12-29T08:28:00.000-05:00

Meep Meep: Road Runner Escapes Unscathed (yet again)The local media in Collier County neatly summarizes Ave Maria University's progress on several fronts:The paint has barely dried at Ave Maria’s new campus in eastern Collier County, but university leaders announced in January that a fourth dormitory is needed to handle a projected enrollment surge. That project will be completed for the fall

Christ is Born!

2007-12-22T18:54:00.000-05:00

MatthewChapter 118Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, 7 but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, 8 yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord 9

Most Popular and Hilarious Video in America? "A Homeschool Family"

2007-12-19T06:58:00.000-05:00

Click, enjoy, and then spread the laughter to your friends. NEA, eat your heart out.

The Sixties are Officially (Finally) Over.

2007-12-16T17:17:00.000-05:00

Crime, Drugs, Welfare--and Other Good NewsThe following are fair use excerpts from a Commentary Magazine article by Peter Wehner and Yuval Levin. Click on the headline to read the full article: Culture itself, finally, exhibits an ebb and flow as surely as economies pass through cycles of ups and downs. In The Great Disruption (1999), Francis Fukuyama cited historical examples of societies

Pope Benedict: Be Wary of Enviromentalist Ideology That Drives Hasty Conclusions

2007-12-12T09:15:00.000-05:00

The Holy Father, in his 2008 World Day of Peace message, has gently rebuked the high priests of the environmentalist religion. The UK's Daily Mail -- highlighting the slightest hint of controversy -- boldly claims that Pope Benedict has: [L]aunched a surprise attack on climate change prophets of doom, warning them that any solutions to global warming must be based on firm evidence and not on

Good News Comes in Threes For Ave Maria University

2007-12-11T08:58:00.000-05:00

The good news keeps flowing from the sub-tropical paradise known as Ave Maria, Florida. 1: Accreditation It looks like accreditation for AMU is simply a matter of time, despite the (by now very tiresome and predictable) nay-saying of the school's detractors. Here is a brand new teaser from the subscription-only Chronicle of Higher Education:The federal panel charged with panel charged with

The Norm for Recieving Communion in the U.S. is to Stand

2007-12-10T22:51:00.000-05:00

For the record here is the current teaching of the Church on the matter:In the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani (IGMR) for the universal Church states that "it is up to the Conference of Bishops to adapt the gestures and postures in the Order of Mass...".The Bishops in the United States, say in IGMR 160:The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing.

Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship Released

2007-12-03T21:53:00.000-05:00

The US Bishops have released guidelines on sacred music. Striking a balance between reverence for the Church's treasury of sacred music and an openness to new musical forms and instruments that allow us to lift our hearts to God according to local musical genres, the document places an emphasis on participation by the congregation. It is true to the ever creative freedom of man in worshiping

"Monaghan's Money": A Thanksgiving Reflection

2007-11-20T19:43:00.000-05:00

"Monaghan's money." Frequenters of this page have undoubtedly heard this phrase thrown around with more than a hint of accusation against those whose names appear in the same sentence. But what about Mr. Monaghan's wealth? What should our attitude be? The man sold Domino's Pizza for $1,000,000,000. So what difference does it really make if he has given any of us $70,000 to attend law school? That

Pope Benedict XVI to visit the United States April 15-20, 2008

2007-11-15T20:47:00.000-05:00

The Holy Father will arrive in Washington on the evening of April 15, with a visit to the White House on April 16 and a meeting with the bishops of the United States at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception that evening.April 17 will include a public Mass at the new Nationals Stadium in Washington and a meeting with the presidents of Catholic universities and diocesan

The Insanity of [TSM] Hatred

2007-11-14T10:35:00.000-05:00

This WSJ piece by Peter Berkowitz (a senior fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution and a professor at George Mason University School of Law) is worth a read for several reasons. As you follow the news about all things Ave Maria we suggest that you ask yourself whether the sources for your information are mad and vengeful, as are the people described in this [altered] excerpt: Alas, [

Ann Arbor Township Rolls Out Welcome Mat for Ave Maria

2007-11-11T06:42:00.000-05:00

More in our continued reality-check theme, this one from the archives of the New York Times:Now [TSM] would like to move Ave Maria College, a Catholic institution he founded, from nearby Ypsilanti to a site here near an office park he owns [Dominos Farms]. He would turn the college into a university, expand it to accommodate as many as 1,500 students and, according to his development plan,

AMSL Princess Enjoys A Great Week

2007-11-07T05:37:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to AMSL 2007 alum E.M. Zanotti, who has much to celebrate this week. She not only found out that she passed the bar exam, but she also appeared on national television - twice - in her role as conservative blog pundit American Princess.Note to current students: work hard and ignore the naysayers.

New Law School Building Unveiled

2007-11-03T09:55:00.000-04:00

The new Ave Maria School of Law building will be significantly better. Here is the latest from the school's website. "Upon its relocation to Florida in summer 2009, the School of Law will occupy a state-of-the-art facility. The largest classroom will seat nearly double the number of students as the current facility, allowing more students to gather when the Law School hosts speakers

Reclaiming Thanksgiving

2007-10-31T21:08:00.000-04:00

In 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt declared that Thanksgiving would be celebrated on the second-to-last Thursday of November, rather than on the traditional date, which was the last Thursday of November. Disrupting such a long-standing tradition was highly controversial, so why did FDR do it? He wanted to add a week to the Christmas shopping season!In this historical anecdote, we find a sad

Father Orsi Hits It Out of the Park

2007-10-29T10:21:00.000-04:00

Those who know Father Michael Orsi appreciate his candor and no non-sense approach - and know of his love for Ave Maria School of Law, especially the students. His column about the school's move to Florida is a homerun - and it is a good sketch of the history of recent events. These are some of the highlights and should be bookmarked as a primer of the situation:Rage makes it impossible to see

Catholic Musican Matt Maher

2007-10-27T07:26:00.000-04:00

It is sometime thought in certain Catholic circles that the only music that can lift the soul must have been written long ago, forgetting the battles fought in yesteryear over the introduction of pagan influenced latin chants, secular musical instruments such as the organ, and the like.This past summer I took my son to Stuebenville Atlanta. For those who don't know, Franciscan University of

New Guide to Catholic Colleges: Ave Maria University in the Top 10%

2007-10-04T09:08:00.000-04:00

Its no secret: many (most?) institutions of higher education boasting a Catholic name and Catholic provenance are places where the official Catechism would be overtly mocked by administrators, faculty and students - if you could even find a copy on campus.The Cardinal Newman Society has published a guide to 21 colleges that buck this trend, and Ave Maria University has made it onto this list of

U.S. Expert in Catholic Social Teaching Cuts Through the Putrid Smoke and Clears the Air

2007-10-03T21:06:00.000-04:00

Templeton laureate Michael Novak has penned a rather fine article in National Review Online about Ave Maria School of Law. This excerpt captures the clarity and essence of the piece:Sometimes, though, a violation of fairness seems so flagrant that one feels a duty to ask all contenders to step back, slowly examine the evidence on all sides, hear the best arguments from each, and then try to go

Rise of the New Catholic Colleges

2007-09-18T18:16:00.000-04:00

BY TIM DRAKEREGISTER SENIOR WRITERSeptember 23-29, 2007 IssueThe National Catholic Register has a rather fine article on the good done by a handful of Catholic colleges and universities. Check it by clicking on the headline above.Here is an excerpt: "Pope John Paul II said that the only reason a Catholic institution exists is to evangelize. I would have a tough time looking at the vast majority

AMSL: Oranges to Oranges

2007-09-01T13:57:00.000-04:00

Those who monitor the progress of the Ave Maria School of Law may find it interesting to compare AMSL to both another new Catholic law school (St. Thomas, in Minneapolis), and to an established Catholic law school (Catholic University of America). Data compiled by the ABA and reported each year by Cooley Law School as a public service is below (click to see a larger image):This information

Ave Maria School of Law Moves Forward

2007-08-30T22:10:00.000-04:00

Ave Maria Law School Weathers Critics, Moves Forward, Says DeanBy Michael ChapmanCNSNews.com Managing EditorAugust 30, 2007Dean Bernard Dobranski clears the air about what is really going on at Ave Maria School of Law. Its well worth the read for the fair minded.Click here for the full story.

ABA Dismisses Dissident Concerns Over Governance and Academic Freedom at AMSL

2007-08-24T16:49:00.003-04:00

Today, Dean Bernard Dobranski issued the following statement via email to all members of the Ave Maria School of Law community:To Members of the Ave Maria CommunityThe American Bar Association has reviewed the numerous allegations against Ave Maria School of Law filed by undisclosed faculty members. Of all of the various allegations regarding school governance, academic freedom, and other issues,

AMU compared to Notre Dame, BYU & Liberty

2007-08-20T21:11:00.000-04:00

Naples News is featuring Ave Maria Town and Ave Maria University all week. They make superficial comparisons to Notre Dame University, Brigham Young University, and Liberty University.

AMU: "One of a kind"

2007-08-20T21:08:00.000-04:00

Seems like enthusiasm is bursting out all over:“We have been surrounded by the spirit of anticipation for so long,” she said. “It has been in the back of our heads, but you sort of never think it is going to happen. It’s so exciting. To see it, it is amazing.”

University Undergoes Amazing Transformation

2007-08-20T20:52:00.000-04:00

Naples News offers its take on Ave Maria Universities amazing transformation:You would think $246 million would buy some peace of mind. Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan pledged that amount to conceive the permanent site for Ave Maria University, his dream of a Catholic educational institution from the heart of the church. From that promise, he’s received state-of-the-art buildings, a sparkling

Ave Maria Prep Opens With Whopping 140 Students

2007-08-20T20:35:00.000-04:00

Projected to have only 70 students this first year, the town with almost no current residents has a very popular K-12 school:“Enrollment has been strong,” he said. “It is double than what we expected, but we are very good at growth and adaptation, so we have planned ahead.” In fact, enrollment is so good, the school has gone to waiting lists for students in first, second, fifth, sixth, seventh

Love at First Sight For Ave Maria's First Families

2007-08-20T20:24:00.000-04:00

Seems like everyone has the same reaction:One future Ave Maria couple, George and Anisoara Sinclair, who are Greek Orthodox Christians, did have some reservations about moving to the town, even though they both got “goosebumps” from the excitement of taking the town tour...“There was an emotional connection for us,” George Sinclair added. “It was like you see in the movies. Having a place in Ave

Publix to Build at Ave Maria

2007-08-20T20:17:00.000-04:00

This is great news - proof of just how much confidence the local community has in the town and university. Publix Super Markets Inc., the Lakeland-based supermarket chain that owns 655 stores in Florida, is finalizing a lease with the Ave Maria town developer, Barron Collier Cos.“It’s in the final stages,” Barron Collier Vice President Blake Gable said.Details on the proposed store are few, but

AMSL Dean Offers Simple Explanation

2007-08-15T12:46:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the simplest answers are the best. Here is an excerpt from an apparent interview with Dean Dobranski:Q: What is the state of relations between the Ave Maria faculty and the Board of Governors?Dean Dobranski (paraphrased in the original): Its relationship with much of the faculty is excellent. As to the dissident group, I don’t think the Board has a bad relationship. I think it’s the

AMSL Announces Tenure for 3 Faculty

2007-08-15T12:43:00.000-04:00

From: Dobranski, BernardSent: Wed 8/8/2007 7:00 PMTo: All Law System Distribution; All AlumniSubject: Tenure AnnouncementI am pleased to announce that the Board of Governors of Ave Maria School of Law has granted tenure to three of our faculty members: Associate Professor Jane Adolphe, Associate Professor James A. Sonne, and Associate Dean and Associate Professor Eugene R. Milhizer. These are the

Ave Maria to become new Commerical Center

2007-08-11T12:04:00.000-04:00

A Naples-based maker of medical devices will move its manufacturing operations to Ave Maria, bringing hundreds of jobs to the new town that’s rising in eastern Collier County.Arthrex plans to purchase 12 acres in Ave Maria, where it will build a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. The new plant is expected to open in early 2009.First Community Bank, with assets of more than $1 billion, is

Ave Maria Law Dean Welcomes New Board Members

2007-08-08T12:40:00.000-04:00

Email from Dean Bernard Dobranski, dated August 8, 2007:===============================I am pleased to announce the addition of five new members to our Board of Governors. From the very beginning of the Law School’s existence we have been blessed with great Board members who are accomplished in their various fields and committed to the success of our institution. I am confident these new Board

2007-07-29T18:07:00.000-04:00

Thomas Cole (1801–1848)View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts, after a Thunderstorm—The Oxbow, 1836Metropolitan Museum of Art: Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1908.

Ave Town on Today

2007-07-20T11:28:00.000-04:00

For those of you who missed Ave Maria Town on Today, here's a link. In my opinion, the interview was done in a fair way and the town looks great. Mr. Gable was very impressive in the interview.

In Appreciation of a Priest

2007-07-17T23:30:00.000-04:00

The date was May 17, 2003 and the community of Ave Maria School of Law gathered at Christ the King Catholic Church for a landmark event in the history of the nascent institution: the first Baccalaureate Mass. The inaugural Class of 2003 was on hand in all its glory and the occasion was marked by numerous con-celebrating priests. One priest was an obvious choice to serve as the homilist, but as

Incense: Why do YOU love us? Could you love us any more?

2007-07-15T16:27:00.000-04:00

Based on all the feedback we are getting, Ave Marians and Catholics of good will from at least three continents consider Incense to be a welcome addition to the blogosphere - a heart-warming breath of rich, sweet, air that always pleases. We are popular because every day we confirm and affirm what you already know: being Catholic is a wonderful privilege and the good works of Ave Maria are an

Locals Discuss Positive Impact As Ave Maria "Opens"

2007-07-15T08:48:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, the sweet, sweet, smell of incense as it rises heavenward!Check out all the good things locals are saying about the advent of Ave Maria, Florida, now that businesses and residents are moving into the new town.The locals have experienced - or expect to - the arrival of more steady jobs, more and better commerce for local businesses, cheaper prices for consumers, and more resident involvement

As "Godsend" AMU Prepares For Opening Day, Local Community's High Unemployment Rate Evaporates

2007-07-14T18:38:00.000-04:00

In noting the upcoming August opening of AMU, the USA Today has highlighted the boon that AMU is to locals (Ave Maria, Florida, is in Collier County and it borders Naples to its west and Immokalee to its north). According to the report:Ave Maria is seen as a catalyst to broaden and strengthen the economy of Immokalee, a town with a long agricultural history and a large population of poor migrant

Ave Maria's Bishop Supports Motu Proprio and Latin Mass

2007-07-12T15:26:00.000-04:00

According to news reports, the Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, the recently installed bishop of the diocese of Venice, Florida (including Ave Maria and all of Collier County), "seemed to endorse the Latin Mass with his recent actions and statements.""The interesting thing is many of the people attending the Latin Mass at St. Martha's are young families who did not grow up with the Latin Mass," Dewane

It's almost here: Ave Maria Town & University Offer Sneak Preview

2007-07-11T15:36:00.000-04:00

It seems like it was just a few months ago that the plan to move to Florida was announced - but it was actually five years ago. It's amazing what can happen - and how quickly it can happen - when vision is coupled with resources! Its almost here:New Catholic University & Newest Town in Florida Offer Sneak Preview to Media Prior to OpeningEVENT: Ave Maria University and the town of Ave Maria will

Christ's Church Subsists in the the Catholic Church [click here for full Vatican Text]

2007-07-10T22:41:00.000-04:00

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has answered some questions to clarify the Church's teaching regarding her fundamental nature. Here is an excerpt:Christ "established here on earth" only one Church and instituted it as a "visible and spiritual community"5, that from its beginning and throughout the centuries has always existed and will always exist, and in which alone are found all

Ave Maria Law Professor Richard Myers' latest: Encyclopedia of Catholic Social Thought, Social Science, and Social Policy

2007-07-09T04:36:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Professor Myers and his colleagues upon the publication of what appears to be a great (albeit expensive) reference book:With more than 800 topics from over 300 contributors, Encyclopedia of Catholic Social Thought, Social Science, and Social Policy is a comprehensive introduction to the Catholic vision of society, social relations, and the human being. It combines theoretical

New York Times Promotes Baseless Criticism of Pope Benedict

2007-07-08T15:56:00.000-04:00

The Church's critics are - normally - easily thwarted by the full truth. In this case, the NYT repeats false information about the new motu proprio, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM, that Abe Foxman is circulating as the head of the Anti-Defamation League:Amid opposition from other Jewish groups, the Anti-Defamation League condemned the change on Saturday, calling it a “body blow to Catholic-Jewish relations.

Video: AMU theologian Fessio reflects on motu proprio issued by his friend, Benedict XVI

2007-07-06T19:23:00.000-04:00

In this video AMU theologian Father Joseph Fessio reflects on the motu proprio issued by his friend and mentor, Pope Benedict XVI. The link is found on the Ignatius Press web page that promotes the pope's book, The Spirit of the Liturgy, at Ignatius.com. Hat tip (and a "thank you" for his service to the Church and the nation) to a senior chaplain in the US Armed Forces for sending me the

INCENSE Futures Spike as Motu Proprio is Released

2007-07-06T12:09:00.000-04:00

In light of the new motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum, and in the spirit of celebration and unity, readers are invited to share their most memorable, interesting or humorous experience involving the use of incense during Mass or other liturgies. Positive stories of memorable liturgies (with or without incense) related to Ave Maria are also welcome. (We will turn on the exhaust fan to rid the

AMU President Shares Supreme Pontiff's Perspective

2007-07-06T08:31:00.000-04:00

People have from time to time noted that AMU President Nick Healy has a catholic view of Catholic liturgy - he has been informally "quoted" as saying "if it's ok by the pope, it's ok by us" (thanks, Kate).In this regard, Healy seems to be of one mind with our beloved Pope Benedict XVI, who according to Whispers in the Loggia, instructs our bishops in his new motu proprio, titled Summorum

This is dedicated to the Dominican Sisters (click here) of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist...

2007-06-30T06:18:00.000-04:00

...for setting a virtuous example for the rest of us, vis-à-vis their relationship to the Ave Maria Foundation. The sisters will help to staff the new Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School in Ave Maria, Florida.Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive (click to listen) Artist: Johnny Mercer. Billboard #1 in 1945 (also covered by Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Artie Shaw and Kay Kyser). Words and Music

Law School admissions are smoking hot, Dean Roboski is "en fuego"

2007-06-29T15:21:00.000-04:00

The Ave Maria School of Law has reported some amazing news regarding the upcoming class of 2010. The news speaks for itself and is a tribute to the administration, the faculty, the staff, the alumni and the students. Thank you Dean Charles Roboski - well done! You continue the excellent tradition of Dean Mike Kenney. From the school's website (emphasis added):The application cycle for the fall

How will the Chapels of Ave Maria Incorporate the Motu Proprio?

2007-06-28T15:01:00.000-04:00

Here is latest from the Vatican Press Office on the much-discussed and highly-anticipated motu proprio regarding the 1962 Mass:Si è svolta ieri pomeriggio in Vaticano una riunione, presieduta dal Cardinale Segretario di Stato, in cui è stato illustrato ai rappresentanti di diverse conferenze episcopali il contenuto e lo spirito dell’annunciato "Motu proprio" del Santo Padre sull’uso del Messale

St. Thomas More, Pray For Us

2007-06-22T10:25:00.000-04:00

Law School Success Confounds "Natural" Enemies

2007-06-18T02:00:00.001-04:00

The Ave Maria School of Law was founded to save the natural law ("the only secure foundation for human freedom") from practical extinction by sending her graduates into the corridors of influence and power:Formed by outstanding professional training and a distinctive educationalphilosophy, Ave Maria’s graduates are equipped for leading positions in lawfirms, corporate legal offices, the judiciary

Scholarship Helps Immokalee Woman Pursue Impossible Dream

2007-06-13T15:26:00.000-04:00

The generosity of the Ave Maria Univeristy has made it possible for a young Guatemalan woman to pursue her studies and her dream of becoming a teacher. Ofelia Perez, who has lived in nearby Immokalee since she was three, has recieved a full 4-year scholarship to study at Ave Maria. This article explains why this dream would have been almost impossible for Miss Perez to achieve without the

Putting Your Money Where Your Traditional Values Are

2007-06-12T15:30:00.000-04:00

Kiplinger's observes what some of us already know: socially responsible investment (SRI) in mutual funds that shun the homosexual agenda, abortion and contraception is both virtuous and profitable.One of the most famous SRI funds, Domini Social Equity, has lagged the market by a bit less than one percentage point per year since its 1991 inception. But some SRI funds do much better. Ave Maria

Of Gratitude and Generosity

2007-06-10T09:52:00.001-04:00

The Ave Maria Foundation may well be the single most generous contributor to Catholic causes at the close of the 20th and the opening of the 21st Century. According to IRS 990 form, from 1998-2005, the Foundation gave away close to ¼ of a billion dollars, most of it to Catholic education, which has been suffering since the decline of vocations in the wake of rising liberalism in the 60’s and 70’s

Virtual Visit to the New Campus

2007-06-10T00:27:00.001-04:00

This Spring the roads in Ave Maria were not yet open to public traffic. There was so much interest in the new town and campus that the developers and the university arranged bus tours every weekend. The tours were packed - and they even expanded the offerings based on the crowds. Thanks to an anonymous citizen of the web, we can all take one of these guided tours.Click on the links over on the

The Very Heart of Ave Maria

2007-06-04T15:57:00.000-04:00

What's at the core of the new university town of Ave Maria, Florida, is not simply fancy real estate or manicured streets, but a unique modern-gothic edifice that says it all. Many new housing developments strive to offer residents meaning, substance, and a nostalgic sense of community by building a faux "town square" - but something always seems to be missing. Happily, at the center of THIS new

In Paradise Even the Bad News is Good!

2007-06-02T11:59:00.000-04:00

What does a bursting real estate bubble mean in Southwest Florida? As property values across the country are stagnating or declining, with statistics that would be the envy of most of the country, a bursting real estate bubble in Southwest Florida means that real estate values only went up 7% over last year. To the extent that real estate values are an indication of economic strength and

New Grammar and Prep School Readies for August Opening

2007-05-30T06:02:00.000-04:00

Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School, the town's new K-12 school, has been built and has over 100 students signed up for the first day of classes in August!The school will offer a Catholic education and will employ a Classical curriculum based on the Great Books and the Trivium. Among the impresssive faculty will be three Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist (the same wonderful

First Residents Move In

2007-05-30T05:11:00.000-04:00

This week the new town of Ave Maria, Florida, welcomed its first permanent residents, who moved into their newly constructed home.Congratulations and our prayers to these pioneers!

Wise 3L to incoming 1L: AMSL is well worth being part of

2007-05-30T04:36:00.000-04:00

Another item found elsewhere:Dear Ave Maria ’10?,There are plenty of us in the Class of 2008 who, despite all the noise, are still happy to be at Ave Maria School of Law. And although I do not know a lot of students in the Class of 2009, I am aware of several who are also glad to be here. Among our ranks are students who could have initially chosen or transferred to schools very high up in the

The Fa(c)ulty Misrepresentations:

2007-05-27T21:40:00.000-04:00

This was posted elsewhere by someone claiming to be an AMSL 1L; it seems to have been overlooked, but is worth enshrining:I don't think I've ever been more ashamed of the faculty at this school. The faculty quotes two paragraphs from the Dean's e-mail. Well, not all of it. Out of a total of 229 words, they cut out 8.Look at the elipses in the first line.The line quoted in the letter: "the Law

Excellent Work By Alumni Assoc.

2007-05-16T22:27:00.000-04:00

May 16, 2007Dean Bernard DobranskiAve Maria School of Law3475 Plymouth Rd.Ann Arbor, MI 48105Dear Dean Dobranski:We write to give you a summary of our discussions in the April and May Alumni Association Board of Directors conference calls concerning the recent publication of the 2007 law-school rankings in the U.S. News and World Report. Though your proxy, Dave Kelley, was present for both

The Fa(c)ulty Resolution: Part 2

2007-05-14T20:36:00.000-04:00

Claim:The Florida job structure rates 44th in the nation. Florida’s income per resident is well below the national average. Florida’s substandard educational system produces substandard jobs and wages.Response:This is perhaps the most incredible claim of all. Michigan’s GDP is in the lowest quintile in the nation. Florida’s is the highest. Florida’s GDP of $673,274

Something Brilliant at Ave Maria

2007-05-14T20:30:00.000-04:00

"I believe you are at the beginning of something brilliant here at Ave Maria," Noonan said, addressing her remarks to the graduating class. "I believe you are at the beginning of what will be known as the great Catholic university of the 21st century in America."Peggy Noonan, bestselling author and columnist for The Wall Street Journal, delivered the commencement address at Ave Maria University's

Fiction v. Reality

2007-05-12T11:18:00.000-04:00

Ave Maria Town according to critics.And the reality.

The Fa(c)ulty Resolution: Part 1

2007-04-29T13:02:00.000-04:00

Claim:Summer job placements are essential for Law School students to gain legal training and experience and to find productive jobs upon graduation. *** the proposed law school would be 30 miles from Naples Florida, a City of 22,000 people in a metropolitan area with few firms and more than a handful of lawyers.Response:At a national law