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STM The Magazine of The Catholic Chapel & Center at Yale University Summer 2021 p 19 STM Celebrates a Half-Million Dollar Gift p 3 Love and Empathy in the Law p 13 Giving Religion an Honest ChanceSTM MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS Design: Cadwell Art Direction Primary Photography: Robert A. Lisak Mission Statement Saint Thomas More Chapel & Center serves the Catholic community at Yale by: · Creating a vibrant and welcoming community through worship and service · Cultivating informed faith and spirituality · Engaging in reflective discourse on faith and culture · Advancing the Church’s mission of promoting social justice · Participating in the global Church’s life and witness About the Cover Assistant Chaplain Allan Esteron places the STM graduation stole over the shoulders of Catherine Amaya '21 Ph.D. Cathy, who was an active member of STM’s Graduate Council, and other student leaders received stoles in an in-person Baccalaureate Mass on May 23, 2021. The Mass celebrated both their graduation from Yale and Pentecost Sunday. STAY IN TOUCH WITH STM Download the STM Yale App. Editors: Robin McShane is the Director of Communications at STM. Sarah Woodford '10 M.Div. is a graduate of Yale Divinity School and STM’s Library Director. Writers: Ellie Gabriel '22 is a rising senior in Davenport College. She recently completed her RCIA journey. John C. Kane, Jr. '67 is a Trustee of the Mary Field and Vincent DeP. Goubeau Charitable Trust. He practiced law at Ropes & Gray in Boston from 1974-2007, chaired the Association of Yale Alumni from 1994-1996 and was awarded the Yale Medal in 1999. He is a proud parent of Caroline Kane '00. Clare Kemmerer GRD '22 is studying religion and the visual arts at Yale Divinity School. She is a member of the Institute of Sacred Music. Alex Parobek '18 Ph.D. is a former acolyte and member of STM’s Graduate Council. He is currently working on his second Ph.D. in science education at Purdue Univer- sity in Indiana. Kathleen Pierre '21 J.D. was an active member of STM’s graduate programming. She recently received her J.D. from Yale Law School. Ann Philbin is a Trustee of the Mary Field and Vincent DeP. Goubeau Charitable Trust. She is a retired Vice President from UBS Financial Services where she was a member of the Boston Branch Management Team and a Director. She is an alumna, Trustee and former President of the National Alumnae Association of Trinity College, now Trinity University, in Washington, D.C. Shannon Phuah '21 graduated this spring with a B.A. in Humanities. She was an active member in STM’s Asian Ministry. April Pruitt GRD '26 is a member of STM’s African American ministry. She is a Ph.D. student studying neuroscience. David Rivera '21 M.A.R. is a member of the STM community and is active in STM’s Religious Education programming. He recently received his M.A.R. from Yale Divinity School. Kerry Robinson '94 M.A.R. is STM’s former Development Director and a current Board of Trustee member. She is global ambassador for Leadership Roundtable. STM MAGAZINE SPRING 2021 In This Issue 268 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06511-4714 Phone: 203-777-5537 Fax: 203-777-0144 stmchapel@yale.edu Follow us online: stm.yale.edu STM Magazine is published twice a year for our alumni, parents and friends. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the entire STM community. 1 FROM THE CHAPLAIN 3 LOVE AND EMPATHY IN LAW 5 GOODBYE, CARLENE 6 ART, CREATIVITY AND FAITH 7 VIRTUAL BORDER TRIP 11 CONGRATULATIONS, STM GRADUATES 13 GIVING RELIGION AN HONEST CHANCE 18 A LEGACY OF PHILANTHROPY 19 STM CELEBRATES A HALF-MILLION DOLLAR GIFT 21 FINDING UNDERSTANDING Features 9 FAITH IN THE REAL WORLD 10 THREE QUESTIONS 15 POP! CULTURE 23 OPEN BOOK The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:5 While laying out this Summer 2021 issue, we realized something: we were tired of the shadow cast by the pandemic and were longing for new beginnings and the optimism that comes with them. We wanted to see photos of University Chaplain Sharon Kugler tying notes of encouragement to blow-up pink flamingos; we wanted to see our students studying in the Golden Center and the wider STM community worshipping in-person at Mass. Maybe you’re also feeling a bit of that longing too. Thank goodness then for new openings—whether they be spring cherry blossoms opening in the Riggs Garden or our graduate leaders walking into our open Chapel doors to celebrate in-person Baccalaureate. New openings allow for points of release and spaces for potential joy. And that is exactly what this issue explores: openings. We’re so proud of our graduates, to whom this Summer 2021 issue is dedicated. Though their time at Yale is over, their future is now open for them to take what they have learned and change the world. A gift from the Mary Field and Vincent DeP. Goubeau Charitable Trust has opened up new possibilities for STM to explore women’s contributions to the Church. While this past April, Reverend Ricky Manolo re-opened the first floor of the Golden Center to live music for STM’s Rev. Richard Russell Lecture on Asian Heritage. And openings also pertain to new ways of relating to others, like finding places for empathy in the law, as the Honorable Raymond J. Lohier, Jr. taught us in his Calabresi Fellowship in Religion & Law. So, we hope that as you “open” the rest of this magazine you also find optimism in the ways that our STM community is slowly but joyfully beginning to transition from being a pandemic ministry to being one that ministered during a pandemic. Robin & Sarah from the editors Letter 1. Dear Friends, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you. Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:21, 22). With these words the resurrected Christ greeted his disciples and then sent them out on mission to proclaim the Gospel of God to the world. Through the proclamation of that same Gospel on Pentecost Sunday, Jesus directed his words in a special way to the Class of 2021, who gathered in-person and virtually for the 2021 Baccalaureate Mass. Throughout the Spring semester we have been especially attentive to signs of resurrection. Since the Spring of 2020, during this year’s Easter Vigil and throughout this Easter Season, twenty students entered the Church through the RCIA or completed their Christian initiation in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. It’s so inspiring to think that in a time in which we have relied on virtual means of sustaining and creating community, studying our faith and praying together, this local manifestation of the Body of Christ at Yale has grown: giving testimony to the movement of the Spirit and divine grace, as well as the vitality and vibrance of this faith community. As we neared the end of this unprecedented academic year, a year that has been shaped in so many ways by the pandemic, which for the Class of 2021 began during Spring Break 2020, the Yale and STM community experienced a loosening of the restrictions that have been essential to keeping everyone healthy and safe throughout this time. The whole Yale community welcomed the news that commencement exercises would take place partially in-person, and permission was granted for outdoor gatherings of twenty people or less. Blessed with great spring weather we embraced the opportunity to gather students for in-person Masses and small social gatherings in the beautiful garden between the Chapel and the Chaplain’s residence. And when we gathered to celebrate the livestream Baccalaureate Mass on Pentecost Sunday, we were blessed with the presence of twelve student leaders, each representing the Class of 2021. The signs of the Spirit descending on the disciples on that first Pentecost were accompanied by tongues of fire, a mighty wind and the gift of speaking new languages so that the Gospel of God could find a home in the rich diversity of the human family. By the light of the Holy Spirit, our students—reflecting their unique individual histories, families, heritages cultures and academic disciplines—engaged in the pursuit of lux et veritas at one of the greatest universities in the world. We celebrated the completion of their unique mission that God entrusted to them throughout their time here at Yale—and, we invoked God’s Holy Spirit upon them as they prepared to embrace their new mission: bearing witness to the presence and love of Jesus Christ in the world. We pray that wherever they go and whatever they do, they will ennoble the world with the fruits of the Holy Spirit and that they will always “live in the Spirit [and] follow the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). In the meantime, we look forward to preparing the Chapel and the Golden Center to welcome back returning faculty, staff, students and friends—as well as the newest members of the Yale and STM Community—in the Fall. Perhaps I will see you during one of our in-person Masses. Gratefully Yours in Christ, Fr. Ryan M. Lerner Chaplain FROM THE Chaplain’s Desk "...we invoked God’s Holy Spirit upon them as they prepared to embrace their new mission: bearing witness to the presence and love of Jesus Christ in the world." #MyCatholicYale Yale Divinity School grads celebrate with Sr. Jenn Schaaf in the Golden Center Garden.Love and Empathy in Law: Judge Guido Calabresi Fellowship in Religion & Law Kathleen Pierre '21 J.D. n March 14, 2021, Yale graduate students, professors and affiliates convened on Zoom to hear the Honorable Raymond J. Lohier, Jr. deliver his lecture, “Love and Empathy in Law,” for the Judge Guido Calabresi Fellowship in Religion & Law. Judge Lohier currently sits on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He was nominated by President Barack Obama, and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate in 2010. Drawing on a range of sources, Judge Lohier presented a comprehensive vision of love and empathy centered on a recognition of each individual’s humanity. His definition embraced the extremist love of Jesus Christ, which bestows grace and mercy despite wrongdoing; and what C.S. Lewis called charity towards others. He explained that showing love and empathy means honoring the fundamental equality of all human beings, and valuing human dignity in the pursuit of justice. Judge Lohier emphasized that empathetic treatment of marginalized and ostracized individuals, in particular, enhances their sense of dignity and public confidence in the law’s ability to do justice. Judge Lohier remembered the Honorable Robert P. Patterson, Jr., for whom he clerked, as a model of empathetic judging. As he recalled, Judge Patterson never let unfavorable public opinion deter him from treating each defendant with diligence, patience, fairness and utmost empathy. Instead, he promoted early release and re-entry programs designed to help formerly incarcerated persons become productive members of society. The urgency of Judge Lohier’s lecture cannot be overstated. As he acknowledged, our nation appears to be retreating from compassion, mercy and understanding. In 2020 alone, the federal government execut- ed more people than in the previous twenty years combined. Children nationwide currently suffer from unequal access to education as racial segregation and re-segregation continue unchecked. Noncitizens have been targeted for discriminatory, dehumanizing treatment. Meanwhile, public outcry has been limited. Judge Lohier suggested that investing in love and empathy is key to grappling with these divisive issues. In closing, Judge Lohier quoted from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Strength to Love: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others.” Judge Lohier stands poised to answer this call. He invites us to do the same. To watch Judge Lohier's lecture, visit https://stmchapel.wistia.com/medias/gijmjs4u9e 3. Sr. Jenn Schaaf, host of STM's Spring lecture series, introduces Judge Raymond Lohier via Zoom.Judge Lohier emphasized that empathetic treatment of marginalized and ostracized individuals, in particular, enhances their sense of dignity and public confidence in the law’s ability to do justice. 4.5. Goodbye, Carlene The Editors After five years as Assistant Chaplain to Yale’s Catholic undergrads, Carlene Demiany '11 M.Div. '13 S.T.M. leaves STM to continue her faith journey. Through her Alternative Spring Break trips to Taizé, France, and creative and faithful undergraduate programming, she leaves a legacy of young adults who are a testimony to the joy of the Gospel. We thought the best send-off for Carlene was to hear from a few of the students she has deeply impacted: “I just wanted to express my gratitude to you. I feel so blessed to have been at Yale when you were. As you know, STM was such a big constant in my Yale life, and that's mostly due to you and your leadership and creativity. The Taizé trip my first year was one of the most formative experiences in my Catholic life. And I had so much fun planning all of these events with you: from study breaks to, of course, the first-year retreats that we were so proud of. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. I know you'll do amazingly, wherever you go. God bless. I'll be praying for you.” Muriel Wang '20 “Congratulations on this next amazing step in your faith journey. Thank you so much for being such an important person in my life—especially while I was at Yale. You were the reason STM felt like a community and a home...I always felt like I had a home when I was with you and that I could turn to you. Thank you for inspiring me every day, for putting me on a great faith path. I love you.” Melissa Mendizabal '20 “I just want to say congratulations and best of luck in this next step of your journey. You've meant so much to so many people at Yale, including my sister and me, and have had such a great impact on STM and the greater Yale community. You will definitely be missed, but we're all very excited for you and praying for you in these next steps. Hope to see you soon and best of luck.” Billy Schroeder '22Art, Creativity and Faith: An Evening with Artist Ruben Ferreira “I relate a lot with Thomas because it seems that he arrived late, although we know that he arrived actually on time. If I were Thomas, I would be gutted: ‘Jesus appeared to all of you and I just missed that? How is that possible?’ So, I just try to put myself in the scene and I came across this expression. This would be the expression I would make if my dearest friend that was killed in a horrible way, was dead for sure and was laid in the tomb, would appear risen full of life, full of light, full of joy. I would have this face. I think that’s why we relate to this painting so much, because it’s actually a very human expression. I would make this expression if this happened to me. So suddenly, we are there with the risen Christ, because we see ourselves in the Apostles, in the Disciples. And when I see myself there, I allow God to transform my life, to touch my heart. When you look at paintings or stained glass, you always see Jesus risen—not very happy—and you see the Apostles looking at Jesus, like it’s no big deal. But it was actually a big deal. That’s why we get so used to the narrative of Easter and the narrative of the risen Lord that we stop allowing ourselves from being surprised again and again. But we should never allow that to happen. We should never stop the surprise of God's love from coming into our lives.” This transcript was edited for publication. To watch the complete conversation with Fr. Ryan Lerner and Ruben Ferreira visit https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WVryzhaRQ1A In April, Ruben Ferreira, a portrait artist who paints exuberant, contemporary portraits of the saints, joined Fr. Ryan Lerner from his studio in London, via Zoom, for a conversation about art, creativity and faith. The event was part of STM’s Undergraduate series called “Studying Our Faith: The Saints.” Below is an excerpt from the conversation about Ferreira’s most beloved and talked about painting of St. Thomas. “We should never stop the surprise of God's love from coming into our lives.” 6.Next >