“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know Himself— so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth and themselves.”
-St. John Paul II Preface to Fides et Ratio
Fides et Ratio Reflections
Pope Leo met with writers on Wednesday, June24 (photo credit: Vatican Media)
Pope Leo XIV met with writers from around the world on Wednesday this week for the Centennial anniversary of the Vatican Publishing House.
In his address to them, he emphasized the significance of the act writing in three ways: 1) an act of truth, 2) an act of humanity, and 3) an act that concerns God by its very nature.
He explained, for example, “When you write stories and develop your characters, you identify with them; you grasp their points of view, their emotions, their feelings, their attitudes. This is the great training ground of humanity that you allow your readers to experience, because, in a sense, readers ‘live’ many lives in addition to their own. This helps us to discover different perspectives, to avoid treating our own views as absolute and to piece together, as in a mosaic, the outline of that truth which always transcends us.”
He continued, “When we delve into the very depths of our humanity, we are not far from God; for there, in the midst of very human stories, God reveals Himself.”
To read his full address in the spirit of the “Two Wings” tradition, go here:
Pope Leo XIV: Writing is an act of humanity that leads to God
It's About Time
Rome Pilgrims…in Assisi
Today, our 41 Rome Pilgrims of the Class of 2027 are in Assisi, Italy, the home of St. Francis and St. Clare.
I have—twice—found Assisi to be one of the most peaceful places I have ever visited, and twice been blessed to receive the graces of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation there.
This year, our pilgrims will see many public banners such as the one above proclaiming the Jubilee Year Observance of St. Francis ’ 800th Anniversary of his passing in 1226. Pope Leo announced that the year-long observance would begin on January 10, 2026, and conclude on January 10, 2027.
Holy Year of Saint Francis: 8th Centenary of his Life
May the graces which flow to all Assisi pilgrims this year be abundant.
Reunion Weekend
Since 2015, we have been hosting a consolidated “Reunion Weekend” the last weekend in June for Shanley alumni class reunions. We coordinate and promote the class gatherings and plan a variety of other events for a full weekend—including a reunion Mass, 5K fun run/walk, tour of “new” Shanley, street dance, and other family-friendly activities.
This weekend, eight classes will be gathering for reunions: 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016.
Welcome to our alumni as we roll out the red carpet for them as they meet with their old friends and perhaps make some new ones. Thanks to the Advancement team for all the planning and preparation. After all, “Once a Deacon, always a Deacon.”
Tempus Fugit
“Time flies,” says the pithy Latin proverb above, and it rings true.
For example, Wednesday, July 1 will be the 10th anniversary of the start of my service as President of St. John Paul II Catholic Schools as noted in my bio below.
By the Grace of God, I am grateful for that opportunity to lead for the past decade. Each day is a gift and blessing in my view.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
President’s Proverb
“Unhappy is the man who does not think of this, and lives as if he were made only to build, to plant, to gather riches, and to be amused with trifles.”
–St. Francis DeSales on the many gifts given us by our Creator and how we should spend our time profitably for eternity
Hagstrom’s Attempt at Humor (HAAH!)
Sunday Psalm Sampler
“Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
-Luke 24:22b
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
- Lectionary Readings: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 16-19
- Responsorial Refrain: “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” (Ps 89:2a)
- Chris Brunelle’s YouTube Recording: R&A Psalm 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026, Psalm 99
The word “Psalm” translates as “melody of praise” via the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures). A Psalm, then, is a song of praise, and today’s portion of Psalm 89 especially exemplifies that genre.
The Psalmist sings—and exhorts us to sing—in praise of God’s steadfast, unshakeable goodness and the covenant relationship He has established and maintained with His people. Forever.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to take up our Cross, to follow Him, and to receive Him—the One Who is New Covenant, the One Who opens the door to Beatitude. Forever. This week, let us pledge our fidelity to Him as we sing, “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.”
Our President
Mike Hagstrom
Mike Hagstrom was named President of St. John Paul II Catholic Schools and Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Fargo on March 15, 2016, and officially assumed the role on July 1, 2016. In his application for the position, he described his leadership philosophy as one of stewardship, writing:
“My approach would be that of stewardship of the great gift of Catholic Schools. With the help of God’s grace and all our stakeholders, we can be good stewards together, ensuring that our schools not only survive, but thrive. They are designed for human flourishing, forming the whole person, each and every student made in God’s image and likeness, endowed with a transcendent dignity and destiny.”
Before stepping into diocesan leadership, Mike dedicated 31 years to Shanley High School, where he taught Religion and served in a variety of leadership roles. During his time there, he embodied the spirit of St. Bede’s words: “I have always found delight in learning, teaching, and writing.”
Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He and his wife, Shawn, are the proud parents of two Shanley graduates, Therese (’08) and Joseph (’16), and grandparents to James and Oliver.
