In the spring of 1999, Pope St. John Paul II composed a letter to a particularly important, yet often taken for granted audience; he wrote a letter to artists. In that letter, John Paul II, who himself was an accomplished poet, actor, and playwright, praised the arts for their invaluable contribution to humanity and the immeasurable ways they have brought joy and beauty to the human experience. Furthermore, the pope added that the arts (and here he really did mean all various forms of artistic expression including literary, film, music, etc.) are able to make deep spiritual and religious truths tangible, “making perceptible…the world of the spirit, of the invisible God.” Here he was echoing the Catholic Tradition up and down the ages which has always placed a positive emphasis on beauty (along with truth and goodness). Pope Benedict XVI met with artists in the Sistine Chapel in 2009 to reinforce his predecessor’s wish to see the arts return to promoting a life of grace, and recently (in 2020) Pope Francis continued the tradition. Clearly, the arts have a special place in the life of the Catholic Church, however, I would like to reflect during the summer on one form in particular: movies. 

A good movie has the potential to touch hearts, provoke new ways of thinking, and even inspire change. A good film can stir us emotionally and force us to address questions of morality and truth in ways that other mediums cannot. This is especially true for today’s young people who are often caught up in the “summer blockbuster” craze and who are far more inclined to watch a movie than read a book (unfortunate but true). With that in mind, I thought I would suggest just a few favorite films of my own that might make for good summertime viewing (and even conversation) for an average family with teenagers today. This list does not include specifically “Catholic” films, but includes movies that have positive motifs consistent with the gospel. Of course you should review the film first before sitting down to watch, as your tastes might differ from my own. In this way, we can honor Pope St. John Paul II’s desire to see the arts make God alive and perceptible in the world, while we utilize film as a vehicle for His presence. 

"The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy are fantastic summertime movies, offering epic adventures in enchanting worlds, all inspired by the great Catholic author, J.R.R. Tolkien  With their captivating storytelling, stunning visuals, and memorable characters, these films transport viewers to thrilling quests of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery. As teens immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Middle-earth, they will be inspired by themes of courage, perseverance, and the triumph of good over evil, making these timeless classics perfect choices for summertime entertainment and spiritual reflection.

Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, offers an engaging and thought-provoking summer movie experience. These films explore themes of justice, sacrifice, and the battle between light and darkness, resonating with Christian values. Amidst thrilling action sequences and complex character development, teens can reflect on the moral dilemmas faced by the Dark Knight, finding inspiration in the triumph of virtue and the hope for redemption, making them ideal movies for both entertainment and spiritual contemplation.

 "The Way," starring Martin Sheen, is a heartwarming and uplifting summer movie choice for families. The film follows the transformative journey of a father who embarks on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage after the tragic death of his son. It beautifully portrays themes of grief, forgiveness, and spiritual awakening, inviting families to reflect on the importance of faith, community, and the power of self-discovery. "The Way" offers a poignant and inspiring experience that fosters meaningful discussions and strengthens family bonds during the summertime. Perhaps best for older teens more prepared to grapple with tough questions of life and death. 

"Wreck-It Ralph" is a delightful animated movie which follows the adventures of Ralph, a video game villain, who seeks to find his true identity and purpose. Through its engaging storyline and vibrant animation, the movie imparts valuable messages about self-acceptance, friendship, and the importance of embracing one's unique gifts. Families can enjoy a fun-filled movie night while exploring themes of redemption, empathy, and the power of love, making "Wreck-It Ralph" a perfect choice for summer entertainment with positive values for all ages.

​"The Peanut Butter Falcon" tells the story of a young man with Down syndrome who embarks on a life-changing adventure with a runaway, forging an unlikely friendship. Through themes of acceptance, compassion, and the pursuit of dreams, the movie celebrates the inherent dignity of every person and emphasizes the value of helping one another along life's journey (one that is often both silly and serious). Families can enjoy this feel-good film that teaches important life lessons while fostering discussions about love, inclusion, and the true meaning of family.

Over the course of my teaching career I have received my fair share of feedback and criticism from my students. Thankfully, most of it has been positive, however even the negative feedback is helpful for an educator. Regardless of the format of the feedback forms, I will say that the “comment section” is consistently the most revealing. I have found that affording teenage boys (in my specific instance) the opportunity to anonymously comment on one of their teachers, will supply you with a brutal form of honesty more helpful than any peer evaluation. One of the most recurring points mentioned within the open comment section was how genuinely surprised my students were to find that a Theology class could actually be relevant in their lives today. 
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A common initial assumption from many students in my classes is that because subjects like Theology or Philosophy have been around for centuries, they are not as trustable as some of the more modern scientific disciplines.  The content is seen as irrelevant at best, or unprovable (and therefore untrue) at worst. Students have been so intellectually and culturally conditioned to believe that unless something can be scientifically “proven,” it likely cannot be “known” and certainly cannot be “true.” This is not just an issue for theological studies, but for the Liberal Arts as a whole. Anything that isn’t clearly labeled “contemporary” in their eyes is seen as antiquated, and consequently, unworthy of their attention. C. S. Lewis, arguably the most influential Christian writer in the 20th Century, called this bias “Chronological Snobbery.” In his autobiographical work, Surprised by Joy, Lewis goes on to define this prejudice as “the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate of our own age and the assumption that whatever has gone out of date is on that count discredited.”

If this all sounds a bit abstract, I assure you it is not. Think for a moment of the student who asks, “But what does learning this have to do with me now?” Sound familiar, fellow educators? Parents? This line of questioning is inevitable, but what I suppose I found most striking was hearing feedback from upperclassmen which seemed to show a gradual logical maturity was beginning to take root. I began to read more comments which indicated to me that this partiality in favor of the modern was not as widespread as I had perhaps assumed. Nevertheless, the adage “out with the old and in with the new,” is still very influential in certain educational circles and school administrations. While arguments can be made for this line of thinking in certain areas of education (such as the use of technology to communicate and engage students) it is most certainly untrue in many other areas – especially the realm of ideas and moral values; two of the bedrocks of a strong Liberal Arts education. 

We must remind our young people that although the modern sciences and new technologies have provided us with monumental breakthroughs and discoveries which have enhanced human civilization, there are many scientifically unprovable truths we can all reasonably hold to. Indeed, we should celebrate the Scientific Method and all that it has helped us to know and understand. However, we must also remind teens that although science can tell you the type of paint Michelangelo used on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, it cannot tell you why it is beautiful. Science can give you the breakdown of the elements of the parchment and the ink which was used to compose the Constitution, but it cannot tell you what freedom and liberty mean to the oppressed. By itself science cannot draw any ethical distinctions between consensual sex and rape. You can observe, hypothesize, test, and draw conclusions about the biological and socioemotional changes which occur whenever human beings interact, but you cannot explain (in strictly scientific terms) what it means to love someone. 

Plato taught us long ago that there is more to our reality than simply the empirical sciences and the physical world; there is a metaphysical reality which can be both understood and articulated through the Liberal Arts. To become Chronological Snobs in education would be to follow only the latest fads and favor only those subjects we are told are “on the cutting edge.” In so doing we would be severing our students from the richness of so many ancient disciplines, thinkers, and ideas (sometimes called a “Cut Flowers Culture”). Literature, art, music, theater, language, philosophy, history, and theology are legitimate paths to knowledge and we must let these paths to knowledge, paired with all that technology and the sciences have to offer, lead our students and children to wisdom and truth. 

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The Augustinian Values Institute (AVI) is a program of the Augustinian Secondary Educational Association (ASEA).  The ASEA was established by the Federation of Augustinians of North America (formerly the North American Conference of Augustinian Provincials) to foster unity, efficiency, and the continued development within the Augustinian ministry of secondary education.  The Association is a forum and vehicle for the sharing of resources, the advancement of the Augustinian charism and values, the promotion of secondary education as a vital and proper ministry of the Order, and the assurance of authentic Augustinian identity in the schools.
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The AVI is held annually. For one weekend every year, faculty, staff, and board members of Augustinian high schools from North America and throughout the world meet at a hosting Augustinian school. Over the busy weekend, attendees not only come together and share a common bond and Augustinian heritage, they also come to understand the unique culture of the school hosting the event. Presentations are given by attendees on Augustinian values and how they can be implemented in the classroom, while discussions and reflections are also held. With prayer and socializing, attendees may come to the event from different schools, cities, and even countries, but they leave the event as one bonded in the common values and mission of St. Augustine.   

The 2023 AVI was hosted by St. Augustine High School in San Diego, CA. On Sunday, February 19th, I was delighted to present on "Augustine at Cassiciacum" and discuss the origins of Augustinian Catholic education. Follow the link HERE to view excerpts from the presentation. 

Last year I bought a new iPhone, and I distinctly remember the store attendant smiled when she saw my embarrassingly low single digit model (I think the iPhone 14 is coming out soon). She followed up by telling me that it was a good thing I came in so I could be “caught up” with a newer phone and by doing so, I could “stay better connected.” I recall being somewhat confused but had a general sense of what she meant. You see, by today’s standards, being “connected” means being on as many social media platforms as possible and having instant access to all your contacts with a push of a button or a swipe of a finger. The hyperstress on the importance of interconnectedness has been spoon-fed to younger generations (my fellow Millennials included) for years, and it originates from a culture that often whispers all the wrong messages into the ears of adolescents. It isn’t that “being connected” is a bad thing, but is it really what our young people need? I would argue that it isn’t, and that community and sense of acceptance and belonging are what teens, especially teenage boys, really need. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my phone and have several social media accounts of my own (although I pledge never to have Tik Tok). I also recognize the great good that this tech has provided in bringing the world closer together. However, having been educated in the Catholic and Augustinian tradition, I know that true connectivity is far more than what these platforms often achieve at a superficial level. As an educator, I know too that boys long for a sense of belonging - something that cannot be clicked on or swiped for. The need to belong is fundamental. “Belonging,” by definition, includes accepting someone for who they are, while “connection” is a term that refers to being seen and heard by another. The former requires trust, respect, and love, while the latter requires simple contact. With this distinction in mind, boys need educational communities that will foster a true sense of belonging where they can be safe to grow and mature in a more organic, and less artificial, setting. 

According to an article entitled “The Need to Belong (NB) in Adolescence” (published in 2018 in the International Journal of Psychology and Behavior Science), “a good deal of human behavior is determined by the impressions and evaluations that others have of us. While the teacher-student relationship is clearly crucial, relationships with peers also have a significant impact on the emotional well-being of adolescents.” Furthermore, “students transfer interpersonal skills and attitudes they learn at school to their relationships with other people and groups as members of society in general.” Clearly the impact that teachers, coaches, and fellow students have on adolescent boys today will leave a lasting impression which, in turn, will help form them into the men of tomorrow. With that in mind, Catholics schools are in a unique position to provide exactly what young men need…a place of belonging.