Category: Reflections on Norbertine Formation

Reflections on a Restless Heart

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Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem.

As seen in the Fall/Winter 2016 issue of Abbey Magazine (pages 16-17)

On June 4, 2016, Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem., was ordained to the priesthood. The Mass of Ordination was celebrated by Bishop David L. Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay in the St. Norbert Abbey Church.

By Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem.

Deacon Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem., on the day of his priestly ordination.
Deacon Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem., on the day of his priestly ordination.

Norbertines are often quick to cite St. Augustine’s famous quote from his Confessions: “You have formed us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Indeed, this has become a favorite quote of mine as well, yet I was unaware of the restlessness of my own heart until my ordination drew near.

At first it was a strange sort of coincidence. The imagery and literature during my retreat in preparation for priesthood happened to center around the Sacred Heart of Jesus. My ordination Mass was held on the day traditionally memorializing the Immaculate Heart of Mary (the day after the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). Bishop Ricken’s ordination homily also incorporated much of the homily Pope Francis gave to priests the day before on the Feast of the Sacred Heart. So by the time the homily was finished at my ordination, I was convinced that the Lord was trying to speak to me about something.

Green Bay’s Bishop David Ricken imposes hands upon the ordinand.
Green Bay’s Bishop David Ricken imposes hands upon the ordinand.

Then, as I knelt before the bishop, the only thing I was aware of—and, honestly one of the only moments from my ordination I vividly remember—was my heartbeat. My own heartbeat was the only thing I could hear as it pounded in my ears. My own heartbeat was the only thing I could feel as it almost punched through my chest. My own heartbeat seemed like it was jumping for joy at that moment of ordination.

What all this means, I’m still not sure. My own prayer and reflection on this significant moment for me is that my priesthood ought to be one of love. Just as the Sacred Heart of Jesus loves, so should I love all those whom I encounter. As Pope Francis said in his Sacred Heart homily, “The Heart of the Good Shepherd ‘tells us that His love is limitless; it is never exhausted and it never gives up.’ ” May it be so for me! May my heartbeat continue to fill my ears and pound out of my chest for the Church as long as I am a priest. Until I find rest in the Lord, may my heart keep me restless, pushing me forward, loving all people just as Christ would love them.

On June 12, newly ordained Fr. Vanden Branden returned to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in De Pere to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at his home parish. His beautiful homily was a tribute to God and the Faithful at this vibrant Norbertine apostolate.

View the Mass of Thanksgiving homily of Fr. Vanden Branden »

Newly Ordained Son of Norbertine Parish Returns Home

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On June 12, 2016, newly ordained Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem., returned to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in De Pere, Wisconsin, to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at his home parish. His beautiful homily was a tribute to God and the faithful at our vibrant Norbertine apostolate.

Mass of Thanksgiving Homily of Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem.

from St. Norbert Abbey on Vimeo

Video courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

Read “Reflections on a Restless Heart” by Fr. Vanden Branden, as seen in the Fall/Winter 2016 issue of Abbey Magazine (pages 16-17).

View the June 2016 celebrations at St. Norbert Abbey »

The Habit: An Outward Sign of Inward Spirit

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As seen in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of Abbey Magazine (page 14)

An interview with Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.
By Gina Sanders Larsen

Managing Editor, Abbey Magazine

Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., wears his habit on the streets of Chicago.
Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., wears his habit on the streets of Chicago.

During a recent academic break, I sat with Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., 26, to discuss a seemingly simple idea—whether or not to wear the ankle-length white habit of the Norbertines when he is out in public in Chicago, the city where he studies for the priesthood at Catholic Theological Union.

What is it like wearing a habit in a secular environment?

The most important thing is that when you are wearing the habit, everything you do reflects not only on you, but also on every Norbertine. The habit elicits a lot of emotion, both good and bad, yet it expresses my Christian faith and vocation. Am I hiding it, or am I on fire? It’s an outward sign of inward spirit.

Tell me more about that phrase, “an outward sign of inward spirit.”

If I choose not to wear the habit, I am choosing to blend in. In the streets, the white habit is a visible witness to Christ. It’s like when Jesus called himself “the door” and no one can come to the Father except through Him. I am certainly not Jesus, but I choose to be present and visible to people. At times some religious or priests hide behind a collar or habit. You have to remember that what counts is a person’s true character, and no article of clothing can change that. For me, the habit is a call to authenticity.

You said the habit elicits both good and bad responses from people. Can you give me some examples?

People often ask me, “What are you?” and I tell them I’m a Christian in formation for the Catholic priesthood. Many people ask me to pray for them, or they are intrigued by the idea of a priest. I’ve helped people who need a bus ticket or something to eat, but I’ve also provoked feelings of hatred. It is an imitation of Christ: trying to do good but realizing even the Son of God was not accepted by all.

Will you continue to wear your habit in public?

Yes. Even for people who do not approach me, wearing the habit shows them that someone is still interested in Christianity and Catholicism in a secular world. I hope that in wearing the habit, it is a visible sign of Christ in me and through me, and that it fosters Christian hope in a city plagued by poverty, violence, and racism. I am putting myself out there—humbly, I hope. The streets have a way of keeping you humble.

Read More

  • Habit By Mary
    By Kevin T. Di Camillo
    November 8, 2017
    Catholic Digest

Canons on the RunCanons on the Run

Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., and Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., are co-hosts of St. Norbert Abbey’s biweekly podcast, Canons on the Run. In episode 008, compellingly and with a bit of humor, they discuss their habit, the conversations that have occurred because of it, and their continual witness to God’s call.

Listen now »