Tarmac Online

By Daniel Graziose ’27

In a world increasingly shaped by digital noise and shifting cultural tides, finding a firm foundation can feel like an uphill battle. Recently, I traveled to Lourdes as a malade, accompanied by my mother as my caregiver, on a pilgrimage with the Order of Malta, American Association. We were nominated by Msgr. Frank Caldwell, pastor of Curé of Ars Parish. While in Lourdes—a place of prayer, healing, and hope—I had the extraordinary opportunity to sit down with His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan and speak with him about leadership in the Church and his message for the next generation in a world increasingly shaped by social media.

Catholic Education:

Cardinal Dolan emphasized that one of the most important influences in a young person’s life is the environment in which they are formed. The people around us, he explained, often shape the strength of our convictions.

For students navigating their teenage years, his advice was direct: “Go to a great Catholic high school.” He continued, “We have wonderful Catholic high schools, and if you can, go to Catholic school.” According to him, Catholic education forms both the mind and heart, helping young people live more fully as disciples of Christ.

At the same time, he acknowledged the difficulty of faith in the modern world. “To be a follower of Jesus Christ is tough today. Kind of always has been,” he said, drawing a connection to Blessed William Joseph Chaminade and noting that every era has presented its own challenges to living out the Gospel.

Cardinal Dolan stressed the importance of what he called a “spiritual village”—a supportive community that strengthens faith. “We need people who are supportive of us and encouraging us and who will bolster us in the faith,” he explained. “You can get that when you’re at a Catholic high school.”

For those who do not attend Catholic school, his message remained the same: do not isolate yourself. Stay connected to a parish, a Catholic youth group, or a community of faith. “We never go to Jesus by ourselves,” he said. “We’re always in company with somebody else.”

The Living Word and the Role of the Church:

When asked about how to build a faithful life, Cardinal Dolan pointed immediately to Scripture. “The Bible is everything,” he said. “The Bible is so important; we call it the Word of God.”

He emphasized both personal study and communal worship. To truly understand the faith, he explained, one must engage Scripture personally while also encountering it within the life of the Church.

He highlighted three key aspects:

• Study the Word: Knowing the Bible deeply is essential to understanding the faith.
• Encounter at Mass: The Word of God is most powerful when proclaimed in the liturgy.
• Listen with Reverence: “We stand at the Gospel because we believe Jesus is directly speaking to us.”

Cardinal Dolan also described the Church as the “keeper of the Bible,” guiding believers in interpreting Scripture within its proper spiritual and historical context. This, he explained, ensures that the Word of God is not only read, but lived.

Tradition—A Gift Handed Down:

Cardinal Dolan offered a deeper reflection on the meaning of tradition, explaining that the word comes from the Latin traditio, meaning “to hand down” or “to pass on.”

“We don’t make up tradition; we receive it,” he said.

Rather than viewing tradition as something outdated or static, he described it as a living bridge between generations. Faith, he explained, is something entrusted to us and then passed forward. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” he noted, emphasizing that tradition connects the past, present, and future in a continuous expression of belief.

Discerning Truth in the Age of Social Media:

As the conversation turned to the digital world, Cardinal Dolan acknowledged both the opportunities and challenges of social media. While it can be a powerful tool, he warned that it can also distort truth.

“The ultimate truth doesn’t come through social media,” he cautioned. Instead, he encouraged young people to practice discernment—carefully evaluating what they see and hear online.

His advice was practical and direct:

• Don’t Be Gullible: “I’m not going to fall for everything I hear or look at.”
• Look Inward: Reflect on the truths already formed through family, faith, and lived experience.
• Measure and Weigh: Use faith, education, and moral formation as a standard for evaluating information.

“The truth always matters,” he said, urging young people to remain grounded in what is lasting and real.

A Message of Hope:

Despite the challenges facing today’s world, Cardinal Dolan expressed deep hope in the next generation. His optimism, he explained, is rooted not in circumstance, but in God’s mercy.

“The same thing that gives me hope when I look at anybody,” he said, “is that God never ever gives up on us—He’s always got heart.”

Whether speaking of young people or those in prison, he emphasized the same truth: no one is beyond God’s love or redemption.

He concluded with a simple but powerful reminder that captures the heart of his message:

“Jesus, I trust in Thee.”