The Pontifical North American College
2013 • ISSUE 3
Inside this issue: • Acolyte Installation • Conclave • Papal Election Day • Station Church • Rector’s Dinner
“And now, we take up this journey...A journey of fraternity, of love, of trust among us.”
—His Holiness Pope Francis on the night of his election
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor in Chief Justin Blanc ‘14 Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Layout & Design Manager Chris Kerzich ‘14 Archdiocese of Chicago Managing Editor Geoffrey A. Brooke Jr. ‘15 Diocese of Jefferson City Assistant Editors Donato Infante III ‘15 Diocese of Worcester & Zac Povis ‘15 Archdiocese of St. Louis & Ruben Villarreal ‘15 Diocese of Lake Charles
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Layout & Design Editors Kyle Digmann ‘14 Archdiocese of Dubuque & Nicholas Fleming ‘15 Diocese of Providence Photographers Christopher Brashears ‘14 Archdiocese of Oklahoma City & Michael Conway ‘14 Diocese of Pittsburgh & Michael Rubeling ‘15 Archdiocese of Baltimore
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FRONT COVER Pope Francis greets the crowd at a recent General Audience.
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Features/Contents
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5 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 19 20 22 23 24 26 27 28 30 33 34
ector’s Corner R Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C ‘97
colyte Installation A Gregg Bronsema ‘15
Remembering Benedict Rev. Mr. Peter Heasley ‘13
onclave C Aaron Qureshi ‘14
Car dinal Dolan Justin Blanc ‘14
Cardinal George Chris Kerzich ‘14
Papal Election Day Robert Wolfe II ‘14
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postolate Focus A Matthew Dalrymple ‘14
NAC Play Joseph Farrell ‘15
Life at the College
Extracurricular
Flashback
Groundbreaking
Weigel Conference Geoffrey A. Brooke Jr. ‘15
Recent Publications
Station Church Alex Kreidler ‘15
Rector’s Dinner Joshua Laws ‘15
Institutional Advancement Mark Randall, CFRE
Economo’s Corner Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95
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Board of Governors of the Pontifical North American College Chairman Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67 Archbishop of Newark Vice Chairman Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt ‘73, C‘84 Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis Treasurer Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane ‘88, C‘89 Bishop of Venice Secretary Most Rev. Patrick J. Zurek ‘75 Bishop of Amarillo
St. Peter, embodied for centuries in this statue in St. Peter’s Square, now passes his mission to his most recent successor, Pope Francis.
Rector Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97 Vice Rector for Administration Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95 Vice Rector of Seminary Life Rev. Timothy McKeown ‘97 Superior, Casa Santa Maria Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64, C‘02 Director, Institute For Continuing Theological Education Rev. Msgr. Anthony J. Figueiredo C’00 Executive Director, Institutional Advancement Mark Randall, CFRE
Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl ‘67 Archbishop of Washington Most Rev. Frank Caggiano C‘96 Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn Most Rev. Salvatore Cordileone ‘82, C‘89 Archbishop of San Francisco Most Rev. Gerald N. Dino C’72 Byzantine Catholic Bishop of Phoenix Most Rev. Walter J. Edyvean ‘65, C‘71 Auxiliary Bishop of Boston Most Rev. Jeffrey Monforton ‘93, C’02 Bishop of Steubenville Most Rev. Richard E. Pates ‘69 Bishop of Des Moines Most Rev. Glen J. Provost ‘75 Bishop of Lake Charles Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan ‘65, C‘71 Archbishop of Santa Fe Most Rev. Joseph Siegel ‘88 Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet Most Rev. John Vlazny ‘62 Archbishop Emeritus of Portland
Rector’s Corner
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t has often been noted by our alumni that one of the greatest gifts of studying in Rome at the Pontifical North American College is the special attachment the seminarian or priest develops for the Holy Father while being formed in Rome. We are fortunate to be with him often: attending his audiences, hearing him teach, receiving his blessings, and most especially, relishing the invitations to assist at Papal Masses. This exposure, of course, also makes the seminarian or priest extra attentive in following all the activities and teachings of the Holy Father throughout the year. Pope Francis certainly has given us all much encouragement in his first weeks as our shepherd. At the Mass marking the inauguration of his Petrine Ministry on the Feast of St. Joseph, the Holy Father remarked on the secret of St. Joseph’s greatness as a “protector” saying, “Joseph is a ‘protector’ because he is able to hear God’s voice and be guided by His will; and for this reason he is all the more sensitive to the persons entrusted to his safekeeping. He can look at things realistically, he is in touch with his surroundings, he can make truly wise decisions.” Isn’t the development of such men the goal of this Pontifical College? There are many ways that we guide our men to become such good “protectors” while they are being prepared to go into our complex world and “make truly wise decisions” rooted in God’s voice and guided by His will. Our graduate priests at the Casa Santa Maria and the priests of the Institute of Continuing Theological Education also deepen their commitment to this mission during their time here. The most poignant way our seminarians and priests learn to “hear God’s voice and be guided by His will” is by spending time with Him daily in prayer -- both liturgical and in private time alone with our Beloved. The more they can listen to His voice through their prayer, studies, apostolic works, community life, and service to all in need of their help, the more prepared they will be to serve as selfless, attentive, and holy “protectors.” There is much excitement in our Church these days! We are certainly being blessed by our merciful Father in many ways. I thank you for your support of our College. Your ongoing prayers and financial contributions are worth the investment and very much appreciated! Your help ensures that we will be able to continue to assist the 250 students at the seminary, the 62 priests of the Casa and the 33 priests on sabbatical to further “be guided by His will” and become true and good “protectors.” Additionally, we will be able to do so with the best resources available! The seminarians are happy to share with you in these pages about our priestly formation program and community life, but particularly note in this edition the groundbreaking for our new addition to the building. This will address the longstanding needs for state-of-the-art classrooms and practice chapels for Mass and preaching, as well as a reading room for students and additional meeting and administrative space for faculty and staff. Enjoy this edition of Roman Echoes; thank you and please be assured of my prayers and those of the seminarians and priests too! Vergine Immacolata, aiutateci!
Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 Diocese of Camden Rector 2013 • Issue 3
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Acolyte Installation
Acolytes Installed to Serve in the Divine Husbandman’s Vineyard Gregg Bronsema ‘15, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
Ruben Villarreal ‘15 (Lake Charles) is handed the paten as he is instituted an acolyte.
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ope-Emeritus Benedict XVI had just officially retired on February 28th, 2013. A few days later on Sunday, March 3rd, 2013, sixty-two seminarians stood in pairs along the sunny hallway ready to enter the Immaculate Conception Chapel amidst camera crew and
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photographers. By all appearances this was not a “normal” acolyte installation. However, once the Mass commenced, the glitz and flash faded. We had entered into a holy moment. His Excellency Archbishop J. Augustine
Di Noia OP, Vice-President of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, the celebrant of the Mass, gave a stirring homily in which he drew upon the Patristic Fathers’ interpretation of the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. The Patristic Fathers saw the gardener as a figure of Christ who
Members of the Class of 2015 kneel before the Mass at which they were instituted as acolytes.
stays the punishment to cut down the barren fig tree through a labor of care to perhaps restore the barren tree. The Patristic Fathers saw bishops and priests functioning likewise through their sacramental ministry in the care of the Lord’s vineyard. Acolytes too provide a labor of love as they assist deacons and priests. Archbishop Di Noia concluded his homily, “May God make you fit instruments of this mercy in all your dealings in whom you serve, in imitation of the Divine husbandman, never losing hope in his power to make the barren tree bring forth the fruit of faith, repentance, and love.” Also present at the Mass were nine Cardinals: His Eminence Daniel Cardinal Di Nardo ‘76, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston; His Eminence
Edward Cardinal Egan, ArchbishopEmeritus of New York; His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago; His Eminence Roger Cardinal Mahony, Archbishop-Emeritus of Los Angeles; His Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop-Emeritus of Washington; His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien, C‘76, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and Rector of the College 1990-1994; His Eminence Seán Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston; His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali C’64, ArchbishopEmeritus of Philadelphia; and His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67, Archbishop of Washington. Prior to the installation valuable preparation was given to future
acolytes by Reverend Kurt J. Belsole OSB, Director of Liturgy. His talk at Thursday Evening Formation emphasized the beauty of the Mass when done with dignity and order. Seminarian Jonathan Ficara ‘14 (Norwich) gave extensive instruction on being an acolyte at the the College. The Reverend David F. Gaffney, Spiritual Director, offered a reflection on Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 highlighting the difference when serving up in the sanctuary. In addition to these, many others donated time in service of training and the special Mass. Prepared and installed, the new acolytes of 2013 desire to be fit instruments in our Lord’s vineyard and for the glory of His Church.
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Remembering Benedict
Remembering Benedict Rev. Mr. Peter Heasley ‘13, Archdiocese of New York
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have been reflecting on Pope Benedict XVI and the special events of the past few months, especially his resignation and his final addresses, events in which I have had the privilege to participate, along with my brother seminarians and formation faculty here at the College. While writing about all these in my journal, I have noticed that I have been expressing my relationship with the Holy Father in a personal way, as if I have known him. His words and gestures have found their way onto my pages as if he had spoken and acted with me directly. How could I know the pope, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince
of the Apostles, Summus Pontifex, and Servant of the Servants of God, as anything more than a distant reality? The answer, I have discovered, is that I have known him as a son in prayer. Being here in Rome has given me a closeness in prayer to our Holy Father such that I have been able to act as a spiritual son to him. Like many of my brothers here in the College, the walls of my room boast of pictures of me with Pope Benedict: at the audience he gave us in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the College in January 2010 (where he made the point of greeting each one of us individually), as well as at the private audience he gave the
bishops of my region during last year’s ad limina visits. This is not to mention the chance to serve the Mass of Thanksgiving for the consistory that saw two New York priests and former rectors of the North American College raised to the College of Cardinals: Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Archbishop Edwin O’Brien. Being here in Rome also has allowed me to pray with another New York priest, Charles Brown, as he was raised to the episcopacy by Pope Benedict himself, toward service as Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland. The walls of my heart also boast of Pope Benedict’s visit to New York in 2008: the Mass he celebrated for
Seminarians and faculty members wave a final goodbye to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI as he flies over the North American College on his way to Castel Gandolfo on the day of his resignation.
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Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector, addresses His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at an audience with the Pontifical North American College on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.
and with the priests and religious of the Archdiocese at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral; the Mass he prayed for and with the people of New York at Yankee Stadium, striking our hearts where the Yankees normally hit home runs; the youth rally he led on the grounds of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie. All these major events have been framed by the ongoing study we Archdiocese of New York seminarians have been making of Pope Benedict’s teachings, especially of his Wednesday General Audience messages during the Year of Faith. Gathered together in prayer, his teachings have filled our lips and passed into our hearts.
In all these grace-filled and memorable events, I have had the chance to be prayerfully close to the Holy Father, in the hope that I could show him my love and support as a son. Though I might have been just another face in the crowd, we have prayed together, and I have prayed for him. Though he has never seen me reading his works, his mind has shaped my mind, in the way a father shapes the mind of his son. So when he announced his resignation last February, I felt that I had lost a father because I had loved him as a son. Yet in loving him as a son, I trusted immediately that his resignation was the gesture of a humble man deeply
in touch with the Holy Spirit of our Father in heaven, the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father. On the last day of February this year, I, along with many of my brothers and formators here at the College, waved goodbye to our father in faith. He waved us goodbye at his last General Audience, and we waved him goodbye as he flew over the roof of the College on his way to Castel Gandolfo. We saluted Benedict, who has built for us that great bridge between our hearts and that of Jesus Christ, Son of our Father. I yelled out, “Viva il Papa,” not toward the man possessed of great honorific titles, but toward my spiritual father, my papà.
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Conclave
College hosts cardinals for the conclave Aaron Qureshi ‘14, Archdiocese of Washington
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o sooner had the seminarians at the North American College in Rome digested the news of Pope Benedict’s resignation than a second fact hit them: we are going to be hosting the American cardinals! The College is located only a 10-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square, so it would be a natural place for the cardinals to stay while they awaited the start of the conclave. As the head of hospitality for the College, I knew that my team would have their hands full for the next few weeks! The college is not unaccustomed to hosting bishops and the occasional cardinal, but hosting eight cardinals all at one time is not an everyday occurrence.
His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey ‘75 (left) and His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien C’76, Rector of the College 1990-1994, (back right) walk into the Sistine Chapel during the Conclave.
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The college machinery immediately went into action. The guest rooms on the fifth floor were made up for our distinguished visitors, and the guest list was juggled around to host not only the cardinals but also their priest-secretaries and other assistants. The faculty of the college joined the students for dinner, ceding their customary dining room to the cardinals to give them a place to dine in privacy. A room was assigned for the media team from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to oversee the onslaught of interview requests. Sunday, March 3rd, had long been slotted for the College’s annual acolyte installation, and the liturgical team quickly adjusted to accommodate the nine cardinals (and
many reporters) who would now be in attendance. (It was perhaps the most high-profile acolyte installation in the College’s history!) The biggest impact on the life of the college was the arrival of the media, who descended on the College for the ten days leading up to the conclave. There were news vans in the parking lot, cameramen in the corridors, and boom microphones around every corner. As a seminarian arrived home from class, he might first run into a reporter perched on the front steps – “Can you say a few words for the people back home?” – and then bypass the courtyard because Cardinal Timothy Dolan was being interviewed there by CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. For several days the college hosted daily news conferences with two or three cardinals: the chain of outlets grew longer each day, as the Chicago Tribune, New York Times, Catholic News Service, Washington Post, and a host of others all traipsed through our doors. It was dizzying for our normally quiet campus to be the focus of so much media attention, but the students extended every courtesy
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan ’76, former Rector of the College from 1994-2001, waves to seminarians as he and his confreres depart for the Conclave.
Their Eminences Justin Cardinal Rigali C’64, Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I, Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap.,Timothy Cardinal Dolan ’76, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo ’76, Rodger Cardinal Mahony, and Edwin Cardinal O’Brien C’76 gather at the College before the conclave that would elect His Holiness Pope Francis.
to the visitors as an extension of their courtesy to the cardinals themselves. Our hospitality extended beyond the material, too. The whole house was very aware of the weighty matters that faced the cardinals, and so we enveloped them and all the cardinals with the best gift we knew how to give: our prayers! Shortly after the sede vacante started, we began a housewide novena, asking God to “grant to the College of Cardinals the Spirit of Truth, that they may know your will” in electing a new Bishop of Rome. At nearly every Mass in the house, our intercessory prayers included asking for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the members of the conclave. Many seminarians took their prayer a step further with the help of modern technology. Seminarian Scott Gratton ‘15 (Burlington) encouraged men to “Adopt a Cardinal” in prayer on the website www.adoptacardinal.org. The site, which randomly assigned to each participant a cardinal to pray for during the conclave, finished with over 550,000 participants worldwide. Scott was assigned to pray for Cardinal
Polycarp Pengo, the Archbishop of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. “I was instantly carried away with excitement,” Scott remarked about the website. “It shows the reality that modern technology can be used for good, allowing so many Catholics around the world to personally enter into the conclave by lifting up the Princes of our Church with their prayers. Cardinal Pengo has become an intimate part of my Catholic family, and nothing but prayer could accomplish that.” Things grew quieter at our seminary after the College of Cardinals instituted a media blackout, and shortly thereafter the cardinals would head into complete silence in the conclave. For us seminarians, the work of formation for the priesthood would continue, and we settled back into our routine of Mass, class, homework, house jobs, and prayer. But until a new pope was elected, I chose to wear my sneakers full time for when I would need to run to St. Peter’s Square upon hearing those words, “Fumata Bianca! White smoke at St. Peters!” 2013 • Issue 3
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Cardinal Dolan
An interview with His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan ‘76, Archbishop of New York Justin Blanc ‘14, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
You were rector here for a number of years and now you are a cardinal. You obviously know your way around Rome and the Church. Is there anything that you learned from this experience of the conclave? Boy have I ever learned a lot. It’s going to take me a long time to process this. Every day I think of new things, there’s something that will strike me. I hope I’m a prayerful, holy man, but I don’t think anybody would call me pietistic or simplistic. I like to think of myself as pretty practical, but it is impossible not to see or detect the simple breeze of the Holy Spirit in the conclave. Was it sledghammerish? No, but especially now in retrospect I can see the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the old timers, the patriarchs, the cardinals who had been in a previous conclave had told me that. They said “Tim, don’t get nervous, just pray hard and be open to conversation and listening to your brother cardinals and pretty soon you’ll sense the direction of the Holy Spirit.” I had heard the old line “The Holy Spirit’s already chosen the pope, it’s up to the cardinals to find out who that is,” and I had dismissed that as perhaps overly pious. But now 12 The Pontifical North American College
I know that is true. So that’s one thing I learned. Secondly I learned about the very uplifting apostolic fraternity in the College of Cardinals. When I was back with them for Pope Francis’ Mass of inaugurating his pontificate on the feast of St. Joseph, I hadn’t seen the guys for 5 days or so – ‘the guys’, ha! - I hadn’t seen the cardinals, and when we saw each other we would embrace. It was such a towering experience of apostolic fraternity. It was such an occasion of trust and confidence and almost dreaming together that there’s a deep bond there…We were part of something big, and that has really cemented a fraternal apostolic bond that I had sensed maybe theoretically before then, but now that’s really true. Is there a certain iconic image or memory that comes to mind as you think back on the conclave? I remember the times of the oaths. It’s good that any honorable man would take an oath seriously. One doesn’t even have to have faith to take an oath seriously. That’s part of natural law; it’s part of our human makeup that when we give somebody
our word and take an oath we take it very seriously. When a man of faith takes it before God, it has a very scrupulous responsibility. So the oath we took on the first day of the congregation, one by one, the oath that I took upon entering the conclave, and then a third oath I guess most people don’t know about, is each time you vote, when you go up to the altar underneath Michelangelo’s Last Judgment one by one, you take another Latin oath, and those moments are very sacred, believe you me, as you’re reading those Latin words and pondering them you take them with extraordinary seriousness. Another event was the final audience that we cardinals had with Pope Benedict. That was very moving, and we loved him very much. It was a somber event to see him go, to greet him individually to tell him goodbye, to thank him for his providential pontificate, to hear him say that he looked forward to having a Holy Father, that he looked forward to pledging his fidelity to the next pope. That was a pivotal moment. Then obviously as you can imagine as it became clearer and clearer that
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan ’76, Rector of the College from 1994-2001, is welcomed back from the Conclave by seminarians of the College.
Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was going to be our choice when he got to the number of required votes and the sense of excitement and unity as he said the words “I accept”, as he chose the name Francis, as he left to go into the room to vest in his new cassock and came back out. Those are all stunning moments that one would not forget. What’s your sense of how this might affect the Church in the U.S.? Our sense is a wonderful affirmation that we made the right choice. You know because seminarians have to be experts in the art of discernment, that’s what you’re here for, and you know that one of the great masters of discernment, St. Ignatius of Loyola, tells us that one of the ways we know if we made the right decision is if there’s a sense of peace and joy following it, and that’s certainly my sentiments now after only 8 days of the pontificate of Pope Francis, that
I thank almighty God that his grace prevailed and that the inspiration of the Holy Spirit triumphed. It’s very clear to me that we have a great pope. There was an immediate bond that we felt with him, and not only because he was one of us… As former rector, what would you hope our witnessing of this event might do for the seminary community? For the rest of your life you’re going to say, “I was there for the conclave that elected Pope Francis. We saw the departure of Pope Benedict XVI”, just like the fellows who were here in 2005 for the passing of John Paul II and the election of Benedict. It is unforgettable, and you’ll be branded, in a good way, for the rest of your life. But secondly, I hope it would increase your conviction of those great words that are outside in front of the Red Room doors, I love that Latin phrase “Here come men from faraway American shores to gaze
upon the Vatican hill and to grow in their love of the Roman pontiff.” And in a way now he’s your pope, isn’t he? As Benedict is. Whoever is pope when you’re here, you have a special affection, a love for. And you’re going to have both Benedict and Francis. One of the things I hope would sink in too is that, as important as the pope is, the office of the papacy is more important than the man who occupies the office, and the fact that Jesus Christ is the eternal shepherd of the Church, and he’s the one in charge. Could we ever forget the lesson of Pope Benedict when, more or less, he said it’s not about me, it’s about Jesus and His Church, and the simplicity and sincerity and humility of Pope Francis in driving home that same lesson. So, boy, if you guys learn that same lesson, it’s not about me, it’s not about Timothy Dolan, this is all about Jesus and his Church. That’s the greatest lesson we can learn.
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Cardinal George
The Conclave and Freedom: An interview with His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago Chris Kerzich ‘14, Archdiocese of Chicago
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hat role did freedom play in the workings of the recent Conclave? This question was addressed by His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, during his homily on the Fifth Sunday of Lent. His Eminence spoke to Roman Echoes after celebrating Mass and expanded on his insights addressed to the Pontifical North American College community.
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His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., is welcomed back from the Conclave by seminarians of the College.
Throughout his homily, His Eminence stressed the key theme that freedom is essential for a conclave. Not only the freedom of the electors to select the Successor of Peter without any outside influence, but also the freedom which is central to the entire process. His Eminence highlighted this reality when he preached:
The conclave is an exercise in freedom. First of all, the freedom of each elector, who must make his choice free of any motivation or purpose that is limited by his own cultural or personal background. Each ballot is accompanied by self-scrutiny, in order to purify one’s choice, and by prayer, in order to be delivered from whatever in oneself might be the work of selfishness or
self-centeredness. As votes change, the question intensifies: what is being said about who is the one to be elected? What is moving among us now? There is sometimes, especially on the last ballot, a palpable sense of God’s presence as you write a name. The electors exercise their freedom because they have tried to discern with spiritual indifference the will of God for his Church. This freedom not only extends to each individual person, but must also extend to the office of the Supreme Pontiff. The cardinals were charged with discerning which man would be free to exercise this office in light of the will of God. Secondly, one must be concerned about the freedom of the papacy itself: who will be free to exercise that office according to the Lord’s will? Who will not bring unnecessary, limiting, baggage into the exercise of the papal ministry? Who is most free, looking at and judging the external circumstances of the Church today? Who can speak effectively and work within the limits imposed on the Church’s freedom today? The election of Pope Francis shows the conclave went in a new direction, the Western Hemisphere, to find the man who can freely govern the Church. In light of this reality, His Eminence highlighted the positive reception of Pope Francis by many throughout the world. Discerning the choice of a pope is not primarily trying to determine who is the holiest Cardinal or who is the smartest. The most basic question is: is he free to govern? The authority of primacy and of
episcopacy and of the presbyteral order in the Church is authority to feed others, to care for them with pure doctrine and generous service, with truth and love as someone called to govern, to decide, to command. Pope Francis was elected, in part, because his entire adult life has been given to the welfare, first, of his religious brothers, and then to the welfare of his people, especially the poor, whom he has governed in Christ’s name and with Christ’s authority and with Christ’s love. His Eminence also encouraged the seminarians of the Pontifical North American College to ensure they are free as well. Freedom is connected to governance, both the ability to govern ourselves and others. For seminarians, each man must be responsible for his own personal governance and must develop habits that grow into virtues. This selfgovernance must be conformed to the will of Christ. It is through this self-governance that these men will become priests who are responsible for the governance of a parish. Dear brothers in Christ Jesus, you are here to have confirmed by the Church what you believe is a personal call to leave everything in order to accept freely the gift and mission of ordained priesthood in the Catholic Church. Your bishops are grateful for your generosity and for those who help you to discern God’s will for you. Here you are trained to be free, especially free to live as chaste and celibate and obedient men, desirous of leaving everything in order to follow Christ. The first question is not “can I do it,” for no one can on his own; but, rather, “is my intention pure?”
The Lord will do it in you, shaping you to follow Christ as a life-giver, a father with authority from Christ to govern his people. In our society today, priestly celibacy is no longer credible in many places because bishops could not or would not govern priests who could not or would not govern themselves. During our discussion, His Eminence reflected on the fact he is the first Chicago native to participate in two conclaves. He reflected on how he never thought this reality would happen to him and he encouraged all to take things as they come, leaving the rest in the Lord’s hands. None of us knows what the future holds, but all of us know that it is not determined by our past sinfulness. Truth sets us free, and Christ is the way, the truth and the life. You are called, we pray, to participate in Christ’s relationship to his people as their shepherd. Take courage, Christ tells us, I have overcome the world. We have participated in a choice this past week that contributes to the freedom of the world and marks this moment in the history of the world’s salvation. May the conclave be for everyone a sign that Christ never abandons his people, and may it be for you an occasion to be set spiritually free from whatever prevents you from leaving everything to follow Christ and to be set practically free to govern Christ’s people in his name and with his love.
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Papal Election Day
Annuntio Vobis Gaudium Magnum Robert Wolfe II ‘14, Diocese of Bridgeport
White smoke rises from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel meaning that cardinals elected a new pope on the second day of their secret conclave on March 13th, 2013 at the Vatican.
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t 7:05 pm Roman time, we heard the cry. The heads of all those gathered in the square snapped up to the sky. There was white smoke over the Sistine Chapel.
no longer alone without a helmsman upon the treacherous waves of the world and its allurements. We had a fisherman. We had a shepherd. We had a pope!
Was it white? It seemed, at first, a dark gray that betrayed the coming of black smoke. My mind tried to argue against what my heart and the hearts of all those gathered in St. Peter’s Square that night already knew to be true: It was indeed white smoke. We had a pope!
The cheers of the crowd were so loud that it was difficult to hear anything else that the cardinal said. He spoke so quickly that his voice was lost amidst the cries for silence. The only words that I could hear were: Georgium...Bergoglio...Franciscum.
It was as if our minds in that moment had been turned off. The overwhelming joy that accompanied the white smoke seized us so completely that one could not focus on anything else but that small copper chimney affixed to the Sistine Chapel. Within an instant, I was rushed to fifteen feet from the front barrier of the square, propelled forward by the cries of “Viva il Papa! Nuovo Papa!” that swelled like a mighty ocean wave from the square and crashed forward on the shore of the Basilica. After what seemed like an eternity, the lights of the loggia turned on. The roar of the crowd was deafening. Never has a single flick of a light switch ever elicited such a response! Within moments the curtains of the main balcony parted as the protodeacon, the cardinal charged with announcing the election of a pope, emerged. Amidst the cheers and cries that accompanied him, the cardinal began, “Annuntio Vobis Gaudium Magnum. Habemus Papam!” (I announce to you a great joy. We have a pope!) This great news could not be described as anything other than that which it truly was, a great joy. Rome again was given her bishop, and the world was again given its shepherd. Again, the Lord graced his beloved flock with his love by entrusting them once more to the care of his Fisherman, Peter, the rock on which he first founded his Church. We were
For the first time that night, the cries were a little quieter. Who? Franciscum? Was that the name of the cardinal or the name the new pope had chosen? Bergoglio? Who was he? The announcement of the name of our next pontiff took everyone in the square by surprise. Not many of us knew his name or about his life before this moment. The confusion must have been the same experienced by those present the moment that Karol Cardinal Wojtyla, Blessed John Paul II, emerged onto the balcony in October of 1978: a man from a far away land, an unexpected choice, yet a man chosen by the Spirit to shepherd the Church. As we eagerly waited for the pope to emerge onto the balcony from behind the curtains, the cardinal electors came out onto the several balconies around the facade of the basilica waving their birettas at us as we raised the joyful cry. And then there he was. As he began to speak to us, he won over our hearts with a single sentence: Fratelli e Sorelle, Buona Sera! (Brothers and Sisters, Good Evening!) His first words to us were simple and humble words of greeting. He continued by thanking us for our welcome and by saying how the Cardinals had truly gone to the end of the world to find the next pope. And then something altogether unexpected happened.
Argentina’s Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio, elected Pope Francis, waves to crowds after being elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13th, 2013 at the Vatican.
Pope Francis bowed his head, asking for our prayers as he began his ministry. The square, which had been a jubilant cacophony of cheers transformed into a silent symphony of prayer as we joined our prayers with all of the Church for our new pontiff. I prayed that he would be a holy, humble, and faithful steward. I prayed also for all of us Christians, that we would have the courage and the love to entrust our cares, our hopes, our very lives to God in holy obedience to His will in the pontificate of Pope Francis. With that he gave us his blessing and departed, saying, “Buona Notte e Buon Riposo!” (Good night and sleep well!) We couldn’t help but laugh with cheerful admiration. These were words that people said to each other every day, every evening before they all go their separate ways to get their rest. Simple and humble words. Words of a loving friend. Words of a father to his children. Habemus Papam! Viva Il Papa!
2013 • Issue 3
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Apostolate Focus
University of Dallas Matthew Dalrymple ‘14, Archdiocese of Atlanta
Y
ou would not expect that a theology discussion group for college students entitled “Dead Theologian’s Society” would be too popular, but the students at University of Dallas’ (“UD”) Rome semester are not your average college students. In ministering to the one hundred students at UD’s campus every Monday, I have witnessed through simple conversation and prayer how the Lord is forming these faithful and bright students. These conversations are doors that open to the faith. We get to know the students directly, naturally talking to them about academics or life in Italy, and through this we learn their aspirations for the future. Yet, the supernatural often breaks through. One evening over dinner, a young woman asked, “What is the difference between a plenary and a partial indulgence?” After explaining, it opened up the others to talk about their faith. During the interregnum, before Pope Francis was elected, two men asked me, “what does the priest pray during the Canon of the Mass when there is no Pope?” This question revealed to me that the UD students exemplify fides quarens intellectum, or faith seeking understanding. They apply their intellect to the questions of faith today. Here lies the challenge of this work: helping these students also to know God’s love. One of the primary ways
18 The Pontifical North American College
this can happen is through the men’s silent retreat that we run. On the Fall retreat, I gave a talk encouraging the men to ask the Father to introduce His plans into their lives through Jesus and by lectio divina. Afterward, to my surprise, a student signed up to meet with me. He had never been on a retreat and wanted to know how to approach it. He was having a great retreat already. It was a joyful moment for me to help this man on retreat, and this was a valuable experience for future priestly ministry. At the same time, the Lord
revealed how precious this moment was for this student and that God was the one truly acting. Since the graces of retreats often are not seen until some months later, I continue to pray for this young man. On the eve of the Spring retreat, and with all that has gone on in Rome during the election of Pope Francis, I know God will again give the men coming on retreat the rest and recollection that they need to discern his will for them. It is truly a privilege to be an instrument in helping them to know God’s love for them.
Matthew Dalrymple ‘14 (Atlanta) speaks with students at his apostolate.
NAC Play
A Separate Peace comes to the Corso Auditorium Joseph Farrell ‘15, Diocese of Arlington
T
he second week of March 2013 was a momentous time for the Church as we marked the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Francis. At the North American College it was also the week of the annual Spring Play. Reinstituted last year after over a decade without a show, the play has already become an integral part of the robust artistic offerings at the College. This year the house produced A Separate Peace by John Knowles, a coming of age story set in a New England boarding school against the backdrop of World War II. From day one the cast displayed outstanding dedication in preparing for the performance. The rehearsals were focused and professional, but not without plenty of levity as well. Meanwhile, the set crew led by Reverend Mr. William Appel ’14 (Covington) and Matthew Fish ’15 (Washington) had a unique challenge in building one of the play’s key props: a tree with a branch that two grown men could stand on and jump from. Scouring the college, they were able to find carpenters, painters, and even a paper mâché artist to make it a reality.
The cast of the Spring Play line up for the curtain call after the performance.
As the date of the performance drew near, the conclave was announced to begin the very week of the play. The cast and crew responded generously to this unique challenge. The week was busy as we attended the various ballots in St. Peter’s Square, provided hospitality to a myriad of visitors, and worked in an auditorium that was also being used for daily press conferences, all on top of our regular seminary schedule and classes. However, the men were still able to find the time and energy to put that final polish on the play and have it ready for opening night at week’s end. Working closely with our faculty moderator, Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill ‘98, Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics and Media Relations Coordinator
for the College, we were able to successfully navigate the many interruptions in our usual schedule and have the Corso Auditorium, cast and crew ready to go live on opening night. It was a real blessing to have the play at the end of a very exciting (and exhausting) week. That Friday, secure in the knowledge that Habemus Papam, we were able to relax and put on a show for the college community, followed by a well-attended matinee performance for the wider community of Rome the next day. It was quite a week and, for me as the director, it was yet another reminder of the talent and selflessness possessed by my brother seminarians here at the North American College. 2013 • Issue 3
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Life at the College
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7 1. His Eminence Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Boston, His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo ‘76, Archbishop of GalvestonHouston, His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67, Archbishop of Washington, and His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, speak with seminarians in the Corso Auditorium following the Conclave. 2. Rev. Mr. Nicholas Nelson ‘13 (Duluth) passes to Rev. Mr. James Platania ‘13 (Paterson) during a Clericus Cup match. 3. Seminarians and a student priest from Australia and the United States celebrate the election of Pope Francis outside the Papal Basilica of St. Peter. 4. Rev. Mr. John Connaughton ‘13 (Bridgeport), Chairman of the Student Pastoral Council, speaks during the Rector’s Dinner. 5. Rev. Mr. Eric Scanlan ’13 (Venice) and a number of other North American College seminarians assist with the distribution of Holy Communion during the Installation Mass of Pope Francis. 6. Benefactors, faculty, and seminarians await the groundbreaking ceremony of the new wing of the College. 7. Seminarians hold the American flag while awaiting Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI to fly over the College in a helicopter on the last day of his Pontificate.
20 The Pontifical North American College
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8. Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector (far right), with the 2012-2013 Pontifical North American College Clericus Cup team and seminarian supporters. 9. Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector, adores the Holy Eucharist in the monstrance during the College’s singing of the Te Deum shortly after the election of Pope Francis. 10. Cast members of the spring play, A Separate Peace. 11. Scott Murray ‘14 (Pembroke) prays with seminarians and faculty before walking to a Station Church Mass.
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12. Joseph Farrell ‘15 (Arlington) sings with the seminarian choir during the Rector’s Dinner.
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13. Rev. Mr. Christopher Seiler ‘13 (St. Louis) and Rev. Mr. Martin Rodriguez ‘13 (Indianapolis) celebrate with fans after a recent Clericus Cup victory. 14. Mark Paver ‘15 (New York) and Lewi Barakat ‘15 (Sydney) during a recent Clericus Cup match. 15. Newly consecrated Archbishop Michael W. Banach, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea, celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving at the College after his episcopal ordination on April 27, 2013 at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Archbishop is joined by (from left) his brother, David Banach ,parents, Mr. Wallace Banach and Mrs. Jane Banach as well as His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey ‘76, Msgr. William Millea ‘80, C’89 and Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector.
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Extracurricular
Iconography workshop
March Madness at the NAC
Growing in priestly fraternity
In my second year at the North American College, I was pleased to have the opportunity to share my experience of writing icons by offering a class to fellow seminarians. Iconography has led to a profound development in my prayer life and an increased devotion to our Blessed Mother. With the assistance of the Holy Spirit, each seminarian is writing an icon of Our Lady of Kazan, one of the most venerated images of the Virgin Mary as protector of the Christ-child. It is my hope that through this opportunity, my fellow seminarians can experience the beauty of coming face to face with Jesus Christ and his Mother, Mary in a new and profound way. In this time of New Evangelization, may we find the beauty in sacred art as a means to expressing the same Gospel message that Scripture communicates by words.
One of the rites of Spring at the Pontifical North American College is our own version of March Madness, the annual Hall Ball Intramural Basketball League. Seminarians and priests form basketball teams determined by the hallways on which they live. Then the teams passionately compete against each other in a regular season followed by a tournament to determine what hallway will be the year’s Hall Ball champion. Participants in Hall Ball take advantage of the league to exercise not only their bodies but to also exercise fraternity within their different hallways. And most importantly, Hall Ball benefits the seminarian’s human formation. In the words of Pope Benedict XVI “team sport … is an important school for teaching a sense of respect for others including opponents [and] the spirit of personal sacrifice with a view to the good of the whole group.”
As men preparing to be sent into the world to make disciples, seminarians become keenly aware that priestly ministry cannot be exercised effectively without spiritual support and time spent with brother priests. Priestly fraternity is a very important component of the diocesan priesthood, and Jesu Caritas groups provide an environment for seminarians to begin forming those relationships with their future brother priests. These voluntary groups, usually ranging from four to six members, are based on prayer, faith sharing, and fraternal gatherings with the aim of supporting one another as we seek to form our hearts after that of Jesus Christ. Weekly meetings usually involve prayer, meditation on the Scriptures, and group discussion regarding various aspects of priestly formation and ministry. Jesu Caritas groups provide a wonderful way for seminarians and priests to grow in faith, hope, and charity by shaping them into men of communion.
Scott Emerson ‘15 Diocese of Madison
Mark Murphy ‘14 Archdiocese of Dubuque
22 The Pontifical North American College
Garrett Nelson ‘14 Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Flashback
North American College Rome, Italy Nov. 2, 1920
Dear Mother, Entering the college, we were met by the 1st Prefect, a fellow named Gallagher from the Middle West somewhere. He was very very good to us and when he learned that we had not had a regular meal since we left Genoa at 7 o’clock the preceding night, he took us out to a restaurant and set up a beef steak dinner for the 5 of us. Then we went back to the college and met the Rector, Msgr. O’Hearn, who received us very nicely and asked the Prefect to show us around and introduce us to the fellows. …the gang here were fine. They all came up and shook hands with each of us, telling their name and diocese. Then for supper we had soup, mashed potatoes, meat, fruit and bread. Good supper after a late and heavy dinner. One thing they have over here, and to which we have to become accustomed, is the red wine. The stuff tastes pretty good, but half a glass is enough at a meal now, th r o N a water still doing its duty by us, as in the States. However by winter time we e as ) in Rom n to s o (B expect to like it better, and then it will be good for us, heating our bodies. … in 1921. O’Leary
hn J. arian Rev. Jo College semin n a Americ
This morning, (Wed. Nov.5), there was a Sol. High Requiem for the Departed Alumni of the College. Now we are in our rooms until dinner, I guess, at 12. This afternoon we’re due for a walk and tomorrow is a big day here. Rector’s Day.
So far, mother, I like the place very well. It is strange to be breaking in all over again with strangers and the funny part of it is that every one dressed up in the official togs is an old hand around here and a year or two at least ahead of you. But we, tho we have our suits, but not our entire outfit, still travel around the streets in citizens and only this morning put on our cassocks for the High Mass. But after looking the gang over, we found out that the crowd ahead of us is very small and that the great majority of the gang in cassocks are rubes like ourselves, either in the same class or even below us. So knowing that only a few are our elders here, we now can step out with the best of them, for we know that they are in the same boat, altho their cassocks and regalia make them look like old timers. The crowd of men here are all fine fellows so far. When the 5 of us arrived, old and new alike came up, introduced themselves and shook hands with us. The spirit of friendliness and good fellowship was very noticeable. My room is fair sized, plenty large, clean and on the side facing the main street. Hence the window is in the upper part of the wall, reaching to the ceiling. The food is fine and plenty, no sweet pastry, but all good, solid, wholesome stuff that we can live on. Classes start Fri. and from then until July we’ll all be on the jump. We expect a very busy year, so that if any ask you why I do not write to them more often, please tell them that our correspondence must be written during time allotted for study, and time allotted for study each day amounts to about 4 hrs. and sometimes only 3. That means that for us to prepare all the matter for our classes we must study swiftly, but thoroughly in the amount of time allowed. However, at my earliest opportunity, I shall try to get out notes to all. Remember too that it takes 2,3, or even 4 weeks or more sometimes for a letter to reach America from here. So that, if sometimes you do not receive a letter each week as expected, please don’t blame me. Blame the mails, for I shall try to write each week faithfully. At times, 2 or even 3 letters might arrive at one time, the first ones having been held up for a boat sailing to America. I have received no mail yet, but expect it now at any time. If you are writing to me each week, it would be better to write on Sun. or Mon. night, I think, so that you could send the sporting news of the Sat. Please do not send any packages or bundles by mail or by express, until I find out whether or not they will ever reach here. I shall write next week. With all my love and best wishes for you and all at home, I am Your devoted son. (Letter and photo courtesy of Ned Daly, grand nephew of Rev. O’Leary) 2013 • Issue 3
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Groundbreaking
NEW WING UNDERWAY FOR COLLEGE
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(from left) Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ’92,C’97, Rector of the College, Mr. James Mulva, Ms. Miriam Mulva, Archbishop John J. Myers ’67, Archbishop of Newark, Ms. Gaby Mulva, Mr. Jonathan Mulva, and His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien C’76, Rector of the College 1990-1994, lift the first shovels of dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony.
n recent years the College has been blessed with an increased number of seminarians and with this increase in numbers has come a positive problem-the need to provide a more comprehensive physical plant arrangement for priestly formation not envisioned when the College was constructed in 1953. Through a generous gift of $8.5 million dollars from the Mulva Family
24 The Pontifical North American College
of Houston, Texas and with the full support of the Episcopal Board of Governors, which includes Episcopal representation from every region of the United States, the College has embarked upon addressing the physical space needs for priestly formation. This new wing to the College will allow for four adequate, state-of-the-art classrooms, as well as upgrade the technology of the entire campus. The expansion
also includes administrative offices and meeting rooms. In addition, the new 10-story wing also offers adequate spaces with the latest technology for the students’ Mass and homily practica, so vital for priestly formation. Finally, a large reading/ study space is an additional element in the new wing that will provide for the students’ intellectual formation and relaxation. The project is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2014.
TOP A digital rendering of the new wing of the College is seen here just to the left of the row of Roman pines.
LEFT Mr. James and Ms. Miriam Mulva are thanked for their generosity to the College by Most Rev. John J. Myers ’67, Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the College.
“Our Catholic laity instinctively realize that every aspect of priestly formation that takes place within these buildings, every person involved and every program and physical inch of this seminary, serve to make more effective and fruitful the Eucharistic action that is celebrated daily in this chapel.” - His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien C’76, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem and former Rector of the College, during the homily at Mass following the Groundbreaking Ceremony
“So it is, in a sense, that every gift to our College is a gift to the Upper Room of that Last Supper, where thousands of alumni, in saying This is my Body This is my Blood, each puts his voice at the disposal of the One who spoke these words in the first Upper Room - and who desires that they be repeated in every generation by His priests – who like Him, lay down their lives for His people.” - His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien C’76, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem and former Rector of the College, during the homily at Mass following the Groundbreaking Ceremony
“And the Lord of the harvest did not let us down. The Mulva family in their generosity and love for the Pontifical North American College determined to back the project. We are very grateful to them and to have family representatives here today to join in the groundbreaking ceremony. As we shovel the earth, we will advert to the treasure buried in a field. The edifice, which will reach towards the Heavens will remind us that the Kingdom of Heaven will continue to be served here well into the future as our seminarians of today carry our motto, ‘Firmum est cor meum.’ We rely on the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God to intercede with her Divine Son that our beloved College will continue to light ‘a stronger flame of hope for the Church in the United States of America and in the world’ (Pope Pius XII at the original dedication).” - Most Reverend John J. Myers ’67, Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the College’s Board of Governors, at the Groundbreaking Ceremony 2013 • Issue 3
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Weigel Conference
George Weigel reflects on papal transition and the future of the Church Geoffrey A. Brooke Jr. ‘15, Diocese of Jefferson City
Mr. George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, addresses the Pontifical North American College in the Corso Auditorium.
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D
uring the excitement of the interregnum the seminarians of the College were treated to a presentation by George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, on the developments of the papacy and the Church in the past 120 years. Beginning with Pope Leo XIII, and moving on through the 20th century up to today, Mr. Weigel highlighted some of the key moments in the Church. He helped show the seminarians the implications of these decisions as the Church prepares for the future. He spoke of the need for an “Evangelical Catholicism” in the 21st century. Recognizing the importance and historical nature of the resignation by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Mr. Weigel took time to reflect on the papacies of Blessed John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Furthermore, he offered some of his own expectations of what we might see in the next pope. For more on Mr. Weigel’s reflections on the future of the Church, be sure to read his recent book Evangelical Catholicism: Deep Reform in the 21st-Century Church. The college is very grateful for Mr. Weigel’s time and words on the Church in which these same seminarians will be sent back to serve.
Two NAC Alumni Recently Publish Historical Works The Class of 1966 arrived in Rome to live at the College and begin theological studies at the Gregorian University roughly two weeks before the beginning of the Second Vatican Council on October 11, 1962. These men were present in the Piazza San Pietro that morning to witness the procession of the world’s Catholic bishops as they, followed by Pope John XXIII on the sede gestetoria, entered and filled the Basilica. After four sessions, the Council concluded on December 8, 1965. Ten days later the Class of ’66 was ordained in St. Peter’s at the Altar of the Chair. During those four years, seminarians along with countless others were drawn into the workings, mystery, excitement and drama of the Council. Now available for the first time is Monsignor James Plagens’ ‘66 PowerPoint presentation The Second Vatican Council: October 11, 1962 – December 8, 1965. 50th Anniversary of the Beginning. In addition to an audio commentary, the presentation includes restored slides, newspaper collections, news magazine articles, and a number of interesting medals and other memorabilia. Suggested price: $25 For more information contact Monsignor James Plagens ’66 at giacomo1938@yahoo.com
On September 14, 1948, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, the College reopened, having been closed for eight years because of World War II. The few New Men arrived, not on the Via dell’Umiltà, still controlled by the Italian government and in ruins, but to the war-ravaged, half-restored Villa Santa Caterina in Castel Gandolfo. In March 1949 they finally entered the City, returning to the birthplace of the College near the Trevi; in October, 1953, to the new College on the Gianiculum. The unsung hero who reopened the College, restored the College properties, and directed the construction of the New College was Bishop Martin J. O’Connor. For two years, Monsignor Stephen DiGiovanni ’77, C‘83 has researched the work of the first post-war rector and has completed a book about him: The Second Founder: Bishop Martin J. O’Connor and the Pontifical North American College. The archives of the Propaganda Fide, and of the College in Rome, those at The Catholic University of America, the Archives of the Archdiocese of New York, and those of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven generously shared their unpublished correspondence and other documentation concerning these post-War events, so momentous for the life of the Catholic Church in the United States. The preface is by Raymond Cardinal Burke, and the nihil obstat granted by Timothy Cardinal Dolan. To order a copy, hardcover, softcover or E-book, please contact: Amazon.com or Barnes& Noble.com or Trafford.com. All proceeds and royalties will go to the College. The ISBN numbers are: 9781466961494 Hardcover
9781466961500 Softcover
9781466961517 E-Book 2013 • Issue 3
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Station Church
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Pilgrims gathered on Ash Wednesday for Mass at Santa Sabina, the first of the station churches.
Following in the footsteps of our fathers in faith Alex Kreidler ‘15, Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph
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ent is a season marked by penance and charitable works in honor of our Lord’s Passion in order to be prepared for the worthy celebration of His glorious Resurrection. In the city of Rome, the season of Lent is further marked by the annual Station Church Pilgrimage. The Station Church Pilgrimage is an ancient tradition, dating back as far as the second and third centuries. In those days, the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, would gather the faithful living in a certain area of the city to celebrate Mass in order to unify an otherwise potentially diverse community. As time went on, during the season of Lent and on other penitential days, the Pope would lead the faithful to a specific church within the city each day. These churches were selected because of the martyr or saint buried within or in order to recall a special event that tied the church to the day’s celebration. This custom eventually grew into what we now call the Lenten Station Churches. Despite its ancient roots, the Station Church Pilgrimage has come in and out of practice over the centuries. The most recent revival came under the pontificate of Blessed John XXIII. For many years now, seminarians and priests from the North American College and the Casa Santa Maria have worked together to ensure that this venerable tradition lives on. They do this by promoting the pilgrimage and by providing Mass for English-speaking pilgrims at the various churches throughout the city during the season of Lent. Many priests and seminarians, as well as many religious and lay faithful, make the annual pilgrimage part of their Lenten sacrifice. These dedicated pilgrims find that they must often walk for forty-five minutes in order to reach the church, sometimes even as long as an hour. What is more, it’s no surprise to find that there’s “standing room only” upon arrival. Despite these and other challenges (or perhaps because of them), this Lenten pilgrimage provides a unique opportunity to pray with the martyrs whose blood claimed the city of Rome for Christ and His Church. These pilgrims, day after day, provide a great witness of Christian hope and joy as they journey, in union with the Church Triumphant in Heaven and the Church Suffering in Purgatory, towards the Mass, the foretaste of the Heavenly Banquet. It is at this Banquet where these pilgrims and all Christians hope, in the Risen Christ, to find their rest and will rejoice forever with Him and all His martyrs and saints to the glory of God the Father. 2013 • Issue 3
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Rector’s Dinner
Gathering in Gratitude: The 2013 Rector’s Dinner Joshua Laws ‘15, Archdiocese of Baltimore
Seminarians of the College provide entertainment during the Rector’s Dinner.
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spirit of gratitude filled the halls of the Pontifical North American College on the evening of April 11th as our seminary community gathered for the 21st annual Rector’s Dinner. This is one of the biggest events of the year in the life of the seminary and it continues to be a great opportunity for the North American College community, as seminarians and priests, to give thanks to our many friends from all over the world who continue to be truly generous in their support of and assistance in the carrying out of
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our mission, the formation of future servants.
performance that rivaled the best of Broadway.
The months of planning, preparation, and practice culminated in an evening enjoyed with great company, delicious Italian fare, and jovial entertainment with some of the best hits from Bourbon Street, Basin Street, Broadway, and Napoli. The seminarians put on quite a show, which featured a talented band of singers and musicians on the trumpet and clarinet, a stirring opera solo, and an impressive tap dancing
As a seminarian it continues to be inspiring to know of the daily prayers and support of members of the Church, and the Rector’s Dinner provides an opportunity to see and meet some of those who are so generous in their prayers, their time and energy, as well as their financial support. The Dinner has a familial feel as it brings together so many who have for years been invested in the North American College. Being in the presence of this family is moving.
Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector, with Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67, Archbishop of Newark and Chairmen of the Board of Governors, stand with Mr. Ken and Mrs. Karen Kenworthy as they hold up the Rector’s Award.
Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector, speaks with Mr. John Stollenwerk, recipient of the 2012 Rector’s Award, and His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey ‘75.
Each year, the College awards members of this family with the Rector’s Award. This award honors an outstanding prelate and layperson(s) for their service to the Church and their support of the College. This year the College was glad to honor His Eminence Marc Cardinal Ouellet P.S.S, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, and Mr. and Mrs. Ken Kenworthy. Cardinal Ouellet has consistently and faithfully proclaimed the Gospel to many people in many places. The award is given in gratitude for his great service in the Church, especially his work in seminary formation and his service to the Universal Church. Cardinal Oullet said he was happy and humbled to be honored along with Mr.
His Eminence Marc Cardinal Ouellet speaks after receiving the Rector’s Award.
and Mrs. Kenworthy. He spoke about the importance of priestly formation for the New Evangelization and the ongoing mission of the Church. Cardinal Ouellet also offered prayer and thanksgiving on the recent election of Pope Francis, reflecting upon Pope Francis’ exhortation to generously say “Yes” to all Christ asks of us. Ken and Karen Kenworthy have been exemplary witnesses to the message of Jesus Christ and have proclaimed His message of truth in their lives and service to the Church. In addition to their vocation as parents, their faith is lived in their active support of Catholic education and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, principled business leadership, robust Pro-Life involvement, support for the Archdiocese for Military Services,
support for the poor and homeless, membership in the Papal Foundation, aid to the Pontifical North American College, and devotion to the Blessed Mother. Mr. and Mrs. Kenworthy expressed thanks for how blessed their family has been, recalling that “God is never outdone in generosity.” In receiving the Rector’s Award, the Kenworthy’s felt “humbled and honored to be included in this great family.” The seminary community is truly grateful to all who joined us for the Rector’s Dinner and all of those who continue to support us in their prayers and financial generosity. The success of this night is seen in the greater college community that continues to invest itself in carrying on the mission of the Pontifical North American College. 2013 • Issue 3
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The Pontifical North American College community offers our prayerful congratulations to the 46 men who will be ordained to the priesthood this year. May God bless you and your ministry!
Rev. M r. Francisco E. Aguirre Archdiocese of Washington
Rev. M r. Michael W. Garry Diocese of Duluth
Rev. Mr. Brandon E. Macadeg Diocese of Oakland
Rev. Mr. Justin N. Raines Diocese of Nashville
Rev. M r. Nicholas R. Barnes Diocese of Arlington
Rev. M r. Elias P. Gieske Diocese of Duluth
Rev. Mr. Thomas K. Macdonald, Jr. Archdiocese of Boston
Rev. Mr. Mark S. Rainville Diocese of Worcester
Rev. M r. Brendan W. Bartlett Diocese of Arlington
Rev. M r. James C. Grau Archdiocese of Detroit
Rev. Mr. Douglas W. Marcotte Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Rev. Mr. Martin Rodriguez Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Rev. M r. Mark A. Bentz Archdiocese of Portland
Rev. M r. Christopher P. Gray Diocese of Salt Lake City
Rev. Mr. James D. McCaughan Archdiocese of Sydney
Rev. Mr. Charles K. Samson, Archdiocese of St. Louis
Rev. M r. Ryan B. Browning Diocese of Rockford
Rev. M r. Alan M. Guanella Diocese of Lacrosse
Rev. Mr. Thomas J. McNally Diocese of Kalamazoo
Rev. Mr. Eric B. Scanlan Diocese of Venice
Rev. M r. Brian E. Buettner Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Rev. M r. Peter A. Heasley Archdiocese of New York
Rev. Mr. John P. Mitchell Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Rev. Mr. Christopher M. Seiler Archdiocese of St. Louis
Rev. M r. Simon R. Carion Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Rev. M r. Spencer J. Howe Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis
Rev. Mr. Nicholas J. Nelson Diocese of Duluth
Rev. Mr. Robert P. Shea Diocese of Bismark
Rev. M r. Michael T. Casey Archdiocese of Hartford
Rev. M r. Damian R. Jellett Diocese of Wagga Wagga
Rev. Mr. John M. Norman Archdiocese of Omaha
Rev. Mr. Ryan L. Stenger Diocese of Covington
Rev. M r. Jason M. Christian Diocese of Charlotte
Rev. M r. Krzysztof Kuczynski, Jr. Diocese of Bridgeport
Rev. Mr. Michael A. Pawlowicz Diocese of Joliet
Rev. Mr. David M. Tedesche Diocese of Rochester
Rev. M r. John P. Connaughton Diocese of Bridgeport
Rev. M r. Joseph R. Laracy Archdiocese of Newark
Rev. Mr. Jeffery J. Walker Diocese of Toledo
Rev. M r. David Esquiliano Diaz Diocese of Sioux City
Rev. M r. Jun Hee Lee Diocese of Brooklyn
Rev. Mr. Michael M. Pierz Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts
Rev. M r. Jason T. Doke Diocese of Jefferson City
Rev. M r. John M. Lovitsch Diocese of Joliet
32 The Pontifical North American College
Rev. Mr. James P. Platania Diocese of Paterson
Rev. Mr. Colin C. Wen Diocese of Sacramento
Institutional Advancement
“A man for all seasons.” Make that 252 men, actually. Mark Randall, CFRE Executive Director, Institutional Advancement
I
recently have been reflecting on how our seminarians are so well-suited; how they possess various talents and personalities and yet universally share such a strong commitment to their faith and the Church.
the administrative staff, it was apparent the men respected their peer and were quick to follow his directives, which included more than one inside joke that drew roars of laughter.
This was illustrated clearly at the Rector’s Dinner last month in Rome. I was on campus a few days early and attended the rehearsal a few nights before the dinner. All of the students gathered in the Refectory for some brief remarks first from the rector, Msgr. James Checchio. In thunderous joint acclaim, they cheered and applauded his request to work hard, have fun, and show appreciation for the benefactors who would be attending the event.
Then the men broke into several different groups that represented their work assignments for the dinner. Some were greeters and valet drivers; others servers and kitchen help; still others entertainers. For the next several hours they reviewed their assignments and details for the event.
Next, the student capo (captain) for the dinner addressed the men. Having worked for months to plan the dinner with
On the evening of the dinner, it was truly amazing to see 250+ seminarians scurrying about, executing a shared vision, with each one focusing on his particular role. After the meal, they lined the walls of the Refectory, still white-gloved, and helped applaud the two honorees of the
250 seminarians want to email you next month. The latest from Rome, straight to your inbox! Sign up today for ‘Firmum Est’ – the free monthly eNewsletter from the NAC. Photos, stories, and more. To sign up, visit http://onlinegiving.pnac.org
2013 • Issue 3
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evening, Cardinal Ouellet and Ken and Karen Kenworthy. A dazzling series of student musicians then entertained the group with singing, tap dancing, and instrumental works. No faces were prouder than those of the students who stood in the back of the room, cheering them on. Like various colored pieces of a stained-glass window, these men work together to represent a beautiful vision of our Church: men working as other Christ’s to bring the Church to God’s people – all the while maintaining their own unique gifts and talents. Of course, our amazing base of alumni around the country reflects this same vision. In my travels, I visit with as many as I can, asking about their experiences at the NAC and how it continues to impact their priestly work. The great news is that the NAC has produced incredibly faithful and dynamic priests who, faithful to the Church and obedient to their bishop, are engaged in the New Evangelization at every level. From our Cardinal alumni, to those who will be ordained to the priesthood in just a few weeks, our men bring their unique gifts and charisms to serve God’s people one and the same. In my role as chief fundraiser, I also have witnessed this same beautiful diversity and yet unity among our many benefactors. From elderly widows to young faithful couples to leaders of industry, our supporters tell me they invest in the Pontifical North American College because they see the tremendous impact our priests have on the Church. Said one woman from New York, “A well-formed priest today will affect an almost incalculable number of people through his parish work, the sacraments, spiritual direction, and by simply being a strong man of God wearing his collar each day.” As we approach the “ordination season,” I ask that you keep these new priests in your prayers. Give thanks for their vocations and ask God to fill them with zeal and wisdom for the long journey that lies ahead. And pray too for the Pontifical North American College, that with your loyal support, we may continue to form such excellent men for all seasons to serve the Church.
Alumni Reunion Attention All Alumni! Register today for the 2013 NAC Reunion. June 18-20, 2013, Pittsburgh Highlights: Opening reception, Tours of St. Paul Cathedral and other historic churches, Lectures, Socials and more. Lodging and events at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh. The reunion will not be the same without you! Please register today by contacting Mark Randall in the Office of Institutional Advancement in Washington, DC: mrandall@pnac.org or 202-541-5411
34 The Pontifical North American College
Economo’s Corner
So changes have and are occurring, but the changes provide for the continuity of the mission of the College to remain steadfast now and into the future. Monsignor Michael Farmer ’95, Archdiocese of Mobile
T
his issue of Roman Echoes has presented articles and photos of just how busy and inspiring recent months have been here at the College. From the Conclave, the election of His Holiness Pope Francis, the annual Rector’s Dinner, and on April 12th the groundbreaking ceremony to inaugurate the new classroom wing to the College. Indeed, all were and are blessings for the College and the greater Church. Amid all the activity and changes, our seminarians and staff remained steadfast to continuity where it matters the most: from weekly formation nights, staff continuing to carry out daily and necessary projects, and of course the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours and daily Mass maintaining a solid continuity amid inspiring changes. As things almost get back to normal after the extraordinary recent months in the life of the College and the Church, the finalizing of our annual budget is taking place and the ongoing plans for summer projects are being scheduled. As noted in this issue, the generous gift from the Mulva Family is allowing the construction of a new wing to the College that will house state-of-the-art classrooms for all four classes of formation and provide the needed space for the larger class sizes with which the College has been blessed in recent years. It will also facilitate the needs for priestly formation which were not envisioned some 50 plus years ago when the College was constructed upon the Gianiculum. Over the years the College has always met the challenge to find space and advance programs
of formation, but the generosity of the Mulva Family allows for a better space and needed technology for young men of today preparing for priesthood in the United States, Canada and Australia. In particular, having four classrooms that can accommodate larger class sizes and having needed technology will be a great asset. Also, having one floor of the building being dedicated to Mass and homily practicum chapels and a Blessed Sacrament Chapel near student rooms will be greatly appreciated by present and future seminarians. I also look forward to presenting further news on this welcome addition to the College over the next year. So changes have and are occurring, but the changes provide for the continuity of the mission of the College to remain steadfast now and into the future. Thus, in upcoming weeks the normative house schedule goes on, young men prepare for exams and over fifty of them prepare to return home to be ordained priests. The continuity of preparing rooms for new men in the summer is being planned and, by the time new men arrive in late August, changes will be underway at the College with the new classroom tower being built and new technology installed. In the midst of the changes, however, continuity will remain. When the new class enters, they will come into the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception to pray and give God thanks as they begin a unique and wonderful experience of formation that the generosity of so many people makes possible.
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The Pontifical North American College Office of Institutional Advancement 3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20017-1194
NON-PROFIT ORG. US. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 144 WALDORF, MD
For more information about the Pontifical North American College, subscription questions, or to learn about ways you can financially support “America’s Seminary in Rome”, please contact Mark Randall, CFRE, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement.
Tel: (202) 541-5411 / Fax: (202) 722-8804 Email: pnacdc@pnac.org website: www.pnac.org
Easter Sunday Rev. Mr. Christopher Gray (Salt Lake City) presents the Book of the Gospels to His Holiness Pope Francis during Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square.