The Pontifical
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North American College M
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I WILL RAISE THE CUP OF SALVATION
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CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD
EDITORIAL STAFF
The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E
Editorial Director Nicholas Vaskov ‘09 Diocese of Pittsburgh
DEPARTMENTS
Editorial Assistant Matthew Wiering ‘10 Diocese of New Ulm Layout and Design John Sheridan ‘09 Diocese of Youngstown Design Assistant David Carrano ‘10 Diocese of Madison Photographers Daniel O’Mullane ‘10 Diocese of Paterson & Brian Soliven ‘10 Diocese of Sacramento & Efrain Bautista ‘10 Diocese of San Diego
For more information about the North American College, or to learn about opportunities for memorial gifts, contact Mary DiDonato at our Washington, D.C. Office of Institutional Advancement:
Tel: (202) 541-5411 Fax: (202) 722-8804
Email: nac@usccb.org or visit our website at www.pnac.org
FRONT COVER The chalice of one of the fifthyear priests of the College.
RECTOR’S CORNER Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C’97
MISSION TO THE ORIENT Rev. Mr. Shane Deman ‘08
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TO BE A SERVANT OF ALL Rev. Mr. Sam Kachuba ‘08 PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL David Schunk ‘10
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LEARNING THE SKILLS OF A PASTOR Gregory Ihm ‘10
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EXPANDING HORIZONS OF THE PRIESTLY HEART Rev. Mr. Thomas Niehaus ‘08 12
INGREDERE IN TEMPLUM DEI Matthew Wiering ‘10
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FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS NAC Magazine Staff
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DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Mary DiDonato
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ECONOMO’S CORNER Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg ‘89
FEATURES
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NEW FACULTY - Jason Schumer ‘10
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DIACONATE ORDINATION - Nicholas Vaskov ‘09
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NEW MAN ORIENTATION - Nicholas Desimone ‘10
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MAP OF DIOCESES REPRESENTED AT THE COLLEGE
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NEIGHBORHOOD PROFILE: VIA GIULIA - Jesse Burish ‘09
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CASA SANTA MARIA - Rev. Peter Dugandzic C‘08
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CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: THE TURICCHI FAMILY - Mary DiDonato
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CONGRATULATIONS ARCHBISHOP O’BRIEN
BACK COVER
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AUTUMN 2 0 0 7 INSIDE
New Faculty
by Jason Schumer ‘10
Autumn Retreats
by Rev. Mr. Thomas Niehaus ‘08
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Diaconate Ordination 2007
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by Nicholas Vaskov ‘09
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New Man Orientation by Nicholas Desimone ‘10
Neighborhood Profile by Jesse Burish ‘09
BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE PONTIFICAL NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE CHAIRMAN Most Rev. Edwin F. O’Brien C‘76 Archbishop of Baltimore
VICE CHAIRMAN Most Rev. Richard E. Pates ‘69
Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis
TREASURER Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67 Archbishop of Newark
SECRETARY Most Rev. Patrick J. Zurek ‘75 Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio
The Façade of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter
Submitted as part of a NAC student photo contest by Chase Hasenoehrl ‘10, Diocese of Boise
RECTOR Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 VICE RECTOR FOR ADMINISTRATION Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg ‘89 VICE RECTOR FOR SEMINARY LIFE Rev. Msgr. Robert Gruss ‘94 SUPERIOR, CASA SANTA MARIA Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Mrs. Mary DiDonato
Most. Rev. Tod D. Brown ‘62 Bishop of Orange in California
Most Rev. Alexander J. Brunett ‘59 Archbishop of Seattle
Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran ‘62, C‘63 Bishop of Rockford
Most Rev. Edward Cardinal Egan ‘58, C‘63 Archbishop of New York
Most Rev. Victor B. Galeone ‘61 Bishop of Saint Augustine
Most Rev. John R. Gaydos ‘69 Bishop of Jefferson City
Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz Archbishop of Louisville
Most Rev. Henry J. Mansell ‘63 Archbishop of Hartford
Most. Rev. Francis R. Reiss C ‘84 Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit
Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan ‘65, C‘71 Archbishop of Santa Fe
Most Rev. William C. Skurla
Bishop, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Van Nuys
Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97
Diocese of Camden Rector
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RECTOR’S CORNER ‘Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’
his is a significant year in our College’s history. With the new man class of 2007, the College has now had over 5000 men matriculate in its proud history. It is hard to imagine all those men over the past 148 years, striving to make their hearts like the Good Shepherd’s, going throughout the United States and the world, proclaiming the Kingdom, teaching the Word, administering the sacraments, and shepherding the faithful. Imagine how many lives their ministry has touched over all these years.
During these years, it has often been noted 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. We are fortunate to be able to attend regularly his audiences and hear him teach, receive his blessing, and to relish in the special opportunities that arise to serve at a Papal Mass. 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 Benedict certainly has given us all much encouragement in his first years as our Pontiff. On his recent pastoral visit to Austria, the Holy Father addressed a group of priests, deacons and seminarians. He instructed those gathered with him, “Following Christ means taking on ever more fully His mind and His way of life.” He continued, “The Lord calls priests, religious and lay people to go into the world, in all its complexity, and to cooperate in the building up of God's Kingdom.” As you will find in this issue of our magazine, there are many ways that the College guides our men in “taking on His mind and His way of life” while they prepare to go into our complex world and “cooperate in building up God's Kingdom.” 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. This issue of the magazine highlights the arrival of 52 new men, coming to the College to take “on ever more fully His mind and His way of life.” Additionally, we will highlight the 26 new deacons ordained over the summer and at St. Peter's Basilica on October 4. You will learn about this class in this edition too as they have chosen to lay down their lives in service of Christ and His Church. The most poignant way our seminarians and priests take on Jesus’ mind, is by spending time with Him daily in prayer, particularly during the seminarians’ week-long annual retreat which they make each September. They also learn pastoral skills during our fall seminars necessary for going into our modern culture to which they will be sent by their bishops to proclaim the Kingdom. Both of these events, the retreats and some of the seminars, are highlighted in this edition too. I thank you for your support of these men through your prayers and financial contributions. Your help assures that we will not only be able to continue to assist the 186 students at the seminary, the 70 priests of the Casa and the 38 priests on sabbatical to further take on “His mind and His way of life” so near to our Holy Father, but we will be able to do so with the best resources available to us! Thank you and please be assured of my prayers and those of the seminarians and priests too!
- Rev. Msgr. James Checchio AUTUMN 2 0 0 7
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WORKERS IN THE LORD’S VINEYARD The College Welcomes Five New Faculty Members
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by Jason Schumer ‘10
hroughout the history of the North American College, we have been blessed with a long list of well-qualified and worthy formators and faculty. This year, the College welcomes to that list five new priest faculty members. Each priest comes with a different set of credentials which seems to aid in his new position here at the College. God has truly blessed this College and he continues to provide us with good and holy priests who serve as role models for all of us. With these five new priests on board, we are all looking forward to where the Holy Spirit will lead us this year and in the years to come.
Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B.
Fr. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B., a member of the Benedictine Community of St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, joins our faculty as Director of Liturgical Formation. Fr. Kurt joined St. Vincent Archabbey in 1971 as a novice and was ordained a priest in 1978. In 1980, graduating summa cum laude, he received a diploma in Latin Letters from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and in 1983, he received a License in Patristic Theology and Sciences from the Patristic Institute of the Pontfical Lateran University also in Rome. In 1994, Fr. Kurt received a Doctorate in Sacred Theology magna cum laude with a specialization in Monastic Studies from the Monastic Institute of the Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm in Rome. His experience includes serving as Master of Ceremonies of St. Vincent Archabbey, Academic Dean at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, and Associate Professor at the Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm in Rome. Most recently, Fr. Kurt has worked as an integral part of the formation faculty in Latrobe, serving as Rector there from 2001 until his
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Archdiocese of Saint Louis appointment to the College this summer. Already in his time here, he has emphasized the centrality of the liturgy in the Christian life and the necessity of each priest to be able to pray the liturgy well for the sake of the Church.
Rev. Joseph Betschart ‘99
Fr. Joseph Betschart, a member of the class of 1999, joins the faculty as our new Academic Dean. He is a priest of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. In 1989, Fr. Betschart received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Oregon State University in Nuclear Engineering and General Science. He served five years in the United States Navy where he worked as a nuclear engineer. He says it was during his time in the Navy that he began attending daily Mass and praying before the Blessed Sacrament, which helped foster his vocation. Following one year of Pre-Theology at Mount Angel Seminary from 1994 to 1995, Fr. Betschart came to the North American College and in 2000, he received a License in Sacred Theology with a focus in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He then returned to the Archdiocese of Portland where he served as parochial vicar and pastor, as well as Director and Chaplain of the Walsh Memorial Newman Center at Southern Oregon University and Director of the Archdiocesan Respect Life Office in Portland. It is obvious to anyone who has met Fr. Betschart that he is a man who loves the Lord and the priesthood.
The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.
The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E
Matthew 20:28
Rev. Msgr. Robert Gruss ‘94 Msgr. Robert Gruss joins our faculty as the new Vice Rector for Seminary Life and Director of Human Formation. He began formation for the priesthood at the North American College in 1990 and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Davenport in 1994. Prior to formation for the priesthood, Msgr. Gruss earned an associates degree in civil engineering (1975) and then earned his commercial pilot’s license (1979), after which he worked with various companies as a charter pilot and flight instructor. Following ordination, he served as parochial vicar in various parishes in the Diocese of Davenport. He has also served as a pastor, Director of Vocations, Chancellor, Director of the Office for the Propogation of the Faith, and Director of the Victim’s Assistance Program for the Diocese of Davenport. Most recently he served as a spiritual director for the Institute of Priestly Formation in Omaha. On September 7, 2007, he was appointed Chaplain to His Holiness and honored with the title Monsignor. The College is blessed to be under the guidance of Msgr. Gruss.
Rev. Joseph Hanefeldt ‘84
Fr. Joseph Hanefeldt, a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha, joins the College this year as a new fulltime Spiritual Director. Fr. Hanefeldt is a member of the College’s Class of 1984 and has served the Archdiocese of Omaha in various pastoral roles throughout the past twenty-three years, including associate pastor, pastor, and spiritual director for Teens Encounter Christ and the Cursillo Movement. Quite notably, Fr. Hanefeldt has assisted at the Institute of Priestly Formation in Omaha as a spiritual director and in January of 2005 he received a certificate in “Spiritual Direction and Retreat Ministry.” He still serves as a member of the Mission Advisory Council of the Institute for Priestly Formation. Fr. Hanefeldt also brings a great deal of enthusi-
NEW FACULTY
asm to the community. He said, “After twenty-three years of parish ministry, I am excited to bring that experience to the formation of our future priests. At the same time, I am deeply inspired by their love for the Church and their desire to ‘serve the Lord with gladness.’”
Rev. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap.
Fr. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap. joins the College as Director of Counseling Services. Fr. Songy first professed as a member of the Capuchin Province of MidAmerica in 1983 and was ordained a priest in 1987. Following ordination, he served in a variety of roles including mission work in Papua New Guinea, parish work near Denver, and directing the Capuchin Center of Spiritual Life in Kansas. In 1992, he earned a Masters of Science in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College in Baltimore, and in 1999 he completed doctoral studies at the University of Denver earning the title “Doctor of Psychology” in the field of clinical psychology. After finishing his studies, he joined the faculty at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, where he served in a variety of roles, including Director of Formation, Professor of Pastoral Psychology, Chair of Pastoral Development, and Program Chair of the Theology Cycle. Fr. Songy has also published a variety of articles concerning psychology in the life the Church, especially concerning pastoral theology and the application of psychology in the lives of priests and those preparing for priesthood. Fr. Songy joins our faculty with a wealth of experience in seminary formation and an education in psychology that will be invaluable. Indeed God continues to provide this College with holy, zealous, and dedicated priests to help form and mold seminarians into the priests that God has called us to be. Each new faculty member comes with different qualifications and experiences that will serve to help the College accomplish the task of priestly formation with renewed enthusiasm and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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Mission to the Orient F
by Rev. Mr. Shane Deman ‘08
Diocese of Sioux City
和平 “Peace”
or seven weeks this past summer I had the opportunity to serve with the Maryknoll Missionaries in China. Stationed at Christ the Worker Parish in Kowloon, Hong Kong, I taught English on a part-time basis and also accompanied my pastor into mainland China for his outreach work to religious communities, leper colonies, and Catholic villages. The summer was unforgettable, combining the great wealth of the city of Hong Kong as well as the poverty of southern China. Yet in these areas, where Christians are a minority, there was a sense of vibrant faith. Working alongside missionaries--who have given up so much to be of service to Christ and His Church--sharpened my focus as I prepared for my diaconal service. I was fortunate to assist an elderly pastor, who after spending decades working in China, has fully given his heart to his flock and to the future of the Church in China. Left: Inside of the Wong Tai Sin Temple in Hong Kong.
Right: Deacon Shane with English language students outside of the Wong Tai Sin Temple.
Additionally, it was interesting to see the differences between Christianity and other Asian religions. Experiencing other world religions gave me the chance to value the thoroughness that Christianity offers in response to fundamental questions such as the meaning of life, death, ethics, and salvation. The most remarkable pastoral experiences occurred as I accompanied my pastor to the poor areas of southern China. The faith is strongly alive in communities of rice farmers, merchants, and those suffering from leprosy. They are people who lack many material possessions, yet they are rich in the depths of their faith. I was also privileged to encounter the enthusiasm surrounding the recent letter to Chinese Catholics by Pope Benedict XVI. Additionally, attending the funeral of a ninety year-old bishop who had suffered for 20 years in the Communist labor camps was unforgettable. He was a true witness of the Faith. These overseas experiences gave me the chance to better appreciate the Church’s unity of faith in the midst of her international diversity of culture. Let us pray for the Church in China, that she may one day celebrate her fullest expression of faith. Left: Fishermen tending to their nets in Jiangmen, China, along the West River. Right: Deacon Shane outside of the Imperial Gardens in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.
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The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E
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To Be a Servant of All by Rev. Mr. Sam Kachuba ‘08
Diocese of Bridgeport
en entering their fourth year of theological studies at the North American College are traditionally ordained to the diaconate in October at St. Peter’s Basilica. In some cases, a man’s bishop may decide to ordain him at home and have him serve as a deacon for the summer. On June 30, 2007, Bishop William E. Lori ordained me to the diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Augustine in Bridgeport, along with two of my diocesan brothers. I was assigned for the summer to St. Mary Church in Norwalk.
By serving as a deacon for the summer I had an opportunity to learn the basics of active ministry. My duties included preaching at daily and Sunday Masses, leading a weekly novena devotion, and bringing Holy Communion to home-bound parishioners. My language skills were put to the test preaching at the parish’s two Spanish Masses on Sundays, and greeting Spanish-speaking parishioners who came to the parish offices. I also worked with the parish’s Spanish-language youth and young adult groups. I was impressed by these young people’s desire to grow in knowledge of the faith and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. It was truly a privilege to witness their growth and faith in the Lord! In addition, I led a weekly Rosary with residents at a nearby senior citizen apartment complex. After the first prayer meeting, I blessed several apartments. The residents were grateful to have someone from the Church in their home praying with them, and I was able to see how important the Catholic faith was and is in their lives. My favorite part of the summer, though, was celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism. I baptized “my” first baby—Kayla Patrice Genest—on August 12. The Sacrament of Baptism is a privileged opportunity for evangelization and a perfect time to invite families to a deeper participation in the life of the Church as their children are being brought into life in Christ.
Top: Bishop William Lori lays his hands on Sam, invoking the Holy Spirit upon him. Above: Deacon Sam baptizes his first baby after his ordination. Below: Rev. Msgr. James Checchio and Rev. Mr. Sam Kachuba prepare for a liturgy at the College.
My summer as a deacon reminded me of the rigors of daily parish life. I saw the many challenges that a parish can face and which must overcome. In working with a large immigrant population I learned about the struggles that many people from other countries face when coming to America. I was constantly reminded of the importance of prayer in the life of the priest – especially prayer with and for the People of God. Most of all, the summer was a reminder that the priest must be a servant to all people who cross his path, a servant modeled after the perfect Servant, Jesus Christ. AUTUMN 2 0 0 7
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TO ANSWER HIS CALL 21 Men Ordained to the Diaconate on October 4, 2007
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by Nicholas Vaskov ‘09
he community of the Pontifical North American College continues to rejoice in the ordination of twenty-one new deacons which took place on October 4, 2007, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, at the Altar of the Chair in the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter. The ordaining prelate for the celebration was His Eminence, Cardinal-designate John P. Foley, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He was joined in concelebration by many of the bishops, pastors, and priest-friends of the ordinandi. The ordination liturgy was also attended by many family members and friends of the men being ordained. There were nearly two thousand guests in all. In his homily, Cardinal-designate Foley reminded those being ordained that they are called to be servants of all. He told them, “it is not illogical to conclude that an appropriate prayer for a deacon to the Lord and an appropriate question of a deacon to his fellow Christians is: ‘What can I do for you?’” Cardinal-designate Foley also recalled the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, a deacon, who served the poor and suffering with compassion and kindness, and exhorted the ordinandi to do the same.
Diocese of Pittsburgh
Above: Rev. Mr. Steven Titus receives the Book of the Gospels as Cardinal-designate John Foley prays, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” Below: Rev. Mr. Nicholas Dudo distributes the Blood of Christ during the ordination liturgy.
In addition to the twenty-one men ordained at Saint Peter’s on October 4th, six men from the College were ordained deacons during the past year in their home dioceses and were present at the ordination here to share in the joy of their brothers. The names of the new deacons are listed on the following page. Please keep them in your prayers as they serve the Lord and and His Church.
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The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E
DIACONATE ORDINATION
The week of the Diaconate Ordination includes many traditions. Above: Most Rev. Thomas Tobin, Bishop of Providence, celebrates the liturgy at the closing of the week. Left: Rev. Msgr. Bernard Hebda ‘89 (Pittsburgh) preaches during the Eucharistic Vigil the evening before the ordination when the entire seminary community gathers in prayer with the men to be ordained.
ORDAINED THURSDAY, 4 OCTOBER 2007 IN THE PAPAL BASILICA OF SAINT PETER
Above: Rev. Kim Schreck ‘07 (Pittsburgh) vests Rev. Mr. Nicholas Argentieri in his diaconal vestments, the stole and dalmatic. Below: The candidates for ordination prostrate themselves during the Litany of the Saints.
Rev. Mr. Nicholas Argentieri Rev. Mr. Shane Deman Rev. Mr. Vincent DeRosa Rev. Mr. Nicholas Dudo Rev. Mr. Ronnie Floyd Rev. Mr. Joseph Freedy Rev. Mr. Mark Glover Rev. Mr. Justin Kizewski Rev. Mr. Robert Lampitt Rev. Mr. Theodore Lange Rev. Mr. Gregory Loughney Rev. Mr. Nicolas Maurice Rev. Mr. James McCarthy Rev. Mr. Ryan Moravitz Rev. Mr. Thomas Niehaus Rev. Mr. Jonathan Reardon Rev. Mr. Kevin Regan Rev. Mr. Patrick Riffle, Jr. Rev. Mr. Jeremy Rodrigues Rev. Mr. David Thurber Rev. Mr. Steven Titus
Diocese of Pittsburgh Diocese of Sioux City Archdiocese of Washington Diocese of Camden Diocese of Fall River Diocese of Pittsburgh Diocese of Springfield Diocese of LaCrosse Diocese of Peoria Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon Diocese of Scranton Diocese of Lismore Archdiocese of Sydney Diocese of Duluth Diocese of Winona Diocese of Springfield Archdicoese of Washington Archdiocese of Washington Diocese of Providence Diocese of Providence Diocese of Cheyenne
ORDAINED IN THEIR DIOCESES DURING THE PAST YEAR
Rev. Mr. Ernest Cibelli Rev. Mr. Paul Fasano Rev. Mr. Samuel Kachuba Rev. Mr. Matthew Nicks Rev. Mr. Edison Tayag Rev. Mr. Julio Vicente-Orellana
Archdiocese of Baltimore Diocese of Rockford Diocese of Bridgeport Diocese of Spokane Diocese of Rochester Diocese of Boise
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P ROCLAIM THE G OSPEL by David Schunk ‘10
Archdiocese of San Francisco
o stand in front of a congregation and to preach a Gospel that is God’s and not my own is an awesome responsibility. I imagine looking out from the ambo on Sunday to see a church full of people who are young and old, rich and poor. Some people look at me with eyes showing how hungry they are for the Word of God, and I ask the Lord, “What am I to say to all these people? What do You want to say?” The homily is an integral part of the celebration of the liturgy. Therefore, the College puts great emphasis on giving the students opportunities to develop their preaching skills. Seminarians in their second and third years participate in a full week of homiletic instruction and practice during the fall seminar session. In addition, numerous formation sessions throughout the year are dedicated to homiletic instruction and practice. For the fourth-year deacons and the fifth-year priests, the opportunity to carry out their ministry of preaching the Gospel is presented to them in a real way when they face the toughest crowd of all, the entire seminary community at the daily Masses. Our preaching seminars include a wide variety of topics. We hear priests talk about their experiences of preaching, works and what does not, along with the practical methods they use to write a homily. We also heard from laymen and women who shared their experiences of listening to homilies throughout their lives. In these presentations we learned what parishioners expect and what will either engage them or not engage them. This information is both fascinating and invaluable for priestly preparation. The experience of writing and delivering homilies has been one of the most difficult challenges I have had in the seminary. Yet I must also say that it has been one of the most rewarding. Prayer for the preacher is essential because people want to hear from a man of prayer. They can turn on the television to listen to anyone else, but they listen to the homily precisely to hear from someone who has a real relationship with God. Being an effective preacher is one aspect of the priesthood for which all the seminarians at the College aspire. At one time or another, we have all sat and listened to wonderful preachers. We pray for the grace to become great preachers ourselves, so that we might set the hearts of our listeners on fire with the Word of God. We are aware that people are hungry to hear the Word of God, and we are eager to present it to them.
Top: Jerry Shantillo ‘09 (Scranton) practices preaching at a recent Homily Practicum. Left: Pablo Migone ‘09 (Savannah) improves his preaching skills. Below: A group listens intnetly as Pablo practices a homily.
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The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E
Learning the Skills by Gregory Ihm ‘10 of a Pastor
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Diocese of Madison
s we, the men of the North American College, return from our summer assignments, our minds and hearts are full of parish experiences, the people of God to whom we have ministered, and the various pastoral situations we have encountered. These experiences give us the opportunity to see how God works in our lives, and they help us to be better ministers. In addition to these summer experiences, the seminary also provides seminars for each class of students that helps us prepare for the practical demands of pastoral ministry. Dr. Joann Heeny-Hunter, a professor from Saint John’s University in New York, offered a workshop to the fourth-year theologians which covered issues relating to marriage and family. This workshop gave them the practical skills with which to catechize the family. Dr. Heeny-Hunter encouraged the fourth-year class to use the Lectionary as one of the primary documents of family catechesis. The results of such catechesis include betterinformed families who are able to be more active participants in the liturgy and live holy lives. Fr. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B. Director of Liturgical Formation, also gave a workshop Fr. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B. presents his workshop on Liturgical Formation to the fourth-year men. to prepare the new deacons for their new liturgical ministries. The third-year men worked on important pastoral skills in the area of counseling during a seminar with Dr. Susanne Harvath. Dr. Harvath teaches various courses at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in Saint Louis, Missouri. The men learned practical methods, such as active listening skills, that are essential when counseling those struggling with bereavement, addiction, or emotional distress. This seminar helped them to better understand individuals strugThird-year men take notes during the Pastoral Counseling work- gling with these burdens and to bring the hope of God to them during diffishop. cult moments in their lives. Three of the new faculty members presented a seminar to the second-year men concerning important elements of a priest’s life. Fr. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap., Director of Counseling Services at the College, presented a three-day seminar on priestly celibacy. Fr. Joseph Betschart ‘99, Academic Dean and Fr. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B. offered a seminar on priestly identity. These seminars inspired students to live out more fully the three evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They equipped students to meet some of the challenges that priests face today and how to approach them as Fr. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap. speaks to the second-year men about the evangelical counsel of celibacy as it is applied to the life of a priest. men ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. As men preparing for the priesthood, we are grateful for the formators who assist us with their knowledge and experience to help guide us. These fall seminars are an important time for us as we focus on the practical aspects of priesthood.
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Expanding Horizons of the Priestly Heart
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by Rev. Mr. Thomas Niehaus ‘08
en are formed as priests after the heart of Jesus the Good Shepherd. The formation of a seminarian’s heart after Christ’s priestly heart requires consistent and regular prayerwith the One whom we seek to serve and to whom we will be conformed at ordination. Each year students from the North American College follow the example of Jesus, their primary director of spiritual life, and obey his words when he says, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).
During September 2007 the men of the North American College each spent one week on a silent retreat cultivating the interior life of prayer that is so vital for God’s servants. In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, “The priest, beginning with his years in the seminary, should make his spiritual life his highest priority” (Sacramentum Caritatis, 80). The Holy Father’s vision the spiritual life as a high priority is fulfilled at the North American College, which offers its students the finest opportunities and resources to help students be formed in holiness after the great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Being formed as holy men with hearts set ablaze for Christ and service of His people requires time and great vigilance on behalf of the faculty and students at the North American College.
Diocese of Winona
Third-year students traveled to the coastal city of Santa Severa near the Mediterranean seacoast where they participated in a directed retreat. This format allowed men ample time to be immersed in the life of Christ by contemplating passages from the Scriptures. In this type of retreat, men are formed by the words of Christ, by personal prayer, and by one daily meeting with a spiritual director. The deacons and diaconate candidates traveled to Rocca di Papa where they too spent time in prayer before their ordination. This was a directed retreat experience in which students spent time reflecting and meditating upon the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. For the deacon candidates the prayer experience was “intense” as they prepared for ordination and the laying down of their lives for Christ and His Church. Each retreat ended with a group sharing session of the graces received during the week. Students often comment on the ways in which they have encountered afresh the love of Christ, the fervor to pray, a deepened desire for holiness, and a renewed trust in the Lord. In a spirit of heartfelt gratitude we thank all of our generous benefactors who make these retreats possible for the spiritual development and prayer formation of future priests.
The first-year students of the College took their retreat at the English Villa where they spent time reflecting upon the demands of holiness in today’s world. Numerous reflections on present-day saints and holy men and women who inspire us to live devotedly for Christ were offered at conferences led by College Spiritual Director Msgr. William Lyons. The students of the second-year spent their a week of silent retreat in prayer at Rocca di Papa. The retreat centered on the mysteries of the Rosary and masculine spirituality. Conferences were given by the College’s Director of Spiritual Formation Fr. Richard Tomasek, S.J. He guided students to pray about their priestly vocation and the potential fatherhood found in the priesthood.
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Eacb year, Serra International Foundation generously supports the Spiritual Formation of seminarians by providing scholarships to fund twenty-five percent of the Retreat Program. Pictured here with Msgr. James Checchio, are representatives from Serra International (from left): John Woodward, Executive Director; Janet Dell Freeman, President; and Fred McNair, President Emeritus. The College thanks Serra International for their generous support.
The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E
I ngredere in T emplum D ei P ie D evote A ttente
by Matt Wiering ‘10 Diocese of New Ulm
Piously, Devoutly, and Attentively Enter into the Temple of God
These words—carved into the wood of the doors of the entrance to the Immaculate Conception Chapel—serve to remind all who walk through that portal that they are entering a holy place. It is here that we assemble each day to pray and to celebrate the Eucharist, which enables us to grow in unity as brothers and strengthening us as men in Christ. The chapel is at the very heart of the North American College.
Above (from left): Rev. Brendan Lally, S.J. and Rev. William Callahan, O.F.M.Conv., two of the house Spiritual Directors, sign the Oath of Fidelity. Below: Archbishop Edwin O’Brien, Chariman of the Board of Governors of the College prays during the Opening Mass.
On October 14, 2007, the NAC community gathered in this chapel once again to celebratethe opening of a academic school year and the Solemnity of the Dedication of that very chapel, which was consecrated by Pope Pius XII on the same date in 1953. The celebrant for the Mass was Archbishop Edwin O’Brien, Archbishop of Baltimore and the Chairman of the Board of Governors. He said in his homily, “Today we celebrate [the] priests of God, living and dead, who in this place learned, cheerfully, to offer themselves as living sacrifices in thanksgiving for their priestly call. And today, we— all of us—accept the singular challenge at the start of this academic year: to be worthy of all that has been given us.” During the liturgy, twelve NAC faculty members made the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, promising to “hold fast to the Deposit of Faith in its entirety, faithfully hand it on and explain it, and avoid any teachings contrary to it.” We pray as we begin this new academic year that each of us will accept the challenge of living the Gospel so that we may devoutly enter the Temple of God and serve one day at His Altar as priests of Jesus Christ.
Some of the faculty members as they make the Profession of Faith. From left: Rev. Msgr. Robert Gruss ‘94 (Davenport), Vice Rector for Seminary Life; Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg ‘89 (Tulsa), Vice Rector for Administration; Rev. Dennis Yurochko ‘02 (Pittsburgh), Director of Apostolic Formation; Rev. Joseph Betschart ‘99 (Portland in Oregon), Academic Dean; Rev. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap., Director of Counseling Services; and Rev. Joseph Hanefeldt ‘84 (Omaha), Spiritual Director.
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A Thousand Times...
WELCOME! E
by Nicholas Desimone ‘10 Diocese of Worcester
very summer, while most men of the College are engaged in pastoral ministry assignments in their dioceses or other parts of the world, the same time the College is preparing to welcome a new class of students. This year the College welcomed fifty-two men, the largest class in recent history, from over thirty-five dioceses in the United States and Australia.
There are many traditional activities that accompany the arrival of the New Men. Many of us still remember the sound of the bells ringing as we arrived at the College for the first time and the anxious feeling we experienced as we marched up the steps into the Immaculate Conception Chapel for Daytime Prayer while the old men, faculty, and staff “clapped” us in. These are wonderful traditions that make for wonderful memories! Each year presents us with an opportunity to do something new, as well. The increased requirement for greater proficiency in the Italian language at the different Roman universities means that most of the New Men arrive in July to begin language studies in Assisi, Siena, or Verbania. Consequently, the College offered an early orientation program for those students coming to Rome early for language studies that allowed them to familiarize themselves with the city of Rome and the College. This program included visits to Rome’s ancient Christian sites, a day-trip to the historicUmbrian town of Orvieto, and even a day at the beach! These too are quickly becoming treasured traditions of the College.
I welcome the new seminarians of the Pontifical North American College, and pray that their formative years in Rome will help them to grow in wisdom and pastoral charity. Pope Benedict XVI Angelus on Sunday, 26 August 2007
Orientation is an exciting time in the life of the College, not only for the New Men, but also for us “Old Men” who remember what it was like to pick up and move to a new school in a foreign country. While it may have seemed overwhelming at the time, we are certainly grateful for this opportunity to study, to pray, and to be formed as priests of Jesus Christ at the North American College. On behalf of the entire college community I say again to the Class of 2011, “Welcome to the North American College.”
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The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E
NEW MAN ORIENTATION
Joshua Allen James Baron Brandon Bernhard Justin Bianchi William Brunner Travis Burnett H. Ray Cho Anthony Craig Ryan Creamer James Dodson Jeb Donelan Christopher Donley Sean Donovan Luke Dundon Jeffrey Eirvin James Etheridge Peter Finney, III Charles Gallagher Andrew Haines Neal Hock Aaron Johanneck Gannon Jones Thomas Kelly Paul Kolker Anthony Kruse James Larkin
THE NEW MAN CLASS
Archdiocese of Atlanta Diocese of Colorado Springs Diocese of Tyler Diocese of Venice Diocese of Green Bay Archdiocese of Mobile Archdiocese of Newark Diocese of Duluth Diocese of Rockville Centre Diocese of Burlington Diocese of Arlington Diocese of Pittsburgh Diocese of Tulsa Diocese of Arlington Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon Archdiocese of Mobile Archdiocese of New Orleans Archdiocese of Washington Diocese of Toledo Diocese of Grand Island Diocese of New Ulm Archdiocese of Perth Diocese of Venice Diocese of Dallas Archdiocese of Dubuque Archdiocese of Santa Fe
OF
2007
Matthew Libra Christopher Markman E. Theodore Martin Richard Mastrogiacomo Joseph McQuaide, IV David Nerbun George Nixon Rheo Ofalsa Mark Peyton Michael Pratt Keith Romke Aaron Rose William Ruelle John Solomon Nathan Sparks Cory Stanley Jeffrey Starkovich Qui Tran Adam Verona Stephen Vrazel Paul Vu Riley Williams James Yamauchi Philip Zubrod Peter Zwaans
Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon Diocese of Fargo Diocese of Kalamazoo Diocese of Rockville Centre Diocese of Wilmington Diocese of Charleston Diocese of Providence Archdiocese of Omaha Archdiocese of Perth Diocese of Tulsa Diocese of Rockford Diocese of Sacramento Diocese of Bismarck Diocese of Wilmington Diocese of Rapid City Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Diocese of Lake Charles Diocese of Bridgeport Diocese of Pittsburgh Archdicoese of Mobile Diocese of Orange in California Diocese of Fall River Diocese of Dallas Diocese of Fargo Archdiocese of Adelaide
Left: Some New Men enjoy brunch after their arrival on the first day of Orientation. Above Left: Msgr. James Checchio, prays with the men before the annual Labor Day Softball Game. Above Right: New Men listen attentively to the words of the Holy Father during the Angelus at Castelgandolfo.
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DIOCESES REPRESENTED
PON
AT THE
Diocese of Spokane Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Diocese of Boise
Di Diocese of Bismarck
Diocese of Rapid City
Diocese of Oakland Archdiocese of San Francisco
Dio
Diocese of
Diocese of Cheyenne
Diocese of Sacramento
Diocese of Fargo
Archdiocese of Omaha
Diocese of Grand Island
Diocese of Linc
Diocese of Colorado Springs Diocese of Fresno
Diocese of Wich
Archdiocese of Los Angeles Eparchy of Van Nuys
Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Diocese of Orange in California
Diocese of San Diego
Diocese o
Archdiocese o
Diocese of Fort Worth Dioces
Di
A Archdiocese of San Antonio G Archdiocese of Perth
Archdiocese of Adelaide
Diocese of Lismore Archdiocese of Sydney
Archdiocese of Melbourne
NTIFICAL
NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE
iocese of Crookston Diocese of Duluth
Diocese of Burlington
Diocese of Portland
Diocese of Saint Cloud
Diocese of Rochester Archdiocese of St. Paul Diocese of Worcester Archdiocese of Boston and Minneapolis Diocese of Green Bay of Springfield Diocese Diocese of Fall River ocese of New Ulm Diocese of Providence Diocese of Winona Diocese of LaCrosse Diocese of Bridgeport Archdiocese of Hartford Archdiocese of Milwaukee Diocese of Madison Diocese of Brooklyn Diocese of Rockville Centre Archdiocese of Detroit Diocese of Scranton Archdiocese of Newark Diocese of Dubuque Diocese of Kalamazoo Diocese of Cleveland Diocese of Metuchen Diocese of Rockford f Sioux City Diocese of Toledo Diocese of Trenton Diocese of Paterson of Youngstown Diocese Archdiocese of Chicago Archdiocese of Philadelphia Diocese of Davenport Diocese of Harrisburg Diocese of Camden Diocese of Pittsburgh Diocese of Wilmington Archdiocese of Baltimore Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Archdiocese of Washington Diocese of Arlington
Diocese of Peoria
coln Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Archdiocese of Cinicnnati
hita
Diocese of Richmond
Diocese of Covington
Archdiocese of Saint Louis Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon
Diocese of Lexington
of Tulsa
of Oklahoma City
Diocese of Little Rock
Diocese of Memphis Archdiocese of Atlanta
Diocese of Charleston
se of Dallas
Diocese of Savannah
iocese of Tyler
Diocese of Lake Charles
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Archdiocese of Mobile Archdiocese of New Orleans
Diocese of St. Augustine
Diocese of St. Petersburg Diocese of Venice
Archdiocese of Miami
DIOCESES NOT ON THE MAP
Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska Diocese of Gibraltar Diocese of Haarlem, The Netherlands Archiocese of Liverpool, England, Great Britain Diocese of Northampton, England, Great Britain Diocese of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Archdiocese of Split-Makarska, Croatia
VIA GIULIA by Jesse Burish ‘09
Diocese of LaCrosse
T
he Via Giulia is known by many North American College seminarians for the great cappuccino and friendly owners of the Café Peru coffee bar. This great little café is frequented because it is close to the College, near the church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, which we pass by every day on our way to class. However, the Via Giulia has more to offer than just cappuccino. This picturesque avenue extends from the church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini to the Ponte Sisto. It takes its name from its early 16th century developer, Pope Julius II (1503-13), who commissioned the architect Donato Bramante (1444-1514) to begin work on the new Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Via Giulia distinguishes itself from most other streets in Rome because it is one of the only straight thoroughfares in the city. Bramante designed it to be an attractive avenue on which pilgrims would approach Saint Peter’s. Bramante’s plans for the street were never fully realized, although the Via Giulia has become a fashionable and beautiful street enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Historically, the Via Giulia is known for its many great resident artists. The Florentine sculptor Giuliano da Sangallo (14431516), Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-94), Choirmaster at the Basilicas of Saint Peter, Saint Mary Major, and Saint John Lateran, and the Renaissance painter and architect Raphael (1483-1520) are just a few of those who called the Via Giulia their home. In keeping with the street’s artistic heritage, one of the avenue’s distinguishing enterprises today involves the sale of antique art and furnishings. These antique dealers occupy the street-level rooms of the Via Giulia’s old palaces. At the time of their construction, these rooms were used as stables for horses. However, as the age of automobiles began, the wealthy families who owned the palaces rented out these former stables, resulting in the many street-level shops we see today. If you have time to stroll down the street after enjoying a cappuccino from Café Peru, here are just a few of the things you will want to see (beginning at the church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini and walking toward the Ponte Sisto): At the beginning of the Via Giulia, you immediately notice the imposing travertine façade of the church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, St. John of the Florentines. This church was built to be the parish for the Florentine community in Rome. Inside this church are buried two great contributors to Rome’s beautiful architecture: Francesco Borromini (1599-1667), who designed the interior of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, and his uncle Carlo Maderno (1556-1629), who designed the impressive façades of Saint Peter’s Basilica and Sant’Andrea della Valle. It is also important to note that Saint Philip Neri was the pastor of this parish, which also served for a time in the 1570’s as the headquarters for the oratory that he founded.
18
Continuing down the street, you can see on the right large stones which are part of the foundation for the Tribunal Palace of Julius II. During the time of the papal states this building served as the place where all the judges of Rome would assemble to govern the well-being of the Roman people. Today, it houses the offices for the Direzione Nationale Antimafia, representing today, as it did in years past, the protection of society in Italy.
The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E
NEIGHBORHOOD PROFILE As you approach the end of the street, just after the Palazzo Falconieri, distinguished by the large, sculpted falcons’ heads on the corners, one comes to a church with some rather curious exterior details. Upon a closer inspection of the church Santa Maria dell’Orazione e Morte, you can see the carved stone skulls and other images reminiscent of death decorating the façade. The reason for this imagery is not a morbid fascination, but rather Christian charity. This church belongs to the Archconfraternity of Santa Maria dell’Orazione e Morte, founded in 1551, which would collect the bodies of anonymous people who had died in Rome and provide them with a Christian Burial. This act of burying the dead--a corporal work of mercy-is a beautiful aspect of our Catholic faith that is still supported by this confraternity. Finally, you reach the beautiful archway which serves as one of the Via Giulia’s distinguishing characteristics. This arch was intended by the famous Renaissance architect and sculptor Michelangelo (1475-1564) to be part of a bridge which linked the Palazzo Farnese to the Farnesina across the Tiber River. After passing underneath the archway, one can peer through the gates into the beautiful backyard garden of the Palazzo Farnese, which is today the French Embassy. At first glance, the Via Giulia appears to be just another picturesque street in the old city of Rome. However, there is so much more that could be said about the street’s history, art, and connections to the papacy. Whether you’re stopping for a brief moment of prayer at one of the street’s several churches, or shopping and enjoying the urban scenery, or if you just have time for a cappuccino, the Via Giulia can be enjoyed on various levels as one of Rome’s great neighborhoods.
Left: One of the skulls on the façade of the Church of Santa Maria dell’Orazione e Morte. Above: A view of the beautiful archway behind Palazzo Farnese. Right: Café Peru, a favorite of seminarians of the College. Facing Page: Top: A street sign on one of the buildings of Via Giulia. Bottom: A shot down the Via Giulia during a busy afternoon.
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HUMILITY STREET A GLIMPSE INTO LIFE ON
A
by Rev. Peter Dugandzic C‘08
Diocese of Rockville Centre
fter completing parish work for eight years, my bishop, Most Rev. William Murphy, asked me if I would be interested in going for further studies in Moral Theology with the possibility of eventually teaching in our diocesan seminary. I agreed and shortly thereafter, at the bishop’s request, I enrolled in the Licentiate program at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Upon completing the License in June 2006, the bishop then asked me if I would be willing to pursue a doctorate. Again, I was willing and assumed I would be returning to CUA. However, the bishop indicated that he would prefer I continue my studies at the Gregorian University in Rome with residence at the Casa Santa Maria. Having only visited Rome as a tourist, I knew very little about the Casa or the university system in Rome. Because of this past year in Rome I now appreciate the city, the Casa, and the Pontifical North American College in a whole new way. Visitors to the Casa are often struck by its architectural beauty and impressive chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Humility. They are fascinated by its long history which dates back hundreds of years as a residence, a convent, and, since 1859 under the auspices of the U.S. Bishops, as a seminary and as a residence for graduate-student priests. One of the strengths of the Casa is that its resident priests have ample opportunities to pray with one another, exchange thoughts and ideas from their classes, share varying priestly experiences from dioceses across the country, and daily grow in a fraternal, priestly bond. Amidst the academic challenges of seminars, classes, presentations, theses, and dissertations, residents of the Casa find mutual support and prayerful encouragement. Such an environment makes a big difference for a student priest, especially when far from home.
20 The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E
Above: Rev. Msgr. James Checchio shares a moment with Most Rev. Dennis Schnurr, bishop of the Diocese of Duluth and Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly, Superior of the Casa Santa Maria. Left: Rev. Peter Dugandzic C’08 in the garden of the Casa Santa Maria.
As I continue my doctoral research into the challenges faced by families with regard to the proper formation of values, I realize more and more each day how important one’s surroundings and living environment are to his or her self-understanding. More specifically, the house in which one lives will have a great impact on the overall well-being of the individual. I have found that a priest’s studies as well as other dimensions of his life are impacted by the place where he lives, as well. Because of this environment, each resident priest who lives at the Casa recognizes that his vocation is ultimately to the priestly service of building up the Kingdom of God. Each realizes that the primary reason he is in Rome is to advance his knowledge through graduate studies and some day return home to service in his diocese. Each one also recognizes that, for however long he will be studying in Rome, the Casa is his home. In the life of a diocesan priest, for any residence to be a home, everyone has to do his part. To that end, the Casa priests elect a five-member House Council each spring. The council is uniquely tasked with overseeing the various house matters of common or mutual concern, ensuring prompt discussion and resolution to such matters, and ultimately, as stated in the house constitution, “to serve the Casa Santa Maria residents by promoting their spiritual, social, and intellectual well-being.” While my brother council members and I do our best to promote these aspects of communal life, we also recognize that this life is made possible by the grace of God and the involvement of each member of the Casa. May we all pray that, through the intercession of Our Lady of Humility, the residents of the Casa Santa Maria will grow in priestly virtue and holiness. AUTUMN 2 0 0 7
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FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS T
he last few months at the North American College have not only seen the arrival of the “new man� class and the ordination of twenty-one new deacons, but also many improvements to the building itself. First, the end of the summer brought to a conclusion the updating of the electrical system in the apartments in the wall of the College that was begun in the spring. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the fifth floor student kitchen was completely gutted and renovated during the last two weeks of September. The renovations included new stainless steel countertops, a new six burner gas stove, two new gas ovens, and a new pantry to store dry goods. With the kitchen being used most nights for class dinners or hosting guests, this renovation is much appreciated by the student body. Finally, work was also completed on the Blessed John XXIII Bowling Alley at the College. The mechanisms on both lanes were repaired, the lane floors were polished, and, thanks to the work of some students, the pins were cleaned and repainted. These improvements would not be possible without the continued generosity of our many benefactors. Thank you!
Top: The fifth floor student kitchen during recent renovations. Above: A picture of the newly renovated student kitchen after its improvements were completed. Below: The Blessed John XXIII Bowling Alley following its recent restoration.
22 The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Mary DiDonato
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement
Typically, the summer months in a development office are somewhat slower than the rest of the year. Those “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” are often used by the staff to take a long deep breath after the hectic first half of the year and catch up on filing and other mundane office chores before we gear up for the remainder of the year. However, that definitely has not been the case in our office! During the “slower” summer months and into the Fall, we have kept pace with a variety of activities.
In June, the annual alumni reunion, organized by Msgr. Mark Svarczkopf and Virginia Neff, was held in New Orleans. Over one hundred alumni from around the country gathered for several days to reminisce with classmates about their time in Rome and to catch up on current events at the College. While in New Orleans, the alumni concelebrated Mass with Archbishop Alfred Hughes at one of the most notable landmarks in the heart of old New Orleans, the St. Louis Cathedral, took a tour of the hardest-hit and still devastated areas battered by Hurricane Katrina over two years ago, and also presented the Alumni award to fellow alumnus, Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb of Mobile. We also closed the books on Vision For The Future, the most successful capital campaign in the history of the North American College. Thanks to the extraordinary support of alumni, dioceses, and laity throughout the United States, the Campaign closed $3,000,000 over goal. Much of the summer was devoted to reconciling our files and accounts and chronicling the high points of the Campaign into a Final Report to the Donors. (A condensed version of this Report is included in this Magazine.) In addition, to accurately and efficiently track pledges and payments over the five year remittance schedule, we spent several months updating and converting our campaign database to a new software system, designed specifically for this purpose, that will be run in-house. Converting data and learning new systems is always an onerous task! Amidst all this, planning and preparations for the sixth annual Umiltà Awards in November reached a fever pitch over the summer and continued on into the Fall. Letters were drafted, invitations were designed and our offices appeared to be a sub-station of the local post office for these mailings. As I write, we continue to accept reservations and put the finishing touches on the College’s social event of the year here in the States that is rivaled only by the annual Rector’s Dinner held in Rome. The whirlwind of activity that I just described (and that is really only a mini-snapshot of what we do throughout the year) can only be accomplished by great team work. And what a great team we have here in our Advancement Office! So before I close I’d like to introduce you to the other team members: Peter Martin, a native of Wisconsin, who is completing his STL at the John Paul II Institute, is our database manager. Rima Davoudi, a recent graduate of American University in D.C., is our administrative assistant. Andrea Briones, a junior studying politics at Catholic University, and Gregory Athanas, a senior majoring in History at Catholic University, are interns and enjoy working several days a week in our offices. These are the people, rarely seen, who toil behind the scenes to make it all happen. Without their capable assistance, the Office of Institutional Advancement would not be able to keep in touch with you, our loyal friends and benefactors. From all of us, we thank you for your generosity and look Advancement Office staff (from left to right): Andrea Briones, Gregory Athanas, Peter Martin, and Rima Davoudi forward to your ongoing partnership with us.
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ECONOMO’S CORNER The farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it until it receives the late and early rain.
C
Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg ‘89
hange is in the air at the Pontifical North American College and it isn't just in the change of seasons from summer to fall. We’re gaining a new perspective on the world around us thanks to the recently completed Vision for the Future capital campaign.
Diocese of Tulsa Vice Rector for Administration
I say that we’re getting a new perspective on the world because every window in the building is being replaced and updated. That’s more than 1,000 windows! They include the large windows of the Rappresentanza level as well as the smaller windows of the residence rooms. The work is being done even as you read this magazine article. Here’s some of the reasons why we’re gaining a new perspective on the world: The seminary campus on the Janiculum hill is nearly fifty-five years old and so are most of the windows in the building. They were originally installed at a time when heating expenses were minimal and so were concerns for insulation and environmental protection. The steel casement single pane fixtures served the College well in a previous time and I am grateful for the fine craftsmanship that made them such a durable product for thousands of students. However, the high cost of energy and the need to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us, both financial and environmental, have called for these new windows. The students will no longer feel the winter wind blowing through their rooms despite the closed windows. Nor will they hear the familiar sounds of Rome distracting them from prayer, studies, or sleep. They will enjoy a quieter, more energy efficient environment during their seminary formation. Later this year, work will continue to replace the windows at the Casa Santa Maria. The exterior windows have already been replaced and now the windows that open onto the interior courtyard will be completed. I hope you have a chance to visit the campuses and see these improvements for yourself. Great care has been taken to ensure that the new windows are architecturally consistent with the originally intended design for the building. Equally great care was involved in the selection of a quality company for the replacement process. Many thanks go to the benefactors, architects, engineers and consultants who have helped make this project a reality. The Pontifical North American College has faithfully engaged in the noble ministry of priestly formation for nearly 150 years and more than fifty of those years have been at the Janiculum campus. With these new windows, we’re ever more ready to continue this ministry into the future. When we look upon the world around us, we will all be grateful to you, our benefactors and friends, who have given us this new perspective. God bless you for your kindness and generosity. - Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg
24 The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E
Circle of Friends
THE NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE
THANKS THE
TURICCHI FAMILY
At the invitation of then-Rector Msgr. (now Archbishop) Timothy Dolan, Scott and Lannette Turicchi visited the North American College in 2000, while on their honeymoon, and attended a luncheon in the College’s Archbishop O’Connor Red Room. Upon entering this formal reception room, the newlyweds were warmly greeted with rousing applause by the seminarians. The memory of that unexpected welcome has remained with them to this day. Scott and Lannette visited Rome again during that Jubilee Year and once more were invited to lunch, this time at the College’s residence for graduate student priests, the Casa Santa Maria. It was during this trip that their bond with the College was solidified. They saw first-hand how important the Pontifical North American College is to the Catholic Church in the United States. Lannette firmly believes “you can see the grace come through the men.”
To demonstrate their support for the College, Scott and Lannette made an extraordinary commitment to Vision for the Future and also graciously hosted a Campaign reception in March 2006 at their home in Tarzana, California. More than thirty-five of their friends and family attended the event to learn more about the College and the important role it plays in the formation of priests and seminarians.
Scott and Lannette Turicchi and Family
Photo courtesy of Marie-Catherine Photography
The Turicchis believe that not enough effort is made to inform Catholics of all that exists beyond the “four Catholic cities” in the United States, especially of the close bonds that exist between the United States and Rome. They would like the College to be an especially recognizable witness to our faith. More specifically, Scott and Lannette hope that other laity will come to appreciate the strong academic and spiritual formation that characterizes the tightly-knit community at the College. As Scott said, “The North American College takes both tasks seriously and is a wonderful place of education. The College has done a great job of instilling in the seminarians an understanding of what it means to be a priest today. The men who study at the College have a better understanding of the universal Church and how we all fit together. By being in Rome, they must live it and breathe it. We all benefit from their experience.” AUTUMN 2 0 0 7
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The Pontifical North American College congratulates Archbishop Edwin O’Brien, Chairman of the Board of Governors, on his installation as Archbishop of Baltimore. May God grant him abundant blessings. Ad Multos Annos!
The Pontifical
Some photographs courtesy of Owen Sweeney/Catholic Review and the Archdiocese of Baltimore
North American College
3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20017-1194
For more information about the North American College, or to learn about opportunities for memorial gifts, contact Mary DiDonato at our Washington, DC, Office of Institutional Advancement: Tel: (202) 541-5411 / Fax: (202) 722-8804 Email: nac@usccb.org or visit our website at www.pnac.org
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEONARDTOWN, MD PERMIT NO. 50