Rector's Corner
"Our Men Here Are Happy" By: Msgr. Timothy M. Dolan, Rector Archdiocese of St. Louis, Class of 1976 When Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, has something to say, people pay attention. Thus, when he called me aside for a word after ordaining our thirty-two men deacons last October 7th in St. Peter's Basilica, I was "all ears." And how pleased I was when the cardinal said, "Your men seem so very happy!" As in most things, Cardinal Ratzinger was right on target. Yes, our seminarians and priests here at the North American College in Rome are happy! I hear that from others, too: from visitors, from professors at the universities, and from the people we serve in our apostolates. Just recently, I received a moving letter from the father of one of our forty-four New Men, who arrived here at the College
of one of our forty-four New Men, who arrived here at the College the end of August. This dad wrote, "I must confess that I have had mixed emotions about my son's vocation. It was difficult for me to be enthusiastic about his decision to enter the seminary; it was really tough for me to accept his appointment to the North American College. I just worried that my son would not be happy. But, in his dozens of letters, emails, and phone calls over the ten weeks he's been in Rome, it's obvious that he's never been happier. Sure, he admits some homesickness and some rocky transition, but he loves Rome, the College, his new brothers, the program, and his life. I'm now at peace, because my son is genuinely happy." You can tell by their laughter, their cheer, their energy, and their courtesy, that they are men of joy. Why? Well, from a purely natural point of view, the North American College is a pleasant place to live. Thanks to so many of you, our benefactors, we have a comfortable, clean, caring house, admired by many in Rome. The men who live here are quality, wholesome, upbeat people, who look out for each other, and make the place a real home. Even more important, though, is the supernatural cause of this joy. These men are responding to God's call, pursuing His invitation, obedient to the decision of their bishop, and in daily communication with the Lord in prayer. As the Bible teaches, conformity to His Will is the secret of happiness! That sure doesn't mean that their life is carefree and rosy! Struggle, challenge, hard work, and setbacks abound -- but they can never dull the deep sense of interior joy that comes from a sincere commitment to God's will. Your support and encouragement add to their happiness . . . thanks! Cardinal Ratzinger and that New Man's dad are right: our men here are happy. And our job is to send them back to you as happy priests.
A Year in Review
The Fatherhood of God in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ By: Fr. Joseph Henchey, C.S.S. Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata Some years ago there was a book on the priesthood rather widely read in Catholic circles: Everybody Calls Me Father! It was an enthusiastic presentation of the priesthood, and it shone with a sense of gratitude for the laity who so honored their priests. In 1999, the final year of preparation for the Great jubilee Year, the Holy Father suggested prayerful reflection on God the Father and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. These principles in every priest's life offer a great challenge to serve the people of God "in the Person of Christ", His only begotten Son, the Chief Supreme Shepherd [1 Peter], the Great High Priest [Hebrews].
The Priest is called "Father" also as a reminder of his bond to the Trinity in response to the vocation from God the Father, to Eve in the Person of Christ with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. This title is bestowed also in the light of Jesus' specific prohibition: call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father and He is in heaven [cf. Mt 23:9]. In his Commentary on this passage of Matthew, St. Thomas Aquinas noted that when one's Father indeed is in heaven, and is He from Whom all expect their eternal inheritance, then no one would need another father on earth. However, the Saint went on to explain, that this prohibition of Jesus Christ would not exclude earthly fathers. Furthermore, the tide does imply a certain spiritual authority, as when St. Paul speaks of "generating" the faithful in the forming early communities within the Apostolic Church - and they are all his "children", his spiritual off spring [cf. 2 Co 6:13, 17; 1 Th 2:1 1]. When the Church offers the great prayer of Hope which is Jesus' own Prayer - the "Our Father" each believer refers to the Heavenly Father, excluding any doubt regarding His divine concern for human beings. The title "Father" addressed to God, inspires charity, it offers a challenge to imitate Him, and provokes an abiding sense of humility. This is all well treated in the new Catechism of the Catholic Church [## 2779-2785]. The Fatherhood of God in the prayer of Jesus gives us the reason for the establishment of the Church and the institution of the sacraments. He prays that we might all be one as He and the Father is. He prays that we be united to God as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are intimately united to One another [cf. Jn 17: 2 1, ff.]. In his beautiful Encyclical Letter on Mercy, written almost 20 years ago [November 30, 1980], Pope John Paul 11 instructs the Church on Jesus' presentation of His Father. The Cross of Calvary is a fresh manifestation of the eternal Fatherhood of God, Who in Jesus Christ, draws near to humanity, to each human being, giving each the thrice holy Spirit of Truth. Jesus' fundamental mission is to make the Father present as love and mercy [ cf. Dives in Misericordia, ## 3-9, passim]. Jesus' unique presentation of God the Father as His own Abba [cf. Mk 14:36; Km 8:15; Ga 4:6] has offered food for much prayerful and scholarly reflection and can be seen as the heart of much of the early understanding of the Church regarding the divine Son - He truly is the Father's only-begotten, most beloved "Son", in the most sublime dimension of that word. By the shedding of His Most Precious Blood through His Sacred Stigmata, and His sending of the Apostles in the manifestation of His Glorious Stigmata on Easter night [cf. Jn 20: 20, ff.], Jesus Christ has communicated a share in His own Filiation and empowers all the Baptized as His disciples. From among these, He had chosen 12 men whom He had wanted, and sent them out on His Mission [cf. Mk 3:13,.ff]. The reception of Holy Orders empowers a man to serve the Triune God and His People the way Christ did: as Servant, as Priest and as Shepherd. The Priest is called on to seek in prayer a creative pastoral ministry, an "apostolic boldness", daring to say "Our Father", and giving one's whole life for Him, exercising courageously and faithfully the Mission of Mercy. Ministerial priests have a share in Jesus' own priestly relationship to His Heavenly Father in the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to serve the common priesthood of all the baptized. Jesus could say that "Whoever sees Him, sees the Father"; in Hebrews we read that Jesus was the perfect copy ["character "] of the Father's nature, and Paul tells us that Jesus is the Living Image [Icon] of God. It is the hope of every priest that those who see him are led to Jesus Christ - each priest awaits to exercise his priestly "character" in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, and each wants to be an
to exercise his priestly "character" in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, and each wants to be an Icon of the Lord. This is the grace of the Divine Fatherhood in the life of every Priest of Jesus Christ, our ideal: "... He, too, lives in the limitations of weakness ... Nor did Christ give Himself the glory of becoming high priest, but He had it from the One who said to Him: You are my son, today I have become your father... You are a priest of the order of Melchisedek, and forever..." [cf. Heb 5: 1, ff.]
Jubilee
Getting ready for... the Great Jubilee By: Benjamin Dallas Diocese of Savannah, Class of 2002
Pictured Left: The Jubilee Apostolate consists from left to right of: Joshua Rodrigue, Timothy McMorland, Brian Clarke, Raymond de Souza and Benj amin Dallas. Corey Belden was not available. "Ă–the particular Churches during these years of immediate preparation for the Jubilee are getting ready, through prayer, catechesis and pastoral action of different kinds, for this celebration which is leading the whole Church into a new time of grace and mission." (Incarnationis Mysterium, # 3) Imagine a swelling sea of people. Imagine wave upon wave of enthusiastic English-speaking pilgrims crashing onto the shores of Italy, producing a resounding yearlong roar: "Rome." Looked at another way, the pilgrims who come to Rome this year are all in some sense finally "coming home". Or another way: Rome is the vibrant, beating heart of all of Christendom. Or yet another: Rome is the living testament to the unshakable faithfulness, guiding power and love of the Holy Spirit, the mighty legacy left us by the Apostles and Saints. Rome is the Eternal city - our Eternal city - our home draped in history, art and architecture. Rome: our sprawling estate, complete with churches and massive papal Masses, and museums, and monuments, and monoliths, and mausoleums, and mystics, and martyrs, and . . . the mini myocardial fibrillations (uncontrollable heart twitchings) suffered by most people when they are suddenly bowled over by the frightening reality that coming "home" to Rome can quickly turn into an overwhelming affair. There is just so much of it. So, what's a pilgrim to do?" The hope of every true pilgrim is to come away from the Roman experience affirmed and encouraged as a rightful heir to such a wonderful legacy of faith, hope and love. Every true pilgrim wants to return refreshed by the mercy of God the Father, having been drawn more deeply into the life of his Divine Son, aware of his or her own unique identity
been drawn more deeply into the life of his Divine Son, aware of his or her own unique identity within Christ's Body, the Church. But, being left alone with a flood of frustrations and questions can distract one from the original focus. One can easily lose all sense of homecoming, of spiritual "connection", and so be left standing camera in hand - as a mere tourist, a neutral observer. The North American College is sensitive to these realities and wishes to respond to the Holy Father's recent Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio Adveniente (On the Coming of the Third Millennium). With great anticipation and faithful prayer, the NAC, through its jubilee Apostolate, has begun preparing a series of pilgrimage tours to be offered weekly during the jubilee year. Designed as three-to-four hour walks, these tours are unique because they are actually "miniature pilgrimages" to facilitate true prayer and conversion of heart. The beauty of these excursions is their integration of history and varying spiritual themes with frequent times for both quiet reflection and structured group prayer. The Apostolate's goal is to foster a true pilgrim experience during the jubilee. The prayer of the Apostolate and of the whole Church is that this moving and model Roman experience will help the faithful recognize their true identity as a pilgrim people who are entering into a "new time of grace and mission" on their return home to God the Father. Pictured below: The Holy Door at the North American College. Those who assisted Paul Hoesing in the construction of the cross are: Jason Rocks, Matthew Buening, and Paul Czerwonka.
Preaching Workshop
The first task of the priest is to preach By: Austin Murphy Archdiocese of Baltimore, Class of 2002 As Roman workers dug and filled holes on the Janiculum Hill, raising swirls of dust and smoke, fifty-one budding homilists inside the tranquil confines of the North American College were preaching about another man who dug and filled holes - the "worthless servant" in Jesus' parable of the talents (Mt 25:14-30) Led by Fr. Peter John Cameron, 0.P., and Fr. Harry Cronin, a Holy Cross Father, the second-year class set out into the world of evangelization in this year's fall preaching workshop. "The first task of the priest is to preach" (Presbyterorum Ordinis, 4). One of the most important parts of the seminarian's priestly formation is preparing to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to all, as Christ Himself commissioned us. Fr. Cameron, chairman of the department of Homiletics at St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie, has been coming to Rome for the past few years to offer preaching workshops to the second, third and fourth year classes. He is the author of "To Praise, To Bless, To Preach" a recently published collection of reflections on the Sunday Gospels. Fr. Cronin, who is also a playwright and member of the National Endowment for the Arts, is the author of Memoirs of Jesus. Both gave their time and talent to help form our brothers into effective ministers of God's Word. Fr. Cameron's focus with the second year men--in their first attempts at writing and delivering homilies--was to stress the importance of preaching Good News to the People of God. "The homily ought to be impassioned--an expression of your love for God," said Fr. Cameron. Jesus was the Church's first preacher, and the preaching of the priest is a continuation of the message announced by the Lord when he walked among us. In fact, because preaching is an action of Christ, it is salvific and for that reason is an integral part of the celebration of the Eucharist. The annual preaching workshop is part of the renewed commitment of the College to train effective preachers. The recently-established Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics, dedicated this past January, has as its first director Fr. Paul Holmes, a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark and a 1982 Alumnus of the College. At the College, students get many opportunities to hone their preaching skills through Tuesday night formation homiletics practica and independent work with Fr. Holmes and Sr. Benedicta Clauss, O.S.B. Deacons of the fourth and fifth-year classes also get opportunities to preach at Mass during the week. The purpose of preaching is pastoral. It is an expression of the priest's love for God and for the flock he shepherds. It also has a parental, teaching, aspect, and through preaching the priest becomes "Father."
Prepared with prayerful reflection, the homily also nourishes and nurtures the preacher's own spiritual life. "People are led to the Truth out of a sense of love for the Truth," Fr. Cameron told the second-year men. The faithful need to know that priests are speaking of Christ's love out of the fullness of their own hearts, and they need to see that the preacher has found happiness in the Word of God. LOVE is the motive."
Italian
Bolstered by a few weeks of Italian language classes By: Christopher Singer Diocese of Erie, Class of 2003 Pictured right: Christopher Singer enjoys the opportunity of shopping at the local market, Campo dei Fiori. I had it all figured out. It was the middle of September, and after nearly four weeks in Rome, I was beginning to miss some of the seasonal things of home. Autumn in Northwestern Pennsylvania brings a great harvest of apples, and I'm a great fan of apples. Hearing that the large outdoor food market in the center of Rome would have a large selection of my favorite fruit, I decided to pay the place a visit. Bolstered by a few weeks of Italian language classes, I scripted out in my mind just the right Italian phrases I would need to give my order to the shopkeeper. Feeling proud of what I thought were my growing language abilities, I placed my order flawlessly. Then disaster struck. The shopkeeper asked me a question in reply. A look of horror flashed across my face. I had not planned for this. Not only did I not know what the man was trying to ask me, I quickly realized that I couldn't even tell him that I didn't understand what he was saying! My skillfully planned communication session deteriorated rapidly into pointing, arm waving, and grunting by both of us! When it was all over, I finally did get the apples, but the experience made me realize that adjusting to life in Rome was going to be more difficult than I had thought. Life at the College has presented us New Men with many challenges and new situations. Without a doubt, the most difficult of these challenges is the language. Outside the seminary we encounter a different world. Street signs, advertisements, instructions; literally everything is in a language foreign to us. Things as simple as reading a bus map, asking for directions on the street, or getting help in a store can be very frustrating and sometimes even impossible. In addition, about half of us New Men face the further challenge of taking most of our theology classes in Italian. We cannot escape the need to know the language. Adjusting to life in Italy has been quite a challenge. We New Men, though, like to look at it as an adventure. Learning the language is certainly difficult and at times very frustrating. We know, however, that learning the language will help to open up the treasures of this rich Italian culture.
however, that learning the language will help to open up the treasures of this rich Italian culture. As for myself, I look forward to the day when I will not only be able to order apples from that shopkeeper, but be able to stand around and chat with him as well.
Orientation
"Orientation began long before the 'New Men' arrived" By: Dennis Yurochko Diocese of Pittsburgh, Class of 2002
Pictured above: The New Men are enjoying their time in Assisi. Our New Men arrived in Rome on August 27th, looking more alert than we expected after their long flight and the anxiety of their journey. The orientation team greeted them in true North American College fashion. As we led them into chapel for daytime prayer, I could not help but feel the pride welling up within me. Pride in our College community--students, faculty and staff. In particular I felt proud of my classmates who had worked so tirelessly and without complaint (at least not to me!). Knowing all that had gone into that moment, I was probably the most excited person in the chapel. Preparations for Orientation began long before the New Men arrived. There here was much to do to prepare a welcome for our new brothers in Christ. There were publications to update and reservations to be made; committee members to be appointed and tasks to be completed; meetings with faculty members and former orientation chairmen. Above all, there was a need for sincere prayer. Pictured right: The New Men traveling from the airport to the College for the first time. Each Tuesday during the months of April and May the orientation committee made a Holy Hour for the intentions of the prospective students and we invited the whole College to participate. As the names of our new students became available, a member of the orientation team was assigned to pray for each individual and to lift that as yet unknown brother up to the
and to lift that as yet unknown brother up to the Lord in prayer. Our fifth year priests offered Mass intentions for each of the New Men. We were preparing to welcome new members into our Christian community, and our prayer truly helped us stay focused on the deeper meaning behind orientation. We were offering ourselves freely in the imitation of Christ, and only through the Grace of God could our task be accomplished. God in his goodness graced us with a highly successful orientation program. Bishop John J. Myers, '67 of Peoria was the main celebrant of Mass at the tomb of St. Peter for the New Men the day after they arrived. What a wonderful living witness to Apostolic Succession on the first day! The next day Mass was offered at St. John Lateran followed by the Angelus with the Holy Father at Castel Gandolfo. It is not every day that you're welcomed to Rome by the Supreme Pontiff! Pictured: Jeffrey Molnar (left) and Bryan Stitt (below right) are both happy to arrive safely at Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at Rome. Italian classes and meetings have kept the New Men busy, but they never seem to tire of their new experiences. Their attitude has been positive and prayerful from the time of their arrival, and they are already a great asset to the community. As so much was begun and sustained by prayer, let us continue to give thanks to God for the New Men as they grow in wisdom and holiness in their first year at the College.
New Men
Knights of Columbus
"The Principal of this fund is Two Million Dollars" By: Phillip Kaim, 4th Degree Council 2191, Batavia, IL Diocese of Rockford, Class of 2003 Pictured: Msgr. Dolan receives a check from the Supreme Knight, Sir Virgil Dechant, of nearly $150,000. Mr. & Mrs. Enrico Demajo, Director of the Knights of Columbus office in Rome, join them. The very first encounter most of us New Men had on our journey to Rome was a warm greeting and send-off from the
warm greeting and send-off from the Knights of Columbus at JFK airport. What we might not have known is how devotedly, and how long, the Knights have worked to the support the mission of the College. Breaking ground on the Janiculum In the early 1920's the American bishops purchased a tract of land on the Janiculum to house an expanded American seminary presence in Rome. After World War 11, Pius XII decided that the time was right to reopen the College and make the move. Not only was a larger facility needed, but a construction project of the magnitude he contemplated would bring much-needed jobs and income to post-war Rome. Pius XII chose Cardinal Francis Spellman of New York to lead the project. Cardinal Spellman had been a chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, while working in Rome as a young priest. He asked his brother Knight, Papal Architect Count Enrico Galeazzi, to design the building and oversee its construction. The new College was the greatest undertaking of the Count's distinguished architectural career, and Pius XTI would later say that its "large and majestic, though severe lines" had become the "Golden Hill's" gleaming crown. This K of C connection was the start of a relationship that continued under the leadership of Rector Bishop Martin J. O'Connor (who was close to both Plus XII and Count Galeazzi). The relationship endures today. The Count Enrico Galeazzi Fund A Most seminarians know of the Knights' generosity in providing national, state and council-level scholarships and gifts that help ease the financial burden of seminary formation. In addition, however, the College is the beneficiary of a special K of C fund established in honor of Count Galeazzi at the suggestion of Supreme Knight Virgil C. Dechant almost twenty years ago. The principal of this fund is two million dollars, and each year the College receives approximately $150,000 of fund income for operating expenses. Pictured: Domincan Fr. Gabriel O'Donnell is postulator for the cause of sainthood for the founder of the Knights, Fr. Michael J. McGivney. In recognition of the Order's I devotion to the College, Supreme Knight Dechant was given the College Founders' Medal in 1992 and the Rector's Award in 1995. He is the only person other than our former rector, Cardinal James Hickey, '51 to have received both awards. As many seminarians know, the LA College welcomes Supreme Knight Dechant and a number of other K of C officials to various events throughout the year. Please remember him and all the other Knights in your prayers of gratitude for their generous support of our priestly vocations.
Vocation Story
My vocation took this Giant Leap when I befriended a parish priest By: Timothy Reilly Diocese of Providence, Class of 2003 Preparing for the priesthood is a very humbling exercise and to appreciate it fully we must be retrospective. We must ask some beautifully direct questions that inevitably all priests and seminarians consider: how has the Lord led me to where I am? What has influenced me most as I strive toward Holy Priesthood? These are awesome questions, and the answers are many, varying with each individual. However, there seems to be one commonality that every priest and priest-to-be could identify. Each man can discern in his "vocation story" the priceless, inestimable and necessary influence of at least one holy priest. Indeed, it seems the cultivation of a religious vocation is somehow inseparable from the virtuous example of a good priest. Of course, I speak from experience. My vocation likely began as so many do - at an early age, I preferred crucifixes to G.I. Joe, the local religious goods store to Toys "R" Us. My parents never discouraged my religious interests, and I was blessed to have a family that actively practiced and passed on their faith. My Irish grandparents openly lamented not having a priest in the family, and so it seemed that early on, my vocation was settled. However, my family never "forced" my vocation, and I never felt compelled to do it just to make everyone happy. My family demonstrated the powerful combination of Christian example, prayer and encouragement - all of which provided a healthy impetus to my early vocation. However, without the personal witness of a friendly priest, a vocation can become a bit like soil without the proper nutrients. A vocation may take root and survive without it, but it blossoms best through the influence of a holy example. It craves the care and nourishment that only a priest can contribute. The reasons for this are obvious and manifold, and in no way should imply that the influence of family and friends is somehow unimportant. Put simply, holy priesthood, due to its unique character and function, offers a dimension to which no one else can lay claim: Alter Christus. These words are so often repeated that they run the risk of becoming diluted. However, they capture the sacred responsibilities and tasks with which the priest has been charged. It is within the faithful performance of these God-given duties that the priest is a priest. It is what makes him different from all other men, and it is precisely what young men interested in priesthood must be allowed to witness. In so doing, the priest accomplishes something no less important than all of his other duties - he continues the good work begun by God, and begins to transform the maturity of the vocation.
My vocation took this giant leap when I befriended a parish priest, who just happened to be head of our CYO program. I was 15 years old and, despite the occasional ribbing I took from my friends, was quite convinced I should one day be a priest. Ever given my zeal, I was hardpressed to explain why I wished to be a priest. Father showed me why, and in so many ways: through his service to the parish's youth, his ability to face difficulty with irrepressible humor, his bedside manner with the sick and aged, and most importantly to me, his perpetual patience in answering my endless questions about "rectory life." Finally, I had realized who a priest is. Father was not a physically impressive man, nor was he overwhelmingly funny. He was a caring man, who simply took an interest in my interest, and then devoted the time. Perhaps the most telling aspect of his influence is that he found me. He looked around his parish community, took the initiative, and sought me out, hitting me directly with that probing question, "Have you ever thought about becoming a priest?" What is more appropriate for a priest than to seek out a spiritual descendant, one who will one day follow him "into the vineyards"? Perhaps, in the final analysis, the powerful influence of the priest on vocations may best be seen through sacred Scripture. Our Lord sums up the destiny of the Twelve with the mysterious words, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." If the priest is truly Alter Christus, it seems only fitting that he echo the Master's words and, by deed and example, inspire and invite young men to come forward in response to His call of love. (Out of respect for his privacy the priest shall remain unknown except in my heart.)
Book Review
Witness to Hope Edited By: Edward Horkan, Esq. Diocese of Arlington, Class of 2002 The following are excerpts from Professor Mary Ann Glendon's review of Witness to Hope, George Weigel's biography of the Pope, in L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican's newspaper. Many writers have been fascinated by this Pope's role as a shaper of world events, but most have shown little comprehension of the philosophical and religious commitments that undergird his decisions and actions. . [T]he Pope once remarked, "They try to understand me from the outside. But I can only be understood from the inside." To interpret John Paul II "from the inside," however, requires a biographer . . . well grounded not only in Catholic thought, hut in modern secular philosophies; politically sophisticated; independent of mind, yet able to "think with the Church." Happily, George Weigel ... possesses all those qualifications plus a gift for explaining without simplifying. To this lay reader, Weigel's most impressive achievement is his demonstration of the continuities among pastor 'Wujek's' hands-on ministry in Poland; philosopher Wojtyla's work on "The Acting Person"; the literary Wojtyla's plays and poems; and Pope John Paul II's Encyclicals and speeches. The thread that runs through them all is the Pope's vision of the human person as an actor in the drama of salvation... [H]e has preached that we are not adrift at the mercy of forces beyond our control, but are moral agents. . . Weigel [also] movingly describes how the 1981 assassination attempt, illnesses and age have taken their toll .... From 1994 on . . . "the way of the Cross would ever more visibly mark the
taken their toll .... From 1994 on . . . "the way of the Cross would ever more visibly mark the pontificate of John Paul II." . . . Under the pressure of aging publicly, he seems to be teaching the rest of us how to walk that path with dignity. . . . Weigel [states]: "If the Church of the future knows John Paul II as 'John Paul the Great' it will be for this reason: at another moment of peril . . . a heroic figure was called ... to meet the barbarian threat and propose an alternative... The barbarism threatening civilization has been a set of . . . defective humanisms that, in the name of humanity and its destiny, create new tyrannies and compound human suffering." For a complete text of the article, see the September 29, 1999 issue of L'Osservatore Romano.
Blessed Padre Pio By: David Pignato Diocese of Fall River, Class of 2001 Pictured: St. Peter's Square could not even contain the crowd for the "New Man", Blessed Padre Pio, on May 2, 1999. PhotoŠ L'Osservatore Romano
Planted at the foot of the Cross." With these words, Pope John Paul II described Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, who was beatified by the Holy Father on May 2, 1999. The beatification Mass, held in St. Peter's Square and attended by over 200,000 people, was one of the most awaited events in recent Church history. Born in 1887, Padre Pio was a Capuchin priest who spent his whole ministry at the friary of San Giovanni Rotondo, where he dedicated himself to the spiritual direction and sacramental ministry of countless people who sought his counsel and consolation. The poor and the suffering were the particular objects of Padre Pio's attention and affection, and they benefited from his founding of the hospital complex called the "House for the Relief of Suffering." In his homily at the beatification Mass, the Pope explained that it was suffering that transformed Padre Pio into a "living image of Christ", as he endured the physical mark of the stigmata, accompanied by interior and mystical sufferings, which allowed him "constantly to participate in the Lord's agonies." The Pope also explained that obedience had become a "crucible of purification" for Padre Pio, as he was misunderstood for a time by his superiors, and yet responded to their commands with humility and a persistent zeal for souls.
The beatification was, no doubt, a very special event for the hundreds of thousands who either attended the Mass at St. Peter's or watched the ceremony on large-screen televisions from both the Piazza of St. John Lateran and San Giovanni Rotondo. But the event was also extra special for the Holy Father, who while a student in Rome had met Padre Pio, and the Pope expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to enroll Padre Pio's name in the book of the Blessed. The mood among those in the standing-room-only only crowd, that stretched all the way from St. Peter's Square, down the Via della Conciliazione, to the Tiber River, was certainly one of profound joy, as Holy Mother Church celebrated the sanctity of one of her most faithful children. And Heaven seemed closer than usual, as the Holy Father asked the new Blessed Pio to look down upon those in attendance and to intercede for them to obtain peace and consolation. For the humble priest who was known to say, "I only want to be a poor friar who prays," and for the countless souls touched by his faith, it was a great day of rejoicing.
Diaconate Ordination
Not to be served, ...But to serve By: Michael Keating Archdiocese of Minneapolis, Class of 2002
Pictured left: Rev. Mr. Alejandro Valladares, Archdiocese of Mobile, promises obedience to his ordinary. Right: Rev. Mr. Michael Dodd, Diocese of Tulsa, is ordained a deacon.
The setting was impressive: the apse of St. Peter's Basilica, beneath Bernini's massive black and gold representation of the Chair of Peter--the Holy See--, symbol of continuing ecclesial authority guided by the Holy Spirit-shown as a dove hovering over the Chair. The man was impressive as well: Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a bishop who has cooperated in exercising that authority with calm strength for many years.
Rev. Mr. William McGrath Jr., Diocese of Rochester, receives the book of the Gospels. Most impressive though was the Cardinal's preaching. We had gathered with him for the diaconate ordination of thirty-one men from the College, and he was explaining to us the true meaning of the authority represented by Peter's chair: Christ came not to be served but to serve, and those who hope to follow him need to do the same.
Rev. Mr. Steven Bird, Diocese of Peoria, during the Kiss of Peace. "Authority in the Church," said His Eminence, "is the antithesis of authority in this world." Authority in the Church always means imitation of Christ, who, though a king, went to the Cross for the sake of those he came to serve. Only in the light of the Incarnation and the Crucifixion, and as an expression of incomprehensible love, can authority be truly understood. Ordination to the diaconate, he went on, underscores the imperative of service. The very word "deacon" means servant, and deacons were ordained into a threefold service to Christ: liturgy, the Word, and charity. By insisting that priests be ordained first to the diaconate, the Church makes it clear that only those whose ability to serve has been tested can go on to the further office of service that is the priesthood.
Rev. Mr. Dennis Garcia, Archdiocese of Santa Fe, distributes Holy Communion As in so many things, the Blessed Virgin is also a model of what it means to be a servant. She became that model by giving herself so fully to God's purposes, and her first action after embracing His plan for salvation was to go and serve her kinswoman Elizabeth.
The newly ordained Rev. Mr. Paul Halladay greets his family members. They include from left to right: Phoebe Lee (niece), Paula Lee (sister), Patricia (mother), and Paul (father). In a very personal closing to his homily on authority as service, the Cardinal left the ordinands with this charge and this hope: "May you serve Christ with all your hearts, and may you come one day to hear his words: 'Well done good and faithful servant. Now enter into the joy of your
After the ceremony, the new servatns offered the Cardinal a gift for his generosity on ordaining them to the diaconate. Rev. Mr. Daniel Whalen handed the gift to his Eminence. PhotoŠ L'Osservatore Romano
New Faculty
Welcome back Fr. Watlersheid! By: Keven Wanner Diocese of Bismarck, Class of 2003 Pictured: Fr. William J. Waltersheid The North American College is pleased to welcome Fr. William J. Waltersheid, '92 of the diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who returns to the College as a member of the formation faculty. Fr. Waltersheid takes over as the new Director of Pastoral Formation and Apostolic Works and will coordinate the sacramental, pastoral counseling, and preaching practica, the weekly formation classes, and the student workshops. He also has the task of overseeing the entire apostolic works program, which gives seminarians pastoral experience in serving the people of God. After four years of minor seminary at St. John's Seminary College in Brighton, Massachusetts, Fr. Waltersheid came to the North American College as a New Man in 1988 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1992. After a summer of priestly ministry in his home diocese he returned as a fifth-year priest. He then spent two more years at the Casa Santa Maria and studied for a doctorate in dogmatic theology. Fr. Waltersheid can recount many happy memories of his time in Rome as a seminarian. He especially remembers his pastoral ministry at Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital and the Paul VI Oratory; his academic experience and resulting friendships; and the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. When asked for some thoughts about his return to Rome and the College, he responded that his new position as a faculty member gives him "the opportunity to grow in appreciation for the excellent formation I received here and also to grow in love for this College and all that it has
excellent formation I received here and also to grow in love for this College and all that it has done to form so many men for priesthood." It is truly a great joy to welcome Fr. Waltersheid. May his second experience here be even more blessed than the first.
Las Hermanas Josefinas de Mexico
El "hagase" de nuestras hermanas Por: Miguel de Angel Diocesis de Caguas, Puerto Rico, Class of 2003
Aveces nuestras vidas se atropellan en direccion hacia cualquiera de nuestras metas, incluyendo la santidad, y no es hasta que nos detenemos cuando entonces reconocemos to que hay a nuestro alrededor y aquellos que nos apoyan en un silencio amoroso como el de Maria Santisima. A veces repetimos automaticamente frases en nuestras oraciones diarias que pueden llegar a ser rutinarias y a perder el sentido concreto, real y actual de la Palabra de Dios. En el evangelio de San Lucas, se nos invita a repetir con Ella y a vivir con Ella : "He aqui la esclava del Senor..."; y son nuestras Hermanas Josefinas de Mexico quienes nos demuestran el seguimiento fiel a este "hagase" durante los casi veinte anos que llevan como parte de nuestra familia del "North American College."
Las Hermanas Josefinas de Mexico fueron fundadas en 1872 como respuesta a las necesidades en la persecucion, durante la cual se expulsaron a todas las consagradas extranjeras dejando vacias las plazas para educacion, hospitales, acilos, seminarios, entre otras. El Padre Jose Maria Vilaseca de la Orden de San Vicente de Paul invito a la que seria su fundadora laica, Madre Cesarita Ruiz, a ayudarle a fundar las actuales Hermanas Josefinas para vivir una vida activa pero a la vez contemplativa. Actualmente, tienen aproximadamente cien casas en America, Europa y Africa, y sirven a seminarios en Colorado y Texas, ademas del nuestro en Roma. La Madre Superiora, Sor Lucina, nos cuenta un poco sobre su experiencia al venir al Seminario: " Me he sentido con mas oportunidad de cumplir mis actos religiosos. Es una actividad que permite tiempo para la convivencia comunitaria interna y con los seminaristas" y continua "verlos primero jovencitos y despues verlos en el altar, es una experiencia muy bonita". Asi como nosotros, los seminaristas, sentimos el cambio de vida al venir a Roma, tambien nuestras hermanas to sienten y nos dicen como uno de los retos mas grandes es la lejania de su pais, de su gente, de su comunidad, de su idioma que "siempre trae nostalgia pero con el tiempo cambia". Ellas ven su trabajo desde una perspectiva trascendental, desde una dimension espiritual pero concretamente como mision, la mision de orar por los sacerdotes y seminaristas; este es su servicio a la Iglesia. Sobre esta mision Sor Guadalupe nos dice "nos gastamos en vida y en oracion por, ustedes, los seminaristas".
Pictured: (left to right) Mother Guadalupe Mondragon, HJ., Mother Lucina Aguilera, HJ., ans Sister Josefina Soria-Ayala, HJ., are at prayer in the convent chapel. Ha sido una experiencia muy bonita concocerlas y escuchar tanta sabiduria, que no puede contenerse en este articulo, ya que solo proviene de una vida profunda de fe. Ellas estan a11ĂŒ disponibles para orar por nosotros, para conocernos, solo abranles el corazon y descubriran la riqueza de su vida de oracion. Ellas han dicho "Si" por Dios y por nosotros, para vernos un dia consagrar el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Aquel que dio la vida por nosotros. Termino citando las palabras de exhortacion que las Hermanas nos envian: " Los queremos y oramos por todos aunque no los conozcamos a todos. Estamos disponibles para orar por sus necesidades especificas. Porque aunque no hablemos, si vemos sus alegrias y percibimos sus tristezas, y asi los acompanamos en su formacion, en las buenas y en las malas. Que cada dia se den mas al Senor que los ha llamado con tanto amor porque amando a Dios y a los hermanos se hacen mas responsables de toda su vida".
Las Hermanas Josefinas de Mexico
The "fiat" of our sisters By: Miguel de Angel Diocesis de Caguas, Puerto Rico, Class of 2003
Sister Josefina Soria-Ayala, HJ., is busy at work. Sometimes, our lives speed toward one goal or another, including holiness, and it is only when we stop that we realize what is going on around us and who is supporting us through a loving silence like that of the Blessed Mother. Sometimes, repetition in our daily prayers can make them become routine and lose the concrete, real, and immediate significance that the Word of God has. In St. Luke's Gospel, we are invited to repeat with Mary, and to live, her: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord ....;" and it is our Hermanas Josefinas de Mexico who have given us a model of faithful adherence to that "fiat" over the almost twenty years they have been part of our "family" at the North American College. The Hermanas Josefinas de Mexico were founded in 1872 as a response to the persecutions of the time. All foreign sisters were expelled from Mexico leaving a great number of schools, hospitals, nursing homes, seminaries and other institutions vacant. Fr. Jose Maria Waseca, a Vincentian, invited Cesarita Ruiz, a lay person, to start the order now called Hermanas Josefinas. Today, they have approximately 100 houses in America, Europe, and Africa, and serve seminaries in Colorado and Texas, in addition to ours here in Rome.
Mother Guadalupe Mondragon, HJ., and Sandra are busy at work while Rinaldo stopped in for a visit. Sister Lucina, Mother Superior, tells us something of her experience of coming to the seminary, she said, "I felt I have greater opportunity to fulfill my religious duties. It is an apostolate that allows time for our own community life and lets us get to know the seminarians as well. She continues "seeing them first as almost youngsters and then seeing them on the altar is a beautiful experience". Just as we seminarians experience changes when we come to Rome, our sisters do as well, and they tell us that among their greatest difficulties is being far from home, from their families, from their community, and from their language, which "always makes them homesick, but time brings changes." They see their work from a transcendental perspective, from a spiritual dimension, but in practice as a . mission, a mission to pray for priests and seminarians. This is the service they offer to the Church. Sister Guadalupe has this to say about their mission: "We spend ourselves, our lives and our prayers for you, our seminarians." Knowing them and hearing such wisdom is more than what can be told in a short article, because it comes from a life based on deep faith and wonderful experiences. They are ready to pray for us, to know us. Just open your hearts to them and you will discover the richness of their prayer life. They have said "yes" to God and to us, in order to see us one day consecrate the Body and Blood of the One who gave His life for us. Let me close by quoting the words of encouragement that the sisters send us: "We love you all and we pray for you all even though we do not know everyone. We are happy to pray for your intentions. Even if we don't say anything, we see when you are happy and when you are sad. This is how we are with you in your formation, in good times and bad. Give yourselves every day more and more to God who has called you with such love because in loving God and your brothers you will live your life to the fullest."
Mother Lucina Aguillera, HJ., and Sister Josefina Soria-Ayala, HJ., are preparing for Mass.
Sports
A Break From Priestly Formation By: Scott Boone Archdiocese of Dubuque, Class of 2001
In 1960 the gift of two bowling lanes and automatic pin setting machines were given to the North American College by His Holiness, Pope John XXIII. Originally given to the Pontiff by Brunswick Bowling Co., he suggested they would be perfect for "the new seminary on the hill." Many who lived here remember with fondness when the lanes were installed and how much fun it was to bowl down on the "S" level without having to go 45 minutes out of the wayĂ– just another fine piece of "Americana" in this "little American enclave." However, over the years the bowling alley fell into disrepair and was not operational.... that is, until Msgr. Dolan wrote to Brunswick early last winter and asked them to help with the repair and servicing of the bowling allies, which was part of the agreement in the original gift to Pope John XXIll. In March, Brunswick replied that they would be happy to restore and service the lanes for future use at no cost to the College. The two bowling lanes, and their automatic pin return machines, have been completely refurbished and are fully operational for the first time since the early 1980's. With brand new pins, 20 pairs of new bowling shoes and a newly painted bowling alley, you can hear the crashing of pins every day between the hours of 2:30 - 9 (though, of course, not during riposo or evening prayer). While the bowling alley is the indoor sporting attraction, outdoor activity centers on the North American College tennis courts and the fall singles tournament. Thirty men have dared enter this competition once owned by Fr. Roger Landry. But after last fall's devastating injury, Landry was not able to compete and defend his three year title streak. This year his injury is healed and he is back to regain the crown he believes is rightfully his. But Fr. Landry didn't anticipate the new peaked interest in tennis from the college as a whole. Every afternoon one can see all three courts being used as many NAC'ers (both expert and beginner alike) have started playing as part of their daily regimen for the needs of mind, soul AND body. As the early rounds of play winnowed contenders from pretenders, it remains difficult to predict who will come away with this year's single tournament crown. One thing is certain however: this tennis newcomer did not.
tennis newcomer did not.
St. Peter's Facade Restored and Dedicated By: Mark Reeves Archdiocese of Miami, Class of 2002 At the end of last Summer, workers began dismantling the scaffolding that had covered the facade of St. Peter's Basilica for more than two years. According to Vatican reports, the restoration of this masterpiece was a major undertaking, requiring in excess of 150 restoration specialists, architects, engineers and researchers. The facade, designed by Carlo Maderno was erected between 1607 and 1614. In recent years grime and Pollution had taken their toll on the marble facade. To the surprise of many, clearly distinguishable colors now appear on the 7,000-squaremeter restored facade. The imposing columns supporting the entablature, high above St. Peter's Square, arc bright, creamy white. The plane of marble behind the columns, the entablature, the pediment and its tympanum are pale tan. The Columns flanking the three major portals in the facade arc grey granite. And, the loggia delle Benedizioni, above the center portal of the portico of the Basilica is framed in rich, muted shades of red and green. Just beneath the loggia, the magnificent high relief work of Ambrogio Buonvicino (La Consegna delle Chiavi), which portrays Peter receiving the keys of the kingdom from Christ, has been restored to its original brilliance. On the evening of September 30, 1999, His Holiness John Paul II, entered St. Peter's Square to strains of Handel's Halleluia Chorus performed by the Orchestra e Coro dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. His Holiness gave a brief address and blessed the facade, exhorting
Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. His Holiness gave a brief address and blessed the facade, exhorting those in attendance with St. Peter's words: "Like living stones be yourselves built into into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God." After the solemn blessing, the Holy Father descended the Steps in front of the Basilica, greeted dignitaries in attendance and joined the audience facing the Basilica. Those attendance were then treated to a spectacular extravaganza. As fireworks, set to orchestra music, exploded from the facade and the roof of the Basilica, I was reminded of the Holy Father's words during his address earlier in the evening. "Our enjoyment of this restored masterpiece cannot be merely aesthetic, but must be open to the interior attraction of the spiritual reality it signifies."
Preaching
Preaching from One's Heart By: Fr. Paul A. Holmes Archdiocese of Newark, Class of 1982 In a recent collection of Italian essays whose title can be translated, The Homily: A Message at Risk, one of the contributors insists that the homily should be an expression of the preacher's faith and, at the same time, it must have as its goal the growth of faith in his listeners. I believe that this sine qua non of preaching is often missing in Catholic pulpits - with predictable consequences. With so much statistical research being done, especially in the United States, on church-goers' dissatisfaction with the homilies preached in their midst, I believe that focusing the preacher's attention on his own experience of faith, and encouraging him to speak to his sisters and brothers from that treasured perspective, may turn some of those numbers around. We need to acknowledge, however, that giving a good homily - one that would "satisfy" a congregation - isn't something that can be taught, really: it is so much more an art than it is a science. At the same time, just as no one can be "taught" to produce a great work of art, we can, nevertheless, give the beginning artist the tools with which he'll need to work (the various brushes, palettes and paints), teach him the theories and principles of beauty, remind him of the goals and purposes of art, and also offer him an apprenticeship in the various skills that will develop his innate, and God-given, gifts and talents. That is the fine line that a seminary program in homiletics needs to walk: teaching what is essentially unreachable, but offering the future preacher all the skills that this most important ministry requires. As Aristotle said of the virtues: they cannot be taught, but they must be learned. And American congregations across the country deserve preachers who have learned well. The establishment of the Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics is a testament, I believe, to the College's commitment to training homilists whom future congregations will experience as blessings. Once a man moves into a pulpit as an ordained minister of the Word, he must have already experienced an intense apprenticeship in the art and, yes, the science of preaching.
One component of learning the unteachable art and craft of preaching, this year, has been two seminars offered this semester in "Authentic Preaching," intensive eight-week practica that require each participant to preach from his hear to a small group of his brothers who have shared with each other their own experience of faith under the guidance of Scripture. In this way, he gains the experience of preaching a homily that is truly an expression of his faith, and having caught a glimpse of what his brothers might need to hear for their salvation, he also gains the experience of directing his homily to his listeners' growth in faith. If church-goers wanted to learn about the difference between the Johannine and Synoptic traditions for the dating of the Last Supper, and other exegetical minutiae, they would go graduate school. What they do want, and deserve, is to listen to a man of faith who has obviously allowed the Word of God to transform his heart Committed to this goal, the North American College will be sending home more and more men who have learned both the science and the at, of preaching - and there will be few and fewer "dissatisfied church-goers whose only defense is filling out ye another disappointing questionnaire. Fr. Holmes is the first occupant of the Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics for The 1999-2000 academic year. He is writing a manuscript, Authentic Preaching: Living Your Faith 'Out Loud' in the Assembly, to be published by TwentyThird Publications Mystic, CT.
In Memory Of Archibishop Martin J. O'Connor Last fall the class of 1956 gathered in Scranton, Pennsylvania for their annual reunion. Some of the members of the class celebrated a memorial Mass in honor of former North American College Rector, Archbishop Martin J. O'Connor. Bishop Joseph Gossman was the principle celebrant. Pictured (Lare Fr. Jim DeAdder, Fr. Gene Gunning, Fr. James Connelly, Most Reverend Bishop Joseph Gossman, and Fr. Jim Harrison. Not present in this photo is William Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore.
Editor's Note
The article "Three Hour Motorcycle Ride" in the last issue, named a village (Kabayugan), but not the country where Fr. Phillips lives and ministers. We'll give a copy of the Pope's biography, Witness to Hope, or our very popular Manual of Prayers, to the first person that correctly identifies the country. Call 1-888-NAC-ATNJ with your answer.
Faculty
"Falling in Love with God Again" By: John Fleckenstein Diocese of Kalamazoo, Class of 2002 You might think that after 45 years of priesthood and over 25 years in Rome, Msgr. Charles Elmer pretty much has it all figured out. He would be the first to correct that thought. In fact, he says that being a spiritual director this year "on the hill" is causing him to "fall in love with God" all over again. This 1953 graduate of the Pontifical North American College (and 1968 Casa Alumnus) has spent over half his priesthood serving the seminarians and graduate priests in Rome both at the Casa Santa Maria and on the Janiculum Hill. And he is still going strong. Currently, he is serving a one-year term as spiritual director to seminarians and graduate priests at the College. His inspiring background serves as a strong foundation to the gentle and caring presence he is to "NACers," past and present alike.
Msgr. Elmer is giving a presentation on Consecration to Mary in the Assumption Chapel at the NAC. The Iron Mountain, Michigan native was drafted into the Army right out of high school, and spent three and a half years serving as an enlisted man. The call from his country led him to many places, including Omaha Beach at the height of World War II. After returning home, his father's sudden death left him in charge of the family store. But God had other plans for him, and he soon found himself at Saint Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Two years later, he was headed for Rome. Following his ordination and a brief tenure as an associate pastor, the Bishop of Marquette informed then Fr. Elmer that he was headed for New Mexico. Msgr. Elmer had long suffered from difficult asthma attacks, and the Bishop felt it would be better for him to work in a warmer, dryer climate than northern Michigan. Shortly after arriving in New Mexico, Msgr. Elmer began a ten-year appointment as a Catholic Chaplain at Texas A&M University. That experience, which he remembers very fondly, led him to become incardinated in the Diocese of Austin, Texas. From there he was asked to serve as Vice-Superior at the Casa Santa Maria in Rome. During his four-year stay, he completed a doctorate at the Angelicum University. But the Diocese of Austin needed Msgr. Elmer's talents, and he headed back to the United States. He became the founding pastor of Saint Theresa's parish in West Austin, Texas. Seven years later, he returned to Rome, this time to serve as Economo for the Pontifical North American College and as a spiritual director.
Msgr. Elmer is abou tready to deliver a couple of pumpkin pies for the Thanksgiving Day banquet. Msgr. Kevin McCoy looks on.
banquet. Msgr. Kevin McCoy looks on. After this, Msgr. Elmer was appointed Rector of Holy Trinity Seminary in Austin. It was a position he would hold for seven years. But he was not through with Rome yet. He became Superior of the Casa Santa Maria for the next 12 years. That tenure ended in the spring of 1999, and Msgr. Elmer thought he was headed home. Once again, God had other plans. He was asked to serve a one-year term as a spiritual director "on the hill," and he agreed. Msgr. Elmer Ekes to say that "Old Monsignors, like old soldiers, should just fade away." On the contrary, the College is indebted to this "old monsignor" and the bright light he has shed on the College for so many years. His example stands as a timeless illustration of how one "falls in love with God" each and every day.
Casa Santa Maria
Monsignor Raica is no stranger to Rome or the Casa By: Darren Greca Diocese of Lansing, Class of 2003 Pictured: Msgr. Steven Raica is offering a toast at the College on the Solemnity the Immaculate Conception. The North American College received a very generous gift. The gift, given in part by Bishop Carl Mengeling of the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, was a priest named Msgr. Steven Raica, the new Superior of the Casa Santa Maria. Ordained two days before Pope John Paul II became the Bishop of Rome, Msgr. Raica was serving as Chancellor of his diocese when he was asked to serve all of the Church in the United States by accepting his new assignment. Msgr. Raica is no stranger to Rome or the Casa. He arrived in 1988 and after three years had received his licentiate in canon law and a specialization in jurisprudence, both from the Gregorian University. He returned to Rome in 1993 for the doctoral cycle in canon law, which he finished in 1995. Back in Lansing, he worked for the tribunal as a judge, returning briefly to Rome to defend his thesis in '96. On July 1, 1997, he became Chancellor for Bishop Mengeling, while continuing to work part time on the tribunal and on the diocesan jubilee Commission. In March of the following year, then Fr. Steve Raica was named a Prelate of Honor and received the title of Monsignor. During his five years in residence at the Casa, Msgr. Raica experienced firsthand the service it offers to the priests in postgraduate studies, and he witnessed the superb example of his predecessor, Msgr. Elmer. Being ordained certainly does not make the Casa priests immune to the stress produced by major changes, but Monsignor Raica sees his new ministry as an opportunity to "celebrate in their victories, but also to share in their tales of war, be it with the
opportunity to "celebrate in their victories, but also to share in their tales of war, be it with the various universities or, of course, with Rome itself." We New Men can especially appreciate some of the hardships these priests are experiencing. The New Men, however, had an entire orientation team to help guide them, while the priests have only Superior. Msgr. Raica shared with me that, despite having to wear a number of hats, his first few months of being able "to walk with these priests as they study in preparation for service in their diocese" has been a wonderful and humbling experience. The Casa Santa Maria is the largest, residence for United States' diocesan priests engaged in postgraduate studies. The word "pontifical" comes from the Latin words meaning "bridge builder." Msgr. Raica seeks to bridge together many different backgrounds, areas of study and dioceses for effective ministry in the one Catholic Church. And so let us thank God for Bishop Mengeling's sacrifice, for this bridge, for this great priest who will shepherd our brothers at the graduate house. We welcome Msgr. Steve Raica and all of the wonderful gifts he brings to his new ministry.
Special Report
History in the making... 1500 year long Christological dispute ends By: Fr. John Fell Diocese of Metuchen, Casa Class of 2001
Pope John Paul II shakes hands with Bishop Mar Bawai Soro. (PhotoŠ Foto FELICI) Pope John Paul II signs the paper work for the end
work for the end of the Christological dispute. (PhotoŠ L'Osservatore Romano)
The graduate students at the Casa Santa Maria this year consist of 70 Roman Catholic priests and one bishop of the Assyrian Church of the East. His Grace, Mar Bawai Soro, a pastoral and ecumenical leader in the Assyrian Church, has been a doctoral student at the Angelicum since 1996 and is preparing a dissertation on the meaning and implications of koinonia in the Assyrian tradition. Mar Bawai was born in 1954 in Kirkuk, a city approximately 200 km north of Baghdad. He lived in Iraq until age 18 and then emigrated to Lebanon. He lived three years in Lebanon, being ordained a deacon in 1973, and witnessing the beginning of the Civil War in 1974. In 1976, he arrived as a refugee in the USA. Mar Bawai was ordained a priest in 1982, and assigned as the resident Assyrian pastor in Toronto. He was the only Assyrian priest in Canada, and was responsible for pastoral ministry from Ottawa to Vancouver. In October 1984, the church's Holy Synod elected Mar Bawai to be Bishop of the Western United States, responsible for 10 parishes located primarily along the coastal stretch from Seattle to Los Angeles. In 1994, he was appointed to lead the church's newly formed Commission on Inter-church Relations and Educational Development. The Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East belongs to the only Christian tradition to develop outside the territory of the Roman Empire. The church traces its roots to the influx of Jewish Christians fleeing to Babylon and Adiabene after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and its apostolic origins to the preaching of Saints Thomas and Bartholomew, and Thomas' disciples Addai and Mari. Despite waves of persecution within the Persian Empire, the entrenched resistance of the Zoroastrians, and later opposition by the Muslims, the Assyrian Church thrived in Mesopotamia and sent missionaries as far as China and Japan. By the 10th century, the Assyrian Church numbered 20 metropolitan sees, 250 episcopal sees, and over 12 million faithful; it was spread over a territory larger than that of the Byzantine tradition and Latin Rite combined. Sadly, the Mongol Invasions of the 14th century destroyed most of Eastern civilization, including the Assyrian Church of the East. The church was reduced to two small pockets: Kerala in Southern India (where they are known as St. Thomas Christians), and Northern Mesopotamia. In 1552, some of the Assyrian Christians in Mesopotamia united with Rome (these are the Chaldean Catholics of today). Following World War 1, emigration from Mesopotemia the church's traditional territories led its faithful to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden. Today, the Assyrian Church of the East numbers 400,000 worldwide, divided into 20 episcopal jurisdictions. Since 1976, their chief shepherd has been the Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV, who resides in the USA along with 30% of his
been the Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV, who resides in the USA along with 30% of his flock. For the last 14 years, the Assyrian and Roman Catholic Churches have been in dialogue. The first phase of this dialogue culminated with the signing of a Common Christological Declaration on November 11, 1994, ending the two churches' 1500 year long Christological dispute that had begun at the Council of Ephesus (451). Dialogue between the two churches is continuing on the topics of sacraments, koinonia, and the Petrine ministry.
Bishops' Office for United States Visitors to the Vatican
Welcome to the Jubilee Year 2000 By: Msgr. Roger C. Roensch, Director Archdiocese of Washington, DC Pictured: Msgr. Roger Roench at his desk. The Great Jubilee Year 2000 has arrived! Pope John Paul II has been preparing us for this Millennial Event since 1992. That was the year he went to the Dominican Republic for the 500th anniversary of Christianity in America and called for a Novena of Preparation for the 2000th anniversary of the Incarnation. Rome is almost ready -- but who whether all the scaffolding will be down in time? But more important than construction cantieri - what are WE doing about preparing for the Millennium Jubilee Year? Are our thoughts directed more and more towards reconciliation and forgiveness? Are we more interested than before in justice and generosity; and what about evangelization? Are we more eager to embark on a voyage "of the new man" and more enterprising in our efforts to share the Good News?
Jubilee Year in America The USCC Secretariat for the Third Millennium and the Jubilee Year 2000 has been working diligently to prepare every diocese in our country for a spiritually fruitful Holy Year. Great creativity has gone into the preparation of materials to help every parish celebrate this once in a millennium opportunity. Pilgrimage is always a vital part of the Holy Year. Everyone can make one to the local shrines and the churches designated as Holy Year destinations. We did it to celebrate the jubilee of 1950 and many of us are still grateful for that experience of our childhood.
Jubilee Year In Rome The Roman calendar for the Holy Year 2000 announces pilgrimages for people of all professions and all walks of life. The traditional Wednesday Papal Audience is still on the Holy Year agenda and many special opportunities will be afforded for youths not only in August, but
Year agenda and many special opportunities will be afforded for youths not only in August, but all through the Jubilee Year. Thirty-five million pilgrims are expected in Rome.
Pictured: James Bartylla points out some directions of Rome to one of the many pilgrims. The Eternal City is already crowded when ten million come - as they do year in and year out but we'll be ready! Thousands are writing to tell us that they will be pilgrims to Rome during the Holy Year and want to participate in the Jubilee Events - and we'll welcome them all.
Welcome to the Jubilee Year 2000 Sister Gilmary, RSM and I will be in the Visitors Office at Casa Santa Maria all through the Jubilee Year to help you enjoy a rewarding pilgrimage to Rome and the Vatican, Know that we keep you in our prayers for a blessed new Millennium! If you want to keep abreast of Jubilee Year celebrations and activities wherever you are -consult the Vatican web site designed to help you live the Holy Year fully. You can access it at www.jubil2000.org. Welcome!
Alumni
The gift of faith... must be shared with others By: Ms. Rita Burns, Parishioner of St. Mary's Parish Diocese of Tulsa The pastor, Msgr. Dorney, '68, holding the newly baptized Stephanie Wilcox. "The gift of faith must be shared with others. For this reason, 'Preaching the gospel is not the Subject of a boast, I am under compulsion and have no choice. I am ruined 1 if I do not preach it' (1 Cor. 9:16). "Moreover, do not forget that faith is strengthened and grows precisely when it
faith is strengthened and grows precisely when it is given to others." Pope John Paul II These words, spoken forty years or more after the birth of Dennis Cullen Dorney, aptly describe his call to serve the Church in the diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma, over the last thirty-two years. From his priestly ordination in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, until the present day, he has, in the words of St. Paul, "been all things to all men," and in so doing has led many members of the Body of Christ closer to Jesus, the Head of the Body. He has held positions such as diocesan chancellor and vicar general. He has served as master of ceremonies and director of liturgy. He has encouraged young men to consider the priesthood in his work as vocations director. He has pastored four parishes. No matter what position Fr. Dorney has held, however, he has never failed to create a joyful atmosphere around himself. During his twenty years of work in the diocesan chancery office, for example, his staff was industrious and cheerful, and this can be attributed to his attitude. Fr. Dorney's laughter, which could be heard throughout the offices on any given day, became his trademark. A survey of parishioners at any of Fr. Dorney's pastoral assignments would result in similar descriptions.
Msgr. Dorney with the associate pastor, also the diocese's Vocations Director, Fr. Jack Gleason '95. In his numerous assignments, Fr. Dorney has also displayed consistent pastoral qualities. He has always made himself readily accessible to parishioners and staff members alike, with his long hours in the office usually beginning at 7 AM. The visitors to his office have always received a warm welcome, and he always listens attentively to them, whether they need counseling or simply an opportunity to discuss the many things that go on in the parish. He has always had a way of making his visitors feel worthwhile and important. In spite of his many jobs, titles, jobs, meetings, and duties, Fr. Dorney has maintained this loving, pastoral spirit. Through this spirit, he has shared the gift of faith with the people of the
loving, pastoral spirit. Through this spirit, he has shared the gift of faith with the people of the Diocese of Tulsa by demonstrating to them precisely how a Christian should live the life of faith. For his spirit of devotion to the Church in Tulsa, on April 12, 1996, Fr. Dorney received the title of Prelate of Honor, and was given the title "Monsignor". We now pray that he may continue to live the life of faith and good works that has strengthened the lives of so many other Christians!
Institute for Continuing Theological Education
"Refreshed, encouraged, and supported" By: Fr. Thomas Phillips ICTE Class of 1999
Institue priests touring around Rome with Fr. Paul Cioffi In order to prepare for the many challenges of the diocesan priesthood, a priest undergoes a rigorous spiritual and academic formation in the seminary. However, this preparation does not end with ordination, for no matter how thorough the training, the active priestly life needs continuing formation. The diocesan priest needs to seek continued spiritual and academic development. Even though he lives and practices the Gospel, he needs a connection to sources other than himself in order to avoid the pitfall of complacency and the danger of becoming the final authority for his own choices. During my priesthood, I have been refreshed, encouraged, and supported when I have had the opportunity (on a semi-annual basis) to take part in the continuing formation offered in local and national seminars. Spiritual reflection and interaction with my brother priests have uplifted me, and they have provided me with a strengthened framework for my priestly ministry. At the same time, they have challenged me and called me to grow beyond the sphere of my own experience. However, even though semiannual seminars are very useful over time, I realized that I needed a more extended period of renewal. I needed the opportunity to separate myself from parish
more extended period of renewal. I needed the opportunity to separate myself from parish responsibilities in order to soothe the chaffing caused by the harness of ministry. Additional time and separation would provide a better opportunity setting for reflection and meditation. In the past I have resisted the idea of taking a sabbatical and have told myself that I could not afford the time. I now realize, however, that lack of time should never be a factor in honing the spiritual and pastoral skills needed to proclaim the Gospel. Every so often, the diocesan priest needs to remove the cobwebs of complacency and refresh the spirit. This sabbatical has refreshed me and prepared me for new challenges so that I can best Eve out my priesthood in witnessing to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Economo's Corner
Monies spent wisely! By: Msgr. Bernard Yarrish Diocese of Scranton, Class of 1976 The Eternal City is engulfed in dust as scaffolding erected in preparation for the Grand Jubilee Year 2000 comes down. Not to be outdone, the North American College is involved in major construction projects. It is always gratifying to witness the improvements which can be made to an impressive institution. The major rewiring work of the residence floors of the College on the Gianicolo is almost finished with a portion of the second floor remaining. All of this work has been done through the generosity of the Dan Murphy Foundation. Afterward, thought must be given to the completion of this job by rewiring the Rappresentanza and ground floors which are the most public areas of this seminary. A great safety improvement has been afforded this house. The College has been blessed as the Patrimony has been altered this past year with a portfolio division of 60% fixed income investments and 40% equity investments. Accordingly, the portfolio has grown by $1 million due to a most favorable stock market. Increased donations from supporters along with a favorable US dollar exchange rate have made it easier to meet expenses. Nonetheless, care must still be exercised in order to ensure that monies are spent wisely. In addition, work continues on completing the Immacolata Chapel on the fifth floor, the student lounge on the "R" level, and a new security door for entry after 11:00 PM. The work on the resurfacing of all the roofs of the College has now been completed. In the future, the College can anticipate new security lighting on the grounds. In addition, work will begin shortly to transform the large empty space in the former Casa house meeting room into the new library space for the graduate house. Overall, the North American College will be ready to welcome the new century.
The Holy Father, John Paul II, is surrounded by the deacons (left to right): Kristian Teater, Joel Cycenas, J. Paul Kimes, Gerard O'Connor, Bryce Sibley, William Rice, Derck Lappe, Daniel Barnett, Adam Parker, Raymond LaVoie, James Farnan, Msgr. Timothy Dolan, Francisco Flores, Steven Hero, Luke Ballman, Joseph Giroux, Scott Traynor, Jeffery Loseke, Ronald Kunkel, William McGrath, Jason Crossen, John Sistare, Jose Serna, Victor Blazovich, Paul Halladay, Alejandro Valladares, Thomas Connolly, III, David Shoemaker, Dennis Garcia, Timothy MacDonald, Thomas Sinnott, Todd Kreitinger, Michael John Lynam, Fr. William Waltersheid, Steven Bird, Thomas LaHood, Jeffrey Wilborn, Michael Dodd, Charles Byrd.