The Pontifical North American College
2013 • ISSUE 4
“Don’t be afraid of showing the joy of having answered the Lord’s call and of giving witness to his Gospel in service to the Church.”
— Pope Francis addressing seminarians, novices, and those on a vocational journey, July 6, 2013
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor in Chief Rev. Mr. Justin Blanc ‘14 Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Layout & Design Manager Chris Kerzich ‘14 Archdiocese of Chicago Managing Editor Geoffrey A. Brooke Jr. ‘15 Diocese of Jefferson City Assistant Editors Donato Infante III ‘15 Diocese of Worcester & Zac Povis ‘15 Archdiocese of St. Louis & Ruben Villarreal ‘15 Diocese of Lake Charles
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Layout & Design Editors Kyle Digmann ‘14 Archdiocese of Dubuque & Nicholas Fleming ‘15 Diocese of Providence Photographers Christopher Brashears ‘14 Archdiocese of Oklahoma City & Michael Conway ‘14 Diocese of Pittsburgh & Michael Rubeling ‘15 Archdiocese of Baltimore
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FRONT COVER The Pontifical North American College Class of 2013 with (seated, second from left) Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95, Vice Rector for Administration, Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College, Rev. Timothy McKeown‘97, Vice Rector for Seminary Life.
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Features/Contents
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Rector’s Corner Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C ‘97
Fraternity Weekends Ruben Villarreal ’15
Early Diaconate Ordinations Rev. Mr. Bill Appel ’14
lumni Focus A Donato Infante III ‘15
CRS Global Fellows
Sisters and New Convent Zac Povis ‘15
Life at the College
lericus Cup C Rev. Nicholas Nelson ’13
Corpus Christi Michael Niemczak ’16
Alumni Reunion
Pallium Mass Timothy Furlow ’15
Legion Day Mark Murphy ‘14
Building Update
Closing Banquet Rev. Alan Guanella ‘13
Extracurricular Pursuits
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Institutional Advancement Mark Randall, CFRE
Economo’s Corner Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95
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Board of Governors of the Pontifical North American College Chairman Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67 Archbishop of Newark Vice Chairman Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt ‘73, C‘84 Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis Treasurer Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane ‘88, C‘89 Bishop of Venice The Coat of Arms of the Pontifical North American College.
Secretary Most Rev. Patrick J. Zurek ‘75 Bishop of Amarillo
Rector Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97 Vice Rector for Administration Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95 Vice Rector of Seminary Life Rev. Timothy McKeown ’97, C’04 Superior, Casa Santa Maria Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64 Director, Institute For Continuing Theological Education Rev. Msgr. Anthony J. Figueiredo C’00 Executive Director, Institutional Advancement Mark Randall, CFRE
Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl ‘67 Archbishop of Washington Most Rev. Frank Caggiano C‘96 Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn Most Rev. Salvatore Cordileone ‘82, C‘89 Archbishop of San Francisco Most Rev. Gerald N. Dino C’72 Byzantine Catholic Bishop of Phoenix Most Rev. Walter J. Edyvean ‘65, C‘71 Auxiliary Bishop of Boston Most Rev. Jeffrey Monforton ‘93, C’02 Bishop of Steubenville Most Rev. Richard E. Pates ‘69 Bishop of Des Moines Most Rev. Glen J. Provost ‘75 Bishop of Lake Charles Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan ‘65, C‘71 Archbishop of Santa Fe Most Rev. Joseph Siegel ‘88 Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet Most Rev. John Vlazny ‘62 Archbishop Emeritus of Portland
Rector’s Corner
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ope Francis in his homily at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls this past spring, reflecting on the courageous and fearless witness given by St. Peter and St. Paul despite being flogged, mistreated, and imprisoned, reminded all Christians, but “first and foremost those of us who are pastors”, that “we cannot feed God’s flock unless we let ourselves be carried by God’s will even where we would rather not go, unless we are prepared to bear witness to Christ with the gift of ourselves, unreservedly, not in a calculating way, sometimes even at the cost of our lives.” These words of our Holy Father certainly remind us of the challenges we face in proclaiming the Gospel, from within ourselves, but also in the face of challenges from within our own country. In that same homily, Pope Francis shared the secret for us to become such witnesses to Christ saying, “Proclamation and witness are only possible if we are close to Him (Jesus), just as St. Peter, St. John and the other disciples in today’s Gospel passage were gathered around the Risen Jesus. … And this is important for us: living an intense relationship with Jesus, an intimacy of dialogue and of life, in such a way as to recognize him as ‘the Lord’.” What a joy it is to be involved in helping the young men of the Pontifical North American College become such witnesses to Christ and grow in this type of intimacy with our Lord. Whether it is in our chapel at Eucharistic adoration or daily community Mass, at their extensive apostolic works, at the challenging Roman ecclesiastical universities or gathering with tens of thousands of pilgrims each week to hear Christ’s Vicar encourage us in our Christian living or share with us his blessing, the men of this College are regularly striving to develop this intense relationship with Jesus. These men, the seminarians and priests at the Casa Santa Maria or in our Institute for Continuing Theological Education who are to “feed God’s flock”, generously give of themselves in striving to take on the heart of the Good Shepherd Himself. The results are directly and happily seen each summer, as our fourth year seminarians go back to their home dioceses to be ordained priests and begin their sacred ministry. This summer we had 46 men being ordained priests! Thanks be to God. We are so grateful for your generous and prayerful participation and support of our mission. Whether you assist by your prayers, your support of our annual appeals, our magazine appeals, sponsoring of a seminarian or remembering us in your will, we could not continue with our mission without your generous help. Through all our programs here at the North American College, our goal is to form faithful, holy, happy and zealous priests in the fashion our Holy Father encouraged us pastors to be, bearing “witness to Christ with the gift of ourselves, unreservedly.” Enjoy this edition of the magazine, which our students provide for you, so that you can get to know them and this wonderful institution of priestly formation more intimately. They are happy to share with you the recent activities of life at the College, including news on the latest priestly ordinations, our victory for the second year in a row in the Clericus Cup, the Pallium Mass and reception, the Catholic Relief Services trip by our men, progress on the new building, the blessing of the new convent for the Dominican Sisters of the Eucharist who will be joining our community, and other end of the year activities. I hope you enjoy it, and I know we can count on you to continue to support us in this mission by your prayers and financial support and for that, we are truly grateful.
Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 Diocese of Camden Rector
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Fraternity Weekends
Growing in priestly fraternity Ruben Villarreal ’15, Diocese of Lake Charles
TOP Long before it became a backdrop to the Third Year Fraternity Weekend, the beach at Anzio was the site of a landing of Allied forces during World War II. Left: Zachary Swantek ’14 (Newark) and Kyle Digmann ’14 (Dubuque) on the pool deck at their Fraternity Weekend in Anzio.
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Members of the Class of 2014 settling into their Fraternity Weekend in Anzio.
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raternity weekends at the North American College allow each class to gather for a couple of days outside of the usual seminary routine. During this time, they are able to strengthen the bonds of fraternity that began to form when they arrived in Rome as New Men, while enjoying a break from studies and the bustle of life in the city. This spring two of the classes at the College were set to enjoy fraternity weekends – even if a papal resignation and election did require a bit of a schedule adjustment. From May 10-12, the men of third year enjoyed their fraternity weekend on the seaside. In the city of Anzio, Italy, they gathered for relaxation
and recreation. Time spent between the pool and the sea allowed them to reflect on the unique reality of being a “third year man” nearing the end of his third year. The third year fraternity weekend marked the last such occasion before they embark on the next step toward priesthood: diaconate ordinations. In other words, the next time they gather together as a class, they will gather as deacons. During this weekend, they reflected on the experiences that they have shared over the years and on the experience that they will soon share. They were also able to find a little time each evening for a movie, one of which was projected onto a wall while they watched from the beach!
The second year class had initially planned to enjoy its fraternity weekend in early March. With Pope Benedict’s resignation and the impending Conclave, however, the College decided that perhaps everyone should remain in Rome during this time. As all awaited the date for the opening of the Conclave, no one wanted to take any chances and risk missing any of the events surrounding the historic occasion. (In the end, the Conclave began just one day after the fraternity weekend was set to finish!) The cancellation of the fraternity weekend allowed for a little creative scheduling of fraternity time. It was decided that the men of second year would set aside the afternoon and evening of Friday, May 17, for a class Mass and dinner. For Mass they travelled to the Santuario della Madonna del Divino Amore (Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love). After the Mass, they explored the shrine, which was added to the list of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome by Pope John Paul II for the 2000 Jubilee Year. Dinner followed at a local restaurant in the town of Ariccia. For most of those in year two, the fraternity outing marked their last class event before they returned home for the first time in two years. Having journeyed two years together, they were, even without an entire weekend of fraternity, able to savor these last moments together before departing for their respective dioceses for the summer. Whether a weekend or only an afternoon and evening, the fraternity time of spring 2013 provided a welcomed respite at the close of a wildly eventful semester.
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Early Diaconate Ordinations
To serve is truly a gift Rev. Mr. Bill Appel ’14, Diocese of Covington “Well, this is it,” I thought, “this is the ‘wedding;’ these are the promises; and this is the beginning of the rest of my life.” My bishop made it very clear to us that the promises made at this ordination are life-long. While we renew promises at the ordination to priesthood, the diaconate ordination is where we commit ourselves to our Lord by way of prayer, celibacy, and obedience. After the ordination, I was grateful to have approached the ordination with such gravity. The solemnity of the ordination itself, combined with the support and joy of my loved ones, family and friends, really helped me enter into this new life. I felt so welcomed that it seemed more than family and friends—it was the Church herself receiving the sacrifice. I think whenever we make a sacrifice for the Lord, we can expect to experience some spiritual combat— worldly things conspiring against us. I had heard about such spiritual combat among others who were anticipating their own ordinations or professions in the form of extreme doubt the night before, and I came to expect this. Personally, I slept well the night before ordination. I think there were many people praying for me. “The Lord has brought me safe thus far,” Most Rev. George A. Sheltz, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, stands with Deacon Richard Hinkley ‘14 (GalvestonHouston), following his ordination to the diaconate.
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I kept thinking. Ironically, I think we are the least qualified to be making decisions at that point. My formators and loved ones have supported this vocation, the Lord’s will for me, and ordination is the time for trust not doubt. I kept my habit of prayer and slept soundly. After the ordination, I felt like the real graces were evident. I remember the first Holy Hour after ordination feeling just a little closer to the Lord in prayer. Also, I gathered family together to pray Vespers, much like the previous evening. However, at the dismissal, a few came to tears at the words, “The Lord be with you...” as opposed to the previous evening. It was a beautiful affirmation to be able to give a blessing and to have it received in that way. Somehow, I felt more approachable to parishioners, also. More people began coming to me with real problems, and my pastor wanted me to help them. To serve is truly a gift. It was a joy to be able to preach at the parish, too. After homily practicum, the homily just dies—it doesn’t go anywhere. When a small group of parishioners have heard your homily, it’s as if you’ve given them some small building block for the Kingdom of Heaven, and they’re leaving the Church to go build. In short, ever since ordination, I have felt as if many prayers are being funneled into me for the benefit of the Lord’s work. I feel as though it is my responsibility to direct those prayers, to reach out to the people. Why me? Why does the Lord use us? I think it’s a gift—that the Lord uses someone sinful and limited to help build His perfect and limitless Kingdom on earth.
Most Rev. Jeffrey M. Monforton ‘93, C’02, Bishop of Steubenville, lays hands on Rev. Mr. Edward Maxfield, Jr. ‘14 (Steubenville) during his ordination to the diaconate.
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2013 • Issue 4
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Alumni Focus
Fr. Paul O’Brien: Putting Jesus’ Love Into Practice Donato Infante III ‘15, Diocese of Worcester
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Fr. O’Brien with dinner guests at his Cor Unum Meal Center
he Reverend Paul O’Brien ‘91 (Boston) has been stationed in Lawrence, Massachusetts, since 2001. Twelve years in, he has had quite an impact in a city where one-third of residents are below the poverty line and two-thirds are born out-of-wedlock. His parish, Saint Patrick’s, hosts nine weekend Masses in either English, Spanish, or Vietnamese. Over the course of a week, thousands of people worship at St. Patrick’s.
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At Saint Patrick’s, Father O’Brien built and opened in 2006 the Cor Unum Meal Center, which serves two nutritious meals a day, seven days a week, and is funded extensively by Labels Are For Jars, an organization, founded by Father O’Brien, which sells apparel with messages to counteract stereotyping. On an average day, about 600 people are served meals, amounting to over 225,000 a year. Father O’Brien led the establishment of Lawrence Catholic Academy, which
currently educates more than 500 children in nursery school through grade eight. “Spiritual and material needs go hand and hand,” Father O’Brien said. “It would be really strange if the people who claimed to be Catholic in Lawrence were not feeding people when 75% of the children here are hungry. Two years ago the State took over the school system because it was failing, and it would be very strange if
someone claimed to be a Catholic and was not dedicating his or her time, talent, and treasure to help educate our children. All these temporal things are putting Jesus’ love into practice for the real people in our community.” Labels Are For Jars was inspired by the experience of a woman from the parish. A former inmate, she would apply for work and have several rounds of interviews, but once it came out that she was a former inmate, she would not get the job. “I was watching something about prison inmates who wear clothing with the word “Prisoner” across the back, and it was like this woman was still wearing the label.” Thinking to himself, “I would like to wear that label on my back just to confuse people,” he realized that others might do the same. “The idea is that you walk down the street and people ask, ‘Why are you wearing that?’ And you answer, ‘Well, I am trying to dispel the label,’ but then you also explain what Cor Unum is and ask for a donation which you send in to Cor Unum…We never imagined that some people would send in thousands of dollars…One woman gave $300,000.” Labels Are For Jars has helped raise around six million dollars for the construction and operation of Cor Unum. All of this has born great fruit. “We average about fifty people baptized every year at the Easter Vigil, with an average age of 16. Teens in a really tough neighborhood are stepping up to follow Christ, and almost all of them have as their initial encounter with Christ through either food, basketball, or another kid who has been baptized. We do an awful lot of door-to-door evangelization; we have beautiful liturgies; we have good catechetical programs, but those are not the primary points of contact. Our primary points of contact are
Fr. Paul blessing an infant brought up during the offertory at a Sunday Spanish Mass
putting love into action to meet the needs of the people on the streets of Lawrence.” Father O’Brien graduated from Harvard University in 1986, having concentrated in government. While at Harvard, he got to know comedian Conan O’Brien, who is a cofounder of Labels Are For Jars. Father O’Brien then began his studies for the priesthood at Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, where he studied for one year before being sent to the Pontifical North American College and the Pontifical Gregorian University. Ordained in 1991, he finished his STL in dogmatic theology the next year at the Gregorian. “When I went into seminary, my ‘solid catechetical education,’ had peaked at eighth grade. I did not have much theological or Scriptural formation from 8th grade through college… The education I received at the Greg was absolutely fantastic because it was Everything 101 for me and then moving up. And the style, which can be criticized for being overly academic, was perfect for me because I didn’t have any opinions – I needed to learn from the ground up. People are looking for priests who really know Jesus and his teachings, really know the Scripture and the history of the Church, whether they are conscious
of that or not, so the theological education I received in Rome was superb for me. I brought that here to Lawrence.” It was not just his experience in the Roman university system that was positive but also being formed at the College and living in Rome. It was at the North American College that Father O’Brien received spiritual formation and encountered Jesus Christ in a deeper way. He also spent one summer in Calcutta working with the Missionaries of Charity, and that continued during his time at the College. “I worked with the Missionaries of Charity throughout my time in Rome, and I was part of a small group that founded the first pastoral care program for AIDS victims in Italy. At that time, those with AIDS were homosexuals, drug addicts, and prostitutes— generally social outcasts in Italy at that time. There was absolutely no organized care for people with AIDS at that time, believe it or not, and that work was an absolutely life-changing experience.” To learn more about Saint Patrick Parish, the Cor Unum Meal Center, or Labels Are For Jars, check out their websites: http://www.saintpatrickparish.com http://www.corunummealcenter.org/ http://www.labelsareforjars.org/ 2013 • Issue 4
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CRS Global Fellows
Catholic Relief Services Global Fellows Program
Seminarians and Staff of the College meet with local priests and sisters during their visit to Sierra Leone.
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n the quiet early morning darkness of Easter Sunday 2013, a delegation of six Pontifical North American College seminarians and one faculty spiritual director departed Rome with two representatives from Catholic Relief Services. After much preparation, the group was headed to Sierra Leone as a part of CRS’s
Global Fellows program, which invites seminarians and priests to participate in brief but intense immersion programs to witness the CRS operations on the ground in a given country. Having experienced the work of CRS, Global Fellows are better able to put a face to Catholic Social Teaching and are called to share their experience and tell the stories of those they have met. What follows is not a systematic recounting of the experience, but rather a collection of sketches that hope to impart some of the joy, wonder, and inspiration that this trip has provided.
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Arrival and First Impressions Our group arrived to Sierra Leone late Easter Monday, stepping off the plane into the lingering humidity of a hot, tropical day. The sun was quickly setting over the Atlantic Ocean as we made our way to the coast, just in time to catch a ferry-ride to the capital city (Freetown) before dark.It was our first impression of the land: amazing and colorful beauty, but much poverty also. Shacks and small huts had lined the dirt and uneven road. Everyday comforts--even electricity--seemed but a rarity. Yet still, coming forth from those shacks were parades of smiling and joyful people. As we found out later, Easter Monday was a day of sure celebration, a time for families and friends to congregate at the beach and enjoy each other’s company. Even when we arrived at the other shore, the streets were no less filled, despite the fact that the darkness of night had now set in. And that darkness was dark. Our first view of the city was only illuminated by the headlights of the cars ahead and of those behind. A clear view would have to wait until the morning, and as the sun rose, a large, sprawling city was revealed, set upon hills which seemed to disappear into the Ocean. It was beautiful, but crowded--filled with over a million people living on plots jumbled about, interconnected by dirt paths and uneven roads. That morning’s light confirmed what became ever more clear as the week went on: Sierra Leone was certainly a land of great contradiction. A land of such wealth and natural beauty, such vibrancy in the love and the lives of the people. Yet one also of great
poverty, a lack of organization--one in need of great help.And that’s when we were introduced to the beautiful work and aid of CRS Jeffrey Dole ’14 Archdiocese of Dubuque
CRS and Catholic Social Teaching If we want access to the full force of Catholic Social Teaching, we have need of two key concepts: solidarity and subsidiarity. If we understand them, we will have the ability to understand the Church’s teaching, and our witnessing of the work of Catholic Relief Services in Sierra Leone was a great way to see these concepts incarnated. The Principle of Solidarity points to the reality that we all share the same origin and are called to share in the same destiny, the immediate vision of God. Considering this common nature and vocation from God, we are essentially social creatures who can only reach fulfillment with the help of others. Society is composed of a graduated hierarchy of social institutions, the most fundamental being the family. The Church, who as society herself, has as her end the healing of humanity and the raising of it to its divine vocation. The Church cannot but promote solidarity between individuals and other social groups,for in doing so she works to advance the common good, even of those who have not yet accepted the Gospel. Catholic Relief Services, in working towards solidarity, has recourse to the other key concept of Catholic Social
Teaching: subsidiarity. The Principle of Subsidiarity directs us to give priority to individuals and more fundamental social institutions when working toward solidarity. If a challenge to solidarity exists on the level of the family, the malnourishment of children for example, and it remains within the capacity of the family to resolve that challenge, it would offend justice for a higher social institution to intervene. Higher social institutions, whether they be an organization like Catholic Relief Services or the state, certainly may intervene if a challenge is beyond that of a lower social institution; however, that assistance should result from the request of the recipients and involve the recipients in resolving the challenge. If we were to summarize these fundamental teachings, we could say: Solidarity: You are your brother’s keeper. Subsidiarity: Don’t just give a man a fish, but teach him to fish for himself. And if you can teach him without another institution getting involved, then do it... for you are your brother’s keeper. Rev. Mr. Richard Hinkley ’14 Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Foreign and Familiar The Global Fellows experience we shared in Sierra Leone refuses to be contained in the past. It spills into all aspects of our priestly formation. In addition to the pastoral and intellectual benefits of experiencing the work of the Church around the world, I recognize a deep human and spiritual imprint that has affected the 2013 • Issue 4
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way I pray and relate to others. This is nothing short of the rumblings of the Spirit inviting a deeper conversion, the new man trying to be born after an encounter with Christ. Walking as a stranger through a small village in war-scarred eastern Sierra Leone could be disorienting and bewildering. Instead, for us it proved to be humanizing, moving, and affirming of our faith in a God who draws us to communion through our diversity. Amidst a foreign sea of sensory experiences – I didn’t understand the language, I didn’t recognize the landscape, the air had a different smell – a few simple human gestures anchored me in solidarity with these villagers who offered us their kindness. The touch of a hand, a weary but dignified smile, unguarded eye contact with a brother or sister whom I have yet to meet but with whom I am destined to be in eternal communion. Hands, eyes, smiles. We encounter hundreds of them each day, often without a second thought to what they express: the infinite
mystery of a unique human person made in the image of God. In such a foreign context in Sierra Leone, for me, for a moment, these everyday aspects of our humanity were freed of their everydayness, and it became an extraordinary privilege to hold the hand, to look into the eyes, and to smile at someone who is known and loved by God. Rev. Mr. Justin Blanc ’14, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Living as a Global Fellow After having met the beautiful people of Sierra Leone who are in great need and having witnessed the effective and loving work of CRS, it remains for us to move forward as Global Fellows, to take up the call of Christ to love our neighbor as He loved us. The trip helped us to see that the world is growing smaller everyday, and more importantly that our brothers
and sisters are also growing ever closer; in Jesus’ call to love, their needs become our responsibility. In the face of a task that seems endless or even impossible, I remember the words of Jesus, “There is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions and in the age to come eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). We lose nothing in giving generously; indeed, we gain even more because Jesus has made himself our brother in the poor. Pope Francis has witnessed to the world the joy that is the fruit of generous service and dedication to those inneed. Through CRS Rice Bowl, Catholics Confront Global Poverty, and CRS Fair Trade, CRS gives Catholic Americans who are convinced and convicted by the Gospel the opportunity to reach out to their family members throughout the world in a way that is not only effective but consistent with their invaluable dignity as human persons. Going forward as a Global Fellow means first of all a deeper conversion to the Gospel, which will bear fruit of a greater commitment to genuine love of all my brothers and sisters, especially those most in need Greg Gerhart ’16 Diocese of Austin
Rev. Msgr. Jerry Vincke, Spiritual Director (center), and Seminarians from the College meet with local representatives of Catholic Relief Services and tribal leaders during their Global Fellows Trip to Sierra Leone.
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Sisters and New Convent
New Librarians Arrive at the North American College Zac Povis ’15, Archdiocese of Saint Louis
Celebrating the Dedication of the Convent of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist at the Casa Santa Maria is Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ’95, Sr. Mary Cecilia, Sr. Maximilian Marie, Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector, Sr. Joseph Andrew and Mother Mary Assumpta.
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ister Maximilian Marie OP and Sister Mary Cecilia OP will join the community at the Pontifical North American College at the beginning of the 2013-2014 academic year as the new directors of the Randal Riede, C.F.X. Library. They come to the College from the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist: an order of religious sisters founded in 1997 whose motherhouse is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and will staff both the Randal Riede, C.F.X Library at the campus on the Gianiculum and the
library of the Casa Santa Maria. The sisters will fill the former position of Sister Rebecca Abel, OSB, who departs from the College after having faithfully served as its librarian for seventeen years. In addition to Sr. Maximilian Marie OP and Sr. Mary Cecilia OP, two additional sisters will come to Rome to study theology. The sisters come two-by-two, as it were, in accordance with the Dominican rule of life which dictates that they are to live in community and are thus never sent on an assignment alone. All four sisters will live together at
the Casa Santa Maria campus. Space on the first floor of the campus, previously used as space for a series of small guest rooms, was renovated in the summer of 2012 through the generosity of loyal benefactors to the College. The new convent space is complete with five bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, office, community room, visitor’s parlor, and a small chapel. This will, in fact, be the first established convent in Rome for the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, who, since their establishment only sixteen years ago, have grown to over 110 professed sisters from thirty-three of the fifty United States as well as several provinces in Canada. The convent was blessed by Monsignor James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College, in April of this year during a visit to the College by the sisters, and they will officially take up residence in the convent in August. It was also Monsignor Checchio who arranged with Mother Mary Assumpta OP, Mother Superior of the order, for the sisters to take on this position at the College in the first place. Sr. Maximilian Marie OP comes, originally, from Bend, Oregon and Sr. Mary Cecilia OPis from Toronto, Canada. The community at the North American College greatly anticipates theirarrival, and looks forward to welcoming them to Rome in the upcoming academic year. 2013 • Issue 4
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Life at the College
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1. Seminarians enjoy the Closing Banquet. 2. Departing faculty and staff with Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector (third from left) during the Closing Banquet. 3. Rev. Timothy McKeown ‘97 (left) with seminarians of the Class of 2014 during a visit to the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial. 4. North American College ‘Superfans’ welcome the Martyrs soccer team home after their Clericus Cup victory. 5. The players and coaches of the 2013 Inter-University Softball Tournament Champions, the Pontifical Gregorian University.
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6. The Most Reverend Giuseppe De Andrea, Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus to Kuwait(left), His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien C‘76, Rector of the College from 1990-1994 (center), Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector, Rev. Msgr. Adam Parker ‘00 at the installation of Rev. Donald Henke ‘92, C‘04 (second from right) to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. 7. Christopher Conant ‘16 (Paterson) and Kyle Manglona ‘16 (Seattle) celebrate the championship of the Pontifical Gregorian University softball team during the InterUniversity Softball Tournament.
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8. Rev. Msgr. Thomas Powers ‘94 celebrates Mass in the Immaculate ConceptionChapel during NAC-Legion Day. 9. Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector (left) with the coaches and players of the 2013 North American Martyrs soccer team following their Clericus Cup championship victory. 10. Rev. Jeffrey Walker ‘13 speaks with His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey ‘75, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. 11. Rev. James Platania ‘13 (Paterson) leads the players of the Inter-University Softball Tournament in prayer following the championship game.
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Clericus Cup
Martyrs’ Soccer Make It a Repeat! Rev. Nicholas Nelson ’13, Diocese of Duluth
Rev. Nicholas Nelson ’13 (Duluth) is handed the Clericus Cup after the team’s final victory.
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oing into the 2012-2013 soccer season, we knew we had a target on our backs. As those who are familiar with sports know, when you are the defending champion, you are going to get your opponent’s best effort, because everyone wants to knock off the champions. The official Clericus Cup didn’t start until February, but that didn’t keep us from preparing from the moment we returned to the College. The first semester we trained once a week and 18 The Pontifical North American College
played a number of practice games against other colleges throughout the city. When the time for the Clericus Cup arrived, we were ready. We started strong and finished the group play with three wins and zero losses. One game worth mentioning was our second contest. Our opponent, Collegio San Paolo, had a scheduling conflict with the original time so we moved the game to the evening. We were all looking forward to playing
under the lights, but we didn’t expect the rain. We played in a torrential downpour, and once the second half started the field was under an inch of water. To compensate, we had to abandon our pre-game strategy of short passes and just kick the ball into the box and then try to put it in the net from there. In the end, we escaped with a 2-1 victory after penalty kicks. None of us had ever played in such crazy conditions, and we all relished that hot shower when we returned to the college.
The Martyrs’ fan base came out in full force for the Clericus Cup Final on May 18th, 2013.
After finishing first in our group we then made our way to the finals with victories over the Brasilians and then the Urbaniana College which is the Vatican’s seminary for missionaries. In the finals, we went up against Mater Ecclesia, a perennial contender for the Cup. It was a tight scoreless game until midway through the second half when second-year man Andy Mattingly ’15 (Kansas City-St. Joseph) went in on the opposing keeper and put a nice low shot to the far side of the net. There was a sense of relief for all of us players and our brother seminarians in the stands as none of us had wanted for the championship to be decided by penalty kicks. This was my fourth and final year of playing for the Martyrs team. I will head back to Minnesota and be what I came to the NAC to become, a parish priest. This soccer team was truly a blessing for me as it is for all the guys on the team. At our ages, how many other men in the world are able to play, not just soccer, but any sport at such a competitive level? It was such an enjoyable experience to train and improve as a team and to develop close edifying friendships that I hope will endure throughout my priesthood. I am already looking forward to twenty years from now when we can gather together again and reminisce about the great days of Martyrs soccer at the NAC.
The 2013 North American Martyrs
Rev. Nicholas Nelson ’13 (Duluth) dribbles around two opposing defenders. 2013 • Issue 4
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Corpus Christi
Christ Walks With Us Michael Niemczak ’16, Diocese of Sante Fe
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n the year 1263, our Lord granted his people in the small Umbrian town of Bolsena, Italy a great miracle to help increase their faith in the true presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. While celebrating Mass at the church of St. Christina, a priest named Peter of Prague, who was passing through on pilgrimage, said the prayer of consecration over the host and the chalice, and not only did the bread in his hands become the Body of Jesus Christ, but the host began to bleed, soaking the corporal on which it lay and even staining the altar stone beneath it. The miraculous event was quickly reported to Pope Urban IV, who was residing in the neighboring town of Orvieto at the time. To celebrate this great grace of God—
that He made visible the invisible reality of what occurs at every Mass said around the world—the towns of Orvieto and Bolsena each had a procession through their streets with the corporal and stone stained with the Blood of Christ, and with the Blessed Sacrament. On June 2nd of this year, 750 years later, those same blood-stained relics and that same Body of Christ were processed through those same streets, and 29 priests and seminarians of the Pontifical North American College had the blessed opportunity to participate. Indeed, we experienced our own miniature miracle that morning: getting 29 of us out of bed and on a bus at 5:45 AM on a Sunday! The early start proved worth it, though, as we arrived in the charming city of Orvieto with plenty of time to find our place in the procession, joining representatives from the town clad in the medieval garb of their ancestors and seminarians from all over the world. We processed into the packed cathedral to the sound of Christus Vincit! Christus Regnat! Christus
Imperat! (Christ Conquers! Christ Reigns! Christ Commands!)—words which took on a new, deeper meaning after the homily of Cardinal Fernando Filoni at the Mass. He explained that the Corpus Christi procession is nothing less than God Himself walking through our day-to-day lives with us. This conquering King chose the most elementary food and drink through which to be physically present to his people—bread and wine—so that he could reach all of us in a humble way that we could accept. Fed with these words and the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, we processed through the town carrying the Blessed Sacrament through a sea of people whose reactions ranged from vague curiosity to ardent adoration of the God who came to meet them. The narrow streets of both towns were transformed for the occasion, with flags adorning the buildings in Orvieto and intricate tapestries of flower petals covering the streets of Bolsena. These images, and the memories of such joyful celebration of Corpus Christi, remained in our minds as we made our way back home that evening, realizing that we will celebrate that same solemnity in our parishes back home someday, perhaps with fewer flowers, but certainly with no less devotion!
Michael Niemczak ’16 (Santa Fe) and David Exner ’16 (San Diego) process with the corporal miraculously stained with the Blood of Christ in Orvieto
20 The Pontifical North American College
Summer Alumni Reunion
His Excellency David Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh, presides at Mass at the Alumni Reunion in Pittsburgh.
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he annual alumni reunion this Summer was another great gathering. Priests from the past 60 years gathered in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, hosted by Most Reverend David Zubik and his auxiliary, Most Reverend William Waltersheid ’92, C’96. The gathering opened with a cocktail reception sponsored by loyal College supporter, Mr. Rolf Rohn of Rohn and Associates Design, Inc.
update on the College from Msgr. James Checchio ’92, C’97 (Rector) as well as one from Mark Randall, the Executive Director for Institutional Advancement. Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni ’77, C’83 read a fascinating summary of his recent book, “The Second Founder,” which chronicles the efforts of Bishop Martin O’Connor to establish the College on the Janiculum.
In addition to much time for fellowship and prayer, the group celebrated Mass at St. Paul Cathedral and met afterwards for the annual business meeting. The group received an
At the closing banquet, the annual “Founder’s Medal” was presented to Mr. Greg Jewell – a long time volunteer and benefactor of the College, and close friend to
countless alumni. In his acceptance remarks, Greg mentioned his love for the College and how continually impressed he is with every NAC alumnus he meets. The reunion concluded with some additional tours of historic churches in the city. The College is grateful to the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Msgr. Michael Curran ’81, C’88 of the Alumni Association for helping make this year’s reunion possible. The 2014 Alumni Reunion will be held June 17-19, 2014 in New York city. Save the dates now – it will be a grand celebration!
2013 • Issue 4
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Pallium Mass
Imitating the Good Shepherd Timothy Furlow ’15, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
The Most Reverend Alexander Sample C‘96, Archbishop of Portland greets a community of sisters at the College after the Pallium Mass.
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ach year on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul all those who have been named Metropolitan Archbishops by the Holy Father come to Rome to personally receive from him the small, white, woolen yoke known as the “pallium.” When worn over the shoulders of the man destined to receive it, this simplistic yet deeply profound episcopal vestment acts as a tangible sign that he has been charged with the benevolent governance of a larger 22 The Pontifical North American College
ecclesiastical jurisdiction. As the Good Shepherd would place a small wayward lamb over his own neck to carry it to safety so too does the Archbishop, in receiving the Pallium, vow to carry the burden of his expanded flock and so lead them back to the refuge of Holy Mother Church. Thirty-Four men became the recipients of such a responsibility on June 29th 2013. They, and many of their spiritual children, gathered together in St. Peter’s Basilica under
the watchful care of the Holy Apostle himself and his present successor, Pope Francis. One by one their names echoed through the soaring vaults of stone and glass, and one by one the very character of their varying pronunciation poignantly displayed to the world the success of the Great Commission. We who were present could not help but hear the Church herself in the multiplicity of spoken languages, to see the Church herself in the knees bent in humility, to feel
the Church herself in the manifold acts of willing surrender. It was clear to the gathered assembly that this was not merely the conferral of a symbolic garment, it was the interior reception of a life lived in deeper emulation of Christ. The Church called these men to Her center not because of their heroic sanctity or intellectual prowess, but because our Fathers in Faith chose to mingle their blood with the Roman soil for the name of their Lord, for the mission of “shepherd” that He Himself had given them. And so it was that these modern apostles knelt above the bones of he who first heard the words “feed my sheep” and
vowed to personify his sacrifice in the pastoral care of those who had been entrusted to them. In being willing to take upon themselves this sacred enterprise they were not conformed to a static model contrived in the annals of history, instead they were united to the God who first united Himself to humanity, to Him who ransomed the lives of His children with the highest of prices. It is for this reason they received the Pallium that day, for this reason they returned to their respective lands to daily bear the weathered wood of self-sacrifice. Not that the sheep might be free to wander to a foreign pasture, or to cultivate a meadow well suited to the modern age, but rather that the sheep might simply live.
The Most Reverend Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Indianapolis, with seminarian Matthew Tucci ‘16 (Indianapolis) following the Pallium Mass.
Save the Date! Next year’s NAC Reunion: June 17-19, 2014 in New York City!
2013 • Issue 4
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Legion Day
From the Campo Sportivo Mark Murphy ‘14, Archdiocese of Dubuque
Greg Gerhart ’16 (Austin) passes around a defender during the NAC-Legion Ultimate Frisbee game.
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n Sunday May 5th The North American College squared off against their old rivals the Legionaries of Christ in their annual sports day and cookout. The two groups of seminarians faced each other in three events. The College won the first event by dominating the Legionaries 17-12 in an Ultimate Frisbee match played in the rain. The rain fortunately let up in time for the second event, softball, which the Legionaries won 12-7.
24 The Pontifical North American College
The third and final event was a basketball game. The game itself was made possible due to the efforts of Rev. Nicholas Nelson ‘13 (Duluth) and Dan Connealy ‘16 (Phoenix) who worked tirelessly to dry off the court after it rained and were recognized as Co-MVPs of NAC-Legion Sports Day for their accomplishment. The basketball game went down to the final second as Matthew Rensch ‘16 (Burlington) made a free throw
with one second left to win the game and the day for The North American College as NAC prevailed in a hard fought 41-40 victory. Overall it was a great day of fraternity as seminarians gathered together for teamwork and fellowship, and of course a NAC victory!
Building Update
Initial stages of construction of the College’s new 10-story addition as of early July. Active webcams will be tracking the progress of the work site throughout its construction.
NEW WING CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN
I
n April the groundbreaking for the new $8.5 million dollar 10-story addition to the College took place, and by June preparation work on the site was well underway. In July the actual digging on the site had begun and work continues to progress. The work during the summer months involves establishing necessary retaining walls for the sub-level and the foundations for the
ten story edifice. By September the foundation work will be complete and construction will begin to rise next to the present College structure. The long summer days of Rome have provided the construction company quality time to construct the foundation, and with most seminarians away from the College during the summer the loudest aspects of the construction are being
carried out before the return of the majority of the seminary community in September. The College is grateful to the Mulva Family for making possible the construction of the new wing, which will house four state-of-theart classrooms, Mass and homily practica chapels, administrative offices and meeting rooms, as well as a technology upgrade to the entire campus.
News from rome never traveled so fast The latest news, photos and stories from our campuses in Rome, delivered monthly to your Inbox for free! Sign up today at, http://onlinegiving.pnac.org
2013 • Issue 4
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Closing Banquet
Bringing the Year to a Close Rev. Alan Guanella ‘13, Diocese of La Crosse
Departing faculty member Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey Burrill ‘98 gives a speech at the Closing Banquet with Sr. Susan Hooks, OSB (left) and Rev. John Costello ‘89.
26 The Pontifical North American College
O
n May 25th, the Pontifical North American College celebrated the closing banquet of the academic year. For the New Men, it was the last time they were welcomed again to the College; for the second years, it was a celebration of being able to return home after two years away; for the third years, it meant that the ordination to the diaconate was just around the corner; for the fourth years, the anticipation of their coming priestly ordination was palpable; and for the fifth years, it was the knowledge that their time in Rome was complete.
Fr. Costello served the College for five years as the Director of Pastoral Formation and for one year as Assistant Vice Rector. Sister Rebecca Abel, OSB, longtime librarian of the College, and Sister Susan Hooks, OSB, Assistant to the Vice Rector for Administration and Comptroller, as well as Dr. Gianfranco De Luca, Director of Liturgical Music and Seminary Choir Director, were the departing staff members. Msgr. James Checchio, the rector, thanked these individuals for their faithful service to the College throughout their time in Rome.
As the entire College community entered into the refectory, it was the last time that the College would be together completely for the academic year. Through the delicious Italian banquet, the friendship and camaraderie, and the farewells that were said, the academic year of 2012–2013 was closed. The completion of another year of human, pastoral, intellectual, and pastoral formation was complete, and for many of the fourth and fifth year students, it was the end of their time at the North American College. In addition to the departing students, the College bade farewell to a number of departing faculty and staff of the College.
After Reverend Mr. Christopher Gray of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, Utah, speaking on behalf of the Fourth Year Class, gave a toast the College, each of the departing student’s names was called out followed by the phrase “sent to preach the Gospel.” This tradition of the College shows the ultimate meaning of seminary formation: the formation of priests
Towards the end of the meal, the departing faculty and staff were given a rousing applause for their hard work and dedication to the work of formation at the College. Msgr. Jeffrey Burrill ’98 of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin and Fr. John Costello ’89 of the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York were the departing faculty members. Msgr. Burrill had served the College as Director of Apostolic Formation for two years and as the Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics for two years.
who are filled with evangelical charity and zeal, sent to preach the Gospel. After all the names of the departing students were called out, thunderous applause broke out, sending forth those fourth and fifth year men back to their home dioceses to preach the Gospel. Though the closing banquet of the college is a time of farewells, goodbyes, and reminiscing, it is a time of looking forward: forward to summer parish experiences in the United States or abroad, to forthcoming ordinations to the diaconate or priesthood, or to pastoral ministry in home dioceses. Perhaps Father John Farley of New York, College class of 1870, has said it best: “This evening I bade a sad farewell to the friends I love best perhaps on earth, to the College most dear, to the years the happiest of my life and to the City of my very soul, to the soil moistened by the life stream of martyrs. Farewell Rome, but not, I hope, forever.”
(From left) Joseph Hamilton ‘16 (Sydney), Matthew Baldwin ‘14 (Melbourne), and Rev. Daniel McCaughan ’13 (Sydney) enjoy dinner at the Closing Banquet 2013 • Issue 4
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Extracurricular Pursuits
Red Room Rejects Given the vast number of talented seminarians that have graced the Pontifical North American College over the years, it is perhaps not surprising that some of her musicians have periodically taken it upon themselves to provide entertainment for the house throughout the year. The current house band is known as the “Red Room Rejects”, and we proudly follow in the footsteps of the “Pre-Brunch Pastries” among our other precursors. Playing an assortment of well-known songs from various genres--including blues, rock, folk, funk, and even a dash of country--and featuring several guest performers from among our brothers, we certainly enjoy our occasional chances to get the jam on, and we hope the rest of the house does too! Mark Baumgarten ‘13 Archdiocese of Perth
28 The Pontifical North American College
The Classic Movie Club
Latin Breakfast
While some of our confreres are zoned into the graphic explosions of the most recent Hollywood hits, a group of us sit down to enjoy some good old-fashioned black-andwhite film classics as part of our “Classic Movie Club”. Our group is composed not only of classic film buffs, but also of those who just want to enjoy a clean, wholesome movie and get to know post-war American culture. When our schedule permits, typically on a Friday or Saturday night, we meet in one of the hall lounges for some snacks, drinks, and a good look into the ingenuity of ages past. Vintage movies like North by Northwest, Citizen Kane, and His Girl Friday are anything but familiar to many of our members, but they are rarely disappointed by their creativity, acting, and overall quality. For some, our club has opened up a whole new category of films: classics that are not only clean, but edifying and enjoyable as well.
Early on Saturday mornings at a non-descript cafe atop the parking garage down the street from the College, a group of NAC seminarians meets with people from around the city for a rather improbable breakfast encounter. These seminarians are not there for cappuccinos and pastries, but to read and even to converse in Latin. The group, which can range from two to ten seminarians is lead by Msgr. Daniel Gallagher ’99, an official of the Latin Letters Office within the Secretariat of State. Other devoted students of Latin from around the city also join. The meetings are casual and informal but have as their goal a very serious end: to improve each person’s ability to read classical Latin texts and, eventually, even to be able to use Latin conversationally. The group is a part of a broader movement in Rome to revive the use of Latin and its study, as seen by new institutions for the study of Latin along with a greater interest on the part of students.
Joseph Kuharski ’14 Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis
Royce V. Gregerson ’15 Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Institutional Advancement
Alumni Addendum Mark Randall, CFRE Executive Director, Institutional Advancement
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recently celebrated my one year anniversary of joining the Pontifical North American College team. It’s been a busy and exciting twelve months to say the least. The people affiliated with the College are truly remarkable. In our next issue, I’ll write a few reflections on some of the amazing benefactors I’ve met. But here are a couple additions to alumni stories you’ve read elsewhere in this issue… Fr. Paul O’Brien ‘91, is assigned in Lawrence, MA. (See the profile article on page 10) I visited his parish and the Cor Unum soup kitchen this Summer. When you meet him, he’s rather quiet and reserved. But his passion for the poor and underserved is obvious from the start. During a baptism for four children, he urged parents to instruct their children to be like Christ: “Jesus told us, ‘if you see someone hungry, feed him. If you see someone sick, comfort him.’ This is what we are called to do as Baptized Christians. Teach your children this.” Fr. O’Brien told me his passion for service was realized during his time studying in Rome at the NAC, where he started an outreach program for AIDS victims – the first of its kind ever in Rome. As most NAC seminarians do, he experienced the diversity of the global Church while in Rome. It was an experience that drew him to establish the soup kitchen and “Jars Without Labels” apostolate. He told me, “My time at the NAC was hugely important not only for my priestly formation, but for how I came to see the universal Church, how we are all united in Christ.” Fr. O’Brien is an example of how the NAC gives its alumni not only excellent theological formation, but the pastoral leadership skills needed to respond to today’s culture. I also attended the annual NAC Alumni Reunion this Summer. (See story on page 27.) Only a very small percentage of all US seminarians attend the NAC so this is a unique group and has been so for more than 150 years. Six decades of graduating classes were represented at the reunion and it was especially interesting to meet some who were studying in Rome during the Second Vatican Council. I imagine some of our current seminarians will share milestone stories in 50 years about being in Rome during the transition of the papacy that they just witnessed firsthand. Next year’s reunion is being hosted in New York City on June 17-19, 2014, which promises to be another grand gathering. This Fall will be yet another tremendous time for our men to be living, studying and praying in the shadow of the Vatican, with the upcoming Canonization of Blessed John Paul II and Blessed John XXIII. Be sure to ‘like’ our Facebook page and sign up for our monthly eNewsletter, Firmum Est to catch our latest news from Rome!
Attention alumni: Watch your mail for an invitation to participate in the 2013 NAC Alumni Survey. One lucky responder will win $100 in NAC-themed clothing and merchandise!
2013 • Issue 4
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Casa Closing Banquet
A Time of Completion and Transition Rev. James C. Williams, S.M.
The refectory at the Casa Santa Maria displays a painting of Pope Pius IX.
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he end of each academic year brings completion and transition, often highlighted by traditions. On May 25th, the community of the Casa Santa Maria held the annual Closing Mass and Banquet. The Most Reverend Nicholas A. DiMarzio, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, presided and preached at the Mass. The studentpriests recall at this Mass the multitude of people who support their studies in numerous ways, especially
30 The Pontifical North American College
by prayer. Following Mass, there was a festive meal that celebrated the completion of another academic year with over 60 priests engaged in study for advanced degrees in subjects such as Canon Law, Scripture, Morals, Spirituality, and Liturgy. The highlight of the evening is recognizing and celebrating the priests who have completed their degree work and will be returning to their respective dioceses to use this theological knowledge as they preach and
teach. Each priest is acknowledged and recognized by his peers for this milestone.In addition, the Casa Santa Maria community expressed gratitude to those members of the administrative staff that are leaving. Sister Rebecca Abel, OSB has served as librarian, Sister Susan Hooks, OSB has served as Assistant to the Vice Rector for Administration and Comptroller, and Monsignor Francis Kelly has served as house Superior. All three concluded their service to the Casa Santa Maria at the end of the academic year and now proceed to other service for the Church. Finally, the entire community joins in three traditional toasts to the Holy Father, the United States, and the North American College. Celebrating the completion of another academic year provides all with an opportunity to celebrate grace from God and friendships forged during the challenges of studies. Further, it allows a chance to express gratitude for this unique opportunity to study at the Casa Santa Maria in Rome.
Economo’s Corner
Not The Typical Summer Monsignor Michael Farmer ’95, Archdiocese of Mobile
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ollowing the Pallium Mass and Celebration on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul the campus of the College has a decreased population with all the seminarians either returning to their home diocese to serve in parishes, serving in apostolic programs in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and others participating in language programs. Of course this only means the campus does not have formation taking place on site, but the campus on the Janiculm and on Umiltà Street are busy with a variety of projects taking place in the weeks of summer in order to prepare for another academic year. Even before all the seminarians departed in June, the college staff was busy painting rooms vacated by seminarians returning home to be ordained priests and serving their local Church with the excellent formation provided by the unique experience of Rome and the College. By mid-July 64 seminarian rooms had been painted and set up to welcome new men to the College, and at the Casa Santa Maria another 23 rooms were also painted and prepared for new student priests arriving in mid-September. Many of these activities that take place in the summer months at the College are routine and necessary for the campus environment to be conducive to formation throughout the remainder of the year. The Summer of 2013 has been unique with the site of the new classroom tower being fully engaged in preparation work, from setting up a perimeter for security
and offices of the construction personnel, to the actual digging of the foundation beginning in July, thus a little more noise and activity than the usual summer, but a welcome activity that will provide for the needed physical improvements of the College to ensure that excellent formation takes place well into the future. Thus, by midSeptember the foundation of the building will be complete and the building will begin to rise. Of course we are hoping for the traditional warm and dry Roman summer to ensure active work from morning to early evening! So the new men arriving in July for a brief stay at the College before departing for four weeks of Italian language courses throughout Italy will be the first seminarians to see the beginning of the campus transformation. In the Fall we will have a full house again and the work accomplished by staff and outside contractors during the summer months will have provided the typical preparation of the physical needs of the campus for the seminarians and student priests to engage in the extraordinary experience of formation that is unique and typical of the North American College. With fewer people attending the daily Mass at the College during the summer months, please know prayers of thanksgiving to our benefactors and friends are always offered.
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The Pontifical North American College Office of Institutional Advancement 3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20017-1194
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For more information about the Pontifical North American College, subscription questions, or to learn about ways you can financially support “America’s Seminary in Rome”, please contact Mark Randall, CFRE, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement.
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TOP: Anthony Hollowell ’16 (Indianapolis) gets to know the Church in Tanzania during his summer apostolate. Left: Robert Boxie ’16 (Washington) in Jerusalem where he spent the summer assisting pilgrims through the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center.