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THE PONTIFICAL NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE
Behold I Make All Things New 9 Practicing Poverty with Francis 18 Snapshots 20 Ordination to the Diaconate 28 Renewing All Things in Study
Contents 18 9 Features 7 New Faculty 8 New Director Interview
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Practicing Poverty with Francis 10 Taking the First Steps 11 Learning How to Be “Father” 12 First-Year Summer Assignments 14 A Look at Leadership and Service 16 An Experience of Wearing the Collar 17 Realization, Renovation, and Rededication
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20 On the Ordination to the Diaconate 24 God’s New Life in the Sacraments
25 Joining a New Brotherhood 26 Accept the Unexpected 27 The End of the Beginning
28 Renewing All Things in Study A day in the life of the Academic Dean
28 20 Updates 5 Rector’s Corner 6 NAC Voices 18 Snapshots
29 Economo's Corner 30 Institutional Advancement
From the Editor
Listening for his words, trusting in his promise "Behold I make all things new"
At the very start of each new year at the College, feelings of newness spread through the community; new faces, perspectives, experiences. And within each of those new aspects is the potential for renewal for each of us to continue to allow ourselves to be made anew by Christ, to be formed and reformed into His image, through His love for us. This year is no different from any other, yet our experiences, even if familiar to the College, are new to each one of us as we progress through our formation as men and, God-willing, future priests. Therefore, we listen ever more attentively at the start of each new year, as Christ calls us to allow the work he has begun in us to continue, listening for his words, trusting in his promise: “Behold I make all things new.� Seth Lemaire, '21 Diocese of Lafayette, Editor-in-Chief
Contributors EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Seth Lemaire '21, Diocese of Lafayette MANAGING EDITOR Michael Ledesma '21, Diocese of Tyler ASSISTANT EDITOR Aaron Kelly'22, Diocese of Rochester LAYOUT & DESIGN EDITOR Madison Hayes '21, Archdiocese of Anchorage ASSISTANT LAYOUT & DESIGN EDITOR Alexander Wyvill '22, Archdiocese of Washington
Administration
of the Pontifical North American College RECTOR Very Rev. Peter C. Harman ‘99 VICE RECTOR FOR ADMINISTRATION Rev. Kerry Abbott, OFM Conv. ICTE ’14 VICE RECTOR FOR SEMINARY LIFE Rev. Adam Y. Park ‘05 ACADEMIC DEAN AND ROMAN ECHOES FACULTY LIAISON Rev. John P. Cush ’98, C’15 SUPERIOR, CASA SANTA MARIA Rev. James J. Conn, SJ DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE FOR CONTINUING THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION Rev. Edward Linton, OSB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Mark Randall, CFRE For more information about the Pontifical North American College, subscription questions, or to learn about ways you can financially support “America’s Seminary in Rome,” please contact Mark Randall, CFRE, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement. Tel: (202) 541-5411 Fax: (202) 722-8804 Email: pnacdc@pnac.org Website: www.pnac.org This publication is written, edited, and photographed by the students of the Pontifical North American College.
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COVER: Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB, Director of Liturgical Formation at the College, welcomes the New Men at their clap-in ceremony as they prepare to enter the Immaculate Conception Chapel. THIS PAGE: The College all attended the canonization Mass with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for St. John Henry Newman and four other newly declared saints: Giuseppina Vannini, Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan, Dulce Lopes Pontes, and Marguerite Bays.
Rector’s Corner What’s New?
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mong the joys of leading the North American College community is the witnessing of the moments throughout the year where everyone is aware of God’s grace at work in the house and in each other. Obviously, and gratefully, God’s presence is felt here every day, and recognized in each other all of the time. But there are specific moments in the year where everyone is on the same page, so to speak, and all sensing the same thing. None of those are more profound than at the beginning of the year when we all sense that God is renewing our community. Every year, thanks be to God, we all sense the Holy Spirit at work in at least these three ways. New men are new gifts from God to us. From across the United States and even Australia, new seminarians arrive each year to begin this powerful experience of priestly formation with us. Their blessing is a two-fold one for the rest of the house. First, their own
energy, excitement and wonder of the Eternal City and our privileged place in it, force all of us who have called this place our home for some time to see our lives with fresh eyes, and to be grateful for the blessing that this place is to us. Secondly, it is a reminder of God at work in bringing new talents, gifts and lives of faith to join our own and a call to remember that God is never outdone in generosity. He who has provided for his Church continues to do so in every age. The return of all of the seminarians from their summer experiences teaches us that God has continued to build up and confirm his call since we were last here. When everyone starts sharing their summer stories, it is clear that what has been learned in the classroom has been put to good use with and for the people of God at home. The seminarians’ own reflections on their experiences, and the observations of their pastors and parishioners, give great consolation and encouragement.
Ordination gives new life and hope to the Church! Our new deacons and student priests bear witness to God’s multiplying their gifts of self for the Church. Seeing the joy in family and friends at Ordinations is such an encouragement to me, and I know it is a contagious joy for all who witness new workers taking their place in the Lord’s vineyard. All of these blessings are reminders that God’s love and his providential plan and guidance are more powerful than our own plans and abilities. So, while it is in some sense always “another” year, it is far from being just the same thing over again. I pray that God’s blessings will inspire you to be renewed in faith and trust in his action in your life, and as always, I thank you for your goodness to us and promise you our prayers.
Very Reverend Peter C. Harman, STD ’99, Rector
The return of all of the seminarians from their summer experiences teaches us that God has continued to build up and confirm his call since we were last here. When everyone starts sharing their summer stories, it is clear that what has been learned in the classroom has been put to good use with and for the people of God at home.
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VOICES OF NAC
“And he who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’” (Revelation 21:5)
With every new year comes new experiences and new opportunities, what is something new you are looking forward to experiencing this year? “As I begin my third year at the NAC, I have a new sense of urgency towards formation. Because of the number of years required for priestly formation, it can be easy to settle into one’s identity as a seminarian, almost as an end in itself. Early on, the end goal of the priesthood often seemed so far away and abstract. Now, however, my own diaconate ordination is fast approaching – this May! I find this both exciting and intimidating. I am entrusting this energy to the Lord and confident that he will make this a fruitful year of preparation.”
“The privileges of seminary formation – deliberate time for prayer, study, concerted efforts for growth across all dimensions of the human and spiritual life – are not experienced in isolation. Just as we give our lives in service to a community, the Lord calls us to grow together in community. I am looking forward to meeting and becoming a part of this community – the family of the North American College. Together, as ‘clay in the hands of the potter’, we undergo trying moments of growth, and rewarding experiences of formation uniquely enabled by our life here in Rome.”
Christopher Trummer ‘21, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Samuel Anderson ‘23, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
“When I first arrived to Rome three years ago, I was most excited to visit the tombs of the Saints and pray before them, yet as I look forward to my fourth year and to priestly ordination next June, one of the things that excites me most is the thought that home and my local church are near at hand. While my time before the Saints will always be a great privilege in my life, the even greater gift is the call to serve the people of God in the Diocese of Las Cruces as their priest, and I can hardly wait.” Rev. Mr. Ivan Torres ’20, Diocese of Las Cruces
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“I’m greatly looking forward to taking an academic research project from start to finish as I begin and complete my license thesis this year. As a fifth-year priest, I will be going on the Holy Land pilgrimage, and so I cannot wait to celebrate Mass at some of the most important spiritual places in our faith’s tradition. Finally, being the oldest student year on campus, I look forward to supporting and encouraging the seminarians as they continue along their discernment. ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Fr. Stephen Buting ‘19, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
“Our second year in Rome brings not only the excitement of returning to a College we have come to know and love over the first year. It also brings with it the opportunity to begin practicing the priestly art of preaching. Over the course of the year my classmates and I will prepare and give practice homilies. Finally, we will receive our final ministry of acolyte in February, our last ministerial step before ordination!” Alex Kramer ‘22, Diocese of Des Moines
New Faculty for 2018-19 AARON KELLY ‘22, DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER
Rev. Kevin Bazzel
Rev. James Conn, SJ
Fr. Kevin Bazzel, a priest of the Diocese of Birmingham, AL, comes to the College as an Adjunct Spiritual Director. An alumnus of the College, Fr. Bazzel was ordained a priest in 2001. After ordination, he served in various roles including parochial vicar, high school chaplain, and high school theology teacher. In 2006, Father Bazzel earned a licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. After returning to the Diocese, Fr. Bazzel had several assignments including rector of the cathedral, chancellor, and vicar general. Father Bazzel was appointed as an official of the Congregation for the Clergy in April of 2016.
Fr. James Conn, SJ comes to the College as the Superior of the Casa Santa Maria. After entering the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus in September 1966, he was ordained a priest in June 1974. Having completed his Juris Doctorate from Fordham University and his Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Father Conn has had an extensive career in teaching. Some of his positions have included teaching Canon Law at Boston College, the Pontifical Gregorian University, and St. Mary’s Seminary & University. In addition, Fr. Conn has had a distinguished career in ecclesiastical service, which has included serving as the Knight Commander of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, Consultor for the Congregation for the Clergy, and a canonical consultant to many dioceses.
Sr. Mary Aquinas Cheng, OP Sr. Mary Aquinas Cheng, OP comes to the College as Librarian at the Casa Santa Maria. Sr. Mary Aquinas is a Dominican Sister of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She has a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate in secondary mathematics education from Eastern Michigan University. Prior to coming to the College, she taught pre-calculus and geometry at Fr. Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor. Sister is originally from Galveston, Texas.
Rev. Michael Romano Fr. Michael Romano, a priest of the Diocese of Camden, NJ, comes to the College as the Director of Admissions and a Formation Advisor. An alumnus of the College, Fr. Romano was ordained a priest in 2007. After ordination, Fr. Romano returned to Rome for one year to complete his licentiate in Sacred Theology from the John Paul II Institute.
In the Diocese of Camden, Fr. Romano has served as a parochial vicar, high school chaplain, vocation director, and priest secretary to the bishop. Fr. Romano looks forward to being able to share the joy of priesthood with the seminarians and help them fall in love with the vocation to which they are being called.
Sr. Thomas Miriam White, RSM Sr. Thomas Miriam White, RSM, a second-year novice of the religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, MI, comes to the College as the Assistant Coordinator of the Bishop’s Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican, her first assignment as a sister. A native of Illinois, Sister completed her undergraduate degree at Hope College in biology and trumpet performance. She later completed her Ph.D. in Musicology from Indiana University. During her graduate studies, Sister converted to Catholicism, having been raised in a non-denominational Protestant home. Prior to entering the religious life, Sister lived in Maryland and worked for the federal government as an analyst.
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A New Director of Admissions for the College AARON KELLY ’22, DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER
Can you give us a little background about yourself; where you’re from, your family, your education? I am a priest of the Diocese of Camden, NJ. My family grew up in South Jersey. I spent my grammar school years living in the suburbs of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia before moving back to New Jersey in high school. I have three siblings and come from a normal family upbringing. I started college at the University of Scranton and spent one year there prior to entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. At the beginning of my senior year at St. Charles, the Bishop asked me to do graduate school at the NAC and I was here from 2003 till 2008. I was ordained a priest in 2007. During my time at the NAC, I completed an STB from the Gregorian and my STL at the John Paul II Institute.
What have your assignments been up to this point? When I came home, I was assigned to a parish. It was great! They were
wonderful, wonderful years. During that time, I was named the chaplain of the high school I attended. In 2011, while serving as high school chaplain, I was named diocesan vocation director and I’ve been in that role until now. In 2014, I was taken from the high school and became my bishop’s priest secretary, while also serving as vocation director.
What was your initial reaction to being assigned back to the seminary, what will your responsibilities be, and what are you looking forward to most about being back? How did they get my name? Who knows me? I’m just a kid from South Jersey. Then, when I sat back, I thought about how I never wanted to be vocation director, but when I embraced the ministry, I really grew to love it. Now, to do formation work, it almost feels right. I love being a priest and I am excited to share that joy and encourage seminarians to
from right to left: Fr. Michael Romano ’07 (Camden) shares a conversation over breakfast in the College's central courtyard with New Men Matthew Schilmoeller '23 (Lincoln) and Ben Pribbenow '23 (Green Bay) during the summer orientation program. 8
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Rev. Michael Romano ’07 (Camden) joyfully returns to the College this year to serve as the Director of Admissions and to help form a new generation of priests.
love this vocation. My roles are to be a formation advisor, as well as Director of Admissions. I am excited to be back in Rome as a priest. When I was here for Early Orientation and Regular Orientation, being able to celebrate and concelebrate Masses in some of the basilicas and churches I went to as a young seminarian was an incredible gift.
Do you have a bible verse or saint that you try to model your priesthood and life after? 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be willing to give a reason for your faith but do it with gentleness and reverence.” For me, that has always spoken to how I live my life, not just what I say, but living my faith in how I compose myself, and in the things I do. Doing all of these with gentleness and reverence. For me it is a reminder as a priest, not to shove the truths of the faith down people’s throats, but to gently accompany people, and always do it with gentleness and reverence.
Practicing Poverty with Francis
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J O N AT H A N L I E D L ‘ 2 3, A R C H D I O C E S E O F ST. PAU L A N D M I N N E A P O L I S know that St. Francis of Assisi is the official patron of the diaconate class this year, but a month and a half into our time in Italy, it would be hard to deny that San Francesco has become something of a sponsor for the New Men at the College as well. This is not only because we had the opportunity to spend our fraternity weekend in Assisi, praying in front of the crucifix from which Christ spoke to him and bonding on hikes up to his hermitage. Nor is it only because our silent retreat saw us nestled in the verdant hills of Greccio, where Francis established the first nativity scene. I think St. Francis is a fitting patron for the New Men, because, whether we like it or not, we are all being called to embrace poverty now; not necessarily a poverty of material possessions, but the deeper spiritual poverty that undergirded Francis’ own radical asceticism. We have left friends and family, country and comfort, to come to a city we are unfamiliar with, to speak a language we do not know, in a seminary where we are once again the “new kids on the block”. For those of us on the older end of the seminary spectrum, who already experienced this kind of “starting over” when we left careers and plans to enter seminary for the first time, it can feel a bit like déjà vu. We are as empty-handed, dependent, and not-in-control, as we have been since childhood. And I do not think our Lord would have it any other way.
Like Francis’s own embrace of poverty, none of us have come to Rome to practice some kind of “spiritual Olympics," to show how resilient and strong we are by what we can do without. Rather, we have come because Christ, through His Church, has called us. As Francis’s own life attests, it is only when we are truly poor in spirit that we can fully receive all that God has to offer us. Embracing the “poverty” of being New Men at the NAC is an opportunity to leave behind our own illusions of self-sufficiency and autonomy, so that we can learn to depend more deeply upon our loving Father, whose Son tells us to “become like children.” When we make this decision to embrace our poverty rather than to resist it, our experience changes. We can see the inconveniences of Roman
life as adventures. We focus less on what we have left behind and more on all that God has in store for us on the road ahead. And we are reminded anew of God’s providential care, that He is a Good Shepherd who “leads us beside still waters.” I experienced this in a profound way, appropriately, in Greccio, in the poverty of silence. I was able to experience the closeness of God’s presence once more. I saw how every part of my day, from Mass to the beautiful nature surrounding us, was a gift from Him, and how He was with me here in Italy just as He had been back home. As Luigi Giussani said, and St. Francis shows us, “the beggar is the protagonist of history.” It is my prayer that we embrace our poverty, so that we may more fully receive all that the Lord has in store for us during our time here in Rome. n
After celebrating his official "clap-in" ceremony with his fellow classmates, Jonathan Liedl '23 (St. Paul and Minneapolis) is greeted by the Rector, Very Rev. Peter C. Harman '99, for the first of many warm welcomes to the College.
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Taking the First Steps T I M OT H Y CO U RT N E Y ‘ 2 3, D I O C E S E O F A R L I N GTO N
“If I take the wings of dawn, and dwell beyond the sea, even there your hand guides me, your right hand holds me fast.” Ps.139
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he feeling of "newness” began to define my life in a significant way several weeks ago, as I boarded the plane at Dulles Airport for the flight to Rome. Never having been abroad, I scanned my passport for the first time, I received a plastic container with some kind of chicken stew as my meal during the flight, I made sure to download a couple of movies on my phone, and then I marveled at the realization that airlines have already invented in-flight entertainment. All of this, of course, was even before landing in a new country, meeting hundreds of new people, learning a new language, and studying at a new school. I have been totally awash in new experiences for two months now, and I’m sure that these new experiences will continue for the next year, and long after. There is something funny about being new to Rome; “new” is certainly not the word one would use to describe this city. The patrimony of the Church has belonged to me and my family for generations; it has been here all my life and then far, far longer. My home state of Virginia is the oldest one in the United States of America, and yet, the most venerable traditions and historic buildings in the Old Dominion are as nothing next to the antiquity of Rome. The only sense in which anything here is “new” is when I compare it to
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Timothy Courtney '23 (Arlington) enters the Immaculate Conception Chapel.
my own narrow experience. From a broader perspective, we live on top of a glorious, messy, beautiful, chaotic heap; wreckage piled up over centuries of scoundrels and martyrs, corruption and holiness, death and life.
He asks us: Will you let Me be your surety? In the Blessed Sacrament, that stalwart presence of the Divine Son, which is the same across all time and space, He reassures us: I am still here with you.
The new and the old collide with a force that creates excitement, anxiety, hope, and fear, and the Lord steps into this dynamic admixture to do His work. The old and the new are alike in that He uses them both to lead us closer to Him. Stripping away the familiar and comfortable, God invites us to rely more fully on Him; all the while reassuring us with His constant guiding hand. Overwhelmed, stressed, and thousands of miles from home,
I am reminded of the newly canonized St. John Henry Newman’s “Lead, Kindly Light,” Keep thou my feet, I do not ask to see/the distant scene; one step enough for me. Sometimes, the darkness of desolation through which Cardinal Newman begged guidance is brought on by the fact that the things around us are so new, we do not know where we are yet. The only way forward is the way in which each step is illuminated by the Ancient of Days. n
Learning How to Be “Father” A A R O N K E L LY ’ 2 2 , D I O C E S E O F R O C H E ST E R , N Y
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t the completion of my first year of theology, I had the opportunity to return to my diocese, the Diocese of Rochester, NY, to serve in a parish for eight weeks. This was the first time in my six years of seminary that I had been able to spend an extended amount of time in a parish. Several of my classmates had a similar opportunity to spend the summer serving in their home dioceses. The majority of our class, however, participated in a variety of ministerial and educational experiences throughout Europe. My time at St. Jerome’s Church in East Rochester, NY, afforded me the opportunity to see the day-to-day life of a parish priest, a life that I have felt called to from a young age. Through the example of Fr. William Leone, the Pastor of St. Jerome’s, and Fr. Bill Endres, the senior priest that was in residence, I was able to learn what it means to be “Father.” I was able to learn from the example of two priests who truly love and know their people, who are present and active within their community, and who allow their love for Christ and His Church to permeate everything they do. Their love for priestly ministry was contagious and helped reconfirm and reinvigorate my desire to pursue this sacred call. I learned that just as there is nothing outside the job description of the parish priest, likewise there is nothing that a father would not do for his children. For example, one Sunday, in between Masses, we learned that there was a broken air conditioning
unit that caused the carpet to become wet. Without thinking twice, Fr. Leone removed his chasuble and went to find the shop vac in order to clean up the water. I learned that the parish priest goes from task to task, however inconvenient, because he loves the people and desires their well-being. In addition to assisting with liturgies, I had the opportunity to visit many parishioners confined to home or
nursing facilities, attend the Steubenville Youth Conference with the youth group, and get to know and build relationships with many of the priests and seminarians of my diocese. All of these experiences brought great joy and were very encouraging to me. I left the experience at St. Jerome’s looking forward to a life of ministry and a renewed desire to follow the call of Christ. n
from right to left: Aaron Kelly '22 (Rochester) with Rev. William Leone and Sr. Clare Brown, SSJ, smile in thanksgiving after a summer well served at the Church of St. Jerome in East Rochester, NY on August 11, 2019.
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All Around with Apostolic Zeal: ISAAC OVIEDO ’22, DIOCESE OF TYLER
GUILLERMO HERNANDEZ ’22, DIOCESE OF SAN DIEGO
Cork, Ireland
Lourdes, France & Cork, Ireland
It is curious how the study of something as old as Latin can have a stimulating effect in one’s life, both intellectually, and in my case, in my formation for the priesthood; however, that was my experience this summer studying Latin for eight weeks. When you learn a new language, you have to learn to think in a new way, to associate new words to realities you already know. Furthermore, in an inflected language as
This past summer, I had the privilege of serving at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. In Lourdes, I lived with approximately twenty-five other seminarians, from all over the world, and worked with English-speaking pilgrims. It was a beautiful experience to unite in prayer with these other men who share the same vocation. Prayer united us even when we could not always understand each other because of language barriers. One of my favorite parts of the assignment was meeting new pilgrims each day. The pilgrims were an inspiration and a cause of renewal for my vocation. I met people from all over the world who were excited to meet seminarians. Each of the people we met were supportive of vocations and assured us of their continued prayers. Knowing of these prayers is a continued source of consolation for me.
Isaac Oviedo ’22 (Tyler) studies Latin in the library, sharpening his skills after completing a Latin program this summer.
Latin (in which word endings reflect different meanings) one has to learn to detach from how one normally looks at words and grammar and step into a different point of view. This means stepping into the world of the Roman Empire, where Latin reached its golden age in a time when Christianity was greatly persecuted. Yet, Christianity eventually became the official religion and, unsurprisingly inherited the language of the Romans. The place of Latin within the Church to this day is the other aspect of how enriching my studies this summer have been. Because in our theological studies we come across Latin terms so often and because it is also a part of the Church’s liturgy, think for example of St. Thomas Aquinas’ great eucharistic hymns, I can now delve deeper into the heart of the Church as I seek to sentire cum ecclesia “think with the Church”, in my path to ordination to the priesthood of Jesus Christ, whose Church is so influential in the preservation and propagation of the Latin language. n
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Guillermo Hernandez ‘22 (San Diego) at the grotto of the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France.
I also had the opportunity to experience the Catholic Church in Ireland, while assisting at a parish in Cork. It was difficult to experience firsthand how the Catholic Church in Ireland is struggling. Nevertheless, there was a profound sense of hope found in the vibrant young adult community present there. I was reminded of my young adult community back home that had a huge impact on my journey to the seminary. My experience in Cork renewed my faith and hope in the Church today, even despite present difficulties. n
First-Year Summer Assignments DANNY DILONE ‘22, ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK
Kolkata, India
Jacob Magnuson ’22 (Bismark) joins priests from his assignment in Kenya, evangelizing the People of God.
JACOB MAGNUSON ’22, DIOCESE OF BISMARCK
Kisii, Kenya I had the opportunity to go to Kenya this summer and serve at Nyabururu Parish in the Diocese of Kisii. The connection with the parish was made a number of years ago because the Diocese of Bismarck has a mission for orphans in Geckano, which is also in the Diocese of Kisii. I spent four weeks at this great parish, which is the mother parish of the Diocese. Each day, the seminarians and I (including another Bismarck seminarian) would go door-to-door visiting the Catholics of a nearby community in order to encourage them in their faith. I was able to sit down with the people in their homes and learn about the struggles and joys of being a Catholic in Kenya. Most of these encounters were very positive because the people with whom we met were very open to share their stories and their challenges. I learned a great deal about the importance of being present to people, sometimes having to seek them out, and truly listening to their situation. Even though many of these people have the same challenges, each person is affected differently by their situation. I believe that learning this reality and the skill of listening gave me a new perspective on what the priest has to offer the people of God. I also hope that I will be able to more deeply foster the art of listening in order to be a more effective priest. n
It was about 9:00am when I arrived at Nirmal Hriday, the Home of the Pure Heart, also known as Kalighat. Kalighat is a hospice for the sick and the destitute in Kolkata, India. As soon as I arrived, I heard one of the Missionaries of Charity call to me, “Brother, in the bathroom, go!” I could smell the disgusting odor of the bathroom as soon as I walked in the door. The smell was nauseating. All I could think of was Psalm 57, which I recited as I entered the bathroom, “My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready.” In the bathroom, I encountered a man, stripped naked, lying on the floor, and surrounded by his own feces. I was instructed to hold him up as he was being bathed by another worker. I could not think of a worse place to be. I grabbed him by the torso, as the Lord grabbed the cross, and I held him while they began to bathe him. There was a moment when we exchanged gazes; I could not cover my disgust and distress, but he looked at me with love, something I failed to do. In that moment, I realized that I was serving this poor man neither for myself, nor for him, but for Christ. The man in my arms was desolate, helpless, thirsty, hungry, naked, and in the prison of his own infirmity. But most importantly, he was “the least brother of mine.” The words of the Lord echoed in my mind, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did it for me.” I was there to be Christ for him, but he was Christ for me. In that moment, he was the most important person in the world. I might have cleaned him physically, but he cleansed me spiritually, and for that, I am eternally grateful. n
right to left: Christian Chami ’22 (Venice in Florida), Danny Dilone, ’22 (New York), Oscar Marquina Romero ’22 (Salt Lake City), and Guillermo Jimenez Lainez ’22 (Bridgeport) stand at the tomb of Mother Teresa in Kolkata, India. ROMAN ECHOES 2019 • VOLUME 24: ISSUE 1
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The Theology III class and the Spiritual Directors of the College come together at the conclusion of a fruitful retreat from 15-21 September 2019 at the Centro Internazionale di Spiritualità Sacro Cuore di Gesù in Rocca di Papa, consisting of a week in silence and practicing more focused mediation on the Sacred Scriptures to fuel their year ahead.
A Look at Leadership and Service
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A L E X A N D E R P I N C E ‘ 2 1 , D I O C E S E O F V E N I C E I N F LO R I DA
s a seminarian progresses through formation at the College, his roles and responsibilities also develop. In his first year, the seminarian is given the opportunity to transition to life in Rome. This means getting to know other seminarians within the house and learning the expectations and requirements of the seminary program. At the end of the first year, a seminarian is given a “house job," a particular role to help the community function better. These jobs include liturgy, music, organizing student-run stores, managing the student kitchen, etc. Responsibilities within these jobs grow as the seminarian
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progresses, so that by his third year, he has more leadership within his particular role. The third year is critical because diaconate ordination is quickly approaching. At diaconate ordination, a man lays down his life for Christ and the Church by making promises of prayer, celibacy, and obedience. Although these jobs within the community are only one aspect of formation, they can teach valuable lessons that illuminate other areas of life. With this in mind, I sat down with a few members of the third-year class to see how they are taking lessons learned from their house jobs and applying them to their lives, especially looking forward to diaconal ministry.
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Joseph MacNeill,‘21 (Hartford), as Refectory Prefect, aids in the overall organization of different events and banquets that occur throughout the year at the North American College. This includes weekly Sunday brunches for the community, receptions, as well as the Rector’s Dinner. As such, the role is important because it affects the life of the immediate community in addition to the many friends and guests of the College. Speaking about his role in light of the diaconate, Joseph made the connection between his role and the meaning of the word deacon, which is, servant. He commented: “In the Acts of the Apostles, deacons were serving tables so that the Apostles
could go out and be ministers of the Word and Sacrament. I feel like my house job fits perfectly because serving at table is the role of the deacon.” Joseph’s hope is that he will learn through this ministry of service so that it will have a domino effect into the following year. Reed Flood, ‘21 (Des Moines) also understands how his work can help him to grow in the spirit of service. Reed, as Sports Prefect, supervises the sporting events that go on at the College, from sports on the well-trod Campo Sportivo (soccer field) and tennis courts, to the fitness complex. There are other scheduling responsibilities that fall under the umbrella of the Sports Prefect, including a bi-annual sports day with the Legionaries of Christ seminarians, and scheduling monthly Swiss Guard training sessions on the Campo Sportivo. Speaking about his role in the community he stated: “It’s about accepting the task that you’ve been presented with, taking charge of what you’ve been given, and being a good steward of it. That, I think, is service, the heart of the diaconate. This is a privileged time to develop our ability to serve well and to do so as servants of Christ. Even if it’s mopping a gym floor or spraying down a sweaty bench, I am serving God himself, which is no small task.” Even in small acts of service rendered out of charity, God is glorified. Curtis Weisenburger, ‘21 (Toledo), this year’s Play Director, seeks to follow in the footsteps of excellent theater directors of past years. Each year presents the challenge of adapting a play for an all-male cast, which also presents the opportunity for great creativity. For the North American College community, the play is always
an enjoyable time of fraternity, as well as an opportunity for guests to come and see a work of art produced by seminarians. For Curtis, the role is one of service to the community. Speaking about this responsibility, Curtis commented: “The play is a work of art, and all works of art reflect the Creator in some capacity, whether in its beauty, perfection, or intelligibility. I look at the play as a way to create something beautiful. So, along with all the men who will be involved in this, we will co-create something that will be of glory to God and of service to the house.” Using the example of St. John Paul II, who was once an actor, Curtis seeks to serve the community and glorify God in his role as director. Like Curtis, learning to serve, and doing so out of love for Christ, is the message that Seth Lemaire, ‘21 (Lafayette) emphasized while speaking about his own leadership in the community. “It’s an opportunity to grow and an opportunity to serve and acclimate oneself into a ministry of service.” In his role as “King STUAC”, (Chairman of the Student Activities Committee) Seth is the administrative point-man for many activities and events at the seminary. Seth highlighted: “First and foremost, my job is to help the other leaders and managers within the Student Activities Committee, so that all these jobs can be done in such a way that lead our entire house, our community of men, closer and closer to Christ.” Finally, the most important aspect of seminary life is the worship of God in the Sacraments. Michael Malucha, ‘21 (Milwaukee), spoke about his experience as the Master of Ceremonies, to give a glimpse into what his experience serving the community from
the liturgical perspective has been. As Head “MC”, Michael leads a team of seven other Assistant MCs, who along with the Sacristans, help to set up the chapel for community liturgies and assist in preparing the priests and servers to worship well. The College is truly blessed with many beautiful liturgical celebrations throughout the year, including the diaconate ordination, the institutions of Lectors and Acolytes, and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. For Michael, this is an opportunity to serve the community and contribute to what is the central focus of seminary life: “It’s one thing to study well, to serve others well within our apostolates, and to celebrate well in our banquets and student lounge, but if we do not worship well, then none of that matters.” In considering his role within the liturgical life of the community and reflecting on the promises made at diaconate, Michael said: “Ultimately, we’re hoping to be conformed to Christ the servant and Christ the priest. This third year gives, because of the responsibilities in the house and increased workload, a chance to pray and grow into the promises that we will make at ordination.” Each of these roles are but a few examples of the way that house jobs can help the seminarian serve the community and grow more into the person God is calling him to be. As men aspiring to become servants through their future diaconal ministry, the third-year men have the opportunity to allow their experiences to inform their spiritual life and identity. May the Lord grant them the grace to grow as servants. n
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A New Beginning of "Looking the Part"
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MICHAEL LEDESMA ‘21, DIOCESE OF TYLER fter having the opportunity to study for two years in Rome, this past summer was a most heartfelt time of rest and relaxation. It was a summer full of joy and happiness. The delight, of course, was being surrounded by family and friends, but it also brought its challenges. This time back home was the first time I returned to the diocese a new man in new clothes. This summer was the first time the people of my diocese saw me in clerical attire. While this had been something normal for me in my daily life in Rome, it was something new for them and, thus, something new for me. There was a new perspective on their end and on mine. I was no longer good ol’ Mikey, but Michael the seminarian, the man studying to be a priest of Jesus Christ.
Michael Ledesma '21 (Tyler) offers a tour of the College to visitors
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So, this summer presented new challenges I had not anticipated. As I went about my day working in the parish, I had to be conscious of the fact that people no longer saw me as a regular guy, but a representative of the Church. Even the children of the
I was no longer good ol’ Mikey, but Michael the seminarian, the man studying to be a priest of Jesus Christ. parish who knew me from two years before would stop and ask me, “Why are you dressed like that? Are you a priest?” I would answer them that I was not a priest yet, but that I was studying to be one and would, God willing, be ordained in two years. Their first question was a little bit more difficult to answer. I could tell them that the black signified a total gift of myself to our Lord Jesus Christ by setting aside worldly clothing forever and taking on the clothing of the Church, but I chose instead to use the analogy of a soldier. Just as the soldier putting on his uniform senses very well that he has a certain responsibility and that he has to be ready to go off to battle, likewise the priest (and those studying to be priests) who “puts on the black," senses that he has to be ready to serve our Lord Jesus Christ for the spreading of His reign in the world and in souls.
O bona crux, diu desiderata! O good cross, long have I desired thee! These beautiful words can be found in Rome’s Chiesa Gesù on a small, metal plaque hanging above a painting of St. Andrew the Apostle, awaiting his crucifixion. St. Andrew was doing nothing else than following the words of His Lord: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” I am a man studying to be a priest of Jesus Christ. I desire, above all, to follow Him who is my greatest love. If I am to follow Him, then I must deny myself and take up my cross. While it may be more comfortable for me to dress in a nice t-shirt and shorts, I know that I cannot. I deny myself and I wear what the Church asks me to wear. The clerics which I wear, which my brother seminarians wear, and which all priests wear, are a sign of sacrifice. Our clerical attire points to something greater. When I walked through the streets of my parish and hometown, I was preaching Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. Many parishioners who have known me for as long as I can remember observed a great joy within me. I was and continue to be joyful because I am called to be a priest of Jesus Christ, both in my inmost being and in my outward appearance. I can find no greater joy than in denying myself, and taking up my cross, and following Him. O good cross, long have I desired thee! n
Realization, Renovation, and Rededication REV. MR. ANDREW DEROUEN ‘20, DIOCESE OF LAKE CHARLES
Cathedral Rededication: Lake Charles seminarians, Rev. Mr. Andrew DeRouen '20 (left) and Rev. Mr. Joseph Caraway '20 (right), incense the altar during the Rededication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles on August 31, 2019. Rev. Mr. Levi Thompson '20 (far left) chanted the Gospel.
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ix years ago, if someone had pulled me away from the drafting table to tell me “One day, you’ll be the new deacon at the parish down the street!”, I would have laughed to the point of not being able to draw straight lines. But, as God often shows his comedic genius in brilliant ways, I was ordained a deacon on June 29, 2019, with three of my friends (and a fourth, ordained a priest) before beginning my new assignment at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Sulphur, Louisiana - just two stoplights away from the architect’s office where I once worked. And, boy, was it an action-packed summer! With a new role comes new responsibilities. For the first time, being trusted with a weekend homily was more than just hypothetical. It was, and is,
completely real. My words have a weight which they didn’t have before, and this is precisely the preaching authority of Jesus Christ. A rush of nerves at first, yes; these occasional jitters were only ever met with the confidence of having been formed to preach effectively, with humility, and most importantly, as the fruit of steadfast prayer. Interspersed throughout my two-month internship, I was privileged to administer the Sacrament of Baptism to ten children and witness the emergency baptism of an infant who passed away shortly after. The newness of life I can now offer, I would discover, unfolds into heavenly eternity for some more quickly than others. A tremendous responsibility, yes; what a gift to be given as a deacon, to see how this
single Sacramental act shows God how much we trust Him, no matter the circumstances. Perhaps most uniquely, though, I had the opportunity to return to my home parish - the cathedral in which I had just been ordained - to serve as a deacon for her rededication, after an extensive renovation. The likelihood of this infrequent liturgy in any church, much less the one in which I grew up, coinciding with my ordination can only be attributed, once again, to the genius of God. An extraordinary opportunity, no doubt; even more so, the grandeur and splendor of the day were signs of a great springtime in our diocese. Truly, the gift of a new cathedral is received so much better with five new men ordained to serve her. n ROMAN ECHOES 2019 • VOLUME 24: ISSUE 1
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Snapshots
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Rev. Michael Romano ’07 (Camden) celebrates Mass with the New Men in the Catacombs of St. Callixtus during Orientation.
The New Men receive a tour of the Pontifical Villa with His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey ’75 (Milwaukee) during Orientation.
Diocesan brothers Thomas O’Donnell ’23 (Baltimore) and John Bilenki ’22 (Baltimore) smile for the camera in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Robert Kinyon ’22 (Rapid City) winds up for a big hit during the annual Theology I vs. Theology II softball game.
At the conclusion of the Holy Father’s Sunday Angelus address, the New Men join thousands in singing the Salve Regina in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Francis gave the Class of 2023 a shout-out during his address!
Kelby Tingle ’23 (Shreveport), Joseph Lapeyrouse ’23 (Houma-Thibodaux) and Mauricio Portillo ’22 (Arlington) enjoy a Sunday evening stroll at the College.
The Pontifical North American College
(left to right) Rev. Mr. Anthony Klein '20 (Sioux Falls), Rev. Mr. Alex Kowalkowski '20 (Gaylord) and Rev. Mr. Chris Marbury '20 (Denver) sing "Ave Maria" together at the Prayer Vigil before their ordination the following day.
The New Men pose for a group photo in front of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.
The Class of 2020 prostrate themselves during the Litany of the Saints at the Ordination Mass, symbolizing their total submission to their vocation.
The Seminary Choir, led by Mr. Nicholas Will, sings joyfully during the Diaconate Ordination Mass for their brothers in St. Peter's Basilica.
The newly-ordained Rev. Mr. James Glasgow '20 (Washington) enjoys the company of his family, including his older brother, Rev. Brendan Glasgow.
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BECOMING A
DEACON Rev. Mr. Martin Okwudiba ’20 (Philadelphia) stands with his family and Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Senior (Philadelphia) following his ordination to the transitional diaconate on October 3rd at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. inset Rev. Mr. Mario Ivan Torres ’20 (Las Cruces) stands with his many family and friends who travelled to the College to celebrate his ordination, starting with this welcoming reception following the Family and Friends Mass. 20
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On the Ordination to the Diaconate N AT E A N D E R S O N ‘ 2 0, A R C H D I O C E S E O F WA S H I N GTO N
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ne of the more archaic features of seminary in Rome is the opportunity to become a deacon in this great archeological site we call the Eternal City. It is not archaic in any kind of pejorative sense, but the fact is that this ordination remains a holdover from the days when a man would leave home and country, by a long journey on boat, and not return for at least four years. In other words, we do it largely because previous seminarians did it, not because we really need to anymore. There are many practices like this in seminary and in the Church, and many of them I am thankful for.
Few men have the opportunity to actually be ordained a deacon or priest by the pope, but I think we all bear a special connection to the popes simply by virtue of our time and ordination here. So, it was easy to think of previous generations of deacons as my class was standing in line in the sacristy, preparing to enter the nave of St. Peter’s Basilica and process up to the altar—for the last time as laymen. We had about ten minutes of quiet before the procession. I was facing a massive plaque, inscribed with the name of every pope buried in the Vatican grounds. This list was so substantial that I barely had time to go
through it, asking all the popes listed as saints or as blessed for their prayers and offering a conditional prayer for each pope who may not yet have
Rev. Mr. William Frei ’20 (Charleston) is all smiles following his ordination to the diaconate, surrounded by his good friends from the Missionaries of Charity.
entered the true Eternal City. Few men have the opportunity to actually be ordained a deacon or priest by the pope, but I think we all bear a special connection to the popes simply by virtue of our time and ordination here. As I prepared to make a promise of obedience to my own bishop and his successors, the continuity of the Church—through thick and thin—came to me as a great consolation. The chanting, and our procession, finally began. We filed up to the Altar of the Chair. That artistic masterpiece, which can hardly be called a chair in any meaningful sense, is worth the time taken to ponder. Within the great chair of Bernini, seemingly hovering over the
altar, is the reputed chair of Peter. Peter apparently inherited his chair, his cathedra, from a man named Pudens, who is mentioned at the end of Paul’s second letter to Timothy. According to tradition, Pudens’ father was a Roman Senator by the same name who also converted and gave Peter his chair. It is hard to imagine anything more Roman than that. And it is hard to not be acutely aware of this sign of the kingship of Christ and his vicars as we prepare to serve in ordained ministry. This imposing artistic symbol that houses ancient history could seem rather distant. But I felt a special connection. One reason being that I was born on the feast day of the younger Pudens’ daughter, Saint Praxedes. So, yes, it is all a bit archaic, but it is oddly personal at the same time, rather like this city after some time here. I do not think our ordaining prelate, Bishop Robert Deeley of Portland, Maine, would be offended if I said he also fit the description of being an elder (as befits a man we call a presbyter), and being very personal at the same time. My classmates and I received some thoughtful words of advice spoken only to us from Bishop Deeley the night before the ordination. The day of the ordination he, of course, took the opportunity to preach on St. Francis, the man who we took as our class patron since we would be proclaiming the Gospel and preaching on his feast day the following day. Continued on page 22 ROMAN ECHOES 2019 • VOLUME 24: ISSUE 1
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Continued from page 21
Ordained in the Papal Basilica of St. Peter Rev. Mr. Patrick Agustin Rev. Mr. Nathanael Anderson Rev. Mr. Joshua Bertrand Rev. Mr. Jeff Craig Rev. Mr. Jonathan Fincher Rev. Mr. Clayton Forner Rev. Mr. William Frei Rev. Mr. James Glasgow Rev. Mr. Nathaniel Glenn Rev. Mr. Justin Golna Rev. Mr. Chris Han Rev. Mr. Randy Hoang Rev. Mr. Adi Indra Rev. Mr. Anthony Klein Rev. Mr. Alex Kowalkowski Rev. Mr. Andrew Lesko Rev. Mr. Christopher Marbury Rev. Mr. Timothy Mergen Rev. Mr. Matthew Miller Rev. Mr. Jacob Mlakar Rev. Mr. Denis Nakkeeran Rev. Mr. Martin Okwudiba Rev. Mr. Christian Smith Rev. Mr. Marvin Soto Núñez Rev. Mr. Gabriel Terrill Rev. Mr. Mario Ivan Torres Rev. Mr. Zachary Tucker Rev. Mr. Jonathan Vala Rev. Mr. Joseph Wahlmeier Rev. Mr. Justin Weber Rev. Mr. Enan Zelinski
Ordained in their Respective Dioceses Rev. Mr. Michael Berndt Rev. Mr. Zachary Brown Rev. Mr. Joseph Caraway Rev. Mr. Andrew DeRouen Rev. Mr. Peter Gallagher Rev. Mr. Joseph Hastings Rev. Mr. Clayton Ludwig Rev. Mr. Peter McShurley Rev. Mr. Joseph Moschetto Rev. Mr. Zack Rodriguez Rev. Mr. Nicholas C. Sertich Rev. Mr. Michael Shami Rev. Mr. Christopher Smith Rev. Mr. Levi Thompson
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Smiling in the center: Rev. Mr. Justin Golna ’20 (Wheeling-Charleston) is overjoyed after being vested as a deacon for the first time during the Ordination Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on October 3rd.
With Francis as our guide, Bishop Deeley told us to steer clear of the temptation of careerism. I like to think that our time here is at least as effective in inoculating us against this vain temptation, as in fostering it. Either way, it is not a bad warning before starting ministry. Then, to his caution, he added an encouragement: living up to our promises would be our means of finally hearing the words, “well done my good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master.” That is the true context for all these years in formation. As St. Paul put it in his first letter to Timothy, “Those who have served well in the diaconate will secure for themselves a sure footing, and great boldness in proclaiming that faith which is founded on Christ Jesus.” While the preparation lasts for years, giving our assent to the promises goes fairly quickly. Before we knew it, we were ordained. Words were spoken, hands were laid, and the deed was done. As a Protestant raised in a Pentecostal
household, I learned well that the Holy Ghost, like the wind, “bloweth where it listeth.” But as a Catholic, I also learned that He is stunningly predictable when it comes to effecting the sacraments, including those of ordination. Both of these characteristics should be reasons for our humility. They are certainly reasons
“Those who have served well in the diaconate will secure for themselves a sure footing, and great boldness in proclaiming that faith which is founded on Christ Jesus.” for seeing the historical continuity and vibrancy of the Church as complementary. The good deed was done, but the celebration only begins with the ordination. The reception at the College, and the customary dinner with friends and family afterwards gave us all an opportunity to thank those who made
us less unworthy of our new ministry. The capstone of this celebration comes when we each go to a different Church in Rome to serve as a deacon in a Mass of Thanksgiving. Being ethnically Swedish, I made my way to the Casa di Santa Brigida, where the great medieval mystic St. Bridget of Sweden lived during her time in Rome. The priest who said the Mass was one of my professors at the Angelicum, with who I had the pleasure of spending the last Holy Week. Having never said Mass for a new deacon, he presumed that he would preach. He even wrote a homily before I explained to him shortly after ordination that my family was expecting to hear from me. That makes one of my first actions as deacon of silencing a priest. So, to make some amends for this poor beginning, I thought I’d insert a snippet from his homily here. “The Word’s Incarnation changed history, creating a Christian history, piercing into the many facts of life and giving these apparently unrelated facts a
Rev. Mr. Timothy Mergen ’20 (Madison) receives his commission to preach the Gospel to all nations, even to the ends of the world.
historical cohesion, as Christopher Dawson reminds us. We are part of this historical cohesion that is called Church History. Your proclamation of the Word piercing into the daily lives of people, lives filled with many facts, is what gives people true meaning and, consequently, salvation.” So, if the many facts in this article appear loosely related, do me the service of seeing how they
cohere in the tremendous history of the Church, and in my own little history now even more tightly enmeshed within that history. That history may seem archaic or imposing from a distance, and it is. But when you get close (even as close as Rome), you sense the warmth and personality that comes along with it. n
On October 3rd, Most Rev. Robert Deely ’73 is flanked by concelebrating Bishops, Cardinals, their joyful rector Very Rev. Peter Harman, and thirty-one new deacons following the ordination Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. ROMAN ECHOES 2019 • VOLUME 24: ISSUE 1
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God’s New Life in the Sacraments REV. MR. LEVI THOMPSON ‘20, DIOCESE OF LAKE CHARLES
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ne could feel the joy and excitement of the entire occasion. The families, the wedding parties and the beautiful church were all ready for the ceremony. I processed down the aisle of the Church and waited for the bride and groom to approach. However, I realized that I was no longer a spectator of the sacrament of marriage. I was about to witness the sacramental union and new life of God in my sister and her future husband. This was one of the amazing experiences that I had of God’s new life in the sacraments. During my seven years of seminary formation, I was always looking forward and preparing for what awaited me in my future ministry. This summer I no longer waited; it was happening before me. The reality of God’s life was poured forth through my very own ministry. I was ordained to the Diaconate ordination within my diocese in June of this year and I was amazed by the gift of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament. This summer as a deacon truly awakened me to the sacramental life at work in the soul, through me, a minister of the Church. I recognized this life through my preaching at mass. I found that in my preaching, it was not just me speaking to the congregation. It all came from my daily encounter with God. All my studies and prayer over the past years were a preparation to plant the seed of God’s life through the sacrament of the Eucharist.
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Words cannot express the joy, excitement, emotions and power of God in the sacrament of marriage for my sister and her soon to be husband. In the sacrament of marriage, I preached the homily and witnessed their vows within mass. My homily began by breaking the nervous tension in the air, stating that “I never thought that one day I would marry my little sister.” All joking aside, I then invited them into the mystery of the sacrament and to unite their love to the sacrificial love that God has for us. Center: Rev. Mr. Levi Thompson ’20 (Lake Charles) witnessed the marriage between his sister Esther and her husband this summer while on assignment in his diocese, developing in the sacramental life in this couple and in the many people he encountered as a newly ordained minister.
Another example of God’s life was in the celebration of Baptism. When the day arrived, I was in awe that it was actually happening. I was about to bring this child into the sacramental life of the Church. Practically, it was not a perfect first try. I accidentally splashed water in the eye of the baby and she cried for the rest of the ceremony. But by the power of the Church, I pronounced for the first time the Trinitarian formula of Baptism. I claimed the child as an adopted daughter of God and her relationship in the life of God began. God poured forth his life through the actions and words given to me by the Church.
The most profound moment was at the profession of vows. I said to my sister, “Esther, repeat after me,” followed by the vows of the church to each of the spouses. At that moment, it was not just myself speaking to my little sister, but the Catholic Church witnessing the love and union of a couple in Christ. God was working through me, pouring new life into their love and lifelong marriage. In all these examples, I saw the grace and work of God’s new life through me. It was the first of many sacraments for my future ministry, but it reminds one of their own receptivity of God’s life in the sacraments. By seeing the new life poured into these souls, one may be personally renewed in their own appreciation of the sacraments. God worked through me in the souls of those I encountered in my summer experiences and desires to renew our love for him in the sacraments. n
Joining a New Brotherhood
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REV. RYAN MULDOON ‘19, ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK hile a seminarian spends many years preparing for priestly ordination, such preparation can only take you part of the way; eventually, you must live it. Following my ordination to the priesthood by Cardinal Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, I spent the summer adjusting to the exciting newness of priestly life. I grew accustomed to the daily routine at my parish: morning Mass and daily preaching, funerals, baptisms, hospital visits and shared priestly life with the
Rev. Ryan Muldoon '19 (New York) serves as "vesting priest" for the ordination of his PNAC classmate Rev. Alexander Turpin '19 (Rockville Center).
other priests of my parish. I had spent years in formation dreaming about what my first parish would be like, and my summer at St. Joseph’s in Bronxville, New York, exceeded all my hopes and expectations. While the many aspects of priestly ministry were new to me, so was the fact that I had joined a new priestly brotherhood in my Archdiocese and beyond. On June 22, shortly after my own priestly ordination, I had the great privilege of helping to vest one
of my classmates, Father Alexander Turpin, Jr., at his priestly ordination in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. He and I spent all six years of seminary together: two years of pre-theology at the Cathedral Seminary House of Formation in Douglaston, New York and four at the Pontifical North American College. The opportunity to vest my good friend and classmate was a strong reminder of the brotherhood that we had joined and into which we have been welcomed by the more senior priests of our dioceses. As a new priest, I have joined the ranks of those priests—both living and deceased—who helped to inspire and nourish a priestly vocation in me. From the time that I was four years old until the time of my departure for the Pontifical North American College, Msgr. Joseph Penna was the pastor of my home parish in Pearl River, New York. His example and support were among the strongest factors that encouraged me to consider the priesthood and which sustained me in my years of seminary formation. Although Msgr. Penna’s health prevented him from attending my ordination and first Mass, we had the opportunity to concelebrate Mass together in May. In July, Msgr. Penna spent a month battling illness in a hospital that, providentially, was close to my parish assignment. During this month, I was able to spend time with him and to administer the Anointing of the Sick. His anointing was a powerful experience of the brotherhood that I had joined. Msgr. Penna died peacefully on August 5, at the age of 78. Our
Rev. Ryan Muldoon '19 (New York) welcomes members of his family to his summer parish in after celebrating Sunday Mass.
brotherhood in the priesthood is strengthened by those priests who now intercede for us from heaven and I pray that Msgr. Penna be among those intercessors. In these early months of priesthood, it has been important for me to say “thank you” to the many people who helped me on my journey to the altar and to joining this brotherhood. I was able to thank many of the priests and teachers from my high school, Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey, when they invited me to lead their day of recollection before the beginning of the school year. I found it humbling to have my former teachers as my captive audience and to be able to celebrate Mass for them. The Salesian priests and brothers from my alma mater have been, and continue to be, a great source of encouragement in my priestly vocation, and it is a blessing to know that priestly fraternity extends beyond our diocesan boundaries. Priestly ministry, while beautiful, can be challenging. I know that I need to rely on my brother priests for support along the way, and I am grateful for the many reminders this summer of the strong brotherhood I have now joined. n ROMAN ECHOES 2019 • VOLUME 24: ISSUE 1
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Accept the Unexpected
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R E V. M I C H A E L R I C H A R D C ' 2 2 , D I O C E S E O F L A FAY E T T E xpectations, don’t have them!” This was the advice given to me by a holy priest as I prepared for my diaconate ordination. “It’s that simple,” he continued. “If you want to live out obedience, don’t dwell on your own expectations. Rather, focus on the mission you’ve received.” On June 11, 2016, I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lafayette and received my first assignment as Parochial Vicar in a wonderful small Cajun town. Parish ministry was full of the unexpected: sudden tragedies and deaths, joys and graces, and even simple daily encounters. In all these moments, the priest is blessed to minister. The people of God look to the priest to be Christ and to bring them to Christ. Each day, I had a sense of gratitude in receiving this call of His to be a priest and a call to recommit to that YES given on the day of ordination. As parish ministry continued, expectations about the future grew. Everyone was interested about where my next assignment might be, each with expectations. No one told me to expect what happened next. I was asked by my bishop to return to school for further studies. I was truly surprised by the call. Returning to academic studies was something I had never seriously considered. Further studies in Canon Law is not something I would have signed up
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Thus, the initial shock and sadness was quickly replaced with a renewed YES. The same yes from the day of my ordination. Even though I didn’t foresee this assignment or the years of study which lie ahead, I desire to serve the Church, not as I imagine I should, but as my bishop sees fit.
Rev. Michael Richard C’22 (Lafayette) by happy coincidence reunites with Sr. Marie Protectrice de la Foi, SSVM, also from Louisiana, in front of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin during his first travel experience abroad.
for, and yet, at the same time, it is something I signed up for back on the day of my ordination. Because the YES that the priest gives on the day of his ordination is a yes to give his life in service to the Church. In obedience, the priest promises to serve the people of God as the bishop sees fit, and this allows him to accept the unexpected. To be able to respond to what the Lord is doing, rather than our own plans or ideas.
Therefore, I began a transition from the bayous of south Louisiana to the Pontifical Universities along the Tiber. The first step is getting a grasp on the Italian language. I spent my summer studying Italian alongside other new priests and seminarians. Then, in mid-September, the Casa Santa Maria opened her doors to 33 new priest residents. In just a few short weeks, it has been clear to me that the Casa is truly a great gift. As American priests, we are blessed to have a true community of brothers in the middle of the Eternal City. In our respective fields of study, we are here to learn from the Church and to complete the missions we have received from our bishops. As we study here, at Our Lady’s House, we are reminded daily of the call to imitate Our Blessed Mother. Through her YES, the Word was made flesh. The Lord calls each of us to give our yes to His unexpected invitations, and, when we do, we make real the prayer we pray daily: “Thy will be done.” Please pray for the 68 priests living and studying here in Rome, that we may be faithful in imitating Our Lady’s fiat as we live under her protection at the Casa Santa Maria. n
The End of the Beginning
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hortly after the Normandy invasion Winston Churchill famously said, “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” Priests arriving on Sabbatical at the Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE) can relate this much quoted expression to their own lives. Though their ordination day is a remote memory, every day they are still learning lessons through ministry among God’s holy people. The end is, certainly, not in sight. But having traveled so far in their vocation as priests, they know they are no longer
“This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” at the beginning. Having learned much from years of experience as priests, they are aware of how much they have yet to learn. They are aware of how much more they desire to serve. They too can say that that they are only at “the end of the beginning.” A unique portrayal of the conversion of Saint Paul hangs in the church Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome. It is by the famous Caravaggio who was so adept at capturing a single intense moment in the subjects of his painting. His Conversion on the Way to Damascus (Conversione di San
Portrayed as an adult, wearing the vesture of one on his way to arrest Christians, this moment captured by Caravaggio, obviously, cannot be understood as any ordinary birth. We know from Saint Paul’s own writing
Even when priests arrive for sabbatical having recently retired, it is still only the end of the beginning of their service to the church.
Caravaggio's The Conversion on the Way to Damascus, displayed in the Basilica Santa Maria del Populo in the historic center of Rome.
Paolo) is no different. It portrays Saint Paul having fallen to the ground. His arms are outstretched, and he seems to protrude out from the painting. While other portrayals of this event in the life of Saint Paul show him falling from a horse and attracting lots of attention, no one in the Caravaggio painting seems to notice, including the horse. The calm horse, forming the background of the painting, suggests a tranquil nativity scene rather than a tragic accident. Indeed, Caravaggio suggests in his painting that the moment of Saint Paul’s conversion was the moment of his birth.
that his experiences, good and bad, before his conversion shaped his role as an apostle “untimely born” (1 Cor. 15:8). Caravaggio poignantly captures “the end of the beginning” of Saint Paul’s life. Priests sometimes arrive at ICTE having completed an assignment and awaiting a new one following their sabbatical. Sometimes they arrive in the midst of an assignment. Always they arrive knowing it is not the end. Even when priests arrive for sabbatical having recently retired, it is still only the end of the beginning of their service to the church. What is remarkable about priests who make time for a sabbatical is that they appreciate where they have been and what they have learned. They know that the Lord has prepared many more lessons and much more service for them. They know that it is only the end of the beginning! n
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Renewing All Things in Study: A Day in the Life of the Academic Dean THE EDITORS OF ROMAN ECHOES Fr. John Cush, ’98, C’15, is a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. In many ways, one could say that he is a true “lifer”: he attended the Diocese’s prep seminary, Cathedral in Elmhurst, New York for high school and then went on to the Diocese’s College Seminary in Douglaston. Following that experience of eight years, Fr. Cush was assigned to study here at the North American College, arriving in 1994. After his ordination in 1998, Fr. Cush returned to the College to complete his license in fundamental theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Upon returning to the Diocese of Brooklyn, Fr. Cush was assigned for five years to Saint Helen’s Church in Howard Beach, New York. In addition to parochial ministry, Fr. Cush has served as a teacher in the high school seminary, of which he is an alumnus, and as a theology professor in the diocesan college seminary and diaconal formation program. In 2012, Bishop DiMarzio assigned Fr. Cush to doctoral studies here in Rome. He was awarded his Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Gregorian in the field of fundamental theology, focusing on the theology of John Courtney Murray, SJ. In 2015, Fr. Cush was invited to join the College’s faculty, first as assistant vice-rector, and, in 2016, as academic dean. In addition to being the academic dean and a formation advisor, he teaches at the various Universities
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and devotes time to theological and spiritual writing. We caught up to our ever-energetic academic dean, who had a Diet Coke in his hand and books under his arms, as he is usually seen in the halls of the College.
You seem to publish a great deal in the Catholic Press. Where can we find you online?
I really love writing and I am so grateful to National Catholic Register for publishing me online every two weeks and to Homiletics and Pastoral Review for letting me do homilies, book reviews, Fr. Cush, what classes and some theological articles as well, are you teaching this year mostly on the theologians John Milbank, and where? Catherine Pickstock, and Bernard Well, I’m blessed to keep busy this Lonergan. The University of Notre Dame’s year! For the Gregorian, I am offering Church Life Journal was kind enough two first-year theological seminars, to print an academic article I just did one here at the College on Tuesdays on Lonergan’s theological method. In and the other at the Gregorian itself for terms of pastoral stuff, my diocese’s other English speakers. As an elective newspaper, The Tablet, and the Diocese class, I teach U.S. Catholic Church of Albany’s paper, The Evangelist, uses History at the Gregorian and on my Sunday Scripture reflections. Wednesday a second-cycle class on campus at Santa Croce in U.S. Who are your biggest Catholic Church History, which will theological influences? have seminarians from both the That’s really a tough question! I would Santa Croce and the Angelicum. have to say, above anyone else, it would be Cardinal Newman, Joseph Have you been writing Ratzinger, Avery Dulles, and Henri de anything lately? Lubac. After them, I really love Matthias I took my first-year Gregorian seminar Joseph Scheeben and Dietrich and made it into a book for Our Sunday Bonhoeffer and I think the work that Visitor Press, which they entitled The Bishop Barron is doing is exemplary! How-To Book of Catholic Theology: Everything You Need to Know But No What’s your biggest project this One Ever Taught You. I’m really excited year at NAC? by it and it should be out sometime We are finally starting an academic early next year. I am also writing an journal at the College, spearheaded by academic article based off my Fr. Randy Soto and me. It should really doctorate for a Festschrift published be great! The first issue has work by by Marquette University Press. That’s Fr. Park, Fr. Soto, and Msgr. McNamara. due soon, so I better get working on it! I wrote an article on a fascinating theologian, Catherine Pickstock.
Economo’s Corner
Restoring Anew from Times Past R E V. K E R RY A B B OT T, O F M CO N V. , I C T E ' 1 4
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“I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my Soul.” (Is 61:10)
love being Catholic, I love the Church, and I strive to never take for granted, ever, that the Love-filled gift of my salvation was purchased at the price of the suffering, blood and earthly life of Our Lord. Remember, I said that I strive to never take that gift, or the Church and all that it teaches and contains, for granted. Yet, I know that at times when I am tired and distracted, I do. Perhaps that might be true for you too? In those moments of weakness, I might not appreciate the profundity of the moment, or a person, when I forget to notice the truly miraculous in my daily life; at times, I pass by something, or someone, I “see” every day, and I forget to notice its fullness, their mystery, or what God is whispering to me. Recently, I was blessed to be reminded… The “official” entrance to the College is through a lobby affectionately called “Firmum Est,” from the motto of the College, “Firmum Est Cor Meum” (My Heart is Steadfast), which is captured in a beautiful marble representation of the College’s coat of arms and motto in that lobby floor. It is impossible to walk through that room and not see the coat of arms or the motto. Yet, what might be traversed every day with barely an acknowledgement, as one hurries in or out of the College, is the preface in bronze above the lobby doors that helps us truly appreciate the depth of meaning of the College’s coat of arms, motto and our lives in Christ.
I am beginning my fifth year in service here at the College, and I have been in and out of those lobby doors hundreds of times, and I never really noticed or could tell what the bronze bas-relief high above the doors was and thus, I never took much time to look at it. I could make out the coat of arms of the College above the relief, but only because of its shape; both had become blackened from the effects of age, weather and Roman pollution. This past summer, thanks to your contributions and those that have preceded us in the Vision for Future and Echo Christ capital campaigns, some very necessary and appreciated repairs were made to the roof and façade above “Firmum Est.” One of the blessed by-products of this work and your faith filled support, was the first cleaning of that beautiful bronze bas-relief and the coat of arms since 1998. What burst forth in brilliant bronze is nothing less than a representation of Jesus’ invitation to His apostles, “come follow me,” entitled the “Vocational Call of the Apostles” by the renowned Italian artist Antonio Biggi in 1953. By the late 20th century the bas-relief and coat of arms had begun to show the effects of being exposed to the weather and the elements, and so the class of 1998 paid for their cleaning and restoration; the last time such work was performed until the magnificence of Biggi’s work was again made visible in 2019…thanks to you.
From our archival documentation it is apparent that the principal architect of the College, Conte Enrico Pietro Galeazzi, working with the master Antonio Biggi, intended that this beautiful and powerful juxtaposition of bronze and marble would remind and inspire us, and the men who would pass through the doors of “Firmum Est” as they too respond, like the apostles, to the call of Jesus Christ to follow Him. What a lesson for our lives in Jesus Christ! How grateful I am that our current architect, our special projects manager, and contractor took the time to stop me in my tracks to say, “look up, be inspired by what was done and said long ago! This is speaking to us; we need to listen!” It is so easy to become complacent in our busyness, even as we are about “good” things, to miss the very foundation of our calling, and to take for granted the very gift of life, faith and religion. Weak as we may be, by the grace and mercy of God we humbly proclaim with the psalmist, Count Galeazzi, Antonio Biggi and those who have gone before us in life and faith, “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast.” To those that come to the College we say, “look up, be inspired by what was done and said long ago!” It matters; we make a difference for good and for God! n
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A Milestone Celebration MARK RANDALL, CFRE • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
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n December 8, 2019, the North American College will celebrate its 160th anniversary. Since our founding by Pope Pius IX, over 5,000 men have passed through the halls of America’s Seminary in Rome. From humble beginnings – literally on Humility Street – the College has grown from our first thirteen students to a community of nearly 300 student priests and seminarians. And although we do not quantify our success based on numbers alone, it is encouraging to know that so many men from all across the United States (and Canada and Australia also in recent years) have benefited from priestly formation in the Eternal City at the College. We are highlighting this milestone anniversary in a few different ways. Watch your mailbox for our special PNAC Wall Calendar (Anniversary Edition) coming soon. We also have
The first class of seminarians when the College opened in 1859.
recorded the College choir and will be producing a CD for your Lenten journey. A new academic journal, Ex Latere Christi, will be published by the College in just a few weeks. And, be sure to follow us on our new Instagram account (and still on Facebook, too!) for the latest photos and news from our two campuses in Rome.
The latest news and photos from Rome. Over 13,000 fans and counting– join us! facebook.com/PontificalNorthAmericanCollege instagram.com/pnac_rome 30
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You will soon receive our December 8 Annual Appeal. We hope Fr. Harman’s greeting will inspire you to make a year-end gift to the College, in honor of our 160th anniversary. Without a doubt, the College would not have existed for over a century and a half without the generous support of our alumni, benefactors and friends. May God bless you for your continued support! n
Friends of the College
The 28th annual Rector’s Dinner, April 23, 2020. Honoring Cardinal Sean O’Malley and Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Jilot
Alumni
The 131st Alumni Association Reunion, June 16-18, 2020,
2 IMPORTANT SAVE
DATES!
Hosted by Bishop Kevin Vann C’85, ICTE ‘99 in Orange County, CA
A Roman and Mediterranean Pilgrimage October 1-10, 2020. Join us for the Diaconate Ordination in St. Peter’s Basilica followed by a 7-night cruise to some of the most beautiful and holy sites of the Mediterranean aboard the Seabourn Encore: Cinque Terre, Italy; St. Tropez, France; Toulon, France; Corsica; Sardinia; Trapani, Sicily; and Valletta, Malta. For more information, please contact Mark Randall, Executive Director for Institutional Advancement, 202-541-5403 or mrandall@pnac.org ROMAN ECHOES 2019 • VOLUME 24: ISSUE 1
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The Pontifical North American College Office of Institutional Advancement 3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20017-1194 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED1
NON-PROFIT ORG. US. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 144 WALDORF, MD
For more information about the Pontifical North American College, subscription questions, or to learn about ways you can financially support “America’s Seminary in Rome,” please contact Mark Randall, CFRE, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement. Tel: (202) 541-5411 Fax: (202) 722-8804 Email: pnacdc@pnac.org Website: www.pnac.org “Like” The Pontifical North American College on Facebook to keep up with the latest photos, news, and events from our campuses in Rome. Very Rev. Peter C. Harman '99, Rector of the College, welcomes a new day with the much-anticipated Class of '23 in St. Peter's Square to kick-off the New Man Orientation program.