Orientation: Quarantine and Communion B E N P R I B B E N OW ‘ 2 3, D I O C E S E O F G R E E N BAY
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ow good and how pleasant it is when brothers live in unity” (Ps. 133:1). Indeed, the College’s New Men lived in unity at orientation this year, despite their fourteen-day quarantine in the house. While COVID-19 restrictions impacted the schedule of orientation, its purpose remained the same: to help the New Men feel welcome. Arrival was more laid-back than in previous years when New Men were swept into the city: this year they had more time to settle into their rooms and get to know one another. The first day culminated in the time-honored “Clap-in,” where the New Men processed into the Immaculate Conception Chapel for the first time to applause from returning seminarians and faculty. This ceremony, which included Evening Prayer and Mass, showed the New Men they belonged in this community. Italian classes also began as usual, though this year the instructors participated via videoconference. Afternoons featured conferences on the various aspects of formation. The New Men could also participate
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TH YEAR
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ROMAN ECHOES
Faculty and the orientation team welcome the New Men to the College at the steps leading into the Immaculate Conception Chapel.
in sports on the Campo Sportivo. Additionally, the orientation team, which was made up of members of the second theology class, treated them to several rooftop dinners on our fifth-floor terrace. Though they could not enter the city, they grew in friendship while enjoying the meals and the view. After much anticipation, quarantine ended with the privilege
of Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, built on the tomb of St. Peter, the one who brings us to this city of Rome. Rather than missing out on the typical orientation, I believe the New Men enjoyed a profound experience and that the unity they forged will color their time here. May the work begun in them be brought to completion. n
Seminarians are not only “clapped-in” upon their arrival at The Pontifical North American College, but it is also tradition to be “clapped-out” when one’s time at the College comes to a close. At the end of fourth year, before leaving for the airport, each seminarian is “clapped-out” by the remaining community members. The chapel bells also ring to mark these momentous occasions.
ROMAN ECHOES 2020 • VOLUME 25: ISSUE 1
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