Roman Echoes 2021 – Volume 26, Issue 1

Renewing the Encounter

THE PONTIFIC AL NORTH AMERIC AN COLLEGE

roman echoes NOVEMBER 2021 VOLUME 26: ISSUE 1 8 Summer Parish Assignments 11 Priestly Ordinations 22 Diaconate Ordination 24 New Man Arrival

Contents 11 8 Features 8 Summer Parish Assignment 9 Summer Pilgrimage Experience 10 Summer Abroad 11 Priestly Ordinations 14 Language Schools

Updates 20 Priestly Identity Workshop 21 Meeting Pope Francis 22 Diaconate Ordination 24 New Man Arrival 25 New Man Orientation 26 Welcoming New Faculty 27 New Faculty Interview

THE PONTIFIC AL NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE

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3 Rector’s Corner 12 Voices of NAC 16 Snapshots 28 Casa 29 ICTE 30 Faculty Corner 31 Office of Institutional Advancement

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24 22 From the Editor The initial weeks of fall at the College are often a time of storytelling. We share experiences from the summer, either from assignments back home or around the world for those who remained abroad. By sharing these stories, we both renew the bonds of fraternity we have formed here with our brothers and enable them to share in the graces received through our summer experiences. A common theme that runs through many of these experiences is that of encounter: encountering new people, places, cultures, and nations; new aspects of the Church; and for those ordained to Holy Orders over the summer, a new state in life.

At the same time, these first weeks back are themselves a time of encounter. We encounter again those from whom we have been away. We encounter those who are new to our community, New Men who encounter for the first time the College, the city of Rome, and what it means to be formed here. There is a double dynamic at play: we are renewed by sharing experiences of ministry from the summer in which we were sent out into the world, and we are also renewed by returning to this place of formation in the heart of the Church. This dynamic is an essential

part of our time at the College, for we are being formed not only in the halls of the Janiculum, but also when we are sent out.

In this issue we explore stories of encounters that have renewed us. We share with you—alumni, friends, and supporters of the College—just a few of the people, events, and experiences God has used in these past months to remind us of his fidelity and to show us the face of Christ. As we highlight these stories, we see more clearly that it is God who continually renews his ongoing encounter with us, both here at the College and in our various pastoral experiences at home and abroad.

Taylor Colwell ’23, Archdiocese of Washington, Editor-in-Chief

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Contributors EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Taylor Colwell '23, Archdiocese of Washington

ASSISTANT EDITOR Matthew Ludwig '24, Archdiocese of Washington ASSISTANT EDITOR Michael Noriega '24, Diocese of Austin LAYOUT & DESIGN EDITOR Matthew Prosperie '23, Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux ASSISTANT LAYOUT & DESIGN EDITOR Aaron Salvan '24, Archdiocese of New York

Administration

of The Pontifical North American College RECTOR Very Rev. Peter C. Harman ‘99 VICE RECTOR Rev. David A. Schunk ‘10 ACADEMIC DEAN & 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) 470-6211 Email: pnacdc@pnac.org Website: www.pnac.org This publication is written, edited, and photographed by the students of The Pontifical North American College.

COVER: Those ordained deacons on September 30, 2021, prostrate themselves in the sanctuary of St. Peter's Basilica as the congregation prays that the saints would intercede on their behalf.

THIS PAGE: The dome of St. Peter's, as seen from the tower of the College, dominates the Roman skyline at sunset.

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Rector’s Corner Dear Friend of the North American College:

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s we dive into another academic year, we are surrounded with the traditions, rituals, and celebrations which mark new beginnings. One which struck me differently this year was the “rientro.” After having been at home for a short few months, it is always a joy to see the community reassemble each August. The faculty first do this over some convocation days in the Umbrian city of Gubbio, where we both work on the calendar and plans for the year, but only after first “catching up” with each other. The orientation team then assembles and repeats this “ritual” with their class and faculty. Then the rest of the student body returns. The first encounters are filled with the questions of what someone did in a summer assignment or parish experience, how a brother’s family is doing, what vacation or trips someone took, and especially in which priestly ordinations or other alumni or classmate gatherings they shared.

These conversations are mini-reunions of sorts, and each year they fill me with joy at the sense of gratitude that the members of our house have for each other and the fraternity that this shared experience of the College brings them. Perhaps being away from the College and each other for a short while makes us realize how deeply blessed by God we are.

The joy this year is particularly poignant when one pauses to remember that last year we spent more time together than ever! The various restrictions on travel due to the pandemic (which thankfully have been lifted and, please God, will remain a memory!) meant that we spent a lot of time with each other when we might have otherwise been away. The Lord deeply blessed us with generosity and creativity to make those times both sacred and fraternally

enriching! That is something that we cannot forget as we get moving into the rhythm of this new year.

But then we get to work! The New Men have to be welcomed, our workshops and retreats get going, classes start, the pace of life quickens again, and we settle into our routine. May that fact that it is routine not obscure that God’s providence allows it to continue. May we never take for granted the grace that is found in each brother, each new day, and every opportunity to learn, be that in class or in our apostolic works. May we also never take for granted every friend and benefactor like you who makes it possible. Enjoy the pages of this issue, which allow our men to share how they find God’s goodness in the lives they live here.

As this issue was going to print, it was announced that I will be completing my term as Rector on January 31, 2022.

This timing is in accordance with the term granted me by the Holy See and Board of Governors: a full 5-year term, plus an additional 1-year extension that was requested of me. Please pray for my successor who will be announced in the coming weeks. You can read the full news release on our website.

Thanks for your continued support.

Very Reverend Peter C. Harman, STD ’99 Rector

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Sent Out Into the World

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"As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (Jn 20:21) "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Mt 28:19)

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Rev. Mr. Matthew Colle ’22 (Green Bay) rejoices with his family following his ordination to the diaconate at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (Green Bay, WI).

“On the Lips of Children…

You Have Found Perfect Praise” REV. MR. MATTHEW COLLE ‘22, DIOCESE OF GREEN BAY

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ne week after my ordination to the diaconate on June 20, I began my summer assignment at St. Clare Parish in Askeaton, Greenleaf, and Wrightstown, Wisconsin. I had the opportunity to serve as deacon at every Mass and to preach at half of the daily and weekend Masses over the nine-week assignment. It was both a great blessing and challenge to preach to the faithful of St. Clare. Seeing that the parish was rural farm territory like my home parish, I was able to relate well with the people. Yet, despite the familiar small-town feel, the names were foreign to me. The saying,

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“People do not care who you are until they know you care,” I believe rings truer in a small farming community than anywhere else. How could I connect with the parishioners in such a short time so that the words I preach from the ambo were taken to heart?

Two days after the end of my summer parish assignment, I returned to the parish for the church picnic. Visiting with a young family that I had come to know over the summer, I learned that James, their four-year-old boy, had asked about me earlier that day.

“Mom, where is Matt going?” His mom thought that he was talking

about a cousin named Matt, but he said, “No, Matt from Church.” He had missed me already after two days. He was happy to see me, and I was glad to see him. He gave me a high five, too!

During the assignment, I spent a significant amount of time crafting my homilies in order to relate the mysteries of Christ’s life and our salvation to the faithful. However, I doubt James caught the main themes of my homilies.

Still, in calling me “Matt from Church,” he perhaps saw the mystery of Christ’s life working in my own through the Sacrament of Orders. n

Encounter on the Camino BEN PRIBBENOW ‘23, DIOCESE OF GREEN BAY

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he most popular pilgrimage in the Western world is the Camino de Santiago. This walking pilgrimage, which can begin almost anywhere in Europe, ends at the relics of St. James the Greater in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. As early as the second century after Christ, Christians began making pilgrimages to the relics of St. James. Ever since I heard about this epic adventure, I wanted to complete it. That dream became a reality this summer with my friend and classmate from Nebraska, Matthew Schilmoeller (Diocese of Lincoln ’23).

We set out from the cathedral in Porto, Portugal, walking the Portuguese Coastal Route towards Compostela. Each day began after our favorite Camino breakfast of Tostada de Tomate—toast with grated tomato spread—and coffee. Then, we walked anywhere between 15 and 30 kilometers before arriving at an albergue where we slept. Two Midwesterners, Matthew and I were astounded by the huge ocean waves that accompanied us along the coast. After being next to the Atlantic, we would ascend the hills inland. Reaching the top, we marveled at the breathtaking coastline we had hiked in the preceding days.

We encountered dozens of pilgrims on our journey. One encounter was with a young man and woman who had recently begun dating. Matthew and I had beautiful conversations with them. As we finished our day, the couple continued on the trail, but before they left, we caught their names: Jesús and Maria. If that is not revelatory of who was walking with us for the entire Camino, I do not know what is. Christ was with us for the whole journey, and Mary was always close as well.

We arrived in Compostela after thirteen days and approximately 280 kilometers. The relief of finally arriving at our destination must be similar to what arriving in heaven is like. We journeyed through joy and suffering with God at our side. We were finally granted, by his grace, a great reward.

This encounter with the Lord on the Camino puts into perspective my seminary formation. He has been with me throughout my seminary journey and, please God, will see me through to the great reward of priestly ordination. Of course, that is only another point on a journey toward my ultimate destination: eternal life. n

After walking over 280 kilometers in thirteen days, Ben Pribbenow ‘23 (Green Bay) and Matthew Schilmoeller ‘23 (Lincoln) triumphantly conclude their pilgrimage at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (Santiago, Spain).

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God Wants To Be With His People

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MATTHEW LUDWIG ‘24, ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

his summer, my diocesan brother Taylor Colwell (Archdiocese of Washington ‘23) and I spent five weeks at Our Lady of Guadalupe mission parish in Togo, a small nation in West Africa. It is a rural parish—located a three-hour drive north of the capital city of Lomé in a farming village called Atchanvé.

Although the actual church building is in this village, the parish territory covers a huge area that includes almost 40 villages, about 20,000 people, a fourth of whom are Catholic. Some people speak some French, but mainly they speak a local tonal language called Ewe. Within the parish boundaries are fifteen secondary stations—that is, villages in which a catechist leads a communion service each Sunday. It takes two hours to go from one side of the parish to the other by car. In this part of Togo, however, almost no one has a car. This makes attending Mass at the main parish church each Sunday almost impossible; instead, the priests must travel around to the secondary stations offering Mass as frequently as possible.

To see the Church in this environment, in a completely different culture, was eye-opening. I expected to see a new culture, but it was surprising to live in a place where polygamy is legal, where farm animals are given as gifts to visitors, and where even the suggestion that God does not exist is laughable. The Church there is growing rapidly, and the Archdiocese

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From the right, Matthew Ludwig '24 (Washington) and Taylor Colwell '23 (Washington) with Rev. William Ryan and Rev. Jonathan Togbe. Fr. Ryan, a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, founded the mission parish over 15 years ago.

of Lomé ordains at least twenty men to the priesthood each year. It is clear—God wants to be with his people.

God has a great desire that our hearts meet his, and to see this desire in a parish was a great privilege. The Eucharist, which makes this encounter possible, is the treasure of the Church, but it makes real demands on our lives.

Our pastor Fr. Ryan left his home and family in America and learned a difficult African language to become a missionary, bringing God to his people. Catechists from the secondary stations wake up early on Sunday

mornings and ride on motorcycles for up to an hour to get to the Church at 5:00am, retrieve the Eucharist, and return to their villages to lead morning communion services. We even met a teenager who worked on a farm to pay for a place to live within walking distance from the church so that he could receive daily communion, even though his family lived in a village two hours away.

These were all moving witnesses to the value of the Eucharist, and all were responses to God’s desire to be with us—from which no person in any part of the world is excluded. n

During the Mass of his ordination, Rev. Timothy Eck II '21 (Metuchen) receives the chalice and paten from his bishop and former Rector of the College, Most Rev. James F. Checchio '92 C'97 (Metuchen).

First Summer as a Priest in the Parish REV. TIMOTHY ECK II ‘21, DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

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ne afternoon I was visiting with an elderly woman in her home. Due to the pandemic, the normal Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion had not been able to visit her in several months. However, with the loosened restrictions during the summer, I was finally able to visit with her. She told me about her life, her childhood growing up in the Bronx, her children, and how she ended up living in a cul-de-sac in a suburban parish in New Jersey. As we were coming to the end of my visit, she turned to me and asked: “Father, I’m worried about what is going on in the world, why do you think this is all happening? What do you think is the

cause of it all?” It struck me that this woman, who has surpassed her ninetieth year, is asking me, someone who has not quite reached my thirtieth year, for advice and guidance in understanding the world.

In different circumstances, I would be going to her for wisdom, yet she sought my guidance—a priest of only a month.

To this woman, my parishioners, and those I met, I was no longer the same person I was at the beginning of this year. I was now a priest, their priest, and they welcomed me into their lives.

They shared their fears and struggles, but also their joys and successes.

My experience of being a priest this

summer was one of great humility. I felt the gravity of my actions, knowing that even though I was new to being a priest, people trusted me. The words I said and actions I did mattered.

Gone were the practice homilies and sacramental rehearsals at seminary.

It was real now.

While I learned to serve the people of God, his grace was made abundantly evident. Every time I finished hearing confessions, I gave thanks to God for providing me with words of guidance to those who came to me for the sacrament. The summer in the parish was a time of great learning and joy, filled both with gratitude for the people and the Lord’s guidance. n

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VOICES OF NAC

During my time in Lourdes this summer, I witnessed the Mystical Body of Christ revealed in the faces and voices of pilgrims from across the world, as well as the tremendous love they bear towards Our Lady as she bears a weak and wounded humanity back to the heart of her Son. She in turn provided a powerful image and model of the Church’s mission: to point to Jesus Christ in all things.

Joseph Brodeur ‘24, Diocese of Providence This summer I had the joy of spending time with my family, especially my nieces and nephews. The joy and excitement with which young children greet people is unparalleled to other greetings. Invariably, they drop what they are doing, alert all those around of the presence of a friend, and run to embrace him. Isn’t this how our Lord responds to each one of us every time we enter the chapel?

Rev. Mr. Daniel Hammer ’22, Diocese of Duluth 12

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Mosaic of Jesus lost and found in the Temple, in the Rosary Basilica at Lourdes

Describe one experience from this summer in which you encountered Christ.

The people that I encountered on a daily basis in my summer parish were a constant reminder to me of the goodness of God. They taught me more than they’ll ever realize! Returning to Rome after such a great assignment, I’m all the more encouraged and excited to continue studies and formation so that I can one day return to the people of God in my diocese and serve them as an ordained priest.

Jose Lim ‘23, Diocese of Metuchen This past summer I was able to participate in the Institute of Priestly Formation Seminarian Summer Program in Omaha, Nebraska. The program was a great blessing for me in a very personal way since I was able to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ. The courses that I took were also very insightful and allowed me to understand the priesthood in a deeper and more holistic way. It was truly a blessed summer experience.

Mauricio Romero ‘25, Diocese of San Angelo ROMAN ECHOES 2021 • VOLUME 26: ISSUE 1

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Summer Language Schools

Each summer, many seminarians in their first or second year of theology participate in Italian language studies at one of several language schools across Italy. Assisi, Siena, and Verbania are the most popular locations.

During a daytrip from Italian language studies in Assisi, Michael Rhodes ‘25 (Austin), third from the left, and classmates visit the imposing Duomo di Firenze, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence (Italy).

On the Solemnity of the Assumption, Christian Hamrick ‘25 (Nashville), second from the right, and classmates served the festal Mass celebrated by the Cardinal-Archbishop of Siena–Colle di Val d'Elsa–Montalcino (Italy).

Finding God in Siena's Empty Spaces

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C H R I ST I A N H A M R I C K ‘ 2 5, D I O C E S E O F N A S H V I L L E

iena, where I and eight other new seminarians from the College participated in Italian language studies, has no shortage of churches. Some of these are monumental works of brilliant artistry and are packed with tourists year-round. Many, however, sit empty, often only opened on certain Sundays or feasts. Coming off of crowded streets and walking into these quiet, empty spaces, it can be easy to wonder why they aren’t full of people. I often found myself asking questions such

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as, “Where did we go wrong?” or thinking to myself that the task of re-evangelizing the culture is just too daunting.

However, after praying and reflecting in these empty spaces, they have come to mean something different, expressed not so much by the lack of people to fill them, but by the empty space itself. Where I saw God in Siena was in these spaces, which revealed a longing. These spaces, insofar as they are not filled, actually serve as

icons of ourselves and the longing we have within us, a longing that can ultimately only be satisfied by the one in which “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). These spaces not only reveal a potential for being filled with something else but also communicate something about ourselves: our own deep longing for him who alone satisfies our souls. As we see again and again in salvation history, in an unexpected way, “Grace abounded all the more” (Rom. 5:20). n

A Bellissima Summer in Verbania

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M AT T H E W P O H L M A N ‘ 2 4 , A R C H D I O C E S E O F O M A H A his summer, I was blessed with the opportunity to pursue further Italian language studies in Verbania, a town in northern Italy. Progressing in the language opened up a variety of encounters with the city’s locals. I could always find the retired pastor of the local church praying in the back pew, no matter the time of day. As the weeks went by, and as my Italian skills improved, he and I built a relationship, making me feel at home in the parish.

I entered the summer with two goals: study Italian and grow in holiness.

A special part of giving Jesus my summer plans, I learned, was that my two goals were not mutually exclusive. My Italian abilities allowed me to greet parishioners at local coffeeshops and lector at Mass. These instances, among others, helped me recognize the intimate connection between parish life and both my sanctification and the sanctity of those I will serve.

My teachers provided me with resources to continue to polish my Italian skills.

More importantly, however, through their interactions with other teachers in the program, they taught me about the beautiful culture of friendship in Italy. The way they related to one another was an awesome witness to the love of God, a witness that filled my pastoral heart with joy. Jesus blessed me with a bellissima—very beautiful—summer experience for which I am very grateful. n

A Quiet Cafe in Assisi

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M I C H A E L R H O D E S ‘ 2 5, D I O C E S E O F AU ST I N

will not forget a story told by the rector at my previous seminary.

One day, one of his former seminarians, now about to be ordained, came to his office. The seminarian recounted all the beautiful experiences he had had throughout seminary: his travels, experiences with the faithful, and the laughs he shared with brother seminarians along the way. Then the seminarian asked the rector, “Father, when did my life become an adventure?” The rector simply responded, “Your life became an adventure when you decided to follow Jesus Christ.”

After landing in Rome on July 21st, we were given a quick orientation of the College and the city before taking off for language school. During my month in Assisi, I was blessed by wonderful encounters with the faithful in Piazza del Comune, prayerful times

in front of the tombs of Sts. Clare and Francis, and times full of laughter with my brother seminarians.

One morning in Assisi I decided to go to the Piazza for a morning cappuccino and cornetto and I began to pray morning prayer as the streets of Assisi started to wake up. As tourists entered the city and stores opened their doors, I sat alone, praying quietly. Even

though I was alone at my table, I knew in my heart that this entire experience was a gift from God. My life has truly become an adventure. As a man striving to conform my heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I look out at the faithful and see my family. No matter how far I am from my diocese, I feel at home, because the Lord is with me and is here to lead me on the greatest adventure of my life. n

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Summer Apostolic Experiences of the Classes of 2023 and 2024

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Assignments ach summer, the men completing their first year “go

out into all the world” (Mk 16:15) by embarking

Academic/Language Study

Dante Alighieri Study Program (Siena, Italy) LAE Madrid - Language School (Madrid, Spain) Tertio Millennio Seminar on the Free Society (Krakow, Poland) The Italian School (Verbania, Italy) Universidad Católica de Ávila (Ávila, Spain)

Parishes in the US

local church by serving

Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (Bismarck, ND) Catholic Parishes of Sandusky (Sandusky, OH) Christ the Redeemer Parish (Sterling, VA) Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community (Medina, MN) Holy Name of Jesus Parish (Wausau, WI) Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (Salem, VA) Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church (Ashland, OR) Saint Luke Catholic Church (Barrington, RI) Saint Timothy’s Catholic Church (Sykesville, MD) St. Andrew the Apostle Parish (Clifton, VA) St. Catherine of Siena Parish (Mountain Lakes, NJ) St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church (Birmingham, AL) St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (Onalaska, WI)

at a parish in their

Parishes Overseas

on a summer assignment in Europe (or beyond!) for apostolic work, mission, study, or prayer. They may also be asked to learn more about their

diocese. Men completing their second year also set out for apostolic assignments abroad as travel restrictions eased.

With contributions from Sr. Judith Zoebelein, FSE and Rev. David Hulshof ‘81.

Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico (Siena, Italy) Monastero di San Benedetto (Bergamo, Italy) Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant'Alessandro (Gallarate, Italy) Parafia Sw. Jozefa w Lublinie (Lublin, Poland) Paroisse Notre Dame de Guadalupe (Gapé-Atchanvé, Togo) Parrocchia di S. Apollinare Martire (Lugo di Valpantena, Italy) Parrocchia di San Biagio (Padua, Italy) Parrocchia di San Nicolò (Roverè Veronese, Italy) Parrocchia di Sant'Eusebio Prete (Pollone, Italy) Parroquia de Jesús y María (Madrid, Spain) Parroquia Santo Cristo de la Misericordia (Madrid, Spain) Real Colegiata de San Isidro (Madrid, Spain)

Service/Missionary Assignments

Missionaries of Charity (Madrid, Spain) Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (Lourdes, France) Tipi Loschi Community (San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy) US Navy Officer Development School (Newport, RI)

Pilgrimage Experiences

Camino de Santiago (Santiago de Compostela, Spain) Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima (Fátima, Portugal) Stift Wilten – Norbertines (Innsbruck, Austria) The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola (Assisi, Italy)

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Summer Apostolic Experiences of the Classes of 2023 and 2024

United States Birmingham, AL Raceland, LA Sykesville, MD Medina, MN Bismarck, ND Mountain Lakes, NJ Sandusky, OH Ashland, OR Portland, OR Barrington, RI Newport, RI Providence, RI Sterling, VA Salem, VA Clifton, VA Onalaska, WI Wausau, WI

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Overseas

Gapé-Atchanvé, Togo Innsbruck, Austria Lourdes, France Assisi, Italy Bergamo, Italy Gallarate, Italy Genova, Italy Lugo di Valpantena, Italy Milan, Italy Padua, Italy Pollone, Italy Roverè Veronese, Italy San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy Siena, Italy Verbania, Italy Krakow, Poland Lublin, Poland Fátima, Portugal Porto, Portugal Avila, Spain Ferrol, Spain Madrid, Spain Santiago de Compostela, Spain Sweden London, UK

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Snapshots

A Sunday afternoon well spent: the faculty members of the College stand together in St. Peter's Square after the Sunday Angelus, in which Pope Francis recognized the presence of the College from his balcony.

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His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey '75 speaks with Very Rev. Peter Harman '99 (Springfield in Illinois) and the New Men of the College on the grounds of Castel Gandalfo, the traditional summer residence of the Pope.

A moment of joy: Rev. Mr. Mauricio Portillo ’22 (Arlington) embraces Rev. Mr. Bijoy Joseph ’22 (Sydney) after the Ordination Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

"I believe." Members of the Class of 2022 make their public profession of faith and oath of fidelity. Left to right: Rev. Mr. Christian Chami (Venice in Florida), Rev. Mr. Bijoy Joseph (Sydney), Rev. Mr. Grant Dvorak (Bismarck), Robert Kinyon (Rapid City), and Rev. Mr. Alex Kramer (Des Moines).

Alumni of the College and newly-ordained priests (from left) Rev. James Linkenheld ’21 (Rockford), Rev. Joseph White ’21 (Galveston-Houston) and Rev. Seth Lemaire ’21 (Lafayette) kneel in prayer during the Litany of Saints for the newly ordained deacons.

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Wonder and awe: A group of first and second-year men and faculty take in the beauty of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

Behind the Scenes: Andrew Westermann '24 (Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter), Michael Noriega '24 (Austin) and James Fangmeyer '24 (Washington) await the go-ahead to begin plating the next course of food at the Welcome Banquet for the New Men.

In the Background: The College relies on many who work in the background. Richard Sofatzis '23 (Sydney) and Jose Lim '23 (Metuchen) coordinating audio for an outdoor cena celebrating the deacon-elects' public profession of faith.

Together with members of his family, Rev. Mr. Paul Sappington ’22 (Kansas City-St. Joseph) stands at the foot of the sanctuary where moments before he had been ordained.

Rev. Brendan Hurley, SJ, spiritual director at the College, proclaims the Gospel at the Basilica of San Rufino in Assisi (Italy).

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Formed in the Heart of the Church

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His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey '75, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, presides at Mass with the faculty of the College and the New Men.

"Rome is herself the mentor and the finest teacher of future priests."

"The opportunity to study theology in Rome should be counted one of God's greatest gifts."

–A. Bacci, quoted in the Cortile degli Aranci at the College

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Rev. David Songy, OFM Cap., speaks with second-year men about the importance of spiritual direction in deepening and enriching their understanding of priestly love and celibacy.

Conformed to the Image of the Son: Priestly Identity in Christ DAVID NOWICKI ‘24, DIOCESE OF LA CROSSE

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ne of the most popular phrases when speaking of the priesthood is that the priest acts in persona Christi Capitis—in the person of Christ the Head. It is an excellent description; in fact, it is one that the Catechism of the Catholic Church supplies. But what exactly is the identity of the priest, and how does this inform his ministry?

Every September, the second-year class explores this question in a workshop dedicated to priestly identity. For a week, we examine the images of the priest as Spiritual Father, Chaste Spouse, Divine

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Physician, Friend of the Bridegroom, and Good Shepherd. It is indispensable to our future ministry to understand and take up these roles of Christ the High Priest. How can we love the Church with an undivided heart if we cannot see the priest as the Chaste Spouse to whom the Church has been espoused? Or how can we bring the mercy of Christ to parishioners in the Sacrament of Reconciliation if we attempt to do so without the patient and loving care of the Divine Physician?

I was most struck by the identity of the Good Shepherd. Most, if not all of us, will become pastors—literally

shepherds—of a flock of the People of God. Being a shepherd is not a business of great personal accolades. At times, it can even bring danger to the shepherd.

But just as the Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep, the priest gives his life to the parish out of love.

I entered seminary with a particular image of the priest, but these priestly identities have expanded it to something much greater—something closer to Christ’s image of the priest. Through the workshop on priestly identity, my “yes” has grown to include a deeper understanding of the life to which the Lord has called me. n

A Handshake with the Holy Father GERARD GAYOU ‘25, ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

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was still experiencing jet lag when Fr. Harman made the announcement at Friday pranzo: in two days’ time, the New Men would meet the Holy Father in Vatican City. Excited chatter filled the room, and one question dominated the lunch conversation across the refectory: “What are you going to say to Pope Francis?”

When we entered the Vatican Sunday morning, however, that question passed out of my mind. As I climbed up the magnificent marble steps of the Apostolic Palace, thoughts of wonder and gratitude left room for little else.

When we entered Clementine Hall, a 16th-century reception hall flanked with Renaissance frescoes, we made a large circle around the edges of the room. A minute later, two brown doors in a far corner swung open. Pope Francis walked in and smiled at our thunderous applause.

stress on his face, no sign of his busy day ahead that included an Angelus message to thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square. He was focused on loving the man in front of him: an Archdiocese of Washington seminarian who forgot the Italian phrase he wanted to say.

To show God’s goodness, a priest must preach the cross. During his Angelus address at noon, the Holy Father reflected on the starkly different ways in which people received Jesus. After Jesus fed

five-thousand men, they wanted to make him king. After he preached in Nazareth, they wanted to kill him.

The Lord wants to live out once again these mysteries in his priests and indeed his seminarians. There will be mornings as bright as a papal welcome at St. Peter’s Basilica. There may be nights that feel closer to a martyr’s tomb beneath its columns. May we heed the words of Pope Francis as we continue on our journey to the priesthood: “Those who want to follow him must resemble him.” n

He began shaking hands. One New Man passed along greetings from his grandmother. Another completely forgot what he wanted to say. It didn’t matter. As the Holy Father circled the room, a wave of joy seemed to flow from him. Each seminarian and faculty member that he greeted walked away smiling.

One important role of the priest is to remind people of God’s goodness.

Pope Francis, fifty-one years ordained, manifested God’s goodness to us that Sunday morning. When he took my hand, there was no hint of hurry or

© Vatican Media For several unforgettable moments, Pope Francis visits with seminarians and faculty from the College.

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Newly ordained deacons gather for a photo in front of the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica following their ordination by His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory C'80 (Washington).

The Gift to Serve REV. MR. GUILLERMO HERNANDEZ ‘22, DIOCESE OF SAN DIEGO

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he week of the diaconate ordination was a time that I will never forget. It was a blessing to finally be able to welcome guests back, especially after not having had any last year, and to enjoy the Eternal City again with so many friends and family.

It is impossible to gather the experiences of all twenty men who were ordained on September 30th, because each experience is unique. As we stood in our white albs during the Rite of Ordination, I looked around at the other men standing there with me. I saw both smiles and tears as we gave our lives to the Church. The more I look back at the ordination, the more I wish we could do it all over again.

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The fact that we were able to lay down our lives for the Church at the same site where St. Peter laid down his own life for the Church is such a special experience. As seminarians, it is easy to have our eyes focused on the priesthood and see the diaconate only as a stepping stone toward that vocation. While being ordained to the diaconate does indeed bring the excitement of drawing close to the priesthood, it is also important to cherish our time as deacons and appreciate the gifts of this ministry.

In this vocation, it is easy to consider all that we are giving up. However, since being ordained, it is evident that in giving of ourselves, we receive more than we could ever

Rev. Mr. Guillermo Hernandez ‘22 (San Diego) at his diaconal ordination.

imagine. To serve at the altar and to kneel beside the priest as he transforms the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is an experience of which none of us are worthy. The diaconate is a gift that we have been offered and have now accepted as our own. It is only by seeing it as such that we can truly experience the joy of this vocation. n

2021 Class of Deacons ORDAINED IN THE PAPAL BASILICA OF ST. PETER Rev. Mr. Christian Joseph Chami Rev. Mr. Grant Dvorak Rev. Mr. Bradley Easterbrooks Rev. Mr. Joseph Ferme IV Rev. Mr. Samuel Gilbertson

Rev. Mr. Daniel Hammer Rev. Mr. Guillermo Hernandez Rev. Mr. Zachary Jones Rev. Mr. Bijoy Joseph Rev. Mr. Alex Kramer

Rev. Mr. Andrew Kwiatkowski Rev. Mr. Alex Lancon Rev. Mr. Jacob Magnuson Rev. Mr. James Morgan Rev. Mr. Matthew Pearson

Rev. Mr. Mauricio Portillo Rev. Mr. Thomas Roberston Rev. Mr. Paul Sappington Rev. Mr. Mario Torres Capilla Rev. Mr. Alexander Wyvill

Rev. Mr. Michael Hoye Rev. Mr. Jakob Hurlimann Rev. Mr. Aaron Kelly

Rev. Mr. Peter Ludwig Rev. Mr. Joshua Nehnevaj Rev. Mr. Isaac Oviedo

ORDAINED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DIOCESES Rev. Mr. Samuel Bass Rev. Mr. Dillon Bruce Rev. Mr. Matthew Colle

Rev. Mr. Louis Cona Rev. Mr. Stephen Delia, Jr. Rev. Mr. Mark Hellinger

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Finding A New Home in Rome MAXWELL VETCH ‘25, DIOCESE OF RAPID CITY

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hen my alarm went off at three in the morning, I was shocked.

After months of waiting, it was finally time to depart for Rome.

I said a groggy but emotional goodbye to my dad and then went with my mom to the airport. After months of preparation, I really just wanted to spend more time with my family.

However, that was the cross I had to bear. I said a final, difficult goodbye, and I was off.

During the full day of travel from South Dakota, I thought constantly about what it would be like to live at the North American College. Would it really ever be a home for me?

What would my next few weeks at orientation entail? When I arrived at Fiumicino Airport with a few seminarians from Washington, D.C., we were greeted immediately by Fr. Romano, and the drive to the College was a relief. I thought to myself: “The wait is over. I finally made it.”

I was tired from the overnight flight, but once we arrived at the campus, I was wide awake—ready to finally see the seminary and get settled.

When I made it to my room, I was stopped in my tracks. Through my window, there was a direct view of St. Peter’s Basilica! I had anticipated it feeling strange—I thought living in Rome would be a complete shock to my system. I guess it was to some degree, but now when I look out my window at the Basilica, or over the city from our amazing rooftop,

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I realize that this is not a fantasy.

These places I had dreamed of are real and tangible.

Still, though they are big and beautiful, even these places fall short of the greatest desire for beauty we all have.

This is not to say that the experience in Rome has been anything short of amazing. It is to say that they remind me of something more. Although the wine in Rome is still the best I have ever had, like at the wedding of Cana in Galilee, the good wine is yet to come. n

Maxwell Vetch '24 (Rapid City) delivers a toast to his new community on behalf of his class.

The New Men and orientation team stand in front of the Colosseum, one of the most iconic and important of Rome’s testaments to history.

Orientation—Our Summer Apostolate STEPHEN JONES ’24, ARCHDIOCESE OF OKLAHOMA CITY

Orientation chairman Stephen Jones ‘24 (Oklahoma City), far right, welcomes members of the Class of 2025, (from left) Peter Fairbanks (Washington), Marco Cerritelli (Washington), Chukwuma Odigwe (Washington), and Robert Williams (Tulsa).

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hough much has changed in our world in the past eighteen months, the goal of orientation at the College remained the same: welcome the New Man class to Rome. After an abnormal year, this orientation marked a return to normalcy as the New Men were able to come to Europe without a quarantine, take advantage of the early language-school opportunities, and explore Rome freely.

Rome, the class got to meet the Holy Father in the Apostolic Palace! Other traditional highlights included going to St. Peter’s Basilica for Mass as a class, going to Assisi on a class fraternity weekend, receiving a Scavi tour below St. Peter’s, and going on a tour of the Swiss Guard Barracks. Orientation concluded with a class trip to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and Castel Gandolfo with His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey.

Orientation began by welcoming 27 New Men from the language schools in Assisi and in Siena, and directly from the United States. After being able to relax and move in, they participated in the traditional “Clap-In” ceremony, officially marking the start of their time at the College. Then, remarkably, in an unforgettable experience just days after arriving in

Orientation provided an excellent chance for building fraternity. There were several cookouts, rooftop cene, gelataggiate (passeggiate to get gelato), and sporting events at the College over the two weeks of orientation. The New Men were even able to squeak out a victory over the Old Men in softball. All in all, it truly was admirable to see the camaraderie

they built throughout the summer as a springboard into their time in Rome.

Each fall provides the returning men of the Second Theology class with a unique privilege: to be the first to welcome the New Men to our home.

A year after being welcomed so graciously, receiving abundantly, and being able to encounter Christ more deeply, orientation marks our beginning of being able to give back to the College. As the Old Men on the orientation team, we come to see the College more deeply as a home away from home. Orientation became an apostolate of sorts for our class as we tried to receive the New Men as we would Christ himself. It was life-giving to be able to “return the favor” by welcoming the New Man Class of 2025 to Rome! n ROMAN ECHOES 2021 • VOLUME 26: ISSUE 1

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New Faculty Introductions MICHAEL NORIEGA ‘24, DIOCESE OF AUSTIN

Dr. Mark Glafke Dr. Mark Glafke joins the College as Director of Counseling Services.

He is a native of California and graduated from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA. Dr. Glafke received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Purdue University and opened a private practice in Lafayette, Indiana, where he focused on integrating Catholic anthropology with psychological assessment and treatment. Dr. Glafke has completed psychological evaluations for his home diocese of Lafayette in Indiana, and eventually for other dioceses

Rev. David Hulshof ‘81 Fr. David Hulshof, a priest of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri, comes to the College as the Director of Apostolic Formation. Ordained a priest in 1982, Fr. Hulshof is an alumnus of the College and studied at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. Prior to studying in

and religious orders around the United States. In 2018, he began consulting for Mundelein Seminary by serving on their admissions board and providing instruction during their weekly human formation series. Dr. Glafke is joined in Rome by his wife Michaela, whom he met in Indiana and married in 2013. They have been blessed with many godchildren, a number of whom live close to their home in Lafayette. Michaela’s second-oldest brother was recently ordained to the priesthood this past June. In his free time, Dr. Glafke enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and preparing slow-cooked barbecue meals.

His favorite saints are Our Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, St. Anthony of Padua, and St. Pio of Pietrelcina. n

Rome, Fr. Hulshof studied at the University of Dallas and Holy Trinity Seminary. Since his ordination, he has served at a total of 13 parishes in his diocese, taught high school, served as Vocations Director, and has worked in collaborative efforts with other Christian communities in the region.

Fr. Hulshof is a native of southeast Missouri and was born into a farming family—he is the oldest of six children.

He enjoys sports, exercising, and is looking forward to visiting the churches and works of art in Rome that he got to know during his time as a student. n

The latest news and photos from Rome.

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Interview: A New Director of Apostolic Formation at the College M AT T H E W LU DW I G ‘ 2 4 , A R C H D I O C E S E O F WA S H I N GTO N Can you give us a little background about yourself?

I grew up on a farm and am native to Southeast Missouri, and I believe that my vocation developed on the farm in my work and prayer. I am the oldest of six children and my parents recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. My parents and childhood pastors were a major factor in my decision to become a priest. At a young age, I was already thinking about priesthood and went to a minor seminary in Springfield, MO. In college, I continued my formation at the University of Dallas and Holy Trinity Seminary. In Rome, I graduated from the Angelicum.

During three summers in Europe, I worked at two U.S. military bases in Germany, with peace efforts between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, and served with the Missionaries of Charity in India.

When were you ordained and what have your assignments been like up to this point?

I was ordained on April 18, 1982, at my home parish in Portageville, MO. I have served at 13 parishes and missions in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in both urban and rural settings. I taught high school and was the priest liaison for the permanent diaconate program. For 14 years I served as Vocation Director and was humbled to serve as president of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors from

a hero to me in his ministry to those who suffered from leprosy and were considered outcasts. His compassion, service, and love were truly exemplary.

What is it like for you to return to the NAC as a member of the faculty?

Addressing the new men, Rev. David Hulshof '81 (Springfield-Cape Girardeau) recounts his own transition to Rome as a seminarian and highlights the importance of fraternity.

2001 to 2003. I have also worked in collaborative efforts among Christian communities in Southern Missouri and in Hispanic ministry.

Do you have a saint you try to model your priesthood after?

Who is it and why?

St. John Vianney is one of them.

However, the saint who had a major influence on me in my grade school years was St. Damien de Veuster.

Although he was not yet canonized at that time, his ministry on the island of Molokai was a story I read about in fourth grade that riveted me. He was

Certainly, there is a difference of perspective when you are a member of the faculty with the responsibility of preparing men for the priesthood instead of the one being prepared.

On the other hand, I have found that returning to the NAC offers a special spiritual enlivening and opportunity to participate in communal prayer and liturgies. Both the faculty and students have been very supportive in my transition from parish life.

What would you tell people who think Missouri is just flyover country?

I would simply invite them to come and see! They don’t call Missouri the “Show Me” state for nothing. We have bountiful farmlands, the Mark Twain National Forest, the Gateway Arch and blues music in St. Louis, and beautiful fountains and barbecue in Kansas City.

In fact, ask my NAC classmates whom I hosted last summer to celebrate our 40th ordination anniversary. They came from all over the country to my parish in Branson and truly enjoyed the music, lakes, and Midwestern hospitality. I will look forward to returning to my home state and my beloved diocese when I complete my term as Director of Apostolic Formation. n

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Newly Ordained at the Casa Santa Maria R E V. S H A N E L . K I R BY ‘ 0 4 , D I R EC TO R O F N E W LY O R DA I N E D P R O G RA M

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he Program for the Newly Ordained at the Casa Santa Maria began in 2013 under the Rector at the time, then-Msgr.

James Checchio. I am now the third director, after Msgr. Michael Osborn '92 C'99 of the Diocese of Kalamazoo and Fr. Joshua Ehli '09 C'15 of the Diocese of Bismarck, who concluded his service in 2020. I am pleased to have been asked to continue this unique ministry in the “house on Humility Street.”

The Casa, as a community of priests, is also a house of ongoing formation.

“The term ‘ongoing formation’ is a reminder that the one experience of discipleship of those called to priesthood is never interrupted” (Ratio fundamentalis, 80). The purpose of the Program is to help new priests on the path from initial formation at the College or another seminary at home in the United States, to ongoing formation in the priesthood.

In addition to Casa community life, the guidance of the Superior and Spiritual Director, available to all Casa residents, the Program provides accompaniment to those in the first five years of priestly ministry. As the Ratio puts it, “In this period, the priest acquires… fidelity to the personal encounter with the Lord and to his own spiritual accompaniment, along with the openness to asking the advice of priests with more experience. Particularly significant is the capacity to establish relationships

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Rev. Shane Kirby '04 (Scranton) looks forward to continuing his ministry "in the house on Humility Street" as director of the Casa Santa Maria’s Program for the Newly Ordained.

of cooperation and sharing with other priests of the same generation” (n. 83).

The Program provides both the advice of priests with more experience and the opportunity for the newly ordained at the Casa to support each other as they live the first years of ongoing formation in this setting.

The Ratio suggests tools for ongoing priestly formation, applicable to priests of all ages. Among these are spiritual direction, retreats, common life, and fraternal meetings (n. 88).

The first three are already part of

overall life here at the Casa. The last tool, fraternal meetings, forms the bulk of the Program to augment the other tools available to all priests of the Casa community. Utilizing Scripture, Church documents or other writings, these fraternal gatherings foster discussion and reflection on the experience of priesthood, its joys, and its struggles, during this crucial phase of ordained ministry. It was my privilege to walk with, and be inspired by, my younger brothers last year, and I look forward to the same in the year ahead. n

Upcoming Programs from ICTE REV. EDWARD LINTON, OSB, DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTE FOR CONTINUING THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION

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s the global pandemic wanes, larger numbers of priests are able to participate in continuing formation programs at the Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE). Three priests participated in spring 2021, while nine are taking part in the autumn 2021 programs. Interest continues to increase for the spring 2022 program, and a good number of priests have enrolled.

priest who participates in Module Three (October 24-November 18), “Art and the Passion,” will gain new perspectives from studying the art of the Italian Renaissance. Module Three will also feature a six-day trip to Venice.

Priests are encouraged to enroll in all three of the autumn modules since they build upon one another. However, if one is not able to enroll in all three modules, he is welcome to participate in one or two of them as they are also designed as stand-alone units. n

There is still room in the spring 2022 program, scheduled for January 17-April 11. This program offers a general renewal in various theological fields. It features a six-day retreat in Assisi, as well as many day trips and tours throughout Rome. Normally, an optional pilgrimage to the Holy Land is offered. However, because of lingering COVID restrictions in Israel, we instead plan to offer a pilgrimage to Provence, France, following the footsteps of Mary Magdalene from March 3-11.

We are planning exceptionally inspiring autumn 2022 programs.

The three modules will each focus on the Passion of Christ. Module One (September 5-30) entitled “The Theology of the Passion” will include a six-day trip to Germany, which will feature a viewing of the world-renowned Passion Play at Oberammergau. Module Two (October 4-22) “Preaching the Passion” will aim to enrich participants’ preaching of this central tenant of our faith. Each

Standing back right, Fr. Edward Linton, OSB and the priests enrolled in the ICTE program commemorate a special time of celebrating the Mass at the tomb of St. Peter.

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Work Finished, But Never Done R E V. DAV I D A . S C H U N K ‘ 1 0, V I C E R EC TO R

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ears ago, I had the opportunity to walk part of the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage route that traces itself from the French-Spanish boarder, across northern Spain, ending in the city and cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where tradition locates the tomb of the apostle St. James the Greater. While the complete traditional route will take the pilgrim about a month to complete, I walked only the final ten days of the journey.

Even though I walked much less than other pilgrims, I found myself at the end of the journey to be just as tired (and relieved!) to have reached my destination. However, just like pilgrims who have walked to Santiago for centuries, once a person reaches the destination of the tomb of St. James, the journey is not over, because one must then turn around and go back home.

This is an interesting point of reflection, that even when a person completes a task, his work may still not be done, and may never be done. Last spring, we sent our fourth-year brothers home to be ordained priests and preach the Gospel in their respective dioceses.

They had met the Church’s requirements for ordination to the priesthood by completing the necessary coursework, showing their capabilities with pastoral skills, adroitness in preaching homilies, and so forth. Yet they know that priesthood ordination is not the end of their priestly formation and growth. For the rest of their lives, they will be gaining experience in various pastoral, educational, and

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Bless us, O Lord. With the prayerful participation of the staff, Very Rev. Peter Harman '99 (Springfield in Illinois) blesses the renovated kitchen.

administrative settings. They will learn, make mistakes, and continue to grow, just like all people learn and grow whether it is in married life, a job, or the daily situations of our lives.

We never come to a point where we are completely finished here on earth, a time when our journey is over. That time will only come in heaven, when we reach our true homeland.

At the College, the summer is a time when we can catch up with projects large and small and prepare ourselves to welcome new seminarians to the Janiculum campus and student priests to the Casa Santa Maria. This past August, we were able to conclude the renovation of the seminary kitchen and employee locker-room area located under our main refectory. This part of the project was delayed by a year due to the complications caused by the COVID pandemic in the spring of 2020. The renovated kitchen and locker rooms now connect the employee dining room and the

business office, which was renovated in the summer of 2020. It is an entirely new space that will last for generations. This project was funded by the generosity of many benefactors, but with a special gift from the Jilot Family given in honor of their friend, His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey '75, who for years provided hospitality to two popes as the Prefect of the Papal Household.

Even though we are pleased that this major project has come to a successful conclusion, the work of the College is not done. There continues to be the daily maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep of our buildings and grounds, the daily work of preparing men to be priests, and preparing for the next major project so that the College will continue to do all this work well. Our work at the College is never done, because we do the Lord’s work, and he is never done calling forth men to shepherd, teach, and sanctify his people as priests. n

Returning To Rome MARK RANDALL, CFRE • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

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fter not traveling to Rome for nearly 22 months due to various pandemic restrictions, I was blessed to return to campus recently to attend our Diaconate Ordinations. I also had the usual meetings with my fellow administrators and some associates in the city. Most enjoyably, I was able to spend time with our students­—half of whom I had not yet met due to the lapse in travel!

Typically, I am in Rome a few times each year. Upon arrival on campus, I almost immediately walk to St. Peter’s square, face the Basilica, and say a prayer of thanksgiving for the great privilege to do this work. I’ve never wanted to take it for granted or “get used to it.”

So, this recent return to the Janiculum Hill was an extra-ordinary blessing.

Here, however, are a few things I had forgotten about since my last visit in December 2019: - The “orario” (house schedule) is powerful. Even a bit lighter than usual when I was there since classes had not yet begun, the daily requirements of prayer, Holy Mass, meetings, set mealtimes, and so on are intense. Anyone who thinks seminary life is easy hasn’t been to a seminary recently.

- The sound of 200 men doing something in unison is powerful.

Whether singing the Salve Regina

Members of the Class of 2024 pose for a photo with Very Rev. Peter Harman ‘99 (Springfield in Illinois), Rector of the College, on the roof of the College in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.

after Holy Mass, praying before meals in the Refectory, or applauding their new brother deacons, their actions were a beautiful expression of their unity.

- American Catholics in Rome are first and foremost Catholics.

Beyond the NAC gates feels quite American in many ways. But once inside St. Peter’s Basilica, where almost 800 American guests attended the Ordination liturgy, our common Creed unites us with the beautiful mix of pilgrims, students, and religious from all over the world who come to Rome.

plaques and memorial listings, I was re-reminded of just how many good souls have made a financial sacrifice to support our noble mission. Thank you!

As others have written in this issue, encounter is important. Thankfully, our students have returned to Rome and the life of the College has resumed, in-person. We are grateful to be able to serve our seminarians and student priests, and we need your help to do so.

Many of our benefactors sustained their giving during these past months and we are incredibly grateful. You will soon receive your invitation to participate - Our students are at once joyful, eager, in our two major annual fundraising generous, bright, and incredibly initiatives: the December 8th Annual Appeal, and the Rector’s Dinner hospitable. I had forgotten just (April 28, 2022). I encourage you how much so. to prayerfully consider supporting - Walking around our 12-acre campus one or both. May God bless you for your generosity! n and seeing the many benefactor

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Members of the newly ordained class of deacons process out of the sanctuary of St. Peter’s Basilica, sent as ministers of Christ’s Gospel to renew the encounter between God and man.