Office of Institutional Advancement

from Roman Echoes 2023 - Volume 27, Issue 1

by Pontifical North American College

ICTE

Remembering Those Who Came Before Us

MARK RANDALL, CFRE • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

The month of November is a time when Catholics remember those who have died. The College community begins this month with a special Mass at our mausoleum where we remember in prayer all the deceased faculty, students, and benefactors of the College.

Throughout the month, those same souls, plus your own loved ones, will be remembered at every Mass celebrated at the College. You may have already sent in your intentions, and you can be assured that the community will lift them up in prayer. This past July, I celebrated my tenth-year anniversary of working for the College. It’s hard to believe that much time has passed, and more so, the vast number of lay and alumni benefactors I have encountered. It has truly been an honor to meet so many people who have sacrificially given their resources to support the noble work that we do in Rome every day.

Nick and Emma at the tomb of Msgr. Roger Roensch ‘58

These days I am remembering some of our deceased alumni who, not only during their lives, but in their final wishes were so generous to the College. Msgr. Val Peter ’60, C’66, a priest of the Diocese of Omaha and the former director of Boys Town, was incredibly generous to us. For many years, he gave a very significant sum to help underwrite the tuition for students across the United States whose bishops otherwise would be financially unable to send them to Rome. His legacy will enable us to help these future seminarians on their vocation journey.

I also remember Msgr. Roger Roensch ‘58 – truly, one of the greatest “PNAC Ambassadors” of all time. During his years as the Director of the Bishops’ Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican, which we sponsor, countless pilgrims came to know the College. A few years ago, close friends of Monsignor visiting Rome asked me to take them to Monsignor’s tomb at the PNAC mausoleum at Campo Verano – Rome’s biggest cemetery. We set out in a taxi, and after a very complex journey amidst the thousands of graves (it was my first visit to the mausoleum), we found it. It was a blessing to show them his final resting place.

A more recent experience with a dear friend of the College illustrated just how precious is our time here on earth. Mr. Den Jilot and his wife Lynne established the Cardinal James Harvey Household Fund in 2019. Their generous gift enabled the renovation of the Seminary kitchen last summer and will also provide many future enhancements to the College that directly benefit our community. (The College honored Den and Lynne at the Rector’s Dinner in April – an honor they waited two years for, given the challenges of COVID!)

Den died very unexpectedly this past July. I had just been with him the month before at his home in California. At that lunch, he reiterated his dear love for the College and his belief that the formation experience in Rome was so valuable for the Catholic Church in America.

Hundreds attended his funeral which was a beautiful celebration of his life, his generosity, and his commitment to the faith. He is dearly missed by his family and those of us who were privileged to know him.

Space here does not permit me to fully remember so many other benefactors whom I have met, who are no longer with us. When we lose a loved one, we naturally feel a sense of wanting to make sure their legacy is remembered and valued for generations to come. For the generous souls who have supported the College in their life and death, at least some part of their legacy is knowing that their investment in the Pontifical North American College will benefit countless men who come to Rome to be formed as priests for Jesus Christ in the heart of His Church. May they rest in peace. n

Monsignor Thomas Powers ’97 Most Rev. William Murphy ’65, C’74 Mr. Patrick Kelly

Invitations, sponsorships, and registration available February 1, 2023. www.pnac.org/rectorsdinner

Save the Date!

THE 29TH ANNUAL RECTOR’S DINNER APRIL 20, 2023

Join us for a Roman evening celebrating the noble work of the Pontifical North American College and those who support our mission.

Announcing our 2023 Rector’s Award Honorees

Most Rev. William Murphy ’65, C’74 Bishop Emeritus of Rockville Centre Mr. Patrick Kelly Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus

Hosted by our new rector, Monsignor Thomas Powers ’97

The latest news and photos from Rome.

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For more information about The Pontifical North American College, subscription questions, or to learn about ways you can financially support “America’s Seminary in Rome,” please contact Mark Randall, CFRE, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement. Tel: (202) 541-5411 I Fax: (202) 470-6211 I Email: pnacdc@pnac.org I Website: www.pnac.org