Roman Echoes 2022 - Volume 26, Issue 4

THE PONTIFIC AL NORTH AMERIC AN COLLEGE

roman echoes SPECIAL SECTION: 2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT

With Grateful Hearts: Year in Review

JUNE 2022 VOLUME 26: ISSUE 4 8 Brother Orchid Play 10 Rector's Dinner 12 Closing Banquet 35 Thank You to Fr. Harman

Contents 10 8 Features

Annual Report Fr. Harman

6 Holy Week in Rome & Europe 8 Brother Orchid Play 9 Fr. John Harvey's Ministry of Hospitality 10 Rector's Dinner 12 Closing Banquet 13 Msgr. Powers Interview

16 18 20 22 24 26 28 29 30 31

Updates 2

Human Formation Spiritual Formation Intellectual Formation Pastoral Formation Student Map 2021-2022 Timeline Faculty & Building Report Casa Report ICTE Report Class of 2022

5 Rector’s Corner 14 Voices of NAC

The Pontifical North American College

35 Thank You to Fr. Harman 36 Departing Interview 37 Rector, Mentor, Brother 38 A Farewell Toast

32 Snapshots 39 Office of Institutional Advancement

35 12 From the Editor “With Grateful Hearts” was the title chosen by Fr. Anthony Sorgie of the Archdiocese of New York for his final toast on behalf of the College’s spring ICTE participants. The phrase captures well the attitude we hope to assume in looking back on this year in formation.

Gratitude is not just a passing emotion but an ongoing disposition for the Christian who grows in awareness of God’s countless blessings. This awareness is a grace given by the Holy Spirit, not our own doing. Still, it is a grace we can dispose ourselves to receive by reviewing regularly the ways God has touched us by his providence.

Gratitude of heart as an ongoing disposition is the goal of the Ignatian examen prayer, in which one learns to turn daily to the Lord by reviewing the graces he has given over the course of the day. This final issue of 2021-22 is our yearly examen. On behalf of the community, we seek to become aware of the many ways God has blessed the College this year—and to share the good news with you, our readers.

In what follows, we provide our Annual Report, which reviews this year through testimonies from members of our community. We also bid a grateful farewell to outgoing Rector Fr. Peter Harman ‘99 (Springfield in Illinois), as he completes his six-and-a-half years of service to the College.

Men of the College are formed to have steadfast hearts, as our motto Firmum Est Cor Meum indicates.

Giving thanks for this year, we likewise seek to be men with grateful hearts.

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: Rev. Mr. Matthew Colle '22 (Green Bay) looks out his window over the College's cortile to the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

THIS PAGE: Brent Durschmidt '23 (Portland in Oregon) welcomes guests to the College for this year's Rector's Dinner.

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

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n this edition of Roman Echoes we give thanks for the blessings of this past year, and among our reasons to be grateful is the support you offer in prayer and generous giving to make our lives and work here at the College possible.

As I conclude my time as Rector, God’s providential care in allowing us to continue this mission is coming ever more into focus. At the end of April, after not being able to host for two years, the return of the Rector’s Dinner was a great source of encouragement.

A full refectory and the buzz in the room were welcome experiences. So many have told me what joy this reunion brought to them, and what hope for the future.

I ended my final Rector’s Conference in May to our community with this reminder of God’s faithful care of us: “Let us count upon our Blessed Mother who looks down on us every time we gather under her image here in this Chapel. We entrust all we have to her intercession and care. She was with the apostles before Pentecost and was their motherly strength to not leave the room, but to wait for the promises of the Lord to be fulfilled. When we had the Mass

for the Vigil of the Annunciation in 2020, we were almost all going to be gone by the next day. It was my job to preach! All I said, though I knew not how, was that this house and its work are too important, and that we are loved too much by her, under whose protection we were placed way back in 1859, for us to falter and fail. It was not that I was right, it was that even I, aptly named Peter, had been chosen

by God for some work, and I believed that we were not alone. We were not left alone. God has entrusted all of us for some work which we do not yet know. But the One who calls is faithful and trustworthy. He will see it through if we will. To him who is victorious over sin and death, who awaits us with love beyond our imagining to place us at the Father’s side, to the Risen Jesus, be praise and glory this day and always.”

Thanks for your continued support.

Very Reverend Peter C. Harman, STD ’99 Rector

God has entrusted all of us for some work which we do not yet know.

But the One who calls is faithful and trustworthy. He will see it through if we will. To him who is victorious over sin and death, who awaits us with love beyond our imagining to place us at the Father’s side, to the Risen Jesus, be praise and glory this day and always.

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© Vatican Media A dialogue of prayer: within a darkened St. Peter's Basilica on Good Friday, Rev. Mr. Aaron Kelly '22 (Rochester), on the far right at the ambo, prays the general intercessions. To each of them, Pope Francis, seen on the left, responded with a concluding prayer.

Celebrating the Mystery of the Lord’s Cross

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REV. MR. AARON KELLY ’22, DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER

rowing up, I always loved Holy Week, particularly the Sacred Triduum. I always looked forward to singing in the choir for the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. Some of my earliest memories of thinking about priesthood came during those liturgies.

While seeing the priest celebrate those most solemn liturgies, I always thought to myself: “I want to do that.”

Now, years later, during my last Holy Week before ordination to the priesthood, I had the opportunity of a lifetime—to serve as a Deacon Cantor during the papal Good Friday Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion.

Deacon Alexander Wyvill ‘22 (Washington) and I had the privilege of chanting St. John’s Passion during Pope Francis’s Good Friday Liturgy. In addition to the Passion, I chanted the general intercessions. For me, this was one of the most special moments of the Liturgy. I chanted the beginning of each intercession, announcing the petition for which the community was praying. Then, after a period of silence, the Holy Father would conclude with a prayer. In a sense, I was dialoguing with Pope Francis, and it was in this moment that I felt a particular closeness to him.

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I was struck by the intention which prayed for the Holy Father by name. I sang: “Let us pray for our most Holy Father Pope Francis, that our God and Lord, who chose him for the Order of Bishops, may keep him safe and unharmed for the Lord’s holy Church, to govern the holy People of God.” He responded with a prayer asking God, despite his unworthiness, to protect him and aid him in his governance of the Christian people. This prayer was particularly poignant because you could visibly see the physical suffering and pain of the Holy Father, which required him to sit more than normal. In this moment, I could see Pope Francis’s love for Christ and the Church and his desire to give himself entirely to the office with which he has been entrusted. It was evident to me that Pope Francis had a personal knowledge of the cross and Good Friday, yet was moved by the Easter promise of the Resurrection.

As I prepare for ordination to the priesthood, I was inspired by the example of Pope Francis. He illustrated to me the charge given at priestly ordination: “Understand what you will do, imitate what you will celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord's Cross.” He showed me that the priest must be willing to give himself entirely and be ready to embrace the cross while always living in the hope of Easter. n

Benjamin Bralove '24 (Washington) (center), with Rev. Mr. Alex Lancon '22 (Lafayette), Rev. Mr. Joseph Ferme IV '22 (Boston), Samuel Anderson '23 (Fort Wayne-South Bend), and Matthew Ludwig '24 (Washington), visit an impassioned image of Our Lady in Seville (Spain).

The Penitential Drama of Holy Week in Seville

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BENJAMIN BRALOVE ‘24, ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

t’s nearly midnight, but the streets are packed. My nose is picking up occasional hints of incense. The float is close, just a block away. Illuminated by dozens of candles and heavily gilded in gold, it towers over the people lining the streets. The float carries life-size polychrome statues depicting Peter denying Jesus. The procession has stopped to allow a new group of costaleros to get into position and carry the float the final leg of its over eight-hour journey through the streets of Seville. The foreman taps the float three times to ready the men. “Vámonos muchachos! Al cielo con ella!” “Let’s go, men, to heaven with her!” In an incredible feat of strength, the costaleros lift the float off the ground with such force that it is momentarily airborne. They catch its two tons of weight on their shoulders. The crowd cheers. The brass band roars and the drums thunder. The float inches forward. The final journey home has begun.

Holy Week in Seville is a truly unique experience. While some other locations might be able to match the drama, none can come close to the scale. Utilizing over 600 years of experience, the lay fraternities that sponsor sixty processions have blended the penance of Lent with the emotion of Holy Week in a uniquely Spanish way. Adjusting

to the rhythm of the processions took some time—they move excruciatingly slowly. You need to slow down and be patient. But even more than the rhythm, adjusting to the spirituality of a procession takes time. It is quite different from recollected silence in an adoration chapel. It’s loud and crowded, even chaotic. To transition from just observing a procession to praying with it took practice, but when you were able, the effect was powerful.

The float has stopped again. It is now in the center of the plaza in front of the church. The band is silent and the crowd is hushed. A woman from one of the balconies starts singing a saeta. It is a soulful ode, sung acapella, and addressed to the suffering Christ. Its melismatic quality has a distinctly Semitic quality. After the final note the crowd cheers: “Olé!” The float resumes its journey in silence.

The final few feet are the most difficult. There is only an inch or two of clearance on either side while it enters the church. Now it appears that the float is too tall to enter!

Slowing down, the costaleros get on their knees. For the last few feet, the float is carried kneeling. The float slowly disappears into the dark church. There is hardly a dry eye in the crowd. n

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Flowers and Philanthropy: Bringing the Work of God to the Stage REV. MR. JAKOB HURLIMANN ‘22, DIOCESE OF AUSTIN

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ne of the largest tasks for the director of the College’s house play is finding a suitable script.

In years past, we have performed adaptions of Chesterton’s Father Brown, Shakespeare’s Henry VI, and Miller's A Canticle for Leibowitz—all of which are familiar to at least some of the audience. I decided on Brother Orchid, an admittedly obscure work, due to its themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and conversion—not to mention the well-written humor.

Each time I read over the script last summer, I found new lessons to be drawn from the characters and their decisions. Humility, courage, and trust in God were all present, and they were intertwined with a healthy dose of reality in the form of the relationships among these very human characters.

In short, the play is set in the late 1920s. On one side, you have the gang—a classic group of excitable mobsters who are not afraid to get their hands dirty to achieve their goals. Yet, not all fit the “classic baddie” trope. There is the chance for real conversion held out to these men at various points in the play. On the other side, there is the Order of the Floratines—the Little Brothers of the Flowers. Their lives are characterized by prayer and simplicity. Even they are not a homogenous group, however.

The brothers each have a checkered past—some even question their place in the community or the value of the life they have chosen.

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Rev. Reed Flood '21 (Des Moines) as "Fat Dutchy," Joseph Brodeur '24 (Providence) as "Freckles," and Patrick Ryan '23 (Providence) as "Solomon."

At the center of it all is Little John Sarto—a former gangster who, after being shot by his former gang, ends up joining with the monks in their life of simplicity, yet is called to more than a life in the monastery. Through a remarkable story of conversion, his life becomes an example for not only the monks in the community, but also for those watching in the audience.

The ending is particularly poignant, and certainly provides much in the way of reflection and discussion.

There really are no words to fully express my gratitude to everyone that

was involved in the process, from Fr. John Cush ‘98, C’15 (Brooklyn), our producer, to Andrew Westerman ‘24 (Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter), my assistant, and the entire cast and crew for all the time and dedication they put into making this show successful. The theme of doing God’s work runs throughout Brother Orchid, and I was privileged in laboring with these talented brothers in doing our small part, through moments of levity and reflection, in accomplishing that very work. n

The Apostolate of Hospitality: Rev. John Harvey and PNAC Seminarians REV. CANON JOHN J. HARVEY, ICTE ‘06, DIOCESE OF BRENTWOOD (UK)

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n 2006, I celebrated my Silver Jubilee to the Priesthood. After twenty-five years of pastoral ministry, I asked my bishop if it would be possible to have a small sabbatical—he agreed. I applied and was accepted to the ICTE Sabbatical Program at The Pontifical North American College in Rome. I must admit that after being in pastoral ministry for such a long time, it was a truly wonderful experience. Having the opportunity to live in the Eternal City for three months was a dream come true, and it provided a real rejuvenation of priesthood for me.

Well, here I am today celebrating forty years of sacred priesthood.

The amazing thing is that I still have a very close connection with the College. From 2006 to the present day I have hosted nearly 350 seminarians at my rectory. While I was on sabbatical, some of the students discovered that I lived very close to London on the subway system. Of course, seminarians are extremely resourceful. A few of them asked to spend the Christmas vacation at the parish, to which I agreed. The rest, you might say, is history! Originally, I thought it would be a one-off hosting of students, but before I knew it, I was hosting guys from different U.S. dioceses year after year—sometimes for the whole summer!

In reflecting on forty years of pastoral ministry, I look back to my own early

Rev. Canon Harvey (center) celebrates his 65th birthday in February 2020 with seminarian-guests Rev. Mr. Daniel Hammer ’22 (Duluth), Rev. Mr. Michael Hoye ’22 (Worcester), Rev. Edward Godefroid ’21 (St. Louis), Rev. Mr. Matthew Colle ’22 (Green Bay), and Rev. Nicholas Morrison ’21 (Washington).

days of priesthood and realize that I had the same enthusiasm and zeal in desiring to serve the Lord. It’s been an incredible journey. I discovered very quickly there’s only one Savior and it isn’t me: I am just one worker in the little pocket of the Lord’s vineyard that is Loughton, U.K. To see all these young men full of that same enthusiasm and zeal is heartening and uplifting for me. Their desire to serve the Divine Master and their passion for the priesthood is truly inspirational. I have been humbled by these encounters over the past sixteen years of hosting seminarians. It has taught my people about the various stages of formation seminarians go through, and they now understand clearly the different ministries and requirements of formation.

For the seminarians who have stayed at my rectory in Loughton, one of the highlights has always been our table fellowship. I remember many occasions of sitting at our Christmas table for several hours—not only enjoying good food and drink, but enjoying the company of one another, laughing, and sharing together. Most of the guys know what I always say about table fellowship: “healthy appetite, healthy vocation.” The Lord certainly knew what he was doing gathered around that Last Supper Table. I would personally say, it was probably at table that the greatest friendships were born.

Now, after sixteen years, so many of those seminarians, now priests, still keep in touch. It’s wonderful to hear stories of their own pastoral ministry.

I never, in my wildest dreams, would have believed that this apostolate would last so long. But I'm truly grateful to Almighty God for allowing me to serve him through these seminarians and the ministry of hospitality. After nearly two years of COVID-19, it is wonderful to welcome back deacons and seminarians once again. The invitation is always open to any seminarians or priests who want to visit—you will always be welcome.

Finally, as I always share with the guys: when you find yourselves in the same position in your own pastoral ministry, “pay it forward.” The Lord will bless you abundantly! n

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SAVE - THEDATE

The 29th Annual Rector’s Dinner: April 20, 2023!

Guests at the Rector’s Dinner Welcome Reception enjoy the pleasant April weather and each other’s company at the College’s Cortile degli Aranci.

Dinner is Finally Served

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REV. MR. ALEX LANCON ’22, DIOCESE OF LAFAYETTE

or the past year, one date on my calendar has been circled in red. That day was not Tax Day or even the first day of finals—it was the Rector’s Dinner. Ever since I was given my first house job in the refectory, I knew this great event would eventually be mine to organize. However, the advent of COVID-19 threw a wrench in this neat timeline.

For the next two years, the dinner’s date would come and go without a single guest filling the halls of the College.

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This year, however, would be different. Growing confidence in travel brought a tempered hope that this could be the year we restarted the dinner. As such, the team of students, faculty, and staff quickly got to work and made up for lost time. We consulted past documents for guidance, sought students to lead various groups, reached out to our beloved benefactors, and much more, all with bated breath until the week of April 28th arrived. The coast at last seemed clear once again. The guest list was set, the menu fine-tuned, and the seminarians fresh from our Easter break. The dinner would indeed take place.

left to right Very Rev. Peter Harman '99 (Springfield in Illinois) addresses guests at the Rector's Dinner; Seminarians prepare dinner plates for guests at the Rector's Dinner.

There was only one problem. How do we host the Rector’s Dinner? The deacon class was the last group to experience the big evening, while the remainder of the student body only held ideas from distant rumblings of years past.

Nevertheless, the challenge was set, and I can happily say the College rose to meet it.

The week leading up to the Rector’s Dinner took on a life of its own, as did the refectory. The dining room was transformed from normalcy to banquet-ready. Early in the week, energized and motivated, the seminarians met with their respective group leaders (capi) and ran through their jobs in preparation. Everyone had a part to play. By Thursday evening, our doors were open again and familiar faces were welcomed back into our Roman home away from home. It was clear everyone felt comfortable here. At one point during the night, I looked out into the dining

room and saw nearly half the people out of their seats, conversing with friends or making new ones, having an exceptional time celebrating the College. Any toil up to that point was worth it.

In truth, the Rector’s Dinner was more than a fundraiser this year. It marked a return to normalcy—a return to what it means to be human. God has imprinted his image within man and set him above the rest of creation. This means we do more than exist. Indeed, we can gather as fellow Christians, dine together at table, drink the fruit of the vine, laugh together, pray together, and support the mission of the Church together. We can be human again. To an outsider, the Rector’s Dinner may seem like mere fanfare.

Yet in reality, it is a time for community, celebration, and support of what is most important—the mission of the Church—by none other than those who love her most. n

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Sent to Preach the Gospel REV. MR. GRANT DVORAK ‘22, DIOCESE OF BISMARCK

Rev. Mr. Louis Cona '22 (Rockville Centre) is sent forth to preach the Gospel at the Closing Banquet. Seated are Rev. Mr. Michael Hoye '22 (Worcester) and spiritual director Rev. Msgr. James McNamara (Rockville Centre).

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he closing banquet is unlike any other banquet at The Pontifical North American College, especially for a man departing the College to serve as a priest back in his home diocese.

We invite guests to other banquets throughout the year and put together a program that welcomes and entertains them, but the purpose of this last banquet is unquestionably distinct in scope. Beginning with Mass and dinner, we celebrate the work of God in formation that has taken place in the past year, and we commemorate the purpose for which the seminary exists: to form priests. The evening includes toasts for departing faculty, and a deacon gives a speech on behalf of his classmates departing for their ordinations. Finally, those departing the College are given their

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commission: they are “sent to preach the Gospel.”

It is a memorable scene. First, our Vice Rector Fr. David Schunk ‘10 (San Francisco) stands and announces, “When a man finishes his time of formation here in Rome, in his file next to his name, it does not say ‘graduated’ or ‘completed.’ Rather, it reads, ‘sent to preach the Gospel.’”

As each man who will be returning home hears his name called and stands up, an overwhelming sense of camaraderie fills the room as he looks around at his fellow deacons and priests who rise with him. The words of Jesus to his disciples break upon his mind: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel” (Mk 16:15). The same delegation given to the Eleven is

handed on to him, whose responsibility is now to proclaim the Good News that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.

Suddenly, so many memories of his time spent in seminary fill his mind with wonder and his heart with gratitude. “I am now one who has been sent.” What began with a simple “yes” in response to a mysterious tug on his heart to the priesthood brings the man to a house of formation. He spends time with Jesus, with men who find themselves in the same boat, and he sometimes struggles to really believe that he has been called to such a vocation. Much of that doubt quells when his own perceived weakness and apparent shortcomings are met with the assurance of God’s grace and the charge “to be… set apart for the Gospel of God” (Rm 1:1). n

Interview with Incoming Rector Rev. Msgr. Thomas Powers MATTHEW LUDWIG ‘24, ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

What inspired you to first consider the priesthood?

I was blessed with good examples of priesthood from the time I was a young boy all the way through college.

Priests were regular visitors at our home. My mom's cousin was a priest and the priests I came to know well—at the parish, at my high school and at the University of Notre Dame—were happy, fulfilled and committed to serving others. Based on my own experience, I am convinced that a joyful, dedicated priest is the most effective way to encourage young men to answer the Lord's call to the priesthood.

Do you have any favorite hobbies?

I am a big reader, mostly non-fiction and spiritual reading. I do the Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle every day, sometimes successfully. Now that my football days are long over, my sport of choice is golf, which I enjoy very much. I would probably enjoy it even more if I were any good at it!

What stands out most about your time in the seminary?

To say I was humbled by the holiness, the talent, and the dedication of the other seminarians with whom I was formed at the College would be an understatement. Along with receiving an excellent theological education and sound pastoral formation, I was inspired to become a better man and Catholic by my classmates and friends,

down by sin, who need healing and nourishment through the sacraments, who are trying to find direction in life, or who just need to be reminded that Christ loves us and remains with us in the Eucharist.

What is it like to be returning to the College?

Very Rev. Peter Harman '99 (Springfield in Illinois) stands with incoming Rector Rev. Msgr. Thomas Powers ‘97 (Bridgeport).

many with whom I have maintained spiritual friendships over the years.

The seminarians at the College have always been its greatest asset and I look forward to being inspired anew by those who are there now.

What have you enjoyed most about ministry as a priest?

A religious sister once told me that every priest should be ordained with the title "Monsignor," and only later, when he has earned it, should he be given the title "Father." There is both humor and wisdom in her statement.

If called to the priesthood and willing to respond generously to that call, I cannot imagine a more beautiful, heroic, and meaningful life for a man.

Not every day as a priest has been easy, but no life is without sacrifice, and I would not want to live any other life than that of a priest. I have most enjoyed being a father to others, especially those who are weighed

This is the third time I will be living at the College, which I have called home for more than 13 years of my life. When I was there as a seminarian and later as an adjunct spiritual director, my responsibilities were limited to a rather small "vineyard." Now that "vineyard" will expand quite significantly, and so I have to trust that God will give me the grace to take on this new role with courage, prudence, and wisdom.

I suppose the College's motto, Firmum Est Cor Meum, will take on a whole new meaning for me.

What are you most looking forward to as rector?

When telling me how excited they are about my new appointment, many parishioners and friends refer to the beauty of the city of Rome, being in proximity to the Holy Father, and even the great food that Italy offers. That those things are attractive cannot be denied. However, for me, they all pale when compared to that to which I am most looking forward: being a spiritual father to the seminarians at the College and a brother to the faculty with whom I will serve. There will be nothing more important for me. n

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VOICES OF NAC

Describe the blessing of this year at the College for which you are most grateful?

Living among dedicated men who share a common vision of holiness and greatness is, for me, a tremendous source of gratitude. Reflecting upon my last five years of formation at the North American College, I can rejoice in knowing that I am prepared, at least, to accept wherever the Lord leads me when I return home for priestly ministry. I thank God for these men who have oriented me on the path toward Christ.

Rev. Reed Flood ’21, Diocese of Des Moines In choosing to come to Rome, a seminarian leaves behind his family, friends, and established life. In my case, this included the stunning beachside sunsets of South Florida and biscuits and gravy. Yet, in letting go of these beautiful aspects of life, I grew more deeply than I could have imagined in the great gift God offers us: his Son, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Mr. Christian Joseph Chami ’22, Diocese of Venice in Florida

I am most grateful for resuming apostolic work here at the North American College. Due to COVID-19, most of us had to take a hiatus from this work. Now that things are getting better, we have been able to do our apostolic work, which has brought me great joy and peace. It has been wonderful working with students studying abroad here in Rome and seeing them grow deeper in their faith over the semester.

Jared Clements ’23, Diocese of La Crosse I'm grateful for the ongoing friendship and quite simply stunning hospitality shown to me on several occasions by the community of the Pontifical Scots College. The ever-deepening ties between the NAC and that ancient and venerable Scottish seminary here in Rome is a great gift, not only to our College, but to the whole American Church.

Nicholas Shelton ’24, Diocese of Tyler

Since my arrival at the College, a blessing for which I have been incredibly grateful has been the opportunity to make friends with people from around the world. My time spent both traveling and in the classroom has allowed me to get to know people from a number of other countries and cultures. I look forward to more of these opportunities in the future.

Nicholas Waldron ’25, Diocese of Rockville Centre

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The Pontifical North American College

2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT

"Seminaries are to be a continuation in the Church of the apostolic community gathered around Jesus.

This basic organizing principle means the seminary is first and foremost a learning community of the disciples of Jesus.

At the same time, the seminary is a community of charity and friendship, where fraternal bonds are anchored in genuine relationships to the Lord and his Body, the Church.

Finally, the seminary is a worshipping and praying community that finds its source and summit in the celebration of the Eucharist."

Program for Priestly Formation (Fifth Edition) 290

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2021–2022 Annual Report

H U M A N FO R M AT I O N :

Formation in Friendship ZANE LANGENBRUNNER ‘23, DIOCESE OF FORT WAYNE-SOUTH BEND

One of my classmates from the Pontifical Gregorian University here in Rome recently made his final vows for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. On his holy card was the following quotation from St. Eugene de Mazenod, the founder of his religious community: “Lead men to act like human beings, first of all, and then like Christians, and finally, we must help them to become saints.” It was a good reminder that the Christian life, and a life of true holiness, can only be built upon a solid, human foundation.

This year at the College has offered us many opportunities to, as St. Eugene says, “act like human beings.”

Men here have learned how to cook, play the piano, and speak Macedonian (among other languages!).

They have run marathons, performed on the stage, and traveled all over Europe and beyond. They have served the seminary community in countless ways, each man contributing the unique gifts and virtues with which God has blessed him.

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Zane Langenbrunner '23 (Fort Wayne-South Bend) shares Thanksgiving dinner with seminarians, faculty, and friends from Indiana.

What is perhaps the most human thing of all, however,

Our formation in friendship at the College often occurs

is friendship. Sirach 6:14-17 puts it thus:

in very informal contexts. Some of the most profound

Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a treasure.

Faithful friends are beyond price, no amount can balance their worth.

Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; those who fear God will find them.

Those who fear the Lord enjoy stable friendship, for as they are, so will their neighbors be.

Our friendships here at the College largely form the context of our human formation. When I was a New Man, sharing the experience with new friends helped me navigate the transition to Rome. Amid the COVID-altered reality of last year, these relationships deepened, and my friends at the College kept me sane and focused on the Lord. Now, as I prepare to be ordained to the diaconate in September with many of these same friends, I can hardly imagine

conversations about faith and the priesthood occur on the daily walk to and from school. The opportunity to travel—as we have been able to do much more freely this year—has led us to share profound experiences outside the seminary that will impact our ministry for years to come. Even simply sharing meals together in the refectory offers us the opportunity to build each other up every day.

In all this, our human formation is akin to that of the Apostles. Many of the conversations between Christ and the Twelve occurred “as they were going along the road” (Lk 9:57). Some of the most poignant moments—like Peter’s famous confession at Caesarea Philippi—occurred as they were traveling with the Master. And, of course, Jesus’ precious words at the Last Supper were spoken at table.

Like the Apostles, we have been called to follow Christ, not only as his servants, but as his friends (Jn 15:15).

the journey without them.

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2021–2022 Annual Report

SPIRITUAL FORMATION:

Reflecting on the

Work of God R E V. M R . M I C H A E L N U G E N T ’ 2 3 , D I O C E S E O F A R L I N G TO N

Josemaría Escrivá, the twentieth-century Spanish saint and founder of Opus Dei, once related how he observed fishermen dragging their boat onto shore after a day’s work. Slowly marching up the sandy banks, the men were pulling heavy ropes connected to the boat laden with nets full of fish. Greeting them from the shore was a boy who was keen to help with this exciting task.

With great forbearing, the men allowed the boy to join in. At times, the boy was truly contributing and pulled the ropes in the right direction. At other times, the boy—despite his eagerness to help—was comically in the way and even seemed to be working against forward progress! Delighted with the child’s joyful presence, the patient fishermen did not mind. Of course, it was the men’s efforts that were the predominant cause of the boats finally coming ashore.

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Rev. Mr. Dillon Bruce '22 (Richmond), Rev. Brendan Hurley, SJ, John Lado '23 (Washington), and Nicholas Le '23 (Atlanta) during the diaconate prayer vigil, during which a candle-light procession is made to the College's statue of Mary Immaculate to ask her intercession for the soon-to-be-ordained deacons.

Commenting on this scene, St. Josemaría observed a clear

countless hours of meditative prayer, and grace-filled

image of the spiritual life. Our heavenly Father is doing the

conversations with friends, classmates, and professors.

work of saving mankind, yet he welcomes and delights in his children’s eager—though imperfect—efforts to contribute

With experiences as diverse as joining Holy Week processions

to his task of salvation. The same can be said for this year in

in Seville, making pilgrimages to Lourdes and Loreto, serving

spiritual formation at the College: God is doing the work of

at parishes in Padua and Madrid, and ministering to

conforming us more and more to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

Ukrainian refugees in Lublin, travel throughout Europe has

and he smiles on all the various ways in which we have

also provided men in the College with unique opportunities

played our small part.

to prayerfully prepare for a life in priestly ministry. The Station Church Pilgrimage during Lent returned in full this year,

There has been tremendous breadth in the College’s

allowing our community to pray with the saints of Christian

spiritual formation activities this year, particularly as COVID

antiquity across the Eternal City. Our studies, apostolates,

restrictions subsided across Europe. By beginning the year

and encounters with the poor in Rome similarly offer us the

with our silent retreats in Greccio, Ariccia, and Rocca di

chance to participate in the gradual work of God’s grace.

Papa, we learned to more deeply prioritize prayer as the central activity of our lives. These foundational experiences

It cannot be emphasized enough that we rely daily on

were bolstered by nights of overnight Eucharistic adoration

prayerful support from the Christian faithful. Thank you for

in the College’s Assumption Chapel, days of recollection

your ongoing contribution to “pulling the boats ashore”

in Lent and Advent, spiritual conferences by formators,

alongside us this year!

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2021–2022 Annual Report

INTELLECTUAL FORMATION:

Crossroads of Culture REV. MR. ALEXANDER WYVILL ’22, ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

Intellectual formation at The Pontifical North American College places us at a crossroads of culture. We learn constantly from experiences of newness and unfamiliarity: the bustling city of Rome, the global perspectives of our university classmates, and the myriad conferences and reading groups available both in-house and in the city. Our lectures are enlivened by dialogue between different cultures and theological disciplines, equipping us to communicate thoughtfully with a broad range of people.

Our intellectual formation integrates rigorous study with pastoral practice. In formation, we must regularly translate the content of our faith into concrete, accessible language. In preparing homilies, for example, we often speak of complex theological topics (like the Trinity, or the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ) in a way that highlights their relevance within everyday life. Far from staying “up in the clouds,” our coursework, formation conferences, and liturgical practica challenge us to keep our “feet on the ground.” We anchor our thinking to the real challenges faced by those we serve.

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Ex Latere Christi, the College's academic journal, was founded under the leadership of (seated) Academic Dean, Rev. John P. Cush '98, C'15 (Brooklyn) and Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics, Rev. Randall Soto C'98, C'02 (New York). Pictured standing is the editorial board with Andrew Westerman ‘24 (Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter), editor-in-chief Rev. Mr. Alexander Wyvill '22 (Washington), and Matthew Ludwig '24 (Washington).

Our intellectual formation is lively and self-motivated. I can

volunteers, the journal showcases high-quality written

testify that my peers study far beyond the “bare minimum.”

work from students, faculty, and friends of the College.

They form reading groups, take extra classes, and dive

With four issues published, the journal testifies to the level

into foreign languages—not just Italian, but Spanish, Greek,

of academic interest present in our community.

Hebrew, and Latin! They study not just theology, but art, architecture, philosophy, and literature. There is plenty

Intellectual formation at the College is unique, to say

of research, too: at the pranzo table, it is not uncommon

the least. It places us at a crossroads of culture, in the

to hear students in license (Master’s-level) programs

heart of the universal Church. It integrates rigorous

discussing their latest discovery in writing their thesis.

study with pastoral practice, challenging us to connect theological concepts to everyday life. It is lively, marked

This vibrant academic life is displayed in the College’s

by a readiness to go above and beyond what is required.

academic journal, Ex Latere Christi. The journal was

Most importantly, however, our intellectual formation is

founded over two years ago under the collective leadership

motivated by love. Behind all the lectures, books, and

of our Academic Dean, Fr. John P. Cush ‘98, C’15 (Brooklyn),

essays, we study because we desire to communicate

and the Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics, Fr. Randall Soto

the love of God, with clarity and charity, to a world that

C’98, C’02 (New York). Edited by a team of seminarian

deeply longs for him.

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2021–2022 Annual Report

PASTORAL FORMATION:

A Fruitful Return to

Apostolic Work PATRICK RYAN ’23, DIOCESE OF PROVIDENCE

Apostolic work is an essential dimension of our formation for the priesthood.

We have been happy this year to resume much of this work, which was significantly limited in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

From October onward, the seminarians of the College have assisted in roughly twenty-five apostolic assignments in Rome and beyond. Seminarians returned to parishes, military bases, university study-abroad programs, soup kitchens, and shelters to work with the People of God and those from all walks of life. We have given ourselves to these assignments, and we have benefited greatly from our involvement in apostolic work.

The men of the College enjoy stepping out of the classrooms and libraries to serve others publicly as men of the Church. Our work with students, families, and the poor of Rome gives us the chance to apply our theological learning and pastoral zeal to people in real life situations. For many, the apostolic work reminds us of why we want to be priests. Our faith is to be shared, and an invitation into a relationship with Christ is to be preached to all.

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Words inscribed on the walls of St. Peter's Basilica, spoken by the Eternal Word Incarnate to St. Peter: "O Pastor Ecclesiae, tu omnes Christi pascis agnos et oves." (O Pastor of the Church, you feed all Christ's lambs and sheep.)

For the few apostolates that could not return as normal at

apostolic work need not be a fancy operation. It can be as

the start of the year, Fr. David Hulshof ‘81 (Springfield-Cape

simple as walking out of our front door to encounter those

Girardeau), our well-beloved and enthusiastic Director of

nearest to us and addressing some of their basic needs.

Apostolic Formation, encouraged ingenuity and improvisation among the men. Some joined other apostolates, while

This latter example also reminded me of Fr. Hulshof’s wise

others decided to branch out even more.

acknowledgment that it is good to reexamine existing programming from time to time and to revise it as needed.

I was most inspired by those who decided to seek out

Our programs should aim to reach the People of God

the poor of Rome once a week with backpacks full of

in the way that is most helpful to them. The past two years

food, water, and warm hats for the winter. When their

have provided us with plenty of opportunities for such

apostolates could no longer function as normal, these

re-examination, and for creative newness in our assignments.

few bold men set out with the tools needed to encounter those who spend days and nights on the streets and are

I trust that our apostolic work will serve us well in our

truly the poor in our midst. The food and clothing would

future ministry. The work helps prepare us for what God has

break the ice, then conversation could commence between

in store for us in a changing world. It also reminds us that

our men and those whom we might not otherwise take the

our primary "work" is to learn to walk always with Jesus

time to befriend. This particular witness reminded me that

and to invite others into friendship with him.

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2021-22 STUDENT REPRESENTATION Seattle Spokane Yakima Portland

Crookston Helena Great Falls-Billings

Baker City

Fargo

Bismarck

Boise Rapid City Sioux Falls Sioux City Santa Rosa Oakland San Francisco San Jose

Reno Sacramento Stockton Monterey

Cheyenne

Salt Lake City

Lincoln Denver

Fresno

Colorado Springs Pueblo

San Bernardino

Gallup

Orange San Diego

Oklahoma City

Phoenix Las Cruces El Paso

Where do our seminarians and student priests come from?

This past year, nearly 50 dioceses were represented by 121 men in formation at the Janiculum Campus, plus another 56 priests at the Casa Santa Maria for graduate studies. Their years in Rome foster a deep sense of community and embrace the diversity of experience and knowledge that each man holds. In a unique way, the College offers a broad view of the Universal Church, not only in Rome, but within the community itself.

The Pontifical North American College

Wichita Tulsa

Santa Fe Amarillo

Tuscon

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Kansas C

Salina

Dodge City

Las Vegas

Los Angeles

Omaha

Grand Island

Lubbock

Dallas

San Angelo

Fort Worth Tyler

San Antonio

Austin Victoria

Laredo

Corpus Christi

Brownsville

St. Cloud St. Paul-Minneapolis

Duluth Superior

Marquette

Green Bay New Ulm Grand La Crosse Winona Rapids Madison Milwaukee

Pittsburgh Erie Youngstown

Gaylord

Burlington Portland Ogdensburg Boston Manchester Springfield Syracuse

Worcester Rochester Albany Fall River Buffalo Hartford Providence Scranton Lansing Detroit Bridgeport AltoonaKalamazoo Dubuque Johnstown Allentown Cleveland Brooklyn Norwich Chicago Toledo Rockford Des Moines Metuchen Greensburg Ft. Wayne Gary Trenton New York Davenport Joliet Wilmington South Bend Steubenville Newark Peoria Harrisburg Lafayette Columbus Arlington Rockville Camden Kansas City Springfield Indianapolis Cincinnati Paterson Centre Philadelphia - St. Joseph St. Louis WheelingCovington City Baltimore Richmond Evansville Louisville Charleston Jefferson City Belleville Washington Owensboro Lexington Raleigh Springfield-Cape Girardeau Nashville Knoxville Charlotte • Eparchy of Passaic Memphis Little Rock • Honolulu • Fairbanks Atlanta Charleston • Anchorage-Juneau Birmingham • Melbourne, Australia • Perth, Australia Savannah Shreveport • Sydney, Australia Jackson • Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter Alexandria Mobile Baton • St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Biloxi St. Augustine Pensacola-Tallahassee Rouge Lake Charles New Orleans Orlando Beaumont Houma-Thibodaux St. Petersburg GalvestonLafayette Venice Houston Palm Beach Miami Saginaw

KEY:

State Borders Diocesan Borders Diocese with students attending (shown in red)

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2021-2022 AUGUST 2021

The newly renovated kitchen, donated

by Mr. Dennis and Mrs. Lynne Jilot, was completed at the beginning of this year and has been keeping the seminary community grateful for the blessing of food.

JANUARY 2022

Members of the first-year class make the Sign of the Cross during their Lector Institution.

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ANNUAL

AUGUST 2021

Welcomed within the wide arms of St. Peter's Square, in view of the Basilica, the new class of 2025 takes the traditional New Man photo in the morning light of a new day.

MARCH 2022

Very Rev. Peter Harman '99 (Springfield in Illinois) preaches at Santa Sabina during Ash Wednesday Mass.

SEPTEMBER 2021

The new academic year not only brought new seminarians, but also new faculty. Pictured here are Director of Apostolic Formation Rev. David Hulshof '81 (Springfield-Cape Girardeau), and Dr. Mark Glafke, the College’s dedicated Counselor.

MARCH 2022

Chukwuma Odigwe ’25 (Washington) and Andrew Messer ’25 (Toledo) speak with seminarians from the Ukrainian College, neighbors of the College on the Janiculum campus.

REPORT T I M E L I N E SEPTEMBER 2021

This year brought another sight to be grateful for: the interior of St. Peter’s filled once again with family and friends, praying together for those to be ordained.

MARCH 2022

Brother Orchid, this year’s play put on by members of the College, took months to prepare. Here, Rev. Mr. Peter Ludwig ’22 (Lansing), as the title character, lies wounded on a monastery bed as Nicholas Stellpflug ’25 (Green Bay), Michael Rhodes ’25 (Austin), and Michael Noriega ’24 (Austin) look on.

NOVEMBER 2021

All Souls Day at Campo Verano saw priests and seminarians of the College and Casa Santa Maria praying for residents of the College who died while in Rome.

MAY 2022

Joseph Wappes ’24 (St. Paul and Minneapolis), Rev. Mr. Joseph Ferme IV ’22 (Boston), Rev. Mr. Zachary Jones ‘22 (Sioux City), and Andrew Messer ’25 (Toledo) begin the first leg of the 4x400 meter relay.

DECEMBER 2021

Members of the affectionately-called “Trailer Park” Hall try to impress the judges of the annual Hall Christmas Decoration contest by singing Christmas carols to them.

MAY 2022

A seminary depends upon the leadership of its Rector: here pictured are outgoing Rector Very Rev. Peter Harman '99 (Springfield in Illinois) and incoming Rector Rev. Msgr. Thomas Powers ’97 (Bridgeport).

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Gratitude for Things Big and Small REV. DAVID A. SCHUNK ‘10, VICE RECTOR Every so often, we look back and review a period of

Still, while we all know big events and milestones are

time, thinking about the big things, the major events and

great moments, our lives are filled with smaller and more

milestones that have occurred. This gives us a sense of

ordinary day-to-day tasks. It is often these moments

our accomplishments and what we have done. In priestly

which fill us with daily gratitude. This past year, we had

ministry, this can be something like a building that has

a pause in major projects with time to focus on smaller

been built or remodeled, or a successful event like a

things that, though more ordinary, still require attention:

parish’s centennial celebration. We are able to look back

we refurnished the Good Shepherd Chapel and Pope

with our teams and say with gratitude: we did it! Over the

Paul VI Parlor on the seminary campus, replaced some

past several years at the College, we have had several

of the old washing machines and clothes dryers for the

major projects that have changed campus and community

seminary laundry room, and installed a new ventilation

life dramatically. We can look back to the building of the

system for the Casa Santa Maria Rare Book Collection.

new tower, a new seminary gym, room renovations at

Our Economo and Director of Personnel have also been

the Casa Santa Maria, and most recently, renovations to

working hard to finish and put into place updated labor

the seminary kitchen. We can look back with gratitude on

contracts and agreements for our Italian lay personnel

many great things that have been accomplished at the

who faithfully serve the College. As one may imagine, this

College over the past several years. Of course, there is

is no small task, since new benefits are presented along

also the greatest work that has been done and cannot

with plans for updated safety training, so we can con-

be found in stone or shingle—the men who have finished

tinue to provide a healthy work environment for all the

their priestly formation here and returned home to

members of our community. Then there is the cleaning,

preach the Gospel.

food preparation, facilities maintenance, gardening and grounds work, and business office support, all of which occur on a daily basis, allowing our community members to focus on the work of priestly formation.

Certainly, there are major projects on the horizon, and as those come into focus, we will be sharing those plans and what they mean for the community. In the meantime, we are thankful for the daily bread that our Lord provides for all of us, and we look back on the moments of our life at the College, both big and small, with gratitude in our hearts.

2022 Rector's Dinner Honorees Mr. Denis and Mrs. Lynne Jilot (second and third from the right), enjoy the evening with His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey '75. The Jilots came to know the College through the the Busch family.

Karen Busch is on the left and Isaac Pecha '23 (La Crosse) on the right.

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Witnessing to the Fruits of this Year at the Casa Santa Maria REV. JAMES J. CONN, S.J., SUPERIOR OF THE CASA SANTA MARIA A retrospective view of the

This more pervasive priestly fraternity can be attributed

academic year 2021-22

to a positive disposition on the part of the newly ordained

could easily look like any

and of the priests who have come to Rome for advanced

other year: many weeks

studies after some years of experience in parochial and

of regular daily order of

other ministries in their home dioceses. Further

prayer, study, meals, rest

contributing factors include an enhanced orientation

and fraternal community, all

program and more extensive and informal hospitality

punctuated by some special

between residents of the two PNAC campuses. The newly

events and activities: guests to welcome, exams, doctoral

ordained alumni feel more at home at the Casa after the

defenses, breaks for travel in Italy and beyond, and major

welcome they have received as seminarians, especially

vacations at Christmas, Easter, and between terms.

on lunch breaks or a brief respite during busy class days.

More interesting to me in my role as superior is the

Many Casa residents have commented on the deeper

longer view of the past three years. My appointment in

experience of fraternity that was occasioned by the

the spring of 2019 marked a major transition in my life

challenges imposed on them by the COVID-19 pandemic.

from full-time academic work and daily life in a religious

Restrictions on activity and travel in 2020-21 opened

community to what I have come to embrace as a largely

new occasions for home-bound student-priests to

pastoral role in a house of continuing formation of

enjoy one another’s company. More recent reductions

diocesan priests. My years as a student and professor of

of these restrictions have done much to brighten the

Canon Law in Rome and as a teacher/formator in three

lives of all of us.

stateside diocesan seminaries had already taught me much about the life and ministry of diocesan priests, and forged valued and lasting friendships with many of them.

Service as the Casa’s superior and the privileged fraternal conversations I have had with Casa residents have taught this religious much more. The support of my colleagues, Msgr. James McNamara (Rockville Centre) and Fr. Shane

A final supplement to Casa life has been the initiation of two optional colloquia appealing to special academic and ministerial interests of residents. The Canon Law Colloquium has welcomed experts who have led discussions of practical dimensions of the discipline often left untreated in the curriculum. The CSM participants have

Kirby ‘04 (Scranton), have been invaluable.

included even non-canonists. The Formation Colloquium

A second long-term development that came to fuller

by seasoned formators on topics of special interest to

fruition this year has been a stronger bond between

those likely to be assigned to formation ministry.

the PNAC seminary and graduate divisions. The newly ordained priests who studied at the College’s Janiculum Campus have integrated themselves into the Casa community with greater satisfaction than in past years.

is designed to provide presentations and discussions led

In hindsight, it has been much more than just another year—we are very grateful for the year that has just passed and we look forward to the one that is to come.

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Past, Present, and Future Fill us with Gratitude REV. EDWARD LINTON, O.S.B. Looking back over the past academic year, we at the

The spring program is a general renewal course, offering

Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE) are

a variety of classes that focus on topics from Canon

grateful to have been able to continue serving priests amid

Law to Pauline theology. This offers the priests a great

pandemic restrictions. Despite the continuing difficulties

opportunity to review various topics they studied in

of travel, sabbaticants came to Rome to renew their

seminary. Their years of pastoral experience always

commitment to the priesthood. Their desire to draw ever

enhance classroom discussion, but we don’t spend all our

closer to the Lord as priests was an inspiration to us all.

time in the classroom! Not only do we visit the churches and museums in Rome, but we are also able to make day

During our autumn modules, nine priests from seven

trips to beautiful places like Subiaco, the Castelli Romani,

different dioceses and two religious orders joined us. The

and Tivoli. We also make a five-day preached retreat in

theme of the autumn 2021 modules was discernment.

Assisi. There is, certainly, lots for which to be grateful!

The priests studied the art of discernment from the perspective of spiritual masters such as St. Ignatius

At ICTE, we are not only grateful for the past and present,

of Loyola, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and St. Benedict.

but also for the promising future! In the coming autumn

Presentations were offered on how to discern the

we have planned some great programs. Our theme for

Word of God through Lectio Divina. We considered how

autumn will be “The Passion of Christ.” There is still some

listening is essential to preaching. Conversations and

room in each of our three autumn modules.

exchanges with one another were the most formative experience for the priests during their sabbatical.

Module 1 (September 5-30) will focus on the theology of the Passion. It will include a trip to the famous passion

We were very grateful that the lifting of restrictions within

play at Oberammergau, Germany. Module 2 (October

Italy allowed us to travel more widely. We were able to

3-21) will focus on preaching the Passion. It will include

take the priests on several enriching tours—for six days

many trips within Rome, and we will offer an optional trip

during the first module, we visited Naples, and for six

to see the inspiring crucifixes of Florence. Module 3

days during the third module, we visited Florence. Both

(October 24-November 18) will focus on art and the

trips offered an occasion to visit incredible churches and

Passion. This module will feature presentations by

to view breathtaking art.

renowned art historian Elizabeth Lev. She will take us on unforgettable tours of Rome. This module will also

Fifteen priests from ten different dioceses, three different

include a six-day tour of Venice, where we will visit the

religious orders and three different countries joined us

incredible Passion cycles in that beautiful city.

for the spring 2022 program. It was the largest group of priests we have hosted since 2020, when the pandemic

Indeed, looking behind us and ahead of us, our hearts

forced us to end the sabbatical early. This sign of normalcy

overflow with gratitude!

filled our hearts with gratitude!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2022 Rev. Samuel Bass, Diocese of Austin

Rev. Jakob Hurlimann, Diocese of Austin

Rev. Dillon Bruce, Diocese of Richmond

Rev. Zachary Jones, Diocese of Sioux City

Rev. Dustin Busse, Diocese of Portland in Oregon

Rev. Bijoy Joseph, Archdiocese of Sydney

Rev. Mario Torres Capilla, Diocese of Tyler

Rev. Aaron Kelly, Diocese of Rochester

Rev. Christian Joseph Chami, Diocese of Venice in Florida

Rev. Alex Kramer, Diocese of Des Moines

Rev. Matthew Colle, Diocese of Green Bay

Rev. Andrew Kwiatkowski, Archdiocese of Melbourne

Rev. Louis Cona, Diocese of Rockville Centre

Rev. Alex Lancon, Diocese of Lafayette

Rev. Stephen Delia, Jr., Diocese of Paterson

Rev. Peter Ludwig, Diocese of Lansing

Rev. Grant Dvorak, Diocese of Bismarck

Rev. Jacob Magnuson, Diocese of Bismarck

Rev. Bradley Easterbrooks, Diocese of San Diego

Rev. James Morgan, Archdiocese of Washington

Rev. Joseph Ferme IV, Archdiocese of Boston

Rev. Joshua Nehnevaj, Archdiocese of Seattle

Rev. Samuel Gilbertson, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Rev. Isaac Oviedo, Diocese of Tyler

Rev. Daniel Hammer, Diocese of Duluth

Rev. Mauricio Portillo, Diocese of Arlington

Rev. Mark Hellinger, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Rev. Thomas Roberston, Archdiocese of Washington

Rev. Guillermo Hernandez, Diocese of San Diego

Rev. Paul Sappington, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

Rev. Michael Hoye, Diocese of Worcester

Rev. Alexander Wyvill, Archdiocese of Washington

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Snapshots

Several members of the College community served the Easter Triduum liturgies with the Holy Father Pope Francis. Sixteen of them record the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a photo in front of Michelangelo's Pieta in St. Peter's Basilica.

Rev. Vincent Ferrer Bagan, OP, Director of Liturgical Music, bats for the Angelicum students' team during the annual university softball game.

Mauricio Romero '25 (San Angelo) and Gerard Gayou '25 (Washington) lead a team of servers into the refectory during the Rector's Dinner.

Seated right to left: Producer Rev. John Cush '98, C '15 (Brooklyn), Director Rev. Mr. Jakob Hurlimann '23 (Austin) and Assistant Director Andrew Westerman '24 (Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter) with members of the cast of Brother Orchid.

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Encore! Musicians pause to celebrate their performance following the classical music concert.

Members of the Class of 2023 share a proud moment with players of the Nettuno Baseball Club during their class fraternity weekend. Nettuno is known as Italy's City of Baseball for its continued love of the sport, brought over by American armed forces members who landed there in the Second World War.

Richard Sofatzis '23 (Sydney) shares a reflection with seminarians and members of Comunità Cenacolo, a "school of life" for individuals healing from "not just drug addiction, but more so the inability to love and live one’s life."

After heavy squats, bench presses, and deadlifts, participants of the first "PNAC's Strongest Man" powerlifting meet smile triumphantly.

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Departing Faculty MICHAEL NORIEGA ’24, DIOCESE OF AUSTIN

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Rev. John Cush ‘98, C’15.

Rev. Joshua Rodrigue ‘02.

Fr. John Cush ’98, C’15 (Brooklyn) will conclude his time as Academic Dean of the College and Formation Advisor at the end of this academic year. Fr. Cush arrived at the College on faculty in 2015, serving as Assistant Vice Rector. In 2016, he was named Academic Dean and Assistant Vice Rector, and, from 2017 onward, he served as Academic Dean. Fr. Cush taught U.S. Catholic Church History at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Pontifical University of Santa Croce, and the Pontifical Gregorian University, where he also taught first-year theological seminars in dogmatic and fundamental theology.

Fr. Cush will be assigned to St. Joseph’s Seminary and College (Dunwoodie) in Yonkers, New York where he will be a full-time professor of Dogmatic Theology and a Formation Advisor. Fr. Cush will also assume the role of Editor-in-Chief of Ignatius Press’ online journal Homiletic & Pastoral Review. Fr. Cush will have two new books published in the next year in the field of priestly formation, one with Rev. Msgr. Walter “Tad” Oxley, ’03, C’09 (Toledo), from IPF Publications, and another from Word on Fire Press.

Fr. Joshua Rodrigue ’02 (Houma-Thibodaux) will conclude his time as Director of Spiritual Formation at the College at the end of this academic year. He arrived at the College on faculty in August 2017 and was Director of Pastoral Formation between 2017 and 2018.

In 2018, he became the Director of Spiritual Formation for the College.

He has led the team of spiritual directors and overseen planning and preparation for the yearly retreats, Advent and Lenten Days of Recollection, and community rosaries. In addition to serving as a spiritual director, Fr. Rodrigue has taught Sacred Art and Architecture at the College to many students. He will be the next Rector of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana, a position he will take up on July 1.

The Pontifical North American College

Rev. Randall Soto C’98, C’02 Fr. Randy Soto, C’98, C’15 (New York) will conclude his time as a spiritual director and the Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics at the end of this academic year. He arrived at the College on faculty in 2017 as a spiritual director and in 2019 was appointed as the Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics. In his years on faculty at the College, Fr. Soto has taught Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and the Introduction to Theological Method first-year seminar for the Pontifical Gregorian University, as well as

Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and the Priesthood in the Epistle to the Hebrews for the Pontifical University of Santa Croce. Fr. Soto has also offered classes in Hispanic Pastoral ministry and Spanish language on Monday evenings.

He will be assigned to St. Joseph’s Seminary and College (Dunwoodie) in Yonkers, New York, where he received his own formation for the priesthood. He will be a full-time professor of Scripture and Systematic Theology, and also serve as a spiritual director. In addition to his full-time teaching at Dunwoodie, Fr. Soto is involved in the translation of the Bible for the USCCB into Spanish, while also completing his second doctorate (Ph.D.) in Spiritual Theology at the Pontifical University of Santa Croce.

Rev. Kevin Bazzel '01, C'06 Fr. Kevin Bazzel, ’01, C' 06 (Birmingham) concluded his time as an adjunct spiritual director at the College in February of this year, upon the completion of his term in serving at the Congregation for Clergy. Fr. Bazzel began working at the Congregation for Clergy in 2016 and became an adjunct spiritual director at the College in 2019.

Prior to becoming an adjunct spiritual director, Fr. Bazzel would assist the College’s formation sessions on Thursday nights in practica for homiletics as well as sacraments, which he continued after becoming an adjunct spiritual director. Fr. Bazzel is currently serving as the Moderator of the Curia and Vicar General for his diocese of Birmingham, Alabama, in addition to filling in at different parishes throughout the diocese when needed.

From the seminarians, priests, and faculty of The Pontifical North American College,

THANK YOU To Very Rev. Peter Harman for your six-and-a-half years of service to the College as Rector.

clockwise from left Very Rev. Peter Harman ’99 (Springfield in Illinois) speaks with Ben Pribbenow '23 (Green Bay) and David Lee '24 (Nashville) at the Welcome Banquet; Fr. Harman greets the community in prayer at the start of Mass in September 2021, with Rev. Mr. Dustin Busse '21 (Portland in Oregon) and Rev. Mr. Mark Hellinger '22 (Fort Wayne-South Bend); The College’s faculty in St. Peter's Square for Pope Francis' Sunday Audience; Fr. Harman addresses the community in the refectory; Fr. Harman with the community of Carmelite sisters that serves at the College’s Janiculum campus.

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Departing Interview with Very Rev. Peter Harman MICHAEL NORIEGA ’24, DIOCESE OF AUSTIN

moving to testify to the worthiness of these men, having come to know them over the years, and it really puts this moment into perspective. Seeing newly ordained priests when they come to visit is also quite special, as well as seeing young alumni at work in their dioceses.

How have you seen your own spiritual fatherhood grow during your time as Rector?

Fr. Harman welcomes the Class of 2025 into the Red Room faculty lounge during their orientation to the College.

What has it been like for you being a student, formator, and Rector of the College?

It has given me a wide perspective of all that goes on to make the College work, in all its facets that you only get to see a part of as a student or as a formator. Seeing all the different roles as Rector gives you a different perspective on all that is necessary to make the College work in forming men for the priesthood. It brings me gratitude and perspective.

What moments or events stand out to you the most during these past six years as Rector?

I’ll say that they are bookends. The most difficult was seeing the last group of men leave the College in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic, not knowing what the pandemic would bring. But then, welcoming the men back with a class of New Men in Fall 2020 and with all of the uncertainty surrounding COVID was a great joy.

Diaconate ordination is always moving for me. When the prelate asks, “Do you know these men to be worthy?” it is

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I think it certainly has made me a more patient man. We sometimes want to see results fast or see things turn out a certain way. But God asks us to be patient with what we have and who we are. I’ve become more patient in being able to see God’s hand at work. You have to be patient to be a father where the results aren’t instant, so this is an area where I’ve seen the most growth as a spiritual father.

Being present to people comes natural to me: going to a Clericus Cup game, watching the bands play in the Student Lounge, for example. These things aren’t “work” for me, because as a spiritual father I desire to be with the community and witness the life of our College. This gives me life.

Is there one piece of advice or theme that you hope for us as your spiritual sons to take away from your time as Rector?

God is always at work if we’re willing to trust him and where he is taking us, knowing that all will work out for the good.

It’s easy to get frustrated with things that are challenging to us. We may wish things were different in society, the Church, no more COVID, etc., but if we cooperate with his work, he will give us a great deal of satisfaction in working with him because he trusts us and is at work in us. When we’re in moments of self-doubt, that can easily be a moment to second-guess ourselves or think “Is this just a waste?” But nothing is a lost opportunity, for God is always at work, so we keep our peace and our joy. n

Rector, Mentor, Brother: Lessons in Spiritual Fatherhood from Fr. Harman REV. CHRISTOPHER TRUMMER ‘21, DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD IN ILLINOIS

Despite being from the same diocese as Fr. Harman, prior to my arrival at the College in 2017, I had only met him on one occasion. A year before, during our diocesan summer gathering for seminarians, Fr. Harman visited and gave a short talk: “Tips on how to discern well in seminary.” I remember enjoying the talk and being impressed by him.

I assumed that, with him being in Rome, I would probably see very little of him for at least several more years. That assumption proved false when just a few months later, my bishop asked me to study in Rome—Fr. Harman and I would be seeing much more of each other.

When I first arrived at the College, my initial impression was one that I suspect many New Men have: the College is a massive institution. Even in terms of its physical appearance, the seminary can be rather intimidating. For me personally, transitioning from a college seminary of 40 men to the College, which at the time housed over 200 seminarians, was no small adjustment. However, I was relieved to discover that despite its large size and prestigious reputation, there was a strong atmosphere of community, brotherhood, and even home at the North American College.

Throughout my years of formation here, I have learned that this atmosphere is not something that simply arises naturally and can be taken for granted. Rather, it exists in large measure thanks to our leaders, who set the tone of the community through their preaching, teaching, and above all, their example as priests. During his time as Rector, Fr. Harman has contributed greatly to the healthy atmosphere we enjoy. He has not been only a manager to this community of men—he has truly been our spiritual father, our pastor. His role as the community’s father and shepherd has been especially evident through all the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personally, Fr. Harman has been a great mentor to me during my time of formation here. With our many weekly diocesan or state fraternity nights, as well as various other trips together (especially hiking), I have had the privilege of getting to know Fr. Harman well. I

have always been impressed at the way he manages to maintain his role as Rector while simultaneously being a true diocesan brother. In this balance I see a beautiful example of spiritual fatherhood. Fr. Harman knows how to build others up and encourage them, not by imposing or condescending, but by earning their sincere respect and showing them the joy of the Christian life. Simply by striving to live his own priesthood to the full each day, Fr. Harman shows others that the priesthood is beautiful and desirable. His priesthood is an invitation and not an assertion.

Rev. Christopher Trummer '21 and Very Rev. Peter Harman '99, Rector, will both return to their home diocese of Springfield in Illinois as brother priests.

The most valuable lesson Fr. Harman has taught me and, I imagine, many others over the years can seem cliché, but it is absolutely essential: Be yourself. As a man, as a Christian, as a priest, as a pastor, even as a rector—whatever situation you find yourself in—be authentically yourself. Be the same person before God, before both your superiors and your subordinates, before your brother priests and friends, and before everyone you serve and encounter. If we have really experienced God’s love for us in Jesus, and if we are firmly rooted in our identity as beloved sons of God, then we have nothing to fear even as we are sent out to proclaim the Gospel in this world that can seem so hostile to it. If we strive to live out of our true identity in a consistent way then, with God’s grace, we will become spiritual fathers who genuinely help others encounter Jesus Christ. n ROMAN ECHOES 2022 • VOLUME 26: ISSUE 4

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FAREWELL TOAST TO

Fr. Harman

This article is adapted from the farewell toast to Fr. Harman given by Brent Durschmidt ’23 at the 2022 Closing Banquet.

BY BRENT DURSCHMIDT ’23, ARCHDIOCESE OF PORTLAND IN OREGON Fr. Harman, we raise our glasses to thank you for all you have done for our priestly formation as Rector of the College. You stand confidently and authentically in your identity as a priest of Jesus Christ to lead and serve as the spiritual father of this community—the one we have needed these past six-and-a-half years.

It is clear that Jesus has formed you as a man after his own heart, and you communicate that to us through your presence here. This has made it easy to trust that you have our best interests in mind as you carry out the mission of this seminary.

We know that being the Rector during this time has been no small feat—not to mention a worldwide pandemic.

In navigating the ups and downs, you have always been available and willing to meet with us if we have questions about your decisions.

Your leadership and confidence have given us a great example of what it looks like to shepherd the flock entrusted to you, while keeping your eyes on the Lord.

Your ability to love us with his love has left us blessed because of the man, the father, and the priest that you are for us.

Please join me in standing to raise your glasses: In gratitude for Fr. Harman’s leadership over these last six-and-a-half years, may you may always remain close to the hearts of Jesus and Mary. From all of us at The Pontifical North American College—thank you!

Ad multos annos. top to bottom Ad multos annos—to many years! King STUAC Justin Faehrmann '23 (Sydney) and Pastoral Council Chairman Rev. Mr. Jacob Magnuson '22 (Bismarck) present Very Rev. Peter Harman '99 (Springfield in Illinois) with a parting gift - a trail sign with the distance from his home diocese to the College.; Brent Durschmidt '23 (Portland in Oregon) delivers his toast to the Rector, Very Rev. Peter Harman '99 (Springfield in Illinois).; US Ambassador to the Holy See Hon. Joseph Donnelly bids farewell to Very Rev. Peter Harman '99 (Springfield in Illinois) at a reception in the Rector's honor.

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Roman Echoes Gratitude MARK RANDALL, CFRE • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

T

hose of us in the fundraising profession say “thank you” a lot. Good advancement people know that showing gratitude for generosity is the most important element of this ministry.

Thus, I sincerely appreciate the theme of this issue of our magazine, “With Grateful Hearts.” The articles and personal reflections highlight the many good things happening at the College. And moreover, how those good things come to pass: through the generosity, talent, commitment, and professionalism of many persons affiliated with the College, and through the continued blessings of Almighty God. We are, of course, incredibly grateful for the thousands of benefactors, alumni, and friends who financially support our mission each year: for our dedicated faculty and staff, for bishops who send men to Rome for formation or to serve as faculty priests, and for the dozens of other examples mentioned in previous pages.

There is one blessing that I am especially grateful for, and you’re holding it right now. Readers probably know that Roman Echoes is written, photographed, and styled by a dedicated student team (see the roster on page 4).

Starting first with a theme for each issue, they put long hours into researching, planning, writing, and editing—a process that takes several weeks. They write for a wide audience, so the articles need to be detailed enough to inform an alumnus, but general enough to intrigue a first-time reader. The student team does this work in addition to their regular academic classes, study, prayer life, and so on. I’ve worked with ten different student editors-in-chief over the years, and they all have produced great work, including this year’s editor, Taylor Colwell ’23 (Washington).

But the student team is just half the story of the magazine.

While they supply a vision for layout, the graphics, and articles, an outside designer makes the magazine a reality.

I first met Julie Cornia in a prior professional role almost 15 years ago, and I asked her to serve as our lead graphic designer when I joined the College. Today, she designs all our marketing materials, the Rector’s Album, the annual Wall Calendar, and of course, Roman Echoes.

It may sound odd, but Julie has never met a student editor in person; nor has she ever been to the College. In fact, she lives in rural Wyoming. But she is a close team member and an important part of the magazine’s success.

“I enjoy working on Julie Cornia, designing a recent the magazine because issue of Roman Echoes from her I get the opportunity home office in Wyoming. to work with a new editorial team each year. Each team brings new ideas, and our collaborative effort makes for a fresh design each year.” Julie added, “The other aspect I enjoy is getting to know the student editors on a personal level, their sense of humor and excitement for their journey in a spiritual life fills me with hope and joy."

Thank you, Taylor and Julie, and all who work to make Roman Echoes a valuable part of our communication effort. And a special thanks to all who financially support it, so we can send it out free of charge. n

To read back-issues of Roman Echoes, go to issuu.com/pnac To join our mailing list go to pnac.org/support/newsletter/

ROMAN ECHOES 2022 • VOLUME 26: ISSUE 4

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The Pontifical North American College

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For more information about The Pontifical North American College, subscription questions, or to learn about ways you can financially support “America’s Seminary in Rome,” please contact Mark Randall, CFRE, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement.

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Pontifical North American College Fr. Edward Linton, OSB – ICTE Director

Contact: romeshabat@pnac.org I www.pnac.org

The Institute for Continuing Theological Education invites priests to continuing formation in Rome.

Enhance your priesthood and ministry through scripture, art, and history in the center of the Catholic world!

AUTUMN 2022

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2023

MODULE ONE Sept. 5-30 I Theology of the Passion I $6,500 USD Sept. 22-27 I Trip to Germany I Included MODULE TWO Oct. 3-21 I Preaching the Passion I $4,500 USD MODULE THREE Oct. 24-Nov.18 I The Passion in Renaissance I $6,500 USD Nov. 2-7 I Trip to Venice I Included

SPRING SESSION January 9 – April 3, 2023 Retreat in Assisi: March 19 – March 24, 2023 Optional Pilgrimage to the Holy Land: February 23 – March 3, 2023 AUTUMN DATES MODULE 1: September 4-29, 2023 MODULE 2: October 2-20, 2023 MODULE 3: October 23-November 17, 2023