On An Evening In Roma

MARK RANDALL, CFRE • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

The 29th Annual Rector’s Dinner held on April 20th was a record-breaking milestone in a long history of fundraising events for the College. NAC benefactors eagerly flocked to Rome to spend time with our seminarians enjoying their hospitality and the unique experience of visiting a Roman seminary.

The Rector’s Dinner is the anchor event for what some call “American Week” in Rome. Other nonprofits such as the Papal Foundation, FOCUS, EWTN, and the Napa Institute schedule their events in Rome specifically around our Dinner to maximize attendance from Americans in the Eternal City. It is a “win-win”, and we are grateful for the collaboration.

Invitations were sent in early January, and by mid-February we were on the verge of selling out. The popularity of our two honorees, Bishop William Murphy and Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, attracted much support. In addition, many joined in the festivities to celebrate with Msgr. Thomas Powers, our new rector hosting his first Dinner.

In the end we were able to accommodate almost everyone who wanted to attend, and 440 supporters descended on the Janiculum Hill on a beautiful Spring evening. Gathering outside in the cortile (courtyard), they enjoyed wine, canapes, and the company of one another. Thirteen Cardinals and thirty Bishops were among our international guests.

Soon, the bell rang signaling time to move in doors to the refectory. Opening remarks from Msgr. Powers and seminarian Rev. Mr. Michael Nugent were offered before Board of Governors Chairman, Bishop Austin Vetter, blessed the meal. With much anticipation, the first course prepared by the College kitchen and served by our seminarians was served.

The Rector’s Award was presented separately to our honorees. Bishop Murphy spoke of his love for the College as an alumnus and of his frequent encouragement to seminarians to always remember that they will first and foremost be a parish priest. Patrick Kelly reflected on the long history between the Knights of Columbus and the College, and the theme of fatherhood as embodied by Blessed Michael McGivney.

Entertainment by our seminarians is always a highlight of the Rector’s Dinner. The NAC Jazz Band performed standard hits throughout dinner. After Rev. Mr. Ryan Glaser’s testimonial (see page 23), six members of the NAC choir sang a cappella “Ave Maria” to the delight of the audience. In a fitting conclusion to our time together, a seminarian intoned the Regina Caeli with the guests joining joyfully.

This year was the 10th Rector’s Dinner I have planned, coordinated, and attended. It has all the hallmarks of a typical nonprofit gala except that it takes place in Rome, at the Seminary, and is produced by our seminarians which makes this event truly extraordinary.

Numerous guests told me this was by far the best Rector’s Dinner ever. Perhaps. I think any time spent with our seminarians is extraordinary because they are the future of the Church and our hope - and thanks be to God for that!

To all our 29th Annual Rector’s Dinner supporters, thank you!

Two new improvement projects were announced at the Rector’s Dinner. To learn more and see how you can help, scan the QR code

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

For a preview of the kind of preaching you can look forward to from future priests being formed at the NAC, scan and watch Aaron Salvan, a Third-Year seminarian from the Archdiocese of New York, preaching a homily on the Gospel for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Luke 2:16-21).