Roman Echoes 2023 - Volume 27, Issue 2

From the Editor

On January 1, 1855, Pope Pius IX announced his intention to form an American seminary in Rome with a letter to the Archbishop of New York. In a section speaking to all the bishops, he expressed his desire for a college “whose sole purpose is the spiritual benefit of your territories.” Pius IX gave a great gift to the Church in the United States when he purchased the building on the Via dell’Umiltà that would become home to thousands of American seminarians and priests.

Fifteen years later in 1870, when Italian troops surrounded the walls of Rome, threatening the Papal States, it was the American seminarians who offered to help the Pope. They wrote a letter to Pius IX, volunteering as soldiers in his army. He was “genuinely moved” and “deeply consoled by the affection which had inspired” the letter. Yet, he could not accept their generous offer. He wrote back, reminding the American seminarians that they were preparing to be soldiers in a far nobler army.

This letter, shown on page 30, reveals something about American seminarians both then and now. The words written on that piece of paper over 150 years ago make visible a sentiment that remains in our hearts today—a willingness to serve the Church with a strong faith and love for the Roman Pontiff. This sentiment is memorialized at the College—etched into the stone above our formal entrance—and we take it as our theme for this issue.

Editor-in-Chief Matthew Ludwig '24, Archdiocese of Washington

Contributors

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Matthew Ludwig '24, Archdiocese of Washington

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Will Robbins '25, Diocese of Beaumont

PHOTO EDITOR

Aaron Salvan '24, Archdiocese of New York

ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Chukwuma Odigwe '25, Archdiocese of Washington

Administration of The Pontifical North American College RECTOR

Rev. Msgr. Thomas W. Powers '97

VICE RECTOR

Rev. David A. Schunk ‘10

CARL J. PETER CHAIR OF HOMILETICS

ROMAN ECHOES FACULTY LIAISON

Rev. Peter John Cameron, OP

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: Pope Francis with the seminarians and priests of the North American College during a private audience on January 14, 2023.

THIS PAGE: This mosaic of Christ, founder of the Church, is in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

BACK COVER: The ancient bronze staute of St. Peter depicts him giving a blessing and preaching while he holds the keys to the kingdom of Heaven on the Feast of the Chair of Peter, celebrated each year on February 22nd.

RECTOR’S CORNER

Dear Friend of The Pontifical North American College,

Of the various historic titles given to the Pope, one of my personal favorites is “Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church.” The word “Pontiff” (or Pontifex in Latin) means “bridge builder.” Saint Peter and his Successors, we could say, were given authority by Jesus to be a bridge between God and his people. That important and daunting task has fallen, of course, to Pope Francis since 2013.

The College itself is a sort of bridge, conceived and established by a Supreme Pontiff, Pope Pius IX. It is a bridge that for generations has linked the See of Peter to the Catholic Church in America. In fact, the College calls men to the Eternal City only in order to send them home to preach the Gospel.

It is fitting that the Pontifical North American College is located in such close proximity to the Tomb of Saint Peter and to the Holy Father because the College itself is a sort of bridge. Conceived and established by a Supreme Pontiff, Pope Pius IX, it is a bridge that for generations has linked the See of Peter to the Catholic Church in America. In fact, the College calls men to the Eternal City only in order to send them home to preach the Gospel.

Just above the formal entrance to the College on the Janiculum Hill, the same entrance that has welcomed five Popes since its dedication in 1953, reads the following inscription: “The young men who have come here from distant shores of America, looking upon the Vatican Hill, strengthen their faith and their love for the Roman Pontiff.”

As a bridge, the College continues to faithfully serve God’s people in the United States by forming good, holy priests here in Rome. Learning theology at the feet of Christ’s Vicar, developing a prayer life in the shadow of the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica, visiting the tombs of the Roman saints and martyrs, and forging strong bonds of friendships that last a lifetime not only benefit our seminarians, but also the local Churches to which they will return.

And so, while there are many beautiful bridges in the city of Rome with rich histories, maybe the most important, significant, and meaningful one for Catholics in the United States is our beloved North American College. Here, thousands of seminarians have been formed to keep their eyes fixed on Christ and take on his life and virtues so that they themselves may become, as Pope Saint John Paul II once wrote, “a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ the Redeemer of humanity” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, n. 43).

Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, who formed the Eternal Priest in her womb and to whom we entrust the formation of every priest and future priest here, may the College faithfully fulfill ad multos annos its sacred, bridge-building mission.

Thank you for your continued support, for which we are deeply grateful.

Rev. Msgr. Thomas W. Powers ‘97 Rector

Peter came to Rome! What else but obedience to the inspiration received from the Lord guided him and brought him to this city, the heart of the Empire?

From the Homily of His Holiness John Paul II for the Inauguration of his Pontificate, St. Peter’s Square, Sunday, 22 October 1978

The Pontifical North American College

Encountering the Pope through the Post

ANDREW CHASE ’26, ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE

Letter writing is nothing new in Rome—it was through a letter that St. Paul originally spoke to the Christian community here, providing such a magnificent account of the crucified Christ that it has been described by NT Wright as “an alpine peak” of Pauline Theology. Later, Paul would arrive in the imperial city with Peter, this time to preach the Gospel from his own tongue. And while he would be killed by the emperor alongside Peter, thus silencing his voice, his words live on through his letters.

Today in Rome, that same spirit that led Paul to ask Phoebe to deliver his letter proclaiming the Good News continues to live on—now with Romans, tourists, and NAC seminarians relying on the Vatican Post. This service, operated by the Holy See, is considered by many as the most efficient way to deliver their mail to family and friends overseas. Whether it be through a postcard of an historic site, a thank you note for someone’s generosity, or a letter to check in with someone and share how God is working in our lives, the postal service allows us to be present to our loved ones back home despite being thousands of miles apart.

But what is uniquely peculiar about sending mail through a post office handled by the successor to Peter is that the image of the Pope is infused into our communications. One is able to gaze into the heart of the Pontificate through the stamps of Vatican Post, as the stamp designs mirror the Pope’s own message. Under Francis, many postage stamps have been issued on care for the environment, such as the one pictured here. Not only are certain themes highlighted, but the Vatican Post also promotes many events and anniversaries with stamps, depicting everything from the 5th Anniversary of the World Day for the Poor to the 500th Anniversary of the Conversion of St. Ignatius. Yet what is most prevalent on the covers of envelopes is the annual pontifical theme. Pope Francis has been featured meeting

the young and the elderly, engaging in dialogue with other religious figures, and perhaps the favorite at the NAC, embracing a puppy.

These small images speak of the message of encounter that has been so central to his message of living like Christ. And so, with these stamps, Vatican Post allows us to literally tack on an envelope an image of the Pope to send around the world as we try to remain close to our family and friends. And in doing so, many of us have been drawn closer to Pope Francis, being able to encounter him preaching the gospel by gazing upon the simple image of a stamp. n

LIVING IN ROME

Dialogues des Carmelites

MARCO CERRITELLI ‘25, ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

In the waning days of the Reign of Terror, sixteen Carmelite sisters of the Carmel of Compiègne were martyred by guillotine. Dialogues des Carmelites, an opera by Francis Poulenc, told the story last month to fifteen seminarians and faculty at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. Sung in French, the opera was inspired by a novel entitled The Song of the Scaffold with a libretto by the Catholic author George Bernanos. The story enters into the final days of the sisters through the experience of a fictionalized aristocratic novice, Sister Blanche. Persecution from the revolutionary government and pressure from her own family challenge Sister Blanche’s trust in her vocation—and in God. In one moving scene, Sister Blanche’s brother tries to “save” her from the threatened convent and cannot understand her resolve to stay in religious life amidst the dangers: “Are you no longer afraid?” he entreats. Blanche’s response reveals the beginning of her growing trust in the Lord: “Where I am, nothing can harm me.”

The Carmelite sisters were martyred on July 17, 1794 and beatified by Pope St. Pius X in 1906. Even the guillotine could not silence the Carmelite sisters who sang as they were led to their martyrdom; their praises and prayers are now eternal before the Lord in Heaven. n

The Borghese Gallery

REV. ALEX LANÇON '22, DIOCESE OF LAFAYETTE

The entirety of Italy is likened to a beautiful museum. This phenomenon is supremely available in the Eternal City. Recently I visited Rome’s Borghese Gallery, where paintings, sculptures, and architecture abound. Their impressive nature is certainly unmistakable. Yet, what struck me most is the very idea of art and the role it plays, both in captivating man and in manifesting his captivations. Sheer beauty was the common thread running through all the pieces. Whether portraying high theology in Caravaggio’s Madonna and Child with Saint Anne or the splendor of the human body in Bernini’s David (at left), they communicated a brilliance scarcely seen in contemporary times. In a utilitarian world where functionality and A to B thinking prevails, the art I experienced at the Borghese reminded me to pause and ponder, contemplate and wonder—it reminded me to be human. Likewise, it reminded me of the divine. After all, to experience truth, goodness, or beauty is to behold God—the supremely beautiful one. Truly, the Borghese and its Italian artistry offer a glimpse into this great mystery, even if only a morsel. n

Marco Cerritelli ‘25 (Washington) attends the show Dialogues des Carmelites with other NAC seminarians at the Teatro dell’Opera in Rome.

Clean the Hill

REV. MR. PATRICK RYAN ‘23, DIOCESE OF PROVIDENCE

Early this year we decided that enough was enough—our beautiful Janiculum Hill lay marred by an unseemly layer of garbage. The situation called for a cleanup, so some men of the College organized a project called “Clean the Hill.” On a cool, Friday afternoon in November, the men picked up all kinds of garbage—wrappers, broken bottles, bags, and cigarette butts. Others swept the sidewalks and pulled weeds, much to the surprise and often delight of passersby. Many offered a “grazie” or “buon lavoro” to the men cleaning this common space frequented by so many.

The cleanup followed Pope Francis’s call to better care for the earth, our common home. Our concrete concern for the area outside our walls lined up wonderfully with the ideals put forth by our Holy Father; our positive experience underlines the goodness and truth of his teaching. To clean the Janiculum fulfills the basest of responsibilities that accompany our privilege of living here. We can care for our home and find joy in this caring. n

Soccer in Rome

REV. MR. NICHOLAS LE ‘23, ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA

Playing soccer internationally at the North American College has been a sort of “dream come true” for many of us. Putting on the red, white, and blue jersey with teammates from across the country (and Australia) to represent the USA as we play other seminaries and religious communities from across the world will be a memorable cap to a lifetime of playing soccer. I’ve had the chance to play in the Clericus Cup (the “World Cup” of priest, seminarian, and religious communities here in Rome), and we’ve hosted numerous teams to our beautiful pitch at the NAC.

These games always remind us how close we are as a Church. We may be from different countries and speak different languages, but we are united in our Catholic faith and service of the Church. It’s been a joy each week to play alongside brothers, to see guys of other classes and dioceses you might not otherwise meet, and to form friendships and memories with the future priests of our Church. n

Fall Pilgrimage

REV. PETER JOHN CAMERON, OP, CARL J. PETER CHAIR OF HOMILETICS

This year, the fall pilgrimage went to Montecassino. It included a visit, tour, and Mass at the Abbey of Montecassino, a presentation about the World War II Battle of Montecassino, and a chance to pray for the dead at the nearby Polish and German cemeteries. The pilgrims saw Aquino and Roccasecca, the birthplace of St. Thomas Aquinas, in addition to the St. Scholastica Chapel, on the site where Saints Benedict and Scholastica spent their last day together. n

Patrick Ryan ‘23 (Providence) and other NAC Seminarians stand before bags of collected garbage after a thorough cleanup of the Janiculum Hill.

Rev. Mr. Nicholas Le '23 (Atlanta) is shown in a huddle with the North American Martyrs soccer team.

Seminarians and priests of the College walk toward the Montecassino Polish war cemetery during the fall pilgrimage.

VOICES OF NAC

What has Rome taught you?

When the Holy Father speaks, it is truly words of love addressed to a worldwide audience. The international experience of the Church Universal imparts an appreciation for the particular. Rome has taught me to be grateful for the friends, mentors, and family who, by their own example of faith, first taught me to believe and now continue to strengthen my faith.

Rev. Mr. Samuel Anderson ’23, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Rome has taught me that the “Great Commission” to go out to all the world and preach the Gospel is still being fulfilled in our midst. The universality of the Church, of which we in the United States are privileged to be a part, is seen in Rome more than anywhere else. It is a great gift to be formed in the heart of the Church as priests of Jesus Christ.

Stephen Jones ’24, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Rome has taught me humility in the face of history. The Eternal City reminds us that our present time is only a brushstroke on the canvas of history. It expands our horizons, including our concept of history which it concretizes. This is particularly true regarding the lives of the saints over the last two thousand years, many of whom are in Rome—we stand on the foundation of those gone before us. Faced with this, my only response is humility.

Christian Hamrick ’25, Diocese of Nashville

From my short time living in the city of Rome, I have learned the importance of simplicity—a quiet moment in my room which would be dull if there were not a loving Father handing it to me; or a rush of emotion while gaping at the cupola of St. Peter’s which would be senseless if there were not an Incarnation in which to rejoice.

Thomas Kollasch ’26, Diocese of Sioux City

Back to Galilee

JOSEPH WAPPES ’24, ARCHDIOCESE OF ST. PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS

Go to Galilee.” This phrase comes from the risen Jesus’ exhortation to his disciples when he tells Mary Magdalene to tell the disciples to “go to Galilee; there they will see me” (Mt 28:10). Jesus invites them to return to the place where they met him, where they walked, talked, ate, and drank together. In his 2014 Easter Vigil homily, Pope Francis exhorted each of us to go back to our own “Galilee” moment—that is, the place where we encountered Jesus. To “go back to Galilee” means both to recall our Baptism when our life in grace began, and also to return to those experiences where Jesus encountered us in our own experience and invited us to follow him. In remembering these moments, we return to our deepest identity: we have been chosen by Jesus to be his disciples. This remembering reignites the fire of our deepest love that we can easily lose in the busyness of daily life.

Inspired by other American seminaries, we have begun “Back to Galilee” nights. During these evenings, a priest faculty member is invited to share his own story—his background, his encounter with Jesus, and the story of Jesus calling him to be a fisher of men. It is a chance for seminarians and priests to reflect with gratitude on the great gift of Jesus’ initiative and invitation in our lives. As I sat listening to the first of our priests, Fr. Cameron, take us back to his “Galilee,” I found that a flicker of flame began to grow within my heart. Hearing of God’s generosity in his life reminded me of God’s generosity in mine and inspired me to recommit to my “yes” to his invitation. Along with many of my brother seminarians, I was able to see with fresh eyes the gift of God’s call for me. n

Christ’s call always changes lives. In this painting, Domenico Ghirlandaio’s fresco "Vocation of the Apostles," Christ calls Peter and Andrew to follow him.

A ROMAN THANKSGIVING

WILL ROBBINS ’25, BEAUMONT

Tradition is a word that easily comes to mind when thinking of the Pontifical North American College. From clap-ins and clap-outs to the Station Churches to pranzo at Ristorante Abruzzi, the NAC is full of many time-honored traditions. Among these many august practices, the traditions surrounding

our Thanksgiving weekend hold a special place in the hearts of the men at the College. Being so far from the United States on a holiday weekend normally filled with family, friends, and familiar traditions, Thanksgiving can be a difficult time for the priests and seminarians living in Rome. Thankfully, the College has built her own, noble traditions to keep the men engaged and connected to America’s Thanksgiving traditions.

The weekend kicks off with the NAC’s Annual Turkey Trot 5k around the Vatican City State. Priests, seminarians, and friends from around Rome begin Thanksgiving morning with a friendly race around the Vatican in the early hours

continues with brunch on the dormitory halls, which further builds the sense of fraternity for the weekend. However, the pinnacle of the day is in the evening, when the College, along with American friends from the Eternal City, gather for Mass and then a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Seating in the refectory is by state, with countless traditions regarding how each state decorates their table. From the butter cow at Iowa’s table to the over-the-top decorations at Texas’ table, the Refectory is filled with a great sense of gratitude and patriotism.

Thanksgiving dinner at the NAC is an incredible experience that follows a traditional American Thanksgiving menu. Our wonderful Italian cooks prepare countless baked turkeys, kilos of dressing, and mountains of mashed potatoes. Faculty and seminarians work for days to bake an incredible number of pumpkin pies. By all accounts, the NAC has a typical, Thanksgiving meal. However, one of the most beloved Thanksgiving traditions, is the small, Roman twist on the meal: beginning with pasta. Each year, the meal begins with pumpkin ravioli in a butter sage sauce. This small Roman twist is one of our favorite dishes. Served only once each year, the pumpkin ravioli embody the intersection of the Roman traditions of our home in the Eternal City and the American traditions from our various states. It is a small reminder of our being formed in Rome to serve the people of God in the United States.

For a holiday that finds its roots in the desire to give thanks for the abundant bounty of God, it is more than appropriate to share our traditions with others. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we are sharing the NAC Pumpkin Ravioli recipe with you, and we sincerely hope you enjoy this tradition as much as we do in Rome. n

NAC PUMPKIN RAVIOLI

This recipe is for four people.

Pasta Ingredients:

3 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour

4 medium eggs

¼ tsp salt

Sauce Ingredients:

2/3 cup butter

Sage, up to 20 leaves

DIRECTIONS:

Filling:

Filling Ingredients:

1 15oz canned pumpkin

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg yolk, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon packed, light brown sugar

Pinch nutmeg

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1. Drain pumpkin by placing in a fine mesh strainer and set inside a large bowl. Cover exposed pumpkin with plastic wrap, then place a small bowl on top to lightly press the pumpkin. Let drain for 15 minutes.

2. When pumpkin has drained, transfer to a medium bowl. Add parmesan, egg yolk, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Then season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Set aside.

Ravioli:

1. Put the flour in the shape of a pyramid and make a hole in the center, add salt, and put the eggs in the middle.

2. Begin to work the egg with a fork and slowly add the flour.

3. Once the ingredients are blended, knead the dough for 5 minutes.

4. Create a homogenous dough, not too hard of a consistency.

5. With your hands, make a cylinder and roll out the dough with a rolling pin. First in one direction and then in another.

6. Take care to add flour when needed, so the dough does not stick to the surface.

7. Once the dough is ready, use a teaspoon to place the filling along the top half of the strip of dough. Be sure to space out the filling at a distance of 1.5 inches.

8. Fold the bottom, empty half of the dough up over the half of the dough with the filling. Be sure to cover the filling well.

9. Press your fingers around the filling in order to let the air escape and to seal it inside (this prevents the ravioli from opening and the filling escaping while they are boiled).

10. Finally, cut the ravioli using a ravioli wheel.

11. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

12. Place the ravioli in the boiling water—they only need a few minutes. The ravioli are ready when they float to the surface.

Sauce:

1. As the pasta is boiling, melt the butter in a pan.

2. Take the freshly boiled ravioli with a slotted spoon and place them directly into the melted butter. Then, add the sage leaves.

3. Toss them together for several seconds, and then serve!

Thanksgiving Traditions: An Origin Story

REV. MR. ALEX FRY ’23, DIOCESE OF DALLAS

Thanksgiving Week always brings a buzz of excitement to the house, as the seminarians gear up for a full slate of festivities. How did our four-day celebration of Thanksgiving become what it is today? I scoured the history books, and here’s what I found:

The Turkey Trot is the youngest of the Thanksgiving traditions. The 5K, which circumnavigates the Vatican, had its 13th annual race this year with 117 participants. With a 6 AM start time on Thanksgiving Day, it’s not for the faint of heart, but runners cherish the memorable opportunity to race on this special course.

The New Man Dinner, which takes place on the day after Thanksgiving, seems to have begun in the early 2000s, after the college invested in a fifth-floor student kitchen. It offers the new-man class members an opportunity to celebrate how far they’ve come since their arrival in Rome only a few months before. A small group of first-year men prepare and cook the meal for their classmates and new faculty, often showcasing regional dishes from the states and a reasonable amount of red meat.

The New Man – Old Man Show, a variety show comprised of skits, videos, and songs. From the opening of the NAC in 1859 until the 1950s, seminarians lived and interacted within small groups called camerata. Seminarians from different camerata were rarely permitted to spend time together except on special feast days in the form of mixes, with the “new man mix” traditionally taking place around Thanksgiving. Later, an old man show was added as an official welcome to the new men. Now, the two shows take place together on the same night. It is always a fun night to laugh together and admire the comedic and musical talent of the house.

The Spaghetti Bowl saw its 68th edition this year on the Campo Sportivo, the only American football field in the Eternal City. First conceived in 1954, the gridiron championship pits the new men against the old men in a classic David versus Goliath matchup. In its 70-year history, the new men have secured victory only 6 or 7 times (depending on whom you ask). The game is fierce and injuries are to be expected, but the ultimate goal is always a renewed sense of brotherhood. n

The NAC Class of 2026 ends the 2022 New Man Show with a group number.

The NAC Class of 2026 celebrates the completion of their first months in Rome at the New Man Dinner.

"How's Paulo?": An Interview with the Personale

WILL ROBBINS ’25, DIOCESE OF BEAUMONT

The North American College is an institution with a storied history. It predates the foundation of a unified Italy, survived two World Wars, and expanded from its original home, building an additional campus on the Janiculum Hill. Throughout its history, seminarians have come and gone. Rectors and faculty have served their terms and returned home. In this environment of change, however, the NAC continues to operate smoothly

and keep her traditions alive, in no small part, due to the dedicated personale, or staff, that work here. In many ways, they are the backbone of our College.

For the priests and seminarians of the NAC, on both the Janiculum and Humility Street, the personale are a large part of our daily lives. The personale wish us well when we leave and welcome us back when we return each day, they keep our home in such won-

derful condition, they encourage us during finals, and help us feel at home during the Christmas holidays.

The North American College would not be what it is without them. It is our great joy to introduce our readers to the personale in this interview with Paulo D’Itri. Alumni remember his joyful presence and always ask: "How's Paulo?" We decided to catch up with him to learn about his time working at the NAC.

Whether he’s working in the refectory or cleaning the halls, Paulo D’Itri is always ready to offer a smile and a hearty “Buongiorno!” to anyone he encounters.

Paulo, you have worked at the NAC for quite some time. When did you start working here? What roles do you have at the College?

I was fortunate enough to start my employment with NAC in 2001. For 21 years I have worked as a floor steward.

Many of the alumni of the College have fond memories of you and the joy you bring to the College. Do you have any favorite memories from your time at the NAC?

I hope I left a good memory. It is a joy to work at the NAC and with the same joy I lend my service. There are many happy and lighthearted memories with the alumni. Each left me a part of themselves, and I am happy that they still think of me.

The NAC is situated in the shadow of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Has working so close to the Holy Father impacted your faith? If so, how?

Looking out in front of us and seeing the Basilica makes me think that there, a short distance away, I have the best model of our spiritual life, and this inspires in me the desire to become better.

Your jovial demeanor brings great joy to the seminarians and priests of the NAC. Many priests who studied here often ask how you are doing. What is the source of your joy? Were you aware of the impact you make on the seminarians and priests at the College?

Faith and trust in life are the basis of my joyfulness. My family and the cheerfulness we share are the sources of my joy. I am surprised and flattered for such consideration, and I hope that the students and faculty have never forgotten how I used to sing! (And how I am particularly tone deaf).

Is there anything you would like to say to the seminarians, priest alumni, and friends of the NAC?

Reading and perceiving in these questions the esteem and consideration that you all have toward me, fills me with joy. A thank you to all of you and a special wish for the best fulfillment of your vocation! n

For a preview of the kind of preaching you can look forward to from future priests being formed at the NAC, scan and watch Jacob Tschida, a Second Year seminarian for the Diocese of Duluth, preaching a homily on the Gospel for the Tuesday after Epiphany (Mark 6:34-44).

Only Christmas cookies could make seeing Paulo an even more cheerful occasion than it usually is!

Sandro Lanzieri, Paulo D’Itri, and Piero Larosa prepare to offer desserts after the Christmas Party.

Immaculate Conception

REV. JOSEPH MOMINEE ’21, DICOESE OF TOLEDO

Y

our being here in Rome is neither accidental nor unimportant, it is not pure coincidence.” These words were said here in this College in 1970 by St. Paul VI, the 262nd successor of St. Peter. Addressing the seminarians and faculty in his homily, St. Paul VI reminded the seminarians and priests to dismiss as a falsity the thought that being here is merely coincidental or insignificant. “Your being here in Rome is neither accidental nor unimportant, it is not pure coincidence.”

Ten years to the day after this, on the evening of February 20, 1980, St. John Paul II, the 264th successor of St. Peter, visited this College to celebrate a Mass with the priests and seminarians. In his homily in the Immaculate Conception chapel, St. John Paul II repeated this emphasis of St. Paul VI: “Your being here in Rome, it is neither accidental nor unimportant. It is not pure coincidence…”

Then, St. John Paul II told the priests and seminarians the reason for which this is true, saying, “If you sometimes wonder why the American Bishops have built and maintained this College in Rome, or why the Catholic faithful of the United States … have given financial support and have sacrificed of themselves to provide for you … to prepare for the priesthood in Rome, the answer is found in the words of Peter at Caesarea Philippi; it is linked to the mystery of Peter’s mission in the universal Church.”

We happen to find ourselves here, right now, in Rome because Jesus commissioned Peter to come to Rome.

Our being here right now is neither accidental, nor unimportant, and is certainly not a coincidence. From all eternity, and in particular when Peter was commissioned to be the first pope, God foresaw every grace that would pour fourth into the faithful by his choosing Peter to come here. He foresaw all the effects of Peter coming to this city. And one of the many effects of Peter coming to Rome is the establishment of this College. God’s providence foresaw each man who would come to this College and be nourished by God’s own choice to establish Peter in Rome.

And so, no moment here at this College is accidental nor unimportant, but rather, every moment has been foreseen by the One who chose Peter. Whether it be in the Immaculate Conception chapel, on the Campo Sportivo, in a conversation with a friend in this refectory, wherever in this College God has made us more his own is the exact place in which he foresaw and chose us to be formed for the priesthood of His Son. While it’s true that God could have chosen these graces to be given anywhere, it is not unimportant nor accidental that they have been given here in this city and in this College, linked with the mystery of Peter’s mission in the universal Church.

And so, I ask you to join me in a toast to the Pontifical North American College, the founding of which is neither accidental nor unimportant. May God continue to be praised and glorified through his victorious works accomplished here in his sons, and may it please him to have this be true for many years to come. Ad Multos Annos. n

Christmas Caroling

REV. MR. JOHN BILENKI ’23, ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE

On a mild, damp, Roman winter’s night, tourists and locals gathered in St. Peter’s Square to enkindle their holiday spirit by viewing the Christmas tree and this year’s featured hand-carved Nativity scene. Adding to the festive atmosphere were dozens of carolers with tidings of comfort and joy for all!

There was palpable, joyful expectation among the carolers, consisting of nearly 40 college students and newly ordained fifth year priests, deacons, and seminarians of the College community who serve them. The priests and seminarians provide spiritual support to students participating in study-abroad programs through the sacraments, catechesis, community building, and sharing with them some of the treasures of the Eternal City. Caroling is as much a fun way to bring the students together as it is a way to pray together.

So many of the carols we sang in the Square— “O Holy Night” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”—go right to the heart of the mystery of Jesus Christ, our Incarnate Lord. We sing: “chains shall he break / for the slave is our brother. / And in his name, all oppression shall cease”; and, “mild he lays his glory by / born that we no more may die / born to raise us from the earth / born to give us second birth.”

What a grace to gather in the Square of Bernini’s colonnade—that space signifying the open arms of the Church where countless souls have gathered for so many years—there to sing the praises of our Lord and Friend who loves us and gave himself up for us that we might have eternal life. As we solemnly celebrate his birth during the Christmas season and remember his nativity throughout the year, may “sweet hymns of joy in joyful chorus raise we; let all within us praise his holy name!” n

UNDERESTIMATING THE ORDINARY

MAURICIO ROMERO ’25, DIOCESE OF SAN ANGELO

When Karol Wojtyla was elected pope, taking the name John Paul II, a French journalist reported: “This is not a pope from Poland; this is a pope from Galilee.”

When Jesus called Philip he went straight to Nathanael to tell him the news, but Nathanael questioned this by asking, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (Jn 1:46). The same question could have been asked when Karol Wojtyła was elected to the papacy. Could anything good come from a country that is being oppressed by communism? It would seem as if a pope from Poland would have been utterly crushed by the circumstances of his country and could not have given much to the Church.

We do not expect much from what is “ordinary” and we are tempted to believe that the extraordinary cannot come from the ordinary. However, even the word “extraordinary” itself needs “ordinary” to be the word that it is. Being in Galilee for six days allowed me to see this in a new light. Jesus lived an ordinary life in a place that, at first glance, had nothing special to it. He grew up as a carpenter with his father and it seemed as if he could not have given more than what was expected of simple carpenter's son. He clearly proved this wrong with the extraordinary healings and miracles from his ministry in Galilee. In the end, Jesus gave more than what was expected of him, giving even his own life. Perhaps this is why the journalist said that Pope Saint John Paul II was from Galilee and not from Poland: he was an ordinary man called to something extraordinary who was able to give so much more than what was expected of him from the beginning.

In answering Nathanael’s question, we can say, “Yes. Something good can come from Nazareth. And it has: Goodness Itself. An extraordinary gift to us who are poor ordinary sinners.” n

THE EMPTY TOMB

REV. MICHAEL HOYE ’22, DIOCESE OF WORCESTER

Jesus’ sermon on the Mount of Beatitudes has a different ring to it when you hear it from the place where our Incarnate Lord first spoke it. Thirty-three of us from the North American College were blessed with these kinds of opportunities for about two weeks in the holy land during the 2022 Christmas break. We were led by long-time spiritual director, Fr. Brendan Hurley, S.J.

Some swam in the water that supported the feet of Saint Peter and our Lord, while others looked at the very sea that obeyed Jesus’ command. We found the quiet places where Jesus may have escaped to pray, and we saw the cliffs from which the swineherd fell.

On the Jordan River’s bank where the dove descended and the Father’s voice was heard, we renewed our baptismal promises and prayed for all those we would baptize according to Christ’s great commission. As we moved through the desert to Jerusalem and saw the Mount of Temptation, we prayed for grace to overcome temptations because it was there that Christ taught us that we do not live by bread alone but by every word from God.

In Jerusalem we eagerly made our way to the Holy Sepulchre for even a moment in the empty tomb. The striking part of the empty tomb was that it was empty and this is the news that Jesus’ disciples shared which changed our lives. Now that we’ve celebrated the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass on Calvary and in the Upper Room, now that we’ve stood atop the mount where Christ ascended into heaven, we come home eager to share these experiences with those who have not seen and yet believe. We come home humbled to walk where our Lord walked, we come home grateful to have seen where the Blessed Virgin gave birth, and to those who made this experience possible we offer our sincere thanks and prayers. n

Beloved sons and venerable brethren,

We rejoice that you are planning to erect in the very shadow of our own dwelling a new and greater seminary. Surely there is evident the hand of divine providence in the fact that the first steps were taken on the occasion of the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and that the College itself was opened for the first time on the very eve of the feast on December 7th 1859. And since that day our Heavenly Mother, Queen of the Clergy, has never ceased to bless with every manifestation of divine favor a work that is of necessity so close to her maternal heart.

The students nurtured in tender love of their mother and queen, developed in the image of her divine son, enlightened in the sacred sciences learned at the feet of Christ’s Vicar, made strong and courageous by their close association with the places sanctified by the Prince of the Apostles and the martyrs, have returned to their own country to win ever greater triumphs for Christ and his Holy Spouse.

Today as we look about the city of Rome we see on all sides the flower of the youth of the world, even from the most distant nations drawn here by a common faith. The concurrence of so many thousands of men, later destined to play such an important part in the salvation of souls over the whole face of the earth, is a great consolation to us and it should be to you.

So it is with particular joy that we have learned of your proposals to erect an even finer seminary and to plant your roots even closer to us. At the same time you are keeping a close tie with your old and honored traditions in putting the former college building to use as a house of studies for priests wishing to train themselves in the higher branches of the sacred sciences. Both of these projects call forth our heartiest approval and support and the return in grace and wisdom that will accrue to the Church in America will amply reward the expenditures and sacrifices that are necessarily involved in their realization.

Already an abundant and fruitful harvest for God and for souls has been garnered from the past eighty-nine years of the existence of the North American College, and now your decisions for the future give abundant hope that succeeding generations will continue, in greater measure and with more ample facilities, to enjoy the richest blessings stemming from a priesthood nourished in the eternal city. With great joy then we give our blessing to the plans that have been made known to us. We shall follow their unfolding and their realization with intimate pleasure and personal interest and, as a token of our encouragement in the great task that lies ahead, we impart to you, beloved sons and venerable brethren, as also to the priests and faithful in the United States, our paternal apostolic benediction.

Given at the Vatican on the 18th day of February, 1948.

Pius XII

A Letter ��opefromPius XII

In 1953, Pope Pius XII dedicated the Pontifical North American College's Janiculum campus in the shadow of St. Peter's Basilica.

Pius IX served as Pope from 1846 to 1878. He founded the Pontifical North American College in 1859.

As a Father to His Sons

DAVID NOWICKI ‘24, DIOCESE OF LA CROSSE

I’m often asked by friends and family back home if I’ve met Pope Francis in the two years I’ve been at the Pontifical North American College. As it turns out, I have only seen him from a distance— in the back of crowded rooms and massive gatherings. So when the College was invited to a meeting with the Pope and the seminarians in Rome last fall, I was more than a little excited. At last, I would be able to get a front-row seat at a meeting between Pope Francis and seminarians, not to mention that it would be a great photo-op.

Naturally, I severely underestimated the number of seminarians that would be at the event in the Paul VI Auditorium in the Vatican. Rather than hundreds, attendance quickly rose into the thousands. By the time we had made the trek across Rome from

our morning classes, we found ourselves two dozen rows away from the stage where Pope Francis would address us. So much for a prime photo-op!

And yet, the atmosphere of anticipation for the Pope was electric. Between the coronavirus and various surgeries, the Holy Father has had fewer opportunities to interact with the faithful over the last couple of years, which made this occasion all the more special. The seminarians hailed from all corners of the globe; each of us responding to the calling the Lord impressed upon us to serve him and his Church. When Pope Francis finally arrived, there was a great standing ovation for the 265th successor of St. Peter.

Immediately Pope Francis greeted us as that of a father with his sons.

Equal parts lighthearted and serious in tone, we found ourselves laughing with the Holy Father as well as leaning in for every word he spoke. We had the opportunity to submit questions to the Pope in advance, and although there wasn’t time to answer the two hundred that were written, ten of them were selected to be answered. They covered a variety of topics pertinent to priestly life— everything from guidance on spiritual direction to encouragement in remaining close to God, our bishops, our fellow seminarians, priests, and the people of God.

Perhaps the most memorable remark of Pope Francis concerned a distinction between “equilibrium” and “harmony.” The Holy Father said that often we have a tendency to want our lives to be balanced, in equilibrium. Yet, Christ offers

“Jesus doesn't guarantee an 'equilibrium' —he invites us to conversion, to change."

harmony. I found this to be so striking, as our lives as disciples of Christ can often seem “outof-balance” as far as the world is concerned. Jesus doesn’t guarantee an “equilibrium”—he invites us to conversion, to change.

When we receive the love of Christ and his gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we may feel “out-of-balance” because we are the ones who undergo the change of conversion in order to love Christ and his Church all the greater. This is quite poignant for all of us seminarians and priests, as our lives have been changed quite drastically by the Holy Spirit. Had I desired to remain in my own “equilibrium” when I was studying engineering in college, I may have never entered seminary. And yet, there is a beauty to the harmony of the Holy Spir-

it, which Pope Francis also mentioned. Harmony isn’t a balance sheet—it’s the marvelous way in which God beckons us to greater union with him in the midst of our chaotic lives.

While I was much farther from the stage than I had hoped, when the Holy Father shared these reflections on the harmony of the Holy Spirit and the call to conversion, I couldn’t help but feel as if he were speaking personally to me— paternal words of encouragement and exhortation for my vocation to the priesthood. Maybe I have yet to meet Pope Francis in the way most people expect, but all of us from around the globe certainly felt like we were encountering the Holy Father in a way far more impactful than a good photo-op could ever provide. n

The portrait of Pope Francis that hangs in the College refectory.

Frank Parater was a seminarian for the Diocese of Richmond, who studied at the North American College and died in Rome on February 7th, 1920. He is buried at the College’s mausoleum in Campo Verano. The Holy See declared him a Servant of God in 2001. These are excerpts from his writings while living in Rome.

Formed in Rome

“All races and nations are represented, all are studying for only one thing, to be the instrument of God in the salvation of the world. They are from all corners of the globe, some poor, some rich, some bright and learned, some dull. Some will return as missionaries to China and India, perhaps suffer martyrdom and in time be canonized saints: others will return to their countries as professors in seminaries; some will be authors using their pen to spread God’s kingdom here below…but most of us will be only simple, devout, and humble priests laboring in some portion of the Lord’s vineyard, unknown by the world beyond their parish, but happy, contented and loving and thanking God, and loved in return by lambs confided to his care. Beg God that I may always belong to the last class; they are the real fruits of God.” [Letter to Mother and Sisters, December 20, 1919]

“Every day here brings a new joy, a new delight, a grander inspiration. Time has begun to fly now that I am getting down to work, and I am anxious to use every moment for my great purpose, that when the five years are up, I may look back and say “I have done my best. Should God grant me to relive those years I would do exactly as I have done.” [Letter to Mother and Sisters, January 8, 1920]

“I have nothing to leave or to give but my life and this I have consecrated to the Sacred Heart to be used as He wills. I have offered my all for the conversion of non-Catholics in Virginia. This is what I live for and in case of death what I die for…Since my childhood, I have wanted to die for God and my neighbor. Shall I have this grace? I do not know, but if I go on living, I shall live for this same purpose; every action of my life here is offered to God for the spread and success of the Catholic Church in Virginia…I shall be of more service to my diocese in Heaven than I can ever be on Earth.” [Last Will, December, 1919]

Faith and Love for the Roman Pontiff

REV. MICHAEL ROMANO ’07, DIOCESE OF CAMDEN

The formal entrance to the North American College bears the inscription: Qui huc appulerunt iuvenes e longinquis americae oris vaticanum respicientes collem suam roborant fidem suumque in romanum pontificem amorem. Indeed, a primary mission of the College is to form young men who return home stronger in their faith and their love for the Roman Pontiff.

April 2005 was a month in which the College clearly fulfilled that mission. After twenty-six years serving the Church as Pontiff, the death of Saint John Paul II was an historic and for-

mative moment. Between grieving the loss of the only Pope known to most of the seminarians, recognizing the need for the Church to receive a new chief shepherd, and rejoicing when Pope Benedict XVI was elected, each seminarian certainly grew in his esteem for the Roman Pontiff that month.

I hope that I continue to witness that same disposition in my interactions with the current seminarians. Whether through attending a Sunday Angelus, leading a group discussion on Evangelii Gaudium, or commenting on current events in the life of the Holy

Formation through Roman Apostolates

REV. DAVID HULSHOF ‘81, DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD-CAPE GIRARDEAU

As a seminarian at the North American College from 1977-1981, I worked in three different apostolates. In my first year, I worked alongside the Missionaries of Charity in a soup kitchen and housing facility for men. In this experience, I better understood the plight of the poor. The following year, I visited long-term patients in a public hospital where I grew in the virtue of compassion and attentive listening. Finally, I served as a seminarian and then deacon in an Italian parish, catechizing the high school students and preaching on various Sundays.

All three of these ministerial experiences helped me develop the heart and skills for priestly ministry. Today, as the Coordinator of Apostolic Formation, I visit the seminarians in their different apostolates offering guidance and encouragement. My hope is that I can inspire in this next generation of priests that same loving desire to serve God’s people that I was privileged to experience many years ago. n

Father, I pray my little efforts help to instill a greater sense of love and devotion for Pope Francis that these men can bring home with them. n

Rev. Michael Romano ’07 (Camden), then a seminarian at the NAC, meets St. Pope John Paul II in 2004.

Rev. David Hulshof ’81 (SpringfieldCape Girardeau) (far left) reconnects with the Verbigrazia family. Stefano (far right) was a member of the Italian parish youth group that Rev. Hulshof assisted with as a NAC seminarian.

The Angelus Strengthens My Love for the Pope

JAMES FANGMEYER

Perché Roma?” My new friends and classmates in the Eternal City frequently ask me why I had to come all the way to Rome for seminary formation. Why not stay in the USA? Fr. Peter Harman, our former rector, always gave a clear answer to this question: We come to Rome to grow in love for the Holy Father

My class arrived in Rome wearing masks and bearing negative Covid test results. We stayed within the walls of the NAC for 14 days of mandatory quarantine. On the Sunday after quarantine ended, I walked with my classmates to the Vatican to meet the Holy Father and pray the Angelus with him. We each shook hands with Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace. Two years later, I still can’t believe it—on my first day “free” in Rome, Pope Francis

‘24, ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

welcomed me to his home! Then we descended Bernini’s scala regia, passed the Swiss Guard and exited out the portone di bronzo into St. Peter’s Square to pray the Angelus with a few local Romans. Thus began my Sunday tradition of praying the Angelus with the Holy Father.

The Angelus prayer celebrates the incarnation through Mary’s humble obedience. It entreats the Holy Spirit to pour into our hearts. Catholics pray the Angelus at 12 p.m. every day to remember that God promised to be always present to us, even in ordinary circumstances (Mt 28:20). The structure of the Angelus, including Bible verses and Hail Mary’s, naturally lends itself to call and response between a leader and a congregation. The Pope leads the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square at

12 p.m. every Sunday. Normally, thousands of pilgrims and Roman faithful join in the square, and thousands more join on Youtube via live language translation.

Each Sunday before he prays, the Holy Father gives a brief homily from the day’s Gospel. One Sunday last year the Gospel recounted when James (my patron) and John asked Jesus to sit on his right and left in his kingdom. Pope Francis spoke to me when he preached: “We are in front of two different types of logic: the disciples want to rise up and Jesus wants to immerse Himself...Baptism means immersion: through his Passion, Jesus immersed himself into death, offering his life to save us. Therefore, his glory, the glory of God, is love that becomes service, not power that seeks to dominate...Thus Jesus ends by saying

“We are in front of two different types of logic: the disciples want to rise up and Jesus wants to immerse Himself...Baptism means immersion."

to his disciples and to us as well: "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant" (Mk 10:43).

As I prepare for ordination at St. Peter’s Basilica in a few months, re-reading that homily and returning to my memory of hearing it gets me fired up! The Angelus strengthens my faith and love for

the Roman Pontiff. I know that Pope Francis prays for me when he prays the Angelus. He was already my Pope, but in the Angelus he became my father. The universal pastor, the Roman Pontiff, exercises his priesthood on me! I love that! I get to be part of his flock. That is why I came all the way to Rome for seminary formation. n

Pope Francis warmly receives James Fangmeyer '24 (Washington) and his classmates in the Class of 2024 to the Clementine Hall of the Vatican.

the letter reads:

Most Holy Father,

The undersigned students of the American College of the United States offer volunteers to Your Holiness so that you deign, during the siege, to enlist them in the army, to preserve the sacrosanct rights of the Holy Roman Church.

Below the date is the response of Pius IX. He wrote:

May God bless you, and give you the grace and courage to fight His battles.

The Stones of Rome

“I will sprinkle water upon you… Take out your heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh.”

-Ezekiel 36:25,

26

Storied stones strain to tease Their history on cobbled streets –Shuffled in the bustled shouts And squares that brim and wax with now.

Screens scream their ads and fads And neons bounce off colonnades. A gray and fleeting new ignores Celestial gates shaped as doors.

But through the doors and in the rooms, Adorned with paintings amply strewn About the chapels, lies entombed An old, a faint – but saintly – hue.

What good are bones when they are dried, Deprived of life, of strive, of drive To run their race, to fight their round, Or make pursuit of hallowed crowns?

But from their hue, a heav’nly breath

That showers down, heals, atones And recreates the hearts of flesh In storied stones who come to Rome.

Brian Schumacher ’26 Diocese of Salt Lake City

Pope Francis and the Priority of Prayer

MATEUSZ PUZANOWSKI '26, DIOCESE OF PROVIDENCE

Upon arrival, I observed what can be described as a dreamlike quality about Rome. Initially, it could have been attributed to a combination of exhaustion, the scorching heat of summer, and the overwhelming experience of transitioning to life in a foreign country. That said, as time passed and the dust began to settle, this distinct quality persisted. I continued to encounter a sort of ever-present filter enveloping the city. Alongside its rich history and religious significance, this proved the fittingness of Rome's designation as the Eternal City

Immersion in this unique setting has greatly benefited my prayer and strengthened my faith. Fur-

thermore, it is important to note an essential feature of living in the Eternal City—that is, the reality of living in close proximity to the Roman Pontiff. It was in anticipation of our private audience with Pope Francis that I truly recognized the immense privilege of being in this position. For, upon reflection, I became keenly aware that as each generation of priests carries on the legacy of the pontificate under which they were formed, it is an inestimable blessing to have the opportunity to meet the Holy Father and live only a stone's throw away from him while in seminary formation.

In preparation for this special event, I pondered the question of

what legacy the current pontificate would leave behind and noticed a recurring theme. It concerned the priority of prayer. Pope Francis has constantly stressed the necessity of prayer, especially in the life of a priest. Since, in his own words, “many crises in the priesthood originate precisely in a poor life of prayer, a lack of intimacy with the Lord, the reduction of the spiritual life to mere religious practice.” And so, it was not surprising that this message found its way into his address to us during our visit.

The Holy Father presented three elements that he thought were crucial to priestly formation, namely “dialogue, communion,

“It was in anticipation of our private audience with Pope Francis that I truly recognized the immense privilege of being in this position.”

and mission.” Nevertheless, at the heart of it all was prayer. As Pope Francis pointed out, in order to become a witness to the Gospel and to attract others to Jesus Christ, a disciple must first develop “a daily relationship with him, one nourished especially by prayer.” For, how could a priest give what he did not already possess? It may be that the generation of priests formed under Pope Francis will be defined by their prayer, and may it be so. On the whole, I am grateful for this experience which emphasized the important role that the Roman Pontiff plays in priestly formation, generating, on my part, a deeper appreciation and love for the office.

Photos from Our ��rivate Audienc

On January 14th, the College was invited by Pope Francis to a private

Audience with Pope Francis

audience with him in La Sala Clementina inside the Apostolic Palace.

Following in the footsteps of St. Paul, Paulo Salazar ‘24 (Brooklyn) stands in the Areopagus where St. Paul preached during a visit to Athens, Greece.

My Greatest Joy

PAULO SALAZAR ’24, DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

Eighth grade. That is my response to anyone who asks me what I did before entering seminary. Throughout my life, I always had the desire to become a priest. It is one of my earliest memories, if not the earliest. My family had always been very involved within the life of my parish and we kept a strong life of prayer. Since I am an only child, and rather than going alone, my mother would often take me to daily Mass. It was my mother and father who first taught me how to pray. As I grew up, my parents would often volunteer at our parish. Eventually my father was ordained a permanent deacon for the diocese and we spent even more time at Church. If I counted the total hours of my life thus far, between my life at home and at the parish, it could very well be a 50-50 split.

The parish became the focal point of my life—it was where I made most of my closest friends and became my home away from home. I also grew up in close proximity to my parish priests, many of whom have inspired me to pursue this call. They trained me to serve Mass, fall in love with Christ, and gave me a glimpse into living authentically for Christ. How they lived for their people and for their Church was contagious. They were men who gave everything and expected nothing in return. The greatest gift that they received was the joy of bringing Christ to his people.

As most eighth graders were preparing to enter high school, I was preparing to enter seminary. After graduation, I entered Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary, one of the very few remaining high school seminaries in the nation. Officially, I was 14 when I entered the seminary system. There, inspirational priests inspired me to grow closer to God by attending Mass daily and growing in greater devotion to Our Lady. However, like most teenagers around the age of 18, I wanted to go out and experience the world. I put the idea of priesthood in the back of my mind and decided to study economics and law in Washington, DC. I had an inspirational history and economics teacher in high school who had helped me discover a passion for these two subjects. During my time in DC, I was content yet unfulfilled. There was something missing in my life. Then, the thought of the priesthood returned and would not leave.

Remembering that authentic joy I had as a child wanting to become a priest led me to discern this thought that really never left my mind. Attempting to find out more about this call, I entered college seminary to continue my discernment—I allowed the Lord to lead me wherever he wanted. I followed him to Rome, a place that takes me away from my family, friends, diocese, and life as I knew it. The one thing that remained was Christ and the one thing I gained was a group of men I call brothers.

Living in Rome and at the NAC has been one of my greatest blessings. I’ve experienced the Church in an incredibly unique way, making friends with priests, seminarians, and religious from all over the world. To pray at the tombs of numerous saints throughout the city such as Pope John Paul II, Peter, Paul, and Ignatius of Loyola is inspiring for my journey—it allows God to shape my heart after that of his Son. Traveling to a place such as Athens and standing in the same place where Paul preached is powerful and can light a heart on fire. The opportunities to meet the Holy Father have also been life giving. The College has been instrumental in making sure that Rome becomes a part of me, a part that brings me immense joy to share. It was rediscovering that joy I had as a child who desired to become a priest that led me to seminary. That joy sustains me and increases my appreciation for this city and this College, both of which help me fall more in love with the priesthood each day. n

Pope Francis greets Paulo Salazar ‘24 (Brooklyn) and his classmates in the Class of 2024 during a special encounter in 2020.

PRAYING FOR BENEDICT XVI

STEPHEN JONES ’24, ARCHDIOCESE OF OKLAHOMA CITY

Part of the reason we are sent from the United States to Rome is to grow in love for the Roman Pontiff. In December of this year, we were given an opportunity to concretely show this love when Pope Benedict XVI died. The day after his death, I was unexpectedly given the great grace to pay my last respects to him at his home in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery before his body was moved to St. Peter’s. As I made my way through Vatican City towards the monastery, I was struck by the fact that this would be the first time I would ever see him in person. He had been Pope Emeritus for five years by the time I entered seminary and for seven years by the time I arrived in Rome.

I was deeply moved as I entered the simple chapel where he had prayed for the Church for the past ten years. His secretary, Archbishop Gänswein, was receiving people at the door. The nuns who had cared for him since his abdication were there praying in front of his body. It was clear to me that this was home for him, not just where he had lived for almost a decade. Just five feet in front of me lay a man who had given everything in loving service for both the Lord and his Church. As seminarians, we spend a good bit of time studying. I thanked God for the gift of his theology, which has formed how we think of the Church and the faith more than most people have. I thanked God for this kind, gentle, brilliant, and caring man who had labored for the People of God for decades. Now, he is gone. Even though I was not in Rome or in seminary when he was Pope, I came to see him as a true father. I will miss him greatly.

Most of all, as I spent time praying in front of his body, I was reminded of his deep love for Jesus. His love for the Lord was highlighted in his last words: “Lord, I love you!” May we all die with these words on our lips. Eternal rest grant to him, o Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace n

In Memoriam: Father Randall Soto

The photo was taken at Immaculate Conception Church in Tuckahoe, New York, in the Archdiocese of New York after the memorial Mass for Rev. Randy Soto. From left to right: Viktor Gjergji '24 (New York), Very. Rev. Joshua J. Rodrigue '01 (Houma–Thibodaux), Rev. Michael Ledesma '21 (Tyler), Rev. Louis Masi '18 (New York), Rev. Isaac Oviedo '22 (Tyler), Rev. John P. Cush '98, C'15 (Brooklyn), Rev. Michael J.S. Bruno '10, C'13 (Brooklyn), Rev. Joseph M. Zwosta '12, C'13 (Brooklyn,), Rev. Ryan J. Muldoon '19 (New York), Rev. Charles Caccavale C'02 (New York), and Rev. Msgr. Luke Sweeney '01 (New York).

The above photos are of Father Soto leading pilgrimages with NAC seminarians.

A homily from Father Soto's Memorial Mass, celebrated at the College on January 11, 2023

REV. MICHAEL ROMANO ’07, DIOCESE OF CAMDEN

This morning, we praise God for the life of one of his priests, Father Randy Soto. However, whenever we focus on a particular priest, or even consider the priesthood in general, we ought to reflect firstly on the priesthood of Jesus Christ, for really it is not my priesthood, or our priesthood, or even Father Soto’s priesthood. Rather, it is always Christ’s priesthood, in which we priests have the privilege to participate.

For our reflection today, the passage from the Gospel of Mark (1:29-39) sets before our eyes the life of the high priest, Jesus Christ. In it, he exhibits three priestly dispositions we ought to possess and that Father Soto lived well: availability to serve, approachability, and devotedness to prayer.

Availability

The passage begins: On leaving the Synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. After having taught at the synagogue and exorcizing a man from an unclean spirit, he did not sit down to rest or to be served. Rather, Mark tells us, Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever and they immediately told him about her. He went to her and helped her. Even after giving of himself at the synagogue, Jesus remained available to serve. Not many of us realized how much Father Soto had on his plate here. Yet, no matter how busy he was, he never gave the impression of being preoccupied with time for himself: if he heard we were sick, how many of us benefitted from him leaving some sort of homeopathic medicine or homemade soup outside our rooms (just don’t ask where the soup was made!)? Available is certainly a word to describe Father Soto, who followed the example of the one high priest’s availability to serve.

Approachability

The Gospel continues: When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. People must not have felt intimidated by him, but rather attracted to him, especially when they needed to ask for assistance. Was the same not true for Father Soto? Despite being the most intelligent man in the room, he was never intimidating, but rather remarkably relatable. One way he exercised Christ’s ministry of healing was as a sought-after confessor, and what a good confessor he was. Oftentimes, he would even participate in a penitent’s penance with him. Like

Christ, he, too, was a gatherer and builder of community: pilgrimages and porchetta-thons are but two examples. He gave counsel freely, oftentimes with much humor or even in song. His authenticity certainly made him approachable.

Prayerfulness

Mark’s concluding paragraph begins: Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Jesus’ union with the Father was the key to his priestly identity. That did not escape notice of his apostles, who eventually asked him to teach them how to pray. Father Soto, too, was a man rooted in a life of prayer. He faithfully prayed with the Scriptures, encouraged us in the practice of lectio divina, and shared the fruit of his love for the Word of God with us. And, like Jesus, quietly, not seeking attention, Father Soto rose much earlier than most to give the very early hours of his morning to the Lord. Perhaps that’s what enabled him to remain so available and approachable the rest of the day.

In this Eucharist, we give thanks to the Father for sending us his Son, our high priest. We also thank him for gifting this community with one of his beloved sons, Randy Soto.

May the priestly example Jesus gives us of availability to serve, approachability, and devotedness to prayer enflame our hearts in our desire to live likewise. And may the prayers of Father Soto for us enable us, ever more gradually, to live in the glorious freedom of the children of God. n

Lent Reflections

Week 1

The merciful love of God is his gratuitous gift to us. With the first sin in the Garden of Eden, we see the grasping after the gifts God bestows upon us. In the account of Christ’s overcoming temptations in the desert, we see the total trust the Son has in the Father to provide what the Son needs. The clean heart and steadfast spirit that God may create and renew in us are not to be grasped at but to be received with complete trust in his merciful love.

Week 2

St. Paul encourages us, “Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” This is the strength of the God of Abraham, who was made father of a great nation. It is the strength of the God of Moses who led the people of Israel from slavery into the freedom of the promised land. This is the strength of the God of Elijah, who was taken up into the heavens to be with God forever. The strength that comes from God is mighty indeed; in it we place our hope for the life of the world to come.

Week 3

The woman at the well comes to draw water at noon, the hottest, most undesirable part of the day. She expects no one to be there; she is rejected by everyone in town due to her poor reputation. However, she leaves that well completely changed. Forgetting her bucket, she has unexpectedly received from the Lord himself that living water which she desired in the depths of her heart. Do I believe Jesus can provide me with living water at any moment? Has he already shown up this Lent—through a warm affirmation, an intentional conversation, a hug from a loved one—to remind me of his love and constant care?

Week 4

The world claims the past dictates the future. Since kings had been chosen from the first-born in the past, Jesse’s oldest son in the first reading “needed” to be the King of Israel, but God chose the youngest son. Since his parents had sinned, the man in the Gospel “needed” to suffer those consequences and so be blind his whole life, but Jesus chose to heal him. The only future that is bright and true is guided by God. It is this light, Jesus, who leads us to a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and surprising in the best way. In big ways and small, how am I allowing Christ or the world to guide my future?

Bryce Baumann ‘24, Diocese of Dallas

Matthew Pohlman ‘24, Archdiocese of Omaha

Reflections

Week 5

Our Lord told Mary’s sister Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He assured the grieving woman that he offered a life that would overcome the horror of death which took her brother Lazarus from her. With only a word, Jesus would free Lazarus from the bonds of death. Yet here we see that same Christ weeping as he seeks out the dead man. We are reminded that our Lord, all-powerful as he is, is the God who desired to come among us in our sorrows. In as much as he reached out to every part of our lives, now we can in turn reach out to him on every occasion, even onto death, and hope for the life he will bring.

Palm Sunday

The figure of Joseph of Arimathea cuts a radiant note of compassion through the darkest section of St. Matthew’s Gospel. Nearly all were distant from our Lord during the climatic moments of his Passion—the cries of “Hosanna” that had greeted Christ upon his entry to Jerusalem were replaced with curses and mockery as he exited the city under his cross. All the strewn palm branches from a few short days prior had surely been swept away and begun to fade. Yet, when all appeared to be lost, this Joseph enters the scene, asking that he may be allowed to draw near to the broken body of our Lord. This Joseph honors the flesh that had been desecrated by so many as he tenderly swaddles the Son of Man in a linen burial cloth and lays his Lord into the tomb which was once meant to be his own. This Joseph sets aside his own place, in what was to be the monument of his own family history, so that the death of Christ may become the defining moment of his own story. May we all hold the death of Jesus Christ so dear, so that his rising may in turn illuminate the whole of our lives.

James Muscatella ‘24, Diocese of Rochester

The Minor Characters

REV. JOHN PAUL MITCHELL C’22, ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE

The Bible is a story of minor characters. To plumb its depths, you have to look to the little ones. The same is true of the Eternal City. All of its true character is discovered in its anawim: its shopkeepers and taxi drivers and its poor.

As I studied for a doctorate in biblical theology at the Gregorian University, this dynamic came alive at every turn. It is, in fact, the wisdom of God, which the people of Israel learned by being hand-picked from the fray of humanity to become the most influential minor character the world has ever known. Chosen by God to come to know him closely, they were to reveal his glory to all peoples.

This powerfully subversive worldview in which God works as much through little ones—servants and shepherds and humble virgins—as through the mighty—kings and warriors and seers—translated into an equally subversive literary revolution, where the minor characters of Hebrew narrative serve not only to advance the plot, but to fill out the character-

ization of the protagonists by way of comparison and contrast, and so bring home all the depth of its message and meaning.

In Rome, the mighty and the meek stand side by side. Kitty-corner to the Circus Maximus, one visits the basilica church of Saint Gregory the Great on the Caelian Hill, where Gregory’s marble cathedra is preserved, and where Pope Benedict XVI and Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, jointly celebrated the 1,000th anniversary of the Camaldolese branch of the Benedictine Order. Major players. Important events.

Next door, one visits the simplest of convents imaginable, occupied by the Missionaries of Charity, where the frugal room Mother Teresa used during her visits to Rome is preserved. There they run a shelter for men, saving souls by the proclamation of God’s love with the care they provide. Minor players. Important events.

From the bartenders at Bibo’s coffee bar in the Piazza dei Sant’Apostoli filled with daily bluff and bluster, to the taxi driver who wants to be sure you recognize the magnificence of Rome’s network of spring-fed fountains, to the gypsy on the steps of the Gregorian who, caught up as he may be in a generational cycle of organized swindling, nonetheless grieves the loss of his murdered son, it is Rome’s “little ones” that give it all its character, and perhaps teach even doctoral students the most.

Get to know Ziba and Mephibosheth and you will get to know King David more fully. Get to know the little ones of Rome and you will get to know what Rome is all about. n

Rev. John Paul Mitchell C’22 (Milwaukee) receives the renewal of vows of a Missionaries of Charity sister at their Casilina Convent in Rome.

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Growing through ICTE

FR. ANDY PRACHER ICTE’22, ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK

What has been your favorite part of the ICTE program?

Our presenters on the Art of the Passion of Christ in Rome and Venice opened my eyes, mind, emotions, and soul to the world of sacred art. The perspective of theology in a historical context, as well as the art and artists themselves, filled me with delight and multiplied my gratitude to God. The presenters also assisted me by piquing my level of curiosity for learning and growing. Living and engaging with priests has also been a gift! Most of us came to ICTE tired from the demands of leadership. Now, we leave renewed and grateful.

How has living close to the Pope and in Rome strengthened your faith?

One day coming back from a walk, I was moved by the attentiveness and kindness shown by one of the seminarians to a homeless man. This seminarian, on the streets of Rome, in the context of living in Rome, and whose bishop is Francis, greatly built up my faith and hope. The Holy Father’s words, based on the Gospel, came to life before my eyes. This seminarian’s charity and presence challenged and continues to challenge me.

Pontifical North American College

Spring 2023 Autumn 2023.

FACULTY PUBLICATIONS

Rev. Peter John Cameron, O.P.'’s 2010 book Mysteries of the Virgin Mary: Living Our Lady’s Graces has just been re-released by Cluny Media.

Rev. David Foster, OSB gave a paper as a contribution to a research seminar at KU Leuven, drawing on the Benedictine practice of lectio divina to describe the experience of encounter with God.

Rev. Edward Linton, OSB contributed to Priest Magazine with an article entitled: Successful Preachers Strive to See as God Sees

Be Our Guest!

The 29 th Annual Rector’s Dinner

MARK

RANDALL, CFRE • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Any time spent at the College in Rome is wonderful (except for the month of August with its oppressive heat and deserted campus). Visiting the seminary, being present with our men, one cannot help but feel a sense of joy and hope. Few have the opportunity to experience life in a seminary, let alone one in the Eternal City.

But if you visit this spring – specifically, ten days after Easter – you will have an even more profound experience if you attend our annual Rector’s Dinner. Are you free to join us on April 20, 2023?

Established in 1991 by then-Msgr. Edwin O’Brien (rector), the Rector’s Dinner is a celebration of the mission of the College and those who support it. Attendees are a diverse group including alumni, esteemed guests from the United States, dignitaries from the Diplomatic Corps, the Vatican Curia, the Italian nobility, and prominent members of the American and European business worlds.

One highlight of the evening is the presentation of the annual Rector’s Award in recognition of service to the Church and support of the College. This year we honor Most Rev. William Murphy ’65, C’74, alumnus and Bishop Emeritus of Rockville Centre. We will also honor Mr. Patrick Kelly, the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception in the main courtyard of the seminary, followed by a three-course dinner prepared in our own kitchen and served by our seminarians. The program offers remarks from the Rector and honorees, and also features a brief bit of entertainment by our students.

Our students are, in fact, the stars of the evening: parking cars, greeting and checking in guests, serving food and drinks, and handling most of the clean up afterwards. The Rector’s Dinner is an opportunity for them to practice the grace of hospitality, and for you, our guests, to interact closely with them throughout the evening.

After being unable to host the dinner for two years due to the pandemic, I was not surprised during last year’s long-awaited return that many regular attendees told me how much they missed the Dinner. Our students also missed seeing the 400 or so friendly and supportive guests who regularly attend.

In short, here are three brief reasons we hope you’ll consider joining us this April:

• Our extraordinary 12-acre campus and facilities will fill you with hope and gratitude knowing our seminarians are abundantly blessed to study in Rome.

• Spend a few hours with our students witnessing their natural sense of joy, maturity, and commitment to their vocation.

• The Rector’s Dinner provides a significant portion of our annual fundraising revenue. Your ticket, table, or sponsorship purchase will help underwrite the work that we do.

If you cannot join us in person, we invite you to consider a general donation to the Dinner or the purchase of an acknowledgement in our Rector’s Album.

You can learn more and register for the Rector’s Dinner at www.pnac.org/rectorsdinner.

We hope to see you soon! n