Roman Echoes 2015 – Volume 18, Issue 3

THE PONTIFICAL NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE

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JUNE 2015 • VOLUME 18: ISSUE 3

The College Welcomes Pope Francis 10 Holy Week Abroad 12 Papal Visit 26 Rector’s Dinner ROMAN ECHOES 2015 • VOLUME 18: ISSUE 3

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Content EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR IN CHIEF Kevin Staley-Joyce ‘16 Archdiocese of Boston

LAYOUT & DESIGN MANAGER Alexander Padilla II ‘16 Diocese of St. Petersburg

MANAGING EDITOR Michael Zimmerman ‘17 Archdiocese of Boston

12 The College Welcomes Pope Francis

PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Lund ‘16 Diocese of Pembroke Kyle Manglona ‘16 Archdiocese of Seattle

News Bytes

8 Stational Churches

Community events and milestones

10 Holy Week Abroad

14 History of Papal Visits 16 Photos with Pope Francis

26 34 Alumni Interview A Conversation with Alumnus Rev. Jeb Donelan ‘11

Michael Casey Sanders ‘17 Archdiocese of Louisville

Andrew Showers ‘17 Diocese of Madison

6 Acolyte Installation

12 Papal Visit

On May 2, the College welcomed His Holiness, Pope Francis, for his first visit to a Roman seminary.

Grayson Heenan ‘17 Archdiocese of Detroit

LAYOUT & DESIGN EDITORS Corey Tufford ‘16 Diocese of San Diego

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An historic visit

ASSISTANT EDITORS Paul Haverstock ‘16 Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis

5 Rector’s Corner

Rev. Donelan first came to recognize his vocation as a senior in high school.

30 College Play The College’s annual stage production

20 Blessed Junípero Serra 22 Serving with the Holy Father

Rector’s Dinner

24 News Bytes

Twenty-third annual event

26 Rector’s Dinner

The College’s formal way of saying “thank you” to the benefactors for their sacrifices and generosity.

28 Early Diaconate Ordinations 30 College Play

28 Early Diaconate Early Diaconate Ordinations bring anticipation to third-year men

31 NAC’s In-House Seminars 32 Second-Cycle Studies 34 Alumni Interview 36 ICTE Pilgrimage 37 Casa Santa Maria 38 Institutional Advancement

Daniel Hart ‘17 Diocese of Alexandria

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Cover Image: His Holiness, Pope Francis, greeting the North American College community during his visit on May 2, 2015, with His Excellency, Most Rev. Joseph Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; His Excellency, Most Rev. José Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles; and Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector.

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Rector’s Corner

BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE PONTIFICAL NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE CHAIRMAN Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67 Archbishop of Newark

TREASURER Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane ‘88, C‘89 Bishop of Venice

VICE CHAIRMAN Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt ‘73, C‘84 Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis

SECRETARY Most Rev. Joseph M. Siegel ‘88 Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet

The College’s stained glass window of Blessed Junípero Serra, who will be canonized later this year by His Holiness, Pope Francis, during his visit to the United States of America.

RECTOR Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97 VICE RECTOR OF SEMINARY LIFE Rev. Brian P. Christensen ‘99 SUPERIOR, CASA SANTA MARIA Rev. Msgr. Fred Berardi C‘82 DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE FOR CONTINUING THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION Rev. James M. Sullivan, O.P. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Mark Randall, CFRE

Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67 Archbishop of Washington

Most Rev. William M. Mulvey ‘75 Bishop of Corpus Christi

Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson Archbishop of St. Louis

Most Rev. William F. Murphy ‘65, C‘74 Bishop of Rockville Centre

Most Rev. Gerald Nicholas Dino C‘72 Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Holy Protection of Mary

Most Rev. Joseph A. Pepe C‘76 Bishop of Las Vegas

Most Rev. Robert C. Evans ‘73, C‘89 Auxiliary Bishop of Providence Most Rev. Jeffrey M. Monforton ‘93, C‘02 Bishop of Steubenville

Most Rev. Glen J. Provost ‘75 Bishop of Lake Charles Most Rev. J. Peter Sartain ‘78 Archbishop of Seattle Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan ‘65, C‘71 Archbishop of Santa Fe

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) 722-8804 Email: pnacdc@pnac.org • Website: www.pnac.org

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here has been holiness in America—much holiness,” Pope Francis said in his homily during his May 2nd visit to our beloved Pontifical North American College, quickly adding a word of hope for more holiness to our seminarians and priests: “May a powerful gust of holiness sweep through all the Americas during the coming extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.”

As the Holy Father saw firsthand during his visit to the College, there is much hope for this to occur given the vibrancy of the faith in our country, represented in our 310 seminarians and student priests. As you may know, our seminarians hail from 101 dioceses within our country. The seminary has been at capacity enrollment for four years now, the first time since the 1960s, and we already have a waiting list for the next academic year. We also have 62 priests engaged in advanced theological studies at our graduate house, the Casa Santa Maria. Our houses are lively, faith-filled, joyful, and apostolically oriented—the fruit of much prayer and evangelization occurring amongst our bishops, clerics, religious, and lay faithful in the United States.

Pope Francis has called all of us to reform our lives further, and to do even more in caring for the poor—going to the peripheries of our societies. It is certainly a great gift for all of us. He renewed this call to us during his homily in the College’s Immaculate Conception Chapel, praying that this renewal may be made manifest in the Americas by “a culture of life,

brotherhood, solidarity, peace, and justice, with a preferential and concrete love for the poor.” Our students have long shared this same concern, and they can regularly be seen speaking with and helping the poor on the streets of Rome. In fact, a few years ago, on their own initiative, our seminarians opened the St. Lawrence Pantry to help provide for some of the basic needs of the poor in Rome. During their weekly apostolic assignments throughout the academic year and summers, Christmas, and Easter breaks, seminarians can often be found going to assist the poorest among us in locations in Africa and Asia. I am personally inspired by the pastoral charity of our seminarians and young priests in this regard. Similarly, our faithful in the United States are known for their generosity to the poor and those in need throughout the world.

There is no doubt that during the Holy Father’s visit to the United States in September, our faithful will joyfully receive this message of compassion and service to the poor.

It was appropriate that Pope Francis came to visit us during the Easter Season, as we have been reading from the Acts of the Apostles at Mass and have been blessed to meditate on the Resurrection, as its message spread through the Apostles. Similar to the Apostles’ early visits throughout Galilee, to have the successor of St. Peter come to our home was an occasion of great joy for us, and renewed us with evangelical fervor for the Gospel.

As Americans, we are also anxious for the September visit of Pope Francis to our beloved homeland. Indeed, as the Holy Father mentioned at the end of

Mass, “This meeting at your college and around the altar is a beautiful and meaningful introduction to my apostolic trip to the United States of America.”

We have been praying that his visit will also bring much new evangelical excitement to our local Churches.

Just as he saw here at the College, His Holiness will no doubt find an active, vibrant Catholic Church in the United States, and I am sure that his apostolic and evangelical presence will ignite an even greater adherence to the Gospel in America—and that the “powerful gust of holiness” he spoke of will “sweep through all the Americas”.

We thank you for your prayerful support for the work of this College.

We depend upon your prayers, and at the same time we assure you of our prayers in thanksgiving for your generous financial and prayerful support which sustains us and our mission. Finally, enjoy this edition of Roman Echoes, by which our students hope to share some of our daily lives with you. Vergine Immacolata, aiutateci!

Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 Diocese of Camden Rector

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Acolyte Installation

acolytes are called to an ever-increasing closeness to the Word of God and to divine worship in the Eucharistic sacrifice. These two things—Word and Eucharist—form a central part of priestly formation, and eventually, priestly ministry.

It should be no surprise, then, that Bishop Loverde focused his homily for this occasion on the process of transformation that takes place in us through daily reflection on the Word of God and participation in the Eucharistic sacrifice. The gospel passage for the second Sunday of Lent recounts the Transfiguration of Jesus, and Bishop Loverde spoke of how the transformation that Christ experienced must also be experienced by each one of his disciples. As St. John Eudes teaches, the mysteries seen and lived out in Christ the Head must also be lived out in his mystical body, and every member thereof. Our minds are transformed in daily meditation on Sacred Scripture, and our hearts are transformed in being united to the Eucharistic Christ.

Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector; His Eminence, James Cardinal Harvey ‘75; His Excellency, Most Rev. Paul Loverde ‘65, Bishop of Arlington; and His Excellency, Most Rev. David Talley C‘97, Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta, with the newly installed acolytes after Mass.

A New Closeness to the Altar, a New Closeness to the Eucharist

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BY STEVEN OETJEN ‘17, DIOCESE OF ARLINGTON

or fifty-four seminarians at the College, the start of the new spring semester brought with it the season of Lent and institution into a new ministry. On March 1, 2015, the Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde ‘65, Bishop of Arlington, instituted these men as acolytes, a ministry connected to service at the altar and to the Eucharist. The acolyte primarily aids the deacon and ministers to the priest at the altar, though he may also distribute

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Holy Communion at Mass and purify the sacred vessels. Here at the College, receiving this ministry means that the new acolytes join the ranks of the third-year men in service at the altar every day at Mass and other liturgies.

Given such a ministry, acolytes are called to participate in the Holy Eucharist with an increasingly fervent devotion and deeper knowledge of the Eucharist. In his Apostolic Letter on the reform of the minor orders,

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Blessed Pope Paul VI wrote, “As one set aside in a special way for the service of the altar, the acolyte should learn all matters concerning public divine worship and strive to grasp their inner spiritual meaning.” Similarly, he called on lectors to “meditate assiduously on Sacred Scripture” in order to have a greater love and knowledge of the revealed word. The ministries of lector and acolyte, then, make parallel and complementary demands on those who carry them out. Instituted lectors and

To these two transformations, those of mind and heart, Bishop Loverde then added a third.

Consent to the Lord’s transforming grace also leads to a transformation of the will, a surrender of self to God. He concluded the homily with a personal reflection, recalling how as a seminarian he was captivated by the fresco on the wall of the Immaculate Conception Chapel that depicts Abraham about to sacrifice his son Isaac. He went on to explain that now, after almost fifty years of priesthood, he understands its lesson more deeply. The priest, like Abraham, must be ready to make a radical surrender to the Lord with his adsum: “Here I am, Lord.”

For most of the new acolytes, this summer will be their first return home in two years.

As acolytes, they can now act in a new capacity in their parish assignments. They will be called in this new ministry to continue to be nourished daily by Sacred Scripture and the Blessed Sacrament, and to give of themselves more completely to God in service of his Church. n

From left: Rev. Robert Wagner ‘09, Rev. Daniel Hanley ‘05, Joseph Rampino ‘16, Rev. Mr. Richard Miserendino ‘15, Most Rev. Paul Loverde ‘65, Steven Oetjen ‘17, Rev. Mr. Joseph Farrell ‘15, Nicholas Schierer ‘18, and Rev. Kevin Walsh C‘16, all from the Diocese of Arlington, pose for a group photo after the Installation Mass.

Michael Friedel ‘17 (Springfield) receives the paten from His Excellency, Most Rev. Paul Loverde ‘65, Bishop of Arlington, as Thomas Gramc ‘17 (Pittsburgh) looks on.

Vested in albs, the Second Year Men stand as the Installation Mass begins.

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Stational Churches

Echoing back to the very beginnings of the Church in Rome—when its bishop would celebrate the different liturgies at various churches throughout the city, the contemporary Station Church tradition provides the opportunity during Lent to reconnect with this history, these historic churches, and with the early martyrs who gave witness to the meaning of being Christian.

In an age of individualism, the martyrs remind modern-day pilgrims who walk through Rome that our lives are not our own. Our lives are meant to be a gift to God and to one another. With examples like St. Eusebius, a fourth-century priest condemned to death for defending the divinity of Christ, St. Lawrence, who was martyred on a gridiron during the early persecutions, or St. Peter, who was crucified upside down for being the leader of the earliest Christians in Rome, each martyr serves to inspire and witness to the beauty of offering our lives fully to Christ.

The Stational Mass at the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare.

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BY ADAM POTTER ‘16, DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGH

hy would a group of twenty-year-old study-abroad students voluntarily wake up at 5 a.m. each morning to walk three or more miles through the city of Rome to go to Mass? In a time when most college students studying in Rome are more likely to live by the adage, “When in Rome…” these students have instead found living in Rome during Lent to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow in their faith.

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“My favorite memory of Rome has been doing the Station Churches,” said Ethan O’Connor of Thomas More College. “I am a new Catholic and it has helped me to see how deep the roots of the faith are, and especially to learn about the martyrs.”

Similarly, Alexis McClellan of Ave Maria University found that her morning Station Church pilgrimages have been “a beautiful experience and has really renewed my faith.”

During this Lenten pilgrimage, Josie Hartney of Ave Maria University reported finding that the extra sacrifice

We need this image this is not the original

Rev. Mr. Jack Schrader ‘15 (Fall River) proclaims the Gospel during the Stational Mass at the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare.

each morning—waking extra early to walk to Mass—greatly strengthened her faith. She also said that she enjoys “the pilgrimage community that you come to see week after week and get to know.”

While home remains far away, the community that gathers from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia finds a strong sense of being at home, united in the sacrifice of the Mass.

So, why are these and many other college students waking up early, walking several miles, and going to Mass every day during Lent? “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” may be a bit of an oversimplification, but one thing is clear: The encounter with Christ and his Church that happened in Rome for these students will soon spread far beyond Rome. n

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Ethan and Alexis were a part of a group of students from Thomas More College in New Hampshire and Ave Maria University in Florida, and would meet Sean Grismer ‘16 (Rockford) every morning for a pilgrimage through the city, at times weathering the elements, to attend Mass with other students, English-speaking pilgrims, religious sisters, seminarians, deacons, and priests from all over the world.

The encounter with Christ and his Church that happened in Rome for these students will soon spread far beyond Rome.

Many lay faithful join the North American College community for morning Stational Masses throughout the Lenten season, including American university students studying abroad, English-speaking pilgrims and travelers, and members of the American expatriate community in Rome.

Rev. Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne) preaching the homily during the Stational Mass at the Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo.

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Holy Week Abroad

parish in New Jersey as part of its Holy Week observance.

Michael Steger ‘17 (Milwaukee) and his classmates had a very different idea in mind for their Holy Week pilgrimage.

Over the course of Holy Week and Easter Week, he and his brother seminarians set out to explore fourteen countries in Eastern Europe, including Croatia, Macedonia, Greece, and Romania. Over the course of the trip, he experienced the liturgy in a variety of cultural and linguistic contexts. On the one hand, he witnessed the struggles of Catholicism in Macedonia, with many signs of its turbulent history still evident, while on the other hand, he was moved to see the vibrant flourishing of the Church in

During Holy Week in Seville, Spain, parish fraternities make pilgrimages through the streets to the Cathedral of Seville. Seen here is a “paso,” one of many richly decorated floats depicting a scene from Christ’s Passion.

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BY M. CASEY SANDERS ‘17, ARCHDIOCESE OF LOUISVILLE

very alternate year, seminarians at the Pontifical North American College remain in Rome for Holy Week, celebrating the Passion and Resurrection in community—a time of beauty and spiritual enrichment.

This year, seminarians of the College set out to experience the faith outside Rome. They celebrated Holy Week in a variety of locations, from Colombia and Scotland to Greece and Thailand. The beauty of these experiences exposes us

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to new and exciting dimensions of the universal Church—dimensions that are most visible during the holiest week in the liturgical year.

Seminarian Kevin Valle Díaz ‘17 (Newark) spent his Holy Week participating in the famed Passion processions held in Seville, Spain. He described the processions as moving and, at times, quite raw and authentic, with some pilgrims walking barefoot for twelve hours, carrying a wooden

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cross on their shoulders in imitation of Christ on his journey to Calvary. As the processions move along, pilgrims regularly stop to perform saetas, spiritual songs that evoke deep emotions in those witnessing their penance, in turn helping them enter into the mystery of the Passion. These flamenco-styled songs are performed by Nazarenos (penitents) in the procession and at times by residents in balconies overlooking the processions.

Díaz said he hopes to introduce the idea of the Seville processions to his home

Croatia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A particularly memorable point for him was the celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday in Medjugorje, where the parish church’s crowd was standing-room only, with congregants occupying every square inch of the space.

Over the course of Holy Week and Easter Week, Michael and his brother seminarians set out to explore fourteen countries in eastern Europe, including Croatia, Macedonia, Greece, and Romania.

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From left: Michael Steger ‘17 (Milwaukee), David Tomaszycki ‘16 (Detroit), and Max Nightingale ‘17 (Kalamazoo) fight the 50mph winds to take a picture during their descent from a mountain in Senj, Croatia.

From left: Timothy Wratkowski ‘17 (St. Paul-Minneapolis), Mark Mleziva ‘17 (Green Bay), Kevin Leaver ‘17 (Boston), and Clark Philipp ‘17 (St. Louis) spent Holy Week volunteering at the Shrine in Fatima.

DID YOU

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Meanwhile, Kevin Leaver ‘17 (Boston) found a way to experience Holy Week twice in the same year. He spent his first Holy Week at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal with a few of his brother seminarians. They spent

most of their time volunteering at the shrine, undertaking a variety of tasks ranging from distributing holy cards to discussing the message of Fatima with pilgrims. He observed his second, Orthodox Holy Week on the “Footsteps of St. Paul” pilgrimage to Greece led by Rev. Scott Brodeur, S.J., who teaches a well-regarded course on St. Paul’s writings at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

As Catholics make up less than two percent of the Greek population, the Roman Rite follows the Greek Orthodox liturgical calendar, pushing Easter forward by a week. Leaver described his experience of celebrating two Holy Weeks as a once-in-a-lifetime event. He recalled his gratitude on witnessing an unexpected sign of Christian culture: On the drive to the airport for his return trip to Rome, he passed a flashing highway sign that read “Christos Anesti” (“Christ is Risen”). n

The College has over 4400 likes on Facebook—about the same as the number of living NAC Alumni! Visit our page, click the “Like” button, and keep up with the latest photos, news, and events from our campuses in Rome. www.facebook.com/PontificalNorthAmericanCollege

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The College Welcomes

POPE FRANCIS ROMAN ECHOES EDITORS

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he Pontifical North American College counts many blessings in a long history of closeness to the successor of Peter, having served since its founding as a direct link between the Roman Pontiff and the Church in America. The seminarians of the College have enjoyed friendship with twelve successors of Peter since 1859, when the College’s first seminarians began their studies under the auspices of Pope Pius IX.

On May 2, the College welcomed His Holiness, Pope Francis, for the latest in a line of blessings brought to the College by historic visits from Roman pontiffs. Shortly after arriving, Pope Francis offered Mass in the Immaculate Conception Chapel and greeted seminarians, priests, and a small number of American bishops. The visit aimed to commemorate the holiness of Blessed Junípero Serra, whom Pope Francis will canonize during his trip to the United States in late September. His Holiness will also preside over the World Meeting of Families during his stay in the United States, alongside his official state visit.

Pope Francis’ visit to the North American College was his first to a Roman seminary as pontiff, and comes on the heels of the blessing he bestowed on the College for the dedication of its new building addition in January. The pope arrived at the Janiculum Campus by car, first entering the Red Room, where he was greeted by the College’s Rector, Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, His Eminence, Marc Cardinal Ouellet, 12

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Pope Francis on Sanctity in America In his homily, Pope Francis pointed to three characteristics of Blessed Junípero Serra as worthy of imitation: his missionary zeal, his Marian devotion, and his witness to holiness. Blessed Serra left everything, the Pope explained: “his home and country, his family, university chair and Franciscan community in Majorca to go to the ends of the earth…” all in an effort to proclaim the Gospel and its encounter with Christ, while animated by the same kind of zeal that drove St. Paul and St. Barnabas to preach tirelessly. This zeal assists Christians to see Christ, Pope Francis continued, as we “rediscover him in the face of the poor...those who have not known Christ and, therefore, have not experienced the embrace of his mercy.”

Blessed Junípero Serra’s devotion to the Virgin Mary took shape in his affection for the Virgin of Guadalupe, to whom he entrusted both the indigenous and colonial Americans in his care, and whose image he placed in each of the many missions he founded in California. This effort helped to solidify

During his homily, His Holiness, Pope Francis, encouraged the seminarians and priests of the Pontifical North American College to imitate Blessed Junípero Serra’s missionary zeal, devotion to the Blessed Mother, and witness to holiness.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, celebrating Mass for the North American College community, with Rev. Mr. Richard Miserendino ‘15 (Arlington), left, Nathan Ricci ‘16 (Providence), center, and Rev Mr. Scott Gratton ‘15 (Burlington), right.

Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, Most Rev. Joseph Edward Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Most Rev. José Horacio Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and Professor Guzman Carriquiry, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. The entire seminary community was present

for the midday Mass over which the Holy Father presided: residents of the Janiculum campus, graduate priests from the Casa Santa Maria, and other American priests from the Villa Stritch.

At the conclusion of Mass, Most Rev. John J. Meyers ‘67, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the College, offered words of thanks to Pope Francis for the blessing his presence bestowed on the seminary community.

The North American College community gathered together in the Immaculate Conception Chapel for Mass celebrated by His Holiness, Pope Francis, marking the first papal visit to the College in 35 years.

the Virgin of Guadalupe’s role in the Church in America, as Pope Francis explained: “You cannot separate her from the hearts of the American people.

She represents our shared roots in this land.” All Americans are called to holiness not just because of their holy mother, but also because their holy fathers. Fra Junípero, as Pope Francis called him, was in a sense “one of the founding fathers of the United States, a saintly example of the Church’s universality and special patron of the

Hispanic people of the country. In this way, may all Americans rediscover their own dignity, and unite themselves ever more closely to Christ and his Church.”

After citing a litany of American saints who are praying “before the Lord for their brothers and sisters who are still pilgrims in those lands,” Pope Francis petitioned the saints and all the Christian faithful to pray for him in anticipation of his upcoming apostolic journey to the United States. n

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A short history of

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to the College

ith Pope Francis’ visit concluded, it is fitting to take stock of the long history of papal friendship with the Pontifical North American College.

It was a successor of Peter—Pope Pius IX—who bestowed on the College its founding charter prior to its founding in 1859. trip, Archbishop Bedini made known his support for the notion of an American seminary in Rome, an idea soon endorsed by Pope Pius IX.

Pope Pius IX

His Holiness, Pope Saint John Paul II, celebrating Mass in the Immaculate Conception Chapel for the North American College community.

Papal legate Archbishop Gaetano Bedini In 1853, Papal legate Archbishop Gaetano Bedini traveled to the United States, meeting with the nation’s president and ordaining several bishops amidst stops in the Archdiocese of Newark, the Diocese of Brooklyn, and the Diocese of Burlington, along with visits to several other cities. After this 14

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On the day of the College’s official opening, Pope Pius IX invited the seminarians and their pro-rector to visit him at the Vatican, where he delivered an address and greeted them individually, promising at one point to lead them on a tour of Vatican City’s gardens, only to be prevented from doing so by rain.

During the visit, the pope proposed one of the invocations NAC seminarians pray each day before the midday meal: “Vergine Immacolata, Aiutateci!”

Pope Pius IX visited the College in January 1860 for the feast of St. Francis de Sales, sharing a meal with the seminarians. Loyalty ran high in ensuing years, as in 1870, when thirteen seminarians of the College wrote to Pope Pius volunteering their services as Papal Zouaves, the infantrymen who fought in defence of the Papal States during the reunification of Italy. Pope Pius politely declined their offer in a letter that now hangs prominently at the College.

Pope Leo XIII and Pope Pius X The College became a pontifical institution in 1884 by the initiative of Pope Leo XIII, and by 1908, under Pope Pius X, the College’s seminarians came to be considered diocesan seminarians, rather than seminarians ordained for the missions. This followed the official incorporation of US dioceses.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, looking at photographs of His Holiness, Pope Saint John Paul II’s visit to the Pontifical North American College.

Pope Pius XI and Pope Pius XII

The College’s seminarians met Pope Pius X for an audience in 1903, a practice that would become a yearly custom. This close relationship continued under Pope Benedict XV and Pope Pius XI, who continued to grant private audiences, along with marking American spiritual milestones, such as the canonization of the North American martyrs in 1925.

It was Pius XI who first encouraged the College to purchase property on the Janiculum Hill, and who authorized its seminarians to attend classes at the Pontifical Gregorian University. His successor, Pius XII, strongly encouraged the College to rebuild after the Second World War, and in 1953, presided over the dedication of the College’s Janiculum campus.

Pope John XXIII The College enjoyed visits from the twentieth century’s subsequent popes, including one from Pope John XXIII in 1959 for the seminary’s 100th anniversary, and from Pope Paul VI in 1970.

His Holiness, Pope Saint John XXIII, greeting His Excellency, Most Rev. Martin J. O’Connor, then-Rector of the College.

His Holiness, Pope Pius XII, during his papal visit to the Pontifical North American College.

Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI Pope John Paul II visited the College in 1980, offered Mass in the Immaculate Conception Chapel, and planted a redwood tree in commemoration of his visit. Pope Benedict XVI greeted seminarians at a private audience at Castel Gandolfo to mark the College’s 150th anniversary, and would meet with fourth-year men just before their class’ diaconate ordination.

Pope Francis Having been blessed by Pope Francis’ visit to the Pontifical North American College, the seminarians of the College look forward to a continued friendship with the successor of Peter, particularly in this time of renewed focus on the Christian witness of saints in America. n ROMAN ECHOES 2015 • VOLUME 18: ISSUE 3

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Papal Visit

His Holiness, Pope Francis, greeting the Honorable Kenneth F. Hackett, United States Ambassador to the Holy See.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, being welcomed

by Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector, upon arrival at the Pontifical North American College.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, greeting Daniele Russo ‘16 (Sydney) before Mass.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, greeting John Baumgardner ‘17 (Milwaukee) and Corey Tufford ‘16 (San Diego) before Mass.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, with, from left, Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector; His Excellency, Most Rev. Javier Salinas Viñals, Bishop of Mallorca, Spain; His Excellency, Most Rev. Manuel Cruz, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark; Rev. Msgr. Peter Wells, Assessor for General Affairs of Secretariat of State of the Holy See; His Eminence, Edwin Cardinal O’Brien C‘76, former Rector of the College; His Excellency, Most Rev. Joseph Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; His Eminence, Marc Cardinal Ouellet, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops; His Excellency, Jorge Patrón Wong, Secretary for Seminaries of the Congregation for the Clergy; His Excellency, Most Rev. John Myers ‘67, Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the College’s Board of Governors; His Eminence, Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67, Archbishop of Washington, D.C. and member of the College’s Board of Governors; His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Stafford ‘58; His Excellency, Most Rev. Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, Chancellor for the Pontifical Academy of Sciences; His Excellency, Most Rev. José Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles; and His Eminence, William Cardinal Levada ‘62, C‘67.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, touring the College with, from left, Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector; His Eminence, Marc Cardinal Ouellet, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops; His Excellency, Most Rev. Joseph Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; and His Excellency, Most Rev. José Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, greeting Douglas Krebs ‘16 and Jordan Dosch ‘17, seminarians of the Diocese of Bismarck, before Mass.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, greeting Adam Potter ‘16 (Pittsburgh), Pastoral Council Representative for the Class of 2016.

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His Holiness, Pope Francis, greeting Jack Berard ‘16 (Washington), left, and Grayson Heenan ‘17 (Detroit), center, current and future Chairman, respectively, of the Student Activities Council.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, looking at photographs of the Inauguration of the College’s Janiculum campus and the papal visit of His Holiness, Pope Pius XII.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, touring the North American College with Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector, left; His Excellency, Most Rev. José Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, center; and His Excellency, Most Rev. Joseph Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, right.

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Papal Visit

His Holiness, Pope Francis, blessing Rev. Mr. Scott Gratton ‘15 (Burlington) during the Gospel Acclamation.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, greeting Billy Burdier ‘18 (Providence) before Mass.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, leading the North American College community in prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, after Mass.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, greeting some of the altar servers before Mass. From left: Trevor Downey ‘17 (Kansas City-St. Joseph), John Wilson ‘16 (New York), Steven Oetjen ‘17 (Arlington), and Paul-Michael Piega ‘17 (Austin).

Emmett Hall ‘16 (Dallas) with His Holiness, Pope Francis, during the washing of the hands.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, at the beginning of Mass, with Kevin Valle Díaz ‘17 (Newark), left, Nathan Ricci ‘16 (Providence), center, and John Kuchinski ‘16 (Harrisburg), right.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, elevating the Most Holy Eucharist.

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His Holiness, Pope Francis, greeting His Excellency, Most Rev. John Myers ‘67, Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the College’s Board of Governors.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, signing the College’s guestbook.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, waving goodbye to the North American College community, with, from left, His Eminence, Marc Cardinal Ouellet, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops; Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector; His Excellency, Most Rev. Joseph Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; and His Excellency, Most Rev. José Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles.

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Commemorating Blessed

JUNÍPERO SERRA ROMAN ECHOES EDITORS

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arly on the day of Pope Francis’ historic visit, the seminarians, graduate priests, and guests of the College hosted a series of lectures on the legacy of Blessed Junípero Serra in the Corso Auditorium. After a biographical presentation on Blessed Junípero by Rev. Vincenzo Criscuolo, O.F.M. Cap., the General Relator of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints,

Most Rev. José Horacio Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, gave a presentation praising Serra not just as an exemplary missionary figure, but one who “shows us a way for the Church, an inspired missionary spirituality rooted in the Church’s missionary identity, and the identity of every disciple.”

Archbishop Gómez spoke of the soonto-be-saint as a “Mexican immigrant” and a “migrant missionary” who embodies the plight of many contemporary immigrants to the United States, and who will serve as the “first HispanicAmerican saint” for a nation whose founding was at its heart a spiritual enterprise. This point, he continued, serves to illustrate that America’s nascent culture was not exclusively Anglo-Protestant, but in fact concealed a rich Catholic heritage as well. Gómez also alluded to the fittingness of the fact that the Church’s first native Spanish-speaking pope will canonize Blessed Junípero. Archbishop Gómez spoke of Serra as a “working-class missionary—a problem-solver, not a 20

The Pontifical North American College

From left: Rev. Vincenzo Criscuolo, O.F.M. Cap., General Relator of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints; Prof. Guzmán Carriquiry, Secretary in charge of the Vice-Presidency of the Congregation for Latin America; His Excellency, Most Rev. José Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles; His Excellency, Most Rev. Joseph Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; Sir Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus; and His Eminence, Marc Cardinal Ouellet, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, during one of the conferences on Blessed Junípero Serra, who will be canonized later this year during His Holiness, Pope Francis’ pastoral visit to the United States.

Blessed Junípero Serra and the Historical Record

His Excellency, Most Rev. José Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, spoke about how Blessed Junípero Serra embodied the missionary spirit which His Holiness, Pope Francis, continually recalls.

philosopher of human rights...He was a pastor.” Serra also embodied the missionary identity Pope Francis has continually recalled, keeping in mind that the universal Church is a mission field. Alongside his missionary zeal was

a message of mercy that paved the way to conversion. Blessed Junípero was always cognisant that “The Church’s mission of evangelization is a mission of mercy. He was a man of mercy.”

Archbishop Gómez spoke of Serra as a “working-class missionary—a problem-solver, not a philosopher of human rights...He was a pastor.”

During the second half of the conference, Prof. Guzmán Carriquiry, Vice President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, picked up where Archbishop Gómez left off, outlining a historical picture showing how Blessed Junípero played a key role in a long line of Hispanic Catholicism in America.

His presentation observed the well known English and Protestant roots of America and described how Hispanic-Catholic culture is not a foreign element, even amidst the immigration situation today. For this reason, the canonization of Fra Junípero Serra will be a cause of great joy for all of the Church in America.

The conference’s final speaker, Sir Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, spoke of Junípero Serra’s mother and guide, Our Lady of Guadalupe. Anderson explained how the Virgin of Guadalupe was and is a

Sir Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, underlined Blessed Junípero Serra’s profound devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

model of respectful evangelization and inculturation. Anderson quoted the Virgin herself, who was honored to appear as a mestiza: “Am I not your Mother?”

More than nine million conversions followed during the five years after her appearance in Mexico in 1531. The

native people recognized that she was one with them—their mother—and was coming with mercy to protect them. Anderson related how Junípero Serra spent his first night in Mexico at her shrine, having just arrived by ship from Spain, suitably carried by a vessel with the title, “Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.” Serra brought images of Our Lady to each of the missions he founded and, as Anderson explained, he also brought her model of inculturation, learning the native language of those whom he evangelized. Alongside this was a concern for authentic justice, which led Serra to heroic efforts to defend natives against abuses and capital punishment. Anderson reasoned that this represents an historic shift in the meaning of evangelization: “Disciples of Our Lady of Guadalupe understand that she is coming out of respect. And therefore, evangelization does not mean domination; it doesn’t mean exploitation. It means bringing the gospel to people and cultures that you respect.” n ROMAN ECHOES 2015 • VOLUME 18: ISSUE 3

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Serving with the

HOLY FATHER

BY LOUIS MASI ‘18, ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK

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iving in Rome affords seminarians the great opportunity to be in close proximity to the successor of St. Peter. They often go to listen to the Holy Father’s catecheses and Angelus addresses, but on some special occasions they receive the great honor

of serving the sacred liturgy with the Holy Father himself. On Good Friday and Holy Saturday, a number of men from the College had the privilege of accompanying Pope Francis for some of the most solemn liturgies of the year.

Fifteen seminarians served the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion and two seminarians, a lector and a deacon, served at the Easter Vigil.

Experiences such as these are certainly exciting and memorable, but more importantly, they help to form the men of the College into priests with a great love for the Church and a filial affection for the Holy Father. Peter Julia ‘18 (Portland in Oregon), who served as a lector during the Easter Vigil, said, “It made me realize the universality of the Catholic Church and just how important it is to have men studying at the heart of the Church.” It is this experience of the universality of the Church that seminarians will be able to hold on to and share with their local communities across the U.S. as priests.

Rev. Mr. Alec Scott ‘15 (Washington), who served as one of the deacons at the Easter Vigil, said, “One of the great

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Processing in at the beginning of the Good Friday Service at the Papal Basilica of St. Peter. From left: Alexander Schrenk ‘17 (Pittsburgh), John Kladar ‘18 (Rockford), and Shane Nunes ‘18 (Bridgeport). © Fotografia Felici

Louis Masi ‘18 (New York) bringing the papal mitre to His Holiness, Pope Francis, during the Good Friday Service. © Fotografia Felici

privileges of studying theology in Rome has been the opportunity to grow close to Pope Francis and to be inspired by his remarkable pontificate.” During his pontificate, Pope Francis has constantly reminded the Church of the mercy and love of the crucified Lord and the joy that comes from communicating the gospel to all who are in need of hearing its saving message.

It is this experience of the universality of the Church that seminarians will be able to hold on to and share with their local communities across the U.S. as priests.

Serving with the Holy Father grants seminarians from the College the opportunity to experience his liturgical expression of these teachings. On Good Friday, the men serving with Pope Francis were given a special insight into his faith in the mercy and love of Christ on the cross when they saw up-close his deep prayerfulness and reverence, particularly as he prostrated himself before the altar and approached the cross for veneration. Seeing the Holy Father approach the cross with such love and devotion during the liturgy allowed the men serving to see that his

faith in the mercy of God flows from his experience of the Paschal Mystery.

Deacon Scott, observing the Holy Father during the Easter Vigil, said, “Being able to see the joy and love of Christ that he communicated to so many in St. Peter’s that night helped me to understand better the message of mercy and love that has been ever-present in his ministry.” Encouraged and inspired by the Holy Father, Deacon Scott and his brother seminarians who served at these liturgies hope to imitate his example of love, mercy, and joy in their future ministries. n

Shane Nunes ‘18 (Bridgeport) processing with the Crucifix. © Fotografia Felici

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News Bytes

ORDINATION Alumni priests from the College came to celebrate the Episcopal Ordination of His Excellency, Most Rev. Joseph G. Hanefeldt ‘84, former Head Spiritual Director of the College, in his new diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska.

FLAG CEREMONY Bradley Jantz ‘17 (Birmingham), Michael

FASTEST MAN Gregory Gerhart ‘16 (Austin) outrunning the competition to claim the title of “NAC’s Fastest Man.”

RELAY RACE From left: Carter Zielinski ‘18 (Kansas City),

Nicholas Hagen ‘17 (St. Paul-Minneapolis), and Vince Fernandez ‘18 (Tulsa) running in a relay race.

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The Pontifical North American College

Lund ‘16 (Pembroke), and Matthew Meagher ‘18 (Sydney) holding up the American, Canadian, and Australian flags, respectively, during the singing of the national anthems.

NAC’S AUSTRALIANS His Excellency, Most Rev. Jorge Patrón

Wong, Secretary for Seminaries of the Congregation for the Clergy and Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector, with the Australian seminarians and priests of the North American College.

SOFTBALL Andrew Showers ‘17 (Madison) up to bat during the

RECTOR’S DINNER Daniel Ferrari ‘18 (Paterson) singing at

FRATERNITY DAY Robert Adams ‘16 (Lexington) and Erin Kochivar ‘16 (Colorado Springs) enjoying time together during the Class of 2016’s Fraternity Day in Farfa, Italy.

RECTOR’S DINNER Rev. Mr. Joseph Farrell ‘15 (Arlington)

annual NAC University Softball Tournament.

the Rector’s Dinner.

performing Andrea Bocelli’s “Con te partirò” at the Rector’s Dinner.

SOFTBALL Winners of the annual NAC University Softball Tournament, the College’s Gregorian University students. Back row, from left: Rev. James Platania ‘13, C‘16 (Paterson), John Kladar ‘18 (Rockford), Paul Bechter ‘16 (Dallas), Rev. Mr. Geoffrey Brooke ‘15 (Jefferson City), Joseph Furnaguera ‘18 (Newark), Daniel Connealy ‘16 (Phoenix), and Mark Mleziva ‘17 (Green Bay). Front row, from left: David Tomaszycki ‘16 (Detroit), Gregory Parent ‘18 (Green Bay), Andrew Burns ‘17 (Paterson), Kyle Mangloña ‘16 (Seattle), John Baumgardner ‘17 (Milwaukee), and Adam Potter ‘16 (Pittsburgh).

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Rector’s Dinner

Before everyone dispersed for coffee and digestivi, Most Rev. Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong, Secretary for Seminaries at the Congregation for Clergy, closed out the dinner by offering a final blessing and inviting us to sing a “Regina Coeli” in honor of our Lady and Patroness.

Michael Bissex ‘17 (Rockville Centre), left, and Justin Conover ‘17 (Fort Worth), right, performing Charlie Daniels’ “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” for the guests at the Rector’s Dinner.

His Eminence, Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67, Archbishop of Washington, D.C. and member of the College’s Board of Governors, and Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector, presenting the Rector’s Award to Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Dita Baker in thanks for their generous support of the College.

Rector’s Dinner 2015: A Roman “Thanksgiving” in April ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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ith the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pies long behind us, spring brings with it a different kind of Thanksgiving here at the Pontifical North American College.

For the twenty-third time in the College’s history, scores of benefactors from all over the world made their way to the Janiculum Hill on Thursday, April 16 to take part in the College’s formal way of saying “thank you” for their sacrifices and generosity.

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B Y P E T E R VA L E ‘ 1 7 , D I O C E S E O F V E N I C E

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Since its establishment by His Eminence, Edwin Cardinal O’Brien in the early 1990s, the Rector’s Dinner has grown and evolved over the years to now host some four hundred guests. Those attending represent a wide array of both laity and clergy—from parishioners, ambassadors, and government officials, to cardinals, bishops, and pastors.

Despite this impressive diversity, what they all have in common is a sincere love for the Catholic Church and a selfless dedication to the formation

of her priests, specifically those men entrusted to the College’s care.

Before sitting down to the formal dinner, our guests were able to enjoy each other’s company over a variety of traditional Roman antipasti in the Pius XII Gallery. They were then led into the O’Toole Refectory, where seminarians lined the corridor walls to welcome the group and greet personal guests as they passed by. After taking their seats in a very full refectory, Rev. Msgr. James Checchio, Rector, extended an official

welcome to all present, underscoring the College’s dependence on their generosity and its gratitude for their sacrifices. He also mentioned that this year’s dinner had been the most successful to date.

His Eminence, James Cardinal Harvey then offered the formal blessing over the meal, and seminarians filed in to serve a pasta plate, followed by the main course.

In line with tradition, two Rector’s Awards were presented at the end of the meal to honor individuals who have particularly distinguished themselves in their commitment to the College. The first award recognized His Eminence, George Cardinal Pell for his years of tireless support, particularly during his time as Archbishop of Melbourne and Sydney. In his remarks, Cardinal Pell praised the College for its high standard of excellence in priestly formation.

Next, His Eminence, Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67, together with Msgr. Checchio, presented the second award to Mr. Robert and Mrs. Dita Baker, of the Diocese of San Diego, for their long legacy of generosity to both Church and community, and particularly for their substantial donations to the College in recent years. In his remarks, Mr. Baker credited Most Rev. Robert Brom ‘64 with first introducing him to the

Organizing such a major event is no easy feat. Each year it requires a great deal of time and energy from the entire community. Yet it is our joy to provide this small, annual way of giving thanks to those generous faithful who sacrifice so much to make our formation possible. n

College, and he joked that it has been a “costly relationship,” but one that has never failed to reward him personally.

Another tradition of the evening (as anyone who has visited YouTube during the past year will certainly know) is the entertainment portion put on by the seminarians. While guests enjoyed white-chocolate profiterole, a musical feast for the ears and eyes unfolded in front of them on the provisional stage.

The selections spanned a wide array of genres, and guests were treated to renditions of Charlie Daniels’ “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” Andrea Bocelli’s “Con te partirò,” and Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me”—all with the classic NAC flair.

His Eminence, Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67, Archbishop of Washington, D.C. and member of the College’s Board of Governors, and Rev. Msgr.

James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector, presenting the Rector’s Award to His Eminence, George Cardinal Pell, Prefect of the Secretariat of the Economy of the Holy See, in thanks for his years of tireless support of the College.

More than 400 generous supporters of the Pontifical North American College gathered together in Rome at the 23rd Annual Rector’s Dinner.

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Early Diaconate Ordinations

was likewise overwhelmed: “I looked down at my new vestments and realized, “I’m different!” I knew that I had been called by God to serve him in this new and particular ministry, and God himself had touched the depths of my soul and transformed me in a unique way for this special work.”

Rev. Mr. Stephen Gadberry ‘16 (Little Rock) distributes the Precious Blood to his mother during the Diaconate Ordination liturgy in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The Company of Family

Rev. Mr. Matthew Tucci ‘16 (Indianapolis), left, and Rev. Mr. Anthony Hollowell ‘16 (Indianapolis), right, with Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector, center, before their Diaconate Ordination Mass in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Early Diaconate Ordinations Bring Grace and Hope to the Third-Year Class ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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B Y G R AY S O N H E E N A N ‘ 1 7 , A R C H D I O C E S E O F D E T R O I T

uring Easter break this year, five of the College’s third-year men of the class of 2016 were ordained deacons in their home dioceses in the United States.

Although these five returned to the College in a special situation—the rest of their class awaits diaconate ordination in St. Peter’s Basilica this October—the community welcomed them back with hearty applause one-by-one as they made their way back to campus. As the spring term

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winds down and the long Roman summer begins to make itself known, the new deacons have been a welcome renewal and inspiration to the community to finish the year strong. Rev. Mr. Stephen Gadberry ‘16 (Little Rock) was ordained at his home parish, St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wynne, Arkansas by Most Rev. Anthony B. Taylor ‘80, Bishop of Little Rock. Reflecting on his ordination, he affirmed the grace brought by ordination: “The faith is contagious. We must feed one another and fan each other’s fires!”

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The chance to spend time with family and friends approaching their diaconate ordination proved particularly important to these five men. Rev. Mr. Michael Shuetz ‘16, ordained in St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Wake Forest, North Carolina by Most Rev. Michael Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, expressed that it was “awesome to see the other seminarians in the diocese and a number of parishioners I’ve gotten to know over the years throughout my formation.” Rev. Mr. Timothy Ahn ‘16, ordained in the same diocese, shared similar thoughts: “Spending time with the people of my diocese and hearing their stories allowed me to prepare for ordination with a fresh focus and to

Thankfully, these five men now journey with the people of God—and their classmates—in a new and special way as ordained servants. May the graces from their ordination spill over onto all of us as we begin this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. n

renew my own motives for wanting to be ordained—to journey with the people of God and to bring them closer to Him.”

Transformed by Grace Rev. Mr. Anthony Hollowell ‘16 and Rev. Mr. Matthew Tucci ‘16, ordained together in Saint Meinrad Archabbey by Most Rev. Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Indianapolis, were similarly moved by their experience. Tucci, commenting on the ordination itself, remarked that “the litany of Saints was palpable. I could feel them there with me, praying with the faithful. We are not in this alone.

God, the saints, and all of the faithful are with us and supporting us.” After being ordained and vested, Hollowell

Rev. Mr. David Kidd ‘16 (Toledo), far left, and Rev. Mr. Austin Ammanniti ‘16 (Toledo), center-right, with their bishop, His Excellency, Most Rev. Daniel E. Thomas C‘90, Bishop of Toledo, with another newly-ordained deacon.

PLANNED GIVING By including the College in your estate plan, you can help bridge support for the next generation of seminarians who will be sent to Rome. A Charitable Gift Annuity is an easy way to simultaneously provide a charitable donation, an income tax deduction, and a guaranteed lifetime income stream for you, Rev. Mr. Timothy Ahn ‘16 (Raleigh), far left, and Rev. Mr. Michael Schuetz ‘16 (Raleigh), left of center, with their bishop, His Excellency, Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, and two other newly-ordained deacons.

the benefactor. Annuities can be established for as little as $10,000.

TO LEARN MORE: Contact Mark Randall, CFRE, Executive Director for Advancement. mrandall@pnac.org or 202-541-5411 ROMAN ECHOES 2015 • VOLUME 18: ISSUE 3

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Spring Play

In-House Seminar

Fostering Theological Thinking B Y J O S E P H F U R N A G U E R A ‘ 1 8 , A R C H D I O C E S E O F N E WA R K

The cast and crew of the College’s annual stage production, Journey’s End, take their bow at the conclusion of one of their performances. From left: Kevin Leaver ‘17 (Boston), Rev. Scott Murray ‘14 (Pembroke), David Tomaszycki ‘16 (Detroit), Sean Grismer ‘16 (Rockford), Daniel Eusterman ‘17 (Denver), David Exner ‘16 (San Diego), Michael Dion ‘16 (Seattle), Paul Bechter ‘16 (Dallas), and Colin Jones ‘18 (St. Paul-Minneapolis).

The directors of Journey’s End, Zachary Daly ‘17 (Des Moines), left, and Peter Ascik ‘17 (Charlotte), right.

A scene from Journey’s End, with seminarian actors (from left): Sean Grismer ‘16 (Rockford), David Exner ‘16 (San Diego), Daniel Eusterman ‘17 (Denver), David Tomaszycki ‘16 (Detroit), and Kevin Leaver ‘17 (Boston).

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very Wednesday afternoon of the semester, eight New Men gather around a table in the College’s newly dedicated classroom building for our weekly seminar with Rev. Msgr. John Cihak, ‘98, C‘07, a theologian and papal master of ceremonies. The seminar is designed to complement our lectures at the Gregorian University by giving us an opportunity to undertake a more detailed examination of theological fundamentals. The first-year curriculum focuses on fundamental theology (how we can know God through revelation), Christology (studying the person of Jesus), soteriology (the study of savlation theology) and the Trinity. We enter into these topics by reading and discussing Church documents, commentaries, early Fathers of the Church, Scholastic authors, and contemporary theologians.

At the beginning of the year, Rev. Donald Henke, ‘92, C‘04, Academic Dean of the College, spoke to the New Men about the importance of strong academic formation. To give a sense of perspective, he spoke of the “leisure of study.” The phrase may have sounded unharmonious with the discipline of seminary life at first, but its meaning became clear on further reflection. All people desire truth, and all strive to live according to the values and virtues in which they believe. For Christians, it is imperative to know Christ and to try to follow those values and virtues that God has revealed to us. While study may

Rev. Msgr. John Cihak ‘98, C‘07 (Portland in Oregon) teaching the College’s Gregorian University students during their weekly seminar in one of the new building’s classrooms.

seem demanding at times, there is a certain leisure required in order to dedicate so much time and energy to the continual discovery of the content of our faith.The Church never fails to emphasize the importance of studying Sacred Scripture and the Church’s tradition—two realities that cannot be separated (a point repeatedly visited in fundamental theology).

Msgr. Cihak’s seminar offers us the opportunity to pursue this very vision—to know Christ by knowing the Church. It is not uncommon for this and related topics to lead the group into long discussions and prayerful reflection. It is not only a way for us to know who the Church is and what she teaches, but a way for us to think with her.

Even the structure of our seminar is a source of inspiration. Each week, one student is designated as the ponens and prepares a presentation based on the weekly readings, along with the papers written by other students. We hope this exercise in recognizing our classmates’ unique ways of thinking will serve a pastoral purpose in future ministry.

I am grateful that the Pontifical Gregorian University (“Mother Greg,” as some call her) asks her students to take this weekly seminar, but still more grateful to the Pontifical North American College, which arranges for the New Men to experience a seminar in English, and in the surroundings of home at the College. Since Italian can prove difficult for the New Men as they begin their total immersion, the importance of an English seminar cannot be overlooked. n

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Second-Cycle Studies

immensely if one is actually interested in the topic as well! Finding a love of one’s topic means the tesina’s focus often goes through some refining.

Rev. Brian Baker ‘14 (Atlanta) initially hoped to write on grace, but with his tesina director’s help, he narrowed down the paper’s scope in light of his brief pastoral experience. “In the end, I decided to treat the pastorally applicable theme of the loss of the sense of sin in our world,” he explained. “In this way,

This capstone project is known affectionately by these “baby priests” as the tesina, a paper of substantial length (some fifty to seventy-five pages) to be written on a topic in their area of theological specialization.

Rev. Brian Baker ‘14 (Atlanta) is currently specializing in Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Rev. Michael Fye ‘14 (Nashville) is currently specializing in Moral Theology at the Angelicum, or the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Rev. Garrett Nelson ‘14 (Great Falls-Billings) is currently specializing in Theology of Marriage and the Family at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family.

I hope to fulfill my initial intention of helping people understand God’s grace more profoundly.”

After settling on a topic, the next step is to track down relevant resources and articles in the scholarly corpus. Books and essays can be found in the College’s well-stocked theological library, at the various universities in Rome, and increasingly, online. The tesina that has perhaps generated the most buzz in the College community is that of Rev. Michael Fye ‘14 (Nashville), who is writing on the moral implications of recreational marijuana use. “I have used mostly the Summa Theologiae by St. Thomas Aquinas,” he said, “but also about a dozen other sources, including medical papers, sociological surveys, pastoral documents of the Church, and books detailing the effects of drugs on the body, mind, and soul.”

With research concluded, writing the tesina begins. For many men, the work

can become all-encompassing—particularly as deadlines approach. But these new priests find, amidst the hard work, that they are often changed and challenged in ways that go beyond the merely intellectual. Rev. Garrett Nelson ‘14 (Great Falls-Billings) found this as he put the finishing touches on his tesina, which dealt with the notion of shame as an integral part of the virtue of chastity.

“Writing my tesina has challenged me to recognize each person as a gift from the Father,” he observed. “This basic truth has affected my daily interactions with the people I meet on the street, and even with my own family.”

As enriching as the project can be, there is no doubt that the new priest breathes a huge sigh of relief when he turns in the completed tesina to his university—savoring the finish of his intellectual digestivo and giving thanks to God for the success of the work of his hands. n

The Capstone of Academic Life in Rome •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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B Y R E V. A A R O N Q U R E S H I ‘ 1 4 , A R C H D I O C E S E O F WA S H I N G T O N

o fine Italian meal would be considered complete without a digestivo, an after-dinner drink (perhaps grappa or limoncello) which cleanses the palate and facilitates the meal’s digestion.

Fifth-year priests—those who return to the College for an extra year of studies after ordination—are treated in their final year to a kind of intellectual

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The Pontifical North American College

digestivo after the sumptuous banquet of theological studies which they have been privileged to enjoy in Rome. This capstone project is known affectionately by these “baby priests” as the tesina, a paper of substantial length (some fifty to seventy-five pages) to be written on a topic in their area of theological specialization. For most men, it is a yearlong project, lovingly labored over in spare moments while still taking a normal

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class schedule. The tesina is intended to demonstrate the student priest’s mastery of a small topic on the way to earning a “license” degree and, perhaps, to facilitate the digestion of the challenging theological material in an area of specialization.

The first step is to find an appropriate topic—one neither too big nor too small to tackle. Of course, it helps

Starting second from the left: Rev. Garrett Nelson ‘14 (Great Falls-Billings), Rev. Daniel McCaughan ‘13 (Sydney), Rev. Andrew Vill ‘14 (Bridgeport), Rev. Adam Hofer ‘14 (Rapid City), and Rev. Joseph Kuharski ‘14 (St. Paul-Minneapolis) giving a presentation at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family.

ROMAN ECHOES 2015 • VOLUME 18: ISSUE 3

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Alumni Interview

one has no trouble believing that he “learned a lot very quickly”. While a young priest at thirty-two might be tempted just to spend time with the young people, Rev. Donelan treasures his time spent with those close to death—“It’s a special time with the family and to prepare the person to see God. You see God at work in them and in the family. Their confessions are meaningful and you get a cross-section of all sorts of people—those who have been Catholics for years and those who are new or rediscovering their faith. Something about being with the dying teaches us about loving one another—there will always be many things to do but there are more important priorities in life.”

Rev. Jeb Donelan ‘11 (Arlington) distributing First Holy Communion to a parishioner.

A Conversation with Alumnus Rev. Jeb Donelan ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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BY MICHAEL ZIMMERMAN ‘17, ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON

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hat’s what people need: a message of hope. They have needed it for so long,” Rev. Jeb Donelan ‘11 commented when asked about the upcoming extraordinary Jubilee dedicated to Divine Mercy.

While he does not yet know how his parish, St. Anthony of Padua in the Diocese of Arlington, will celebrate the Jubilee year, he believes it will be an opportunity to help many who are weighed down with guilt to come back

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to the Church, who wishes to receive them with open arms. This message of hope attracted Rev. Donelan to the priesthood, shaped his formation at the College, and characterizes his parish ministry.

Rev. Donelan first came to recognize his vocation while a senior in high school. “I went to a public high school and I saw that I had a direction and meaning from my Catholic faith while my friends didn’t have a clue. I started

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to pray, to go to Mass, and to receive the sacraments more frequently. I had a sense of meeting God, and I realized that I wanted to give that to others, too.

I desired to bring that hope to others.”

Since his ordination in 2011, Rev. Donelan has been spreading this hope through his parish ministry. Now Parochial Vicar and Director of Religious Education at St. Anthony’s after serving for three years in the large and active All Saints parish in Manassas, Virginia,

“Something about being with the dying teaches us about loving one another—there will always be many things to do but there are more important priorities in life.”

Rev. Donelan describes one of the greatest challenges in the Diocese of Arlington to be mixing English- and Spanish-speaking communities in a single parish. He explains that studying in Rome and working with AIDS patients in Spain during his New Man summer helped him “to see the Church in a universal light—given that Europe was a new place—but also by studying with seminarians from all over, especially Latin America.” The challenges he faced as a foreigner in Rome help him to “make the extra step to understand

MONTHLY

GIVING

Rev. Jeb Donelan ‘11 (Arlington) poses with parishioners and their newly-baptized baby.

people of different backgrounds” and to appreciate that “some cultures live and practice the faith in a way that is still true, but it’s something that we may not understand or be used to.” Regardless of one’s diocese, Rev. Donelan said that the College helps seminarians prepare for ministry; it is “like a parish with lots of opportunities; you have to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and make decisions in planning your day.” Rev. Donelan also credits the College for the “lots of good friends” he made while there, and for its formation culture, which helped form the habit of deliberately cultivating priestly fraternity.

When asked for his advice to seminarians at the College, Rev. Donelan responded with the same elements that make up his ministry: learn Spanish, listen to the Holy Father and the Holy Spirit, hope in God’s grace, and share that same hope with God’s people as their true shepherd. n

Rev. Jeb Donelan ‘11 (Arlington) teaching at the parish.

Your monthly, automated gift to the College is an easy way to sustain our noble mission! Join with a gift of $10, $15, or even $25 – the amount is adjustable at any time. Call the Office of Institutional Advancement (202-541-5411) or visit http://onlinegiving.pnac.org/cormeum ROMAN ECHOES 2015 • VOLUME 18: ISSUE 3

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Institute for Continuing Theological Education

What Does Rome Have to Do With Jerusalem?

The Perfect Pilgrimage to Complete a Sabbatical B Y R E V. J A M E S S U L L I VA N , O . P. , D I R E C T O R , I N S T I T U T E F O R C O N T I N U I N G T H E O L O G I C A L E D U C AT I O N

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spring pilgrimage to the Holy Land has become a regular part of the three-month sabbatical program offered by the Institute for Continuing Theological Education. Combined with all that the sabbatical priests learn during their time in Rome—particularly at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul—the pilgrimage rounds off their experience by bringing them to the one tomb that made it all possible.

This past semester, fourteen of the twenty-six ICTE priests chose to make this special pilgrimage, and each of them experienced new graces in retracing the footsteps of Jesus, from Nazareth to Jerusalem, and from the shores of the Sea of Galilee down to the banks of the River Jordan. We joined in all of the customary tourist traditions: We ate Saint Peter’s fish (at least, that’s what the menu said), rode the cable car up the Mount of Temptation (it was not much of a temptation to walk up), and swam in the Dead Sea (or rather, floated).

But the heart of each day was the celebration of Mass, as we traced our own steps on this path of Christ. As one of our priests wrote, reflecting upon his time in Israel: “For me the Holy Land pilgrimage was the summit of my sabbatical with ICTE. Every site we visited was of spiritual importance to

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The Pontifical North American College

Participants in the Spring 2015 session of the Institute for Continuing Theological Education gather with Rev. James Sullivan, O.P., Program Director, in St. Peter’s Square.

our call to serve God’s people as priests. However, having the opportunity to say Mass at the basilicas and churches at the holy sites we visited—such as Peter’s House in Capernaum in Galilee, the mountain of the Transfiguration, and the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem—brought alive the significance of our call to the celebration of the Eucharist, at any time and in any place, for the salvation of souls. Visiting the holy sites was by itself special, but saying Mass at those sites brought alive the ministry and the love of Christ in the Eucharist.

Being the principal celebrant of the daily Mass was strictly volunteer and one of the priests, without looking at the schedule, asked to serve as principal celebrant for the pilgrimage’s final Mass.

He asked simply because it was his birthday. But Mass on that last day was

scheduled to be celebrated in the Holy Sepulchre, on the very site of our Lord’s glorious Resurrection. Because the Resurrection comes to us in ways that we can never even imagine, that priest sadly learned just two days before our departure that his nephew had committed suicide. He still wanted, of course, to say the Mass, but now somehow that particular Mass had a more particular meaning. We gathered in the tomb that morning at 6 a.m. and prayed for his nephew’s repose. We prayed for the mercy of God to receive him and we prayed for the consolation of his family.

That really is the reason we go on pilgrimage, and the reason we go on sabbatical: We desire the grace of the Resurrection to bring us back to life, and even to bring us to a new and greater life. That last morning, as we left for Rome, we had found the perfect ending for our sabbatical in an empty tomb that we found full of life. n

Casa Santa Maria

Spring at the Casa Santa Maria B Y R E V. J O H N P. C U S H ‘ 9 8 , C ‘ 1 6 , D I O C E S E O F B R O O K LY N

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his year at the Casa Santa Maria has been, for the most part, very tranquil.

We were blessed to have the guiding hands of our staff here at the Casa, who are not just superiors of the house, but true brother priests. Rev. Msgr. Fred Berardi C‘82 (New York), completed his first full calendar year as the head of this house.

Rev. Msgr. Joseph Chapel ‘92, C‘98 (Newark), took over the role of House Spiritual Director from the beloved Rev. Msgr. Cornelius McRae, and brought with him a wealth of knowledge from his life experience and prayerful practicality. We were blessed to have the steady presence of Rev. Msgr. Michael Osborn ‘92, C‘99 (Kalamazoo) at the Casa, offering guidance not only to the newly ordained, but to the veterans of priestly service as well. This year, as our historian-in-residence, Rev. Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni ‘77, C‘83 (Bridgeport) has been a welcome addition to our community while he authors a new book on the history of the College. In addition, the second semester brought the addition of Rev. Msgr. Stephen Rossetti (Syracuse) to our community, as a visiting professor at the Gregorian University. Msgr.

Rosetti quickly integrated himself into life at the Casa and was a regular and welcome addition to all our liturgies, meals, and daily life.

time of great transition in our community. Our superior, Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64, C‘92 (Worcester) had been appointed a Canon of Saint Peter’s Basilica, leaving us in the good hands of Msgr. Osborn, our interim superior, who went well above and beyond his duties, handing over the reins of a well oiled, organized operation to Msgr.

Berardi, whose calm, pleasant, and above all priestly ways have greatly influenced this community.

As the president of the House Council in the academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, I was honored to assist in a

His Excellency, Most Rev. Jorge Patrón Wong, Secretary for Seminaries of the Congregation for Clergy, center, with Rev. Msgr. Ferdinando Berardi C‘82 (New York), Superior of the Casa Santa Maria, left of center, and the Casa Santa Maria community.

Calm, prayerful, and, above all priestly would be the words to describe life in the Casa this past year. The priests in this house, from America, Australia, Great Britain, and Spain, those newly ordained and those ordained for a while, those who had studied in Rome previously and those who are here for

the first time, are all about one main objective: becoming more and more priestly. At one level, our assignment is simple—to complete the academic program that our bishops need for the benefit of our home dioceses, whether that be at the Gregorian, the Angelicum, Santa Croce, the Lateran, San Anselmo, the Biblicum, the Alphonsianum, or the John Paul II Institute. But the real goal is—through our prayer, studies, and apostolic work—to continue to grow to be Good Shepherds for the Church, all under the loving influence of St. Peter, now called Pope Francis, here in Rome.

This work of ongoing priestly formation is happening right here at the Casa every day. I, for one, know how blessed I am to have this experience of the Casa, and I know that I am a better priest and human being because of it. n

ROMAN ECHOES 2015 • VOLUME 18: ISSUE 3

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Institutional Advancement

“A thousand thanks” to the sponsor of this issue of Roman Echoes:

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

A Hope Made Possible

BY MARK RANDALL, CFRE • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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ere is a number worthy of applause: 53. That’s how many men from the PNAC Class of 2015 will be ordained to the priesthood in the coming weeks. It’s almost 10 percent of all ordinations this year in the U.S., according to research recently released by the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.

They report 595 potential ordinands this year, up from 477 in 2014 and 497 in 2013. This is of course very good news for the many parishes around the country that will benefit from these well formed, holy men coming home to serve the faithful.

waiting list for next year and are working hard to find any extra space.

With students coming from over 100 different dioceses, our community is reflective of the beautiful diversity of the Catholic Church.

The recent surge in vocations has been felt at the North American College.

This was our fourth year at full enrollment—something not realized since the 1960s. We already have a

While an increase in vocations and our peak enrollment are attributable to many factors, our ability to meet these needs is made possible in a singular manner. “Without so many good and

Although we have been renovating and upgrading our campus in Rome since the Vision for the Future campaign in 2006, it was growth during the past couple of years that prompted the expansion. The new tower, which was dedicated in January, added much needed classroom, study, and office space. Upcoming renovations will make more room for our growing community and their evolving formation needs.

Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), Rector, with recent Rector’s Dinner Honorees, Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Dita Baker.

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generous benefactors, willing to invest in the mission of the North American College, truly none of this would be possible,” remarked our Rector, Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (Camden), recently. “Thanks to thousands of our priest alumni, our bishops, lay friends, parents of students, and faithful organizations, the College has been able to invest in our future like never before.”

Today, you as an alumnus or lay friend of the College have more ways than ever before to financially support these 300+ seminarians and student priests studying in Rome. From annual projects and automated monthly giving, to our “Rector’s Circle” and estate planning, you truly become a partner in helping to shape the future of the priesthood in North America.

His Eminence, Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, remarked during his visit to the College in January, “I believe it is a good sign—a sign of great hope,” referring to our growth and the need for more space. These 53 soon-to-be priests can certainly attest to that. And Pope Francis certainly witnessed this during his recent time with us.

Let us all pray that vocations continue to increase as men answer Christ’s call.

And, may God continue to inspire others to partner with the Pontifical North American College in our mission of forming priests for Jesus Christ in the Heart of his Church. n

ROMAN ECHOES 2015 • VOLUME 18: ISSUE 3 Interested in sponsoring a future issue of Roman Echoes? Contact our Executive Director, Mark Randall: 202-541-5411 or mrandall@pnac.org

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The Pontifical North American College Office of Institutional Advancement 3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20017-1194

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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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40TheThe Pontifical AmericanII College Ponte VittorioNorth Emmanuele and Tiber River at twilight, photographed by Michael Lund ‘16 (Pembroke).