NAC Magazine: Winter 2007

The Pontifical

North American College M

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Winter 2006-2007

WINTER 2006-2007 ---

The Pontifical

North American College

MA GA Z I N E

Editorial Director: Dylan Corbett ‘08 Diocese of Providence Assistant editor: Nicholas Vaskov ‘09 Diocese of Pittsburgh

Design and graphics: Jordan Bauer ‘09 Diocese of Saint Paul Minneapolis Design assistant: Robert Wagner ‘09 Diocese of Arlington

House photographer: David Rivera ‘09 Diocese of Camden with contributions from Ernest Cibelli ‘09 Archdiocese of Baltimore For more information about the North American College, or to learn about opportunities for memorial gifts, contact Tricia Lloyd at our Washington, DC Office of Development: Tel: (202) 541-5411 Fax: (202) 722-8804 Email: nac@usccb.org

Cover Image: Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the Pontifical Gregorian University on 3 November 2006

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THE RECTOR’S CORNER

E P A R T M E N T S 3

THE APOSTOLATE

Rev. Mr. Zachary Weber ‘07

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James Melnick ‘09

Rev.Walter R. Oxley,‘03 CSM ‘08

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VOCATION STORY

CASA SANTA MARIA IN DEPTH

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Dylan Corbett ‘08

AMBASSADOR ROONEY 14

Gregory Rannazzisi ‘09

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NEIGHBORHOOD PROFILE TRASTEVERE

Nicholas Azar

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NAC IN MOVEMENT News and Updates

by Eric Bernhard ‘09 and Celso Batista ‘09 26

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

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FEATURES PAPAL REMARKS AT PONTIFICAL GREGORIAN UNIVERSITY

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ORDINATIONS TO THE DIACTONATE 2007- by Craig Vasek ‘10

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RECTOR OF THE PONTIFICAL GREGORIAN UNIVERSITY

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VOCATIONS IN OUR FAMILY - by Rev. Mr.Aaron Kuhn ‘07 and Matthew Kuhn ‘10 12 ORIENTATION 2006 - by Nicholas Vaskov ‘09

BACK COVER : CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CONTRUBUTIONS

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Papal visit to the Gregorian

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INSIDE

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Making Way for the New Men

Ambassador Francis Rooney

by Dylan Corbett ‘08

12 Vocations in Our Family by the Kuhn brothers

by Nicholas Vaskov ‘09

14 the Apostolate

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by James Melnick ‘09

Board of Governors Chairman Most Rev. Edwin F. O’Brien C’76 Archbishop of the Military Services, USA

Vice Chairman Most Rev. Richard E. Pates ’69

Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Treasurer Most Rev. John J. Myers ’67 Archbishop of Newark

Secretary Most Rev. Patrick J. Zurek ’75 Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio

Pope Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo

Most. Rev. Tod D. Brown ‘62 Bishop of Orange in California

Most Rev. Alexander J. Brunett ‘59 Archbishop of Seattle

Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran ‘62, C ‘63 Bishop of Rockford

Most Rev. Edward Cardinal Egan ‘58 C ‘63 Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ’92, C’97

Rector

Rev. Msgr. Daniel H. Mueggenborg ’89

Vice Rector for Administration Vice Rector for Student Life Rev. Peter McGuine ‘90

Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelley ‘64

Superior, Casa Santa Maria Director of Development

Archbishop of New York

Most Rev. Victor B. Galeone ‘61 Bishop of Saint Augustine

Most Rev. John R. Gaydos ‘69 Bishop of Jefferson City

Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz Bishop of Knoxville

Most Rev. Henry J. Mansell ’63 Archbishop of Hartford

Most. Rev. Francis R. Reiss C ‘84 Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit

Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan ‘65, C ‘71 Archbishop of Santa Fe

Most Rev. William C. Skurla

Bishop, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Van Nuys

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

Rector’s corner

‘Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’

his edition of the magazine covers both the orientation of our new seminarians at the College this year, the "new men," as well as our diaconate ordination, hence covering both the beginning of a man's response to the Lord's call, his entering into seminary and his goal, entrance into Holy Orders.

On 24 August, forty-six new seminarians gathered for the first time in our Chapel of the Immaculate Conception having just flown over from the United States or having spent some weeks studying Italian in Assisi or Siena. As they entered the chapel for that first time and sat in the first few pews, I kept thinking to myself, how many hours during their time here will they sit in silence in this same chapel adoring the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, waiting for Him to speak to them further? They have already heard Him, loud and clear, and that is what brought them here to the College. Pope Benedict XVI while in Cologne last summer spoke to 3500 seminarians (some of our men were there) about this beautiful and mysterious call each seminarian hears. "The seminarian experiences the beauty of that call in a moment of grace which could be called a 'falling in love'. His soul is filled with amazement, which makes him ask in prayer: 'Lord, why me?' But love knows no 'why', it is a free gift to which one responds with the gift of self."

The twenty-seven men of the fourth year ordained at St. Peter's Basilica on October 5, who joined their eight other classmates ordained to the same Order over the summer at home, obviously have heard the Lord speaking to their hearts and decided to give themselves permanently to the Lord in service of His Church. They believe with all their hearts that indeed the Lord is calling them to lay down their lives, in union with Him and in service of His people in their local dioceses at home.

The Church confirmed that call for them with ordination.

The fourth year class chose St. Lawrence as their patron. This city of Rome reminds all of us who live here of the price of giving your life to the Lord in service of His people.

The witness of the need for the deacon or priest to lay down his life, his wishes, and his desires, for the needs of others is a reality we come face to face with each day. As the seminarians and student priests walk to the University each day, they pass splendid examples of saintly men and women from throughout the ages hidden in the various churches they pass.

They also see that witness in the lives of many priests, religious and seminarians they see each day in this city.

They are reminders to us, that no longer can the deacon or priest be his own man; rather, he is forever Christ's.

We are grateful to the men of fourth year who so generously gave of themselves and permanently committed their lives to loving service of God and His Bride, the Church, as celibate, obedient, and prayerful sacred ministers.

It is a joy to work with these young men here in Rome who listen so attentively to the Lord while preparing themselves to be sacred ministers. Enjoy this edition of the magazine and getting to know the Pontifical North American College and her students better. Your support and participation in that preparation is most

The theology of Ratzinger contemplating ( the mystery )

Knowledge and Love.

A formation geared towards the students Dear young people, I thank you for the sentiments expressed by your representative and those which you yourself have expressed! In a certain sense, this University is really yours. Ever since 1551, when Saint Ignatius of Loyola founded it, it has existed for you, for the students. All of the energies spent by your Professors and Lecturers, in teaching and in research, are for you. Just for you are all the preoccupations and daily labors of the Magnificent Rector, the Vice Rectors, and the Deans and Presidents. You are aware of this and I am certain that you are also grateful for it.

Study and the Kingdom of God With joy I find myself here in this very portico where I have come on many occasions. I remember particularly Father Lohfink's thesis defense during the Council in the presence of many Cardinals and poor advisers like myself.

With affection I remember in a particular way the time when I was Ordinary Professor of Dogmatics and the History of Dogma at the University of Regensberg and was invited here in 1972 by the then Rector HervĂŠ Carrier S.J. to hold a course on the Holy Eucharist for the II Cycle students specializing in Dogmatic Theology. And so it is with the familiarity of then that I say to you, Professors and students, that the efforts that go into study and teaching, in order to have any meaning in relation to the Kingdom of God, must be sustained by the theological virtues. In fact, the immediate object of theological science, in its different specifications, is God himself, the one revealed in Jesus Christ, God with a human face.

The meaning of theology It is not enough then to know about God. In order to really encounter him, one must also love him. Knowledge must become love. The study of theology, of canon law and of church history is not simply knowledge of the propositions of the faith in their historical formulation and practical application, but is always also the deeper intelligence of these things in faith, in hope, and in love. Only the Spirit can plumb the depths of God. And so it is only in listening to the Spirit that one can scrutinize the richness, the wisdom and the knowledge of God (cfr 1 Cor 2, 10). The Spirit is heard in prayer, when the heart opens up to the contemplation of the mystery of God, who has revealed himself in the Son, Christ Jesus, the image of the invisible God (cfr Col 1, 15), made Head of the Church and Lord of all things (cfr Eph 1, 10; Col 1, 18).

The achievements of the Roman College It would be enough to recall the so-called Gregorian calender, because it was ordered by my predecessor Gregory XIII, currently in use in all of the world, which was created in 1582 by Father Cristoforo Clavio, a professor at the Roman College. It would also be enough to mention Father Matteo Ricci, who brought all the way to China, together with the witness of his faith, the knowledge acquired as a disciple of Father Clavio together with the witness of his faith.

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Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

papal visit Excerpts from Benedict XVI’s address during his visit to the Gregorian community, 3 November 2006

The responsibility of formation Only in reference to God-Love, who has revealed himself in Jesus Christ, can man discover the meaning of his existence and live in hope, despite even the experience of the evils which wound his personal existence and the community in which he lives. Hope guarantees that man does not close himself up in a paralyzing and sterile nihilism, but opens himself up to a generous commitment to the society in which he lives and makes him able to better it. It is the work that God has entrusted to man by creating him in his image and likeness, a work that gives every man a great dignity, but also an immense responsibility. It is with this in mind that you, Professors and Lecturers of the Gregorian University are called to form the students whom the Church has entrusted to you. The integral formation of young people has been one of the traditional apostolates of the Society of Jesus right from its origins and is a mission that right from the beginning the Roman College has made its own. The entrusting to the Society of Jesus in Rome and at the Holy See of the German College, the Roman Seminary, the Hungarian College attached to the German College, the English College, the Greek College, the Scottish College, and of the Irish College was intended to guarantee the formation of the clergy of those nations where the unity of the faith and communion with the Holy See were threatened. Even today these Colleges send their students either exclusively or at least in good number to the Gregorian University, in continuity with that original mission. Over the years many other Colleges have been added to that number. How much more important therefore is the work which weighs on your shoulders, dear Professors and Lecturers!

Priests committed to service As an ecclesiastical and pontifical University, this center of academia is committed to sentire in Ecclesia et cum Ecclesia (thinking in and with the Church). It is a responsibility born out of a love for the Church, our Mother and the Spouse of Christ. We should love her as Christ himself loved her, taking upon ourselves the sufferings of the world in order to complete in our own flesh what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ (cfr Col 1, 24). It is in this way that new generations of committed priests, religious, and laypersons can be formed. It is certainly your intent, dear Professors and Lecturers, to form learned priests, but at the same time priests who are ready to consume their lives in service with an undivided heart, in humility and austerity of life, to all those whom the Lord will entrust to their ministry.

Students’ responsibility for formation But formation is also your responsibility, beloved students. Study certainly requires constant ascesis and self-denial.

But it is exactly in this way that the person is formed with a sense of sacrifice and duty. If fact, that which you learn today is what tomorrow you will pass on when the Church entrusts to you the sacred ministry or other services or offices for the benefit of the community. What in every circumstance will give joy to your hearts will be the awareness of having always cultivated a purity of intention, thanks to which you will have the certainty of having sought and done only the will of God. Obviously, all of this requires purification of the heart and discernment.

W INTER 2 0 0 7

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Joy and Gratitude.

Before

the one who radi ates Presence

Devotion in the presence of the Roman Pontiff The words joy and gratitude say too little. Perhaps the most appropriate word is devotion, because it expresses that feeling which arises in our soul in the presence of Him whom Christ has chosen as the Supreme Pastor of His Bride, the Church, and with whom the University has had a special connection throughout its history, a connection which is closely linked to the bond that Saint Ignatius of Loyola desired the Society of Jesus to have with the person of the Roman Pontiff.

Building the Kingdom of God Precisely because of its location here in Rome and because of its strict connection with the Apostolic See, and in order to assist the Apostolic See, the Roman College was considered by Saint Ignatius to be the most useful and most necessary of all the other colleges that the Society had founded. For this reason the Roman College was the model for the other Italian universities and for the Colleges of the Society that began to multiply throughout the world.

Its service to the particular Churches is obvious by that fact that the students, around 3,000, come from more than 130 countries, more than 821 dioceses and 84 religious institutes. According to the mind of Saint Ignatius himself, the Gregorian forms men and women who bear fruit. There exists a clergy and laity, well formed in a valid pedagogical method spread throughout the world, who multiply the fruits of the Kingdom of God not only for the benefit of the Church but also for society. Every student, coming from a local Church, bringing to the center of Christianity the richness of his culture and experience of faith, enriches the experience of his companions in study who come from other Churches. This reciprocal enrichment is an integral part of the intellectual and spiritual formation received here in Rome at the Gregorian, and every student

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Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

papal visit Address of Reverend Father Gianfranco Ghirlanda, S.J., Magnificent Rector of the Gregorian University brings it back to his Church of origin or to wherever he might be in the service of the Kingdom of God. It is an experience shared by the teaching corps, who come from around 40 countries. This makes of the Gregorian that which the Roman College was from the beginning: Universitas Nationum.

The Pope's very own University As Pius IX declared, in a unique way the Gregorian is a Pontifical University "in name and in the fullest sense of the law". On this basis the Statutes of the University have established that the Pope governs the Gregorian through the Prefect of the Congregation for Education and himself personally nominates the Rector, and many times make clear that the Gregorian...

..."is always for the Pope... his true and very own University: Pontifical in the fullest sense of the name." From you, Your Holiness, who according to the Statutes of the University exercise supreme government over the Gregorian, we ask the blessing of our labors and of our efforts for an ever greater service to the Church in full fidelity to the Apostolic See, to the greater glory of God.

Diaconate Ordination ‘06

Msgr. Checchio prepares the ordinandi with a prayer

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come from a small town. Some people say, "Sure, so do I." But then I get to inform them that the word “small” is a very relative term, Craig Vasek '10 depending on if you are from a “small” suburb of New York or a “small” town on the prairie. I am from a “small” town of about 10. I Diocese of Crookston say the population is about 10 because the town doesn't have a population sign, nor does it have a post office, and no, it doesn't even have the staple business of a northwest Minnesota farming town, a bar. There isn't a grocery store, there isn't a gas station, and there isn't a café. In fact, if my family was actually from the town proper, we would double the population. But one thing that my home town does offer is a church: the small parish church that bore me in baptism and nurtured me throughout the years.

Coming from a “small” town, there are many things that are “big” to me. I began my seminary career living with 8 other men. By my third year there were 17, and that was a big change! This year, my first year at the NAC, 17 became 172 men. That was, to put it mildly, a big change. It still is a big change. I say these things so that you can understand, if only a little, how big of an experience it was to step with both feet into the church whose dome is 138 feet in diameter and 390 feet above the floor. The sheer size of the Basilica of St. Peter, plus its awesome beauty, in addition to singing in a 40 man choir, with thousands of people, all for the purpose of supporting and augmenting an already powerful liturgy of ordination of my new brothers to the diaconate, something I am prayerfully considering for my own future, was a big bite to digest. That might explain the confusion of emotions that were running through my body for those few hours. Many, including myself, ran the gamut from smiling to laughing, clapping to crying, all in the context of celebrating a sacrament of awesome proportions.

I came to the NAC knowing only a few men, and knowing them only by brief association. Even though there are 172 men in the house and a guy can't know everyone very well, some of these men had already helped me to feel like a brother. I was blessed to be a part of something that these men had been striving after for years.

Everything that has happened has seemed a little dreamy. I love where I come from, and I will love to return as a priest of Jesus Christ in 4 years, but to be a part of this experience, knowing that in a few short years it will be me vesting, processing past the main altar to the altar of the Chair of St. Peter, lying prostrate, giving my life in service to the gospel, and having hands laid upon my head with the transmission of holy orders, is all a gift and grace.

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Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

ordination 2006

Ambassador Francis Rooney and Rev. Mr. Josh Guillory with family Rev. Mr. Josh Waltz and his mother after the ordination

ORDINANDI

Rev Mr Bryan Babick - Diocese of Charleston Rev Mr Ryan Bredemeyer - Diocese of Peoria Rev Mr Jason Cargo - Diocese of Dallas Rev Mr Michael Carlson - Archdiocese of Hartford Rev Mr Michael Cassabon - Diocese of Charleston Rev Mr Alejandro del Toro - Diocese of Rockford Rev Mr Christopher Frazer - Diocese of Sacramento Rev Mr Seamus Griesbach - Diocese of Portland in Maine Rev Mr Joshua Guillory - Diocese of Lafayette Rev Mr Andrew Keswick - Archdiocese of Melbourne Rev Mr Aaron Killips - Diocese of Savannah Rev Mr Jeffrey Kirby Diocese of Charleston Rev Mr Aaron Kuhn - Diocese of St Cloud Rev Mr John McDonald - Diocese of Birmingham Rev Mr Jay Mello - Diocese of Fall River Rev Mr Ronald Nelson - Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon Rev Mr John O'Brien - Archdiocese of St. Louis Rev Mr Isaac Orozco - Diocese of Fort Worth Rev Mr Peter Purpura - Diocese of Brooklyn Rev Mr Jaime Rivera - Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Mr Christopher Roberts - Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana Rev Mr Joseph Rogers - Archdiocese of Washington Rev Mr Michael Romano - Diocese of Camden Rev Mr Andrew Roza - Archdiocese of Omaha Rev Mr David Ruchinski - Diocese of St Augustine Rev Mr Richard Schamber - Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee Rev Mr Kim Schrek - Diocese of Pittsburgh Rev Mr Joseph Shimek Archdiocese of Milwaukee Rev Mr Kenneth Saint Hilaire - Diocese of Spokane Rev Mr Lucas Thomas - Diocese of Spokane Rev Mr Michael Triplett - Archdiocese of Baltimore Rev Mr Joshua Waltz - Diocese of Bismarck Rev Mr Zachary Weber - Archdiocese of Cincinnati

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A time of service

vocation

Deacon Zachary Weber '07

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Archdiocese of Cincinnati

While I enjoyed the many activities in which I took hile service is an imporpart during last year, the true tant part of any joy of the year was my ordinaChristian lifestyle, it is tion as a deacon in April 2006. the very essence of the life of a deaWhile most of the men at the con. And this time of service as a NAC are ordained as deacons transitional deacon continues to be at St. Peter's Basilica in an essential part of my own priestly October of their fourth year, formation. When Jesus Christ was an earlier ordination in April forming his apostles to be missiongave me a wonderful opportuDeacons Seamus and Zach prepare for Mass aries of the Gospel, he told them in nity to experience several no uncertain terms that "whoever would be first among months of parish life as a deacon before returning to you must be the servant of all." In imitation of Christ Rome to complete my studies. It was a very blessed and of those first apostles, the deacon is called to con- opportunity. From April through August, I was able to form himself to Christ as the servant of all. assist at all the parish Masses as a deacon, I had the As part of my preparation for this time of ser- occasion to preach two or three times a week, and in vice as a deacon, I benefited from the experience of a May I also was the minister of the Sacrament of pastoral internship, a year living and working in a parish Baptism for the first time. I found all of these events near my home in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Of to be truly humbling and filled with the grace of God. the seven men in my class at the NAC to have experi- These few months serving as a deacon in the parish enced a pastoral year, I think we would all agree that it were a wonderful exercise in learning to be a servant to was a tremendous opportunity to learn the ins and outs all. of life in a parish: the daily routine, liturgical life, minNow as I reunite with my brother seminarians istry to the poor and sick, meetings, and much more. It at the North American College and join a new class in was a chance for me to learn about the aspects of the process, I feel like I have much to share from my priestly ministry that can't really be taught in the class- year in the parish. My class has welcomed me back room but only through first-hand experience. During warmly, and I hope that I was a good example of what the course of my year in the parish, I had the opportu- a deacon should be in the time leading up to their ordinity to help prepare the seventh and eighth grade stu- nation to the diaconate in October. One of the surdents for Confirmation, to instruct the catechumens in prise blessings of the new year was the opportunity to the RCIA program, to bring Holy Communion to the vest one of my classmates during the ordination cerehomebound, to visit hospitals and nursing homes, to mony. For me, this was a perfect chance for me to welassist at liturgies, and to take part in many other parish come him into the order of deacons, and for him to activities. All of these were rich experiences of the welcome me into my new class of formation. While the presence of Christ in the many people I encountered past year of my preparation for the priesthood was not and served to complement my theological education in typical for a student at the NAC, I now know it to have preparation for the priesthood. been a year of prayerful and practical formation for life

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Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

casa santa maria

Monsignor Checchio and Monsignor Kelly with the priest residents of the Casa Santa Maria

The Casa Santa Maria, the graduate priestly house of studies of the Pontifical North American College, is home to one of the largest communities of diocesan priests in the entire world. Our Superior, Msgr. Francis Kelly, often refers to this rather intriguing fact about the unique nature of living as a diocesan priest in Rome. Over seventy English speaking priests, primarily from dioceses in the United States, live at the Casa Santa Maria. It's at the Casa, located right in the heart of Rome and near to the city's ecclesiastical universities, that we pray, eat, and live in community together. We leave our place of residence to go out into the city at our various places of study to do our course work. As a student body, we represent a variety of theological disciplines in our courses of study (Dogmatic, Moral, Liturgical, and Spiritual Theology), as well as Canon Law and Church History.

Life at the Casa is intensely communal. Msgr. Kelly consistently reminds us of the priority of making the Holy Mass the center of our day, and of making prayer a priority in our priestly lives. We realize that the study of theology becomes barren if one does not have an active interior life and living relationship with Our Lord. It is not uncommon to see priests throughout the day in our chapels spending time in prayer with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The cultivation of our spiritual lives is the most important part of our lives as priests at the Casa Santa Maria. There are three opportunities each day for the communal celebration of the Mass, and there is a Sunday concelebrated liturgy. There is also a smaller Chapel of the Sacred Heart, where numerous Masses are offered each day. Before dinner in the evening, a large number of priests gather in our chapel to pray Vespers from the Liturgy of the Hours in common.

As student priests, our responsibility at this point in our priestly lives is to study. Therefore, many hours each day are spent either attending courses or studying. We strive to be accountable to each other to remain faithful to our consecrated study, as it is for the purpose of being able to serve the dioceses to where we will return for priestly ministry after our time of study is complete. Besides just studying, a number of priests engage in some sort of pastoral ministry during their time in Rome. A number of priests assist the Missionaries of Charity and other religious communities in Rome, provide spiritual direction to seminarians and lay students, or assist pilgrims with tours at the Vatican. A small amount of pastoral work enables us to maintain a priestly heart of service, and remain prepared for the pastoral ministry that awaits us when we return home.

It is indeed a tremendous blessing to be able to live a communal life with other diocesan priests. Together we learn from each other and grow in holiness, both for the glory of God and the service of his people.

Rev. Walter (Tad) R. Oxley, S.T.L., ‘03 CSM ‘08 Diocese of Toledo Doctoral Candidate, Pontifical Gregorian University

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Vocations in our Matt Kuhn '10 & Deacon Aaron Kuhn '07

family Matthew and Deacon Aaron Kuhn take a break between classes at the Angelicum

Diocese of Saint Cloud

Aaron We grew up in central Minnesota most all our lives. I am the oldest child, born in 1978. My brother, Matt was born three years later in 1981. People often wonder how it is that both of us have decided to become priests.

Matt When I was very young, around the age of eight, our grandmother asked if I was interested in becoming a priest. I said yes without giving it much thought, and was content with this possibility for several years.

Aaron When I heard Matt mention he was interested in priesthood, I thought that was good for him. I would be the one to have a family and carry on the Kuhn name. Throughout high school my focus was primarily on dating and having fun. Priesthood did not pop into my mind as an option until two years after graduation.

Matt For me priesthood was always lurking in the background as a future possibility, even as I also began dating in high school. At the time I did not want to acknowledge any kind of religious vocation and pushed the idea further away as I moved from high school to college to pursue my dreams of teaching, marriage, and raising a family.

Aaron One afternoon, while talking to my girlfriend, the words "I think I might become a priest if our relationship doesn't work out," jokingly spouted from my mouth. - It was the first moment I had ever said anything like that. Looking back, I can remember it was around that same time that I was watching the priest at Mass and thinking to myself, "If I were a priest, this is what I would do‌" - Two months later, when we ended our relationship, the Lord subtly reminded me of my joke, and the idea of being a priest became the center of all my thoughts and prayers. "Lord, what do you want me to do with my life?"

Matt Meanwhile, I was trying to ask a similar question without letting God into the equation. "What do I want to do with my life? I wanted a career, a wife, and a family. I wanted to teach, and to inspire others as I had been inspired. God was only a secondary concern.

Aaron As my third year after high school rolled along, I was thinking about several different career options: full-

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Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

vocation time military, professional acting, family medecine, music education, and priesthood. Over a period of six months, I slowly narrowed the choices to band director or priest, but I had difficulty saying yes to priesthood. I wanted the Lord to send me some sort of obvious sign telling me what to do, like Moses' burning bush, especially if he was calling me to celibacy and priesthood, something that seemed contrary to my desire for a family.

He, on the other hand, wanted me to make the decision for myself, to not rely on someone else for my choice.

It took a conversation with my mother (one that I had been avoiding in fear of the response) to draw a conclusion. She said, "You need to look at your life, see where the Lord has placed you, the family you have, the talents and desires you have been given, and then think about how you will be happiest serving him." I knew at that moment that I had been receiving small signs my whole life long, that God had prepared me to be his priest, and all I had to do was say "yes." When I did, immediate peace settled in my heart. A few months later, I was entering seminary.

Matt I had far less trouble making big decisions. I settled quickly on pursuing a career in vocal music, and went to St. Olaf College to pursue music education. God was becoming steadily more important in my life, yet I was still reluctant to accept his guidance. I took up apologetics as a hobby and became active in campus ministry, yet still denied any call to ordained priesthood.

Aaron During my four years of college at St. John Vianney Seminary, in Minnesota, the Lord helped me to understand how my life would be fulfilled as a priest. I would be a spiritual soldier, a public religious figure preaching every day, a doctor of souls, and music would forever be a part of my life, especially through the liturgy. All of my desires would be met, including a family of parishioners too numerous to count.

Matt

When Aaron entered seminary, I initially felt relieved. I expected God to leave me alone now that my family had produced a priest; yet God did not stop calling me. By my sophomore year I had stopped dating and began praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Yet it took a moving spiritual experience during a choir concert for me to finally give in to God. I finished my education degree, then entered the pre-theology program at Saint Paul Seminary in Minnesota.

Two years later I was bound for the NAC, ready to accept whatever God had in store for Deacon Aaron Kuhn is in his fourth year of theological studies at the Pontifical North American College. Matthew Kuhn is in his first year of theological studies also at the Pontifical North American College. Both brothers study for the Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minnesota.

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AMBASSADOR FRANCIS

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Dylan George Mason Corbett, ‘08 Diocese of Providence

he Pontifical North American College is not the only distinctly American institution to leave its fingerprint on the Roman landscape.

In fact, when the College was only an idea in the head of Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, Pope Pius IX, the United States of America had already been engaging the Vatican diplomatically for over 50 years. Shortly after the Revolutionary War, while the government of the United States was still being administered by the Articles of Confederation, Benjamin Franklin was appointed to represent American interests in Europe. While in Paris, he was called upon by, and he himself called upon an emissary representing the Holy See. Shortly after one conversation with that emissary in 1784, one Father John Carroll was appointed the first bishop in the United States by Pope Pius VI, formally establishing an American hierarchy. It was not coincidence that Father Carroll had accompanied and impressed Benjamin Franklin on a trip to Quebec not much earlier.

Since the foundation of the country, the govern-

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ment of the United States has had some form of diplomatic representation to the Holy See, either consular or through the personal representation of presidential delegates. Formal diplomatic relations were suspended in 1870, interrupted by the dissolution of the Papal States.

It wasn’t until 1984 that they were officially resumed with the appointment of an ambassador under President Ronald Reagan. The United Sates would not be visited by a Sovereign Pontiff until 1965, when Paul VI went to New York to speak at the United Nations. There is, however, the curious story of the first time a pope stepped on American "soil", when Pius IX boarded a United States naval ship harbored just outside of Gaeta, Italy, and was given the welcome of a head of state.

After three hours he became seasick and departed to a twenty-one gun salute. The act was highly symbolic, for it was precisely then that the sovereignty of the Holy See was being contested by the Italian risorgimento.

Today the United States has full diplomatic relations with the Holy See and maintains an Embassy to

Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

the Holy See in Rome. The United States is one of more than 170 countries to have diplomatic representation to the Holy See. From the perspective of the Holy See, diplomacy is one avenue through which the Successor to the Apostles can effectively communicate the message of Christ. From the perspective of nations with diplomatic representation the Holy See, the world impact of the teachings of the popes means that there are advantages to a strong relationship between the two diplomatic partners to advance the goals of peace, justice, and security internationally.

The United States and the Holy See have had occasion to cooperate on a great number of issues. Much ink has been written about the relationship between President Reagan and John Paul II and the extent of their collaboration in bringing down the Iron Curtain. In 1989, the Holy See negotiated the surrender of the Nicaraguan dictator Manuel Noriega to U.S. authorities, avoiding a possibly bloody conflict. Recently, there has been significant collaboration in the area of biotechnology to alleviate world hunger and malnutrition, in combating HIV/AIDS, and advancing the cause of religious liberty and human rights.

On July 29, 2005 President George W. Bush nominated Francis Rooney the seventh U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. Ambassador Rooney, originally from Oklahoma, is a graduate of Georgetown University and the Georgetown University Law Center. He is also a member of the School of Architecture Council of the University of Notre Dame and a member of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Before entering into diplomatic service he was a successful businessman engaged in public life on a variety of different private and civic levels. He met President George W. Bush in the early 1990's when Bush was managing partner of the Texas Rangers. That friendship and the earlier professional commitment of Rooney to the Bush administration contributed to his appointment as Chief of Mission of the Embassy to the Vatican.

When I sat down with Ambassador Rooney at the Embassy in Rome recently, he spoke of the current relationship between the United States and the Holy See as one particularly fruitful and opportune. "We can speak of a certain natural symmetry of values, goals, and objec-

in depth

t i v e s between the United States and the Holy See. In a sense, we are natural allies from many different perspectives.

The United States has always recognized the wisdom of having the opportunity to represent American values to the Holy Father, particularly since 1984, and to work together to promote human dignity in the world."

Because of this natural symmetry, "President Bush is especially interested in Pope Benedict XVI's own mission to advance the cause of human dignity in the world."

Contemporary issues on the forefront of dialogue between the U.S. and the Holy See have been those of interreligious dialogue and international terrorism.

According to Ambassador Rooney, "both President Bush and Benedict XVI have called for frankness, honesty, sincerity, and constructive dialogue." In 2003, President Bush was the first head of state to introduce the issue of human trafficking onto the floor of the United Nations General Assembly. One of the priorities of the Bush administration has been combating the global problem of the buying and selling of human beings for prostitution, slavery, and other illicit activity, a problem that particularly affects women coming from Eastern Europe and Africa often in search of honest work. In November 2006, Benedict XVI himself spoke out against this modern-day form of slavery. Cardinal Renato Martino, head of the Vatican's office dealing with migration issues, said that in terms of the magnitude of the problem, human trafficking today is "worse than the slavery of those slaves who were taken from Africa and brought to other countries." For more than three years now, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See has collaborated with the Catholic Church in training priests and nuns in Italy and throughout the world to deal with this phenomenon, bringing attention to its root causes and aiding those who are often its victims, most usually women. According to the Ambassador, himself very involved in efforts to combat human trafficking, "President Bush is deeply committed to programs that are training priests and nuns to bring pressure to bear on traffickers. In many cases, priests and religious are the first responders, on the front lines for those at risk." For Ambassador Rooney, one of the things that has been most impressive in his assignment has been Benedict XVI himself. "Pope Ratzinger is very

15

in depth

keen philosophically and theologically. He speaks so w a l l s , clearly, more clearly than anyone else I have ever heard Ambassador Rooney has been captured by Rome’s speak. He has a gentle, warm, caring goodness com- charm. "The past is hurled at you from all sides here. bined with a depth of intellect that just exudes when Here is ancient Rome, now Christian Rome, and on that you look at him." Coming from Oklahoma, where the corner Byzantine Rome. It's extremely rich to be a percentage of the Catholic population is very small, "the Catholic and be here. It makes the position that much hierarchical more special. structure of Our history as a the Church is nation is relareally an tively short. abstraction.

Here you have It's really misthe perspective sion territory. of history, here Rome and the life is rooted in Vatican have a tangible histobeen a comry. When I look pletely differout the window ent experiof my office e n c e . " there is the Ambassador Circus Maximus Rooney has where so many nothing but Christian margood things to tyrs lost their say of the lives. It certainVatican's own ly gives one a Dylan Corbett and Ambassador Rooney diplomatic corps. "Although different perspective." we don't always agree ideologiIt's a perspective that can hopecally, they are truly wonderful people. They are holy and fully be taken back to the drawing table of diplomacy dedicated priests. They are first persons of a high spir- and bear fruit for the present and future. It's often said itual character, really admirable people working to pro- that Rome thinks in centuries. It is partly its cultural and pel the Church's values into the public policy arena." historical patrimony that makes Rome an invaluable Ambassador Rooney is no stranger to the North resource of perspective and knowledge for confronting American College. A highlight of Thanksgiving cele- the problems of today. But there is something much brations at the College is the President's Thanksgiving more. After becoming the first U.S. Ambassador to the Proclamation, delivered at the College by the Holy See appointed by President Reagan, William Ambassador himself. He has also been a distinguished Wilson remarked, "When you realize that you are repreguest at the diaconate ordinations, the Rector's Dinner, senting the President of the most important country in Immaculate Conception festivities, and other occasions. the world - politically, economically, militarily - to the "For me it's a great honor as an American to spend time head of state of the most important entity in the world with the men at the NAC. They're spiritual, tremen- from a spiritual and moral standpoint, you begin to realdously talented men. One of the reasons we're here is ize you are in a very important position." It is the presto support them, Americans studying in Rome for a ence of the Successor of Peter and Vicar of Christ, and great cause. I know it's a great sacrifice for a bishop to the gravity of the Gospel message that he has been send seminarians and commit priests to study and for- charged to hand on that gives Rome an always humanmation in Rome. These young men will be part of the istic and relevant character. His message is always confuture of the Church in America." temporary.

Like most people who have passed through her

O r i e n t a t i o n Implementation

Nicholas Vaskov '09

constant throughout the years. Seeing the look on a brother's face the first time he approaches St. Peter's Basilica brings back memories that are etched into every old man's Diocese of Pittsburgh memory of his own first trip to the Basilica. So, too, are the trips to Castelgandolfo for the Angelus with the Holy very August the second year theologians "take con- Father, the innumerable trips to churches and historic trol" of the North American College and lay out sights throughout the city, or the first cena conversation the "welcome" for the new men, the next class of semi- with a brother in which you come to learn how much you narians to arrive in Rome. Having just arrived the previous have in common. With every new class that enters there year, we understand the importance of having veteran still remains a great sense of continuity at NAC. seminarians available at every turn to answer questions, troubleshoot, and offer tips on life in Rome. As a class we As the first few formative weeks have settled into spent months drawing up schedules, planning excursions, months, my class and I are amazed at what the new men and preparing rooms so that the new men would be able to have offered and continue to offer to this house of formaenjoy their first days and weeks in the Eternal City as they tion. Most significantly, their enthusiasm in all things participated in the orientation program. As this year's ori- study, recreation, prayer - has brought great energy to the entation chairman it is easy for me to focus on how hard house, encouraging all of us in our participation in these the orientation team worked, but that would be unfair since disciplines. Before they know it the new men will be old the true focus of orientation is the new class of 2010. men like the rest of us, offering their time and talents to welcome the class of 2011 to the North American College Welcoming the new men has changed in recent and taking the time to remember what those first few years. While three years ago it would have been common weeks were like, just as we did this year. Pray for them, as for all the men to arrive on US Airways Flight 2 from we do, that they might have strength as they continue to Philadelphia, this year 32 of the men arrived over a month live the will of God early to study Italian in programs throughout Italy with the other 14 arriving for the beginning of orientation in late Photos of New Men settling in on the following pages...

August. Despite the changes, however, so much remains

E

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Class of 2010 Vincent Arong, Galveston-Houston Luke Austin, Burlington Jonathan Bakkelund, Rockford Matthew Bartulica, Kansas City-St. Joseph Celso Batista, Brooklyn Efrain Bautista, San Diego Nicholas Bellotti, Newark Jacob Bertrand, San Diego Frederick Boni, Mobile Llane Briese, Atlanta Michael Bruna, Brooklyn John Burns, Milwaukee Paul Carlson, Peoria David Carrano, Madison Nicholas Desimone, Worcester

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Joseph Gill, Baltimore Justin Huber, Washington DC Gregory Ihm, Madison Robert Kennedy, Arlington Benjamin Kessler, Madison Matthew Kuhn, St. Cloud Micheal Lantagne, Burlington Anthony Lickteig, Washington DC Nolan Lowry, Tyler William Mahoney, Paterson Ian McDole, Covington Gonzalo Meza-Razo, San Antonio James Morrison, Mobile Brian Noel, Pittsburgh Michael Novajosky, Bridgeport

Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

Daniel O’Mullane, Paterson Scott Pogatchnik, Saint Cloud Fernando Saenz, Santa Fe Dwight Schlaline, Harrisburg Jason Schumer, Saint Louis Michael Silloway, Atlanta Phillip Smith, Toledo Joshua Stengel, Little Rock Brian Sullivan, Sacramento Jeremy Trowbridge, Rockford Craig Vasek, Crookston Matthew Wiering, New Ulm Ryan Williams, San Antonio Anthony Willimitis, Santa Fe Adam Young, Providence Brian Zawisky, Washington DC

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An encounter with charity

Greg Rannazzisi '09

T

Diocese of Rockville Centre his past summer, I had the great privilege of spending five weeks with the Missionaries of Charity in Madrid, Spain. There they are engaged in a host of outreach ministries which include a residence for homeless men and women, a house for people dying of AIDS, a soup kitchen, and a two week summer camp for underprivileged children. My experience in getting to know the lifestyle and spirituality of the Missionaries over the summer had a powerful impact on my formation for the priesthood.

On any given day, the sisters provide meals, beds, and many other services to hundreds of people who would otherwise have no access to the most basic resources. They come because they know the sisters will receive them with open arms, even thankful for the opportunity to be of service. Whether because of domestic violence, disease, the inability to work or sustain a home, or difficulty returning to one's native country, Mother Teresa's community provides a shelter for those who have nowhere else to turn.

It was very apparent that everything the sisters - even the volunteers and residents - did revolved around the Eucharist. During my experience in Madrid I gained a new insight into the nature of the Eucharist. God chooses to reveal himself in very simple, clear ways. He humbled Himself even to the point of becoming one of us in Jesus Christ. He gives himself in the same vulnerable way in the Eucharist. The people we encounter everyday are mirrors of the Eucharistic Lord, vulnerable vessels of the divine that desire, knowingly or not, to have their thirst for love satisfied. We must receive each of them as we do the Eucharist, with sincere devotion, love, and gratitude.

Working with the Missionaries of Charity taught me that the Church is far larger than I had imagined.

We often speak of the "universality" of the Church, but it was only after my experience in Spain that I realized exactly what that means. The Church is blind to all divisions of social status. The lonely, the abandoned, the forgotten, the dying, the rejected or misunderstood person is just as much a part of the Church as is the person sitting in the pew week after week. Yet it's a challenge to minister - and to want to minister - to that person.

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Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

Mother Teresa was known as the "Mother of the Poor," and rightly so, for that is what she was. Yet she often remarked that the greatest poverty one can suffer is that of the hunger of the soul. It is easy to help someone who is hungry: simply feed him.

But the emptiness of the heart also leaves a vacuum which only Christ can fill. Often a smile and a warm word can be the beginning of a conversion or a softening of one's heart.

Such an opening provides an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to fill the area in one's life that is lacking: the reality of God's inexhaustible love for every person.

The social teachings of the Catholic Church have been referred to as her "hidden jewels". The Church speaks clearly about the value and dignity of the human person at every stage and in every state of life: the unborn, the child, the worker, the elderly, the dying. The Missionaries of Charity take seriously Christ's mandate - and the Church's echo of it - to love those right in front of them no matter what the cost.

Ministry is surely broader than giving someone what he or she needs at the present moment: a hot meal, a shoulder to cry on, someone to teach how to play a sport. Those things are important and need to be considered seriously. But, as Mother Teresa was so fond of reminding her Sisters, when those things are done with the love of - and the love for - Jesus Christ, we bring the Gospel of hope to those we encounter, and we plant the seeds of faith which will disclose to those in need that they have a God who is extremely concerned for them and even in love with them.

Left page: Greg and a camper under the care of the Missionaries.

Right side photos: Greg and the Missionaries of Charity

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an exchange of ideas and culture James Melnick '09

Diocese of Little Rock

posed for discussion, I had tried to acclimate myself better to the social doctrines of the Church and to examine the values of American capitalism and democracy. Over the next three weeks, I would come to realize how important these topics are. However, I encountered so much more than doctrine and thoughts. I met young and enthusiastic people whom I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

inishing my last oral exam in June brought no end to my cramming this past year. I only had one week before the Tertio Millennio Seminar in Krakow, Poland began.

Already behind in my studies here in Rome, I took up my position in the library, studying over the materials forwarded to me which the seminar would cover. I perused article after article, idea after idea. What did the Church think about capitalism? Is the United States preserving peace and justice in spreading democracy throughout the world?

I was excited to meet and study under such

At the center of the lecturers' and stu-

dents' lives was another person whom I did not expect to meet . . .

Time quickly evaporated and I found myself flying over Central Europe and finally landing over the Vistula River, whose contour was illuminated by the Krakow houselights. The next morning I awoke eager to absorb culture and ideas. Although I still did not feel qualified or prepared enough to face all that the seminar

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Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

James and other companions with the program.

the

aposto -

important contemporary Catholic thinkers as George Weigel and Michael Novak.

During the seminars we discussed the role of the Church in society and its relationship to the modern state, and the nature of citizenship and culture. Together we shared meals, went on pilgrimage, and discussed different points of view. Our professors wanted to pass on to us all that they knew, and their excitement was contagious. From life lessons to lessons on human life, we covered many profound topics in a very intense way.

The directors of the Tertio Millennio Seminar selected twenty-five Europeans and eleven North Americans to participate in an exchange of ideas and culture. These were very bright individuals involved in economics, the Church, and government.

They shared stories of difficult times in their own countries and how their different experiences brought them to commit themselves to promoting a culture of life inspired by Catholic social doctrine. And yet in the midst of so much serious conversation we were also able to just spend time together and have fun.

We played soccer or frisbee almost every day and spent free time walking around and visiting historic Krakow.

It was the first time that I had spent so much time with peers who were James and group before a statue not all in seminary formation. of John Paul II in Krakow.

The most profound experience I had during my time in Krakow was seeing the faith and closeness to God that these young adults witnessed. The atmosphere of prayer and contemplation was an amazing gift that none of us had expected. I am still awed by their joy of singing, their desire for prayer and to meet God in the present moment.

Together we attended Mass and recited the Rosary, shared our experiJames gets to know eastern Europeans. ences of prayer, and traded good spiritual books. I will never know exactly how much of an influence my presence made for the others, but I know that they had a great impact in my life. Several became close friends, helping me even to live a bit more spontaneously. The "key", it seemed, to a better culture started here in concrete relationships and personal holiness.

At the center of the lecturers' and students' lives was another person whom I did not expect to meet.

Every lecture began with a prayer for him. We even visited his home and saw how he lived, all the while seeking to understand how he thought. This man, the most influential person that I met in Krakow that summer, was the late Pope John Paul II. I visited his seminary, the different parishes where he served, and the chapel where he prayed as Archbishop of Krakow. We pored over his encyclicals, his moral theology, and his poetry.

We studied his role in the fall of communism. John Paul II had brought us together in Poland. As George Weigel said in the opening lecture: "We are not Karol, but we can be living lives of radical apostleship. We are all touched by his discipleship. His faith enabled him and others to live beyond fear." Over the summer we often heard his words repeated, "Be not afraid.� The witness of his life gives us the courage to repeat them.

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Beyond the Tiber, a village full of life Nicholas Azar II '09

Archdiocese of Atlanta On a recent fall afternoon I took a walk along the upper ridge of the Gianicolo Hill, or the Janiculum as it has been called for at least 2000 years, with Trastevere as my ultimate destination. This is one of the footpaths in Rome that still preserves a landscape that naturally slopes down into a generous valley.

A garbage can proudly reveals its location.

The trees are not hidden behind some 20-foot wall surrounding a private garden as they sometimes can be in urban Rome, but tower above all who venture out into this part of the city.

I knew that this path would offer some of the most spectacular views of the city and would give me a good start to rediscover the unique neighborhood below known as T r a s t e v e r e .

The Gianicolo was an important place for military defense of the city for centuries since the days of ancient R o m e .

This Promenade of the Gianicolo now has memorials of battles, statesmen, and servicemen dotting its hillside, all giving testimony of its importance to the Rome and to Italy.

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Entering Trastevere...

Now of course, living just a 10-minute walk from Trastevere, I have frequently invited visitors to accompany me into this eclectic community in order to uncover for them one of the many priceless gems of Rome.

This district, though now part of the city, has always reflected a characteristic independence both in thought and activity. Trastevere is located across the Tiber River which flows steadily through Rome. Its name in fact means 'across the Tiber', and there was a time when it fell outside of the municipality of the city. I always look forward to discovering something new, unexpected, or sim-

Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

neighborhood pro -

ply hidden just around the next street corner.

As the path led me down into Trastevere, I felt the grade of the hill behind me disappear and the valley's tightly packed neighborhood now open before me. Tucked away on several cobblestone-lined side streets, neighbors were gathering outdoors to join together for an afternoon meal or pranzo.

They had each prepared a simple dish and were sitting around quite visibly enjoying each other's company. If you would but close your eyes, you could hear the sounds of cooking all around and could smell the aroma steaming from the fresh pasta-filled plates. These indeed remain happy times.

Neighbors were rekindling friendships and reaffirming love for family. I walked on past, smiling to myself having witnessed something so often taken for granted in our busy world: good times spent with true friends.

I next noticed a small photographic gallery, Cedro 26, inside a single renovated room of a larger building. I stepped through the doors and met the gallery operator, Ms. Livia Corbo, who had grown up in Rome. In the friendliness appropriate to a true community, she shared freely about her "little village" as she fondly referred to it. She reminded me that this was still a place that was "very natural, very real, and very Roman." It is a place of juxtapositions with the old Romans keeping this part of Trastevere alive during the day while the young ones express themselves into the chaotic night in the local piazzas.

Trastevere has been and remains a place of recent immigrants who quickly become prosperous street vendors looking to rise in society. Like the ancient Jewish community who inhabited this neighborhood at the time of Christ, or the barrel makers, the various artisans, and garment designers who inhabit the neighborhood of today, all these merchants find in Trastevere a mix of the old and the new. They come and go. Yet the neighborhood welcomes the next wave as warmly as it welcomed the first.

From high above the Gianicolo it blends into the greater city of Rome, yet step inside the Above and Left: Looking down on a welcoming Trastevere.

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news briefs and updates

with contributions by Eric Bernhard '09 (Rockford) and Celso Batista '09 (Brooklyn) Bishop Daniel Thomas takes "crash course" and visits College

Each year the Vatican's Congregation for Bishops invites recently ordained bishops to Rome to participate in a "Pilgrimage to the Tomb of Saint Peter".

The two week visit, during which the new bishops participate in conferences given by various members of Vatican dicasteries, is sometimes referred to as a crash course for new bishops. Besides simply being a lecture series, the pilgrimage offers the new bishops from around the world an opportunity to spend time together in prayer and in becoming acquainted with one another.

One of those bishops present for the conferences with whom the Holy See is no stranger was the recently ordained Most Reverend Daniel Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Titular Bishop of Bardstown. During his stay in Rome, Bishop Thomas visited the College to celebrate Mass for the community and stopped by for breakfast. A gradutate of the Casa Santa Maria, Bishop Thomas worked for fifteen years in the Vatican's Congregation for Bishops during which he developed a close relationship with the College.

Throughout his time in the Congregation, then Monsignor Thomas lived at the College and for many years was a spiritual director and mentor to an untold number of seminarians, leaving only in September of 2005 to become pastor of a church in his home Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Then on July 26, 2006 he was consecrated bishop with Archbishop Edwin O’Brien, former Rector of the College, assisting as co-consecrator. Msgr. James Checchio, present Rector, was in attendance to represent the College. Bishop Thomas told NAC Magazine that "I must admit that I am still a bit preoccupied with doing things correctly. Being a bishop is still very new to me.

When we were ordained deacons, a seminary professor said to us that it takes the psychology a little while to catch up with the ontology. I am still trying to figure out everything about my new role. And I will miss the College, especially the fraternal support I experienced here and the the greatest grace of being able to serve as a spiritual father to so many students. That was an especially humbling experience that edified me daily. It was an opportunity to witness God's grace at work in others and to witness the enthusiasm of seminarians growing into their vocation. It was an eloquent testimony." As Auxiliary Bishop, he will continue to be closely involved in formation work, overseeing among other things seminary formation, vocations, and ongoing education for the clergy for the Archdiocese. The College wishes her spiritual father many happy and prosperous years of service.

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Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

Portrait unveiling

After the election of a new pope, an artist is traditionally commissioned to paint a portrait of the new Bishop of Rome which will decorate the College's Red Room. The portrait of the former pope is then placed in the Casa Santa Maria. After the election of Benedict XVI, Cardinal Keeler invited Mr. Joseph Sheppard to paint the new pontiff's portrait for the Red Room. After having pored over hundreds of photographs of the new pope, including photos sent to him by the Vatican, Mr. Sheppard was suddenly compelled to base his portrait study on a photo that he found hanging in a police station in the city of Rome. The pickpocket that occasioned his visit to the questura couldn't have imagined the felix culpa God had in store.

in movement

New priests offer "first blessings"

The College was blessed with an abundant number of "fifth year priests" returning to Rome to complete their higher studies this year. Fifteen student-priests returned, after having been ordained this past summer, to finish their licenses or masters degrees in theology or canon law. As per tradition at the beginning of each academic year, the returning priests offered their "first blessing" to the community after Vespers.

Capital improvements Students returning to the College this year noticed the latest fruits of the College's

ongoing capital campaign. Over the summer, the student bathrooms were completely renovated with retiled floors and newly installed and more efficient showers. Old computers in the library were also replaced with newer models. Students pursuing ongoing Italian studies now have a place to work. A room on the cortile level of the College has been refurbished and dedicated to Italian tutoring for students of every level of proficiency. Downtown at the Casa Santa Maria, works were completed to improve the main courtyard and pavement in the orange garden.

Additionally, the computer technology at the Casa has been updated and improved. All improvements are the result of generous donations to the College’s ongoing Capital Campaign. Updates on continuing improvements will continue to follow. Renovation of the College’s electrical system is currently under-

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New faculty In addition to our class of new theologians at the North American College we are blessed to

welcome three new priest-faculty members to the College this year as well as a new Director of Music. They come to us with a great variety of experience but a common enthusiasm and sense of privilege at the opportunity to serve the College and more importantly the Church in this great city of Rome.

A priest of the Diocese of Green Bay, Msgr. John Dewane is serving as the new Spiritual Director of the Casa Santa Maria. An alumnus of the North American College, class of 1963, Monsignor is happy to be returning to Rome. He has served the Diocese of Green Bay in a variety of ways, mainly in the area of administration. He worked in the high schools of the diocese over two spans of 16 years. Then he spent some time in parish work, where he had the opportunity to serve both large and small parishes. He then served for 5 years as the Vicar for Priests in the nineties and spent 12 years as Vicar for Administration before his retirement. He is happy to be serving the Casa as Spiritual Director and has been impressed by the hospitality of all the residents of the Casa. He in turn hopes to give to them, through his presence and accessibility, the spiritual resources they need to continue their growth in faith.

The College also welcomes Fr. Tom Powers from the Diocese of Bridgeport as an adjunct spiritual director. Fr. Powers is beginning his second year of service at the Congregation for Bishops at the Vatican.

Prior to coming to Rome, he served first as an associate at St. Theresa's Parish and then spent four years working as spiritual director of St. John Fisher Seminary in Stamford as well as working in the nearby Trinity Catholic High School. He is himself a member of the NAC class of 1997, and received his License in Marriage and Family Studies from the John Paul II Institute in Rome.

Fr. Dennis Yurochko joins the North American College from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Father was ordained in June of 2002 and earned his S.T.L. from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He then served as the Personal Secretary and Master of Ceremonies for then-Bishop Wuerl and Assistant Director to the Department of Worship. After Archbishop Wuerl's installation in Washington D.C. he was named Parochial Vicar pro tempore at the cathedral in Pittsburgh, a role which turned out to be more temporary than he had expected as only two weeks later he was informed of his appointment to the position of Director of Apostolic Life here at the College. In addition to his formational work with students, Fr. Yurocko will pursue doctoral studies in Dogmatics at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

The new Director of Music at the College is Dr. Timothy McDonnell, founding music director of Schola Nova, the resident ensemble of the International Institute for Culture in Philadelphia. He holds the Master of Music degree in choral conducting from Yale University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in orchestral conducting from the University of South Carolina. Besides his American credits, Dr. McDonnell has conducted in Italy, the Czech Republic, and China. Dr. McDonnell also finds time to be very active as a composer and arranger. His works have been performed at Yale University and by the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Dr. McDonnell has taught at the University of South Carolina, the International Institute for Culture in Philadelphia, and has served as the director of choral and orchestral studies at the Encore/Coda Summer Music Program in Sweden, Maine.

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Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

Capital Campaign Update

in movement

A letter from the tance in that they serve the proclamation of God's Executive Director of the Vision for the Future mysterious love and His Campaign, Msgr. Kevin McCoy will to save us!

One story from Perhaps the hymns of Christmas have not quite "the road" to help subcleared your memories of the Christmas past. Hymns stantiate my claim: In filled with a message of hope and joy, of salvation November 2006 Annette and redemption, of peace and good will to all. What and George Strake hosted a wondrous gift, the birth of the Savior! a reception for the What a wondrous mystery to spark our faith! What College in their home. As a wondrous story to preach far and wide! How thank- their friends gathered in ful we are to know this mysterious love and His will the family room (where the stockings were all hung to save us. Knowing Him underpins our hope for by the chimney with care), George introduced the every success. evening's program recalling his own association with Vision for the Future, the capital campaign for the College. George's father helped to fund the excathe Pontifical North American College, forges for- vations of St. Peter's tomb (the Scavi), and the Strakes ward as gifts and pledges are very close to our goal of know firsthand the tours which NAC seminarians or $25 million. I have been "on the road" as the cam- alumni provide to those wishing to see St. Peter's paign's executive director for almost a year now tomb. As George said, “These guys don't just give (since mid-January 2006), and there is great satisfac- you facts and figures, they tell you a story of faith and tion in knowing that the campaign has met with much make it come to life." Funding the campaign is fundsuccess. I fully anticipate reporting our goal as hav- ing the formation of these leaders and shepherds of ing been successfully met by March 2007. souls for the 21st century.

While I will not begin to tell you of the many I, for one, am most grateful for the many miles I have traveled in the air, on the train or by car, souls, such as the Strakes, who have given their supI will tell you that reaching the goal is the work of port to this effort. I am grateful, too, for the alumni many souls. And I can tell you that in every one of who promote this campaign vigorously. They have these folks, Christ is made manifest. Perhaps it’s prompted gifts large and small, but together they total through a note accompanying a gift or a phone call millions of dollars! And I am daily grateful for those expressing support or in a personal visit with poten- who labor in our Washington, DC office, for the tial donors - whatever the situation may have been, fundraising counsel and staffers at Changing Our the Lord makes himself known. And in this, I have World in New York, for the formation faculty and learned the true value of this capital campaign. Its staff in Rome who have had to field more than their value lies in increasing the awareness of the Catholic share of special requests, and for Mr. Gregory Jewell, faithful across our nation of the unique mission that chair of the lay gifts division, who has tirelessly given the Pontifical North American College plays in the of his time, treasure, and love in the promotion of the formation of seminarians for priesthood and in the Vision for the Future! ongoing formation of priests already ordained. Don't My thanks to the many who have made their get me wrong - of course the money raised is impor- contribution to the campaign! If you have not done tant and necessary. But the value lies in the fact that so, and still want to contribute to assuring our future seminarians and priests will be trained for years of - email me at kmccoy@pnac.org or call my office at priestly service to proclaim the wonder of our 202-541-5421. redemption. The brick and the mortar; the endowed programs - they really find their meaning and impor-

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Rev. Msgr. Daniel H. Mueggenborg ‘89 Diocese of Tulsa Vice Rector for Administration

T

economo’s corner

The farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it until it receives the late and early rain.

his past October the North American College was privileged to host the 45th reunion of the class of 1961. More than twenty alumni returned to their Alma Mater to celebrate this milestone in their priestly lives.

The reunion provided them an opportunity to reflect with humble gratitude on the wonderful blessings they have experienced in their years of ordained ministry. In all, there were nearly 600 years of collective service to the Gospel and to the Church represented in their lives. What a powerful witness to all of us - faculty, staff and seminarians - of the joy of priesthood.

This reunion was a moment of grace for the entire College community as well. As we listened to them and their reflections on the experience of formation in the city of Rome, we began to appreciate more deeply our own experience of being here and the effect it has had on our lives. Their love for the Holy Father, their loyalty to the Church, and their fraternity as alumni were visibly present and inspirational. We were renewed by their visit.

Last summer Monsignor Checchio asked me to serve as the new Vice Rector for Administration. I was honored and overwhelmed by the invitation to assume this office. As an alumnus of the North American College ('89), I look forward to promoting the mission of the College. It is my responsibility to promote that mission in a very practical way by caring for the operations, both physical and fiscal, of the seminary and graduate house communities. The visit of the Class of 1961 reminded me of how important it is for both campuses to be preserved so that future generations of seminarians and priests can experience the same blessings both they and I have experienced. I accept this responsibility humbly and gratefully.

This edition of the Pontifical North American College Magazine presents some of the various improvements which have been accomplished thanks to the generous support of benefactors and alumni. The Casa Santa Maria was blessed with a completely new internet system, the restroom and shower facilities at the seminary community were fully renovated, an Italian language instruction room was established, and the graceful Marian courtyard at the Casa was beautifully landscaped. These improvements provide immediate and lasting benefits for residents of both communities.

I wonder what the North American College will be like when the Class of 2007 celebrates its 45th reunion. I am confident that alumni and friends like yourselves will ensure that future generations of seminarians and priests continue to experience that quality of Catholic faith formation which can only exist in the city of Rome. Thank you for your support in the past, and please pray for our continued ministry in the future. I look forward to working with you as we preserve and promote the mission of the Pontifical North American College.

Rev. Msgr. Daniel H. Mueggenborg '89 Diocese of Tulsa

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Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

Latest Capital Campaign Donors Ambassadors

Bert Degheri & The Theresa & Edward O'Toole Foundation

Stewards

Mr. & Mrs. William Brown Tim Busch

Hans & Ingela Gram

John & Joan Gregory

Henry A. Quinn Charitable Foundation Ambassador & Mrs. Francis Rooney Rev. Msgr. Francis Sorci Soroka Charitable Trust

C. Richard Stark, Jr. & Joan E. Stark

Foundation, Trust 8106

Thanks to our generous donors who continue to support the

Patrons

Kurt & Betsy Borowsky

Warren & Marylou Hayford John & Nancy Kennedy Thomas Moreland

Tod & Peggie Parrott Jerry Robinson

Richard & Aleta Taylor Pat & Jack Thomas

Barbara & William Ward

Richard & Kaye Woltman George & Susan Zirnhelt

Pontifical North American College

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New men preparing for a game with a prayer.

The Pontifical

North American College 3211 Fourth Street, Northeast Washington DC 20017-1194

For more information about the North American College, or to learn about opportunities for memorial gifts, contact Tricia Lloyd at our Washington, DC, Office of Development: Tel: (202) 541-5411 / Fax: (202) 722-8804 Email: nac@usccb.org or visit our website at www.pnac.org

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEONARDTOWN, MD PERMIT NO. 50

Rector?s

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