Allen Hall Seminary News ALLEN HALL, 28 BEAUFORT STREET, LONDON SW3 5AA
Autumn 2016
From the Rector By Canon Roger Taylor, Rector In 1975 Allen Hall moved home from rural Hertfordshire, a more monastic setting, to the busy heart of London. Whilst some may have missed the rolling countryside, one of the great blessings has been our access to a rich vein of pastoral experience. In Pastores dabo vobis – I will give you Shepherds – Pope Saint John Paul II wrote of seminarians’ formation – ‘The whole formation … aims at preparing them to enter into communion with the charity of Christ the good shepherd … all directed to a specific pastoral end.’
Consequently, we give tremendous weight to pastoral formation here at Allen Hall, giving the men as wide an experience as we can of different pastoral situations. This includes work in parishes, hospitals and hospices, with refugee and traveller groups, with the less able, in schools, in prisons and with young offenders. In addition, their third year of formation is usually spent entirely in a parish, experiencing first hand the life of a priest, so that they have full, hands-on awareness of the kind of life they, too, may be being called to live. In this issue, a number of the men speak about their own recent experiences of pastoral formation, which gives a taste of what we do. As Pope Saint John Paul II says, this is not just about equipping men with skills, but asking them to enter into the pastoral charity of Christ, and it is one of the great privileges as a priest to be allowed to share so deeply in other people’s lives.
Ordinations
From left to right: Fr Tony Thomas, Fr Chinedu Udo, Fr Tom Montgomery, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Fr Christian de Lisle, Fr John Scott, Fr Damian Ryan
By Jonathan Whitby-Smith, Fifth Year (Nottingham) - Editor On the 25th June this year, Cardinal year, and Reverend Michael Maguire Vincent Nichols ordained six of our a part time appointment on weekends Allen Hall men to the Priesthood at whilst he completes his theological Westminster Cathedral. We studies. Please keep them in your congratulate Frs Christian de Lisle, prayers as they approach priestly Tom Montgomery, Damian Ryan, John ordination in June 2017. Scott, Tony Thomas and Chinedu Udo At the priestly ordinations this year, on their ordinations. It was a Cardinal Vincent reflected on the wonderful occasion and a great joy to essential closeness of the priest to see many years of prayer, careful Jesus Christ. He called on the newly discernment, and much hard work, ordained, and all of us, to live lives come to fruition for the Diocese. that are marked by unfailing charity, Likewise on the 11th June four other selflessness, gentleness and patience Allen Hall students were ordained to a life where Christ is centre stage and the Diaconate. Reverends Julio we point to him. This dual closeness Albornoz, Joseph Okoro and Carlos and witness to Christ demonstrates Quito have now taken up full time that priesthood is necessarily pastoral appointments for the next missionary in its character. It is about 1
bringing others to Christ, sharing the good news with them, and helping them along the path of faith. The great example the Cardinal gave was that of Saint John Southworth, a missionary priest, whose relics rest in Westminster Cathedral. Saint John Southworth’s vision of the priesthood was pragmatic, prayer centred and deeply missionary. It is that vision which the Cardinal encouraged all present to ponder and take forward that we might be a church close to Christ, wise of the world, and outward looking. Please pray for our newly ordained men undertaking their first appointments - and keep praying for more priests.
Placements Parish Experience
Prison Chaplaincy
Overseas Mission
By Elliot Hanson, Second Year (Cardiff) During their time at Allen Hall, seminarians are expected to undertake various placements, with the aim of developing their own pastoral skills, and so help them better to serve the people of God. With that in mind, I spent the last academic year serving Sunday Mass and as a catechist on the First Holy Communion programme at Holy Apostles Parish, Pimlico, under the tutelage of Canon Pat Browne. At first, I was a little overwhelmed by the parish. My first Sunday children on the First Holy Communion Programme were invited to bring a pet with them to Mass. The children then brought their animals forward for a blessing but only after they had shared what they had learned about the care of creation in their preparation classes that week. This innovative approach was typical of the parish’s efforts to engage the youth of the church and encourage them to put the Gospel into action. I came away from Pimlico having experienced something new and fresh, and hopefully having learned something about how to share the Gospel in a relevant, exciting and dynamic way.
By Jon Stogdon, Fifth Year (Westminster) Last year, I was sent to Pentonville men’s prison on Sundays for my pastoral placement. If nothing else, prison teaches you about barriers and separation. Behind bars, there are greater divisions than just physical walls. When I greeted the men arriving for Mass, there often existed immense language barriers. It seems every language is spoken in Pentonville, yet many spoke very limited English. Immediately, I discovered the power of body language, gentle tones and a simple smile. With all the diversity, the Mass establishes real unity as all are gathered together before God. Often, several prisoners would kneel before the tabernacle after Mass praying fervently. So, prison showed me that there is a real fragility and humanity to the inmates. For my part, I am reminded that our future is not destined by our past, re-echoing Pope Francis - ‘The Father never tires of forgiving us!’ Christ allows us a fresh start and to offer reparation. Yes, prisons are exactly where the Gospel must be preached, and where the Blessed Eucharist is needed to transform and heal.
By Ian Cornford, Forth Year (Portsmouth) My pastoral placement this summer was in Luanda, West Africa, in a parish run by the Mill Hill Missionaries. The generous welcome and hospitality of the people was truly humbling, and it was very encouraging to see how the church is flourishing there. Having this opportunity has raised my awareness of true poverty and the struggles that people have to live with daily; but it also opened my eyes to the nature of their faith in God. As there is little opportunity for material gain, I was struck by how much space people had in their hearts for God and a real openness towards others.
World Youth Day Pilgrimage By Robert James, Fifth Year (Cardiff) World Youth Day. As we travelled from Różanystok to Krakow, we were able to visit Auschwitz, which allowed for some time of reflection and silence, as we were able to see the sheer scale of the atrocities perpetrated. Cardinal Dziwisz, the Archbishop of Krakow, and St John Paul II’s private secretary, opened the World Youth Day(s) with Mass in Błonia field. A few days later, when the Pope arrived in Błonia, the atmosphere amongst the pilgrims was electric – the sheer joy of these young people gathered with the Holy Father was infectious. The Pope spoke of how beautiful the ‘enthusiasm, dedication, zeal and energy’ of the young people was, and how this beauty came from their relationship with Jesus Christ. The days in Krakow continued with much joy. On the final day Archbishop George Stack, celebrated Mass for the Cardiff pilgrims, before we started our journey, at the Church of the Holy Trinity. Once we had received this ‘food for the journey’, we began our nine mile walking pilgrimage to the Campus Misericordiae (Field of Mercy). It was at Campus Misercordiae that the Pope warned our young people to not strive to be ‘comfortable’. Not to ‘confuse happiness with a sofa’. His Holiness encouraged the young people to become involved in the world, to strive to ‘leave a mark’ and to avoid the temptation of becoming a ‘couch potato’. To say that World Youth Day 2016 was an exhausting time for all concerned would be a massive understatement. However, were you to ask me, ‘Would you do it all again?’ My answer would be an emphatic ‘yes!’
As part of my summer placement this year I joined the Cardiff diocesan pilgrimage to World Youth Day. On Tuesday 19th July a coach load of thirty young pilgrims, plus adults, set off from Wales on the journey to Poland. After the initial nerves and anxieties of the young pilgrims (and adults) had settled, the excitement began to build. For the first week we would be stationed at Różanystok. This would be our base for the ‘days in the diocese’ which would involve, amongst other things, a pilgrimage to the town of Sokółka – the location of a recent Eucharistic miracle – a procession through the streets of Bialystok to a shrine of Divine Mercy, and, of course, an Archdiocese of Cardiff v Różanystok football match. Once the days in the diocese had concluded, it was time for us to make our way to Krakow for the main events of the 2
New to Allen Hall
From left to right: Joel Eschmann, Mike Guthrie, Tom Blackburn, Rev. Michael Jarmulowicz, James Lewis, John Ashu, Andrew Marlborough, Dan Daley, Ben Huntley, Rev. Jim Dean, Adam Dora and Rev. Peter McLaren
Joel Eschmann, Exchange Course (Basel) I am a seminarian for the Diocese of Basel, Switzerland. Beforehand I studied history, philosophy and media towards a PhD in Church History. I am now in London, Allen Hall, for one year of study and looking forward to my time here. Mike Guthrie, First Year (Westminster) Originally from New Zealand, I've spent my last few working years managing Cabin Crew for an airline and as a Special Sergeant for the Metropolitan police. I began to sense God's call to the priesthood several years ago. My friends, and my colleagues in the police and at work, have been amazingly supportive their wisdom, common sense, and belief in the genuineness of this call, have got me to this early stage in my formation.
James Lewis, First Year (Portsmouth) - Assistant Editor During my reading of Pope Francis’s Joy of the Gospel and experiencing authentic fraternal charity from an Augustinian Community in the States, I felt drawn to deepen my relationship with God and honestly ask the question, ‘God, what have you created me for?’ Two years later, I find myself in seminary. Please pray for me. John Ashu, First Year (Westminster) I am from Cameroon and was brought up in a Catholic family. I moved to London for university studies at Middlesex University. I am now in my first year of philosophy at Allen Hall, training for the Congregation of the Mission St Vincent De Paul. I enjoy watching football.
Tom Blackburn, First Year
Andrew Marlborough, First Year
I come from Gloucester, now living in Redemptoris Mater house of formation. I am twenty-one, and graduated from Staffordshire University where I studied Sports Journalism and was awarded a first class honours, having worked with Sky Sports, the FA and the rugby world cup. My calling to enter seminary was confirmed at WYD 2016 in Krakow.
I first had a sense of vocation in Lourdes in 2007/8 and spent six months in a monastery. I discerned this wasn't my calling and returned to my career in the auction world valuing art and antiques. The sense of vocation remained with me and it took some years to realise that it might be a call to the diocesan priesthood. So here I am at Allen Hall! Adjusting to life at Allen Hall has been both wonderful and challenging. I feel very blessed to be among some great fellow seminarians and staff.
(Neo-Catechumenal Way)
Rev. Michael Jarmulowicz, Fifth Year (Westminster)
I have previously worked in a bank and as a hospital laboratory technician before undertaking medicine. I was the bag-pipe playing medical officer on a nuclear submarine before settling down as a consultant pathologist. I was ordained as a permanent deacon in 2009, but after the death of Maureen, my wife of forty years, I felt that God was now calling me to the priesthood.
(Plymouth)
Dan Daley, First Year (Westminster) I am a Londoner, I worked in retail banking and I played football in my spare time. I was content, yet there was something missing. Therefore, I decided to explore God’s vocation for me. Last year I had a wonderful propaedeutic year in Valladolid. Now a new adventure begins at Allen Hall. 3
Ben Huntley, Fourth Year (Portsmouth) My vocation came 'late' as I believe I had rejected out-of-hand the possibility of being a priest. It wasn't something I remotely thought was for me. While at University I started to go back to Mass and re-immersed myself in the practice of my faith. I realised that the Lord was calling me, but firstly through baptism that I was to strive to become his saint. In so doing, and in prayer, my perception of the impossibility of priesthood crumbled away and the possibility began to shine through. Now many years later I find myself open to that discernment. It's been hard at times, but I believe the Lord will show me the way - he writes straight in crooked lines. Rev. Jim Dean, Fifth Year (Glasgow) I am a permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of Glasgow. However, I am here at Allen Hall for a period of formation with the hope of Ordination to the priesthood next year. I am sixty five years old and have been a social worker for all of my working life. I have been working in a Glasgow Parish with two churches and was Chaplain to a large Secondary School. Adam Dora, Fourth Year (Westminster) I am a seminarian for the Diocese of Westminster, from the Parish of Holy Trinity, Brook Green. Having previously completed my philosophy studies, I am beginning my theological studies at Allen Hall. Rev. Peter McLaren, Fifth Year (Cardiff) I am from the parish of Cwmbran in the Archdiocese of Cardiff where I have lived since 1980. I was ordained a deacon in Cardiff Cathedral in 2006 and have served in Cwmbran for ten years. After my wife Marie’s death in 2015, Archbishop George Stack has sent me to Allen Hall for a period of discernment for the priesthood.
Parish Adoration Afternoons
What’s happened at Allen Hall since the Seminary News Easter Edition? Cardinal’s Visitation - 10 May
HE Vincent Cardinal Nichols visited Allen Hall with the Seminary Governors for his annual visitation, meeting with students individually and celebrating Mass
Exams - 16 May to 2 June Admission of Candidates - 28 May
Most Rev. George Stack, Archbishop of Cardiff, admitted Mark Dunglinson, Rajiv Michael and Jonathan Stogdon (Westminster); Joshua Hilton (Leeds); Robert James (Cardiff) and Jonathan Whitby-Smith (Nottingham) as Candidates for Holy Orders
Portsmouth Priestly Ordinations - 4 June
Rt Rev. Philip Egan, Bishop of Portsmouth, ordained Fr Ross Bullock to the Priesthood at the Cathedral Church of John the Evangelist, Portsmouth
Pastoral Workshops - 6 to 9 June
The whole house had a series of workshops on ministering to teenagers and their families, working with special needs, chaplaincy work, and listening skills. This included a visit to St Thomas More Language School
Diaconate Ordinations - 11 June
Rt Rev. Nicholas Hudson ordained Revs. Julio Albornoz, Michael Maguire, Joseph Okoro and Carlos Quito to the Diaconate in Westminster Cathedral
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By Father William Nicol, Pastoral Director In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. Be assiduous in the prayer of adoration and teach it to the faithful. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering. Pope Benedict XVI Amid the hustle and bustle of study and pastoral placements, a regular feature of college life is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In particular on Sunday evenings the Holy Hour provides a time during which we can bring the triumphs and the trials of that particular week to the Lord, but also focus our hearts and minds upon him who is the motivation for all that we will do in the coming week. On several Sundays each year we are pleased to welcome parishes to come and join us in a Sunday act of worship and adoration. Evening Prayer and Benediction are the culmination of the visit, but there is also an opportunity to hear about the history and work of the Seminary from staff and students over refreshments, as well as have a conducted tour of the college itself. Many seminarians go out to parishes and benefit from the rich experience the life of our parishes have to offer, and this is our opportunity to say thanks for the many ways in which the parishes support us, and for us to join together in prayer. We set aside several Sundays each year for parishes to visit the seminary. If your parish would be interested in joining us an afternoon please ask your Parish Priest to contact the seminary to arrange a date.
Aberdeen Priestly Ordinations - 13 June
Rt Rev. Hugh Gilbert, Bishop of Aberdeen, ordained Fr Peter MacDonald to the Priesthood at the Cathedral Church of St Mary of the Assumption, Aberdeen
Retreat - 12 to 18 June
The house retreat this year took place at St Bueno’s Jesuit Retreat Centre in Wales
Westminster Priestly Ordinations - 25 June (Term End)
HE Vincent Cardinal Nichols ordained Frs Christian de Lisle, Tom Montgomery, Damian Ryan, John Scott, Tony Thomas and Chinedu Udo to the Priesthood at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Westminster
Nottingham Priestly Ordinations - 2 July
Rt Rev. Patrick McKinney, Bishop of Nottingham, ordained Fr Daniel Palmer to the Priesthood at the Parish Church of St Bernadette, Scunthorpe
Summer Placements - July and August
Over the summer months students undertook a wide range of placements including World Youth Day, HCPT Hosanna House, Lourdes Pilgrimage, Overseas Mission, Hospital Chaplaincy and Parish work among many others
Term Start - 11 September Extended Pastoral Placements - Early September
The third year students David Knight (Westminster), Anthony Asomugha (East Anglia) and Joseph McCay (Nottingham) began their year long parish placements
Lectures Began - 19 September Visit to Ware Carmel - 23 September
The Seminary travelled to Ware Carmel, in Hertfordshire, for a day out with the Sisters, who generously pray for the seminarians throughout the year
Institution of Acolytes - 29 October
Rt Rev. John Wilson instituted Mark Dunglinson, Daniel Herrero and Jon Stogdon (Westminster); Laurence Bryce (Cardiff) and Ian Cornford (Portsmouth) as Acolytes
Summer Accommodation in London The seminary, with beautiful gardens and Chapel, offers comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation during July and August. Centrally located, it is within walking distance of Battersea Park also. Rooms are available from £50 per night (discount for clergy and seminarians). Contact details can be found at: Website: www.allenhall.org.uk Telephone: +44 (0)20 7349 5600 (option 0) Email: allenhall@rcdow.org.uk
www.allenhall.org.uk 4