NAC Magazine: Summer 2012

Summer 2 0 1 2 M A G A Z I N E

Clericus Cup

Champions!

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor Rev. Mr. Charles Samson ‘13 Archdiocese of Saint Louis

The Pontifical North American College M agazine Summ

Contents

Rector’s Corner Feast of Corpus Christi

Layout and Design Manager John Mitchell ‘13 Archdiocese of Milwaukee Assistant Layout and Design Managers Kyle Digmann ‘14 Diocese of Dubuque & Christopher Kerzich ‘14 Archdiocese of Chicago Assistant Editors Justin Blanc ‘14 Diocese of WheelingCharleston & Sheldon Momaney ‘14 Diocese of Burlington

Early Diaconate Ordinations Farewell Banquet Casa Closing Banquet Apostolate Focus: Bambino Gesù Rector’s Dinner

Rev. Msgr. James Checchio

3

Richard Miserendino ‘15

4

Rev. Mr. Thomas McNally ‘13

6

Matthew Niggemeyer ‘15

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Rev. Mr. Charles Samson ‘13

10

Christian Irdi ‘14

11

John Gibson ‘14

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Life at the College 14 Clericus Cup 2012 Champions Pallium Mass Class Fraternity Weekends Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican

Mark Murphy ‘14

16

Michael Rubeling ‘15

18

Kyle Sahd ‘14 20 Patrick Broussard ‘14

Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer 23

Economo’s Corner Save the Date: 2012 Umiltà Awards

Back Cover

Photographers Brian Buettner ‘13 Archdiocese of Oklahoma City & Christopher Brashears ‘14 Archdiocese of Oklahoma City & Michael Conway ‘14 Diocese of Pittsburgh FRONT COVER After a dominating performance in the Championship Match, the North American Martyrs pose with chaplain Rev. Gerald Vincke and Rector Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97.

Photo Credit: Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

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Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

“Lo scudetto,” the Clericus Cup championship trophy, finally rests in the hands of the Pontifical North American College.

mer

2012

Inside

20

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

12 Rector’s Dinner

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

Fraternity Weekends

6

21 Visitors Office

Early Ordinations

Anthony Getting

11

Apostolate: Bambino Gesù Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Michael Conway‘14 (Pittsburgh)

of the

Board of Governors

Pontifical North American College Chairman Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67 Archbishop of Newark

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

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

Secretary Most Rev. Patrick J. Zurek ‘75 Bishop of Amarillo

Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh)

An insignia on the walls of the Casa Santa Maria commemorating the original Thirteen Colonies.

Rector Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97

Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl ‘67 Archbishop of Washington

Most Rev. Frank Caggiano C‘96 Vice Rector for Administration

Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn

Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95

Most Rev. Salvatore Cordileone ‘82, C‘89 Archbishop-designate of San Francisco

Vice Rector of Seminary Life Rev. Timothy McKeown ‘97

Superior, Casa Santa Maria Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64, C‘02

Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran ‘62, C‘78 Bishop Emeritus of Rockford

Most Rev. Walter J. Edyvean ‘65, C‘71 Auxiliary Bishop of Boston

Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda ‘89 Bishop of Gaylord

Most Rev. John M. Kudrick Bishop of the Eparchy of Parma

Most Rev. Richard E. Pates ‘69 Bishop of Des Moines

Most Rev. Glen J. Provost ‘75 Bishop of Lake Charles

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

Most Rev. John Vlazny ‘62 Archbishop of Portland

RECTOR’S CORNER Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 Diocese of Camden Rector

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ach year, the Church is renewed by the Holy Spirit as new priests are ordained for Her service. This summer, we rejoice in the ordination of forty-four new priests from this College. We are truly grateful for the ways in which you have supported the formation of these new priests through your prayers and generous financial support.

It is always a highlight of my year to attend some of these ordination liturgies each summer. At every ordination, we priests welcome the opportunity to reflect anew on the commitment each of us has made to be good shepherds as we strive to be worthy ministers of the Church’s altars, and ardent but gentle servants of the Gospel. Certainly, this renewal in priestly commitment leads to an even greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. History has shown that a most effective way to renewal in the Church is through the renewal of Her sacred ministers who serve as spiritual fathers to the flock entrusted to their care. We pray that this year’s renewal be abundant, and that it produce an increased vigor to preach the Gospel message with priestly love on behalf of all our priests. Please join us in prayer for our forty-four new priests, and also for all priests who serve our Church.

Also new this summer, the College has hired a new ­Director of Institutional Advancement. Mr. Mark Randall will move to Washington, D.C. and lead our development efforts so that we may continue to provide the best formation possible for our priests and seminarians for the service of our local Churches. Mark comes to the College with a deep love for the Church, the Eucharist and particularly Her priests. He has directed development efforts at a Catholic high school, at one of the most successful ­Newman Center’s in the country at the University of I­ llinois, and most of all as Vice President for Development at Wyoming Catholic College. We are grateful to him and his wife, Colleen, along with their three daughters, Maeve, Norah and Aileen, who will move to Washington, D.C. to head up our development efforts to continue to ensure a strong future for our beloved College.

Enjoy this edition of the magazine as you learn more about life at the College. We are especially grateful to our many alumni, bishops, and other gracious friends of the College who so regularly and generously assist us in meeting our increased needs. Thank you for your prayerful and sacrificial financial support, which ensure that we can continue to offer the unique priestly formation programs of the College. Please be assured of our prayers, and know that we count on yours.

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

The Class of 2012 upon their graduation from the Pontifical North American College, with Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector, and Vice Rectors Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95 and Rev. Timothy McKeown ‘97.

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Corpus Christi: Guests of a Bishop at the Feast of a King

by Richard Miserendino ‘15, Diocese of Arlington

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ach year, the Feast of Corpus Christi provides the Church with a solemn occasion to draw closer to the Lord through Eucharistic devotion. It is an opportunity to reflect upon the sacramental mystery that has nourished Her across the ages, and keeps Her ever ancient, ever new. This past June, in the midst of the stress and cramming of exam time, a busload of seminarians from the Pontifical North American College took a break from their academic pursuits to rest with the Lord and enjoy an opportunity for reflection in the ancient Italian cities of Orvieto and Bolsena.

There may be no more appropriate location in the world to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi than in these two towns. Both are steeped in the rich and miraculous Eucharistic history of the Church. Bolsena is the legendary locale in which a priest, doubtful of the Eucharistic Presence, had all doubt erased when he was confronted with a bleeding Host as he held it high over the altar. Likewise, Orvieto possesses the corporal cloth that caught the blood of that same miracle, and also holds the honor of being the place where Thomas Aquinas penned his Daniel Ulishney ‘13 (Greensburg)

The altar stone that was stained by a miraculously bleeding Host in Bolsena in the 13th century is still kept there today inside this stunning processional reliquary.

famous hymn, Pange Lingua. Consequently, each city celebrates Corpus Christi as one of its most exalted holidays.

Invited as guests by the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Orvieto, those fortunate enough to attend helped serve in various liturgical capacities throughout the solemnity. Most notably, this included participating in the Masses and the grand Eucharistic Processions held in each city.

Daniel Ulishney ‘13 (Greensburg)

Banner bearers dressed in medieval regalia lead the Eucharistic ­procession through the streets of Orvieto.

Our day began in Orvieto. As we arrived in the city center, the day’s festivities commenced with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Vested in cassock and surplice, we processed into the great basilica where, under the vaulted and striped gothic can-

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mers, banner carriers, buglers, knights in full armor, and seminarians preceded the Blessed Sacrament, enthroned in a gilded monstrance that also contained the miraculous corporal. We processed through the main highways and byways of the town, twisting along streets thronged with pilgrims both local and from distant lands. Finally, we arrived again at the basilica, where before the gleaming, vividly iconic backdrop of the façade, four of our seminarians carried the massive monstrance to the center and readied it for benediction. A trumpet voluntary sounded, and all present joined in the famous hymn Pange Lingua, and received the blessing, bringing the morning’s celebrations to a close in a fashion fit for a King. A short lunch followed and we were off to Bolsena.

Daniel Ulishney ‘13 (Greensburg)

A number of Pontifical North American College seminarians join the Eucharistic procession through the streets of Orvieto.

opy, we joined the local ordinary and his prelate guests in offering God the greatest prayer of Christendom: the Eucharist.

Mass was immediately followed by the Eucharistic procession through the city. Wave after wave of medieval drum-

The celebrations in Bolsena took the same form as the earlier ones in Orvieto: a Mass followed by a procession through the town. Though slightly less monumental than the morning’s counterpart, the procession through Bolsena had a unique and particularly beautiful element. The townspeople had prepared the Way of the Lord by creating vast mosaics and tapestries of flower petals on the ground, such that each street seemed to blossom into vibrant paths resembling stained-glass windows. In procession, we carefully avoided stepping on these intricate works of art, for only the celebrant with the Blessed Sacrament was permitted to set foot on the floral trail. Once again, the procession ended with benediction at the local cathedral, after which point we returned to Rome. Our rising fatigue was no match for the thankful and joyful spirit pervading the bus having spent the day “in cammino” with Christ.

Michael Pierz ‘13 (Springfield) Daniel Ulishney ‘13 (Greensburg)

The Orvieto Cathedral has overlooked the city since the 14th century. This spring it once again welcomed pilgrims on the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Matthew Morelli ‘13 (Greensburg) (front left) and Daniel Ulishney ‘13 (Greensburg) (far right) assist in carrying the Corporal of Bolsena, a relic of the Eucharistic miracle of 1263.

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A Shared Grace: Early Diaconate Ordinations

by Rev. Mr. Thomas McNally ‘13, Diocese of Kalamazoo

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or the majority of the class of 2013, several months still remain before that momentous day on which the promises of prayer, celibacy, and obedience are made and the presiding bishop’s hands are laid upon the heads of the candidates for ordination to the diaconate. For several seminarians in this class, however, the time has already come. Four of the men of the class of 2013 were ordained this spring back in the United States and Australia, and ten more will have been ordained over the course of the summer.

Deacons Damian Jellett, Christopher Seiler, Charles ­Samson, and I were all ordained during this Easter season in our respective dioceses and archdioceses. I was the first of our class, being ordained by Bishop Paul Bradley on April 9th along with two other men for the Diocese of ­Kalamazoo, Michigan. I found my ordination to be not only a moment of incredible grace for me, which one would certainly expect, but also a uniquely graced experience for my friends and family. It provided a blessed opportunity for

Jeff Geerling

Having just been ordained, Deacons Christopher Seiler and Charles Samson of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis (middle) receive their first ­assignments along with their classmates.

Anthony Getting

Rev. Mr. Thomas McNally ‘13 (Kalamazoo) and the other ordinandi of the Diocese of Kalamazoo prostrate themselves before the altar at the beginning of the ordination ceremony—a sign of laying down their entire lives for the Church.

me to reconnect with distant relatives and friends, some of whom I had not seen in years, and to be able to share the faith with them. Our Lord’s grace was really present in how receptive to the faith they were. It was very humbling and inspiring to see the Lord already at work in me proclaiming His Gospel just minutes after ordination.

Shortly after my ordination, Deacon Damian Jellett, a seminarian for the Diocese of Wagga Wagga in Australia, was ordained in his home diocese by the Most Rev. Francis Carroll, Archbishop Emeritus of CanberraGoulburn. Deacon Jellett was grateful to God for the gift of peace throughout his ordination, which permitted him to prepare for, and make, his promises with joy. He, too, was thankful for the chance to share his diaconal ministry with his family and friends, recounting how he brought Holy Communion to his ailing grandmother and to another homebound parishioner who had been praying for his vocation since he was a small boy.

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Anthony Getting

Rev. Mr. Thomas McNally ‘13 (Kalamazoo) receives the Book of the Gospels from the Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley, Bishop of Kalamazoo, during his ordination as a deacon.

Deacon Christopher Seiler and Deacon Charles Samson were two of six men ordained for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis on May 5th by Archbishop Robert Carlson.

Deacon Seiler recounted being filled with joy to see so many people present at his ordination; old friends drove

Jeff Geerling

By the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of Saint Louis, ordains Rev. Mr. Christopher Seiler ‘13 (Saint Louis) to the diaconate.

many hours just to make it for the ceremonies, and even people he did not know came to share in his joy. Observing the many graces God poured out on those who came to show their support, Chris truly came to see: “that it is God who is primarily at work in bringing to term the great gift and mystery of my priestly vocation.”

Dominic Byrne | Together

Newly ordained, Rev. Mr. Damian Jellett ‘13 (Wagga Wagga) stands outside Saint Michael’s Cathedral in Wagga Wagga with his ordaining bishop, the Most Rev. Francis Carroll, Archbishop Emeritus of Canberra-Goulburn, his mother, Mary, and father, Paul.

We have all seen how God has worked through our ordinations not merely for us but also for those who are near to us and, indeed, for all of His people. We thank the Lord for the great blessing of our ordinations, rejoice with our brothers who will be ordained this summer, and prayerfully look forward to being able to share in the ordination of the rest of our classmates at the Papal ­Basilica of Saint Peter’s in October.

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The Fruits of Priestly Fraternity: Farewell Banquet

by Matthew Niggemeyer ‘15, Archdiocese of Omaha

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ne of the most beautiful aspects of life at the Pontifical North American College is the deep fraternity that develops amongst brother seminarians and faculty members. There comes a time, however, at the end of a seminarian’s formation in which he must bid farewell to the place, priests, and faculty members who were such an integral part of his life for the past few years. Recently, the College held its Farewell Banquet in order to say ‘farewell’ to those priests and transitional deacons who will leave the seminary’s walls and go forth to preach the Gospel in their respective dioceses and archdioceses. As Reverend Mr. Ryan Connors ‘12 (Providence) pointed out in an equally

rousing and moving speech, these are the men who will make Jesus Christ present to his people by baptizing new Catholics, calling down the Lord’s Body and Blood on the altar during the sacrifice of the Mass, and being an instrument of the love and mercy of God at the side of the dying. The fact is that these are the men who will begin their work in the Lord’s vineyard to bring about a fruitful and abundant harvest in today’s Church.

Two faculty members were also bade farewell at the banquet, after giving five years of their priesthoods to the formation of future priests: Reverend Msgr.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

Rev. Msgr. Joseph Hanefeldt ‘84, outgoing Director of Spiritual Formation, presents a spirituality conference for the College.

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Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh)

Michael Pawlowicz ‘13 (Joliet) and Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B., enjoy a laugh at the closing banquet in May.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

This adventure, as was noted, is not undertaken alone.

Rather, it is done in union with Christ and in communion with brother priests and seminarians. May these men, having been an integral part of the community life of the College during their time in Rome, and now embarking on the great adventure that is the Catholic priesthood, know the daily consolation of their brothers’ prayers, and know that they will always remain in the hearts of all those with whom they shared the precious gift of fraternity at the Pontifical North American College.

Rev. Joseph Betschart ‘97, outgoing Academic Dean, pauses in the sacristy before leading the College in Eucharistic exposition and benediction.

Joseph Hanefeldt ‘84, and Rev. Joseph Betschart ‘99.

Both of these men changed the lives of the College’s seminarians, especially through their priestly example of what it means to lay down one’s life and heart as a total self-offering. Truly, the College is a much better place because of their life and witness over the past five years.

During the course of the banquet, it is customary for a series of reflections on the year to be offered by some of the faculty and members of the ordination class.

Of the reflections offered, one phrase stood out as a veritable theme: the “adventure” of the priesthood.

Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh)

Matthew Baldwin ‘14 (Melbourne) takes a closer look at one of the chalices of this year’s ordination class during the closing banquet.

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In Gratitude for Sacred Study: Casa Santa Maria Closing Banquet

by Rev. Mr. Charles Samson ‘13, Archdiocese of Saint Louis

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n June 2nd, 2012, the community of the Casa Santa Maria celebrated their Closing Mass and Banquet upon the conclusion of another academic term. This year, twenty-two priests completed their licentiate and doctoral studies, and are now preparing to enter full-time ministry back in their home dioceses and archdioceses.

As principal celebrant for the Mass of the Vigil of Trinity Sunday, His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Leo Burke ‘75, C‘84, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, offered the Mass in thanksgiving to God “for the studies which our brothers have completed in order to enrich their service in the person of Christ on behalf of the eternal salvation of the souls entrusted to their care.” His Eminence expressed his hope that they, “as true shepherds of the flock, will help the souls in their priestly care to understand the relationship of faith

and reason in their lives, and to live in accord with the truth to which that relationship unfailingly directs them.”

After Mass, the entire community lined the courtyard porticos for the Closing Banquet. Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Reverend Dennis Yurochko ‘02 (Pittsburgh) welcomed one and all to the evening’s celebrations, and thanked Reverend Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64, C‘92, for the leadership and priestly example that he has provided the house during his time as Superior of the Casa. Enjoying the mild spring Roman weather, classmates shared laughs and stories as they reminisced on their time together in Rome.

The whole College joins Cardinal Burke in his prayer for these priests that “they may return to their home dioceses with renewed fidelity and engagement, in accord with the grace of their priestly consecration for the salvation of all men.”

Rev. Mr. Charles Samson ‘13 (Saint Louis)

Rev. Mr. Charles Samson ‘13 (Saint Louis)

Priests of the Casa Santa Maria celebrate the conclusion of another academic year and the completion of some of their classmates’ studies in Rome.

Rev. Daniel Champoli ‘09, C‘12, delivers a farewell toast in the courtyard of the Casa Santa Maria during the Closing Banquet.

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Humble Service: Bambino Gesù Hospital Apostolate

by Christian Irdi ‘14, Archdiocese of Perth

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ne of the many opportunities for apostolic work at the Pontifical North American College is at ­Bambino Gesù (The Child Jesus) Pediatric Hospital. The hospital was founded in 1869 thanks to the generosity of the Salviati family, and in 1924 was donated to the Holy See, under whose auspices it now functions.

Currently, there are six seminarians from the College who regularly volunteer at the hospital, serving in collaboration with the chaplains who are stationed there. As the coordinator of this apostolate for the past twelve months, I have found it to be an extremely beautiful and fruitful part of my continuing formation as a future priest.

it is not our human strengths on which we rely to produce results in ministry, but rather God’s grace acting in and through us.

In this apostolate we, following in the footsteps of Mary, continually learn how to recognize and encounter Jesus who is present in a special way in the sick and suffering.

Experiences such as these contribute very powerfully to the formation of a priestly heart.

The apostolate presents us with many challenges, but at the same time even more opportunities for growth. Our work essentially consists in visiting the cardiology and nephrology wards, where we spend time with patients and their families, chatting and praying with them.

It is often very challenging to be in the presence of children who are suffering, especially when they are suffering from very serious illnesses. Nevertheless, we do our best to bring the joy and the presence of Christ into each hospital room that we enter. We can only do this with the grace and strength that Christ gives us in order to overcome our natural human fears and reservations, so that we may be docile instruments in the hands of God. It can be a great challenge to find the right words to say in the most difficult moments, especially because we conduct our visits in Italian. Yet, this itself is an opportunity for humility on our part as we realize that, above all, ours is a ministry of presence—much like Mary at the foot of the Cross. This is one of the fundamental lessons that our work at Bambino Gesù teaches us; namely, that

Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh)

The seminarians in the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital apostolate gather outside with the hospital’s head chaplain, Rev. Luigi Zucharo.

From left, Mark Paver ‘15 (New York), Donato Infante ‘15 (Worcester), Christian Irdi ‘14 (Perth), Paul Buchanan ‘14 (Charlotte), Rev. Luigi Zucharo, Christopher DeLeon ‘14 (Baltimore), and Juan Luxama ‘14 (Brooklyn).

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In Grateful Service: Rector’s Dinner 2012

by John Gibson ‘14, Archdiocese of Milwaukee

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n the evening of April 19th, the Pontifical North American College hosted its largest-ever annual Rector’s Dinner. The event provided seminarians the opportunity to give back to the many benefactors and friends of the College who give so much to the work of forming well future priests. Whether as waiter or host, or in one of many other capacities, the seminarians answered the call of Christ “not to be served, but to serve.”

The evening was full of great company, delicious food, and joy-filled entertainment. A particular highlight included an assembled choir, headed by Christopher Gray ‘13 (Salt Lake City) and accentuated by the singing of ­Joseph Ferrell ‘15 (Arlington). The evening also featured

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College (standing left) and the Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67, Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the Board of Governors, present the 2012 Rector’s Award to Mr. and Mrs. John and JoEllen Stollenwerk of Milwaukee in recognition of their commitment to supporting the Church and the College.

a tap dance performance by David Rider ‘14 (New York), an encore from last year’s Rector’s Dinner.

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Standing center, Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College, joins His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke ‘75, C‘84, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, and other distinguished friends of the College during the Rector’s Dinner.

Each year, the College bestows the Rector’s Award on an outstanding prelate and layperson(s) for their service to the Church and their support of the College. This year, the College was privileged to grant the award to His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67, Archbishop of Washington, and to Mr. and Mrs. John and JoEllen Stollenwerk of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Cardinal Wuerl, originally a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, has a long history of supporting the College, to which he has sent many men to be formed as priests of Jesus Christ. In his acceptance speech, Cardinal Wuerl

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Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Directed by seminarian Christopher Gray ‘13 (Salt Lake City), a ­seminarian choral group provides after-dinner entertainment for the guests.

reminisced about his time at the College, highlighting the “patience, example, and instruction…the guidance, formation, and the friendship…the care and support of brother seminarians” as key factors in his own priestly formation.

Mr. and Mrs. John and JoEllen Stollenwerk also received the Rector’s Award for their incredible service to the Church in their leadership and support of Catholic Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

John Connaughton ‘13 (Bridgeport), foreground, and Michael Casey ‘13 (Hartford) head-up a line of seminarians assembled in the corridor outside of the O’Toole Refectory waiting to welcome guests and provide hospitality during the dinner.

schools in the United States, especially in Milwaukee.

Speaking of the great need for priests to continue to support and promote Catholic education in their respective dioceses, Mr. Stollenwerk shared his great hope for the future of the Church and Her seminarians, who will be the priests of our century and, in the words of Cardinal Wuerl, “agents of the Holy Spirit who will renew the Church in our country.”

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67, Archbishop of ­Washington, addresses the guests before receiving the 2012 Rector’s Award.

The Rector’s Dinner also provides an opportunity for the College’s seminarians to gather together for an evening of Christian fraternity and charity. The members of the College community are already looking forward to the preparations for next year’s Dinner.

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Life at the College

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Above Left: Choir members from the University of Mary in the Diocese of Bismarck sing for the College at Mass on the 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Above Right: Sporting their game shirts, the Ultimate Frisbee Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City) team prepares for a game out on the Kardos ­Family Campo Sportivo. Left: Jeffrey Dole ‘14 (Dubuque) and Martin Rodriguez ‘13 (Indianapolis) are all smiles as they prepare for the College’s annual International Day feast. Right: A portrait of the late Most Rev. Pietro Sambi, former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, was donated by the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Present for its presentation to the College were (from left) Rev. Msgr. Walter Rossi, Rector of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; His Eminence

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Donald ­Cardinal Wuerl ‘67, Archbishop of Washington and Chairman of the Board of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; the Most Rev. John Myers ‘67, Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the Board of Governors; and Rev. Msgr. James Checchio, ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College. Below Left: Paul Solomon ‘15 (Joliet) zeroes in for a home run. Below Right: Freshly pressed napkins line the seminarians’ “pigeon holes” on Sundays, ready to be used for another week.

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

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Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Above Left: Rev. Msgr. Thomas Powers, Adjunct Spiritual Director, prays alongside the seminarians during the College’s daily celebration of Evening Prayer. Above Right: Nicholas Fleming ‘15 (Providence) makes his trumpet sing during a performance by the student-band “Red Room Rejects” in April. Left: James Hansen ‘15 (Rockville Centre) stays dry while watching the action on the Kardos Family Campo Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh) Sportivo. Right: Joseph Laracy ‘13 (Newark) ­becomes chef for the day along with many other talented seminarians to make the annual International Day meal a success. Middle Left: The College’s Eagle Scouts gather with the Most. Rev. Robert Guglielmone, Bishop of Charleston and USCCB Episcopal Liaison for the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. Bottom Left: Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B., Director of Liturgical Formation, incenses the altar with the assistance of Rev. Mr. Aaron Johanneck ‘12 (New Ulm) during a celebration of Evening Prayer with the bishops of Region XV. Bottom Right: Eric Campbell ‘14 (Pittsburgh) entertains du-

Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh)

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

ring an evening of camaraderie in the Gregory and Linda Jewell Student Lounge.

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh)

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Passion and Victory: Clericus Cup 2012 Champions

by Mark Murphy ‘14, Archdiocese of Dubuque

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ope Benedict XVI has said that sports are one of the means that contribute to a person’s harmonious development and to his moral perfection: “practiced ethically and with passion, sports become a training ground for learning and developing human and Christian values, as well as for practicing a healthy spirit of competition.” The Holy Father’s words may be applied to the value of sports in human formation for the priesthood. Throughout the year, many seminarians of the Pontifical North American College participate in various sporting activities, one of the biggest of which being the Clericus Cup. Founded in 2007, the Clericus Cup is an annual soccer tournament between seminaries and pontifical universities in Rome. All of the players are either priests or seminarians in what is truly an international league; in the 2012 Clericus Cup, three hundred fifty-one players from seventy-one countries competed on sixteen different teams.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

The Martyrs huddle together for a few last words of strategy and encouragement before taking the field in the championship game.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

Lewi Barakat ‘15 (Sydney) fights off a tackle as Mark Paver ‘15 (New York) looks on.

After second place finishes in 2009 and 2010, the North American Martyrs were looking this year to improve on a fourth place finish from last year. Led by team captain Nicholas Nelson ‘13 (Duluth), the Martyrs won their four-team round robin group play, notably defeating rival and three-time champion Redemptoris Mater.

The Martyrs later had two convincing wins to advance to the finals of the tournament, earning a matchup with the team that last year both eliminated them and then advanced to win the 2011 Clericus Cup—the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Competing with the passion of which Pope Benedict spoke, the Martyrs came out big on game-day, and won the North American College’s first ever Clericus Cup championship with a 3-0 victory over the Gregorian University squad. John Gibson ‘14 (Milwaukee), the Clericus Cup’s third-leading scorer, paced the Martyrs with two goals off of his head, while Scott Gratton ‘15 (Burlington), the Clericus Cup’s second-leading scorer, added the Martyrs’ third goal. Defensively, goalkeeper and newlyordained Reverend Mr. David Santos ‘12 (Newark) pre-

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Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

Team Captain Nicholas Nelson ‘13 (Duluth) and the team hoist “lo scudetto,” the Clericus Cup trophy, as the Martyrs celebrate with their Rector, Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97. They were joined (left) by the Most Rev. Giovanni Angelo Becciu, Substitute of the Secretariat of State.

vented the Gregorian from scoring a goal, a strong feat considering that the Gregorian scored a total of nine goals in their previous two playoff matches.

The players were not the only ones who participated in the Martyrs’ championship run. The famous Booster Club faithfully and loudly cheered them on at every match. Many Martyrs fans attended the games dressed as such iconic American figures as Batman, Spiderman, Captain America and Wolverine. In addition to the intimidating sight of such “Super-fans,” the Martyrs’ Booster Club chanted and sang the team to victory both on and off of the field.

The players and fans of the North American Martyrs are now able to enjoy their first ever Clericus Cup championship. Team Coach Daniel Gallagher ‘14 (Pittsburgh) reflected on his three years with the team: “Each year the team has developed and improved thanks to the contributions of many men now serving their dioceses as priests, which is ultimately what we are all about.”

Not only has the team developed into champions but, through healthy competition, they have also developed human and Christian values that will serve them and the people of God they encounter in their future ministries as virtuous priests of Jesus Christ.

Centro Sportivo Italiano Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

The Martyrs “Super-fans” have become a staple of the Clericus Cup tournament, cheering on their team and entertaining the local community with their comical costumes.

From left, Lewi Barakat ‘15 (Sydney), Nicholas Nelson ‘13 (Duluth), Scott Gratton ‘15 (Burlington), and John Gibson ‘13 (Milwaukee) celebrate after the final whistle declared the Martyrs champions of the 2012 Clericus Cup.

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Connected to Peter: Reception of the Pallium 2012

by Michael Rubeling ‘13, Archdiocese of Baltimore

O

n June 29th, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Benedict XVI presented a Pallium to each new Metropolitan bishop in the world. I was privileged to accompany my new archbishop, the Most Reverend William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, on his pilgrimage to Rome to receive a Pallium from the Holy Father.

In the midst of the holy splendor of this special occasion, I tried to search for the meaning behind this ceremony, this symbol, the Pallium. In his homily at the North American College, Archbishop Lori explained: “The Pallium…is a circular band of wool, worn around the neck by the Pope and by the archbishops who head the archdioceses throughout the world. The Pallium is emblazoned with four crosses; it symbolizes the communion of faith and love between the archbishops of the world and the Holy Father, and as it rests on the shoulders of an archbishop, it evokes his mandate to imitate

Ann M. Augherton | Arlington Catholic Herald

The Most Rev. Charles Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia, receives the pallium from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

the Good Shepherd in seeking out the lost sheep and carrying that sheep, on his shoulders, back to the fold, and back to abundant life.”

In the days leading up to the Pallium Mass with the Holy Father, my understanding of what this liturgical item signified would become increasingly richer. Of the various churches we visited during the archbishop’s pilgrimage, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere seemed to exemplify the connection I saw, or rather experienced, between the new archbishops receiving the Pallium and the Apostolic succession which has come down to us from the time of St. Peter.

Ann M. Augherton | Arlington Catholic Herald

The Most Rev. William Edward Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, ­gathers in the College’s central cortile with his seminarians Joshua Laws ‘14, Michael Rubeling ‘15, Joseph Langan ‘14, and Christopher De Leon ‘14.

Santa Maria in Trastevere is said to be one of the first churches in Rome, and before a church was on this spot, the location was mostly likely the site of the preaching of the Apostles Peter and Paul. In his homily given at Santa Maria in Trastevere, Archbishop Lori spoke about the special connection this eighteen-century-old church has with Baltimore and the United States. Santa Maria in

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Trastevere was the titular church of James Cardinal Gibbons, the ninth Archbishop of Baltimore from 1887 to 1921. Archbishop Lori spoke about Cardinal Gibbons’ praise of religious freedom in the United States of America, expressing a particular part of the United States’ character. After reflecting upon visiting this church during that Pallium week, I am amazed by the unbroken connection between the apostles, the various bishops through the centuries, Cardinal Gibbons, the American bishops—all the way up to Archbishop Lori—and the other archbishops given the Pallium this year.

The day after the new archbishops received their Pallia from Pope Benedict XVI, after all the grand celebrations and receptions, the pilgrims from Baltimore gathered

Ann M. Augherton | Arlington Catholic Herald

Cross bearer Michael Rubeling ‘15 (Baltimore) leads the closing ­procession of Archbishop Lori’s Mass of Thanksgiving at the College, with candle bearers Joshua Laws ‘14 (Baltimore) and Christopher De Leon ‘14 (Baltimore) close in tow.

early in the morning for an intimate Mass of Thanksgiving with Archbishop Lori at the tomb of Saint Peter the Apostle. How appropriate that this new archbishop return to the Prince of the Apostles—the beginning of the great apostolic lineage. I feel so blessed to have experienced that wonderful celebration with my new archbishop, and I think I now appreciate more fully Pope Benedict’s words to the new Metropolitan Bishops: “The Pallium that I have conferred on you will always remind you that you have been constituted in and for the great mystery of communion that is the Church, the spiritual edifice built upon Christ as the cornerstone, which while in its earthly and historical dimension is built on the rock of Peter.”

Ann M. Augherton | Arlington Catholic Herald

The bishops receiving their new pallia are seated around the tomb of Saint Peter during the Mass.

Ann M. Augherton | Arlington Catholic Herald

The Most Rev. Samuel Aquila, Archbishop of Denver, receives his pallium from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

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Building Priestly Bonds: Class Fraternity Weekends

by Kyle Sahd ‘14, Diocese of Harrisburg

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n his 2010 letter to seminarians, Pope Benedict XVI wrote that seminary is a period of time in which men in formation to the priesthood develop friendships in which they “learn with one another and from one another,” so that they can best contribute their God-given abilities to the Church. According to the Program for Priestly Formation, seminarians are challenged “to develop and foster bonds of fraternity and cooperation” so that that they can become shepherds of souls, leading all to Christ.

At the Pontifical North American College, fraternity is expressed by our participation in daily Mass and communal prayer, in discussions of our theology classes, in the conversations that we share at meal-time, and in the sports we play together on the Kardos Family Campo Sportivo. The College also organizes “fraternity weekends” for the Second and Third Year men as a way for us to spend more time together outside of the seminary itself, and to develop life-long friendships with faithful men.

Christopher Kerzich ‘14 (Chicago)

Nearly a millennium old, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Spoleto was a welcoming place of prayer for the men of 2nd Theology during their fraternity weekend in March.

During the weekend of May 11th, the Third Year Seminarians traveled to the beach at Anzio, Italy, as they have for a number of years, so that they could be together as a class before diaconate ordinations begin. While at Anzio, they took a short trip to nearby Nettuno, where they visited the tomb of Saint Maria Goretti and even enjoyed an Italian professional baseball game.

Andrew Vill ‘14 (Bridgeport)

Juan Luxama ‘14 (Brooklyn) and Daniel Westermann ‘14 (­Lansing) take a walk around the periphery of Spoleto in March.

Seeing the fruits that have come from the Third Year Fraternity Weekend, the College also organized this year a Second Year Fraternity Weekend, March 16th-18th, as a way for us to gather as a class before making the trip

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(continued on page 22)

Bringing Pilgrims to Christ: Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican

by Patrick Broussard ‘14, Diocese of Lafayette “I am coming to Rome, is there any way to see the pope?” Having completed two years of theology here at the Pontifical North American College, I have received many emails with this common request. The good news is that the answer to this question is “yes!” and not just for a select few. It is actually quite simple for anyone coming from the United States to receive tickets to see the Holy Father.

The Bishops’ Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican, housed in the Casa Santa Maria in the heart of Rome, is a joint-effort of the United States Conference of Bishops and the Pontifical North American College. The office is run by the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan, who also staff the College’s Infirmary. The College is particularly grateful for all of the services these Sisters provide, and especially for the joyful and prayerful spirit they bring to the entire community.

Pilgrims coming to Rome can obtain tickets to such papal events as the Wednesday General Audience, and even

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI waves to pilgrims as he makes his way across Saint Peter’s Square before a Wednesday General Audience.

Rev. Nile Gross (New Orleans)

Sister Mary Christa Nutt, RSM, smiles as she prepares tickets for papal events for a group of pilgrims from the United States.

special events like papal liturgies, by contacting the U.S. Visitor’s Office. In addition to doing the work needed to obtain tickets for the guests that request them (more than 50,000 requests per year), the Sisters also give a brief orientation about what to expect at the papal event. Picking up the tickets gives one the chance to visit the Casa Santa Maria, the College’s original location. While at the Casa, guests are offered a brief tour of the grounds, and the chance to make a visit to the chapel with one of the seminarians.

As part of my apostolic assignment, I was privileged to help the Sisters welcome pilgrims at the Casa Santa Maria on Tuesday evenings. Working with them has been a great blessing for me and has truly helped me to grow in my journey towards the priesthood. The love with which they receive every visitor that walks through the door has been for me such a great witness of Christian char(continued on page 22)

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ity. One Sister acknowledged that “part of the gift of the apostolate is watching pilgrims become excited about praying with the Holy Father and having an experience of the Universal Church here in Rome.”

In their joy, these Sisters constantly remind me that we are not just handing out tickets to tourists passing through the Eternal City. Rather, we are trying to help transform ordinary vacations into pilgrimages. Through the generosity of the Casa priests, pilgrims can receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in order to complete one of the necessary conditions for receiving the Plenary Indulgence attached to the Holy Father’s Apostolic Blessing.

If you ever plan to travel to Rome, make sure to contact the Sisters at the U.S. Visitors Office to request tickets to a papal event. Contact information—along with other helpful tips for planning your pilgrimage—can be found under the “Pilgrim Information” tab on the College’s website (www.pnac.org), or simply by emailing the Sisters at visitorsoffice@pnac.org. Have a great pilgrimage!

Sr. Mary Christiana, RSM

Patrick Broussard ‘13 (Lafayette), stands in the courtyard of the Casa Santa Maria, where the Visitors Office is located.

back to the United States—the first time in two years for many of us. We traveled to Spoleto, in the province of Umbria. While there, we had the opportunity to worship in two medieval churches, take a cultural and religious tour of the city, and catch up with our classmates while winding through the city’s narrow streets and crossing the Ponte delle Torri, or the Tower Bridge, Spoleto’s most famous landmark.

It was a blessing to have the ability to spend time during our Fraternity Weekend talking a bit more with my classmates about the joys and challenges we experience in following Christ and our call to the priesthood. Healthy and enduring priestly fraternity will sustain us in our future priestly ministry so that we can bring all people closer to Christ and His Church.

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Mark Bentz ‘13 (Portland), Peter Heasley ‘13 (New York), Joseph Laracy ‘13 (Newark), and Eric Scanlan ‘13 (Venice) enjoy a moment together at dusk during their fraternity weekend in Anzio, Italy.

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Economo’s Corner Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95 Archdiocese of Mobile Vice-Rector for Administration

“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Late spring is always a busy time at the Pontifical North American College as we bid farewell to the student priests and fourth year men who are returning home to serve their local Church. Of course, everyone is also preparing for exams at the varied pontifical universities. By late June, most seminarians will have departed the College for summer assignments back in the United States, Canada, and Australia, while many others remain in Europe for language studies and for travel to Asia and Africa in order to experience the Universal Church in an array of beneficial apostolates. Though it is a quieter campus in the summer months, the staff of the College will be preparing the campus to welcome proximally 63 new men, and will engage in projects best carried out when the majority of the community is away.

The staff will paint around 60 student rooms, wax corridors, and ensure that the campus is ready for the New Men. They will also help outside companies engage in summer projects that ensure that our seminarians and student priests have a campus conducive to prayer, studies, and hospitality, as well as maintain the integrity of the building and the future needs of the College. Some of the capital improvements are part of the annual budget, while others are carried out through the generosity of friends and benefactors of the College.

Therefore in mid-July when over 50 New Men arrive at the College for a brief one-week stay at their new home before departing to other parts of Italy for intensive Italian language programs, they will find a campus that offers them the hallmark experience of the North American College. By late August, the College facilities will be ready to welcome all the New Men, as well as the “Old Men” who will be returning from their summer assignments and travels. In reality, although summer is a time for vacations and travel, the College, though not being filled with over 250 seminarians and a variety of activities of priestly formation, is busy doing things necessary for the priestly formation and discernment that take place in the other 10 months of the year.

As the Universal Church embarks upon the “New Evangelization,” what takes place here at the College during the summer is necessary to ensure that the young men who come here for discernment and formation have an atmosphere and facilities conducive for prayer and study, so that they can proclaim and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ to and in a world that forever needs to be renewed in the message of hope and love.

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The Pontifical

North American College 3211 Fourth Street, NE

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Washington, D.C. 20017-1194 For more information about the North American College, or to learn about opportunities for memorial gifts, contact Mark Randall, CFRE, at our Washington, D.C., Office of Institutional Advancement:

Tel: (202) 541-5411 / Fax: (202) 722-8804 Email: nac@usccb.org or visit our website at www.pnac.org

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Join us on Friday, November 9th, 2012, for the 11th annual Umiltà Awards honoring: The Most Reverend Carlo Maria Viganò, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, and Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Sue Cicherski.

The Willard – Washington, D.C. For information, call our Office of Institutional Advancement 202-541-5411