of one of our forty-four New Men, who arrived here at the College the end of August. This dad wrote, "I must confess that I have had mixed emotions about my son's vocation. It was difficult for me to be enthusiastic about his decision to enter the seminary; it was really tough for me to accept his appointment to the North American College. I just worried that my son would not be happy. But, in his dozens of letters, emails, and phone calls over the ten weeks he's been in Rome, it's obvious that he's never been happier. Sure, he admits some homesickness and some rocky transition, but he loves Rome, the College, his new brothers, the program, and his life. I'm now at peace, because my son is genuinely happy." You can tell by their laughter, their cheer, their energy, and their courtesy, that they are men of joy. Why? Well, from a purely natural point of view, the North American College is a pleasant place to live. Thanks to so many of you, our benefactors, we have a comfortable, clean, caring house, admired by many in Rome. The men who live here are quality, wholesome, upbeat people, who look out for each other, and make the place a real home. Even more important, though, is the supernatural cause of this joy. These men are responding to God's call, pursuing His invitation, obedient to the decision of their bishop, and in daily communication with the Lord in prayer. As the Bible teaches, conformity to His Will is the secret of happiness! That sure doesn't mean that their life is carefree and rosy! Struggle, challenge, hard work, and setbacks abound -- but they can never dull the deep sense of interior joy that comes from a sincere commitment to God's will. Your support and encouragement add to their happiness . . . thanks! Cardinal Ratzinger and that New Man's dad are right: our men here are happy. And our job is to send them back to you as happy priests.
A Year in Review
The Fatherhood of God in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ By: Fr. Joseph Henchey, C.S.S. Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata Some years ago there was a book on the priesthood rather widely read in Catholic circles: Everybody Calls Me Father! It was an enthusiastic presentation of the priesthood, and it shone with a sense of gratitude for the laity who so honored their priests. In 1999, the final year of preparation for the Great jubilee Year, the Holy Father suggested prayerful reflection on God the Father and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. These principles in every priest's life offer a great challenge to serve the people of God "in the Person of Christ", His only begotten Son, the Chief Supreme Shepherd [1 Peter], the Great High Priest [Hebrews].