Roman Echoes 2014 - Issue 8

The Pontifical North American College

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: • Papal Audience • Rector’s Dinner • Canonization • Alumni Reunion

2014 • ISSUE 8

EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR IN CHIEF Geoffrey A. Brooke Jr. ‘15 Diocese of Jefferson City

8

LAYOUT & DESIGN MANAGER Anthony Klimko ‘15 Diocese of Greensburg MANAGING EDITOR Kevin Staley-Joyce ‘16 Archdiocese of Boston ASSISTANT EDITORS Paul Haverstock ‘16 Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul & Donato Infante III ‘15 Diocese of Worcester & Zac Povis ‘15 Archdiocese of St. Louis & Ruben Villareal ‘15 Diocese of Lake Charles LAYOUT & DESIGN EDITORS Nicholas Fleming ‘15 Diocese of Providence & Corey Tufford ‘16 Diocese of San Diego PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Rubeling ‘15 Archdiocese of Baltimore & Kyle Manglona ‘16 Archdiocese of Seattle & Michael Lund ‘16 Diocese of Pembroke

FRONT COVER Pope Francis greets seminarians and priests during the papal audience.

10 12

FEATURES/CONTENTS

14

20 26

5 6 8 10 12 13 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 35

RECTOR’S CORNER Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 RECTOR’S DINNER CANONIZATION Peter Ascik ‘17 HOLY WEEK BUILDING EXPANSION UPDATE RETREATS Peter Vale ‘17 Matthew Murray ‘16 ORDINATIONS Rev. Mr. Zachary Povis ‘15 PAPAL AUDIENCE Michael Dion ‘16 LIFE AT THE COLLEGE SPRING SPORTS Mark Horn ‘15 CRS TRIP Stephen Prisk ‘15 BIOETHICS COURSE Rev. Scott Murray ‘14 CLOSING BANQUET Stephen Wyble ‘16 REFLECTIONS ON ST. JOHN PAUL II Rev. Austin Vetter ‘93 ANNUAL ALUMNI REUNION Mark Randall, CFRE INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Mark Randall, CFRE ECONOMO’S CORNER Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95

2014 • ISSUE 8

3

BOARD OF GOVERNORS of the 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

The crucifix used at the North American College for veneration on Good Friday.

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

Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl ‘67 Archbishop of Washington

RECTOR Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97 VICE RECTOR FOR ADMINISTRATION Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95 VICE RECTOR OF SEMINARY LIFE Rev. Timothy McKeown ‘97, C‘04 SUPERIOR, CASA SANTA MARIA Rev. Msgr. Fred Berardi C‘82 DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE FOR CONTINUING THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION Rev. Msgr. Anthony J. Figueiredo C‘00 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Mark Randall, CFRE

Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson Archbishop of St. Louis Most Rev. Salvatore Cordileone ‘82, C‘89 Archbishop of San Francisco Most Rev. Gerald N. Dino C‘72 Byzantine Catholic Bishop of Phoenix Most Rev. Robert C. Evans ‘73, C‘89 Auxiliary Bishop of Providence Most Rev. Jeffrey Monforton ‘93, C‘02 Bishop of Steubenville Most Rev. William F. Murphy ‘65 C‘74 Bishop of Rockville Centre Most Rev. Glen J. Provost ‘75 Bishop of Lake Charles Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan ‘65, C‘71 Archbishop of Santa Fe Most Rev. Joseph Siegel ‘88 Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet Most Rev. John Vlazny ‘62 Archbishop Emeritus of Portland

RECTOR’S CORNER

SIGNS OF NEW LIFE

T

he summer is always an exciting time at the College. June and July mark the end of the year for our seminarians and student priests after they finish their exams throughout the month of June. Fifty-three of our deacons head home for priestly ordination during these summer months. It is a great moment for them and the dioceses they will serve, and a highlight of the year for all of us. It’s a grace to help form new priests, and our Church is so generous in supplying a full formation for them. Likewise I am grateful for the generosity with which our seminarians take up the task of listening to the Lord and forming their hearts to be more like His. This summer, our second- and third-year seminarians return home to be involved in parish life, while the firstyear seminarians begin summer ministries in various parts of the world. Many of the first-year men will travel to European countries, experiencing parochial life in England, Ireland, or here in Italy; others in Europe will be helping pilgrims at Our Lady’s Shrines in Lourdes and Fatima, or assisting the Missionaries of Charity in feeding and housing the poor. A group of our first-year seminarians will have the privilege of traveling to the land where Jesus walked, some for a pilgrimage and others to study a biblical language, while still others will experience the Church in countries such as China, Russia, India or Japan.

The summer is a time when seminarians strengthen their reliance on our Lord as they depend upon Him during their encounters with ministry throughout our world. All of our seminarians will be enriched by learning anew how they can proclaim the gospel in the everyday lives of diverse people.

they leave the comforts of home and the formation programs they already know to step out in trust of the Lord, and where He is leading them. This year we will welcome fifty-three new men, and gratefully, our seminary will be at capacity enrollment once again. We look forward to the arrival of these generous young men in the coming weeks.

During the summer, our business office closes the financial year and prepares for our annual audit, and while the buildings are nearly empty of students, many projects are completed on our campuses. We are entering the home stretch with our new addition to the seminary building, which we hope will be completely finished by November. You will see an update on its progress in this edition of Roman Echoes, as well as read about many other recent activities here at the College. Our student writers, editors, layout designers, and photographers, are all pleased to have an opportunity to share with you about our life here, and we’re grateful to them for their doing it so well.

The summer is an exciting time, but also a time when we hope to get some rest. All of our priests and seminarians will enjoy some vacation this summer, and I hope you do too. Please be assured of our prayers for you and your intentions from wherever we find ourselves! We are grateful for your interest in our ministry and support for our seminarians and priests. We could not continue with our programs without your kind financial and prayerful support.

Enjoy this edition of Roman Echoes.

Vergine Immacolata, aiutateci!

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

Summer is also the period of the year when we prepare for the arrival of our New Men, and welcome them to their new home. It’s a challenging transition for them, as

2014 • ISSUE 8

5

RECTOR’S DINNER

SUPPORTERS GATHER FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO SUPPORT THE COLLEGE Geoffrey A. Brooke Jr., ‘15, Diocese of Jefferson City to the Holy See and the evening’s Honorees, each accompanied by one of the 5th year student priests living at the seminary.

Msgr. Checchio ‘92, C‘97 and Archbishop John Myers ’67 with this year’s Rector’s Dinner lay honorees, Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Lannette Turicchi and their three daughters.

F

or the past several years the College’s annual Rector’s Dinner is held week following Easter. The students all return from their Easter Break eager to greet their many benefactors who have come to support the college. In many ways this year was no different, but with a little twist.

This year, on the Sunday after Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday, the entire Church celebrated the canonization of St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II. This event drew large crowds to the Eternal City. Thankfully, many supporters of the College were still in town later that week to help draw a record crowd to the 22nd annual Rector’s Dinner hosted by the College’s Rector, Monsignor James Checchio, ’92, C’97.

6 The Pontifical North American College

With such high numbers, all of the students pitched in to show their gratitude to their generous benefactors, to make the evening a great success, and enjoyable for all. The students fulfilled countless jobs, from entertainment before and after the dinner, to some of the more “behind-thescenes” work necessary to organize an event this large.

As the guests arrived and greeted one another, they were serenaded by a jazz band made up of several students. After socializing, all made their way into the refectory for the evening’s main event. The program always begins with the entrance of the Cardinals, Chairman of the Board, United States Ambassador

Every year the college honors a few individuals as recipients of the Rector’s Dinner Award for their generous support of her students and mission.

This year’s recipients included His Eminence, James Cardinal Harvey, ’75, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Lannette Turicchi.

The awards were presented by Msgr.

Checchio and Most. Rev. John Myers, ’67, Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the Board of Governors.

For many years Cardinal Harvey served as Prefect of the Papal Household under St. John Paul II as well as Pope Benedict XVI. Throughout his time serving in the Eternal City, he has been known to be very supportive of the seminarians studying at the North American College. Most notably, for many years he graciously welcomed and hosted the New Men during their orientation in the Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo.

Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Lannette Turicchi generously serve the college as Chairpersons of the Council for Institutional Advancement. During their address to the attendees of the dinner they spoke of the history of their relationship with the College. In particular, they recalled

their first time visiting the College during a trip to Rome. They spoke of the strong and positive impression made upon them by the seminarians. Also present at the dinner and, joining them on stage, were their three daughters: Kristina, Karinna, and Kassandra.

After inspiring and lighthearted addresses from the all of the award recipients, the evening concluded with the much anticipated entertainment. The group began with “A Wonderful World,” the singers were accompanied by Nicholas Fleming, ’15, (Providence) on the trumpet and Blake Neebel, ’17 (Dubuque), on the trombone. That was followed by the Italian classic, “O Sole Mio,” the three soloists were, Joseph Hamilton, ’16 (Sydney), Joseph Rampino, ’16 (Arlington), and Joseph Farrell ’15 (Arlington). The entertainment ended with a tap-dancing battle between Rev. David Rider, ’14 (New York) and Rev. John Gibson ’14 (Milwaukee). As the group was singing “Give My Regards to Broadway,” Rev. Rider appeared on stage to accompany the musical piece

Msgr. Checchio ‘92, C’97 and Archbishop John Myers ’67 with this year’s Rector’s Dinner honoree, His Eminence, James Cardinal Harvey ‘75.

with tap dancing. He was later joined

by Rev. Gibson, who had the musicians mix in some Irish step music.

Among the many Cardinals present was His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, ’76, Archbishop of New York and former Rector of the College.

Thanks to the generous financial support of the attending guests, those who purchased ads in the Rector’s Album, and those who sponsored the evening, the 22nd Annual Rector’s Dinner raised just over $1 million for the College. We are truly grateful!

His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan ‘76, Archbishop of New York and Mr. John Stollenwerk, a good friend of the College and past Rector’s Dinner honoree.

2014 • ISSUE 8

7

CANONIZATION

A CANONIZATION IN THE SEMINARY’S BACKYARD Peter Ascik ‘17, Diocese of Charlotte

E

very seminarian at the North American College has a story about waiting for three, four, five, or even six hours to get into St. Peter’s Basilica for a papal liturgy. It is not unusual for these events to draw crowds that number in the hundreds of thousands. But the crowd at St. Peter’s on April 27, 2014—Divine Mercy Sunday—was huge even by Roman standards. This was the day that the Church officially recognized two beloved popes, John XXIII and John Paul II, as saints. In the weeks leading up to the event, reports and projections about the number of pilgrims coming to Rome kept trickling in. Some said two million would come. Some said three million. The city of Rome mobilized for extensive public safety and transportation challenges, and NAC seminarians were also forced to plan.

Should we even try to go to the canonization? Would it be possible to get anywhere near the piazza? How long would we have to wait? I was one of a small group of NAC men who decided to join the pilgrims in an all-night vigil in anticipation of the event, in hopes that we would be able to reach the piazza by morning and have a close-up view of the Mass.

Crowds were already gathering when we left the seminary at 8pm the night before the canonization. We waded into an energetic crowd of Catholics from 8 The Pontifical North American College

Michael Friedel ‘17 (Springfield, Ill.) participates in the Mass of Canonization.

around the world. We met people from the United States, Brazil, France, Germany, and Poland. Groups of pilgrims of all ages were present. Pilgrims rolled out sleeping mats and blankets and sat on the street talking, singing, praying, sharing food, and sleeping. A group of Polish nuns sang hymns. Flags and banners were everywhere, representing various countries, cities, parishes, and Catholic groups. Polish national flags and those from the famous Polish labor union “Solidarity” were especially prominent. At midnight, excitement rippled

through the crowd as they prepared to open the gates to the street leading up to St. Peter’s. We spent the next ten hours on our feet, moving in increments down the one-third mile street that separated us from the piazza. Under the light of the streetlamps we prayed, talked, told jokes, and waited patiently for the next chance to move. The crowd was so closely packed together that there was no room to sit down.

But when Mass finally began the next morning, the opening organ notes of

the processional hymn transformed the sore and bleary-eyed crowd into a prayerful family of pilgrims. The many flags flapped peacefully in the breeze as hundreds of bishops processed out of St. Peter’s and kissed the outdoor altar. For the next two hours, the crowd of thousands prayed and worshiped as one, pausing only to break into thankful applause when Pope Francis completed the official declarations of sainthood.

It was finished; our popes were now saints!

Our all-night vigil was tiring, but it was a great blessing to have the chance to be present—among thousands of pilgrims—for the last step of the earthly journey of these two great popes. But I did not spend more than twelve hours trying to get close to the piazza simply for the experience. I was there to reach out personally to these saints who reached out personally to so many during their lives. Both men were strong and visionary leaders during some of the

Pope Saint John XXIII

People overflow into the street from St. Peter’s square to participate in the Mass celebrating the canonization of two Pope saints.

most consequential events of modern church history. John XXIII shepherded the Church into an ecumenical council, while John Paul II emerged from the darkness of atheistic, totalitarian Europe as a great witness to hope. Both men made profound contributions to the spiritual and intellectual heritage of the Church through their encyclicals, addresses, and personal writings. And yet it is perhaps their smiles, their joy, their concern, and their attention to others that remain with us the most.

I never got a chance to meet John Paul II, but I have seen video footage of his visit to Catholic University in Washington DC in 1979. The students at that school held an all-night prayer vigil for the pope, and they were still there in the morning chanting “J-P-2! We love you!” when he arrived. That day the pope told them: “I would like to talk with you at length. . . I would like to listen to you and know what you think about yourselves and the world, but the time I have been given is so short. . .” John Paul II made present Christ’s desire to know each person, to reach out to each person with His love. The desire to be known is very deep, especially when you are young. And John Paul II showed us all that it is Christ who knows us by

name and calls us by name, and invites us to follow Him. This is the message that these two pope-saints preached to the world, and the world’s hunger for this good news is evidenced by the number of people who attended their canonization. Their witness remains as a light shining in the darkness and a great example to all men pursuing the priesthood today.

Pope Saint John Paul II 2014 • ISSUE 8

9

HOLY WEEK

CELEBRATING AS A COMMUNITY Austin Ammaniti ’16, Diocese of Toledo in Ohio

W

ithout a doubt, Holy Week at the North American College provides numerous opportunities to enter deeply into the profound mysteries of Christianity.

This is primarily possible because of the nature of the Church’s liturgy itself, which is always centered on Christ. But the beautiful celebration of the Holy Week liturgies at the North American College is also a means by which the community enters together into the highest celebration of the liturgical year; and likewise, the apex of the liturgies and spiritual life at the College. The Paschal Mystery, Christ’s suffering, death, and Resurrection, is the center of our faith, the reason for our hope (1 Pt. 3:15), and the core of our identity as Christians. All the seasons of the liturgical year point to Holy Week and find their culmination in it.

Every two years, all of the priests and seminiarians celebrate the moving events of Holy Week together. This year, the community celebrated the Holy Week liturgies in the Immaculate Conception Chapel offering the seminarians a pastoral model that will be helpful in future priestly ministry. By fully participating in these liturgies, the seminarians of the College develop an understanding of how to celebrate Holy Week in a parish.

This year, the College was blessed with the presence of some of her dear friends. Cardinals Pell, O’Brien, and

10 The Pontifical North American College

Burke were generous in accepting the invitation to come to the College to celebrate some of the big Holy Week events. Cardinal Pell led us into Holy Week by celebrating the Palm Sunday Mass, Cardinal O’Brien began the Easter Triduum with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, and Cardinal Burke presided over the Easter Vigil on the evening of Holy Saturday.

Due to the heightened solemnity that accompanies Holy Week, extra effort was put forward to ensure that the liturgies were celebrated with fitting dignity and reverence. The universities in Rome are closed during Holy Week, so the time away from class was used to make liturgical preparations. The choir rehearsed for numerous hours throughout the week. The masters of ceremonies, sacristans, and all those who were involved in the various liturgies put in extra time in advance to know and practice their parts. Everything that was involved in making sure the liturgies went smoothly and beautifully can be summed up by a few words from one of Pope Benedict XVI’s general audiences: the Cross of Christ is “a historic turning point that radically transforms and renews the reality of worship.”

All the celebrations of Holy Week are important, significant, and central for salvation history and the content of the faith. Among them, the events of Holy Thursday are especially meaningful in

His Eminence Edwin O’Brien C ‘76 washing the feet of the fifth year priests.

the life of the College. For it is on Holy Thursday that the Church celebrates the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. Therefore, it is fitting that the day holds a special place in the hearts of the College’s priests, seminarians, and alumni from across the country. For over 150 years, The College has labored to form holy, happy, healthy, and intelligent priests who have a pastoral zeal for souls. Truly, to be formed at the College is to be formed according to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thus, Holy Thursday is a day in which all of us at the College give

thanks not only for all priests, but in a particular way for the priests who have come from their dioceses to serve on the faculty.

To celebrate the priesthood, everyone enjoyed a large banquet in the refectory for the community lunch. Emphasizing the role of service to the people of God as an essential element of priestly ministry, the faculty priests served the meal, waited tables, and cleaned up after the event. To celebrate the institution of the Eucharist, the priests and seminarians of the College had a unique opportunity to participate in a longstanding Roman tradition. After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Eucharistic procession to the downstairs Assumption Chapel is completed, many go into the city to visit the Blessed Sacrament in a vast number of Roman parishes, which are adorned more ornately than normal with flowers and candles. The purpose of this devotion is to spend time with the Lord as we commemorate His agony in the garden and prepare for crucifixion the next day. This is a great devotion and we are grateful to have been a part of it!

In the events of Holy Week, Christ offers Himself to us and for our salvation in the Eucharist and on the Cross. In doing so, He prepared the apostles to go out into the world to celebrate the Eucharist and make an offering of themselves for the sake of the kingdom. All of this was first and foremost Christ’s work done through them. But something similar could be said in regards to our experience of Holy Week at the College. By fully participating in the liturgies of the Paschal mystery, through them, we are preparing to one day go out into our dioceses to celebrate the Eucharist and make an offering of ourselves for those entrusted to our pastoral care.

Seminarians William Slattery ‘15 (Fargo) and Joseph Farrell ’15 (Arlington) processing with candles before Rev. Mr. Joseph Langan ‘14 (Baltimore) who carries the crucifix.

Earlier, I mentioned a line from one of Pope Benedict XVI’s general audiences. In that same general audience, he expressed well another profound truth of Christ’s suffering, death, and Resurrection: “In his gift of himself to the Father and to us, Jesus Christ is not a substitute but truly bears within him the human being, our sins and our desire; he really represents us, he takes us upon himself. In communion with Christ, realized in faith and in the

sacraments, despite all our inadequacies we truly become a living sacrifice: ‘true worship’ is achieved.” Though he is speaking to the reality of the Christian life as it applies to everyone, his words are strikingly applicable to seminarians and priests at the College while preparing for future ministry.

His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke ‘75 presiding at the Easter Vigil.

2014 • ISSUE 8

11

BUILDING EXPANSION UPDATE

Our new tower is right on schedule to be completed this Fall!

View from the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter.

Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 (left) and Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95 (right) touring the project with Archbishop John Myers ‘67 (center).

View from across the Kardos Family Campo Sportivo.

12 The Pontifical North American College

RETREATS

ON RETREAT WITH THE CURÉ OF ARS Peter Vale, ’17, Diocese of Venice

F

or me, the most enjoyable part of our retreat week in Ars was taking in the peace, quiet, and natural beauty that it offered—not to mention its history as the home of the patron saint of parish priests! It was a great time to slow down, regroup, and recharge for the rest of the academic year that lay ahead.

Monsignor Gerald Vincke struck a fine balance between a time of pilgrimage and retreat. We kept busy with excursions on some days, while always setting aside time for in-house liturgies and conferences. On a different note, the food was phenomenal—it blew everyone away!

As with any retreat, our week in Ars provided time for personal prayer and spiritual reading, both of which are essential in discerning a vocation. I also found time for spiritual direction throughout the week.

St. John Marie Vianney, entombed above the altar in Ars, France.

One benefit of travelling with a group of fellow seminarians was having the opportunity to get to know them better. Meals were a great time for conversation and fraternity, as were the hours spent on the bus heading to Nevers and Paray-Le-Monial. It was

inspiring to see the excitement in our deacons as they awaited their priestly ordinations; it reminded me of the light at the end of the tunnel—something I will recall when the years of formation seem long.

Matthew Murray ‘16, Diocese of Oakland

O

ur pilgrimage to Ars was full of spiritual highlights. Being present at the chapel where Christ

A seminarian prays before the tomb of St. John Marie Vianney.

appeared to St. Margaret Mary was incredible; it reminded us powerfully of the love of Christ. The fact that our trip took place during Easter week, culminating on Divine Mercy Sunday, enhanced that sense all the more. All the while, we found ourselves immersed in the lives and writings of St. John Vianney, St. Bernadette, St. Margaret Mary, and St. Claude. Because we spent ample amount of time in several locations, particularly Ars, we had enough time to read what these saints wrote, chronicling

their lives spent in service of Christ and our Lady.

Seminarians pray before the tomb of St. Magaret Mary Alacoque.

2014 • ISSUE 8

13

ORDINATIONS

THE BLESSING OF AN EARLY ORDINATION Zachary Povis ‘15, Archdiocese of St. Louis

A

s my plane flew over the Mississippi river and I noticed the St. Louis Arch, it suddenly hit me more profoundly than ever that I was, at last, going home. I had to recollect myself, however, as thoughts of all the people and places I had missed so much during my two years out of the country came to mind. I reminded myself that I was, in fact, making this short trip home for a very specific reason, namely, my ordination to the transitional diaconate.

While the vast majority of men sent by their dioceses to the North American College remain in Rome for their ordination to the diaconate, enjoying the privilege of being ordained at the very heart of the Church in St. Peter’s Basilica, each year there are a few men who return home for their ordinations. This year, I was one of four men of the class of 2015 who returned to their home dioceses to be ordained before the end of the academic year.

The other three were Eric Boelscher ’15 (Convington), Austin Gilstrap ’15 (Nashville) and William Slattery ’15 (Fargo). Three more men in our class will be ordained over the course of the summer months and will return to the College as deacons at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year. They are Andrew Garnett ’15 (Rockville Center), Joseph Delka ’15 (Salt Lake City) and Anthony Klimko ’15 (Greensburg).

The experience of returning home for my ordination was a very joyful one.

I was grateful for the opportunity to be ordained with the six other men

14 The Pontifical North American College

Rev. Mr. William Slattery ‘15 (Fargo) promises obedience to his bishop, the Most Rev. John Folda C’93.

Rev. Mr. Zac Povis ’15 (St. Louis) receives his summer assignment from Archbishop Robert Carlson after his ordination to diaconate as Bishop Edward Rice looks on.

who, in May of 2015, will be ordained as priests for my home Archdiocese of St. Louis. Having one’s diaconate ordination in the Basilica built over the very “Rock” of the Church—the bones of St. Peter—is an inexpressible privilege. Still, I was most grateful to be ordained in the basilica of my home Archdiocese—to have the laying on of hands, the heart of the rite of the sacrament of Holy Orders, performed by my own ordinary, Archbishop Robert Carlson. I very much appreciated the opportunity to spend time and to celebrate with my extended family, many of whom would most likely not have been able to make the trip to Rome were I ordained there.

turning, however, I was given a parish assignment for the summer, and had a chance to meet with the pastor of the parish at which I would be serving.

Hearing a bit about the parish made me all the more anxious to return again to St. Louis after finishing my exams.

The time spent at home was, admittedly, a very short one. My ordination stood only a few weeks before the end of the year exam period. I was, therefore, only able to spend about a week in St. Louis before returning to Rome to wrap up the semester. Before re-

As opposed to the rest of our classmates, whose ordination we look forward to in October, those of us who were ordained early will have the opportunity to spend our summer home serving as deacons in parishes of our respective dioceses. This means that,

In returning to Rome, I was given the opportunity to serve the College community as a deacon on a number of occasions, including the fraternity weekend, which my class enjoyed in Anzio. I was also able to serve as a deacon at Holy Mass for a few communities of English-speaking religious sisters residing in the city of Rome.

in addition to preaching and functioning as deacons at Holy Mass, we will have the ability to baptize, to witness marriages and to serve in a wider variety of ways at our parish assignments. Having served for a summer two years ago as an acolyte at a St. Louis parish, I look forward to the wider range of opportunities I will have to serve at my parish assignment this summer. I am, in a particular way, looking forward to preaching regularly on Sundays and weekdays at the parish. Having spent the last two years working through the College’s homiletics program, I look forward to putting some of the things I have learned to use when it comes time it begin preaching regularly.

The summer will be a busy and joyfilled one. I look forward to May 2015, when I will return to St. Louis before the end of the school year yet again— this time for my ordination to the priesthood.

2014 • ISSUE 8

15

PAPAL AUDIENCE

POPE FRANCIS’ MESSAGE TO ROMAN SEMINARIANS Michael Dion ‘16, Archdiocese of Seattle

“T

he Lord has called you to be priests . . . this is the fundamental rule.”

This was Pope Francis’ response to a question from Deacon Daniel Westermann (‘14) during the pope’s meeting with Pontifical Colleges and Residences of Rome in the Paul VI Audience Hall on May 12. Alongside their counterparts from other nations living and studying throughout Rome, students of the North American College attended

the audience to hear the Holy Father’s wisdom and advice.

With most seminary groups arriving early to anticipate the pope’s arrival, some groups led a program of music before the main event. Seminary choir director Leon Griesbach led the North American College’s schola in a pair of gospel hymns, while other seminary choirs sang music from their own nations’ traditions. Students of the Urbanianum performed a particularly rousing Zulu folk song, ending with the audience on its feet, clapping along.

After waiting with eager anticipation, Pope Francis finally appeared.

At the end of his remarks, Deacon Westermann was the first of eight international students who queried the pope on topics such as moving to Rome, discernment, evangelization, and how to live a good priestly life.

“We have come to Rome, above all, for an academic formation . . . How do we not neglect an integral priestly formation, either at the personal or community level?” Westermann asked in Italian.

Pope Francis fields his first question from the audience from Rev. Mr. Daniel Westerman ‘14 (Lansing).

16 The Pontifical North American College

The Pope responded, “It is true; your main purpose here is academic formation: to get a degree in this or that. . . .

However, there is the danger of academicism . . . . in dioceses you must work in the presbytery as presbyters, graduate presbyters. And if one falls into this danger of academicism, it isn’t the Father who returns but the ‘doctor.’ And this is dangerous.”

As with the other questions, Pope Francis answered without referring to a text. The personal honesty he is known for came out as he wove in humor and his own experiences. At one point, when speaking of how important the Blessed Mother is in the life of the priest and urging us to turn to her often, he cracked that “if you don’t want Our Lady as a mother, you will certainly have her as a mother-in-law!”

From left to right: Seminarians Alexander Kreidler ‘15 (Kansas City-St. Joseph), Garrett Ahlers ‘16 (New Ulm), Joseph Rampino ‘16 (Arlington), and Brian Lenz ‘16 (Lansing) preparing with choir director Leon Griesbach to sing at the audience.

He also drew laughs when discussing the importance and challenge of living with others. “Community life isn’t a paradise,” he said. “It’s at least purgatory.” But he offered a way through the difficulties. “Two small things: do not speak ill of others and pray for those with whom you have a problem.”

Pope Francis challenged the crowd to lead by way of service, and warned that pastors must avoid using their position for money or for vanity. He showed his Jesuit roots as he spoke of daily discernment.

From left to right: Seminarians Nathan Ricci ‘16 (Providence) and Stephen Wyble ‘16 (Washington) posing for a photo before the audience begins.

“We must be masters over our heart.

What does my heart feel, what does it seek? What made me happy today, and what didn’t make me happy?” He told everyone to strive for a balanced day— “Work, prayer, a little time for rest, get out of the house, take a walk”—but also that “you must regulate it through vigilance and also through good advice.”

Pope Francis greeting the crowds after the audience.

The pope closed his lesson by speaking of the necessity of priestly friendship, a “treasure that we must cultivate among ourselves.” It is a “force for perseverance,

apostolic joy, courage, and even for humor.

It is beautiful, most beautiful!” he said.

During the meeting the Holy Father told a young priest that evangelization is all about “going forth,” and that “closeness.” It is to go out to “to all those to whom we should be close.”

By meeting all of us at the North American College and the other Roman houses of formation, Pope Francis set an example by showing just how much he desires to be close us all.

2014 • ISSUE 8

17

LIFE AT THE COLLEGE

2

1

1. Douglas Krebs ‘16 (Bismarck) and Nathan Ricci ‘16 (Providence) wait patiently before the papal audience.

2. Joseph Farrell ‘15 (Arlington) explains to Andrew Garnett ‘15 (Rockville Centre) that the last play in the softball game is impossible to execute in Wiffle Ball.

3. Rev. Peter Harman ‘99 (Springfield), Rev. Austin Vetter ‘93 (Bismarck) and Msgr.

James Checchio ‘92, C’97.

4. Rev. Michael Casey ‘13 (Hartford) and Rev. Thomas Macdonald ‘13 (Boston) show the underclassmen the joys of the priesthood.

5. Clark Philipp ‘17 (St. Louis) enjoys the day.

3

6. Paul Solomon ‘15 (Joliet) in total joy after shaking hands with Pope Francis.

7. Rev. Aaron Qureshi ‘14 (Washington) and Rev. Christopher Seith ‘14 (Washington) enjoy themselves at the Rector’s Dinner.

8. Rev. Mark Baumgarten ‘14 (Perth) shows the college the true meaning of cutlery: “now this is a knife.”

9. Rev. Brendan Hurley, S.J. (Maryland Province) gives a play-by-play commentary for the softball game with the Legionaries and enjoys a salad.

4

5 6 18 The Pontifical North American College

7

7

8

9

10

11

12

10. Rev. Joseph Kuharski ‘14 (St. Paul-Minneapolis) and Zachary Mabee ‘15 (Lansing) enjoy the cookout.

11. Rev. Daniel Westermann ‘14 (Lansing), Scott Gratton ‘15 (Burlington), Kevin Kilgore ‘15 (Newark), and Matthew Dalrymple ‘14 (Atlanta) take in some sun and softball.

12. John Wilson ‘16 (New York) plays a game of ultimate frisbee.

2014 • ISSUE 8

19

SPRING SPORTS

SOUND BODY, SOUND SPIRIT Mark Horn ‘15, Diocese of Rapid City

A

mong the things for which we owe the most gratitude here at the College is the Kardos Family Campo Sportivo—our “backyard.” As all work and no play can dampen anyone’s spirit, our frequent athletic contests held on the campo sportivo (“playing field”) raise the house’s spirit, keeping a sound balance between soul and body. The

best known competition is the Clericus Cup, a soccer tournament held annually between the various theological colleges in Rome, which the North American “Martyrs” have won the past two years.

Despite a hard-fought season, our Martyrs were not able to win this year’s Cup. Nonetheless, our young team gives us high hopes for the upcoming year.

Another major event is “Hall Ball,” a basketball tournament held each spring among the residential corridors of the College. This year saw many well-matched teams and several close games, with the fifth-year priests yielding in a final championship game to the men from the central and hospital-side wings of the fourth floor.

NAC seminarians take a moment to pray before they play.

20 The Pontifical North American College

The College also hosts the Legionaries of Christ once a year for several competitions and a cookout. Of the three sports played, the College won this year’s softball and basketball games, but couldn’t hold out for a win in the ultimate Frisbee game. Still, it proved a fine day for athletics and fraternity.

This year, we again held our university softball tournament, in which the men attending the Gregorian, Angelicum, and Santa Croce Universities for theology compete for their respective university or alma mater. This year’s games were each very close, with the students of the Angelicum coming out on top, reclaiming their title. One addition to the games this year was a 400-meter relay race, with teams of seminarians as well as priests from the Casa Santa Maria. The team from the Casa took the gold with a commanding win, with the defending champion of the NAC’s “Fastest Man” competition, Rev. Daniel McCaughan ‘13 (Sydney), bringing home the win.

If it is true, as St. John Paul II said, that “sport trains body and spirit for perseverance, effort, courage, balance, sacrifice, honesty, friendship and collaboration,” we can say without doubt that the College’s spring athletics have met that ideal.

NAC vs. Legionaries of Christ softball game.

Fr. Henke ‘92, C‘04 runs to first during the NAC vs. Legion softball game.

Dan Connealy ‘16 (Phoenix) scores a run for NAC at the softball tournament.

2014 • ISSUE 8

21

CSR TRIP

LIVING CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINIA Stephen Prisk ‘15, Diocese of Paterson

I

nspired by Pope Francis, our Roman shepherd, we cannot help but be motivated during these days to reach out to those in need. The Pope has reiterated the call, ever-present within

Catholic tradition, to bring the love of Christ to those on the periphery and to build up a society founded on Christian values. This aim is at the core of Christian identity.

In his Encyclical Letter, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, St. John Paul II speaks of the social teaching of the Church not being about an ideology, but about theology, particularly moral theology. The

Rev. Aaron Nett ‘14 (Saint Cloud), Stephen Prisk ‘15 (Paterson), Rev. Andrew Vill ‘14 (Bridgeport), and Rev. Luke Ballman ‘98 speaking with some of the Bosnian refugees.

22 The Pontifical North American College

social teaching of the Church does not call for a utopian society, which could never exist in a fallen world. Rather, it anticipates the heavenly Jerusalem, which all of us have as our true end, and which we have the responsibility to begin building here and now. The teaching and diffusion of the social doctrine of the Church is not a romantic hope, but an essential component of the evangelical mission of the Church.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the international humanitarian aid organization of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. CRS was founded in 1943 in Europe for the purpose of resettling war refugees after the Second World War. Over time, the agency has expanded out of Europe and broadened its mission to include providing relief in emergency situations, helping people to break the cycle of poverty in developing nations, and building sustainable development initiatives. Today the agency has 5,000 workers and is present in 91 nations throughout the world, providing aid for 100 million people.

Among the countries served is Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), where I had the privilege of residing during the month of April to see the work of

CRS firsthand. The agency has been in BiH since 1993 when it provided emergency relief services during the Yugoslav Wars, which tore apart the Balkan region. As a result of this war, which pitted the three ethnic groups— Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs—against each other, many were forced to flee the country, and of those who remained, it is estimated that 100,000 died. The country still suffers today.

There are 118,000 displaced persons, 700,000 below the poverty line, and a 45 percent unemployment rate. While progress has been made, ethnic divisions still resurface, evidenced by the country’s three presidents, one from each ethnic group.

Throughout the month, we traveled to different program sites and learned about the work of CRS as well as the history of BiH. Among the most moving experiences was traveling to the town of Srebrenica, where about 10,000 Bosniak Muslims were executed during the largest European genocide since the Second World War. This was carried out under the leadership of General Ratko Mladic, who is currently on trial in the International Crime Court of the United Nations.

During our time in Srebrenica, we visited the cemetery where about 6,000 of these victims are buried. The

remaining 4,000 bodies have yet to be found, nearly twenty years after the genocide. We also walked in the cold, dark, abandoned factory where some of the executed were held, reading some of their life stories along the way.

In Srebrenica, CRS works to resettle women and children who have fled the country, often living in deplorable conditions in temporary housing. We visited them at a social housing site, which contains thirty-three newly constructed apartments. It was quite moving to hear their stories and to see the joy and appreciation on their faces. With the little they have, they made us coffee and baked us traditional Bosnian cakes. It is only because of the work of CRS that these families were able to move back into their hometown to restart their lives (often, unfortunately, without their husbands, fathers, and brothers).

As American Catholics, it is essential for us to be aware of what we are doing throughout the world for those in need. May we never forget our duty to reach out to those on the periphery and to spread knowledge of the needs of our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Join over 2000 other fans at our Facebook page today for photos and stories from Rome!

Facebook.com/PontificalNorthAmericanCollege

2014 • ISSUE 8

23

BIOETHICS

AN INTENSIVE COURSE ON END-OF-LIFE CARE Rev. Scott Murray ‘14, Diocese of Pembroke

“T

here is not much sense in suffering, since drugs can be given for pain, itching, and other discomforts. The belief has long died that suffering here on earth will be rewarded in heaven. Suffering has lost its meaning.”

So says Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her landmark book, On Death and Dying, in which she discusses the drastic changes that have taken place in healthcare during the past century.

Countless discoveries and inventions now allow us to live longer and more comfortable lives than was ever possible in previous generations, but these developments also bring fresh challenges to be faced. Paramount among these, she says, is our alienation from physical suffering and death.

With this problem in mind, a group of seminarians at the North American College approached Rev. Donald Henke ‘92, C’04 (St. Louis) with the desire for more training on end-of-life issues. The three major universities from which seminarians receive their Bachelor degrees of Sacred Theology (The Gregorian, Angelicum, and Santa Croce) all treat end-of-life issues in their respective programs, but given the importance of this care for today’s priestly ministry, many students think it is worthwhile to create a more developed course of study.

24 The Pontifical North American College

Rev. Henke earned his doctorate in moral theology, focusing on the provision of nutrition and hydration to patients in a persistent vegetative state, at the Alphonsian Academy here in Rome in 2004. Prior to joining the NAC faculty, he taught graduate-level moral theology courses at KenrickGlennon Seminary for eight years.

After planning on the part of academic representative Matthew Fish ‘15 (Washington), Rev. Henke offered his course on end-of-life care for the first time this spring.

The course consisted of lectures held on Friday afternoons beginning in mid-March and ending in May. Rev. Henke began with a general timeline of significant people, events, and writings that have shaped both Church teaching and civil law. The case studies he selected helped to illustrate the ethical principles in play. For example, in 1990 the United States Supreme Court ruled that Nancy Cruzan’s nutrition and hydration could only be removed if convincing evidence were presented to show that she would not have wanted to live in a persistent vegetative state. Following the ruling, three friends came forward to testify in a Missouri court that Nancy would not have wanted to live in her condition, which soon led to her food and hydration being removed. She died of dehydration two weeks later.

Following the historical overview, Rev. Henke turned his focus to the various Catholic principles that form the basis for moral decision-making during end-of-life care. Various papal documents, such as St. John Paul II’s 2004 address, “On Life-Sustaining Treatments and the Vegetative State,” were discussed. The state of healthcare today has made certain principles, such as the necessity of providing food and water to patients, prove complex in their application to concrete cases.

For example, how does administering a life-saving medicine intravenously differ from giving hydration by the same method? In certain cases

Rev. Donald Henke,‘92, C‘04

ians to prepare to guide and counsel future parishioners in making sound ethical choices regarding end-of-life care.

Fr. Peter Harman ‘99

the medicine could be denied by the patient or withdrawn by doctors for various reasons, while food and water must be provided until death is imminent. The essential difference between the removal of these two IVs is a matter of life and death: The person in the first case will die because of an illness while the person in the second case will die by dehydration. This and other case studies helped seminar-

Rev. Peter Harman ‘99 (Springfield, Ill.) delivered the course’s final lecture on the role of suffering in moral theology. Rev. Harman received his doctorate in moral theology from the Catholic University of America, and, like Rev. Henke, also received a licentiate in moral theology from the Alfonsiana in Rome while in formation at the North American College. His lecture focused on the personal experience of those who are suffering and dying. The most important magisterial document on this topic is St. John Paul II’s encyclical Salvifici Doloris: “Salvific Suffering.” The Christian faith allows for one to find meaning in suffering on account of its role in the plan of our salvation. The Son of God became man, suffered, died, and rose from the dead so that we can share in His eternal life. Through imitating Jesus and offering our suffering to the Father for our own sanctification and the sanctification of others, suffering gains profound meaning.

Accompanying others in their suffering is also immensely important to end-of-life care. “When all the pleasurable things are stripped away in suffering,” Rev. Harman commented, “and I choose to continue loving you, I show the radical dignity of the person, because I love you truly for your own sake rather than what I can get from you.” No one should be abandoned or left alone as he approaches death. Of course, remaining with a person at death’s door is not easy. It forces us to face our own mortality and to endure many pains along with the dying person.

Loving accompaniment of the dying is a ministry that every Christian is called to at some point in life, but priests must be prepared in a particular way to be the presence of Christ to those who will soon pass from this life. In his person, acting as Christ the Head, and through the sacraments, especially reconciliation, anointing of the sick, and the Eucharist, the priest makes present God’s love and mercy to those who need it most.

2014 • ISSUE 8 25

CLOSING BANQUET

SENT FROM ROME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL

By Stephen Wyble ‘16, Archdiocese of Washington

T

he majority of seminarians agree: The Farewell Banquet is the most enjoyable banquet of the formation year. Why this banquet? One obvious reason is that it marks the end of the year, when only exams stand between seminarians and their much-anticipated flight home. Perhaps the menu is also a factor, with chef Silvio’s well-loved Lasagna ai Funghi, followed by Saltimbocca for the secondo, finishing with a

crowd favorite, chocolate profiteroles.

But it’s another unique feature of this banquet that puts it above the rest. The Farewell Banquet concludes with a formal goodbye to departing upperclassmen, sending them off “to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ” in their home dioceses.

In the back of the refectory a long table carefully displays about twenty glim-

mering gold and silver chalices. It is the annual mostra of the newly ordained and soon-to-be ordained priests’ chalices. Between courses, speeches, and toasts, seminarians and faculty wander up to the array for a gander. But soon enough the wine glasses begin clanging, signaling a speech at hand. It doesn’t take long for the room to quiet down, as this speech is much anticipated. The student speaker is elected

Msgr. Checchio ‘92, C’97 (center) thanking this year’s departing faculty members (from left): Rev. Fowler ‘02, Rev. McKeown ‘97, Msgr. McCrae, and Rev. Hicken.

26 The Pontifical North American College

each year by his fourth-year classmates to represent the parting thoughts of his class, ordinarily with a dose of humor. Deacon Richard Hinkley did not disappoint, and the refectory filled with cheers, applause, and laughter throughout his speech.

This year, the fourth-year class decided to bestow a class gift upon the College—two gifts in fact. In the course of another humorous speech, Deacon Mark Baumgarten stepped up to unveil the surprise: steak knives for the refectory, so the students can more easily manage the carne at seminary meals; and for the second gift, a new set of stately chalices for use in the Assumption Chapel. The gifts were met with approval and gratitude.

After the spumante was poured, Msgr.

Michael Farmer ‘95, Vice Rector for

Administration, began the send-off roll call, recognizing departing faculty, priests, and seminarians. Four faculty and fifty students were named oneby-one, standing to be recognized and applauded by peers, friends, brothers.

Many of the men standing have been in formation for six, seven, or even eight years; the time has nonetheless come to return home to preach the gospel.

Everyone present could feel the significance of the moment, echoing their thoughts with uproarious applause and broad smiles.

With a rousing toast from Rev. Austin Vetter ‘93 and a concluding prayer by Rev. James Wallace ‘12, the celebration in the refectory was capped with a visit to the Student Lounge for a “free night,” a welcome last hurrah before finals season began.

Rev. McKeown ‘97 speaks to the students and priests at the closing banquet.

Alec Scott ‘15 speaks at the closing banquet.

2014 • ISSUE 8 27

REFLECTIONS ON ST. JOHN PAUL II

MEETING SAINT JOHN PAUL II AGAIN IN THE ETERNAL CITY Rev. Austin Vetter ‘93, Diocese of Bismarck

I

t was an overcast day on Divine Mercy Sunday when Pope Francis declared Pope John Paul II a saint. The whole Church rejoiced, and I too joined in that rejoicing as I heard his name inserted into the Eucharistic Prayer for the first time. The days leading up to his canonization and the days since then have been filled with a deep sense of gratitude in my own heart. It is still a vivid memory for me—that day back in 1978 when he was elected as our Holy Father. I was eleven years old and studying English at school when the announcement came over the school’s speaker system that we had a new Pope. Little did I know at the time that I would get to serve Mass for him, pray the Rosary with him on the first Saturdays of the month with a rosary he gave to me, attend and pray with him during his daily Mass, introduce him to my parents before I was ordained a transitional deacon, and distribute Holy Communion at his canonization Mass.

My first trip by air was to Rome and to the North American College to be formed as a priest, and being so close to this saintly Pope had a profound impact on my formation. I had always sensed in Pope John Paul that he knew it was Divine Providence that had placed him as Vicar of his Church, and that he always had a glimpse of a new heaven and a new earth. He saw the holy city and that was his goal—to 28 The Pontifical North American College

lead by word and example, to yearn for and walk toward the New Jerusalem, heaven itself, with us. He was a true Holy Father and led the way all good fathers do. Our Lord’s words, “Do not be afraid,” did not ring empty for him. He repeated them often and he himself lived without fear because he trusted Jesus’ promise to be with us always; that trust changed the world. That taught me that I too could come to experience the freedom and strength of Christ if I was not afraid.

He is with me always, no matter what the difficulty. While in formation at the College, I witnessed the collapse of communism and the changes in Eastern Europe, and knowing John Paul had played a pivotal role in the process greatly strengthened my faith and trust in Christ and in His Vicar.

John Paul II’s impact on me continued as I returned to the Diocese of Bismarck and began my pastoral ministry. I tried to follow his lead. In 1993, as a newly ordained priest, I watched the World Youth Day meeting taking place in Denver. Seeing the Pope and listening to him as he interacted with young people taught me that the youth of the world are not just the Church of tomorrow, but the Church of today: The Church is ever young. That truth guided my own efforts in teaching in a high school, and shaped how I viewed the youth of the parish: They

Banner held by pilgrims at the canonization Mass of St. Pope John Paul II.

are needed not just for tomorrow but for today. I have always used the rich teaching of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body as my guide when helping to prepare couples for marriage.

The pope taught me through those audiences that all that is true, good, and beautiful is always appealing, no matter where a person may be in life’s journey--and as long as I start where

they are at and see the great dignity of each human person made in the image and likeness of God. When the Holy Father added five new mysteries to the Rosary, it proved a fruitful opportunity to reintroduce the beauty of this prayer to the parish. I think of Pope John Paul II every time I pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. The Holy Father’s deep love of the Blessed Mother taught me her indispensability for me in being the priest our Lord was calling me to be. His introduction of Divine Mercy Sunday was another key moment in my life as a parish priest—not only to experience Divine Mercy in my own life, but to recall how the offer of God’s mercy is so needed in a world marred by sin. Our path through life is in constant need of Divine Mercy. The pope knew this, and taught it to me and to the world.

Each year on Holy Thursday, I would look forward to the pope’s Letter to Priests, which reinforced in me a sense of filial closeness, along with his desire for me to be a holy, happy, and healthy priest. He was concerned for me just as my bishop was. Now that I find myself back here in Rome helping to form future priests, his

teaching given to us in the encyclical I Will Give You Shepherds is invaluable to me as a guide for the formation of priests. I was here in Rome when he wrote it, and having returned to apply its teaching is a true blessing.

St. Pope John Paul II was the thirdlongest serving pope, serving twentysix years, five months, and seventeen days. He visited 129 countries and covered over 723,000 miles—about thirty times around the globe or three times to the moon! He wrote fourteen encyclicals, fifteen apostolic exhortations, eleven apostolic constitutions, forty-four apostolic letters and delivered 2,416 planned speeches. He beatified 1,338 people and declared 482 saints, numbering more than all of his predecessors over the past 500 years combined. He held general audiences attended by over 17.6 million people.

His charge was to lead all the people of the world to Jesus Christ, and he spent himself for us, prayed for us, taught us, and cared for us deeply with the heart of a gentle yet firm shepherd. He was a faithful steward and the Vicar of Christ, and yet when I met him, as many will similarly attest, it was as if he was more excited to meet me than I was to meet him. He

Rev. Austin Vetter ‘93

gave his full attention to each individual because he knew the great dignity of each human person. When he was declared a saint, it was as though one of my own family members had been canonized, for he truly was a Holy Father to me and to the world.

For the rest of my days on this earth, I will continue to beseech St. John Paul II to intercede for me and for those entrusted to my care, confident that whatever may come, this saint will be repeating to me over and over those words of Jesus: “Do Not Be Afraid.”

2014 • ISSUE 8

29

ANNUAL ALUMNI REUNION

ALUMNI CELEBRATE IN THE EMPIRE CITY Mark Randall, CFRE – Executive Director, Institutional Advancement

T

he 2014 Annual Alumni Reunion was once again a great success, and attracted alumni from around the country for several days of fellowship and celebration in The Big Apple. Over 175 alumni, dating from the classes of 1951 to 2010, and from points as far as California, Texas and Florida attended. They accepted the invitation from Cardinal Timothy Dolan ’76, and the Archdiocese of New York who served as host, along with neighboring bishops Archbishop John Myers ‘67 (Newark), Bishop Frank Caggiano C’96 (Bridgeport), Bishop Nicholas DeMarzio (Brooklyn), and Bishop William Murphy ’65, C’74 (Rockville Centre).

The Reunion began on Tuesday, June 17 with the Vespers at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by the traditional Opening Mix. The Mix was held atop the Mutual of America building, and hosted by its CEO, Mr. Thomas Moran—a close friend of Cardinal Dolan, and a faithful Catholic supporter of many charitable works.

Cardinal Dolan offered a warm welcome to those present and shared the podium with Cardinal Edward Egan ’58, C’65 (Archbishop Emeritus of New York) who also gave his own welcome.

The majority of the day on Wednesday, June 18 was left open for attendees to explore all the city has to offer. Groups large and small visited the typical sights in New York, such as the Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. Others took advantage of the rich Catholic history of the city and visited some of the lesser-known but beautiful churches in Manhattan.

30 The Pontifical North American College

From left to right: Msgr. Joseph Giandurco ’87, C’94; Cardinal Timothy Dolan ’76; Bishop Daniel Thomas, C’90; and Archbishop Bernard Hebda ’89 listen to welcoming remarks at the Mix.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Alumni Association Business Meeting was held. General Secretary Msgr. Michael Curran ’81, C’88 reported the standard items relating to finances and then invited current Rector, Msgr. James Checchio ’92, C’97 to give a “State of the College” report. The Rector announced the seminary will once again be completely full for the 2014-15 term. He also provided updates on faculty, the new tower construction, and thanked the alumni for their loyal support of the College. I then provided some fundraising highlights from the past year, and briefly highlighted a few new development programs.

Msgr. Walter Niebrzydowski ’59 read the “NAC Martyrology” in the traditional Latin, offering a variety of witty barbs and sincere words. Reverend Joseph Koterski, S.J. gave a brief lecture on some of the fascinating aspects of The Cloisters—the location of the Bum Run that would take place the next day. The meeting ended with an announcement regarding next year’s Reunion: it will be hosted by the Archdiocese of St. Louis on June 16-18, 2015. A very affordable hotel deal has already been negotiated at the Drury Inn & Suites, offering rooms at $100 per night.

Cardinal Dolan was the principle celebrant at the pre-banquet Mass which was held at

Rev. Jim Steffes ’93; Very Rev. Joseph Fonti ’92; C’98, Rev. Marcel Taillon ‘94.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan ’76 celebrates Holy Mass for the Alumni.

The presentation of the annual Founders Award to Cardinal Edward Egan ’58 C’65 (center), joined by Archbishop John Myers ’67; Cardinal Timothy Dolan ’76; Msgr. James Checchio ’92 C’97; and Msgr. Michael Curran ’81, C’88 (left to right)

Alumni enjoy coffee and cornetti in the Cardinal’s residence.

St. John the Evangelist Parish, located in the Archdiocesan chancery on 1st Avenue. A lively cocktail reception was held immediately after Mass, followed by the formal banquet. Msgr. Walter Kenny C’57 served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, initially welcoming a few special guests: Mr. Greg Jewell, last year’s recipient of the Founder’s Medal, and also Lory Mondaini (celebrating 30 years as secretary to the Rector) and her husband Roberto.

The 2014 Founder’s Medal was presented to Cardinal Edward Egan ’58 C’65, in recognition of his lifelong support of alma mater. Fellow classmates Msgr. Roger Roensch ‘58 and Msgr. Joseph Ranieri ’58 ICTE ’98 were on hand to join the crowd in congratulating His Eminence.

The dinner, Cenone, concluded in the typical NAC manner: the “Three Toasts”

and the singing of Ad Multos Annos. Providing the toasts this year: To our Holy Father, Msgr. Peter Vaccari ’77, C’88; to our Country, Msgr. Peter Vaghi ’85, C’88; and to the College, Msgr. Tim Keeney, ’96.

The final day of the Reunion began with a concelebrated Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by coffee and cornetti in Cardinal Dolan’s residence. A day trip to The Cloisters concluded the official roster of activities, but several alumni remained in New York to enjoy some wellearned vacation time.

Announcing the 2015 Annual Reunion!

June 16-18, 2015 in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

2014 • ISSUE 8

31

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

WHERE TWO OR MORE ARE GATHERED Mark Randall, CFRE Executive Director, Institutional Advancement

T

he summer months often provide the perfect time for get-togethers, seeing old friends, and making new ones. Two recent events for the benefit of the Pontifical North American College proved to be just such occasions.

The Archdiocese of New Orleans hosted the Spring Assembly of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops in June, which provided an ideal backdrop for a special event honoring the Most Rev. Philip Hannan ’40, Archbishop emeritus of New Orleans and a beloved alumnus of the College. Archbishop Hannan often reminisced about his days spent in Rome before the College was forced to temporarily close its doors at the onset of World War II. Joseph and Sue Ellen Canizaro graciously opened their beautiful home to one hundred guests who came to honor Archbishop Hannan’s memory, and to learn more about the College. A local host committee, which included Archbishop Gregory Aymond, Msgr. Christopher Nalty ’99, and several lay friends of the College helped organize the event.

As Mr. Canizaro stressed during his remarks, without local and community support of the Pontifical North American College, New Orleans would not have benefitted from the great spiritual and pastoral leadership of outstanding priests, like Archbishop Hannan. Archbishops Aymond and Archbishop Lipscomb provided historical background on Archbishop Hannan, and Rector, Msgr. James Checchio ’92 C’97 gave updates on the current events at the College. Archbishop Vigano, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States concluded the evening with a blessing. It was a marvelous evening to celebrate the contribution of the College to the New Orleans community.

Later in June, a similar “community” celebration took place, but this time in Bismarck, North Dakota. Over one 32 The Pontifical North American College

From left to right: Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone ‘82, C’89, Archbishop of San Francisco; Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Carlo Vigano, and Msgr. James Checchio enjoying the New Orleans reception.

hundred guests attended a dinner in honor of alumnus Bishop David D. Kagan ’75, C’79, in anticipation of his 40th priestly ordination anniversary. The event was hosted by fellow alumnus Msgr. James Shea ’02 at The University of Mary where he serves as president.

Local alumni and lay guests were treated to several sets of remarks offering accolades for Bishop Kagan, and in celebration of the strong relationship between his Diocese and the College. Msgr. Checchio then presented two projects to be fulfilled in honor of Bishop Kagan: a renovated suite at the seminary for his use and other guests, and a new burse (scholarship fund) for future seminarians from the Diocese of Bismarck. By the end of the evening, the suite renovation was fully funded ($125,000) and an additional $190,000 was pledged towards the new burse. This evening was truly a testament to the generosity and loyalty of the alumni and friends of the College in North Dakota.

As we know from Matthew’s Gospel, where two or three (or one hundred!) are gathered, the Lord is in the midst of them. And so it is always a joy to be gathered with you, and to celebrate the extraordinary mission to which we have been faithful for over 155 years.

Msgr. James Shea ’02, University of Mary president.

Msgr. James Checchio ’92 C’97 (Rector), greets guests.

Bishop David Kagan ’75, C’79 welcomes everyone.

Rev. Austin Vetter ’93 explains the special project.

Msgr. Checchio and Bishop Kagan with dinner guests.

The evening view of campus at the University of Mary in Bismarck.

Hosts Joe and Sue Ellen Canizaro (right) welcome Archbishop Paul Loverde ’66.

Joe Canizaro and famed New Orleans chef, John Besh, who catered the event.

From left to right: Mary Matalin, Dr. Mary Lupo, Robert Lupo, Paulette Stewart, Frank Stewart, Jr.

From left to right: James Crowley, Bishop William Murphy ’65, C’74, Randy Rose, Cherie Rose, Msgr. James Checchio.

2014 • ISSUE 8

33

ll ra o f t gif eme m e m lco eum befor e ! e w r M in Fre w Co ho jo 2014 ne rs w er 1, be ctob O

What is the easiest way to support the NAC? Join Cor Meum: our new program for special benefactors who make a monthly automatic gift of $10, $15, or even $25. No checks, no postage required! You can adjust your gift at any time and be assured that your regular support is helping provide extraordinary priestly formation for the men we serve.

To sign up, go to: http://onlinegiving.pnac.org/cormeum or call the Office of Institutional Advancement, 202-541-5411

Your investment today will help this future seminarian By including the College in your estate plan, you can help us prepare for the next 150 years of service to the Roman Catholic Church in America. We now offer Charitable Gift Annuities, which simultaneously provide a charitable donation, an income tax deduction and a guaranteed lifetime income stream for you, the benefactor. Annuities can be established for as little as $10,000. To learn more, contact Mark Randall, CFRE, our Executive Director for Institutional Advancement. mrandall@pnac.org or 202-541-5403 Photo courtesy of Joseph and Dominic Susanka

34 The Pontifical North American College

ECONOMO’S CORNER

O

utside of the academic year, the College remains filled with traditions, though not ones witnessed by a large portion of the community. Nonetheless, they help shape the year both at the seminary and at the Casa Santa Maria. And so, at the conclusion of the academic year in June and the celebration of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, the College began its tradition of summer maintenance and preparation for the fall.

Monsignor Michael Farmer ‘95 Archdiocese of Mobile

Well before June 29, the staff of the College began to prepare rooms for the arrival of the New Men, just as many from our community departed for the final time for their dioceses to serve their local Church. The departing seminarians and student priest rooms were freshly painted and set up for the New Men, who will arrive in late August beginning a new chapter in their own lives and in the life of the College. Painting and doing necessary repairs ensure a warm welcome and positive first impression for our New Men. Throughout the month of June and July over seventy rooms at both the Seminary and the Casa Santa Maria will be painted and set up for the New Men. Also, the library is empty of seminarians and priests during a brief period of the summer, allowing for cleaning and re-shelving of books returned after their use in student research and coursework.

Beyond the annual traditional cleaning and painting that takes place in the summer months is a period in which some of the necessary repairs and capital projects are undertaken, all without the worry of disturbing the community with noise, and with the freedom of movement to do necessary cleaning, repairs, and improvements. Summer repair work in the Casa Santa Maria kitchen is taking place to repair aging pipes, as well as on the roof above the main sacristy of the Seminary. The new classroom building construction is progressing very well, and with the seminarian population away for the summer, even more work and longer work days are taking place! The façade bricking is now halfway to the top, and the interior work of the building is progressing well for the expected dedication in late fall.

Thus, by mid-August, when many of our employees take their traditional vacation, the Seminary and Casa will be prepared for the arrival of new seminarians and student priests, who will continue the great tradition of unique formation and intellectual training that only Rome can offer. Again, many of our summer improvement projects take place due to the commitment of so many bishops who assign seminarians and priests to the College, and to the great generosity of our benefactors, who provide the financial resources for these projects to take place. The summer traditions at the College provide the physical setting for the excellent formation of men discerning to serve the heart of Christ in the heart of the Church.

2014 • ISSUE 8

35

3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20017-1194

NON-PROFIT ORG. US. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 144 WALDORF, MD

www.pnac.org

Please remember in prayer our newest Alumni who were recently ordained to the priesthood.

A collection of their new chalices on display at the Closing Banquet in Rome.

Attention All Alumni!

The PNAC Alumni Association has commissioned a new print alumni directory. It will be helpful to have the most current contact information for all alumni. Publishing Concepts, Inc (PCI) has been engaged to reach out to you via email, postcard and/or phone in the coming weeks. Your input is greatly appreciated!