"How's Paulo?": An Interview with the Personale

WILL ROBBINS ’25, DIOCESE OF BEAUMONT

The North American College is an institution with a storied history. It predates the foundation of a unified Italy, survived two World Wars, and expanded from its original home, building an additional campus on the Janiculum Hill. Throughout its history, seminarians have come and gone. Rectors and faculty have served their terms and returned home. In this environment of change, however, the NAC continues to operate smoothly and keep her traditions alive, in no small part, due to the dedicated personale, or staff, that work here. In many ways, they are the backbone of our College.

For the priests and seminarians of the NAC, on both the Janiculum and Humility Street, the personale are a large part of our daily lives. The personale wish us well when we leave and welcome us back when we return each day, they keep our home in such won- derful condition, they encourage us during finals, and help us feel at home during the Christmas holidays.

The North American College would not be what it is without them. It is our great joy to introduce our readers to the personale in this interview with Paulo D’Itri. Alumni remember his joyful presence and always ask: "How's Paulo?" We decided to catch up with him to learn about his time working at the NAC.

Paulo, you have worked at the NAC for quite some time. When did you start working here? What roles do you have at the College?

I was fortunate enough to start my employment with NAC in 2001. For 21 years I have worked as a floor steward.

Many of the alumni of the College have fond memories of you and the joy you bring to the College. Do you have any favorite memories from your time at the NAC?

I hope I left a good memory. It is a joy to work at the NAC and with the same joy I lend my service. There are many happy and lighthearted memories with the alumni. Each left me a part of themselves, and I am happy that they still think of me.

The NAC is situated in the shadow of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Has working so close to the Holy Father impacted your faith? If so, how?

Looking out in front of us and seeing the Basilica makes me think that there, a short distance away, I have the best model of our spiritual life, and this inspires in me the desire to become better.

Your jovial demeanor brings great joy to the seminarians and priests of the NAC. Many priests who studied here often ask how you are doing. What is the source of your joy? Were you aware of the impact you make on the seminarians and priests at the College?

Faith and trust in life are the basis of my joyfulness. My family and the cheerfulness we share are the sources of my joy. I am surprised and flattered for such consideration, and I hope that the students and faculty have never forgotten how I used to sing! (And how I am particularly tone deaf).

Is there anything you would like to say to the seminarians, priest alumni, and friends of the NAC?

Reading and perceiving in these questions the esteem and consideration that you all have toward me, fills me with joy. A thank you to all of you and a special wish for the best fulfillment of your vocation! n

For a preview of the kind of preaching you can look forward to from future priests being formed at the NAC, scan and watch Jacob Tschida, a Second Year seminarian for the Diocese of Duluth, preaching a homily on the Gospel for the Tuesday after Epiphany (Mark 6:34-44).