NAC Magazine: Winter 2002

Winter 2002

The Pontifical

North American College M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Patroness of the Class of 2003

Inside - Part Two: Frank Parater, Servant of God - The Class of 2006 Arrives - Working with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity

E

D

MAGAZINE STAFF

E PA RT M E NT S

Editor Carter Griffin Archdiocese of Washington Class of 2004

The Rector’s Corner

3

College Traditions

14

By Rev. Msgr. Kevin McCoy ’81

Assistant Editor Adam Park Archdiocese of Washington Class of 2005

Editor Emeritus Rev. Mr. Thomas Szydlik Diocese of Peoria Class of 2003

Layout & Design Christopher Romaine Diocese of Baton Rouge Class of 2005

Photographer Joshua Wagner Diocese of Columbus Class of 2004

For more information about the North American College, or to learn more about opportunities for memorial gifts, contact Tricia Lloyd at our Washington DC, Office of Development: Tel: (202) 541-5411 Fax: (202) 722-8804 Email: nacrome@aol.com or visit our website at www.pnac.org

Our Coat of Arms

by Carter Griffin ’04

Vocation Stories

27

Taking the Risk

by Jason Makos ’05

The Economo’s Corner

32

Built on the Rock of St. Peter

By Rev. Msgr. Mark Svarczkopf ’74

I

N

B

R I E F

An Unexpected Reunion

15

by Rev. George Healy ’02

Non Fecit Taliter Omni Nationi

22

He Has Not Done So with Any Other Nation (Ps 147:20)

By Jason Rodarte y Vigil ’04

Cover: Icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe, created by Rev. Mr. Paul Czerwonka ’03.

Life After the North American College

23

nside Back Cover: Diaconate Ordination at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Benvenuti a Roma, Welcome to Rome

28

by Rev. Msgr. Michael Heras ’84

by Justin Fish ’05

F

EAT U R E S

So Goes Orientation, So Goes the Year

by Robert Poitras ’05

4

Double Feature

Working with the Missionaries of Charity Part I: Seminarians in the Soup Kitchen

by Karl Bissinger ’05

Part II: Priestly Ministry

10

by Rev. Joseph Johnson ’98

Conformed to Christ

by Rev. Mr. Robert Forcier ’03

16

Frank Parater Summertime in Siena

by Douglas Becker ’05

30

Servant of God, Seminarian

by Rev. Frank J. Scott Duarte’ 78, JCD

Postulator

24

Board of Govenors Chairman Most Rev. Edwin F. O’Brien ’76 Archbishop of the Military Services, USA

Vice Chairman Most Rev. William J. Levada ’62, ’69 Archbishop of San Francisco

Secretary Most Rev. David L. Ricken ’69 Bishop of Cheyenne

Treasurer Most Rev. Donald W. Wuerl ’67 Bishop of Pittsburgh

Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair ’75, ’78 Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit

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

Most Rev. Joseph A. Galante ’68 Coadjutor Bishop of Dallas

Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec ’62 Bishop of Nashville

Most Rev. Henry J. Mansell ’63

Administration

Bishop of Buffalo

Rector Rev. Msgr. Kevin C. McCoy ’81

Most Rev. Richard E. Pates ’69 Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Vice Rector Rev. Msgr. Svarczkopf ’74

Most Rev. Justin Rigali ’C64

Vice Rector Rev. William J. Waltersheid ’92

Most Rev. Richard J. Sklba ’60, ’65

Superior, Casa Santa Maria Rev. Msgr. Steven Raica ’95 Director of Development Tricia Lloyd

Archbishop of St. Louis Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee

Most Rev. John G. Vlazny ’62 Archbishop of Portland in Oregon

T

H E

R

E CT O R

’S

C

O R N E R

“...the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (Jn 10:11) Rev. Msgr. Kevin C. McCoy ’81 Diocese of Sioux City Rector

“T

was the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…” This may be true in your house, but I assure you it is not in ours! The College is a bustle with activity preparing for Christmas.

The anticipation of the Christmas holiday eases some of the tensions flowing from the demanding academic, spiritual, communal and apostolic schedule. But, you, too, are probably worrying about that perfect gift for that one person. Or perhaps, by the time you read this, you may well be deciding when it is you want to face the maddening crowds to return a gift for the proper color or size!

Well, I, too, am thinking about gift giving and gifts, and not just gifts of an ordinary variety. No, as I reflect upon the past year, I am rather proud of the fact that the Pontifical North American College has given forty newly trained priests for the service of the Church in thirty-one dioceses across the United States and Canada. Forty new priests, who after four years of study and prayer, began a life of preaching the Gospel and of celebrating the sacraments as good, holy, faithful priests of Jesus Christ. Certainly these men – these priests – will bring to their ministry the uniqueness of Rome. Rome, a place – a city where the world’s experience of Christ combines in a most marvelous expression of Catholicity.

It is this experience and a deep love for our Holy Father and the Church that these priests take home to the USA. Formed after the heart of Christ in these final years of seminary, they joyously return home to serve God's holy people.

And that makes sense, doesn’t it? After all, we don't train them to keep them in the seminary. These men were ordained for service in their local church, precisely

where their vocations were born and fostered. What is more, it takes a great deal of sacrifice on the part of many to get these men to their ordination day.

First and foremost, there are their first teachers, the moms and dads of these men, who first formed them in the faith. And then, as I witness every year at their ordinations and First Masses of Thanksgiving, there are countless parishioners and benefactors who have prayed, encouraged, and assisted them to that day on which they present themselves for ordination as priests. What you observe is the local Church truly calling forth men from among men to invite their response to the call of service in the Lord’s vineyard.

Yes, their priestly formation, I realize, began long before they crossed over the College’s threshold, but I’m proud to say that the College had a hand in their refinement and in helping them to be formed after the heart of Christ. I believe they are worthy gifts to return home.

To you, our collaborators in this enterprise of priestly formation – be you parent, family, friend, benefactor, or all of the above – thank you for supporting our men and our mission. Without you the College would be incomplete. Our prayer for you is that your Christmas holiday may be filled with His Joy, and may the Infant Child fill you with great Hope for today and tomorrow.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the North American College magazine. You’ll see a little bit about all that we are – priests in graduate studies, seminarians in formation, and priest-alumni enlivening their local churches.

Merry Christmas!

WINTER

2002

3

So Goes Orientation, So Goes The Year

Abovv e:: New Men arriving at Fiumicino airport.

A bo v e : Msgr. Kevin McCoy, Rector, waiting with the New Men for the papal audience at Castel Gandolfo.

L e f t : New Men as they exit the colonnade at Piazza San Pietro and see St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time.

B e l o w : New Men boarding the busses from the airport to the College.

4

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

On

August 30, 2002, fifty men began their formation program for diocesan priesthood at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

They arrived by bus from Rome's Fiumincino Airport to the front door of the College. Stepping off the bus, the New Men witnessed the first of many NAC traditions as they walked up the front stairs surrounded by the enthusiastic applause of faculty and students, who were rejoicing at their arrival and showing their support for the decision these men have made to follow God’s call to the priesthood.

The Class of 2006 walked through the giant front doors into the heart of the College, the main chapel, where the Rector led them in Daytime Prayer and an extended period of silent prayer.

One is reminded of the saying of

Jesus on discipleship, “You must first leave everything and take up your own cross and then come and follow me.” So it is with these fifty New Men. They have left all that is familiar to them: their homes, families, and friends. They have left behind all that is comfortable to them in the hope of seeking and finding Jesus and his confirmation to follow him through priesthood. In a certain sense they have left their homes to find a new home. This was the job that faced the second year men on the Orientation Team. We needed to turn Rome, for these men, into their new home.

Over the next few days, the New Men took a whirlwind tour of Rome.

On their first Sunday in Rome we took them to pray the Angelus with his Holiness Pope John Paul II at continued on page 9

Abovv e:: Sean Palas ’06 in the Basilica of St. John Lateran standing in the shadow of St. Matthew.

Abovv e:: The Class of 2006 in front of St. Peter’s Basilica

WINTER

2002

5

The Class of 2006

Abovv e, from left to right: John Delaney (Camden), Jason Touchie (Kingston), John Schoemehl (St. Louis), Jhon Gomez-Rivera (Bridgeport), Anthony Ouellette (Kansas City in Kansas), Jeffrey Kirby (Charleston), Michael Triplett (Baltimore), and Raymond Enzweiler (Covington).

R ight:: Zachary Weber ’06 and Christopher Washington ’06 at the entrance to the Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi.

B elow:: Fr. William Waltersheid, Vice Rector, and Orientation Team members leading the New Men in a candlelit walking rosary in Assisi.

6

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

Abovv e, from left to right: Timoth Schiebe (St. Paul and Minneapolis), David Ruchinski (St. Augustine), Christopher DiTomo (Rockford), Joshua Brommer (Harrisburg) Joseph Campbell (Erie), Zachary Weber (Cincinatti), Ronald Nelson (Portland in Oregon), Michael McClane (Trenton), Justin Ferguson (Savannah), and Jason Vidrine (Lafayette).

L eft, left to right: Isaac Orozco ’06, Zachary Weber ’06, John DeLaney ’06, Fr. Patrick Brennen ’77, and Christopher DiTomo ’06 at Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi.

B elow:: Back row, left to right - Jonathon Lang (Sioux City), Bernard Menard (Ogdensburg), Brandon Farrar (Kansas City in Kansas), Michael Ludeman (Portland in Oregon), Peter Breen (Joliet), Joseph Redfern (LaCrosse), Front Row, left to right - Craig Haider (San Diego), Daniel Wathen (Great Fallings/Billings), Jeremy Leatherby (Sacramento), Timothy Hall (Winona), and Michael Parks (Scranton).

WINTER

2002

7

Abovv e, left to right: Marc Lenneman (Helena), J. Christian Winkeljohn (Pensacola/ Tallahassee), Scott Nowak (Scranton), Tyler Miller (Springfield in Illinois), Christopher Washington (Scranton), Joseph Shetler (Jefferson City), Robert Keighron (Brooklyn), Harold Reeves (Washington), Isaac Orozco (Fort Worth), Jason Cargo (Dallas), and Kerry Archibald (Davenport).

L eft:: Msgr. Kevin McCoy, Rector, preaching for the New Men in the Baptistry of St. John Lateran.

B elow, left to right: Steven Lepine (Manchester), Shawn Conoboy (Youngstown), James Richardson (Kalamazoo), Charles Olson (Rapid City), Avelino Gonzales (Washington), Michael Voithofer (Pittsburgh), Phillip Cozzi (Arlington), John Barno (Newark), Sean Palas (Belleville in Illinois), and James Lease (Harrisburg).

8

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

Castel Gandolfo, his summer residence near Rome. There the Holy Father greeted the New Men and wel-

“I am pleased to welcome the new students of the Pontifical North American College in Rome. May your study of theology deepen your love for Christ and make you joyful and effective witnesses to the Gospel.”

John Paul II comed them to Rome himself in these words, “I am pleased to welcome the new students of the Pontifical North American College in Rome. May your study of theology deepen your love for Christ and make you joyful and effective witnesses to the

Gospel.” The Holy Father then imparted his blessing upon all gathered there.

Other events on the orientation itinerary included Mass at the Altar of Cristo Re at St. Peter’s Basilica, excavation tours beneath St. Peter’s, visits and times of prayer with the many saints and their churches throughout the city, beach day, and to cap it all off, a three day pilgrimage to Assisi.

It certainly was a full two weeks of welcoming and preparing these men for life, study, and prayer in the Roman style.

Our new brothers came from all over North America, as far east as New Hampshire and as far west as California, as far north as Canada and as far south as Florida. Once so

spread out, these men are now brought together under one roof.

They have many challenges to face, settling into their new home and forging friendships that will last for the rest of their lives. Already, however, the new Class of 2006 is a large and enthusiastic presence in the house, and promises to be a vibrant addition to College life. Our Rector, Msgr.

McCoy, declared many times to the orientation staff and to the New Men, “so goes orientation, so goes the year!” If that is true, and I believe it is, then we are in for a great year.

by Robert Poitras Archdiocese of Boston Class of 2005

Abovv e:: Jason Cargo ’06 (rear) and Christopher Courtright ’05 viewing the audience with the Holy Father at Castel Gandolfo.

WINTER

2002

9

Working with the Missionaries of Charity

Part I: Seminarians in the Soup

P

art of seminarian formation at the North American College includes various apostolic, or pastoral, duties. These assignments provide seminarians a chance to put their faith into practice by serving people outside the seminary and to gain experience ministering in the Roman community. One group of seminarians carries out its weekly service at the Casa Dono di Maria, a soup kitchen operated by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in the shadow of St. Peter’s dome.

The Casa Dono di Maria provides meals and a limited amount of shelter to some of Rome's homeless. American

10

seminarians work with other volunteers, many of whom are also preparing for the priesthood in other international colleges in Rome. We help the sisters set tables, prepare and serve meals,

Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” ...By our service to the poor, we try to honor Christ, who chose the poverty of becoming a man to dwell among us. and clean up. We take part in saying the Rosary together with all the helpers as the meal is being prepared, lead prayer

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

before and after meals, and read the Word of God to the guests.

Above all, seminarians bear witness to the Gospel by serving Christ in the poor who eat there.

One of the blessings that makes this apostolate special is the opportunity for us to work with the Missionaries of Charity.

We grow pastorally not only through the experience of working in a soup kitchen, but also by imitating and adopting the way the sisters carry out their work.

Though always busy, the Missionaries never complain and see to their duties with love for Christ and the poor in a spirit of prayer, joy, and peace. By their example, we can learn something of the charism of their founder, Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Working with the Missionaries of Charity exposes us to a spirituality that lives out the Pope’s desire for Christians to become “active contemplatives.”

The concrete tasks performed at the soup kitchen effectively complement the spir-

itual and theological facets of seminarian formation. Our interaction with those who come to the Casa has helped us become accustomed to the expectations and demands placed on p u b l i c disciples of J e s u s .

Working at the soup kitchen is also a good way for us to satisfy our desire to bring God into the world. Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” We hope that our participation at the Casa lives out this call. By our service to the poor, we try to honor Christ, who chose the poverty of becoming a man to dwell among us. Volunteering at the Casa Dono di Maria, in short, has been a wonderful opportunity to bear wit-

ness to the love of God and to serve His people.

by Karl C. Bissinger Diocese of Fall River Class of 2005

P hotos:: Karl Bissinger ‘05 and David Carter ‘05 working at the Casa Dono di Maria

WINTER

2002

11

Working with the Missionaries of Charity

Part II: Priestly Ministry

A

common lament is heard from priests as they first arrive at the Casa Santa Maria to begin further studies. Despite the complaints about the noise on the Piazza della Pilotta or the bathroom at the end of the hall, most priests agree that the most difficult challenge of life at the Casa is the sudden departure from pastoral ministry. Re-adapting to a life of study requires serious effort, though many priests have found that it does not require forsaking all pastoral ministry.

With creativity and some sacrifice, opportunities are to be found even in priest-laden Rome for an apostolate to complement one’s studies.

In recent years a substantial number of Casa priests have begun to assist with the spiritual needs of the Missionaries of Charity.

The blue-edged sari of Mother Teresa's sisters has become a familiar sight in Rome where they run separate homeless shelters for men and women, an AIDS hospice, a soup kitchen, and two homes for unwed mothers. In addition, the Eternal City is one of the locations for formation programs for postulants, novices, and sisters preparing for their final

12

Pontifical North American College

vows (tertians). And since English is the official language of the order, they are always in need of English-speaking priests!

And so, at five o’clock in the morning, several times a week, the back door of the Casa will quietly shut as a sleepy but generous Casa priest heads to the bus so he can celebrate six o’clock Mass in one of the several convents of the Missionaries of Charity. Other Casa priests spend Thursday afternoons giving weekly spiritual conferences and serving as confessors and spiritual directors for the sisters. Some, in addition, use their precious vacation time to give retreats to the sisters in places such as India, Albania, Poland, Russia, Cuba, and Ethiopia.

Several Casa priests even had the unique privilege of assisting the Missionaries of Charity with the cause for canonization of Mother Teresa. These priests collaborated in the composition and editing of a 5,000 page positio on her life and heroic virtues assembled from seventy volumes of testimony and documents. This report was then submitted to

MA GA Z I N E

the Vatican. All agreed that it was a unique opportunity to get to know a great saint in marvelous detail!

The sisters are persistent and very persuasive…it is hard to refuse that smile and the example of heroic totality in their own self-gift, but it does take some discernment to find the proper balance between a beautiful ministry with the sisters and the all-too-real demands of class work and thesis-writing. Moreover, finishing the degree in Rome does not necessarily mean finishing work with the Missionaries of Charity…more than one American rectory phone has been answered to find a superior look-

ing for a retreat-master familiar with Mother Teresa’s special charism! Every priest who has worked with the Missionaries of Charity, however, will agree: despite the sacrifices required, it is a great blessing to be able to serve them and, through them, the poorest of the poor. After all, we are still priests as well as students!

by Rev. Joseph Johnson Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Class of 1998

Above: Fr. Joseph Johnson ‘98, left, with the Missionaries of Charity tertians.

WINTER

2002

13

C

O L L E G E

T

R A D IT I O N S

“I received from the Lord what I handed down to you...” (1 Cor 11:23)

Our Coat of Arms eraldic design originated as a bold and simple system of recognition among combatants in medieval warfare. Later, as jousting tournaments became more widespread, heraldic devices also grew more elaborate and eventually became a common part of civilian life. Early in their development, coats of arms became associated not only with persons or families, but also with institutions of various kinds, drawing on the notion that an assembly of people can be personified as an individual. For centuries, therefore, municipalities, churches, colleges, and dioceses have had their own heraldic designs. It is under this notion of “corporate personality” that the Pontifical North American College possesses a coat of arms that is its mark of identification in its buildings, correspondence, and associations.

The Patroness of the College is Our Lady under the title of the Immaculate Conception. This connection is rooted in her veneration as the Patroness of the United States, and in her association with the founder of the College, Blessed Pius IX, who solemnly proclaimed the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854. This same Pope made possible the opening of the

H

14

College on December 8, 1859, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

It stands to reason, then, that the colors on the shield are at once those of Mary and those of the United States.

Thus the quarters are in the blue and white of the Blessed Virgin, and a

crescent moon, symbolic of the Virgin Mary, is displayed on a blue chief among a field of stars.

Alongside these Marian images, the red and white stripes of the American flag are emblazoned on the Cross that partitions the shield, and the stars on the blue chief number thirteen, suggestive of the constellation at the eagle's head of the Great American

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

Seal and the thirteen original American colonies.

The Arms of two Popes are quartered on the shield. The golden lion of Blessed Pius IX and the silver dove with green olive branch, representing Pope Pius XII, express gratitude to the two popes who founded the two houses of the North American College – the Casa Santa Maria on the Via dell’Umilta and the Seminary on the Janiculum Hill.

The crest, consisting of the Papal tiara above the two crossed keys, indicates that the North American College is a Pontifical institution, a dignity bestowed in 1884 by Pope Leo XIII. Emblazoned on the banner is the motto of the College, Firmum Est Cor Meum, drawn from Psalm 107 and translated, “My heart is steadfast,” an apt maxim for priests and those training to become priests.

May the prayers of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and of our holy founder, Blessed Pius IX, embolden us to live that noble motto.

Adapted from The Encyclopedia Britannica and the pamphlet entitled, “Description of the Coat of Arms of the Pontifical North American College – Rome.”

by Carter Griffin Archdiocese of Washington, DC Class of 2004

An Unexpected Reunion

W

hile still considering my future and before entering the seminary, I spent several years working as a carpenter’s assistant and painter (this was the time for figuring out life, which I no longer think is possible).

Over time I had various customers, some of whom I dealt with directly, others through intermediaries. On a couple of jobs for the same lawyer, for example, I dealt exclusively with his mother. Little did I know that I would later come to know this woman’s son, the mysterious lawyer named Mark Reeves, in the seminary as a classmate.

It was truly a shock to both of us when we realized that he was the one who had employed me for those different jobs. When I told him that I used to read during my lunch breaks, he asked me – as only lawyers can – if I had been paid for that time or not!

(I assured him that he was not billed for those hours, but I still think he

Abovv e:: Fr. George Healy ‘02, left, and Fr. Mark Reeves ‘02, right, after concluding philosophy studies together.

secretly wanted to go back and check the receipts…)

In time, however, that reading paid off for both of us. The first year of seminary, for those of us with prior

academic degrees, is basically a crash course in philosophy. A great deal of material was thrown at us without much time to reflect upon or digest it. It was in this environment that Mark and I discovered our past connection. With little time or chance to get his bearings, the practical, nononsense Mark found all these new philosophical concepts and perspectives somewhat ominous. “What is a transcendental imagination and what good is it?” was the type of question he would ask. Thankfully, a good amount of the reading I had done during those old lunch breaks was helpful preparation for this barrage of philosophy. And so, in a sense, Mark’s old carpenter became his philosophy tutor during that first year in seminary – free of charge. And I don’t think he is looking for those receipts anymore.

by Rev. George Healy Archdiocese of Miami Class of 2002

F l y i ng P

ri

es ts

L eft to right: Fr. Chris Layden ‘01, Fr. Joe Fowler ‘02, and Rev. Mr. Thomas Szydlik ’03 on the RAGING BULL roller coaster at Six Flags in Chicago.

WINTER

2002

15

Conformed to Christ

16

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

L eft:: Most Rev. Timothy Dolan ’76, Archbishop of Milwaukee and former Rector of the North American College.

ater Ecclesia gaudet! Mother Church rejoices! With these words, the Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, beloved former Rector of the North American College, now Archbishop of Milwaukee, began his homily to the deacon candidates and their families and friends assembled at St. Peter's Basilica on Thursday, October 10, 2002.

Mater Ecclesia gaudet! Mother Church rejoices! The Mass of Ordination took place beneath the apse of St. Peter's Basilica, at the foot of Bernini’s black and gold masterpiece of the Chair of St. Peter, surrounded by the impressive grandeur and splendor of the Patriarchal Basilica. Yet even more impressive than the setting was what was about to occur: twenty men from the North American College would soon be ordained to the Order of Deacon.

Diaconate is conferred through a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, through the imposition of hands (cf. 2 Ti 1:6-7), that engenders in the ordinand a distinct conformation to Christ, Lord and Servant of all. Those to be ordained deacons first make public promises of

M

Abovv e:: Archbishop Dolan imposing hands on Rev. Mr. Thomas Szydlik ‘03 (Diocese of Peoria).

Op p p osite p age:: Diaconate Ordination at the Altar of the Chair, St. Peter’s Basilica, on October 10, 2002.

celibacy and obedience to their own bishops and their successors. For this new deacon, the next part of the Rite of Ordination, the Litany of the Saints, may have been the most powerful. As the deacon candidates lay prostrate on the floor of the Basilica in a gesture of humility and supplication, the pilgrim Church on earth joined with the continued on page 20

“...I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God bestowed when my hands were laid upon you. The Spirit God has given us is no cowardly spirit, but rather one that makes us strong, loving, and wise.” (1 Tim 1:6-7) WINTER

2002

17

Diaconate Ordination 2002 Abovv e:: Acolytes for the Diaconate Ordination - left to right - Michael Vuky ‘04, Ronald Richards ‘04, Nathaniel Sokol ‘04, Luis Correa ‘04, Thomas Kunz ‘04, Jeffrey Lorig ‘04, Daniel Firmin ‘04, Carter Griffin ‘04, and Christopher Mahar ‘04 L eft:: The choir directed by Sr. James Xavier Landi, SSJ

L eft:: Acolytes leading the Procession into St. Peter’s Basilica.

R ight:: Christopher Floss ‘04 leads the congregation in singing the Responsorial Psalm.

18

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

Abovv e left:: Thomas Hennen ‘04, Master of Ceremonies.

Abovv e right:: Rev. Mr. Christopher Singer ‘03 proclaims the Gospel.

Abovv e:: Archbishop Dolan presents the Book of Gospels to Rev. Mr. Robert Golas ‘03.

L eft:: Msgr. Kevin McCoy, Rector, introduces Archbishop Dolan.

WINTER

2002

19

Mater Ecclesia gaudet! Mother Church rejoices! In addition to the stirring ceremony of ordination, diaconate week was filled with many spiritual blessings. From visits to Rome's major Basilicas, a pilgimage to Assisi, and a General Audience with the Holy Father - and a little pasta and vino along the way – the week was filled with powerful encounters of God's ever-abiding Love.

Through the power of Holy Orders, the newly ordained deacons were called by the Church to share in

Abovv e:: The moment of prostration when the Church prays in song for the intercession of the saints.

dence on God’s Providence. Next, Archbishop Dolan performed the ancient rite of the laying-on of hands with the consecratory prayer invoking the Holy Spirit. Lastly came the investiture with the stole and dalmatic, the liturgical garb of the deacon, and the presentation to each new deacon of the Book of Gospels instructing them to “receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are.

Abo o ve e , left to right: Rev. Mr. Jeffrey Molnar ‘03, Rev. Mr. Jacobo Munoz ’03, and Rev. Mr. Bryan Stitt ‘03 distribute Holy Communion.

Rig g ht: Rev. Mr. Martin DeMayo ‘03 distributes Holy Communion.

Diaconate is conferred through a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, through the imposition of hands (cf. 2 Ti 1:6-7), that engenders in the ordinand a distinct conformation to Christ, Lord and Servant of all.

Christ’s mission and grace.

Strengthened by grace, we are now dedicated in a special way to the service of God and His community, both at the altar and in the world. Yet we were not the only ones changed by the events of the Ordination. There was a deep joy in knowing that the week of grace was also being shared with our families and closest friends, and for that we are profoundly grateful. Truly, Mater Ecclesia gaudet!

by Rev. Mr. Robert Forcier Diocese of Providence Class of 2003

saints in heaven to beseech God on behalf of the candidates. It is a profound act of surrender and depen-

20

Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach!”

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

Congratulations to the Class of 2003!

Abovv e:: Theodore Cardinal McCarrick and Archbishop Timothy Dolan with the newly ordained deacons.

B elow:: Rev. Mr. Phillip Kaim ’03 presents a class gift to Archbishop Dolan.

Photographs courtesy of L’Osservatore Romano.

Rev. Mr. Kevin L. Achbach Rev. Mr. M. Shane Baxter Rev. Mr. Matthew T. Buening Rev. Mr. Gregory S. Coan Rev. Mr. Paul G. Czerwonka Rev. Mr. Miguel A. De Angel-Ramirez Rev. Mr. Martin P. De Mayo Rev. Mr. Robert H. Forcier Rev. Mr. Robert W. Golas, Jr. Rev. Mr. Edward R. Horkan Rev. Mr. J. D. Jaffe Rev. Mr. Phillip A. Kaim Rev. Mr. Matthew G. La Chance Rev. Mr. Kevin P. Magner Rev. Mr. Kevin J. Martin Mr. Matthew D. Matthias Rev. Mr. Evelio Menjivar-Ayala Rev. Mr. Jonathan P. Meyer Rev. Mr. Jeffrey T. Molnar Rev. Mr. Patrick A. Moses Rev. Mr. Jacobo V. Muñoz Rev. Mr. T. Austin Murphy Rev. Mr. Michael-Tung Quang Q. Nguyen Rev. Mr. Walter (Tad) R. Oxley Rev. Mr. Timothy D. Reilly Rev. Mr. Todd M. Reitmeyer Rev. Mr. John A. Riley Rev. Mr. Christopher J. Singer Rev. Mr. Bryan D. Stitt Rev. Mr. Thomas R. Szydlik Rev. Mr. Tung Thanh Tran Rev. Mr. Daniel T. Walz Rev. Mr. Kenneth P. Wasilewski

Rapid City Beaumont Baltimore Washington, DC La Crosse Caguas Bridgeport Providence Washington, DC Arlington Arlington Rockford Tulsa St. Paul and Minneapolis Portland Kansas City in Kansas Washington, DC Indianapolis Pittsburgh Orange in California Rapid City Baltimore Orange in California Toledo Providence Sioux Falls Kansas City in Kansas Erie Ogdensburg Peoria Corpus Christi St. Cloud Rockford

WINTER

2002

21

Non Fecit Taliter Omni Nationi He Has Not Done So With Any Other Nation (Ps 147:20)

On

July 31, 2002, after almost 500 years and amidst great controversy, Pope John Paul II raised Juan Diego Cuauhtlactoatzin to the honors of the altar at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Controversy surrounding the canonization ranged from a debate whether to depict the new saint as a European or as a Native for the ceremony and festivities, to a debate over the very existence of Juan Diego himself. The public dis-

putes, however, could not quench the great rejoicing in Mexico and the rest of the New World on July 31, when Juan Diego was proclaimed a saint.

He is not a saint, however, merely because Our Lady appeared to him; he was raised to the honors of the altar because he lived out the virtues in a heroic way even though we only

22

know of him in relation to his role as the messenger of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

St. Juan Diego can be seen as one of the great evangelizers of Abovv e:: Symbolic painting by Jorge Sanchez Hernandez. the New World. In that he proclaimed were the perfect honoring the requests of the Mother, antidotes to these societal poisons in he obeyed the Son. Indeed, Juan the sixteenth century, so too can they Diego was able to do something that help us through our twenty-first cenformerly had been impossible – until tury struggles. A mere nine years Our Lady appeared to him. He was after the proclamation of Our Lady's able to nurture a marriage between message in 1531, over nine million the indigenous cultures of the New people were added to the faith – more World and Spanish Catholicism. than were lost in the Protestant This blend of culture and religion Revolution. How many today are in survives within the New World to need of conversion on both sides of this day, though it is in danger of the ocean? being left behind as many people St. Juan Diego is a great model who have been Catholic for half a for the laity who are called to evanmillennium drift away from the faith. gelize and sanctify the world. As In fact, the “culture of death” Pope John Paul II noted at the beatiwith which we struggle today is not fication of Juan Diego on May 6, unlike the cultural conditions that St. 1990, “[This beatification] is a strong Juan Diego experienced at the time call to all the lay faithful of the nation of the apparition of Our Lady of to assume all their responsibilities in Guadalupe. Even as the Aztecs sacrithe transmission of the Gospel mesficed thousands of people in order to sage and in the witness of a living appease the sun-god, today we strugand operative faith. I want to call all gle with the scourge of abortion. Just of the Mexican laity to commit themas the Aztecs worshipped many gods selves more actively to the re-evanand not the “True God through gelization of society.” Indeed, this Whom everything lives, the Lord of call is made not only to the nation of all things near and far, the Master of Mexico, but to the faithful of the Heaven and Earth,” so too many whole world. today worship other “deities” like

by Jason H. Rodarte y Vigil money, comfort, and fame. But just Archdiocese of Santa Fé as St. Juan Diego and the Woman

Pontifical North American College

Class of 2004

MA GA Z I N E

Life After the North American College

W

hen you are a “New Man,” everything makes an impression.

Take, for instance, a homily over twenty years ago by one of the fifth-year priests who began his remarks with this jewel, “One of the greatest things about studying in Rome – is going home.” We all laughed a bit, some wondering if this was another example of “NAC wit,” some slowly pondering layered meanings, while others, like me, writing everything down as if watching a master chef preparing the feast of a lifetime.

Whatever the case, he was right.

It has been twenty-two years since my classmates and I walked up those stairs, staggering from the trans-Atlantic flight and astounded for the next few hours with the beauty and mystery of our new home. I still remember how I could not wait to start that journey, how I could not wait to write home – and I how I could not wait to take a shower!

O, how I loved those days!

I cannot say for certain that the College prepared me for each and every eventuality that would await my years of service as a priest of Jesus, but I can say that whatever they did there on the Hill – through faculty, friends, the Greg, the experience – it worked for me!

Reflecting on the highlights of

ministry since returning from the Amalfi Coast to the Gulf Coast, I am filled with a crowd of memories.

There are several high spots of life after the College that are worth mentioning. I could point to the first day of being a Pastor and receiving phone

...the best thing about Rome was coming home to live out what we promised to do...

minds of some who might not understand the priesthood covenant, or may not want to. It has been embarrassing, humiliating and infuriating, but never debilitating. Nietzche coined the phrase, “That which does not kill us, only makes us stronger.” Though an unlikely sage, he was right. We will all get through this and be even more prepared to help build up the Kingdom of God. Through it all, that memorable homily over twenty years ago continues to hold true – even better than studying in Rome, has been serving as a priest back home!

calls of support and fraternal love from classmates, the wonderful opportunities for baptisms, marriages, and funerals of family and friends, the quiet yet powerful

by Rev. Msgr. Michael Heras Diocese of Corpus Christi moments in Adoration, and scores of Class of 1984 others. It was true: the best thing about Rome was coming home to live out what we promised to do and what was promised to us. They say that the difference between a contract and a covenant is that a contract is based on mistrust and a covenant on total trust. The North American College was the “crucible within a crucible” of witness and fidelity in order to enter into an eternal Covenant with the Lord God. There, on the Janiculum, nestled in the Great City of Rome, many lives were forged and fashioned so that we would be able to realize daily that the best was yet to come!

Abovv e, left to right: Msgr. Michael Heras ’84 We have all taken a hard hit (Corpus Christi), Rev. Eddie E. L. Tolentino ’84 (Washington, DC), and Rev. Joseph G. Hanefeldt lately in the press and in the ’84 (Omaha).

WINTER

2002

23

Frank Parater Servant of God, Seminarian

Part two of three

Rev. J. Scott Duarte ’78, JCD Postulator

F

rank Parater, North American College seminarian, Class of 1925, was recently declared a Servant of God. The process for his beatification has begun. Though he did not live long enough to be ordained a priest, his faith-filled life – and death – prompted those who knew him to declare him a true saint. The second article of this series recounts some of the experiences that influenced Frank Parater prior to his entering Belmont Abbey Seminary College and that prepared him for making a gift of himself to God through an act of oblation for the conversion of non-Catholics.

Above: Frank Parater’s parents, Francis Joseph, Sr., and Mary Raymond.

24

Frank Parater was born on October 10, 1897, in Richmond, Virginia, ten days after the death of Saint Thérèse, the Little Flower, who would prove important in Frank's spiritual life. His father, Francis Joseph Parater, Sr., was a Catholic of Portuguese ancestry, and his mother, Mary Raymond, was a former Anglican communicant at St. John's Episcopal Church and a convert to Catholicism. That marriage was his father's second. His first wife was Elizabeth Miller who bore him five children, three of whom survived infancy and grew to adulthood. The eldest son of this first marriage, also named Francis, died in 1887 at the age of twenty-seven, just a few months before the birth of our Servant of God, who was again named Francis Joseph Parater, Jr. When Elizabeth was ill and learned she was going to die, it is said that she expressed the hope that her husband would remarry, and even suggested Mary Raymond as the person best suited to raise her children.

Eleven children were born to this second marriage, but only three survived infancy, Marie, Grace, and Frank, who was the youngest. His sisters were of great importance to him, especially Marie who was his confidant and who later became

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

instrumental in preserving his letters, journals and other documents and personal effects.

Frank was named for his patron saint, Francis DeSales, founder of the Sisters of the Visitation whose monastery was just three blocks from

Top: Parater as a Boy Scout.

Above: Parater as an altar boy.

the modest Parater home. Their house faced Jefferson Park, where Francis Parater, Sr. was the groundskeeper, a work that he voluntarily extended to the grounds of the nearby monastery. Frank’s father was highly regarded in the city and once was appointed a term on the City Council. This proximity to the Visitation Monastery, Monte Maria, also permitted the Parater family to hear the bells that regulated the life of the Sisters, announced the Angelus, and called the faithful to the 6:40 a.m. Mass. From his first Holy Communion as a boy, Frank faithfully served that Mass until the time that he left home for college, though he also served Mass at his parish church of St. Patrick’s.

Above the Monastery chapel’s altar was the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that became a symbol for him of the tremendous love that Jesus has for all people. Frank grew in his devotion and wrote, “Remember the Sacred Heart never fails those that love Him.” His neighborhood, still known as “Church Hill,” was densely populated, family-centered, and marked by a spirit of ecumenical cooperation. Many of the students at the Sisters’ school were Protestants, and as a youth, Frank joined the newly established Scouting movement that met at a local Methodist Episcopal church. He was well known to the Rector of his mother’s former parish, St. John’s Episcopal Church, itself famous as the site of Patrick Henry's speech, “Give me

liberty or give me death!’ After Frank's early death, its Rector energetically praised his virtues.

A warm and loving family introduced Frank to a loving God and gave him confidence in himself to overcome the physical limitations of his small stature and to pursue goals that others would have considered beyond their reach. The world was a fascinating place for Frank Parater.

He became a collector of sheet

music, of post cards, of stamps, and of autographs, writing many notable figures of the time, including several European monarchs, for their autographs and collecting the stamps from their replies! He began a practice of keeping a record of his activities and his thoughts, compiling, for instance, a list of the books that he read. In one year, it amounted to over three hundred titles, many drawn from the classics and poetry. He would often quote from such works

in his journals and speeches.

In the Scouts and in high school, he acted in various plays and was sought after as a speaker at public events. Frank was valedictorian of his primary school, his high school, and ultimately at Belmont Abbey College Seminary. In a vigorous debate during high school, Frank argued convincingly for the rights, dignity and innate value of the black man against opponents who argued for the continued segregation or even the re-enslavement of blacks. He carried on copious correspondence with friends, and after leaving home for college, he wrote his family faithfully.

His correspondence reveals his personality and his spirituality, just as it provides insight into his family’s life and his own experiences. From his personal journals we can also see his personal sacrifices to help others, in spite of a meager income.

These same journals convey Frank Parater’s missionary zeal to serve the Church in Virginia and his support for the new organization known as the Boy Scouts of America. His answer to the question, “Why am I a Scout” is to be found in this passage from his writings: We, Catholics, are selfish. With our Divine Religion and all its wonderful aids for leading a pure and holy life, not to mention our character developing parochial schools and Christian motherhood exemplified in our Catholic mothers…but what of the non-Catholic lad or the son of indifferent parents? Should we not help them? Think of what it would mean if the 8,000,000 boys

WINTER

2002

25

in America were taught “To do their duty to God, their country, and to obey the scout law: to help other people at all times, to keep themselves physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

No! It would not make angels of them – we don’t want them angels.

It would not abolish the flagrant abuses that we witness on all sides.

But it would lessen these evils; it would make our Catholic boys better Catholics; it would teach the non-Catholic true Catholic principles of morality; it would produce better men, true patriots and real citizens; it would lead our boys to something higher than mere accumulation of riches or the desire for fame.

Frank enrolled in the Scouting movement on January 19, 1914.

Advancing quickly through the ranks, by 1916 he was an assistant scout master, the scribe of Troop 32, and the official photographer of the Richmond Council. He served as camp director in Richmond and during the summer of 1916 was the first camp director of the newly-founded Camp Ackerman in Plainfield, New Jersey. In the camps he ran, he introduced a half hour of prayer in the evening schedule, consisting of a chapter of Sacred Scripture, a talk by the director and the recitation of the “Our Father” followed by silent prayer. His efficiency and organizational Prayer for the Beatification of skills are noted in newsFrank Parater paper accounts.

As he graduated Loving Father, from primary school, Your servant, Frank Parater, sought perFrank began thinking fection as a student, scout, and seminarian. about the priesthood.

He offered himself to You completely through He was worried that he could not pronounce the Sacred Heart of Your beloved Son, Jesus.

Through the intercession of Frank Parater, Latin well enough to be a priest. When he was may young people answer Your call to follow only fourteen years old, Jesus as priests and religious. Grant the he began to correspond favors I seek, so that Your Church may recog- with Walter Nott, then a diocesan nize his holiness and proclaim him Blessed. Richmond seminarian at St. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Charles College in Amen Catonsville, MD and eventually an alumnus Imprimatur Most Rev. Walter F. Sullivan of the North American Bishop of Richmond College, about his February 7, 2002 desire to be a priest.

Nott allayed his fears, Kindly report favors to encouraged him to purRev. J. Scott Duarte’78, JCD sue his priestly vocaPostulator tion, study Latin, devel811 Cathedral Place op skills necessary for Richmond, VA 23220

26

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

public speaking and stick to his high ideals, despite the efforts of some in Scouting and among his friends to dissuade him from his calling.

Frank possessed marvelous talents and gifts. These were crowned with a purity of heart and a missionary zeal that would ultimately find expression in his act of oblation that may be found in the Pontifical North American College’s Manual of Prayers. In this stirring document of self-offering, Frank declares that: I have nothing to leave or to give but my life and this I have consecrated to the Sacred Heart to be used as He wills. I have offered my all for the conversion of non-Catholics… This is what I live for and in case of death what I die for.

The spiritual conversion of others is what he died for – and what he lived for. That, among his many other virtues, is a desire worthy of imitation by Frank Parater’s successors at the North American College today.

In the next issue: Part Three of Frank Parater, Servant of God.

V

O C AT I O N

ST

O R I E S

“...come after me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mt 5:19)

Take the Risk

T

he Greek orthodox environment in which I grew up was heavily influenced by religion. I can still remember vividly our priest chanting in Greek during Mass and incensing the altar behind an icon screen. During my childhood I was fascinated by the mysterious nature of the Divine Liturgy and the priesthood. As I grew

Abovv e, left to right: Joe Kenn, Fr. Barry Bossa, SAC, and Jason Makos ‘05.

older and more rebellious, however, I stopped going to church and fell away from religion completely.

In the summer of 1995, a good friend invited me on a pilgrimage to Canada to visit the shrines of Saint Anne de Beaupre and Saint Joseph’s Oratory. I agreed to go with him – on the grounds that I would not attend any services or Masses. “I just want to see the countryside of Canada,” I told him. Looking back, I can see that my heart was hard and the Lord was setting me up for a hard fall.

It is impossible to miss the two immense steeples of Saint Anne’s Basilica that overpower the skyline of Quebec. After arriving and admiring this aesthetic wonder from the outside, I felt compelled to go inside and marvel at its beauty. As I entered the church, however, I was overwhelmed not by the beauty of marble or wood, but by the loving gaze of Christ. The warmth I felt can only be described as a sense of “coming home” after a long time away. From that moment I could never deny this divine presence, which I had tried to do for so long. On the Easter Vigil in 1996, I was received into full communion with the Catholic Church.

My fascination with the priesthood grew as I attended daily Mass.

Despite my admiration for the priesthood, though, it never crossed my mind that God might be calling me to a vocation. Then one day my pastor asked me, “Have you ever thought about being a priest?” This small but profound question planted a seed within my heart. After taking it to prayer, I found myself torn between marriage and the priesthood.

My indecision grew, so I decided to enroll at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, to study premed in the hopes of entering medical school. I believed that if I kept busy with studies, the question of priestly vocation would eventually fade away.

In spite of my stubbornness, however, the Lord knocked even harder at my door, and I knew I could not ignore it

any more. One day after classes I went to Saint Anthony’s shrine in the heart of Boston, a spot I had frequently visited because it was close to the university. As I was sitting there after Mass the idea ran through my head to “take the risk.” I realized that the reason I was holding back was because I was afraid to take the risk to follow God’s call and enter the seminary. I had not put my trust in the Lord, and He let me know it with a loud knock!

Saint Louis Marie de Montfort says very beautifully, “If we do not risk anything for God we will never do anything great for Him.” Placing my trust in God, then, I took the plunge and applied to Saint John's Seminary for the Archdiocese of Boston. With the many prayers and support of friends and family, I found the courage to answer God’s call – and have never looked back.

by Jason Makos Archdiocese of Boston Class of 2005

Jason Makos ‘05

WINTER

2002

27

BENVENUTI A ROMA! Fr. Vincent Tobin A monk of St. Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, Indiana, Fr. Vincent Tobin is no stranger to the Eternal City. Prior to arriving at the North American College, he spent sixteen years serving as the Segretaria Generale of San Anselmo University in Rome. Along with this position he also spent fifteen years teaching Greek at the Gregorian University.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Fr. Tobin received his degrees from St. Meinrad, which includes a Master’s Degree in Classics and Latin. He also received an S.T.L. in Spirituality from the Gregorian University.

Sr. Norma Fultz Sr. Norma Fultz is a Benedictine sister from Ferdinand, Indiana. She entered her community in 1960 and pursued her studies at Indiana University, receiving a B.S. in Education, an M.A. in Library Science, and an M.S. in Instructional Systems Technology. Studying at St. Michael's College at Winooski Park in Colchester, Vermont, she also received an M.A. in Theology.

Sr. Norma has had a great deal of experience as a librarian before coming to the College. At Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, she was assistant professor

28

Fr. Tobin comes to the North American College as this year’s new Carl J. Peter Chair of homiletics.

While continuing to teach Greek, Fr. Tobin joins the North American College faculty as a formation director. He enjoys life in Rome, which he says “is a good place to learn to be catholic with a small ‘c’ and to learn to be Catholic with a large ‘C’.”

Welcome to the College, Father!

of library service and assistant education and psychology librarian. From there, she went to Ball State University to serve as associate professor of library service and media resources librarian. One of her favorite tasks was dealing with the realia, the “real things” used at the University such as science specimens, teaching devices, projects, and photographs, to name just a few.

This is not Sr. Norma’s first visit to the North American College. In 2001, she spent her sabbatical for two months at the convent attached to the College.

We warmly welcome Sr. Norma

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

to the community of the North American College in the position of Archivist.

WELCOME TO ROME! Fr. Dennis Gill Fr. Dennis Gill was ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 1983. He is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. After finishing his priestly studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Fr. Gill served as Parochial Vicar in the Archdiocese for fourteen years, first at Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Warminster, Pennsylvania, for four years, and then at Our Lady of Good Counsel in South Hampton for ten years.

Fr. Gill then went on to receive a License and Doctorate in Liturgy at San Anselmo University in Rome.

Before arriving at the North American College, he served on the faculty at St. Charles Borromeo for one year.

Fr. Frederick Miller

Fr. Gill comes to the North American College as the new director of liturgy. He views his position as a wonderful opportunity to promote an authentic understanding of the liturgy and to prepare future priests for its celebration. Welcome to the College, Fr. Gill!

Fr. Frederick Miller is a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. Born in Jersey City, Fr. Miller attended college seminary at Seton Hall University and completed his studies for the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Seminary. Fr. Miller received a Master’s Degree in Dogmatic Theology from St. John’s University along with an S.T.L. and an S.T.D. in Spiritual Theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

For fifteen years, Fr. Miller was involved in parish ministry. After this period, he was assigned in 1993 to the

faculty of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He served at this seminary in a number of ways: Professor of Systematic Theology, Academic Dean, and Spiritual Director. He was also involved with the St. Charles Spiritual Year Program.

Fr. Miller is glad to be at the North American College because of its good reputation and its close location to the heart of the Church, and we are delighted to have him as one of our spiritual directors.

by Justin Fish Diocese of Duluth Class of 2005

WINTER

2002

29

Summertime in Siena

30

Pontifical North American College

MA GA Z I N E

T

he rugged, picturesque mountain town of Siena, Italy, became my summertime home for six weeks. This medieval town is famous for its history, its saints, and, of course, its horse race, and made an enjoyable respite from the bustle of Rome.

Upon my arrival, following a six hour train ride (which was supposed to be only two), the first question that entered my mind was: What am I really here for? A five-word answer sufficed: to study and learn Italian.

With the generous financial assistance of my archbishop, I set out to conquer the Italian language like the

“I set out to conquer the Italian language like the Romans conquering the Italian peninsula 2300 years ago”.

Romans conquering the Italian peninsula 2300 years ago. The first four weeks were in a classroom setting, as I attempted to master the intricacies of the language. Joining me were two fellow North American College students, Tony Lonzo from Columbus, Ohio, and Jeremy Leatherby from Sacramento,

California, along with myriad other students from around the world, some as far away as Iceland and Japan. My last two weeks were spent in one-on-one conversation with a tutor, which was a very challenging arrangement for me. I feel that I made L eft to right: Douglas Becker ‘05, Anthony Lonzo ‘05, dramatic progress this and Jeremy Leatherby ‘05 summer which should I am deeply thankful for my time help me with my note-taking duties spent in Siena and I would do it over in the Italian lectures at the Pontifical again. They say it is tough to spend Gregorian University. one's first summer in Europe rather Outside of the classroom, there than back home in the States, and, at was plenty of time to explore the times, that statement held true. town of Siena itself. Situated on the However, I believe this experience top of a huge hill, this charming will pay off for me academically and walled town attracts thousands of spiritually both now and in the years tourists each year. The opportunity to to come. explore the city's churches, architecSt. Catherine of Siena, pray for us! ture, and historical setting was too

by Douglas Becker good to pass up. It was a special treat Archdiocese of St. Louis to be able to explore the area where a Class of 2005 patroness of Europe, St. Catherine, lived, worked, and prayed. I also happened to be in town during the famous Palio horse race, which takes place twice a year, July 2 and August 16. In order for the race to take place, the main piazza – Piazza del Campo – is filled with dirt and transformed into a horse track that plays host to a grueling, no-holds-barred race between the city's sixteen historic “contrade,” or rival neighborhoods.

The whole city is passionately engaged in this event. Each neighborhood hosts a dinner for the other contrades before the race, and a tremendous party is thrown for the winning contrade that lasts for days Abovv e:: Image of St. Catherine of Siena receiving the stigmata, located in the and where the pasta and the wine Church of the St. Catherine Institute. flow freely.

F acing P age:: The Cathedral of Siena

WINTER

2002

31

T

H E

E

C O N O M O

’S

C

O R N E R

“Cleverly done! You too are an industrious and reliable servant” (Mt 25:23)

Built on the Rock of St. Peter MCMLIII - MMIII

As

a result of the recent power washing of the seminary building, the cornerstone has become more visible than ever.

Hewn from granite rather than travertine marble, the light cornerstone contrasts sharply with the darker tones of the travertine, which was quarried in the 1950s from the famous Tivoli quarries, ten miles east of Rome. These quarries have provided the primary building material for most of Rome, including St. Peter's Basilica. So why is this single stone different and what is the significance of the Latin inscription?

The Seminary building of the Pontifical North American College on the Janiculum Hill is a massive building. At the time of its construction, it was the second-largest building constructed in Rome since World War II. The only other larger project was the new train station; the old train station was destroyed by Allied bombing. The new American seminary was an important project not only for the American Catholic Church. It was also an affirmation by the Vatican of the Holy Father’s closeness to the Church in America. The building of this new seminary building was to be the “Capolavoro” or crowning masterpiece of Pope Pius XII’s favorite Vatican Architect, Count Enrico Galleazzi.

As construction of the new Pontifical North American College began, another archaeological project was coming to completion. That project, which lasted

32

Pontifical North American College

from 1940 to 1956, was the rediscovery and verification of the tomb of St. Peter. In its day it was viewed as the most significant Christian archaeological discovery of the century. Proving that the Basilica was truly built on the tomb of St. Peter himself would reinforce the tradition of the apostolic succession of the papacy from St. Peter to Pope Pius XII. The excavations below St. Peter’s Basilica involved careful removal of fill material dating back to the construction of the original fourth-century church by the Emperor Constantine. Once the excavations were completed, archaeologists had uncovered a necropolis or “City of the Dead” beneath the present Basilica. The ancient cemetery was originally located next to the Circus of Nero, where St. Peter and many others were martyred. Indeed, the tomb of the first Vicar of Christ was discovered to be located directly beneath the present high altar.

Our cornerstone is among the foundation stones that Scavi excavators removed during that important project. The Latin inscription indicates that this stone is a symbol of blessings and good wishes brought up from the excavations beneath the Vatican Basilica. We can truly say, then, that our College is built on the rock of St. Peter’s!

MA GA Z I N E

by Rev. Msgr. Mark Svarczkopf ’74 Archdiocese of Indianapolis Vice Rector for Administration

Invite someone you know to consider the Priesthood.. .

...Please Pray for Vocations!

Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Rev. Msgr. Kevin McCoy, and the Class of 2003 with the Holy Father.

The Pontifical

North American College 3211 Fourth Street, Northeast Washington DC 20017-1194 or more information about the North American College, or to learn more bout opportunities for memorial gifts, contact Tricia Lloyd at our Washington DC, Office of Development: el: (202) 541-5411 / Fax: (202) 722-8804 mail: nacrome@aol.com or visit our website at www.pnac.org

Attention North American College Alumni: Reunion 2003 will be in Rome.

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEONARDTOWN, MD PERMIT NO. 50