Allen Hall Seminary News Advent edition 2021
RECTOR’S ADVENT MESSAGE Rev Dr John Canon O’Leary STB, PhL, PhD Welcome to our Advent edition of Allen Hall Seminary News. Thank you for taking an interest in the life of our seminary, for all the support you give us, and especially for your prayers. Just as Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year, much about Allen Hall this year is new, including the Rector! For, sadly, we bade farewell to Canon Roger Taylor after thirteen years dedicated service, eight as Rector, after five years as Vice-Rector. We thank him most sincerely for the immense contribution he made to the formation of priests in this College. Canon Roger remains in our prayers as he looks forward to his new mission. Please pray that I will also fulfil the great responsibility of being Rector, as well as Canon Roger did. Thankfully, I am supported by a strong Formation Team, which includes two new members: Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz, our new Vice-Rector and Dean of Studies and Fr Antonio Ritaccio, the new Director of Pastoral Formation. Fr Antonio replaced Fr William Nicol, now on the team at St Mary’s Cathedral, in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, we thank him too for his generous service. Also ‘new’ are the ten seminarians who joined us following the closure of St John’s Seminary, Wonersh. Five are deacons, residing at Allen Hall from Tuesday to Thursday, ministering in their own dioceses for the remainder of the week; two are on full-time extended pastoral placements; three resident full-time at Allen Hall. All ten have integrated well and contribute richly to our community. It is gratifying that the seminarians already at Allen Hall have given a most warm welcome to these new men. We are also fortunate that Dr Pia Matthews, formerly Director of Studies at Wonersh, is now Director of Curriculum Development and Quality Assurance here. She continues Fr Michael Halsall’s good work. He had to relinquish this role because of new parish responsibilities. Additionally, there are new seminarians for Westminster and Portsmouth dioceses, as well as from various religious orders, including some that have not previously entrusted men to formation here. Their presence has given new energy to our common life. I hope you enjoy reading more about all our new seminarians. Their number means that we now have oversight of the formation of sixty seminarians for priesthood. A most encouraging total! A palpable sense of a ‘new beginning’ has also been created now that many of the necessary COVID restrictions have been eased. It is wonderful to have face-to-face lectures again, to share more meals together, to socialise more easily, to engage more fully in pastoral activities, and above all, to return to the full celebration of our sacred liturgies. It is a great blessing too that the Neocatechumenal Way seminarians, resident at Redemptoris Mater, can once more be with us. Many reasons, then, to thank God, as I am sure you will agree after reading Allen Hall Seminary News. Please be assured of my prayers for a fruitful Advent as together we prepare to welcome the coming of the Lord.
WITH A FATHER’S HEART Francis Thomas, Diocese of Westminster On Saturday 1 May 2021, the Memorial of St Joseph the Worker, over eighty of St Mary Magdalen, Willesden Green parishioners consecrated themselves to St Joseph. All this began when Pope Francis announced the Year of St Joseph in his letter Patris Corde on 8 December 2020. Inspired by this letter it was decided that we would encourage the men of the parish, to spend thirty three days getting to know St Joseph. We produced a booklet with daily meditations, prayers, scripture, a piece of art and a daily challenge. Each day focussed on a title from the Litany of St Joseph, e.g. Foster-Father of the Son of God.
some responses as the weeks progressed, with one person ‘learning about being calmer’, another said how it ‘makes me realise how important fathers are.’ For another it ‘has really helped me get to know him [St Joseph] as a person’ and understand ‘why Joseph is the Patron of the Universal Church.’ Day 33 confidently reminded us that ‘with him at your side, virtue and holiness will increase in your life and with his paternal cloak over you, you will be protected from spiritual harm.’ It was a joy for many to know that they were on this journey with others, even though due to the pandemic we could only be together at the end.
Our target participant was single or married men, fathers, grandfathers, religious and priests, with anyone else from the parish welcome to join too. We received
In consecrating ourselves to St Joseph, we hoped that it would inspire individuals and families to make permanent some of the daily challenges, for example, regular 1
Confession, attending a weekday Mass, praying with their families and maybe even some extra commitment to participation in parish life. But, overall, we desired an increase in prayer and devotion to St Joseph as a spiritual father for us, as ‘an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble.’ (Patris Corde).
SOME NEW FACES ̶ PART 1 / 2 Rev Dr F-Javier Ruiz-Ortiz Vice-Rector and Dean of Studies I was born in Puente-Genil, between Malaga and Cordoba in southern Spain, coming to London in 1994 to train for the Diocese at Redemptoris Mater House of Formation. After finishing my studies at Allen Hall and several pastoral placements both in the Diocese and abroad I was ordained in 2004. My first appointment was as assistant priest at Our Lady of Victories, Kensington. Cardinal Cormac then sent me to Rome for further studies in Scripture, where I completed a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute and a Doctorate at the Gregorian University. On my return I became an assistant priest at St Thomas, Fulham and, in 2016, was appointed parish priest of Our Lady and St Catherine, Bow. All through those years I lectured at Allen Hall, teaching Scripture, mainly the Old Testament. Cardinal Vincent has now asked me to be the Vice-Rector and Dean of Studies, and Dean of Theology at Mater Ecclesiæ College, the theological faculty belonging to the Bishop’s Conference, awarding Pontifical degrees. Being back in the place where I studied ‘on the other side’ is exciting, but a big challenge. Thank you for your prayers and support. Dr Pia Matthews Director of Curriculum Development and Quality Assurance A biography in a few words? Relationships first: married with eight children, one with profound disabilities, and six grandchildren. Academic achievements: law degree from Cambridge; theology degree from St John’s Seminary, Wonersh, where I studied all the same courses as the seminarians, my friends, now priests; an MA in bioethics and a PhD covering theology, philosophy, anthropology, and bioethics. Practice: teaching at St Mary’s, and at Wonersh, later becoming the Dean of Studies. I have been involved with Allen Hall since 2014 first as a study tutor, then lecturer in Marriage and the Family, then Bioethics, and finally as Director of Curriculum Development and Quality Assurance. With four books already published (see my ‘publicity agent’ Andrew Marlborough), there are another three books due next year. Appointed an expert to the 2015 synod on the family and a governor at the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, what really matters? Child of God surely? Pablo Prieto Bacho Diocese of Westminster, Redemptoris Mater My name is Pablo. I have started formation in Redemptoris Mater and at the seminary this year. I am originally from Spain but have lived most of my life in Ireland. My parents have been a family in mission, with the Neocatechumenal Way, in Ireland for 16 years. I finished my second level schooling and started training as an engineer when I became aware of my vocation. I am really pleased to have been sent to London in this early stage of my vocation. 2
Fr Antonio Ritaccio Director of Pastoral Formation I’m a second-generation Italian from Bedford, the first ordained for Westminster from the Redemptoris Mater House of Formation twenty-two years ago. Before my appointment here at Allen Hall, I spent twelve great years as the parish priest in Stonebridge and appointments in Bishop’s Stortford, Westminster Cathedral, Diocesan Youth Chaplaincy and Maiden Lane. I also spent three amazing years on loan to Saint Kitts and Nevis as a parish priest. Every day was an adventure, like the time I narrowly missed being hit by a falling cow from the mountain above! Coming from the John Paul II generation I am keenly aware of the need for a New Evangelisation. As Pastoral Director, my primary role is to facilitate good experiences for seminarians in parish and chaplaincy settings which contribute significantly towards their priestly formation. I’m grateful to the Lord for the immense gift of priesthood; all is Grace. Matthew Brown Congregation of Holy Cross Originally from the United States, and discerning a call to the Congregation of Holy Cross, a religious community founded by Blessed Basil Moreau with a particular charism of education in the faith, I am currently a visiting resident for the fall semester here at Allen Hall. I grew up in Porterville, California, a small farming community located immediately below the towering forests of Yosemite, but am in the process of seminary formation in South Bend, Indiana. Though not a religious community in the strict sense, I have found delight and even parallels with my Congregation here at Allen Hall, particularly in the common meals, fellowship, and worship, which the community takes quite seriously. What is more, the College is perhaps one of the most diverse communities of formation I have come across, and has been a rich source of guidance in my discernment for the priesthood. Br Ante Bulat S.D.B. Salesians of Don Bosco I was born and raised in Omiš, Croatia, where I was quite involved in parish life and began to consider my spiritual vocation. After working for two years, I came to know the Salesians through a friend who was involved in ministry with them in Zagreb, and entered pre-novitiate there for one year. I then entered the novitiate in Rome, where I took first vows and studied philosophy at the Salesian University. From there I was sent for two years of practical training, first returning to Zagreb as an assistant to the pre-novitiate and then to the U.K. where I worked in a Salesian school in Bolton. I am now studying theology in Allen Hall Seminary.
Gary Carter Diocese of Arundel & Brighton I grew up in Surrey and have spent most of my life there, bar five happy years in Chester studying theology at the university. I grew up irreligious but I became a Baptist at 16 and was subsequently received into the Church at the age of 26 after years of wrestling, discernment and gentle promptings from God. After completing the propaedeutic year at the Royal English College, Valladolid, I spent two very happy years studying philosophy at St John’s, Wonersh. Whilst it was with sadness that we said goodbye to St John’s, I am very much looking forward to what the Lord will do in this next stage of discernment and formation at Allen Hall. In my spare time, I enjoy watching sport, opera and travelling.
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Francis Ezeani Diocese of Portsmouth Originally from Nigeria, I was raised in a family of seven by my devoted Catholic parents. Their example, and that of holy priests, sparked my interest in the priesthood and, at 11, I was accepted to a minor seminary where I completed my secondary education, having concluded that the priesthood was not for me. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering I worked for a while before moving to the U.K. to get my master’s degree in applied computing and later an MBA from the University of West Scotland. The spark of a vocation remained with me and after a lot of prayer and direction I was accepted by my Bishop and began formation in Fareham, where I completed my propaedeutic year. I am now a first-year philosophy student in Allen Hall. God’s hand has led me this far and so far, he has not been wrong. Alex Garner Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham I was born and raised in Cardiff, before coming to the Christian faith as an undergraduate. After some years working as a parish pastoral assistant, I went on to train and teach in a primary school in Camden, before entering formation for ministry in the Church of England at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. Following this, I ministered in the Diocese of London for five years, in Burnt Oak and Stanwell. In 2020 I was received into the Catholic Church, through the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, and currently live in west London with my wife and infant son.
Br Francisco Hintikka C.O. Congregation of the Oratory (Bournemouth) I was born in Finland, where troubled childhood and teenage years plunged me into a great darkness, that lasted many years. Search for peace of mind led me to a world of New Age, transcendental meditation and yoga, but by the time I moved to London twenty-one years ago, I had concluded that it was impossible for me to find happiness. Subsequent years of desperate partying brought me to my personal rock-bottom, where God answered my anguished cry, and changed my life completely. Initially I joined the Church of England, but soon enough, with Our Lady’s help, found my home in the True Fold of Christ and at the Bournemouth Oratory. Having studied philosophy at Blackfriars, I am now at Allen Hall for theology.
Nathan King Diocese of Portsmouth I’m South African by birth, the youngest of three, from a seaside town called Amanzimtoti. My parents taught Catechism, so faith has always been a central part of my upbringing and, after leaving school, I joined Life Teen, a programme to help teenagers grow in faith. I moved to England to pursue my dream of studying filmmaking and becoming a ‘big time’ film director, but thankfully God had other plans. Having completed a propaedeutic year at Sacred Heart Church in Fareham, I am now in my first year at Allen Hall Seminary ready to walk with God. I have a great passion for drumming and enjoy playing praise and worship music. I also love to pray before the Blessed Sacrament where I am constantly bowled over by His love for me.
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Sean Power Diocese of Westminster I am delighted to have joined Allen Hall this year as a seminarian for Westminster, entering into the first year of Theology. Originally from Newcastle upon Tyne, after studies at Durham University I spent two years as a seminarian at the English College in Rome studying Philosophy at the Gregorian University. After deciding to take some time out from seminary I worked as a professional fundraiser for a number of organisations in London, including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. For the last ten years I have been a Fellow and Development Director at Oriel College in Oxford University, while retaining strong connections to London. Despite the long gap since my previous seminary studies a sense of a call to priesthood has always remained with me and it is a great privilege for me to be here as a member of this community. Rev Br Brian Quinn Jericho Community I was born in London, where I lived and worked, mainly in an office setting, but am now a member of the Jericho Community in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, Scotland. Prior to joining the Community in 1986, I was active in the St Vincent de Paul and my local parish, St Aidan’s, East Acton. The Jericho Community follows the Rule of St Benedict, and operates various ministries within a monastic framework, praying the five Offices each day, Mass and Lectio Divina. We run hostels for a variety of needs, including drink and drug rehabilitation, there is a house in India for the elderly and a house for girls in Wolverhampton. We also have a house in Ayrshire where people of low income may get the chance of a holiday they might not otherwise be able to afford. I was recently ordained a deacon and have come to Allen Hall to complete my studies. Br Augustine Alfred Unuakhe S.D.B. Salesians of Don Bosco As the saying goes, ‘The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dream.’ I was born and raised in Nigeria, the sixth of eighth children. My desire to serve God as a Religious and Priest in the Lord’s House grew to an unquenchable fire, and in 2011 I began my Salesian journey, becoming a member of the Society of St Francis de Sales on 8 September 2014. Having completed my pastoral experience in March 2020, I was sent to the community here in London to continue my formation for the priesthood. I am now studying theology in Allen Hall with some of my Salesian brothers. I pray that God who has called me to serve in his vineyard, may bring his good work to fulfilment!
END OF AN ERA ̶ ST JOHN’S SEMINARY, WONERSH Scott Coleman, Diocese of Arundel & Brighton The life of St John’s Seminary, Wonersh ended on a mixed note: sadness and thanksgiving, celebration and poignancy. For those who studied there it will remain a dear place, with memories of faith, friendship, and formation. It has had a venerable history, training priests for 130 years, rooted in the Sulpician tradition which continued, in various ways, to influence the community. During the final year, much of which was spent in lockdown, this tradition really permeated the life of the seminarians and staff. Of course, there
was disappointment about the closure, and inevitable tensions caused by COVID-related restrictions but, more than that, there was a sense that this community of formation was spending one last year doing what it did best. First of all, that means the worship of Almighty God and the life of prayer; studies and formational courses were important too. More widely, though, there was a sense of ease and friendship; with seminarians, formators and support staff living and journeying side by side. That sense of closeness and relationship was 5
crucial for Fr (later Cardinal) Bourne, the first rector, and continued to be so for Mgr Ewing, the final rector. The highlights of the last year were thus the moments when this Christian community best came together: the ‘open mic night’ concert / talent show, the Christmas party, the rites of Holy Week, a murder mystery evening, and two Masses of Ordination to the Diaconate.
founder, formally opened Wonersh. This was followed by a festal lunch, at which Provost Tony Churchill spoke. Later in September, the Old Boys of Wonersh and Mark Cross (the former junior seminary) visited. Some of them were active priests, although many were either not ordained or have left ministry, but all were united in a certain love for the place, and in gratitude for the gifts and graces they had received there. In October we held an open afternoon with Vespers, for various past students and local residents, giving them one last chance to see the place.
The final day of the seminary was 3 July 2021, when five men were ordained deacon by the Most Reverend John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark. COVID had made it too difficult to arrange further closing ceremonies, but that was a positive, celebratory note on which to end the seminary’s business of priestly formation.
We said a very final ‘farewell’ to Wonersh on 22 October 2021, when Archbishop Wilson celebrated Mass in the presence of Cardinal Nichols and many other bishops, priests, seminarians, and lay people associated with Wonersh, again followed by a festal lunch at which Canon John O’Toole spoke. The Archbishop, in his homily, summed up the mixed feelings of us all: thanksgiving for all that had been good, sadness at the closure, but of hope that the Lord, who is always with us and calling us, will continue to send labourers into His vineyard.
The ‘proper goodbye’ to Wonersh took place over several closing events in September and October 2021, by which time it was feasible to invite large numbers of guests. On 8 September, the feast of Our Lady’s Nativity, the Right Reverend Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel & Brighton, celebrated a thanksgiving Mass for the anniversary of the seminary, 130 years to the day since Bishop Butt, the
RECENT NEWS As the year came to an end, we bade farewell to Canon Roger Taylor, as he prepared for his sabbatical after thirteen years as Rector and Vice-Rector. We also lost our Director of Pastoral Formation, Fr William Nicol, who has returned to his native North in order to minister at St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle upon Tyne. We wish them both all the very best in their new ventures. Before term ended, we arrived en masse in North Wales for our end of year silent retreat at St Beuno’s Jesuit Spirituality Centre, former home to poet Gerard Manley Hopkins S.J. After having been cooped up for so long under COVID regulations, it was quite literally a breath of fresh air.
Once the College closed for the summer, the business of getting ready to welcome a huge number of new students began in earnest. Everything was given a fresh coat of paint, including the Refectory and the History Annexe, now St Joseph’s Library, and a large amount of Ikea bedroom sets were ordered and painstakingly assembled. The building was even wrapped in acres of scaffolding, in order to repair the roof and a few other areas of damage. In late November, the Community met in the Chapel to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, before breaking into small groups to discuss the 2023 Synod, led by Fr Antonio Ritaccio and Rev James Lewis. The fruits of these discussions were then collated and sent on as our contribution to the wider process. 6
ORDINATIONS & FORMATION MILESTONES
As the COVID restrictions eased last semester, and the summer holidays loomed, the Community gathered in Westminster Cathedral to celebrate the Diaconal Ordinations of Rev Matteo di Giuseppe (Westminster), Rev Michael Guthrie (Westminster), Rev John Ashu (Vincentians), and Rev Daniel Daley (Westminster). This was celebrated by the Right Reverend Paul McAleenan, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, on the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 12 June 2021. Photograph © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk
The academic year ended with another celebration in Westminster Cathedral, the Diocesan Ordinations to the Priesthood of Fr William Johnstone, Fr Jakub Joszko, Fr Tim Mangatal, and Fr Marco Salvagnini, celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Ad multos annos! Photograph © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk
More recently, on 30 October, we celebrated our Patronal Solemnity, the Blessed Martyrs of Douai College. The Mass was offered by His Grace the Most Reverend George Stack, Archbishop of Cardiff, at which he conferred the Ministry of Acolyte on nine students: John Casey (Westminster), Moses Itene (Brentwood), Domagoj Matoković (Westminster), Marco Lazzaron (Westminster), Br Francis Nangnuor CSSp (Spiritan), Matúš Meleg (Brentwood), Juan Sola García (Westminster), Robert Smialek (Westminster), and Dale Cutlan (Cardiff).
Previous COVID-edition available online at: issuu.com/rcwestminster/docs/allen_hall_newsletter_-_easter_2021 or scan the QR code (right).
Editor & Typesetter: Copy-editor:
Lorcán Keller, Diocese Sean Power, Diocese
of Westminster of Westminster
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