NAC Magazine: Winter 2006

The Pontifical

North American CollegeM A G A Z I N E

Inside

- Diaconate Ordination

- Adventures in India

- Capital Campaign

Winter 2005

PILLARS OF FAITH

MAGAZINE STAFF

Editor

Andrew Roza

Archdiocese of Omaha

Class of 2007

Assistant Editors

Dylan Corbett

Diocese of Providence

Class of 2008

Layout and Design

John McDonald

Diocese of Birmingham

Class of 2007

Sam Kachuba

Diocese of Bridgeport

Class of 2008

Photographer

Ernest Cibelli

Archdiocese of Baltimore

Class of 2008

I N B R I E F

For more information about the

North American College, or to

learn about opportunities

for memorial gifts, contact Tricia

Lloyd at our Washington, DC

Office of Development:

Tel: (202) 541-5411

Fax: (202) 722-8804

Email: [email protected]

or

visit our website at www.pnac.org

THE RECTOR’S CORNER - by Rev. Msgr. Kevin McCoy ‘81, C’86 3

VOCATION STORY - by Michael Triplett ‘07 20

TRADITIONS: PUMKIN PIES AT THANKSGIVING - by Rev. Adam Park ‘05 22

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE - by Miss Celia Messing 28

THE ECONOMO’S CORNER - by Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C’97 32

D E P A R T M E N T S

ADVENTURES IN INDIA - by Dylan Corbett ‘08 18

A LOOK AT THE ANGELICUM - by Justin Kizewski ‘08 24

A VICE-RECTOR’S LOOK AT HUMAN FORMATION -by Rev. Peter McGuine ’90 26

A STUDENT’S LOOK AT HUMAN FORMATION -by Rev. Mr. Jason Vidrine ‘06 27

CASA PRIEST - by Rev. Bryan Patterson ‘98 30

LICENTIATE: REGINA APOSTOLORUM- by Rev. Mr. Joseph Redfern ‘06 31

Orientation 2005

by Patrick Riffle ’08

6

A Look at the

Angelicumby Justin Kizewski ‘08

New FacultyCome to the

Collegeby Mr. John Peck ‘08

F E A T U R E S

24

10

The Rector’s Vision forthe Future

by Rev. Msgr. Kevin McCoy, ‘81, C’86

DiaconateOrdination 2005

by Rev. Mr. Michael McClane ’06

4

14

ChairmanMost Rev. Edwin F. O’Brien C’76Archbishop of the Military Services, USA

Vice ChairmanMost Rev. Richard E. Pates ’69

Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis

SecretaryMost Rev. Patrick J. Zurek ’75

Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio

TreasurerMost Rev. John J. Myers ’67

Archbishop of Newark

Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair ’75, C’78Bishop of Toledo

Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran ’62Bishop of Rockford

His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan ’58, C’63Archbishop of New York

Most Rev. Victor B. Galeone ’63Bishop of St. Augustine

Most Rev. John R. Gaydos ’69Bishop of Jefferson City

Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz Bishop of Knoxville

Most Rev. Tod D. Brown ’63 Bishop of Orange

Most Rev. Henry J. Mansell ’63Archbishop of Hartford

Most Rev. Alexander J. Brunett ’58Archbishop of Seattle

Most Rev. Michael J. Sheridan C’77Bishop of Colorado Springs

Administration

Rector

Rev. Msgr. Kevin C. McCoy ’81, C’86

Vice Rector for Administration

Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ’92, C’97

Vice Rector for Student Life

Rev. Peter McGuine ’90

Superior, Casa Santa Maria

Rev. Msgr. James Kelly ‘64

Director of Development

Mrs. Tricia Lloyd

Board of Governors

“Spiritus Gladidus” - The Sword of the Spirit.

The statue of St Paul at the Basilica of St. Paul’s

Outside-the-Walls.

illars. Pillars are fundamental "building blocks" in any number of Rome's ancient and not-so-ancient build-

ings. Some are fluted, some are smooth, but all of them play an important role in supporting the edifice of

which they are a part. And whether the pillar is capped with an Ionic, Doric or Corinthian capital is not all

so important as it is that the pillar is firmly established so that it can carry and distribute the forces placed upon it.

As the ruins of Rome readily demonstrate, if the pillar fails, the building collapses.

Well, so it is with priestly formation! When we speak about priestly formation, we discuss it frequently in

terms of the four pillars of formation: human, pastoral, spiritual and intellectual. Not only do we speak about it in

these terms, the Church uses this expression in the apostolic exhortation, Pastores Dabo Vobis, (I Will Give You

Shepherds), the post-synodal document that has influenced greatly the formation of priests since 1992. It is these

four pillars that define the seminary and its programs (even those of the graduate house and our sabbatical program).

So we thought we would use this year's series of the Pontifical

North American College Magazine to tell you a little about the

priestly formation that takes place here in Rome.

"And Jesus went up on the mountain, and called to him those

whom he desired; and they came to him. And he appointed

twelve, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach and have

authority to cast out demons" (Mark 3: 13-15). So the twelve

came "to be with him" before they were sent out on mission

because they first needed to be formed, to be prepared for the

mission. Certainly the seminary is about coming away for a

while to be with the Lord. The specific purpose of this time away with Him is to develop a relationship of deep

communion and friendship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd. This only truly happens in an environment that fosters

formation, not as it is viewed in the secular world - that is, as a type of education or job training. Rather priestly

formation is first and foremost cooperation with the Grace of God.

In order to achieve this purpose, namely, to aid this cooperation with Grace,

the seminary and its programs foster the formation of future priests by attending specif-

ically to their human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation-the four pillars of

priestly formation developed in Pastores Dabo Vobis. These pillars of formation give

specificity to formation in seminaries, as well as a sense of the integrated wholeness of

the different dimensions of formation.

In this particular issue, the seminarians wish to share with you aspects of the

human formation that takes place here in the seminary department.

Of course, the College has its own "physical pillars" that need some attention,

too! The buildings that house our programs require some major capital improvements

to assure our future service to new generations of seminarians and priests. Elsewhere

in this edition you will see my article detailing the Capital Campaign, Vision for the

Future. Please give it some attention, and join us in investing in securing the future of

the Pontifical North American College.

3WINTER 2 0 0 5

“...the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (Jn 10:11)

T H E R E C T O R ’ S C O R N E R

Rev. Msgr. Kevin C. McCoy ’81, C’86Diocese of Sioux City

Rector

P

...this time away with Him is to devel-

op a relationship of deep communion

and friendship with Jesus, the Good

Shepherd.

ne of the North American College's many gifts is her

diverse faculty. This year that diversity was further enriched

as the College welcomed five new priest-faculty members,

each bringing unique and wide-ranging experiences in priestly min-

istry.

The Casa welcomes a new superior this year, Monsignor

Francis D. Kelly. Monsignor Kelly is an alumnus of the College and

was ordained in 1963. After a parish assignment in Worcester MA, his home diocese, he received a doctorate from

the Catholic University of America in 1970. He then served as Diocesan Director of Religious Education for ten

years, before being named Executive Director of the Department of Religious Education at the National Catholic

Education Association in 1979. He served in that position for 13 years, helping dioceses to better their religious

education programs. In 1992, Monsignor Kelly was named a faculty member at Blessed John XXIII National

Seminary in Weston, and became Rector of that same institution in 1994. He served in that capacity for over 10

years before coming here to Rome. Monsignor Kelly also served as a consultant to the Redaction Committee for

the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and is the author of a book on catechesis entitled The Mystery We Proclaim.

Rev. William Callahan will serve as the newest member of the College’s team of full-time spiritual directors.

A member of the St. Bonaventure Province of the Conventual Franciscan

Friars, he completed his studies at St. Michael’s College, University of

Toronto, earning a Master of Divinity in 1977. He was ordained to the

priesthood on April 30, 1977, first serv-

ing as associate at his home parish in

Milwaukee, WI, and then as a pastor in

both Milwaukee and Peoria, IL parishes

until his new assignment to serve in

Rome at the College. In addition to

duties as pastor, Father has served as

Vocation Director of the Province of St.

Bonaventure and in various other

provincial government posts. Fr.

Callahan believes that the spirituality of

St. Francis has much to offer diocesan seminarians. “Francis' love for the

Catholic Church and his completely dedication to the priesthood are

qualities needed today in diocesan priests. Seminarians can learn much

4 Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

Rev. J. Scott Duarte, J.C.D., new director of theInstitute for Continuing Theological Education.

Models of the

Master

New Faculty Are Called to Form Priests

at the North American College

ORev.William Callahan, OFM Conv., guiding souls as a

spiritual director.

Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly, the new superior atthe Casa Santa Maria.

from Francis and his love for Christ in the Holy Eucharist”, he notes.

The College also welcomes Rev. Scott Duarte, a priest of the Diocese of

Richmond, VA, as the new director of the Institute of Continuing Theological

Education. Father Duarte will serve as adjunct spiritual director at the College.

No stranger to the North American College, he completed seminary formation

at the College as well as theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian

University in 1978. Having received his Doctorate in Canon Law from the

Catholic University of America in 1996, he has served as pastor and in a vari-

ety of other diocesan positions. Of special interest, however, is his role as pos-

tulator for the cause for beatification of Servant of God Frank Parater, a semi-

narian of the College who died in Rome in 1922. Father Duarte sees his

assignment to the College as a powerful manifestation of God’s providence, as

it will give him an opportunity both to contribute to the ongoing formation of

priests, and to continue work on the cause of Frank Parater.

The College also welcomes Monsignor Daniel Mueggenborg, a priest of the

Diocese of Tulsa, as Assistant Director of Personal Formation and Personal

Formation Adviser. Ordained in 1989, he also earned a Licentiate in Biblical

Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. Msgr. Mueggenborg is

familiar with student life, having worked as chaplain of a high school in Tulsa

and as campus minister at the University of Tulsa. He was also a pastor of two

parishes in the Diocese of Tulsa. Monsignor has quickly gained a reputation for

preaching the Word of God and has already shared some wisdom in the preach-

ing workshops offered to seminari-

ans at the College. Reflecting on

his devotion to preaching, he notes: “My studies began a discovery of

the power of the Word that continues to be one of my primary focus-

es in ministry.”

As the new Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics, Rev. James

Quigley, OP, a Dominican of the Province of St. Joseph, also finds great

joy in being a preacher of the Word of God. Ordained to the priest-

hood in 1965, his first assignment took him to Chimbote, Peru, where

he taught at the Universidad Marianista. Later teaching at Providence

College, Fr. Quigley is yet no stranger to the Eternal City, having com-

pleted a doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical University of St.

Thomas Aquinas, and later spending three years teaching there. He is

happy to have the opportunity to form NAC seminarians to be preach-

ers of the Word: “Every Dominican loves preaching and would want to

share that love with seminarians. It is an honor that I have been asked

to fill this role.”

The seminarians of the College rejoice in the arrival of these

new faculty members and wish each of them much happiness during

their time in Rome!

5WINTER 2 0 0 5

by John Peck

Diocese of Greensburg

Class of 2008

Rev. James Quigley, OP holds the Carl J. Peter Chair ofHomiletics, forming future priests to preach the Word of

God.

Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg, S.T.L.,Assistant Director for Human Formation.

he most ambitious fundraising campaign in the history of the North American College has been launched.

To date, the Campaign, Vision For The Future, has raised a total of $8,884,066 in gifts pledged or in process,

towards a goal of $25,000,000.

As you read in the last issue of this maga-

zine, for many years prior, the College's Board of

Governors had been contemplating a plan to

restore and update the two campuses and provide

a critical increase to our modest endowment. The

Campaign will provide for new heating systems,

ventilation, and air conditioning on the main floor

of the seminary campus, the replacement of the

floors in some of the hallways, the installation of

thermal windows throughout the building, as well

as some needed work on the exterior bricks and the

athletic field. At the Casa there will be work done

on the stucco covering the exterior, thermal win-

dows will be put in place, the electrical circuitry

will be rewired, and the priests' bathrooms will

receive upgrades. Also, some money will be set

aside for the restoration of artwork and the

upgrading of technology on both campuses.

Finally, the enlargement of the endowment will

help make the College an affordable place to send

seminarians for years to come.

On the basis of a Campaign Feasibility

Study conducted for the College by its campaign

counsel, Changing Our World, Vision For The

Future was designed to fulfill these needs and

secure $25,000,000 from generous laity, alumni,

dioceses, and foundations.

In July 2004, the Campaign Planning

Phase was initiated. During this Phase many of

the stage-setting activities quietly took place.

Dynamic and supportive individuals were recruit-

ed to assist in our effort as members of the

Executive Committee and as Honorary Co-Chairs. Campaign materials were prepared and the most promising

prospects were ranked. It was also decided during this time that pledges to the Campaign could be paid over five

years and that deferred gifts - bequests, charitable remainder trusts, and annuities - from donors over the age of 60

6

A Vision for the FutureThe Rector Speaks About Our Hopes for Bettering the College

Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

TBOARD OF GOVERNORS

MOST REV. EDWIN F. O'BRIEN, CHAIRMAN

MOST REV. RICHARD E. PATES, VICE CHAIRMAN

MOST REV. JOHN J. MYERS, TREASURER

MOST REV. PATRICK J. ZUREK, SECRETARY

MOST REV. LEONARD P. BLAIR

MOST REV. TOD D. BROWN

MOST REV. THOMAS G. DORAN

HIS EMINENCE EDWARD CARDINAL EGAN

MOST REV. VICTOR B. GALEONE

MOST REV. JOHN R. GAYDOS

MOST REV. JOSEPH E. KURTZ

MOST REV. HENRY J. MANSELL

MOST REV. ALEXANDER J. BRUNETT

MOST REV. MICHAEL J. SHERIDAN

7WINTER 2 0 0 5

would be accepted.

In January 2005, we began to implement the Regional Phase

of the Campaign. Members of the Executive Committee and repre-

sentatives of Changing Our World began to meet with each member

of the Board of Governors to develop a tailored plan for a mini-cam-

paign within each of the fourteen regions. Efforts during this Phase

have been focused on securing leadership and major gifts from iden-

tified prospects with the greatest capacity for giving who are closest

to the College. And, it was during the initial months of this Phase,

that a family foundation in the mid-West anonymously pledged

$1,000,000 and two archdioceses each generously pledged $500,000.

In June, during the Alumni Reunion in Milwaukee, the

Alumni Phase of the Campaign was launched. Subsequently, the

Committee and Fr. Michael Moynihan '79,CSM '85, Chair of the

Alumni Division, have continued to focus on major gift outreach,

while also reaching out to alumni at the $5,000 or more level.

And, last but not least, in September, the Foundation Phase

was initiated under the leadership of Mark Rauenhorst, President

and Chief Executive Officer of the Opus Corporation. During the ensuing months, grant proposals will be sub-

mitted to various foundations whose giving history and fields of interest closely align with the College's needs.

So, as you can see, the Campaign is off to a great start! We are deeply grateful to the Campaign leadership

team for their enthusiasm and dedication thus far and to the growing number of leadership supporters who have

Executive Committee

Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio

James M. Crowley

Gregory C. Jewell

Tricia Morrin Lloyd

Rev. Msgr. Kevin C. McCoy, Rector

Rev. Michael R. Moynihan

Mark Rauenhorst

The Pontifical North American College as seen from the front. The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception is to the left.


brought us great success so early on in the

Campaign. Thanks to their collaboration Vision

For The Future is well on its way toward its goal of

$25,000,000 and preserving this great American

treasure.

HONORARY CHAIRS

HIS EMINENCE EDWARD CARDINAL EGAN

HIS EMINENCE FRANCIS CARDINAL GEORGE

HIS EMINENCE WILLIAM CARDINAL KEELER

HIS EMINENCE ROGER CARDINAL MAHONY

HIS EMINENCE ADAM CARDINAL MAIDA

HIS EMINENCE THEODORE CARDINAL MCCARRICK

HIS EMINENCE JUSTIN CARDINAL RIGALI

LAWRENCE E. AURIANA

THE HONORABLE CORINNE C. BOGGS

BILL AND SUE CICHERSKI

MOST REV. TIMOTHY M. DOLAN

SHIRLEY AND CHARLES DRURY

THE HONORABLE RAYMOND AND CATHERINE FLYNN

JOHN AND JEAN M. HENKELS

PAUL AND PAULETTE KARDOS

JACQUES AND BLANCHE MOORE

REV. MSGR. CHARLES M. MURPHY, S.T.D.

REV. MSGR. LAWRENCE M. PURCELL

JOHN AND CAROL SAEMAN

GEORGE STRAKE, JR.

by Msgr. Kevin McCoy, ‘81, C ‘86

Diocese of Sioux City

Rector

His Holiness, Pope Pius XII, solemnly blesses the College on

October 14, 1953.

9WINTER 2 0 0 5

Campaign Priorities

§ Endowment - $13,000,000

§ Capital Improvements - $10,700,000

§ Janiculum Campus - $5,200,000

§ Casa Santa Maria - $5,500,000

§ Restoration and Preservation - $800,000

§ Information Technology - $500,000

A view of the interior courtyard of The Pontifical North American College.

s the choir began to sing a moving and profound chant, it was

time for the investiture with stole and dalmatic. I was deep

in thought and prayer. Within the last sixty minutes or so,

my brothers in my class and I had given over our lives to God in ser-

vice to his Church. We had made a life long commitment to prayer,

entered into the celibate state and promised obedience to our bish-

ops. Just a few minutes earlier, the grace of the Holy Spirit had come

down upon us and had strengthened us through the prayer of con-

secration spoken by the bishop.

Now it was time for a visible effect of all that had just

occurred: we would be clothed with the deacon stole and dalmatic.

I turned around solemnly toward the back of my chair, where the

vestments were hanging, to pick up my dalmatic and stole and hand

them to my vesting priest… and panicked! There was a dalmatic but

no stole! I turned white. Did the sacristan forget to put a stole on

my chair? Everyone around me was being vested gleefully, light radi-


A

The newly ordained deacons bring the gifts to the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Ordination 2006We Entrust Our Lives to Him

Rev. Mr.Tyler Miller sings the Holy Gospel during the

Liturgy of the Word.

ating from their faces, as I frantically looked for my

stole. I pivoted helplessly toward my vesting priest,

Fr. Daniel Kelly, the pastor of my parents' parish in

Wayne, New Jersey, only to find him standing there

with the stole, which he had carried over to me him-

self, in his raised right hand. "Relax!" he said. "Just

stand there. I do all the work."

Eventually I reached a point in my formation

toward Holy Orders where I decided to trust that

God would shape me into the man He wanted for

His people, that He would do all the work. Even the

second reading at our Ordination, authored by Saint

Peter, above whose tomb we sat as we listened, exhorted us to trust in God's grace at work in our lives. Those of us

sitting there may have been wondering, "How will I preach authentically God's message?" and "How can I live up

to God's call in all areas of my life?" But as we listened to the readings and to the prayers of the Mass, were caught

up in the music and symbolism all around us in the Basilica, and watched our friends and family who sat around us

11WINTER 2 0 0 5

The newly ordained deacons participate in the Sacred Mysteries.

in support, it became clear that this was not a time for ques-

tions, but assurance. This was a time to trust, to thank

God, and to recognize that the plan he wants to bring about

in us is far greater than anything we ever could have

dreamed of or accomplished with our own skills. As Saint

Peter told us on that day, the life of following Christ is about

becoming stewards of a grace we have received -a special

grace which will enable us to serve others as Christ would

have us serve. "If anyone is a speaker, let it be as the words

of God, if anyone serves, let it be as in strength granted by

God."

While these twenty men and I, ordained to the dia-

conate on October 6, 2005, are wounded, we also have a

love which knows no limit in our ability to embrace God's

people. May Jesus continue to work in us and through us

to bring about the salvation he so desires all of his people to

know.


Above: Most Rev. Donald Wuerl, Bishop of Pittsburgh, main cele-

brant for the ordination.

Below: The new deacons are vested for the first time in the dal-

matic.

by Rev. Mr. Michael McClane

Diocese of Trenton

Class of 2008

13WINTER 2 0 0 5

John R. Barno, Archdiocese of Newark

Joshua R. Brommer, Diocese of Harrisburg

Joseph C. Campbell, Diocese of Erie

Shawn P. Conoboy, Diocese of Youngstown

Phillip M. Cozzi, Diocese of Arlington

John C. Delaney, Diocese of Camden

Raymond N. Enzweiler, Diocese of Covington

Justin R. Ferguson, Diocese of Savannah

Jhon J. Gomez-Rivera, Diocese of Bridgeport

Avelino Gonzalez, Archdiocese of Washington, DC

David C. Grondz, Diocese of Kalamazoo

Craig A. Haider, Diocese of San Diego

Timothy J. Hall, Diocese of Winona

Robert E. Keighron, Diocese of Brooklyn

James E. Lease, Diocese of Harrisburg

Jeremy Leatherby, Diocese of Sacramento

Marc J. Lenneman, Diocese of Helena

Michael T. McClane, Diocese of Trenton

Tyler W. Miller, Diocese of Springfield, IL

Brian X. Needles, Archdiocese of Newark

Ronald R. Nelson, Jr., Archdiocese of Portland, OR

Anthony G. Ouellette, Archdiocese of Kansas City

Patrick Peach, Archdiocese of Baltimore

Joseph D. Redfern, Diocese of La Crosse

Harold S. Reeves, Archdiocese of Washington, DC

Joseph L. Shetler, Diocese of Jefferson City

Michael S. Triplett, Archdiocese of Baltimore

Jason C. Vidrine, Diocese of Lafayette

Christopher T. Washington, Diocese of Scranton

Daniel J. Wathen, Diocese of Great Falls-Billings

The Class of 2006

Left: During the Litany of the Saints, the deacons lie prostrate in prayer.

Right: Rev. Mr. John Barno offers incense before the People of God.


Above: Msgr. McCoy celebrates Mass during the Orientation period,

assisted by Deacons Patrick Peach and David Grondz.

Below: Jaime Gil (Boise, ‘09) and Fr. Steven Biegler meet outside

Fiumicino Airoport as the New Men arrive in Rome for the first time.

ne of the most memorable experiences a semi-

narian will have during his years at the North

American College is his inaugural journey to

Rome and the two-week orientation period that accom-

panies it. This year the College welcomed 42 New Men

from across the country representing not only 30 differ-

ent US dioceses, but also, continuing last year's tradi-

tion, welcoming three new seminarians from Australia.

For this year's New Men, those first days in the Eternal

City and at the NAC were an exciting time of many

changes, but the welcoming spirit of the College and

her faculty and students quickly eased the New Men's

transition to their new home.

From the moment of their arrival the New Men were

introduced to many rich traditions of the College. As

they got off the bus taking them home from the airport,

they went up the steps leading to the Immaculate

Conception Chapel greeted by the splendid sounds of

ringing bells and cheers of their brother seminarians.

The great bell of Mary announced to the College and

city of Rome that a new group of men had arrived to be

formed into priests, holy and ready for service in their

home dioceses. Once in the Chapel, the New Men were

quickly reminded that the center of a priest's life and

day is to be prayer. The first act of the class as a whole

was to pray the daytime hour of the Liturgy of the

Hours together with the Rector.

In the following weeks at their new home, the

New Men learned about life at the College and certain

tips on surviving in Rome. They had the opportunity

to pray at the tomb of St. Peter and to greet his succes-

sor, Benedict XVI, at his summer residence at Castel

Orientation 2005

New Men for a New Evangelization

New Men gather with the Orientation Team and Faculty at Rome’s Campo

Verano Cemetery for Morning Prayer and a visit to the NAC Mausoleum,

which houses the tomb of former NAC seminarian, the Servant of God

Frank Parater.O

15WINTER 2 0 0 5

Gandolfo. They began to explore the narrow streets of Rome and to visit her many churches to pray and to admire

their beauty. One of the new highlights of the orientation period has become the group excursion to the depart-

ment store IKEA. Here the New Men were able to purchase some necessary items for their rooms to help with the

adjustment of moving to another country for the next several years, making their rooms comfortable and func-

tional.

During the second half of orientation, the New Men went on pilgrimage to Assisi where they had the

opportunity to pray in the same churches and walk the same paths as St. Francis and St. Clare. Traveling to the US

military cemetery in Nettuno was a memorable experience, a time to reflect on the historical ties between America

and Italy and to pray for those soldiers fallen during World War II. As orientation ended, there were plenty of

moments for fraternity and recreation, including a wonderful day at the beach, barbecues, and softball at the

College.

Moving from one event to the other in their busy schedule, this year’s new seminarians came to realize that

they were not simply tourists in Rome, but the ancient city was now becoming their home. At then end of a whirl-

wind two weeks, each noticed that something was happening, something important was taking place. They were

now a class, a group of brothers in the Lord who knew that they were not alone as they faced the challenges that

lay ahead in their journey of discernment.

And though he holy were, and virtuous,

He was to sinful man not despotous,

not of his speeche dangerous nor digne,

but in his teaching discreet and benign.

Exerpted from The Parish Priest by Geoffrey Chaucer.

James F. Adams – Diocese of

Kalamazoo; Nicholas G. Azar –

Archdiocese of Atlanta; Joseph

R. Banker – Diocese of

Brooklyn; Jordan R. Bauer –

Archdiocese of St. Paul and

Minneapolis; Eric J. Bernhard

– Diocese of Rockford; Neil P.

Berube – Diocese of

Providence; Jesse D. Burish –

Diocese of La Crosse; Dishan P.

Candappa – Archdiocese of

Melbourne; Daniel P.

Champoli – Diocese of

Brooklyn; Christopher J.

Cicero – Diocese of

Youngstown; Michael E.

Copenhagen – Archdiocese of

Washington, DC; Charles A.

Cortinovis – Archdiocese of

Washington, DC; Edward P.

D’Almeida – Diocese of Little

Rock; Sean R. Danda –

Archdiocese of Indianapolis;

James R. DeViese - Diocese of

Wheeling-Charleston; Jeffery

A. Droessler – Diocese of

Orange, CA; Ryan W.

Erlenbush – Diocese of Great

Falls-Billings; Aaron J. Esch –

Archdiocese of Milwaukee;

Jaime Gil – Diocese of Boise;

Chase R. Hasenoehrl – Diocese

of Boise; John J. Hollowell –

Archdiocese of Indianapolis;

Andrew P. James – Archdiocese

of Sydney; David B. Kuttner –

Diocese of Spokane; Hector F.

Lopez-Tejeda – Diocese of

Fresno; James P. Melnick –

Diocese of Little Rock; Pablo

M. Migone – Diocese of

Savannah; Robert V. Mucci –

Diocese of Brooklyn; Roberto

Ortiz – Archdiocese of Newark;

Gregory T. Rannazzisi –

Diocese of Rockville Centre ;

Dennis L. Rissman – Diocese

of Wheeling-Charleston; David

Rivera – Diocese of Camden;

Adam M. Rust – Diocese of

Memphis; Edwin M. Sammut

– Archdiocese of Melbourne;

Nick L. Schneider – Diocese of

Bismarck; David A. Schunk –

Archdiocese of San Francisco;

Gerald W. Shantillo – Diocese

of Scranton; John E. Sheridan

– Diocese of Youngstown;

Joshua R. Stevens – Diocese of

Wheeling-Charleston; Philip-

Michael F. Tangorra – Diocese

of Patterson; Gilbert A.

Tranquilus – Diocese of

Bridgeport; Nicholas S. Vaskov

– Diocese of Pittsburgh; Robert

J. Wagner – Diocese of

Arlington.

Class of 2009

by Patrick Riffle

Archdiocese of

Washington, DC

Class of 2008


New Men get a traveling view of Rome from their bus windows as

they are brought to the College from Fiumicino Airport.

Above: New Men are welcomed to the College by the

faculty, Orientation Team and the Chapel Bells.

Below: Shane Deman (Sioux City ‘08),Vice-Chairman

of the Orientation Team, prays the rosary for the New

Men as they begin the transition to life in Rome.

Orientation Team member Sam Kachuba (Bridgeport ‘08) receives

the Precious Blood from a “faculty New Man,” Fr. Bill Callahan,

OFM Conv.

A weekend in Assisi provides the New Men a chance to get away

from the busy-ness of Rome and pray. Here, New Men gather

for Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

17WINTER 2 0 0 5

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the seminarians gathered beneath

his balcony during the Sunday Audience at Castel Gandolfo. After

the New Men sang “Ad Multos Annos,” the Holy Father sponta-

neously thanked them for their enthusiastic greeting and impart-

ed his Apostolic Blessing on them.

After Mass at the tomb of the first pope, the New Men pose outside of St.

Peter’s Basilica for their first class photo.

Excitement runs through the Class of 2009 as they wait to see Pope

Benedict for the first time at Castel Gandolfo.

Left: New Men and Faculty

members enjoy a welcoming

banquet served by the

Orientation Team.

hefirst few weeks resignation follows frustration. The noise on the street is too loud, the geckos on the walltoo tauntingly silent, and the night too hot and much more than musky. Another night's sleep denied. Mynocturnal helplessness wasn't entirely without fruit, however. Prince Myshkin, the main character in thebook I was reading when deprived of rest, Dostoevsky's The Idiot, made a couple of good points. One

could have been a critique of the western world I was coming from. "We are absurd, light-minded, addicted tobad habits, we're bored, we don't know how to look at or understand anything..." Another could have been anobservation made by one of my students at the orphanage some meters away. "How can a man with a capacityfor happiness go unhappy?"

For a reason at the time full of sense but probably quite silly, I did not want to open the binding of anytravel guides to India before I departed for my seven-week adventure. I didn't want my judgment or expectationscolored, I wanted to jump in and allow raw experience itself to evidence all the contours and jagged edges of life

in India. And there are many: the powerful smoky smell that hits oneright on the tarmac, the humidity that tears through the clothes, thestreets that were crowded with every sort of vendor, children and theirgoats bathing in the street well-water spicket, rickshaw-wallahs abusingtheir hand bells and yelling out their ever fluctuating and outrageousgoing rates, automobiles of every sort of shape and proportion pouringout thick smoke from their muffler pipes, and drivers who think noth-ing of crossing the area where there really ought to be a meridian line.Sometimes life in India can offer every reason to want to walk backonto the tarmac, get on the airplane, and fly home. But other times,most times, it can so enchant that one might never contemplate leav-ing.

Jumping into the midst of a culture that is completely othercan be difficult.

First, one is conscious that he appears different. My skin wasdifferent, my speech different, my clothes different, my man-ners different, my backpack and sandals different, my hairdifferent. On the one hand, that often meant having to shellout more than an equal share of rupees at the market, and onthe other, it was a challenge to look beyond self and embracedifference.

I had the privilege to work, teaching English andGeography, at a Catholic school that doubles as an orphan-age. My students were bright and often had tough pasts, butat the orphanage found a happiness that was for me as sur-prising as it was challenging. The secret of Kolkata's


A teacher at the Loreto Syldash School conducts a lesson.

A Passage to IndiaA Seminarian’s Summer Experience

Dylan Corbett and some of his students.

T

enchantment is that even in the midst of that which is oppressiveand burdening, happiness is found. A godly happiness. We live ina world where so many find themselves bored and incapable offinding God or happiness. But my students, amidst raw circum-stances of poverty or even abandonment, were neither bored norincapable of seeing the beauty of the moment. Their vision torethrough the veil of the everyday to see that love is really the law ofbeing, the mandate of every Christian. I was impacted in Kolkataby the reality of the Resurrection. Redemption and the possibilityand freedom that spring from it are real. Even as my heart longsto return, I am reminded by this fact, and compelled to see the

possibility of joy in the midst of my own life. Truly, how could a mancreated with the capacity for happiness go unhappy?

19WINTER 2 0 0 5

A trip to India would not be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal. Here, Dylan Corbett

stands outside the famous tomb of the Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz.

Children wait outside for classes to begin. Theschool is a source of hope for its students, many of

whom come from poor backgrounds.

by Dylan George Mason Corbett

Diocese of Providence

Class of 2008

orn the "perfect" middle child, fourth of seven, my fami-ly life has always been vital in my formation. Growing upin the Baltimore suburb of Reisterstown, my family and I

were active members of Sacred Heart parish. After graduatingfrom the parish grade school, I increased my involvement, workingas a sacristan and phone receptionist. As a vibrant faith communi-ty, Sacred Heart has consistently had seminarians living and work-ing in the parish. The interaction with numerous priests, deacons,and seminarians was crucial in my decision to commit to discern-ment of diocesan priesthood.

While on a parish work camp in the Appalachian region aftermy first year of high school, I remember my initial consideration todevote my life to service. I recall strong feelings of consolation andjoy during that exhausting week, while living in cramped quarterson the floor of a parish office under a table. Yet, the focus of the

prayer that week fell on missionary work. I was proud of the idea that I would go above and beyond, to excel athelping those with little to no resources in the poorest regions of the world.

Later in high school, I became enamored with the possibility of becoming a Christian Brother. Just as I hadexperienced a glimpse of missionary life through a couple Appalachian service trips, I was given the opportunityto interact with the Brothers at Calvert Hall and on a number of occasions was welcomed into their community.I am still to this day impressed by their dedication to teaching and the simple Gospel-oriented lifestyle by whichthey carry out their charism.

Yet, while working at the parish over Christmas break my senior year, Fr. Lloyd Aiken, my pastor, asked if I


Deacon Michael Triplett poses with friends shortly after his ordination in Baltimore.

A Committment to DiscernOne Seminarian’s Long Journey to Holy Orders

Deacon Michael Triplett was privileged to baptize his

nephew Sean (above, in the arms of his father, Deacon

Triplett’s older brother Larry).

B

would be willing to meet with the Vocation Director. While that initial "yes" was wavering and uncertain, I havenever turned back from that decision to discern God's will in my life. After meeting with the Vocation Director,I quickly started the application process and was accepted in April 1997 as a college candidate.

Ten years and a few months after my acceptance as a seminarian, I hope to be ordained a priest of Jesus Christin the Archdiocese of Baltimore's Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. On the Feast of the dedication of the Basilica

of St. Mary Major in Rome (August 5, 2005),William Cardinal Keeler ordained me a dea-con at Mount St. Mary's Seminary andUniversity and appointed me to serve a pas-toral year at St. John the Evangelist in SevernaPark.

The pastoral year has already been filledwith many graces, as I begin to live out the diaconal ministry. To baptize children is a great joy and responsibili-ty; to preach the Word of God takes much effort and always challenges me to live as I preach; to serve thepresider at the altar is a humbling experience, being so close to the awesome love of God. And everyday, I try tolive in the present, recognizing, like the Good Thief, Christ before me, asking him to fill my words and deedswith his omnipotent grace.

21WINTER 2 0 0 5

While that initial "yes" was wavering and uncertain,I have never turned back from that decision to discern

God's will in my life.

by Rev. Mr. Michael TriplettArchdiocese of Baltimore Class of 2007

A deacon just a few minutes, Rev. Mr. Michael Triplett assists at the

altar with Cardinal Keeler.

Newly ordained, Deacon Michael Triplett moves to his

place after being vested by long-time NAC spiritual direc-

tor, Msgr. Daniel Thomas (Philadelphia).


An homemade pumpkin pie makes its way to some of the more than two hundred

guests of the College at Thanksgiving.

ell, it might not be exactly like mom's, but at

least it's a little taste of home. Thanksgiving,

a cherished American holiday when friends

and family come together for a delectable feast while

recalling the journey of the original pilgrims who sailed

to our great land, is the first major holiday that the com-

munity of the North American College celebrates; and

despite our downcast hearts from the separation from

family, we find great joy in the day's festivities.

The seminarians, rather than waking up to the

smell of a slow-roasting turkey, take in the aroma of

cooked bacon and sweet cinnamon rolls, and enjoy a

scrumptious breakfast that they rarely receive in Rome.

After satisfying our appetites, we then prepare ourselves

for the great feast. Tradition would have Americans play

a nice game of football at this point, but as we quickly

learn, renowned traditions fade away to give

room to new ones that take on their own

shape here at the College.

Just as the dining room table would be

diligently decorated in our individual homes,

the seminarians take great care in altering the

somewhat stark refectory into a glorious can-

dlelit room for the Thanksgiving meal.

Members in the community sit together

according to the various regions they come

from in the United States and enjoy each

other's company for the feast. The turkey

might be a little dry, a second helping to

mashed potatoes might not always be avail-

able, and the all-time favorite Italian pasta dish

always seems to catch a few laughs when it

appears on table; but, the anticipated moment

comes when the announcement is made, "I

“I Love

Them

Pumpkin

Pies”Thanksgiving in

Rome

W

Each residence hall gathers on Thanksgiving morning to enjoy an American-style

breakfast with bacon, eggs, and for the Southern boys, grits.

23WINTER 2 0 0 5

love them pumpkin pies!" and

the table waiters bring fresh,

homemade pie for all.

Yet, this uniquely American

holiday cannot be defined

solely by the food we eat. A

day that marks true offering

of thanksgiving can only be

realized by the most perfect

offering of thanksgiving - the

Eucharist. More than the

decorations in the refectory or

the preparations for the ban-

quet, the Eucharist stands as

the central moment in our

Thanksgiving day. It is in this

particular celebration that we

recognize that all the wonderful blessings we

have received in life come from the One who is

the Giver of all good gifts - our Heavenly

Father, and it is there that we offer Him true

thanksgiving.

After a full day of celebrating, it would

be tradition to catch a football game on TV, but

NAC tradition would have us end the day with

the classic showing of Ben-Hur on our big

screen. It truly is a day that is spent in thanks-

giving. It is a day when all of us remember how

grateful we are for our native homeland; but

more importantly, it is a day when we

remember that happiness is more than hav-

ing a blessed land in which to reside. Rather,

Thanksgiving is first and foremost about the

people with whom we share the wonderful

graces that have been given to us by God. It

is for this that I give thanks.

by Rev. Adam Park

Archdiocese of Washington

Class of 2005

Right: The rector, Msgr. Kevin McCoy, visits the resi-

dence halls to wish each student a happy Thanksgiving.

Below: Fr. Brendan Lally, S.J. College spiritual director,

(far right) enjoys some fellowship with other American

Jesuits residing in Rome

With guests and residents seated by state or region, the refectory becomes a joy-filled and festive place.

n its decree on priestly formation the Second Vatican Council

taught, "In order to throw as full a light as possible on the myster-

ies of salvation, the students should learn to examine more deeply,

with the help of speculation and with St. Thomas as teacher, all

aspects of these mysteries, and to perceive their interconnection,"

(Optatam Totius 15). With St. Thomas as teacher, the first cycle at

the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (often called the

Angelicum) seeks to impart his wisdom, in his spirit and method.

In discerning the spirit of St. Thomas, it is evident that he read the

Scriptures in the tradition of the Fathers of the Church. Like St.

Thomas, students at the Angelicum study both the Sacred

Scriptures and the Fathers of the Church.

Another

aspect of

the spirit of St. Thomas is the pursuit of truth wherever

it may be found. In

imitation of St.

Thomas' use of Greek

philosophers, especially

Plato and Aristotle, as

well as Jewish and

Arabic sources, students

at the Angelicum seek

the truth in all things.

In discerning the

method of St. Thomas,

it is best to turn to his

masterpiece, the Summa

Theologiae. Because the-

ology studies God Himself, that is, God as the very subject matter of theology, a

radical unity of all that is studied in theology emerges (Q. 1, a.7). Examining the

structure of the Summa in light of the three ways God is present in the world

helps us to keep this unity of theology in mind. He is present in the world as the

creator of all things, in the human soul by grace, and in Christ, the perfect image

of the Father, incarnate in history and present in His Church.

In the First Part of the Summa, Thomas studies God as the creator of all

things - first in His inner life of the Trinity and second in His life as creator.


The main entrance to the Pontifical University of St.Thomas

Aquinas, named for the Angelic Doctor.

I

The Pontifical University of St.

Thomas Aquinas

The Wisdom, Spirit, and Method of the Angelic Doctor

Students exchange ideas during a break between classes.

The halls of the Angelicum are a good

place for a quiet chat.

25WINTER 2 0 0 5

Within the inner life, he describes both the unity of the essence and the

distinction of persons - what can be reached by reason and what must

be revealed. Thus, in the first year, students at the Angelicum study

fundamental theology and the mystery of the Living God, that is, the

Trinity.

In the first part of the Second Part of the Summa, Thomas studies God's

presence and action in man through grace - the fecundity of the divine

life in man. Central to his moral theology are the Holy Spirit, the beati-

tudes, and the role of the New Law - the grace of the Holy Spirit given

through faith in Christ. Thus, in the first year, students at the

Angelicum study fundamental moral theology - a study of morals in

general. This study of how

grace is active in the life of

man continues in the second

year as students focus on

grace and law in their courses

on grace, spiritual theology, and canon law.

In the second part of the Second Part, Thomas turns to the

study of specific morals, that is, the virtues and vices in particular. He

begins with a treatment of the theological virtues (faith, hope, and

charity) and moves into the cardinal virtues (prudence, temperance,

fortitude, and justice). And so, in the second year, students study the

theological virtues and the

first three cardinal virtues,

while justice is treated in the

third year.

In the third part of the Summa, Thomas turns to the study of God in

the history of salvation - in His Incarnation, in His continuing pres-

ence on earth, and in the sacraments of the Church. Students at the

Angelicum study Christology, Mariology, and ecclesiology in their sec-

ond year and the sacraments in their third year.

St. Thomas lived the intimate connection between study and

prayer. It was through

his continual contact

with the mysteries that

St. Thomas composed

the prayers and hymns that we sing at Eucharistic adoration.

Through the course of study laid out by St. Thomas Aquinas, stu-

dents at the Angelicum hope that the love of divine wisdom and

the study of God lead to the heartfelt pronouncement of the beau-

tiful words composed by their teacher, "I adore you devoutly . . .

to you my heart submits com-

pletely, because contemplating

you it fails completely."

by Justin Kizewski

Diocese of La Crosse

Class of 2008

The beautiful gardens of the Angelicum offer some

unique opportunities during the school day.

The gardens are a wonderful refuge for study or for

prayer.

Between classes many students gather in the central

courtyard to meet friends and colleagues.

In the lovely coffee bar, Alessandra and her mother Gariella

know everyone’s order by heart.

Fr. Peter McGuine currently serves as the Vice Rector for

Seminary Life and Director of Human Formation for the

Pontifical North American College.

uman formation, as articulated by Pope John Paul

II, is the basis of all priestly formation. Formation

of the human person deals with all that makes a man

healthy, whole, mature, integrated, balanced, prudent,

knowledgeable, self-aware, and disciplined. A priest

with sound human formation is approachable, compas-

sionate, sound and free, realistic and confident, loyal and

respectful. He must have a certain affective maturity and

be able to live a celibate lifestyle. A priest with sound

human formation doesn't shy away from responsibilities

and duties that rightfully belong to him, but embracing

them courageously seeks to carry them out in a spirit of

excellence. In short, such a man is a man of integrity, a

spiritual leader, a willing collaborator, and an ardent

shepherd of the community of faith entrusted to his care,

willing and able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ

zealously and faithfully, in season and out.

Those are my words; here is a small part of what

Pope John Paul has to say about human formation in

Pastores Dabo Vobis, the 1992 apostolic exhortation on

seminary formation:

The ministry of the priest is, certainly, to proclaim the word,

to celebrate the sacraments, to guide the Christian commu-

nity in charity "in the name and in the person of Christ,"

but all this he does dealing always and only with individual

human beings: "Every high priest chosen from among men

is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God"

(Heb. 5:1). So we see that the human formation of the

priest shows its special importance when related to the

receivers of the mission: In order that his ministry may be

humanly as credible and acceptable as possible, it is impor-

tant that the priest should mold his human personality in

such a way that it becomes a bridge and not an obstacle for

others in their meeting with Jesus Christ the Redeemer of

humanity.

The enterprise of priestly formation is essential to the health

and growth of our Church. While parents can raise their

sons to be good men, and seminary personnel can continue

the good work of formation already begun in the domestic

church, we cannot forget the indispensable and primary role

of God in the Holy Spirit in the formation of the individ-

ual for priesthood.

And so the future priest also, and in the first place,

must grow in his awareness that the agent par excellence of

his formation is the Holy Spirit, who by the gift of a new

heart configures and conforms him to Jesus Christ the good

shepherd. In this way the candidate to the priesthood will

affirm in the most radical way possible his freedom to wel-

come the molding action of the Spirit. But to welcome this

action implies also, on the part of the candidate, a welcome

for the human "mediating" forces which the Spirit employs.

As a result, the actions of the different teachers become truly

and fully effective only if the future priest offers his own con-

vinced and heartfelt cooperation to this work of formation.

(PDV 69)

Don't be fooled. Formation is hard work. Any

seminarian will tell you that. But the lifetime of min-

istry that is to come is even harder. I invite you to pray

for seminarians everywhere, especially those in forma-

tion at the North American College now. May they be

faithful and generous in their response to the invitation

they have received to serve the People of God as a priest

of Jesus Christ.


Christ the Good Shepherd, as rendered by Seamus Griesbach, Dioceseof Portland, class of 2007.

A Vice Rector’s

Look at Human

Formation

by Rev. Peter M. McGuine, ‘90

Diocese of San Diego

H

27WINTER 2 0 0 5

astores Dabo Vobis stresses that human formation is

the "necessary foundation" of the formation process

of a candidate for priestly ministry. John Paul II states,

"In order that his ministry may be humanly as credible

and acceptable as possible, it is important that the priest

should mold his human personality in such a way that it

becomes a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their

meeting with Jesus Christ." The pope acknowledges that

our personality, our temperament, our character as a

priest can either attract people to Jesus and his Church,

or can drive them away.

The College offers a comprehensive program to

assist the candidate for priesthood on his particular jour-

ney of self-awareness and maturity, and to develop the

needed human virtues. The four-year formation pro-

gram is systematic and developmental in nature. Each

subsequent year aims at building on the human forma-

tion work of the previous year.

Shortly after a man arrives at the College in

Rome for seminary studies, he meets with the Director

of Counseling Services to review and discuss his psycho-

logical assessment completed for admission to the

College. This review is fundamental for the entire

human formation program because it identifies from the

start the potential areas of needed human growth, while

also helping the seminarian to see the need to integrate

his human formation with his spiritual, academic, and

pastoral formation. This integration is followed up in

monthly meetings with his personal formation advisor

over the course of the following four years.

At the start of their second year, seminarians par-

ticipate in an intense workshop on sexuality and psycho-

sexual integration offered at the college. Once this work-

shop is completed, ongoing education in the domains of

human sexuality and chaste celibacy is unquestionably

an integral dimension of the priesthood candidate's

human formation. Thus, there are three formation pre-

sentations during each of the subsequent three years to

each class. These aim to address specific topics and issues

pertinent to the growth and maturation process of the

seminarian. Some of the topics include: self-knowledge

and self-acceptance, relational maturity, affective maturi-

ty, sexuality and psychosexual maturity, chastity and

celibacy, ministerial identity, and ministerial boundaries.

These presentations assist the seminarian in developing,

maturing and integrating the human qualities that will

allow him to live and function as a healthy celibate priest

of Jesus Christ.

Life at the College offers numerous other oppor-

tunities for human growth as well. Seminarians are

expected to create goals for themselves at the beginning

of each year, and are evaluated by faculty and peers at the

end of every academic year. Each man is also expected to

meet with a formation adviser once a month, with

whom he can discuss various formational matters.

Seminarians are also required to have "house jobs",

which involve some form of service to the community,

and provide them the opportunity to develop leadership

and administrative skills that will serve them well in the

future. Even the recreational activities seminarians are

offered here provide opportunity for human growth.

Sports are encouraged and build fraternity, while the

travel opportunities that the seminarian here is offered

provide ample opportunity to broaden perspectives on

the human person and culture.

The particular international and intercultural

setting of the College in Rome provides unique oppor-

tunities and challenges for personal growth in human

virtues. It is hoped that by engaging in the program of

formation that the North American College offers, can-

didates for the priesthood will take seriously the impor-

tance of human formation. As a result, when they return

to serve the people of God in their various dioceses as

priests, their humanity will become a bridge, a door, a

magnet, which draws people to the Lord and his

Church.

Human

Formation at the

NAC

A Deacon reflects

by Rev. Mr. Jason C. Vidrine

Diocese of Lafayette

Class of 2006

P


ational and local supporters of the College converged on Washington, DC for an Evening of Rome in the

Nation's Capital, on Saturday, November 12th. The Fourth Annual Umiltà Awards honored H.E. William

Cardinal Keeler, NAC class of '56 and Casa Santa Maria '61, and Jacques and Blanche Moore. Their dedica-

tion and support of the College over the years have been unyielding.

As many of our friends cannot make it over to Rome annually for the Rector's Dinner, the Board of Governors

started a new NAC tradition in the United States. Each November we bring a touch of the Eternal City to Washington.

While working very hard to help us keep the costs down, Uptown Caterers truly transformed the Pope John Paul II

Cultural Center into a "little Italy" for the night.

Msgr. McCoy and Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, Chairman of our Board of Governors, were pleased to have the

opportunity to thank so many of our supporters in person. Friends of the College came from all over the U.S., from

California, to Iowa, to Florida. Of course, we were also joined by a number of our alumni priests from Rome to

Omaha!

Cardinal Keeler, the Archbishop of Baltimore, has always been a strong supporter of his alma mater. As secre-

tary to Bishop Leech during the Second Vatican Council meetings, he was appointed special advisor to the Council by

Pope John XXIII. In 1979, he was ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Harrisburg and was appointed Bishop of Harrisburg

in 1983. In 1989, he was sent to Baltimore and was appointed to the College of Cardinals in 1994.

N

T H E D E V E L O P M E N T O F F I C E

“He is like a man building a house...upon rock” (Lk 6:48)

An Evening of Rome in the Nation’s Capital - the Umilta Awards

Umiltà Award honorees Cardinal Keeler and Blanche and Jacques Moore pose with Archbishop Edwin O’Brien and Msgr. Kevin McCoy

29WINTER 2 0 0 5

An influential participant in a wide range of national

and international issues, Cardinal Keeler was elected President

of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) and

the United States Catholic Conference in November 1992. As

part of his work with the NCCB, Cardinal Keeler developed a

reputation for effectively building interfaith bonds. He is par-

ticularly noted for his work in furthering Catholic-Jewish dia-

logue.

One of Cardinal Keeler's priorities as leader of the old-

est Catholic See in the United States has been the strengthening

of the Catholic school system. He also has been a vigilant leader

of the pro-life movement and an outspoken advocate for

expanded evangelization throughout the parish community.

Since being introduced to NAC in 1987, Jacques and

Blanche Moore have been loyal friends of the seminarians and

priests of the College. For 18 years, the Moores have made an

annual pilgrimage to Rome and one of their favorite things to do

while in town is visit the College.

Born and educated in Philadelphia's Catholic schools,

Jacques and Blanche Moore have spent their adult lives promot-

ing Catholic education from kindergarten to seminary, including the Catholic Distance University. Chestnut Hill

College recognized the Moores by awarding them with the Doctor of Laws degrees in may 2002. This fall, they

received the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award from the National Catholic Educational Association.

Jacques, an alumnus of La Salle University, is a successful entrepreneur, having built an impressive Cadillac

dealership in Vienna, Virginia. Blanche is a born leader, and through her impressive service to the Church, the arts,

and the symphony, has left an impact for those who follow. Their leadership and service to Catholic education will

undoubtedly leave lasting impressions for the future generations of students.

The College is grateful to have friends like Cardinal Keeler and the Moores.

To receive an invitation for the

2006 Umiltà Awards, please call the

U. S. Development Office: 202-

541-5411

by Miss Celia Messing

Development Office

Joan McKenna, CDA National Regent presents Msgr. McCoy

with a $5,000 check in honor of Cardinal Keeler at this year’s

Umiltà Awards.


hough some claim that the tourists in Rome are

decreasing in number, it's surely not evident to

anyone visiting a Roman church or walking to

class. Here at the Casa Santa Maria, as our numbers inch

toward seventy-five resident priests, it is just the oppo-

site. The beauty of the Catholic Church is reflected in

the unity found here in this diverse community of priests

studying from almost thirty states and over forty dioce-

ses. There are also priests from the United Kingdom, two

from Australia, one from Holland, one from Gibraltar, a

religious order priest and another is

priest of the Byzantine Ruthenian rite.

Within this Catholic community of

Christ are people of a multitude of

wonderful ethnic backgrounds, a liv-

ing example of beauty and unity in

diversity.

Imagine living with a family of

seventy, and all boys! Or yet, all

fathers! Sometimes this diversity lends

itself to humorous situations. I think

we have all seen the well-meaning but

slightly misinformed brother say

something like "estoy embarazado,"

thinking that he is apologizing when

in fact he is saying he is pregnant. As

much as people might think that I,

this guy born and raised Brooklyn,

learned (loined) English as a second-

language, I think I get by pretty well.

After all, I have learned from the

Australians all about "barbies," "mag-

pies," "crocs," and "sharks," and from the British about

"lifts," "lorries," and things happening "straightway".

Thank God for the unity in the diversity!

We come to the centuries old Casa mainly to

study, at our bishops request, to one day return home to

enrich the people of God by sharing the fruits of our

labor. The Casa's rich history and impressive legacy is

both awesome and intimidating. Born in Brooklyn, I

sometimes wonder how it is that I could have found

myself here. My brother priests, the Polish Franciscan

Sisters that minister here, the seminarians, and the

Italian workers too, are fine examples of the way of life

to which I aspire. It is grace that has brought me here

and that same grace of God continues to form all of us.

While we may be here to study, it is also true that

we receive an ongoing formation as priests. We are for-

tunate to welcome this year our new Superior, Rev.

Msgr. Francis Kelly. I trust that Msgr. Kelly, with his vast

experience as a priest, a teacher, a

writer and rector of the John XXIII

seminary in Boston, will build on the

heritage of his predecessors to make

this the best Casa yet.

Msgr. Kelly stresses that the Casa

is not a "Hotel for Priests". The casu-

al visitor to the Visitors Office to

receive tickets for a papal Mass might

not notice that the Casa is far more

than a dormitory for student priests.

They would not see that there are

three scheduled Masses daily, one in

Italian, two in English and others

throughout the week in Spanish and

Latin. Missed too would be the twice

daily gatherings to pray the Liturgy of

the Hours, the many priests who cele-

brate Mass in religious houses around

Rome, those that assist with the for-

mation of our seminarians, or those

hearing confessions or leading Scavi

tours of the tomb of Saint Peter in the Vatican.

We study and pray to finish our assignments. Yes, in

advance we give thanks to God for Christ's presence, for

our bothers and sisters, for the Casa, for it being not only

a house but also a home.

House and HomeGraduate Studies at the Casa Santa Maria

T

by Rev. Bryan Patterson ‘98

Diocese of Brooklyn

The Image of Our Lady of Humility, Housed

at the Casa Santa Maria, and patroness of

the College.

31WINTER 2 0 0 5

hy study bioethics?

On entering the fourth year of formation

at the Pontifical North American College,

the great majority of seminarians will have completed a

bachelor’s degree in sacred theology and are provided

with the opportunity to pursue further studies in one of

the disciplines offered here at the pontifical universities

in Rome. For some fourth year students, the task of

selecting a discipline of studies had already been deter-

mined by their bishop due to the needs of the diocese.

For others, myself included, the choice of study had

been left to us. My proposal to study bioethics at the

Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum resulted

from my own experience of some of the ethical issues

raised during clinical pastoral education last summer, my

previous studies in scientific disciplines, and my own

diocese’s need for expertise in this field.

What exactly is bioethics? Bioethics is a broad

discipline dealing with the ethical implications of both

biological research and the applications of that research,

especially in the medical field. As a discipline, bioethics

has emerged within the last twenty to thirty years in

response to the new choices and dilemmas that modern

biological and medical research have brought about.

The decisions made in science and medicine

touch upon our lives, our health, and the very fabric of

our society. The fact that many scientists and doctors are

not necessarily aware of the ethical consequences of their

research means that there is an ever increasing need for

people who can provide answers to the ethical questions

raised in their research. Examples of this include the

dignity of the human person and the right we each have

to life and health; the moral implications of certain

developments in healthcare; the current controversies

over abortion and euthanasia; as well as the issues raised

by developments in the area of reproduction, such as in-

vitro fertilization, cloning, and the manipulation of the

human genome. Bioethics covers such a wide spectrum

of issues that it often involves the cooperative efforts of

philosophers, physicians, scientists, lawyers, and theolo-

gians.

In his encyclical letter, Evangelium Vitae, Pope

John Paul II referred to the “culture of death” which “is

actively fostered by powerful cultural, economic and

political currents which encourage an idea of society

excessively concerned with efficiency.” (EV, 12) In such

a culture, a “person who, because of illness, handicap or,

more simply, just by existing, compromises the well-

being or lifestyle of those who are more favored tends to

be looked upon as an enemy to be resisted or eliminat-

ed. In this way a kind of ‘conspiracy against life’ is

unleashed. This conspiracy involves not only individuals

in their personal, family or group relationships, but goes

far beyond, to the point of damaging and distorting, at

the international level, relations between peoples and

States.” (Ibid)

This “culture of death” has influenced so many

people today that even some Catholics have been lead

into erroneous positions concerning life issues.

Moral relativism as well as the misapplication of the

virtue of tolerance have lead some people to think that

they can be both Catholic and, for example, pro-abor-

tion. The Church maintains, however, that “the com-

mandment ‘You shall not kill’, even in its more positive

aspects of respecting, loving and promoting human life,

is binding on every individual human being … [and]

can be recognized by everyone through the light of rea-

son.” (Ibid, 77)

I consider it a great privilege to be given the

opportunity to pursue studies in bioethics. What I learn

over the next two years will be of importance in my own

diocese’s attempts to defend the “Gospel of Life”.

by Joseph Redfern

Diocese of La Crosse

Class of 2006

Bioethics and

the Gospel of

Life

W


t is always a joy to receive letters of support from our many benefactors and friends in the United States. Often,

we are also blessed to be able to greet these supporters when they visit Rome.

In October, Msgr. McCoy and I welcomed Msgr. Frank Sorci back to the College for a visit while he was

on pilgrimage to Rome. Monsignor first came to the College back in 1936 as a seminarian for the Diocese of

Buffalo and remained until the last possible safe moment to depart as World War II quickly spread through all of

Europe.

It struck me anew as Monsignor spoke of his experiences back in the 1930's that we are certainly an insti-

tution of proud heritage and long-standing traditions, while at the same time an institution which tries to meet the

needs of training young men for priestly ministry in the 21st Century. Although the challenges are great, we build

on the proud history of the College in fulfilling its mission of forming men into ministers following the heart of

Christ Himself, the Good Shepherd.

During the delightful late afternoon visit, Monsignor told us quite a few stories about formation in his day

but also about daily living conditions in Rome during those earlier days. Some of his stories reminded us that things

don't change all that much, but we also realized how many more comforts we have at the College now.

Some things are gratefully different, for he spoke of hot water for only one hour a week and which only really was

available for about the first ten men. The electricity which provided for the lights for reading was only functional

for a very short time each evening, and he said, "we didn't even think about heat." Further, he recalled that being

a new man at the College meant typically having to share a room with another seminarian.

Even given these hardships, Msgr. Sorci said, "They were amongst the happiest days of my life!" His departing

words from this visit were, "I love the North American College." I was delighted to have had the chance to meet

Monsignor, as I knew him only through the many kind donations he has made to the College.

Monsignor was delighted to see the enrollment at 161 with 43 new men in the seminary, about the same as

when he was here. He was delighted to hear of 70 priest graduate students at his beloved Casa Santa Maria and to

see the improvements made to the buildings and grounds over the years on both campuses. Most especially, he was

happy to hear about the good things the men here are doing to prepare themselves to be Shepherds after the heart

of Christ Himself.

We here at the College know that we are never alone in our ministry, supported by so many friends in the

United States. It is the support of people like Monsignor Sorci who make our

work here at the North American College so delightful. We count on his

prayers and financial help - and we know we can do the same with each of you.

Thank you!

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)

by Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ’92, C’97Diocese of Camden

Vice Rector for Administration

I

here are many things that make life at the

North American College distinctive for the

seminarian; with these you might be well

acquainted. There is something irreplaceable about

spending time in a place that is truly other--the

experience of life in a new culture and language has

much to teach. The experience is all the more special

when it can be done in a place like Rome: the histo-

ry that surrounds us, the saints who have proceeded

us in walking these same streets, and, of course,

being close to St. Peter and his Successors, all leave a

strong imprint on the man who studies here.

These are all great things, and this magazine

over the past few years has done a wonderful job of

sharing some of those experiences with you. While

this year we would like to continue to share that

which makes our life here in Rome so unique, we

would also like to place an accent on some of the

more "ordinary" aspects of our life. We will be dis-

cussing some new things this year, for example some

of the universities where our deacons and priests are

studying. We will also have a series of articles on how

it is that we here at the College are striving to live

out the Church's vision for priestly formation. There

is an awful lot that goes on here! It is only fair that

those of you who make our education possible

should know more about it.

For our part as seminarians, we are striving

to respond faithfully to God's call and are grateful

for the opportunity to do so here in the Eternal City.

As ever, we ask your prayers, that we might be

formed into men after His heart.

EDITOR’S NOTE :

WINTER 2 0 0 5 33

by Andrew Roza

Archdiocese of Omaha

Class of 2007

Left: to Right: John G. McDonald, Layout and Design, Dylan Corbett,Assistant Editor, Andrew Roza, Editor, Sam Kachuba, Assistant Layout andDesign, and Ernest Cibelli, Staff photographer.

NAC MAGAZINE STAFF

T

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Seminarians pause for prayer after this year’s “Spaghetti Bowl” football game. At the end of the hard-

fought battle, the Old Men had prevailed 35-32 over the New Men.

NAC Magazine: Winter 2006

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Transcript of NAC Magazine: Winter 2006