nac magazine: winter 2011

M A G A Z I N E

Wi n t e r 2 0 1 1

“May Mary IMMaculate be our teacher

on the Path of evangelIcal love”

EDITORIAL STAFF

EditorAndrew Hart ‘12

Diocese of Little Rock

Assistant EditorsKinneth Easter ‘13

Diocese of Nashville&

John Mitchell ‘13Archdiocese of

Milwaukee&

Charles Samson ‘13Archdiocese of

Saint Louis

Layout & Design AssistantLuke Millette ‘12Archdiocese of

Galveston-Houston

Layout and Designby Maryland Comp

PhotographersMatthew J. Grady ‘12

Diocese of Venice&

Carmelo Morales ‘12Diocese of Amarillo

&Brian Buettner ‘13

Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E Winter 2 0 1 1

Co n t e n t srector’s corner Rev. Msgr. James Checchio 3traditions old and neW: thanksgiving Weekend

Kinneth Easter ‘13 4“a Week of amazing graces”: the 2010 consistory

Patrick Lewis ‘12 6the 2010 Umiltà aWards Michael Prescott II 10

the PUrPose of a theology stUdent Rev. Elkin José González C’14 12

the solemnity of the immacUlate concePtion John Mitchell ‘13 13the advent day of recollection / an evening of sacred mUsic 16catholic media events at the college John Connaughton ‘13 17Pilgrimage to sPain and PortUgal Sheldon Momaney ‘14 18“the soUl of yoUr formation”: installation of lectors

Charles Samson ‘13 20life at the college 22aPostolate focUs: society of st. vincent de PaUl Eric Scanlan ‘13 24second cycle focUs: ecUmenism and interreligioUs dialogUe

Rev. Mr. Quan Tran ‘11 25

circle of friends: James and miriam mUlva 26

institUtional advancement Mary Di Donato 27economo’s corner Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg 29save the date: 2011 alUmni reUnion Back Cover

FRONT COVER

His Eminence Leonardo Cardinal

Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation

for Oriental Churches, celebrates

Mass in the College’s Immaculate

Conception Chapel on the Solem-

nity of the Immaculate Conception.

The cover text is a quotation from

His Eminence’s homily.

20Lector

Installation

24Saint

Vincent de Paul

Apostolate

18Pilgrimage to Portugal and Spain

The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E Winter 2 0 1 1

I n s I d e

13Solemnity

of the Immaculate Conception

Consistory 20106

Board of governorsof the Pontifical north american college

chairman

Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67Archbishop of Newark

vice chairman

Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt ‘73, C’76Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

treasUrer

Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane ‘88, C’89Bishop of Venice

secretary

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

Most Rev. Walter J. Edyvean ‘65, C’71

Auxiliary Bishop of Boston

Most Rev. Robert H. Brom ‘64Bishop of San Diego

Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran ‘62, C’78Bishop of Rockford

Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda ‘89Bishop of Gaylord

Most Rev. John M. KudrickBishop of the Eparchy of Parma

Most Rev. William F. Murphy ‘65, C’74Bishop of Rockville Centre

Most Rev. Richard E. Pates ‘69Bishop of Des Moines

Most Rev. Glen J. Provost ‘75Bishop of Lake Charles

Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan ‘65, C’71Archbishop of Santa Fe

Most Rev. Michael J. WarfelBishop of Great Falls-Billings

His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67Archbishop of Washington

rector

Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C’97

vice rector

Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg ‘89

assistant vice rector

Rev. John Costello ‘89

sUPerior, casa santa maria

Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64, C’02

eXecUtive director for institUtional advancement

Mrs. Mary Di Donato

Winter 2 0 1 1 3

RECTOR’S CORNERRev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C’97Diocese of CamdenRector

As you will see in this edition of our magazine, produced by our own seminarians, it has been an eventful few months here in Rome! We are so grateful for the blessings

we have received. It is hard to believe how quickly this academic year has passed and that it is already time for Lent again! The season of Lent is always a grace-filled time of year at the North American College. The priests and seminarians of our community pray in a variety of ways each day of Lent, but there is one particular practice that I would like to share with you in the hope that you can join with us in receiving graces from it too.

Unique to Rome, each morning we are offered the opportunity to gather at a different church in this city to have Mass in the presence of the great saints and martyrs buried there. We are able to renew our own connection to the important moments of Christian

faith and history in Rome. Who could not be moved by praying in the company of such inspirations of faith as St. Peter or St. Paul? For each of the forty days of Lent, we are invited to make a pilgrimage to celebrate our faith and renew our friendship with the great Roman saints at these daily Station Churches.

I invite you to join us in this prayer. You can visit the College’s website which our students have put together at www.pnac.org and find the link for “Lenten Station Churches” and follow along each day as we visit these forty churches of Rome. I guarantee that you will be fascinated by the history of each church and also better understand the profound significance and spiritual treasure attached to each one as your faith is enriched. It would be a great way to join in spirit with the seminarians and priests of the College as we make our Lenten pilgrimage through the streets of Rome. I hope that you will also consider making it a part of your Lenten observance each day to pray for our young men as you follow along with them on our Station Church pilgrimage. Ask God to give them the graces they need to respond fully and faithfully to the Lord’s call to “Follow Me”.

One of our recently-ordained young men shared with me what being a seminarian at the Pontifical North American College meant to him. “Being able to be a seminarian in Rome is one of the greatest gifts I could ever be given,” he told me. “Being in Rome, my faith grew day by day. Lent was an amazing time to be at the North American College. To be at these holy churches, where saints lived, were martyred or preached, takes you out of your daily routine and brings the meaning of Lent into focus. I felt like I was living the very history of our Church.” You too can accompany us and pray for this deepening of faith for yourself and our seminarians and priests.

Enjoy this edition of the magazine as you learn more about life at the College, be it at the seminary, the Casa Santa Maria or our sabbatical program. Our increased enrollment in recent years has also been complemented by an expan-sion of our resident and adjunct priest faculty, along with an expansion of facilities to include more living quarters and offices for the additional priests, expanded library facilities and new state-of-the-art classrooms for pastoral formation. We are especially grateful to our many alumni, bishops and other gracious friends who so regularly and generously assist us to meet our increased needs which come from this blessing. Thank you for your prayerful and sacrificial financial support which ensures that we can continue to offer the unique priestly formation programs of the College. Lent is a particular time of grace for us here at the College, and I hope you will share in these graces this year too. Please be assured of our prayers, especially at our Lenten Station Churches this year, and know that we count on your prayerful and generous support too.

Winter 2 0 1 1 3

Each year, Thanksgiving weekend offers the semi-narians and faculty of the North American College

the opportunity to gather with other Americans far from home in giving thanks to God for his abundant blessings. With the many traditional events, including a new one this year, the weekend is always one of the College’s high points of the year.

On Thanksgiving Day, the College was privileged to host numerous guests from across the United States, includ-ing visiting family and friends and other Americans who reside in Rome. The Honorable Miguel Díaz, the Am-bassador of the United States to the Holy See, delivered the Thanksgiving Day Presidential Proclamation to the College, after which a student priest led the community in toasting the United States. In his remarks, Reverend Joshua Stengel ‘10 (Little Rock) said, “We thank God for all those who have made our country great, and we ask God’s blessing here upon us that we may help to make its future glory even greater.” At the conclusion of the banquet, His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke ‘75 C’84, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura and Archbishop Emeritus of Saint Louis, gave

the final blessing, just a few short days after his elevation to the College of Cardinals.

Saturday night saw the return of the popular New Man and Old Man Shows, a chance for the College to enjoy a few laughs. Expectations were high, and the New Men kicked off the entertainment, directed by Mark Baumgar-ten ‘14 (Perth). He and his staff had been working since September. All fifty-nine first year men took a role in the project as well as twenty-two present and past members of the faculty and staff in pre-recorded video material. The one and a half hour show effectively mixed video sketches and live skits and proved to be memorable for the entire house. The Old Man Show followed with hu-morous performances from the College’s comedic vet-erans and lived up to its high reputation again this year.

Both show directors noted that the shows are important events at the College. “Our show sowed fine seeds of fraternal unity amongst the class and provided a concrete opportunity to thank the house for the remarkably warm welcome we have received during our opening months here at the College,” Baumgarten said. Rev. Mr. Stephen

Traditions Old and New: Thanksgiving Weekend

by Kinneth Easter ‘13, Diocese of Nashville

The Most Rev. Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison, incenses the altar during Mass on Thanksgiving Day.

Justin Blanc ‘14 (Wheeling-Charleston) hosts a fictional game show entitled “The Preposition Wheel” during the New Man Show.

4 The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E Winter 2 0 1 1 5

Vrazel ‘11 (Mobile), the director of the Old Man Show, has been involved in one of the two shows for four years. “I found that my experience this year as the director was unique,” he said. “The perspective granted to the direc-tor of the Old Man Show really allows you to appreciate all the talent in the house, both on and off stage.”

The Thanksgiving weekend events could not have been complete without the annual Spaghetti Bowl, one of the College’s most revered traditions. Pitting the College’s New Men against the upperclassmen in a game of flag football, the Spaghetti Bowl was played on the Sunday following Thanksgiving Day. After the community Mass,

the community enjoyed a barbecue on the Kardos Fam-ily Campo Sportivo, with kickoff shortly following.

As in the past few years, the Old Men were victorious in the end, finding a way to stave off a late surge from the New Men squad. James Wallace ‘12 (Chicago), the coach for the upperclassmen, noted that some of his players re-turned to the bowl game for the fifth time. “My players came together as an inspired group. Everyone knew their role and made plays,” he said. “The New Men were tough and I was proud of their sportsmanship and morale at the end of the game.” Joshua Laws ‘14 (Baltimore), coach of the New Men, prepared his squad with a “sixty as one” motto. “Our efforts on the field were greatly aided by our classmates and fans cheering us on,” Laws said. “Their support energized the team and allowed us to stay in the game and give the Old Men a run for their money.”

Also worth noting is the new tradition that was inaugurated this year in the Eternal City. The first annual North American College “Turkey Trot” was held on the morning of Thanks-giving Day, with fifty-eight priests, deacons, and seminarians participating in the five kilometer race around the Vatican City walls and back up the Janiculum Hill. Charles Samson ‘13 (St. Louis) became the event’s first winner, finishing in 18 minutes, 29 seconds, followed by runner-up Justin Blanc ‘14 (Wheeling-Charleston) at 18 minutes, 55 seconds. Orga-nizers, led by Rev. Mr. James Baron ‘11 (Colorado Springs), intend to continue the race each year.

The New Men square off with the Old Men (in black) during the Spaghetti Bowl. The Old Men were once again victorious.

Participants of the first annual “Turkey Trot” woke up early on Thanksgiving morning for a 5K run around the walls of Vatican City. From left, Edward Maxfield, Jr. ‘14 (Steubenville), Derrick Oliveira

‘12 (Oakland), Peter Heasley ‘13 (New York), Colin Wen ‘12 (Sacramento), and Elias Gieske ‘13 (Duluth).

Rev. Msgr. Checchio flips the coin to determine which side has first possession in the Spaghetti Bowl, as Rev. Gerald Vincke and Old Men

captain Patrick Arensberg ‘12 (Mobile) look on.


The announcement last October that Pope Bene-dict XVI had decided to elevate two alumni of the

Pontifical North American College to the Sacred Col-lege of Cardinals was greeted with much excitement and anticipation here at the College. This was especially true for the seminarians from the Diocese of La Crosse and the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, since one of the newly-named Cardinals was then-Archbishop Raymond

L. Burke ‘75, C’84, former Bishop of La Crosse and Archbishop Emeritus of Saint Louis, now the Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura. Those of us from Pittsburgh and Washington were similarly very proud and excited to hear of the elevation of then-Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl ‘67, former Bishop of Pittsburgh and now Archbishop of Washington. In the week leading up to the Consistory – a gathering of Cardi-

Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67 and Raymond Cardinal Burke ‘75, C’84 [center, seated] are welcomed to the College of Cardinals by ten other American members: [seated, from left to right] John Cardinal Foley C’65, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre; Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago; Bernard Cardinal Law, Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major; [standing, from left to right] Adam Cardinal Maida,

Superior of the Cayman Islands; Roger Cardinal Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles; William Cardinal Levada ‘61, C’69, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; J. Francis Cardinal Stafford, former Major Penitentiary; Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington;

Sean Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston; Daniel Cardinal DiNardo ‘76, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston.

“A Week of Amazing Graces”: the 2010 Consistory

by Patrick Lewis ‘12, Archdiocese of Washington


nals from around the world in which the Pope formally installs the new Cardinals – the seminarians of the Col-lege found themselves caught up in a series of bustling and exuberant events that they will likely never forget.

Before the day of the Consistory, both Cardinal-elect Wuerl and Cardinal-elect Burke set aside time to visit with the seminarians and priests from their current and former dioceses. Cardinal-elect Burke has always been a famous supporter of vocations, even from his Curial position in Rome, and this proved true again for those men from Saint Louis and La Crosse. For those of us from Washington and Pittsburgh, it was a reminder of the pastoral, paternal approach that Cardinal-elect Wuerl has always displayed toward us. We were inspired by his

humility and joy as he prepared to accept the role as a Cardinal for the universal Church.

On the morning of November 20, the day of the Con-sistory, the Cardinals-elect prepared for the occasion by thanking God together with their guests and friends. Some four hundred pilgrims – including family, friends, bishops, priests, former parishioners, and many other guests – journeyed to Rome for the big event, arriving from Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, Saint Louis, and elsewhere. Cardinal-elect Wuerl celebrated Mass for his pilgrims and seminarians in the College’s Immaculate Conception Chapel. It was the same chapel in which he had spent an evening of prayer the night be-fore his priestly ordination forty-four years prior.

The Consistory itself was a remarkable event. Tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world gathered in St. Peter’s Square, with the line to enter the Papal Basilica of St. Peter wrapping several times around the Square. The Basilica itself filled quickly but, whether inside or outside, pilgrims from all over the world were united in prayer with the Holy Father and the universal Church for the twenty-four new Princes of the Church. Pope Benedict XVI placed the scarlet biretta upon the head of each new Cardinal, the color of the hat representing the Cardinal’s willingness to shed his blood for the sake of the Church, in imitation of Saints Peter and Paul. The Holy Father named each Cardinal the pastor of a titular church in Rome, thus making them honorary members of the Roman Clergy. His Eminence Raymond Cardinal

Cardinal Burke visits with students of the College from the Archdiocese of Saint Louis: [from left] Charles Samson ‘13, Donald Anstoetter

‘12, Rev. Jason Schumer ‘10, and Christopher Seiler ‘13.

Cardinal Wuerl poses with some of his seminarians from the Archdio-cese of Washington: [from left] Aaron Qureshi ‘14, Patrick Lewis ‘12,

and Christopher Seith ‘14.

Cardinal Burke delivers the homily during his Mass of Thanksgiving in the Immaculate Conception Chapel on the Feast of Saint Cecilia.


Burke was given the important church of St. Agatha of the Goths, while those of us from Washington cheered to hear that His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl’s titu-lar church was to be the famous St. Peter in Chains.

Following the Consistory, the Pontifical North Ameri-can College hosted a private reception for their two alumni. More than a thousand guests congratulated them, took photographs with them, and offered encour-agement and prayers. The seminarians and faculty of the College provided refreshments and hospitality. We were filled with joy at the elevation of these two eminent sons of the College who continue to live out their vocations in generous, self-sacrificing service. The morning after the Consistory, on the Solemnity of Christ the King, the Holy Father celebrated Mass for the new Cardinals and for the pilgrims from around the world. Following the homily, Pope Benedict gave each Cardinal a new ring, a symbol of his bond of fidelity to the Holy Father and the universal Church.

In a variety of events, the new Cardinals of the Ameri-can Church displayed their gratitude and humility at the honor of their elevation. Cardinal Burke hosted a festive banquet the day after the Consistory for hundreds of pil-grims from the United States and from Europe, includ-ing the family of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, a twentieth century Italian saint to whom His Eminence has a great devotion. The Most Reverend Robert Carlson, Arch-

bishop of Saint Louis and successor to Cardinal Burke, announced the dedication of the Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke Chair of Canon Law at Kenrick-Glennon Sem-inary in honor of and in gratitude for Cardinal Burke, both for his exemplary service to the Church and Her sacred canons and in support of the St. Louis seminary. The following day, Cardinal Burke celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in the College’s Immaculate Conception Chapel for his many pilgrims and guests. On January 23, 2011, Cardinal Burke celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving for the College community.

On the final day of their pilgrimage, Cardinal Wuerl of-fered a closing Mass for his guests at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica. His Eminence preached on the meaning of the Apostle Peter’s ministry and how that ministry lives on through Peter’s successor, the Bishop of Rome. Cardinal Wuerl reminded the pilgrims that Peter is an example to Christians of the meaning of dis-cipleship: giving one’s life completely for the faith even to the point of death. Cardinal Wuerl also reminded his pilgrims that, despite the great events of the weekend, the opportunity to share in the Eucharist together was the most significant moment of their pilgrimage. For all present, the Mass was a fitting ending to a week of amaz-ing graces at the heart of the Church.

The new Cardinals expressed their deep gratitude to the Holy Father for the honor bestowed on them. Cardinal Burke said the weekend “was a time of great grace for

Sister Mary Christa Nutt, RSM, from the Bishops’ Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican, congratulates Cardinal Wuerl on his elevation.

Cardinal Burke receives pilgrims next to an image of Our Lady of Humility, patroness of the North American College.


me. I knew that our Lord was supplying me with the grace to do what I otherwise could not do, even to the very offering of my lifeblood.” Cardinal Wuerl said the

events of the Consistory should remind all of us “that every day we are called to live out the Gospel, to mani-fest Christ’s Kingdom until the day He comes to claim it in its fullness.” Before taking leave of the College com-munity, Their Eminences also expressed their gratitude to the College, especially for their time in formation as seminarians, and encouraged the students to use their time at the College well. “A priest continues to grow in his faith and its practice throughout his lifetime,” Car-dinal Burke said, “but the seminary years set the pattern for the daily conversion of one’s life to Christ, to which a priest is called in a particular way.” Cardinal Wuerl en-couraged the seminarians to be formed by “the ecclesial dimension of formation” integral to the Rome experi-ence. “The whole formation program is intended to help every student be formed under the umbrella of growing into the Church,” he said. “To be a priest means to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves: the uni-versal Body of Christ.”

Cardinal Wuerl welcomes a guest at the College’s reception following the Consistory.

Cardinal Burke celebrates a Mass of Thanksgiving in the College’s Immaculate Conception Chapel.


by Michael Prescott II, Offi ce of Institutional Advancement

the 2010 umiltÀ aWards

On November 12, 2010, many generous supporters of the Pontifi cal North American College, includ-

ing bishops, alumni, and lay friends, gathered at the Wil-lard Hotel in Washington, D.C., for the 9th Annual Um-iltà Awards. The Umiltà Awards have continually served as one of the foremost social events benefi tting the Col-lege, and this year was no different!

Reverend William Byrne ‘93 (Washington) reprised his role as the Master of Ceremonies for the night, recounting the work of the College and its honorees with his usual wit. The Most Reverend Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, also shared some humor with the au-dience as he reaffi rmed the Vatican’s support of the Col-lege. The evening was certainly an exciting and laugh-fi lled time for all.

As those who have attended know, the Umiltà Awards are an opportunity to recognize individuals who have exem-plifi ed immense dedication to our Catholic faith, devoted support of vocations and priestly formation, and extraor-dinary generosity towards the Pontifi cal North American College. In honor of their consistent support, the 2010 Awards were proudly presented by the Most Reverend John J. Myers ‘67, Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the Board of Governors, and Monsignor James F. Checchio ‘92, C’97, Rector, to the Most Reverend Rich-ard E. Pates ‘69, Bishop of Des Moines, and to the Serra International Foundation, represented by president Ste-phen M. Blaes.

Throughout his years of dedicated pastoral ministry, Bishop Pates has served the Church in many ways. In ad-

From left to right: Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67, Chairman of the College’s Board of Governors; Mr. Stephen M. Blaes, President of the Serra International Foundation; Most Rev. Richard E. Pates ‘69, Bishop of Des Moines; Most Rev. Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United

States; Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C’97, Rector; and Rev. William Byrne ‘93, the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.

Winter 2 0 1 1 1110 The Pontifi cal North American College M A G A Z I N E

dition to parish ministry responsibilities, he was assigned to the Apostolic Delegation in Washington, D.C., (1975-1980), appointed a Chaplain to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II in 1979, served as Rector of St. John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul, MN (1980-1986), and was ordained a Bishop at the Cathedral of St. Paul in 2001. He served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, assisting Archbishop Harry J. Flynn, and was later appointed as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Des Moines by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. Bishop Pates has served two terms on the Board of Governors of the North American College and was Vice-Chairman for several years. He served as Chairman of the Development Committee for the College during the Vision for the FutureCapital Campaign and has remained devoted to the Col-lege’s mission of priestly formation.

Dedicated to assisting Serra International in its mission of fostering and promoting vocations to the Catholic priest-hood and religious life, the Serra International Founda-tion awards grants to organizations that are recognized as being vital to the encouragement of religious formation. Serrans are fully committed to bringing vocations to the universal Church, and the Serra Foundation has gener-ously supported the North American College’s Retreat Program for many years. Through this support of spiritual formation, and through the Serrans’ primary work of con-tinuous prayer for vocations, Serra International has had a positive impact on the future of the Church both in the

United States and abroad. Stephen M. Blaes, president of the Serra International Foundation, accepted the award on the organization’s behalf. We are grateful for Mr. Blaes’ fervent leadership of the Serra International Foundation and look forward to working with him further in the com-ing years.

The College has already begun preparations for the 10th Annual Umiltà Awards, which will be held on November 11, 2011, at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. We look forward to seeing you there!

Rev. Msgr. Checchio, Rector of the College, with Bill and Sue Cicherski of Dallas, members of the Council for Institutional Advancement.

Archbishop Sambi, as the Nuncio of the Holy See to the United States, has been an important friend and supporter of the College and

its mission.

The Umiltà Awards afford the opportunity for friends and benefactors of the College from around the country to gather each year in honor of

those who have been most supportive of the College’s mission.

Winter 2 0 1 1 11

After two hours contemplating beautiful masterpieces of religious art at the Vatican Museums, I was on my

way to the unique Sistine Chapel. Trying to hold in my childlike excitement, I did not want to miss any part of the exhibitions on my path to it. Along the way, I stopped and looked up to the ceiling to see the famous depiction of St. Thomas Aquinas praying before the crucifi x on the ceiling of the Gallery of Candelabras. I was reminded of the old story told by Friar Dominic of Caserta which describes the scene of the Angelic Doctor kneeling in deep contempla-tion of the mystery of the cross: A voice is heard by Thomas: “Bene scripsisti de me, Thoma: quam mercedem addipies?,” that is, “You have written well about me, Thomas: what reward will you have?” To which Thomas replied: “Non aliam, nisi te Domine.” “Lord, nothing but yourself.”

This encounter triggered in me a deeper meditation on the purpose of being a priest and a student in the Eternal City. Studying the holy sciences is to be immersed in the reality of God through the right exercise of understanding. For one who attempts to explore the divine realities through reason, being with God becomes the motivation for learning about God. The response of St. Thomas–“Lord, nothing but your-self”–shows the real desire to be with the One about Whom we spend hours reading, searching and thinking. God is the goal and the integral element that gives sense to all that we do. The spiritual masters of our faith teach that approach-ing God through the intellectual meditation of His myster-ies is a noble thing. Nevertheless, our rational inquiries pale in comparison to the higher wisdom gained through that contemplation which comes as a gift of the Holy Spirit and is conferred in prayer to those who are docile and humble of heart. This experience of intellectual abandonment is not to discredit our efforts but is rather an extraordinary experi-ence of freedom and trust in God who is our source, path and destination. Advocated by such masters as Pseudo-

Dionysius, Nicholas of Cusa, and the Spanish Carmelite Mystics, this attitude allows us to follow the way of the cross that St. Paul refers to as the true wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:18-22).

In effect, the life of a priest, a seminarian, or anybody who studies theology becomes an inner adventure to meet God. Life as a priest and as a student of spirituality is an excit-ing journey to God. It is an amazing privilege to live and study at the Casa Santa Maria among such fi ne and faithful priests who are striving not only for knowledge but also for holiness. Together we listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, Who always whispers to us love in every situation. Together we walk toward Him, not only for ourselves but especially for those whom we will return to serve. In the end, this journey through Rome, accomplished by study and prayer, is made so that we might one day walk it again, next time leading our brothers and sisters to God.

The Purpose of a Theology Student

Saint Thomas Aquinas presents his writings to Holy Mother Church in this ceiling detail of the Gallery of the Candelabras (Ludwig Seitz,

1883-1887) in the Vatican Museums.

Fr. González is a fi rst year student priest at the Casa Santa Maria and is pursuing a license in spiritual theology at the Teresianum.

by Rev. Elkin José González C’14, Diocese of Tulsa

12 The Pontifi cal North American College M A G A Z I N E Winter 2 0 1 1 13

by John Mitchell ‘13, Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Feast and Festivity: the solemnity oF the immaculate conception

On December 8, 2010, the Pontifical North Ameri-can College celebrated the Solemnity of the Im-

maculate Conception, the College’s patronal feast day, with “hearts full of gratitude” in the words of the Rector, Monsignor James F. Checchio ‘92, C’97. The community paused from its normal routine to open wide its doors to a variety of dignitaries, benefactors, and guests in cel-ebration of the guidance and protection for which the Blessed Virgin Mary continually intercedes on behalf of the College and our nation.

The occasion began with Mass in the Chapel of the Im-maculate Conception celebrated by His Eminence Leon-ardo Cardinal Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. In his homily, Cardinal Sandri urged all present to foster a particular love for the Eastern Catholic Churches, reminding us of the terrorist attack on the Syr-iac Catholic Cathedral in Baghdad this past October. He said that America has a special role, a “lofty contribution,” to make in the world’s desperate need for peace, prog-ress, and the fundamental rights of all. As Christians, our

contribution begins with the recognition that, like Mary, “we too have been loved in Christ and chosen before the world’s creation to be – in our turn – holy and immacu-late.”

The College was privileged to host as concelebrants His Eminence William Cardinal Levada ‘61, C’71, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; the Most Reverend Paul Swain, Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux Falls; and over a hundred priests, including priests from the Casa Santa Maria, and a number of priest professors and administrators from the various pontifical universities.

Mass was followed by a banquet in the O’Toole Refec-tory, where the seminary community was pleased to welcome a number of additional guests, including His Eminence John Cardinal Foley C’65, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusa-lem; the Most Reverend James Harvey ‘75, Prefect of the Papal Household; and Monsignor Peter Wells ‘91, Assessor for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State for the Holy See. The College was also proud to host the Honorable Miguel H. Díaz, the United States Ambassa-

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is one of the high points of the College’s year.

His Eminence Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, preaches the homily

for the College’s Patronal Feast Day.


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

Rev. Mr. William Ruelle, IV ‘11 (Bismarck) chants the Gospel for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

Gathered for the Immaculate Conception banquet in the O’Toole Refectory are [from left to right]: Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64, C’02, Superior of the Casa Santa Maria; Rev. Msgr. Peter Wells ‘91, the Holy See’s Assessor for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State; Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C’97, Rector of the College; His Eminence William Cardinal Levada ‘61, C’71, Prefect for the Doctrine of the Faith; His Emi-nence, Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches; the Honorable Miguel Díaz, U.S. Ambassador to the

Holy See; and his wife, Mrs. Marian Díaz.

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

Rev. Mark Ott C’14 of the Diocese of Cleveland offers a toast to the Holy Father.

Winter 2 0 1 1 15

dor to the Holy See, and his family, as well as three other ambassadors and many rectors of the national colleges of Rome, collaborators in the Holy See, and other local friends of the College.

In keeping with the College’s tradition, three toasts were offered at the close of the meal. Reverend Mark Ott, of the Diocese of Cleveland, began with a toast to His Holi-ness Pope Benedict XVI, whom he called “Pastor of the World.” Reverend Nicholas Desimone ‘10 of the Diocese of Worcester then toasted the United States of America. Finally, Daniel Gallagher ‘13, a second year seminarian from the Diocese of Pittsburgh, toasted Alma Mater, wish-ing her ad multos annos.

Behind the scenes, there were many expressions of devo-tion to Our Blessed Mother among the faculty and semi-narians throughout the day. The men on one residence

floor bought and dedicated a new Marian statue for their hall, and many seminarians also completed or renewed St. Louis de Montfort’s “Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary” on this great patronal feast.

There were many reasons for applause under the protection of Our Lady, Mary Conceived Immaculate.

Jadyn Nelson ‘12 (Bismarck) and Krzysztof Kuczynski ‘13 (Bridge-port) enjoy the day’s camaraderie.

Rev. Msgr. Checchio greets some of the many guests at this year’s banquet.

Winter 2 0 1 1 1716 The Pontifi cal North American College M A G A Z I N E

the advent day oF recollection

Each year, the Advent Day of Recollection affords the College community an opportunity to prepare

well for the Advent and Christmas seasons. This year, the day of retreat was given on the Second Sunday of

Advent by Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark and an adjunct spiritual di-rector of the College.

In his remarks, Monsignor Figueiredo encouraged the College community to enter fully into the spirit of prayer-ful preparation which marks the season. “Advent is a time to pause in silence to grasp God’s visitation in my life,” he said. “How wise it is to spend these days in silence.” This silence helps create room for that “desire for Christ’s com-ing, a holy desire.”

Recalling the Gospel of Luke’s story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector who was visited by Jesus, Monsignor Figueiredo urged the seminarians to refl ect on how they have received the Lord in joy and gratitude in their own lives.

In addition to his responsibilities at the College, Monsignor Figueiredo works for the Pontifi cal Council Cor Unum,which oversees the charitable works of the Holy See.

Seminarians pray before the Most Blessed Sacrament in the Immaculate Conception Chapel during the Advent Day of Recollection.

an evening oF sacred music

On Monday, December 13, the Pontifi cal North American College hosted its bi-annual choral con-

cert, entitled: “An Evening of Sacred Music for Advent and Christmas.” The more than thirty members of the Seminary Choir performed before a full house in the Col-lege’s Immaculate Conception Chapel. Dr. Gianfranco De Luca, the Director of Liturgical Music, directed the choir and also performed a selection of organ pieces.

The evening featured a wide range of musical styles, from chant settings of the Mass to medieval, Renaissance, and contemporary choral works. Notable pieces included “Rorate Coeli,” “Adam Lay Ybounden,” Palestrina’s “Alma Redemptoris Mater,” and Paul Manz’s “E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come.” Dr. De Luca was quite pleased with the choir’s performance and noted that the concert was an important event for the College. “It shows the high level of musical talent the College has,” he said, “as well as its strong commitment to fostering the very best in sacred music.”

Choir members Peter Van Lieshout ‘13 (Rochester), Charles Samson ‘13 (St. Louis), Francisco Aguirre ‘13 (Washington), Mark Baumgarten ‘14

(Perth), and Mario Majano ‘12 (Washington) glorify God in song.

Catholic Media Events at the College

The College hosted two Catholic media ventures in re-cent months: an EWTN documentary on seminarians

and a lecture and book-signing for Mr. George Weigel’s lat-est book, The End and the Beginning: Pope John Paul II – the Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy.

In October, a film crew led by Mr. Bob Dolan of Dolan Productions in collaboration with Mary Shovlain, filmed and interviewed seminarians at both the beginning and end stages of their priestly formation for a two-part television series that will air on EWTN this spring. The first install-ment, entitled “Rookies in Rome,” chronicles the chal-lenges and opportunities of six New Men as they adjust to life abroad and will premiere on May 20, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. ET. The second installment, “Hours to Ordination,” shares the reflections of some third year seminarians and recently-ordained deacons on the unique experience of formation in Rome and its effect on their understanding of the Church and the priesthood. It will air for the first time on May 23, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. ET on EWTN. “Hopefully these pro-

grams will uplift the viewer by showing them that the future of our Catholic faith is in good hands,” Mr. Dolan said.

On January 9, the College hosted a lecture by Mr. George Weigel, author, papal biographer and a Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. The lecture and book-signing follows the much-anticipated release of The End and the Begin-ning, Mr. Weigel’s follow-up to his best-selling biography of Venerable Pope John Paul II, Witness to Hope. In The End and the Beginning, Mr. Weigel examines the communist campaign of “all war, all the time” against the Catholic Church and the late pontiff, as revealed by the recent de-classification of secret Warsaw Pact documents. In his ad-dress, Mr. Weigel expressed his gratitude to the College, which he said played “an indispensable role” in his work. The College was “my home for many months during the preparations for Witness to Hope and The End and the Begin-ning,” Mr. Weigel said. “During that time, the faculty, staff, and students nurtured me both physically and spiritually.”

by John Connaughton ‘13, Diocese of Bridgeport

Mr. Bob Dolan of Dolan Productions interviews Rev. Msgr. Checchio ‘92, C’97, for the EWTN series about the College.

Mr. George Weigel addresses the College community regarding his new book, “The End and the Beginning: Pope John Paul II – the Victory

of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy.”

Winter 2 0 1 1 17

18 The Pontifi cal North American College M A G A Z I N E

Preparing for Christmas this year was a unique and emotionally mixed experience for most of us “New

Men.” It was bittersweet in that we would not be at home for the holidays; but also exciting because we would have the opportunity to travel in this part of the world, hope-fully expanding our knowledge and helping us grow in love for Christ and His Church in all the diverse places we encounter them.

My companions and I chose Portugal and northwestern Spain for our Christmas pilgrimage as two places rich in faith, culture and Christian history. Arriving in Lisbon we were pleasantly surprised by the hospitality shown by a local priest with whom we stayed. He welcomed us like family and happily showed us around Lisbon, an enchanting city of cobblestone streets, trolleys from the early twentieth century and buildings decorated with painted ceramic tiles. The churches and shrines we vis-ited seemed always full of prayerful and devout people.

Our host also took us to the university where he served as chaplain. Seeing this young priest working with col-lege students and young couples was very inspiring. Though in a different culture far from home, we rec-ognized many of the same challenges and rewards in his ministry that we hope to experience one day in the United States. It was fascinating to see the Gospel being faithfully preached in another part of the world.

Moving on from Lisbon, we explored more of that country which has been so often shaped by the Catho-lic faith through the last thirteen hundred years. Among our most notable day trips was one to Coimbra to see the tomb of St. Elizabeth of Portugal, one of the na-tion’s great queens and saints. After visiting and pray-ing before her tomb, we happily stumbled upon one of the more important churches in Portugal near the city center. Not only did it house the remains of the fi rst two kings of unifi ed Portugal, but it also was the church where St. Anthony of Padua and Lisbon (who

Sheldon Momaney ‘14 (Burlington) and Richard Hinkley ‘14 (Galveston-Houston) visit the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in

Fátima, Portugal.

At Home, Far from Home: Pilgrimage to Spain and Portugal

by Sheldon D. Momaney ‘14, Diocese of Burlington

The Basilica de Santa Maria la Real in Covadonga, Spain.


was originally from Portugal) lived, was ordained a priest, and celebrated his fi rst Mass. To happen upon a church so important in the life of one of the Doctors of the Church was a great gift.

Leaving Portugal on the morning of Christmas Eve, we headed north into the Galicia region of Spain. We stopped in Santiago de Compostela, where tradition holds that the Apostle James the Greater is now buried under the altar of the great cathedral built in his honor. We thought that it would be great to spend Christmas at one of Europe’s oldest and most famed pilgrimage sites. After attending Midnight Mass, we went back to the cathedral Christmas morning to celebrate with the other pilgrims as the cathedral’s famous Botafumeiro (agiant thurible) swung from the ceiling, dispensing clouds of incense among the assembly. It truly was a beautiful and faith-enriching experience to celebrate the birth of

our Savior at the tomb of one of the Twelve, joined in prayer with so many pilgrims from around the world.

Returning to Portugal after a few days, we made our way to Fátima, which was the spiritual highlight of our trip. Fátima is the site of the famous Marian apparitions and miracles which occurred in 1917. They began with an apparition of an angel to a group of three Portuguese shepherd children, followed by several appearances of the Blessed Mother. The apparitions culminated in the famous “Miracle of the Sun” seen by tens of thousands of people. Today the sanctuary at Fátima is visited by almost fi ve million people per year. Our Lady of Fátima’s simple message of penance as reparation for sins, daily prayer of the rosary and prayer for peace is preached around the world. After many days of travel, Fátima was an ideal place to refl ect upon our experience and give thanks to God for the support of those, both at home and in Portugal, who helped make this trip possible. Most importantly, we asked Our Lady of Fátima to strengthen our vocations and continue leading us towards her Son.

On New Year’s Eve, as our trip drew to a close, we pre-pared to return to Rome in the best way possible: by attending a Mass with several thousands of pilgrims in the huge Basilica of Our Lady of Fátima. Processing out of the shrine at exactly midnight, as bells began to ring across the plaza in front and as fi reworks sounded nearby, we could think of no more joyful way to thank God for the past year and to ask His blessing, as we headed back to the College, on the new one.

The Botafumeiro, one of the largest incense thuribles in the world, is pre-pared for use in the Christmas liturgy at the Cathedral of Santiago de

Compostela in Galicia, Spain.

A view of the Monument to the Discoveries and the “25th of April Bridge” in Belem, Portugal.


by Charles Samson ‘13, Archdiocese of Saint Louis

On Sunday, January 16, the North American College community celebrated as fifty-four first year men

were instituted in the ministry of Lector. The Most Rev-erend Edwin O’Brien C’76, Archbishop of Baltimore and a former rector of the College, presided at the Mass and installation in the Immaculate Conception Chapel in the presence of family, friends, and various priests from the dioceses of the first year men.

In his homily, Archbishop O’Brien referenced the day’s Gospel to challenge the new Lectors to imitate John the Baptist in their new office: “Just as John was completely consumed with testifying to the Christ, and spoke about

the Lord with confidence and authenticity, so too are you called to treasure God’s Word in a prayerful heart, and bring a sacred newness to the Word as you proclaim it.”

The archbishop also emphasized that this installation represents a significant moment in the formation of these seminarians. He said, “Today you are stepping forward for more and serious responsibility in the Church.” He called the new Lectors to come to a profound knowledge and love of God’s Word: “The Scriptures should be the soul of your formation. Study them with thorough and creative imagination. Let them be the air you breathe, the light of your soul.”

“the soul oF your Formation”: installation oF lectors

The newly-instituted Lectors of the Class of 2014 pose with the Most Rev. Edwin O’Brien C’76, Archbishop of Baltimore, and Rev. Msgr. James Checchio, Rector of the College, following the Mass and installation.


Archbishop O’Brien further encouraged the men by re-minding them that the office of Lector—a former minor order retained as a preliminary stage in one’s advance-ment to Holy Orders—represents for these men “an-other step towards the altar.” Patrick Broussard ‘14 (La-fayette), one of the newly-instituted Lectors, said he was heartened by the insights and challenges of Archbishop O’Brien. “This greater responsibility we assume makes me realize how very close priesthood is,” he said, “and how important it is to deepen my commitment to the study of the Word of God.”

The College community congratulates all of the new Lectors and hopes that the words of the prayer of instal-lation are fulfilled for each of them: … as they meditate on this Word, may they grow in wisdom, and faithfully proclaim it to God’s people.

Archbishop O’Brien presents the Lectionary to Matthew Cowan ‘14 (Gaylord), as Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh) looks on.

The Lectors-to-be kneel in anticipation of their installation as the community prays for God’s blessing on them.

[From right] Paul Buchanan ‘14 (Charlotte), Patrick Broussard ‘14 (Lafayette), and Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City) prayer-

fully prepare for their installation as Lectors.


Life at the College

Above Left: Student and faculty priests enjoy some fra-ternity prior to the Sunday community Mass. Above Right: First year students run a play in the Spaghetti Bowl. Left: Seminarians and priests alike volunteer to help make pumpkin pies for

the Thanksgiving Day banquet. Right: Australian students of the College and their guests pose with Rev. Msgr. Checchio on Australia Day 2011. Below Left: His Eminence Paul Josef Cardinal Cordes, former President of the Pontifi cal Council Cor Unum, presents a lecture on the virtues of priesthood to the College community. Below Right: Mr. Weigel signs a copy of his new book for Jason Adams ‘12 (Savannah).


Left: Students from the College pose for a photo on the Mount of Beatitudes in Galilee. Rev. Brendan Hurley, S.J., led the annual pilgrimage to the Holy Land this year. Below Left: Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City), Andrew Vill ‘14 (Bridgeport), and Robert Wolfe, II ‘14 (Bridgeport) spoof the Three Tenors in the New Man Show. Below Middle: Joshua Laws ‘14 (Baltimore) gives his New Man squad a pep talk as head coach during this year’s Spaghetti Bowl. Below Right: Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B., the College’s Director of Liturgy, enjoys a banquet in the O’Toole Refectory.

Left: The Thanksgiving Day breakfast on each corri-dor is a popular annual event.Right: The annual Christ-mas party allows students to relax and enjoy the festivity of the holiday season.


by Eric Scanlan ‘13, Diocese of Venice

Shouts of “ciao” and “buona sera” greet the four of us as we make our way to the first stop of the night near

the Pyramid of Cestius, one of the great ancient monu-ments of Rome built in 12 B.C. Several volunteer work-ers unload food from the car on this cold January night as Peter Van Lieshout ‘13 (Rochester), Thomas Mac-donald ‘13 (Boston), Michael Casey ‘13 (Hartford), and I hand out warm clothes, sweaters, and jackets donated by seminarians of the College. Soon the panini (sand-wiches), hot tea, and fruit are distributed, and we began to interact with the regulars and newcomers. The men and women served here formed a mixed group of unem-ployed Italians, Ukrainians, and other eastern European immigrants. This January night is much like the others we experience during our St. Vincent de Paul apostolate.

Each Friday night the four of us hit the streets of Rome to feed the city’s homeless and needy.

Our second stop of the night is at the Ostiense train sta-tion, and it is usually the busiest. A large group of Afghani refugees await our arrival at the bus parking lot next to the station. Sixty to seventy hungry men may be seen on a busy night. It is at Ostiense where we are most able to enter into the lives of the people we serve by engaging them, hearing their stories, and – when the opportunity presents itself – sharing our love for the Catholic faith. The witness of these Afghan refugees has been quite profound. Rugged, yet polite and grateful, they are an inspiration in the way they continually persevere through tremendous adversity.

continued on page 28

encountering the poor oF rome: st. vincent de paul apostolate

Michael Casey ‘13 (Hartford), Eric Scanlan ‘13 (Venice), Thomas Macdonald, Jr. ‘13 (Boston), and Peter Van Lieshout ‘13 (Rochester) wait for the city bus to transport them to the first location of their Friday evening service to

the poor of Rome.


by Rev. Mr. Quan Tran ‘11, Diocese of Orange

Following in the footsteps of John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI has made Ecumenism and Interreli-

gious Dialogue a priority of his pontificate. Soon after being elected pope, the Holy Father emphasized this in a meeting with Christian leaders at the 20th World Youth Day in Cologne: “It is the Lord’s commandment, but also the imperative of the present hour, to carry on dia-logue with conviction at all levels of the Church’s life.”

The Most Reverend Tod Brown ‘62, Bishop of Orange, understands the significance of Ecumenism and Inter-religious Dialogue at the local level of the Church. The Diocese of Orange is diverse in ethnicity, culture and re-ligion. Over three million people reside in the diocese, most of whom are Christians, including Catholics, Prot-estants of different denominations, and members of the Eastern Churches. In addition, Mormons, Jews, Mus-lims, Buddhists and Hindus make up sizable portions of the diocese’s population.

Therefore, it did not come as a shock to me when Bishop Brown asked me to look into Ecumenism and Interreli-

gious Dialogue as a possible second cycle of studies. As a Vietnamese-American who worked in the legal profession, I have come to know many people of different religious backgrounds. As a result, I appreciate the value of building relationships with those outside of one’s faith. After further discussions about the needs of the diocese and my back-ground and experience, both Bishop Brown and I felt that I would be a good candidate to pursue a license in Ecumen-ism with an emphasis on Interreligious Dialogue at the Pon-tifical University of St. Thomas (the Angelicum) since such a degree would be of great value to the Diocese of Orange.

I am convinced of the importance of Christians work-ing together and with other religions in building relation-ships and working for the common good. The knowl-edge and experience gained from my studies will assist me in promoting unity, understanding and cooperation between the Catholic Church and the different faith tra-ditions in the Diocese of Orange. I am looking forward to both the studies themselves and to the day when I can put my knowledge to use in helping the Church work towards reconciliation and communion with all Chris-tians and build relationships with other faith traditions by entering into dialogue aiming at mutual understanding and respect. This will hopefully lead to an exchange and sharing of our faith traditions, exploring our common convictions and working together on common causes.

After completing my studies, I hope to be of assistance to the Diocese of Orange’s Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs. This will allow me to be a resource not only to the Bishop of Orange but also to the vari-ous parishes and diocesan offices in their ecumenical and interreligious outreach to others. I realize that, although much progress has been made in Ecumenism and In-terreligious Dialogue, much work still needs to be ac-complished. I hope to use my skills and knowledge to help the Church in her duty to foster unity among the children of God.

second cycle Focus: ecumenism & interreligious dialogue

Rev. Mr. Quan Tran ‘11 (Orange) meets with the Honorable Miguel Díaz, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, during an ecumenical confer-ence co-sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and the Pontifical Gregorian

University.


Circle of FriendsWhen Jim and Miriam Mulva

speak about the North Ameri-can College, it is clear that they have a deep connection with both the College and its mission to form holy and dedi-cated priests to serve in parishes across the United States. One area of the Col-lege that is particularly meaningful to the Mulvas is the Immaculate Conception Chapel, especially during Evening Prayer when the College community gathers to meditate at the close of day and give thanks to the Lord.

The Mulvas also respect and appreciate the location of the College, which contributes so much to a seminarian’s formation in Rome – its closeness to St. Peter’s Basilica reminds them that Benedict XVI is their pastor as well as their Pope and that the city of Rome calls forth saints and martyrs not just in history but in the life of the Church today. Standing on the roof of the College, Jim and Mir-iam understood in one moment how this location plays a critical part in the unique mission of the North American College.

Jim and Miriam reside in Houston, Texas, where Jim is chairman and chief executive officer of ConocoPhillips. They first came to know the College through Monsignor Daniel Mueggenborg ‘89, a priest of the Diocese of Tulsa and the current Vice Rector. At the time they met him, the Mulvas were living in Oklahoma and their two sons were altar servers at St. John’s Church, where Monsignor Mueggenborg was the newly-assigned associate pastor.

Three years ago, Jim and Miriam visited the College dur-ing the Christmas season. They toured the campus, met the seminarians and attended a Mass celebrated in the crypt of St. Peter’s, which was very special for the Mul-

vas since it took place in such a distin-guished location so close to the tomb of the Apostle. They learned about the strong spiritual leaders who have come out of the College and were encouraged by the tremendous success of the Col-lege’s mission and enrollment. It was a deeply moving experience for them and they realized just how important those seminarians and priests are to the future of the Catholic Church in the United States. They have continued to meet alumni of the College and to appreciate

the important contributions they are making in the life of the Church. Their own archbishop, His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo ‘76, is among those alumni. Through their experience at the College, the Mulvas were truly able to understand the wisdom of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s deci-sion to bring young men to Rome so that they would be grounded in the life and teachings of the universal Church.

It is because of their appreciation of the North American College and their dedication to priestly formation that the Mulvas generously support the College’s mission. They have done so through the recently completed capital cam-paign and continue to do so by offering scholarship funds. The Mulvas’ eldest son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Megan, also join with them in providing these funds, now known as the “Mulva Family Tuition Assistance Fund.”

Just as Jim and Miriam appreciate the work of the College, the College appreciates their continued support. In rec-ognition of their outstanding friendship, the College has named one of its most popular areas of seminary life af-ter them: The Miriam and James Mulva Student Kitchen. Through the generosity and vision of families like the Mulvas, the College is able to continue its mission of form-ing and preparing young men for service to the Church.

James (Jim) J. and Miriam B. Mulva


INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENTMary Di DonatoExecutive Director of Institutional Advancement

Each November, His Excellency Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, graciously hosts a luncheon at the Apostolic Nunciature for the

members of our Council for Institutional Advancement. It would be an understate-ment to say that this event, which has been taking place since 2007, is a major highlight of the year for the members.

The goal of the Council, comprised of more than a dozen highly supportive members of the laity from across the nation – and several alumni who serve as chaplains – is to actively raise awareness of America’s Seminary in Rome among laity in the United States and maximize the College’s fundraising potential. As you can imagine, during the strug-gling economy of late, this has not been an easy task. And so, on November 12, 2010,

the Council members eagerly listened as Archbishop Sambi impressed upon them the enormous signifi -cance of their roles as ambassadors of the College. Following the luncheon, the Council moved to a private conference room for their annual meeting.

One of the more popular methods employed by the Council members in an attempt to introduce the College to others is hosting receptions or dinners in their own regions. One such reception was recently

organized by the Vice-Chairs of the Council, Scott and Lannette Turicchi. On November 21, 2010, the Turicchis co-hosted a reception with Richard and Maria Grant at the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena. It was a chance to fi nally meet face-to-face several long-term friends of the College and acquaint sev-eral new friends with our mission.

We are grateful not only to Scott and Lannette for hosting this latest event on our behalf, but to all the members of the Council for their ongoing ef-

Members of the Council of Institutional Advancement [from left to right]: Bill Cicherski, Lannette Turicchi, Jennifer Frenz, Scott Turicchi,

Sue Cicherski, the Most Rev. Richard E. Pates ‘69 of Des Moines, Gregory Jewell, the Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67 of Newark, Allen

Sanchez, the Most Rev. Pietro Sambi of the Apostolic Nunciature, Rev. William Byrne ‘93 of Washington, the Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila C’90 of Fargo, and Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C’97, Rector.

Not pictured are: Stephen Frenz, Linda Jewell, Larry & Sue Rancilio, Francis & Kathleen Rooney, Carolina Sanchez, and [photographer] Mary Di Donato, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.


The St. Vincent de Paul apostolate has also given us op-portunities to support the poor spiritually. One particu-lar moment of prayer comes to mind, which involved an evangelical Christian and a “regular” at Ostiense. Daniel is a middle-aged convert from Islam who now devotes

his life to evangelizing and ministering to the poor in Italy, particularly to those of an Islamic background. One night we noticed that Taureg, a Catholic from Sri Lanka, was not himself. It was apparent to us that he was go-ing through a tough time. We expressed our concerns to Daniel because he had been working with Taureg for quite some time. It was decided that we should all pray with Taureg. And so there we were, an evangelical Chris-tian missionary and three Catholic seminarians, gathered around Taureg, praying that the Lord would give him the strength and help he needed as well as the grace to give his life more completely to Christ.

It was a powerful moment fi lled with the Lord’s peace. We fi nd it again and again in this apostolic work: we re-ceive as much as we give. I do not know if the tears of Taureg signaled a great change in him, but it was cer-tainly a blessing for me to know that in a small way I was acting as an instrument of our Lord’s healing power. It was a testament to the reality – continually reinforced by this encounter with the poor of Rome – that as children of God we all hunger for so much more than a hot meal and a place to stay.

Before departing to serve the poor, seminarians with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Apostolate ask for the intercession of

Our Lady of Humility.

Continued from page 24

forts and abiding support. The seminarians and stu-dent priests are very much aware that the high quality priestly formation they are currently receiving at the College would not be possible without them and the support of so many other friends and benefactors. After fi nishing their education in Rome, these semi-narians and priests will begin pastoral ministry in their dioceses throughout America, Australia and Canada, leading and inspiring us for generations to come – all thanks to your support now.

In 2011, with the ongoing assistance of the Council for Institutional Advancement, we will continue to promote America’s Seminary in Rome so that the Pon-tifi cal North American College will become favor-ably impressed in the hearts and minds of all laity

throughout the United States. But we can’t do it alone…and so we hope that you, our friends and bene-factors, will continue to sustain us through your prayers and fi nancial support. We can make a difference in the life of the Catholic Church in the United States by supporting the mission of the Pontifi cal North American College together.


ECONOMO’S CORNERRev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg ‘89Diocese of TulsaVice-Rector

“How good it is when brothers dwell together in unity.” (Psalm 133:1)

It is important and necessary for priests and seminarians to experience, foster, and develop a spirit of fraternity. Without it, a priest’s ministry, personal health, and even his understanding

of vocation can suffer and be diminished. To be clear, I refer to a fraternity that is not about “having fun” but rather about sharing life and mission.

I wish to thank you, our benefactors, friends and alumni for helping us to foster this invaluable experience of fraternity through the many renovations and additions to our facilities at our semi-nary, graduate house, and sabbatical campuses.

We have been able to carry out important works for each of these three ministries which will di-rectly promote the development of healthy priestly fraternity. Your generosity has allowed us to carry out these projects and because of that, your gifts are serving to strengthen the future ministry, personal health, and vocational awareness of each American priest and seminarian in Rome. That is an awesome gift for the future of the Catholic Church! Priests need to be strengthened and encour-

aged in their fraternity now more than ever, and I thank you for helping us to provide that essential experience for them.

Here is a summary of the practical ways in which our latest developments are promoting authentic fraternity for our various ministries:

The new heat and air system for the Chapel at the Casa Santa Maria provides an area where priests can pray together without being affected by inclement weather.

The new chapel at the Casa O’Toole is a place where priests on sabbatical can celebrate their daily Eucharist together and nourish their spiritual development in personal prayer.

The new classrooms at the seminary are an effi cient and comfortable environment where seminarians can study and learn pastoral skills.

The new basketball court is a place where good sportsmanship and team building mix with recreation on a daily basis.

The new restroom facilities for the community lounge of the Casa Santa Maria make it possible to accommodate community gatherings and better foster community life.

The very ability for each community – seminarians, priests in graduate studies, and priests on sabbatical – to live in a facility dedicated specifi cally for them and their common mission is a tremendous aid in allowing them to foster a distinct group fraternity.

Thank you for helping with these projects as we have worked to renew and develop the facilities of the Seminary, the Casa Santa Maria, and the Casa O’Toole.

Our work and your gift are not ultimately about facilities but about ministries that form good, holy, healthy, and effective priests. The facility improvements we have undertaken necessarily assist us in accomplishing those ministries. We could not do this without you!

As we pass through this season of Lent, I ask you to remember in your prayers the many priests and seminarians currently at the North American College, that they will realize the authentic bonds of priestly fraternity now and in the future. Be assured that we will remember you in our prayers as well. In your Lenten sacrifi ce, please continue your pledge to support the Pontifi cal North American College.


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PAIDPERMIT NO. 144 WALDORF, MD

For more information about the North American College, or to learn about opportunities for memorial gifts, contact Mary Di Donato at our Washington, D.C., Office of Institutional Advancement:

Tel: (202) 541-5411 / Fax: (202) 722-8804 Email: [email protected] visit our website at www.pnac.org

Join us for the 122nd Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association

to be hosted byThe Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67 in Newark, NJ

Tuesday, June 21st to Thursday, June 23rd 2011For more information, call 202-541-5403 or 718-634-6357

Mark Your Calendars now!

nac magazine: winter 2011

Documents

n e winter

mary immaculate

n t e n t srectors corner

n ewi n t e r

college john connaughton

bishop of amarillo

bishop of gaylord

john costello