Jeremy Favrelière, from Missions Etrangères de Paris, signs the Covenant Book.

Archbishop William Lori, Chair of the St. Mary’s Seminary & University Board and Chancellor of the University, celebrated the opening Mass on August 30th, 2017.  All new seminarians and faculty members signed the Covenant Book after the Liturgy of the Word signifying their commitment to the St. Mary’s community of faith, to formation for the priesthood.

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Deacon Ian McElrath welcomes new seminarian, John Enemuo, with a blessing.

Fr. Phillip Brown, P.S.S., President-Rector, the Faculty and St. Mary’s Seminary & University Seminarians welcomed 15 men to formation at America’s first Roman Catholic Seminary on August 22nd  This year’s incoming class includes men from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Dioceses of Albany, Altoona-Johnstown, Erie, Scranton, Syracuse, Richmond, Wilmington, Worcester and Missions Etrangères de Paris as well as one priest from the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Zambia who is studying for his S.T.L. degree.  The Introduction to Seminary Life program concludes with a retreat for the entire community and Mass of the Holy Spirit which will be celebrated by Most Rev. William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore.  Classes begin on August 31st.

On Thursday, May 11th, St. Mary’s Seminary & University conferred an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree on the Rev. Dr. Christopher M. Leighton, a leader of interreligious engagement for over 30 years in Baltimore.  Dr. Leighton, the founding Executive Director of the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies, gave the commencement address.  Archbishop William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore and Chancellor of the University, presided over the ceremonies where 13 seminarians received both Ecclesiastical and Civil degrees and 11 graduates of The Ecumenical Institute of Theology received either the Masters of Arts in Theology or the Master of Arts in Church Ministries. 

Dr. Leighton’s commencement address compared a pivotal moment in Moses’s life to graduation. Moses went up the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments, only to come back down and drop them when faced with rampant idol worship. Leighton remarked “You have climbed theological peaks and been bequeathed with an awesome educational gift. Walk boldly and pay attention to where you put your feet. From time to time you may lose your balance and your grip. It happens. Make sure to stop, look down, and accept a helping hand as you retrieve the sacred bits and pieces at your feet. These fragments need to be gathered up, assembled and reassembled, passed on and shared with those who hunger, with those who are desperate for shelter, and with those who yearn for a place to call home.”

Color reproductions of class photos of St. Mary’s 2017 Commencement may now be ordered online one week after graduation:  https://larrycannerphotography.shootproof.com/stmarys2017

Former trustees and benefactors of St. Mary’s Seminary hosted a concert in honor of Fr. Phillip Brown’s inaugural year as President Rector.  Over 200 guests enjoyed the concert and a reception on April 6th.  Daniel Roth is widely acclaimed as one of the leading French organ virtuosos.  He is currently the Titular Organist at the Church of St. Sulpice in Paris where the Society of St. Sulpice was founded in 1641.

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On Wednesday, March 22, 2017, eleven seminarians from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Dioceses of Altoona –Johnstown, Erie, Richmond, Scranton, Wilmington and Worcester were installed in the Ministry of Lector.  Eleven seminarians from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Dioceses of Albany, Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Syracuse, Wilmington and Worcester were installed in the  Ministry of Acolyte.  Bishop Ronald Gainer of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania presided.

Lectors proclaim the Scriptures at liturgical celebrations and serve as catechists; acolytes serve at Eucharistic celebrations and bring the Eucharist to the sick.

Congratulations to all!

Photo Gallery:

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Fr. Phillip Brown, P.S.S. and the St. Mary’s Seminary  & University community congratulate the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s new Auxiliary Bishops: Bishop Adam J. Parker and Bishop Mark E. Brennan.

Ad Multos Annos

Photo Credit: Kevin J. Parks/Catholic Review Media