Student Government
As part of the Sulpician characteristic of communauté éducatrice, i.e. the
community as an agent of formation, St. Mary's encourages seminarians to take
an active part in leadership and community building as training for future
priestly ministry. Student government is an appropriate vehicle for such
participation, as it seeks to promote the orderly structuring and administration
of all seminarian initiated services and events, and to provide for seminarian
participation in the administration of those services and events that are joint
faculty and seminarian initiatives.
Last Spring the seminarian community elected Rev. Mr. Andrew Nelson (Manchester, 4T)
as Student Body President. In that role he acts as student representative to the
Rector, serving as the seminarian representative at appropriate public ceremonies,
liturgical celebrations, and all meetings of the Board of Trustees. He chairs the
House Council, a joint faculty/student body which serves as a sounding board on formational,
community, and academic issues. Joining him on the House Council are recently elected
Presidents from each class: Peter Wierzbicki (Paterson, 4T); Jason Hage (Syracuse, 3T);
James Morley (Greensburg, 2T); Richard Jasper (Wilmington, 1T); and Michael Kennedy
(Trenton, PT).
The House Council has three standing committees. The Liturgy Committee is responsible,
under the direction of the Faculty Council and the House Council, for planning and
coordinating the liturgical life of the seminary. Last Spring the seminarian community
elected Tyler Bandura (Greensburg, 4T) as Chair of the Liturgy Community, together
with recently elected representatives from each class: Rev. Mr. Christopher Coffiey
(Wilmington, 4T); Mark Nillo (Trenton, 3T); Eric Dinga (Greensburg, 2T); James Power
(Erie, 1T); and Ernest Boucher (Portland, PT).
The Peace and Justice Committee budgets, coordinates, and plans activities which
promote peace and justice as set out in its vision statement and as designated by
the Sulpician Provincial Council and the Faculty Council. Last Spring the seminarian
community elected Christopher Colavito (Trenton, 1T) as its chair. He is assisted on
the committee by student volunteers responsible for various facets of its work.
The Community Life Committee budgets, coordinates, and plans activities to help build
morale among members of the seminary community and seeks to draw the community together
as it focuses on human formation. The seminarian community elected William Keown
(Baltimore, PT) as its chair. He is assisted on the committee by student volunteers
responsible for various facets of its work.
Welcome New Students
St. Mary's Seminary and University welcomes twenty-six new seminarians and one
resident priest student to its seminary community. Student leadership and seminarian
volunteers helped the new seminarians move in and feel welcomed and at home at
St. Mary's during its 2012 Introduction to Seminary Life Program,
August 23-27. The new arrivals come from thirteen dioceses, but with origins
in Colombia, Dominica, Ghana, Philippines, Zambia, and the United States.
The Welcome to Seminary Life Program includes introductory conferences on
Sulpician formational community, the four pillars of formation as outlined
by Bl. John Paul II in Pastores Dabo Vobis, the Liturgy of the Hours and the
Sulpician method of meditation, and the philosophical and theological course
of studies; testing of basic academic skills; and a tour of Sulpician and
Catholic Baltimore heritage.
The average age of the new seminarians is slightly over twenty-six. Most of
the new seminarians have already been in some form of priestly formation —
college seminary, major seminary, or religious life. Their academic background
includes undergraduate degrees from a number of institutions, including Arcadia
University, Cabrini College, Catholic University of America, Christ the King
Mission Seminary, Gannon University, Hillsdale College, Mount St. Mary's University,
Radford University, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, St. Joseph's College, Seminario
San Pio X, Seton Hall University, Siena College, SUNY (Oswego), Universidad Pontificia
Bolivariana, University of Scranton, and Yale University. Their previous careers include
banking, business management, jewelry sales, Catholic education, hospital laboratory,
and National Evangelization Team. They bring the gifts and talents given them by God,
and offer them for service to God's People.
With the arrival of returning seminarians on August 27, the community reassembles
for a traditional Baltimore crab feast/bull roast. The following day the emphasis
shifts to quiet and reflection, with the annual retreat, preached this year by
Fr. Lawrence Terrien, S.S., seminary Director of Spiritual Formation, on the
theme "An Encounter with the Risen Christ."
Welcome to New Faculty
St. Mary’s Seminary and University is pleased to welcome three new members of the
seminary faculty. Fr. Thomas Burke, O.SS.T., (SMSU '78) is a priest of the Order
of the Most Holy Trinity. He did all his academic training at St. Mary's, and
previously served on the faculty 1990-2003 and as Vice Rector 1998-2003.
After service as Vice President for Legal Affairs and Minister Provincial of his
religious province, as well as Rector of DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, MD,
he returns to the St. Mary's faculty as Associate Professor of Systematic Theology.
Fr. Daniel Grigassy, OFM, is a Franciscan Friar of Holy Name Province. He earned his
undergraduate degree from Siena College, his graduate degree from Washington
Theological Union, and his doctorate in liturgy and spirituality from The Catholic
University of America. He has taught at St. Bonaventure University, Christ the King
Seminary (East Aurora, NY), and the Washington Theological Union. He comes to the
St. Mary's faculty from Paterson, NJ, where he served as Pastor and Guardian of
St. Bonaventure Church. He is the Director of Liturgy and Associate Professor of
Liturgical and Sacramental Theology.
Rev. Brent Laytham is the new Dean of the Ecumenical Institute of
Theology and Professor of Theology in the School of Theology. He is an ordained
United Methodist elder and a member of the North Carolina Annual Conference, and
earned his Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary and his doctorate
in religion from Duke University. He has also taught at Duke Divinity School,
Candler School of Theology, and Garrett-Evangelical Seminary. He comes to
St. Mary's from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, where he was
professor of theology and ethics and also acting Associate Dean for Academic Operations.
St. Mary's also welcomes our new Coordinator of the English as a Second
Language Program, Mrs. Emily Hicks, as well as several
new adjuncts: Dr. Grahm McAleer of Loyola University
and Mr. Paul Metilly, completing his doctorate from the
Catholic University of America, in Philosophy, with Dr. Paul Seaton's
sabbatical; and Rev. Michael Triplett and
Rev. Michael Cusato, OFM, in Spirituality.
Graduation 2012
On Thursday, May 10, Cardinal Edwin O'Brien, S.T.D., Apostolic Administrator of the
Archdiocese of Baltimore and
Chancellor of the University, presided over Commencement Exercises at St. Mary's
Seminary and University. After a welcome by Rev. Thomas R. Hurst, S.S., S.T.L., Ph.D.,
President-Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University, and an invocation by
Very Rev. Thomas Ulshafer, S.S., S.T.L., Ph.D., Provincial Superior of the
American Province of the Society of St. Sulpice, forty-four students received
theological degrees from St. Mary's three faculties.
The Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology under its Praeses Rev. Timothy Kulbicki,
OFM Conv., H.E.D., conferred sixteen Baccalaureates in Sacred Theology and four
Licentiates in Sacred Theology. The School of Theology under its Dean Fr. Kulbicki
conferred three Bachelors of Arts, three Masters of Arts (Theology), and thirteen
Masters of Divinity.
The Ecumenical Institute of Theology under its Dean Dr. Michael Gorman, M.Div., Ph.D.,
conferred fourteen Masters of Arts (Theology), seven Masters of Arts (Church Ministries),
and one Certificate of Advanced Studies (Theology).
St. Mary's Seminary and University also conferred two Doctorates of Divinity, honoris
causa, upon Rev. Msgr. Arthur Bastress of the Archdiocese of Baltimore for his faithful
priestly ministry, and upon the Right Reverend Nicholas Thomas Wright, for all his
contributions to the academy and to the Church universal. N.T. Wright, the Anglican
Bishop Emeritus of Durham and currently Research Professor of New Testament and Early
Christianity at the University of St. Andrews, a prolific theological author and
presenter, delivered the Commencement Address. Bishop Wright invited the graduates,
both those to be ordained to ministry and those who witness to Christ in the world,
to be true disciples of Christ, both in all the sorrows and in all the glories,
recognizing that both are proper to true disciples.
End of Year Celebration
The seminary community marked the end of the academic year on Sunday, May 6, with a
Eucharist presided by President-Rector Rev. Thomas R. Hurst, S.S. At the banquet
following the Eucharist, the seminary community bid formal farewell to the sixteen
seminarians who have completed initial formation, as well as to student priests
having completed their degrees of Licentiate in Sacred Theology and to seminarians
going on pastoral year to their dioceses. The community also bid formal farewells
to two members of the faculty: Rev. William Miller, S.J., who is taking a new
position at Loyola University Maryland, and Rev. Hy Nguyen, S.S., who has been
assigned to a dual appointment at Oblate School of Theology and Assumption
Seminary in San Antonio, TX.
Requiescat in Pace
St. Mary's Seminary and University is saddened by the sudden death of
+Rev. John Bowen, S.S., on May 7, at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, MD, at
the age of eighty-seven.
+Fr. Bowen was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 1949,
joined the Society of St. Sulpice in 1952, and earned a Licentiate in Sacred
Theology and a graduate degree in history from The Catholic University of America.
After service at high school seminaries at St. Charles College, Catonsville,
MD, and in Kenmore, WA, and Seattle, WA, in 1980 +Fr. Bowen became Archivist
of the Associated Sulpicians, a position he held until his formal retirement
in 1995. Even after official retirement +Fr. Bowen remained very active in
ministry assistance, as Vice-Postulator for the cause of Mother Mary Lange,
OSP, as an extraordinary confessor for the seminarians, and as indefatigable
editor of St. Mary's Seminary and University's Class Notes. +Fr. Bowen
was a walking archive of knowledge of St. Mary's alumni and their life and
service in their respective dioceses, and weekly combed dozens of diocesan
newspapers for news and happenings of our far-flung alumni. His contributions
will be deeply missed not only by the current seminary community, but by all
our wider alumni community. In 2011 President Rector Rev. Thomas R. Hurst, S.S.,
conferred on +Fr. Bowen the Olier Medal as an outstanding priestly alumnus.
+Fr. Bowen funeral liturgy will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel
in Catonsville at his request, on Tuesday, May 15, at 11AM. The seminary community
will remember +Fr. Bowen when it reassembles in the Fall. May this good and
faithful servant rest in the Lord's peace, and come to the life promised him
and us through the Paschal Mystery.
Seminary Faculty Recognizes Outstanding Students
Thanks to generous endowments on the part of its benefactors, each year St. Mary's
Seminary recognizes the excellence of two of its seminarians by granting them a
burse of studies to further aid and foster their education. In recognition of
his general excellence in studies; general excellence in spiritual and community
leadership; potential for ministry; and pastoral sensitivity to ecumenical and
interfaith issues, the faculty has named Brian Lewis as the Cardinal Keeler
Scholar for 2012-2013. Brian, 42, is a seminarian of the Diocese of Wilmington.
He will be ordained a transitional deacon in his diocese on June 16, and return
next year to St. Mary's to complete his priestly formation. In recognition of his
general excellence in studies; general excellence in spiritual and community
leadership; and potential for ministry, the faculty has named Tyler Bandura as the
Cardinal Shehan Scholar for 2012-2013. Tyler, 26, is a seminarian of the Diocese of
Greensburg. After a summer assignment in his diocese, he will return next year to
St. Mary's to complete his priestly formation, and be ordained a transitional
deacon in his diocese in December.
Welcome Archbishop Lori!
On March 20, 2012, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI named Most Reverend William E. Lori as
Archbishop of Baltimore. Archbishop Lori, a Kentucky native, holds an undergraduate degree
from St. Pius X Seminary (Erlanger, KY); a graduate degree from Mt. St. Mary's Seminary and
University (Emmitsburg, MD); and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University
of America. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Washington in 1977, where he
served as Secretary to James Cardinal Hickey, Chancellor, Moderator of the Curia, Vicar
General, and, in 1995, Auxiliary Bishop and Titular Bishop of Bulla. He was named Bishop
of Bridgeport in 2001.
In the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Lori has been or is
involved in the Committee on Doctrine; the ad-hoc Committee on Universities and Colleges;
the Committee on Pro-Life Activities; the ad-hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage;
the ad hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse; and the ad hoc Committee for Religious Liberty.
He is also the Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, founded by St. Mary's alumnus
Venerable Fr. Michael McGivney.
Archbishop Lori will be installed as the Sixteenth Archbishop of Baltimore on May 16, 2012
at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. As Archbishop of
Baltimore he is, ex officio, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary's Seminary
and University and Chancellor of St. Mary's Ecclesiastical Faculty, and in the Sulpician
tradition, is the first superior of the seminary. We welcome his ministry and service
among us, and promise him our prayerful support and collaboration.
Rev. Dr. Brent Laytham Named Ecumenical Institute of Theology Dean
March 19, 2012 — Rev. Dr. Brent Laytham of North Park Theological Seminary in
Chicago has been named the new Dean of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology of St. Mary's
Seminary & University in Baltimore. Fr. Thomas R. Hurst, S.S., St. Mary's President Rector,
made the announcement after a six-month national search. His appointment is effective July 1,
2012.
In his announcement Father Hurst noted that Dr. Laytham is an excellent theologian who brings
both pastoral and administrative experience to his new position. Furthermore, he stated, "I am
looking forward to working with Dr. Laytham so that we may continue to build the programs of
the Ecumenical Institute in the great tradition set by Dr. Gorman and to face the new challenges
that present themselves in the twenty-first century."
Dr. Laytham, 49, is currently professor of Theology and Ethics at North Park, where he is also
the acting Associate Dean for Academic Operations. He earned his Master of Divinity from
Nazarene Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in religion from Duke University.
More information.
Requiescat in Pace
St. Mary's Seminary and University is saddened by the death of +Rev. William J. Lee, S.S., on
February 19, at St. Martin's Home in Catonsville, MD, at the age of eighty-nine.
+Fr. Lee was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland in 1946, joined the Society of
St. Sulpice in 1949, and earned his graduate and doctorate degrees in economics from
The Catholic University of America. After service at St. Joseph's College Seminary in
Mountain View, CA, and St. Edward's Seminary in Kenmore, WA, in 1958 +Fr. Lee came to
St. Mary's Seminary on Paca Street, where he served both as Academic Dean and Rector,
moving to the Liberal Arts College in Catonsville in 1969 as Rector, and in 1972 becoming
the thirteenth President of St. Mary's Seminary and University in Roland Park. He also
served as Provincial Secretary 1981-1992.
The seminary community will remember +Fr. Lee at a month's mind Mass on March 19. May
this good and faithful servant rest in the Lord's peace, and come to the life promised
him and us through the Paschal Mystery.
LECTORS & ACOLYTES
On Thursday, February 9 2011, sixteen seminarians from the Archdioceses of Baltimore
and Gulu (Uganda) and the Dioceses of Camden, Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Richmond, and
Trenton were installed in the Ministry of Lector. Fourteen seminarians from the
Archdiocese of Košice (Slovakia) and the Dioceses of Manchester, Portland, Richmond,
Rochester, Syracuse, Trenton, Wheeling-Charleston, and Worcester were installed in
the Ministry of Acolyte. Bishop David Zubik (SMSU '75) of the Diocese of Pittsburgh
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!
Prayer for Christian Unity
As part of their course of studies in PS520 Pastoral Ministry in an Ecumenical and Interfaith
Context, taught by Rev. Robert F. Leavitt, S.S., the fourth year seminarians are preparing a
prayer service for Christian Unity based on the theme "We Will All Be Changed by the Victory
of Our Lord Jesus Christ" (1Cor. 15:51-58).
The service will take place on Wednesday, February 15, 7:00PM, in the seminary chapel, with
Rev. Andrew Foster Connor of Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church in Baltimore preaching.
All are welcome, and please commit yourself to work and prayer for the unity of all Christians.
Download a Flyer
Seminarians March for Life
The community of St. Mary's Seminary and University was fully represented at the various
activities associated with the Right to Life anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court
decision, January 22, 1973, organized by Mr. Dane Connelly, a first-year theologian of the
Diocese of Syracuse and chair of the seminary Right to Life subcommittee.
On Sunday evening, January 22, a group of seminarians joined Cardinal Daniel DiNardo,
the chair of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Pro-Life Committee and an
estimated 18,000 others in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception for a Vigil Mass.
On Monday morning other seminarians and faculty departed shortly before 6 AM on a
chartered bus, using the travel time for prayer and reflection. They joined 15,000
other young people for a morning Youth Rally for Life at Washington's Verizon Center
(another 10,000 participated in a simultaneous rally at the DC Armory), beginning at
8 AM with a contemporary music rally, opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation,
and the praying of the Rosary before a 10 AM Eucharistic celebration presided by
Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington. Those in seminary formation or in
discernment for priestly life and ministry or religious life were particularly highlighted
for prayer. The community then traveled to the Washington Monument, the gathering spot for
approximately 100,000 marchers. The final destination, the United States Supreme Court
building, was the sight of the seminary community gathered in prayer for an end to abortion
in our land and the protection of the right to life of all people. The seminary community
re-gathered for a pizza dinner in the Donnelly Lounge that evening.
Congratulations!
Our heartfelt prayers and best wishes go to Cardinal-Designate Edwin F. O'Brien,
Pro-Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher in
Jerusalem, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Chancellor
of St. Mary's Seminary and University, upon being named to the College of Cardinals
by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.
The College of Cardinals has the duty of aiding the Successor of St. Peter in his
ministry of confirming his brothers and sisters in the faith, and of being the
foundation and principle of unity and communion in the Church. The College of
Cardinals also has the duty of electing the Successor of St. Peter, and governing
the Church in the interregnum.
President-Rector Rev. Thomas R. Hurst, S.S., plans on representing the seminary
at the consistory to be held in Rome on February 18.
Merry Christmas from St. Mary's
The seminary community celebrated the traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols
on December 6 under the musical direction of Mr. Paul Binko, Director of Music.
The gifts gathered for the Gift of the Magi, a giving-tree program, were blessed
and taken for distribution. Seminarians, faculty members, staff, and Ecumenical
Institute students donated 186 gifts distributed to an agency serving homeless
families; an after-school safe haven for poor children; a tuition-free
middle-school academy; a Missionaries of Charity hospice; and Afghani children.
On December 9 the seminary community celebrated its Christmas. During the
Eucharist President-Rector Rev. Thomas Hurst, S.S., reminded the community to be
attentive not only to the great Advent figures like the prophet Isaiah and John
the Baptist, but also to the more humble figures we regularly meet, symbolized
by St. Juan Diego.
With their semester examinations completed, seminarians returned home to their
dioceses and families. Pre- and First Theologians will return for their preached
class retreats in the first week of January.
A Blessed Christmas and joyful New Year’s to all!
Organ Rededication
On Monday, November 21, St. Mary's celebrated the Sulpician Feast of the Presentation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple, which is also the patronal feast of the
seminary chapel. During the liturgy Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien, Apostolic Administrator
of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the
Knights of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, blessed the newly restored organ, together
with seminary Rector Rev. Thomas R. Hurst, S.S., and Sulpician Provincial Very Rev.
Thomas R. Ulshafer, S.S.
This is the first restoration of the historic organ since its installation by
Casavant Frères of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, in 1954. Beginning last Spring, Casavant
Frères disassembled the more than 2000 separate pipes and 2500 separate other
mechanisms, shipping them to Canada for individual restoration. The reassembly
began this Fall, together with the addition of new stops and features, all under
the direction of Paul Binko, seminary Director of Music. The restoration was
funded through the generous support of the Jenkins Family in establishing the
original endowment for the St. Charles College Chapel in Catonsville and the
Seminary music program. The organ will be prominently featured in the 2011
Annual Report, and a rededicatory concert is being planned for Fall, 2012.
Following the liturgy, the seminary community presented a gift of thanksgiving
to Archbishop O'Brien for his generous service to the seminary community as
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chancellor of the Ecclesiastical Faculty,
and, in the Sulpician tradition, first superior of the seminary.
Candidacy
On Thursday, November 17, 2011, thirteen seminarians—Angel Marrero and Hamilton Okeke
of the Archdiocese of Baltimore; Francis Kim and Kevin Mohan of the Diocese of Camden;
Christopher Lubecke of the Archdiocese of Louisville; Juan Gaviria and Ebaristo Pineda
of the Diocese of Metuchen; Andres Baquero and Kamil Wierzbicki of the Diocese of Paterson;
and Jorge Bedoya, Elvio Esteban, Augusto Gamalo, and Juan Rojas of the Diocese of Trenton —
were admitted into Candidacy by the Most Reverend Edwin F. O’Brien, Pro-Grand Master
of the Sovereign Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcherin Jerusalem, Apostolic
Administrator of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Chancellor of St. Mary’s Seminary
and University.
Candidacy is a liturgical rite of admission requested by a seminarian of his own
Ordinary, which formally acknowledges and enrolls him as a candidate for Sacred Orders.
Congratulations!
Miroslav Volf Delivers Dunning Lecture
On Thursday, November 10, Dr. Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of
Theology at Yale University Divinity School and director of the Yale
Center for Faith and Culture, delivered a stimulating Dunning Lecture
at St. Mary's Seminary and University entitled "Do Muslims and Christians
Worship the Same God?" to an appreciative crowd of about 400 listeners.
The lecture was preceded by an afternoon seminar entitled "The Church
and the Global Common Good," in which Professor Volf served on a panel
with the leadership of Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox, and evangelical
world relief agencies, attended by approximately 75 area religious
leaders as well as Ecumenical Institute alums and students.
The Dunning Lecture is an endowed lectureship of St. Mary's Ecumenical
Institute of Theology designed to bring noteworthy and distinguished
theologians and religious scholars to Roland Park and the Baltimore-area public.
New Pastors' Program
From November 6-10, thirty new or soon-to-be-named pastors from the Congregation
of the Holy Cross and the dioceses of Dallas, Erie, Grand Rapids, Lafayette (IN),
Manchester, Pittsburgh, Richmond, and Wilmington gathered at St. Mary's Center
for Continuing Formation for a workshop addressing this transition in their
priestly life and ministry.
On the first full day, presentations focused on "The Pastor as Person" (self
assessment; facing challenges; canonical role of pastor; personal
emotional/physical health). On the second day focus shifted to "The Pastor
as Leader in Communion", with presentations on theology of communio; civil
law and administration; mergers and transitions; human resource management).
Day Three saw "The Pastor as Steward", focusing on council and staff;
financing and budgeting; physical plant; stewardship and fundraising.
The final day was a conference of spiritual encouragement on St. Peter
as a transformed shepherd.
The next New Pastors' workshop is scheduled for November, 2012,
at the Center for Continuing Formation. Other upcoming programs
include Pastoring in a Secular Age (April); a conversation with
recently ordained (April); Internet pornography (reserved for
Bishops and their vicars) in May; and Senior Priests' Retreat (May).
Check the Center's web page for
more information.
Alumni Days - 2011
On October 19-20, more than 120 alumni from St. Charles Seminary in Catonsville,
St. Mary's Seminary on Paca Street, and St. Mary's Seminary and University in
Roland Park gathered for the annual celebration of Alumni Days. The priestly
Golden Jubilarians of the Class of 1961 and the priestly Silver Jubilarians
of the Class of 1986 were particularly well represented, as were St. Mary's
1966, St. Charles 1961, and St. Charles 1951, who celebrated with two bishop alumni.
Festivities began on Wednesday with Evening Prayer followed by a cocktail
reception, after which the various classes gathered in area restaurants for
dinner. During the Evening Prayer homily President-Rector Rev. Thomas R.
Hurst, S.S. (SMS '73) reflected on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary as
the Seat of Wisdom for a pastor. Thursday's liturgy was celebrated by
Bishop William Houck, Bishop-Emeritus of Jackson, MS, (SMS '51), with
Rev. Msgr. Richard Bozzelli (SMS '93), Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in
Glen Burnie, MD, and member of St. Mary's Board of Trustees, as homilist,
who spoke of Christ the Good Shepherd as the model for pastors
(read the homily).
During Thursday's banquet Fr. Hurst presented Rev. John Bowen, S.S. (SCC '44
and SMS '49) with the seminary's Jean Jacques Olier Distinguished Alumnus
Award. Fr. Bowen has had a long and distinguished priestly career, with
professional service as provincial archivist and historian. St. Mary's
is particularly grateful to Fr. Bowen for his tireless and decades-long
service in fostering alumni relations through his contributions to St.
Mary's Class Notes.
It's not too soon to begin planning for Alumni Days, 2012!
Michael J. Gorman Appointed to St. Mary's Raymond E. Brown Chair
October 11, 2011 — St. Mary's President Rector Rev. Thomas R. Hurst is pleased
to announce that Dr. Michael J. Gorman has been appointed to the Raymond E. Brown
Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology, which has been established at St. Mary's
Seminary and University by the U.S. Province of the Society of St. Sulpice.
The Society of St. Sulpice endowed this new chair to recognize Fr. Brown's
outstanding contributions to New Testament studies, to seminary formation,
and to ecumenism and interfaith relations. The appointment is effective July 1, 2012.
Over the last twenty years Dr. Gorman has contributed to the life of both the
Ecumenical Institute and the School of Theology by his outstanding teaching,
careful administration, and distinguished scholarship.
More information.
Student Government
As part of the Sulpician characteristic of communauté éducatrice, i.e. the
community as an agent of formation, St. Mary's encourages seminarians to take
an active part in leadership and community building as training for future priestly
ministry. Student government is an appropriate vehicle for such participation, as it
seeks to promote the orderly structuring and administration of all seminarian
initiated services and events, and to provide for seminarian participation in the
administration of those services and events that are joint faculty and seminarian
initiatives.
Last Spring the seminarian community elected Rev. Mr. Alan Tremblay
(Manchester, 4T) as Student Body President. In that role he acts as student
representative to the Rector, serving as the seminarian representative at
appropriate public ceremonies, liturgical celebrations, and all meetings of
the Board of Trustees. He chairs the House Council, a joint faculty/student
body which serves as a sounding board on formational, community, and academic
issues. Joining him on the House Council are recently elected Presidents from
each class: Rev. Mr. Charles Pawlowski (Manchester, 4T); Ebaristo Pineda
(Metuchen, 3T); Daniel Cogut (Richmond, 2T); Dane Connelly (Syracuse, 1T);
and Christopher Colavito (Trenton, PT).
The House Council has three standing committees. The Liturgy Committee is
responsible, under the direction of the Faculty Council and the House Council,
for planning and coordinating the liturgical life of the seminary. Last Spring
the seminarian community elected Rev. Mr. Steven Roth (Baltimore, 4T)
as Chair of the Liturgy Community, together with recently elected representatives
from each class: Rev. Mr. Andres Serna (Trenton, 4T); Augusto Gamalo (Trenton, 3T);
Matthew Jones (Rochester, 2T); Michael Sartori (Manchester, 1T); and Daniel Price
(Wheeling-Charleston, PT).
The Peace and Justice Committee budgets, coordinates, and plans activities which
promote peace and justice as set out in its vision statement and as designated by
the Sulpician Provincial Council and the Faculty Council. Last Spring the seminarian
community elected Rev. Mr. Christopher Hess (Richmond, 4T) as its
chair. He is assisted on the committee by student volunteers responsible for various
facets of its work.
The Community Life Committee budgets, coordinates, and plans activities to help
build morale among members of the seminary community and seeks to draw the community
together as it focuses on human formation. Last Spring the seminarian community
elected Michael Zgonc (Manchester, 2T) as its chair. He is assisted
on the committee by student volunteers responsible for various facets of its work.
Requiescant in Pace
Representatives from the alumni, students, and faculty joined Rev. Msgr. David Fulton,
Associate Professor of Moral Theology, at the funeral of his mother +Bertha Fulton,
at St. Colman Church in Ardmore, PA, on September 20. She died one week short of
her 98th birthday.
On September 26 former faculty member and current member of the Board of Trustees
Rev. Philip Keane, S.S., joined the St. Mary’s community and Baltimore-area friends
for a Memorial Mass for his mother +Harriet Keane of DeWitt, NY, who died on July 12
at the age of 100.
May they rest in peace.
Welcome to New Faculty
St. Mary's Seminary and University is pleased to welcome two new members of the seminary
faculty. Fr. Leonardo Gajardo is a priest of the Diocese of Gary (IN) and a candidate
member of the Society of St. Sulpice. He earned both his Bachelor of Sacred Theology
and Licentiate in Canon Law degrees from The Catholic University of America, and comes
to St. Mary's as Assistant Professor of Canon Law and Assistant Director of Liturgy.
Fr. Rafael Ramirez is a priest of the Diocese of Cancún-Chetumal (Mexico) and a candidate
member of the Society of St. Sulpice. He earned both a Licentiate and a Doctorate in Sacred
Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute. He comes to St. Mary's as Assistant Professor
of Sacred Scripture after a varied career including teaching at the Pontifical Athenaeum
Regina Apostolorum in Rome and Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, as well as pastoral
and administrative experience in Mexico, Italy, and Switzerland.
St. Mary's also welcomes several new adjuncts: Rev. Thomas Burke, O.SS.T., (SMSU '78) and
former Vice Rector and faculty member, in Systematic Theology; Rev. Patrick Carrion (SMSU '82)
in Pastoral Theology; Deacon Michael Dvorak in Pastoral Theology; Deacon George Russell in
Philosophy; and Mr. James Stroud, completing his STD from the Catholic University of America,
in Moral Theology.
Welcome New Students
St. Mary's Seminary and University welcomes twenty-three new seminarians and one
resident priest student to its seminary community. Student leadership and seminarian
volunteers helped the new seminarians move in and feel welcomed and at home at
St. Mary's during its 2011 Introduction to Seminary Life Program, August 25-29.
The new arrivals come from twelve dioceses, but with origins from around the world:
Colombia, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Hungary, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Zambia,
and the United States. The Welcome to Seminary Life Program includes introductory
conferences on Sulpician formational community, the four pillars of formation as
outlined by Pope John Paul II in Pastores Dabo Vobis, the Liturgy of the Hours
and the Sulpician method of meditation, and the philosophical and theological
course of studies; testing of basic academic skills; and a tour of Sulpician and
Catholic Baltimore heritage. Hurricane Irene was an unexpected orientation guest,
who caused some damage to tree branches but otherwise disrupted nothing.
The average age of the new seminarians is slightly over twenty-nine. Most of the new
seminarians have already been in some form of priestly formation — high school,
college, major seminary, or religious life. Their academic background includes
undergraduate degrees from a number of institutions, including Allegheny College,
California University of Pennsylvania, Duquesne University, Edinboro University of
Pennsylvania, Gannon University, Lafayette College, Seton Hall University,
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, SUNY (Potsdam), University of New Mexico, University of
Pittsburgh, University of Puerto Rico, University of Virginia, and Wheeling Jesuit
University. Their previous careers includes baker, campus ministry, education
administration, medical equipment maintenance, railroads, retail management,
school custodian, teaching, UPS deliveryman, and US Navy linguist. They bring
the gifts and talents given them by God, and offer them for service to God's People.
With the arrival of returning seminarians on August 29, the community reassembles
for a traditional Baltimore crab feast/bull roast. The following day the emphasis
shifts to quiet and reflection, with the annual retreat, preached this year by
Most. Rev. Emilius Goulet, S.S., Archbishop Emeritus of St. Boniface, Canada, on
the theme "Encounter with the Living Christ."
St. Mary's Seminary & University Alumnus named Vice Rector
Father Edward J. Griswold, St. Charles
College `66 and St. Mary's Seminary `72, has been appointed Vice Rector of Saint Mary's
Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. The announcement was made on July 1st
by Father Hurst.
Father Griswold is a priest of the Diocese of Trenton and a 1972 graduate of Saint
Mary's. He was ordained at Saint Ambrose Church in Old Bridge, NJ in 1973 and then
was assigned to Saint Matthias Parish in Somerset, NJ. In 1980 he became the Director
of Vocations for the Diocese of Trenton. After a seven year term in that ministry,
Fr. Griswold moved to Chicago to become the Executive Director of the National
Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors for three years. In 1991 he became
Associate Dean of Formation at Chicago's Mundelein Seminary. Returning to the
Diocese of Trenton in 1995 he became pastor of Saint Mary's Parish in Colts Neck
for 12 years followed by his assignment as pastor of Saint Gregory the Great Parish
in Hamilton Square, NJ.
In 2009 Father Griswold joined the faculty of Saint Mary's Seminary to teach
Homiletics and to direct the Pastoral Formation Program. Until his appointment
as Vice Rector, he had been serving as Dean of Students as well. In spring 2011
Father Hurst appointed Fr. Griswold to the Henry J. and Marion I. Knott Chair in
Homiletics in recognition of his work with the seminarians in exegetical and
communications for effective preaching.
Father Griswold holds graduate degrees in Theology from Saint Mary's and
in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University. He received his Doctor
of Ministry Degree in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in Saint
Louis, Missouri in 2008.
Dean Gorman to Become Research Professor
June 29, 2011 — Fr. Thomas R. Hurst, President Rector
of St. Mary's Seminary & University, has announced that after more than 18 years in the Dean’s
office of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology, Dr. Michael Gorman will step down at the end of the 2011–
2012 academic year, June 30, 2012. Dr. Gorman, who is also a full professor of Scripture at St. Mary’s,
will assume the newly created position of Distinguished Research Professor of Sacred Scripture on July 1, 2012.
In making the announcement, Fr. Hurst expressed his gratitude to Dr. Gorman for his many years of leadership
in the E.I. “Dr. Gorman has steadily guided the E.I. to the place of academic, spiritual, and ministerial
strength that it is today. We are all thankful for his commitment and hard work during the last two decades.”
More information.
St. Mary's Bookstore is Moving
St. Mary's Seminary & University is transitioning from an
in-house bookstore to an on-line book service. The bookstore is currently closed for the transition.
A new on-line book service will be available to students on or about July 11th, and the plan is to continue
to expand the on-line offerings to all patrons by December 2011.
St. Mary's is proud of the service that its bookstore has provided faculty and students at St. Mary's
as well as the general public. It also appreciates the patronage of our bookstore customers but, like
many small bookstores, has found that many previous and potential users are now seeking an online option
for purchasing books. We will continue to update the progress of our online bookstore on our website
and in our institutional publications.
2011 Graduation
On Thursday, May 12, Archbishop Edwin
O’Brien, S.T.D., Archbishop of Baltimore and Chancellor of the University, presided
over Commencement Exercises at St. Mary’s Seminary and University. After a welcome
by Rev. Thomas R. Hurst, S.S., S.T.L., Ph.D., President-Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the
University, and an invocation by Very Rev. Thomas Ulshafer, S.S., S.T.L., Ph.D.,
Provincial Superior of the American Province of the Society of St. Sulpice, thirty-seven
students received theological degrees from St. Mary’s three faculties.
The Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology under its Praeses Rev. Timothy Kulbicki, OFM Conv.,
H.E.D., conferred eight Baccalaureates in Sacred Theology and one Licentiate in Sacred Theology.
The School of Theology under its Dean Fr. Kulbicki conferred two Bachelors of Arts (Humanities),
two Bachelors of Arts (Theology), three Masters of Arts (Theology), and seven Masters of Divinity.
The Ecumenical Institute of Theology under its Dean Dr. Michael Gorman, M.Div., Ph.D., conferred
fifteen Masters of Arts (Theology), six Masters of Arts (Church Ministries), and two Certificates
in Advanced Studies (Theology).
St. Mary’s Seminary and University also conferred a
Doctorate of Divinity, honoris causa, upon Rev. Dr. Eugene Peterson, Professor Emeritus of
Spiritual Theology at Regent College, for his contributions to the spiritual life and pastoral
ministry of people of many different Christian traditions. Dr. Peterson, the author of thirty-six
books, also delivered the Commencement Address on Jesus and His Friends, inviting the graduates
to deeper friendship with the Lord Jesus.
A Retirement Milestone
The seminarians honored faculty and staff for their work at St. Mary’s at a special event on May 4th. Mrs. Helena Terry, (pictured with fellow Chartwells employee Karen Garris) was honored for having the longest tenure. Mrs. Helena is retiring after 42 years of service. Father Hurst noted that Helena came when he was in First Theology and on behalf of the institution thanked her for her work and her prayers for the community throughout the years
Seminary Faculty Recognizes Outstanding Students
Thanks to generous endowments on the part of
its benefactors, each year St. Mary's Seminary recognizes the excellence of two of its seminarians
by granting them a burse of studies to further aid and foster their education.
In recognition of his general excellence in studies; general excellence in spiritual and community
leadership; potential for ministry; and pastoral sensitivity to ecumenical and interfaith issues,
the faculty has named Daniel Quinn as the Cardinal Keeler Scholar for 2011-2012. Daniel, 27,
is a seminarian of the Diocese of Albany. He will be ordained a transitional deacon in his
diocese on May 28, and return next year to St. Mary's to complete his priestly formation.
In recognition of his general excellence in studies; general excellence in spiritual and
community leadership; and potential for ministry, the faculty has named Andrew Nelson
as the Cardinal Shehan Scholar for 2011-2012. Andrew, 32, is a seminarian of the Diocese
of Manchester. After a summer assignment in his diocese, he will return next year to
St. Mary's to continue his priestly formation.
Each year the Scripture faculty of St. Mary's Seminary recognizes the excellence of a
seminarian in Biblical Studies. This year the faculty recognized Eric Ayers, 42, a
seminarian of the Diocese of Richmond, who will graduate this May and be ordained a
priest in his diocese on June 18.
Seminary Celebrates Vice Rector’s 25th Anniversary
On Sunday, April 10, the seminary community marked the 25th anniversary of priestly
ordination of the Vice Rector and Dean of the School of Theology Rev. Timothy Kulbicki, OFM Conv.
Fr. Kulbicki presided at the Eucharistic liturgy, with President Rector Rev. Thomas R. Hurst, S.S.,
preaching the homily. Fr. Kulbicki spoke at the banquet following the liturgy, together with his
Minister Provincial Very Rev. James McCurry, OFM Conv., and the Provincial of the American Province
of the Society of St. Sulpice.
Fr. Kulbicki came to St. Mary’s in 1997 after ministry service in his community’s apostolates, and
after earning his Doctorate in Ecclesiastical History at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Over the years Fr. Kulbicki has served in a number of administrative responsibilities, including
Ecclesiastical Praeses, Director of Continuing Formation of Priests, and Director of Pastoral Formation.
In 2008 he was named the Robert F. Leavitt Distinguished Service Professor. He remains active in service
to his community and to the local Church, especially formation for the permanent diaconate.
Congratulations! Ad Multos Annos!
Lectors and Acolytes
On Thursday, February 3, 2011, fifteen seminarians from the Archdiocese of Baltimore
and the Dioceses of Camden, Manchester, Portland, Richmond, Rochester, Syracuse, Trenton,
Wheeling-Charleston, and Worcester were installed in the Ministry of Lector. Fifteen seminarians
from the Dioceses of Camden, Greensburg, Portland, Richmond, Syracuse, Trenton, Wilmington, and
Worcester were installed in the Ministry of Acolyte. Bishop David O'Connell of the Diocese of Trenton 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!
Seminarians March for Life
The community of St. Mary’s Seminary and University
was fully represented at the various activities associated with the Right to Life anniversary of the
Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, January 22, 1973, organized by Mr. Jeffrey Paveglio, a second-year
theologian of the Diocese of Manchester and chair of the seminary Right to Life subcommittee.
On Sunday evening a group of seminarians joined Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the chair of the United States
Catholic Conference of Bishops Pro-Life Committee and an estimated 18,000 others in the Basilica of the
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for a Vigil Mass. St. Mary’s seminarians also participated
in the all-night Eucharistic Adoration for Life at the National Shrine, assuming responsibility for the
Midnight-1 AM time slot; they were graciously offered hospitality for the night at the nearby Dominican
House of Studies.
On Monday morning other seminarians and faculty departed shortly before 6 AM on a chartered bus, using
the travel time for prayer and reflection. They joined 10,000 other young people for a morning Youth
Rally for Life at the DC Armory (another 18,000 participated in a simultaneous rally at Washington’s
Verizon Center), beginning at 8 AM with a contemporary music rally, opportunity for the Sacrament of
Reconciliation, and the praying of the Rosary before a 10 AM Eucharistic celebration presided again by
Cardinal DiNardo, at which St. Mary’s seminarians offered all liturgical ministries. Seminary Rector
Fr. Thomas Hurst, S.S., was a vested concelebrant along with other Bishops and seminary rectors; those
in formation or in discernment for priestly life and ministry or religious life were particularly
highlighted for prayer. The community then traveled to the Washington Monument, the gathering spot for
approximately 150,000 marchers. The final destination, the United States Supreme Court building, was the
sight of the seminary community gathered in prayer for an end to abortion in our land and the protection
of the right to life of all people. The seminary community re-gathered for a pizza dinner in the Donnelly
Lounge at 6 PM.
Faculty Appointment
St. Mary's Seminary and University is pleased to announce the appointment of
Rev. Msgr. David Fulton, J.C.D., S.T.D. to the Richard and Barbara Fisher Chair in Theology.
Msgr. Fulton is a priest of the Diocese of Metuchen and has served as pastor of Our Lady of
Victories Church in Baptistown, N.J. since 1988 . He holds doctorates in both canon law and
theology and has been a member of the faculty of the School of Theology at St. Mary's since 2006.
He teaches courses in both canon law and moral theology as well as serving as a spiritual director.
The Richard and Barbara Fisher Chair in Theology was established in August, 2001, by Richard
and Barbara Fisher. The endowment supports the theological work of the Faculty of St. Mary's
Seminary & University. In particular, the chair supports a professor in theology with special
competency in the magisterial teaching of Pope John Paul II regarding faith and morals.
Student Government
As part of the Sulpician characteristic of communauté éducatrice, i.e. the community as an agent of formation, St. Mary’s encourages seminarians to take an active part in leadership and community building as training for future priestly ministry. Student government seeks to promote the orderly structuring and administration of all seminarian initiated services and events, and to provide for seminarian participation in the administration of those services and events that are joint faculty and seminarian initiatives.
Last Spring the seminarian community elected Rev. Mr. Brian Capuano (Richmond, 4T) as Student Body President. Joining him on the House Council are recently elected Presidents from each class: Rev. Mr. Jason Feigh (Erie, 4T); Jhon Madrid (Paterson, 3T); Tyler Bandura (Greensburg, 2T); Zachary Inman (Syracuse, 1T); and Zachary Goodier (Syracuse, PT).
Also elected were: Jason Hage (Syracuse, 2T) as Chair of the Liturgy Committee, together with recently elected representatives from each class: Rev. Mr. Matthew Hardesty (Louisville, 4T); Steven Roth (Baltimore, 3T); Jorge Bedoya (Trenton, 2T); Zachary Miller (Syracuse, 1T); and Lance Martin (Wilmington, PT); Brian Lewis (Wilmington, 2T) as Chair of the Peace and Justice Committee; and Andrew Nelson (Manchester, 2T) as chair of the Community Life Committee.
Welcome New Students
St. Mary’s Seminary & University welcomes twenty-five new seminarians and two resident priest students to its seminary community. Student leadership and seminarian volunteers helped the new seminarians move in and feel welcomed during its 2010 Introduction to Seminary Life Program, August 26-30. The new arrivals come from fifteen dioceses, but with origins from around the world: Cameroon, Colombia, Haiti, Philippines, Poland, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia, and the United States. The Welcome to Seminary Life Program includes introductory conferences on Sulpician formational community, the four pillars of formation as outlined by Pope John Paul II in Pastores Dabo Vobis, the Liturgy of the Hours and the Sulpician method of meditation, and the philosophical and theological course of studies; testing of basic academic skills; and a tour of Sulpician and Catholic Baltimore heritage.
First Anniversary Mass
On Friday September 10th at 11:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Seminary & University Community will celebrate a first anniversary Mass of the death of Father Anthony Perez, S.S. Father Tony continues to be remembered with great reverence and affection by seminarians, faculty, staff and alumni. This first anniversary will be another opportunity to continue Father Tony’s memory in the community and to recall how he has touched the lives of so many of us. Guests are, of course, welcome.
Another St. Mary's Alumnus Named Bishop
On Saturday May 29th, St. Mary’s alumnus Father Charles Kasonde (STL, 2008) was installed as the Bishop of the Diocese of Solwezi in Zambia by the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Nicolas Girasoli. It was a joyous celebration at the Cathedral of St. Daniel with most of the bishops of Zambia participating in the Mass which was filled with music and dancing. After the ceremony, the newly installed bishop spent three hours greeting the many people who attended.
Erected as an Apostolic Prefecture in 1959, Solwezi was then established as a diocese in 1976. The diocese covers 35,000 square miles and serves 70,000 Catholics. There are 20 parishes with 30 priests and 80 religious men and women serving in the diocese.
Bishop Kasonde is one of six Zambian priests who have completed their STL at St. Mary’s in the last few years. It is a privilege for St. Mary’s to assist the Church of Zambia where the Sulpicians have ministered for over twenty years. The young Zambian priests who live with us for two years while doing further graduate work enrich our community by their seriousness of purpose and dedication to priestly ministry. We are now proud to have another bishop alumnus from this historic seminary. We keep Bishop Charles and his diocese in our prayers.
St. Mary's Alumnus Named Bishop
On Saturday, May 22, our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI named Fr. F. Richard Spencer (SMSU ’87) as Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, assigning him the titular see of Auzia.
Bishop-Elect Spencer was born in Sylacauga, AL, in 1951. Prior to entering seminary, he served in the United States Army and earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University, and a Master’s in Education in Administration from the University of Wisconsin. He earned his Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Sacred Theology from St. Mary’s in 1987.
After priestly ordination for the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 1988, he served as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Parish, Glyndon; co-director and then director at Msgr. O’Dwyer Retreat House in Sparks; and Administrator of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Oakland. He returned to active military duty in 1999, serving in South Korea, the Sinai Desert, Iraq, and at the Pentagon Office of Army Chief Chaplains, as well as specialized studies at the General Staff College in Leavenworth, KS. Since 2009 he is Deputy Command Chaplain for the United States Army in Europe.
Lectors and Acolytes
On Thursday, February 4, 2010, thirteen seminarians from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Dioceses of Camden, Greensburg, Portland, Richmond, Syracuse, Trenton, and Wilmington were installed in the Ministry of Lector. Twenty-one seminarians from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Dioceses of Albany, Camden, Manchester, Paterson, Syracuse, Trenton, and Wilmington were installed in the Ministry of Acolyte. Bishop John M. Smith of the Diocese of Trenton and a member of the Board of St. Mary’s Seminary & University presided. He was joined by Bishop Jean-Yves Riocreux (SMSU ‘75) of the Diocese of Pontoise, France, and a former Rector of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, who was visiting his alma mater.
St. Mary’s Seminarians March for Life
Organized by Mr. Christopher DeLeon, a pre-theologian of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and chair of the seminary Right to Life subcommittee, St. Mary’s Seminary & University participated in activities associated with the Right to Life March on January 22.
On Thursday evening a group of seminarians joined Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the Chair of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Pro-Life Committee and an estimated 18,000 others in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for a Vigil Mass. St. Mary’s seminarians also participated in the all-night Eucharistic Adoration for Life at the National Shrine, assuming responsibility for the 2-3 AM time slot.
On Friday morning other seminarians and faculty departed shortly before 6 AM on a chartered bus, using the travel time for prayer and reflection. They joined 20,000 other young people for a morning Youth Rally for Life at Washington’s Verizon Center, and then joined 150,000 marchers at the Washington Monument. The final destination, the United States Supreme Court building, was the sight of the seminary community gathered in prayer for an end to abortion in our land and the protection of the right to life of all people.
Candidacy
On Thursday, November 12, 2009, five seminarians—James Akwarandu of the Archdiocese of Baltimore; Carlos Florez of the Diocese of Trenton; Matthew Hardesty of the Archdiocese of Louisville; Marcin Nowicki of the Diocese of Worcester; and James Schultz of the Diocese of Syracuse—were admitted into Candidacy by the Most Reverend Richard B. Higgins, Auxiliary Bishop for Military Services.
Candidacy is a liturgical rite of admission requested by a seminarian of his own Ordinary, which formally acknowledges and enrolls him as a candidate for Sacred Orders.
Congratulations!
