Spring/Summer 1998 Rector's Corner

Most of the time I use this column to highlight the physical or programmatic improvements that we have been able to complete due to the generosity of you, our benefactors. This time I want to concentrate on the reason for all these temporal blessings, the reason all of you support us: because we are engaged in the sacred and noble enterprise of forming priests after the mind and heart of Christ! Everything we do in the natural order- expansion, renovation, modernization of facilities, scholarships, new programs- is only to help us achieve our single supernatural goal: to prepare men to be faithful, holy, and effective priests.

The only way this can happen is to inspire our men to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. The Holy Father recently remarked to priests, "Love for Jesus and His Church must be the passion of your life. " Simply put, we urge our men so to know, love, and serve Jesus that they actually become one with Him, so united to Him that they will actually act in His Person as a priest. Not only that, but so intimately united are they to Our Lord that they love His Bride, the Church.

Heady stuff, all of that, I admit... but this goal of our program of spiritual formation -how is it done? I wish I could explain it succinctly, but that is tough to do! Let me try to put it this way: there is both a programmatic and an atmospheric component to our spiritual formation. Our program offers the method, the way to achieve this passionate love of Christ and His Church: daily Mass, instruction and encouragement in daily prayer, communal morning and evening prayer in the Divine Office, trust in spiritual direction, an annual retreat and periodic days of recollection, emphasis on devotion to the Eucharist and to the Blessed Mother, a reliance on the sacrament of penance, and time honored practices such as spiritual readings and acts of self denial.

But important as well is the atmosphere of the College. Last year one of our new seminarians commented to me,"Here I am comfortable speaking about Jesus, my faith, my love of the Church. Here my brother seminarians encourage me and challenge me. Here I am surrounded by men who take holiness and growth in virtue very seriously." Now, that's what I mean by an atmosphere that is an essential part of our spiritual formation.

As Pope John Paul II teaches, Jesus is the head of seminary. All we can do is help our men meet Him in their prayer, in the Eucharist, in the Scriptures, in the Tradition and Teaching of the Church, in His people, in His Mother, in His saints - so evident in the great city - in His vicar on earth and in one another.

Once they know Him and love Him, they can then serve Him and His Church hurch forever as priests. You parents know the joy of seeing your grown children fall in love and give their lives to a man or woman in marriage. Here we have the happiness of seeing men "fall in love" with Christ and His Church and commit themselves to serve Him forever as a priest.

One of the most awesome moments in my life as a rector comes at the ordination ceremony, when the bishop asks me about the candidate to be ordained, "Do you know if he is worthy?" How I wish I could see into a man's soul! He is worthy, he is ready only if - deep down inside - he has come to know and love Jesus, to have heard and answered His call, and can then turn his life over to Him and His Spouse, the Church. A seminary exists to help a man arrive at this point. That's our "spiritual formation program."

When I welcome our record member of new men - 55! - on the day they arrive tired, confused, sweaty, hungry, and homesick in the College Chapel, I would comment to them, "You have left so much over the past days: family, friends, home, routine, comfort, predictability, jobs, career .. you have left it all, so you can now say with St. Paul, 'I consider all as loss when compared to surpassing gain of knowing the Lord Jesus'." There: that says it all!

Rev. Msgr. Timothy M. Dolan, '76 Dan Murphy Foundation makes gift of $500,000 to seminary

This largest foundation grant ever made to the North American College was announced recently by the Los Angeles-based Dan Murphy Foundation. The gift brings to $625,000 the total amount made in grants to the college by the Foundation since 1994, including $80,000 for a new telephone system.

The half-million dollar gift is to be used specifically for a soon to be started major electrical rewiring job at the 50-year-old seminary building. In announcing the gift to Msgr. Timothy M. Dolan, '76, rector, Richard A. Grant, Jr., foundation secretary-treasurer, wrote: "It is the hope of the Trustees that the College will be able to match these funds with funds from other sources and thereby complete the rewiring project.' Annual Rector's Dinner 'smashing success'

As always, a host of church and lay dignitaries were on hand for the Rector's Dinner. Here several cardinals, archbishops and bishops pose as a group with lay guests, who include, center left, The Honorable Lindy Boggs, American Ambassador to the Holy See. Behind her is Mr Richard A. Grant, Jr, secretaty treasurer of the Dan Murphy Foundation. Representing Sir Daniel was his sister Rosemary.

In the seven years since the Pontifical North American College has organized this festive fund raiser for the benefit of this seminary, this edition was by far the best. Four hundred forty-five guests were hosted on April 23,1998 by the priests of the Graduate House of the Casa Santa Maria and by the seminarians of the theologate on the Janiculum hill. It was a grand evening of dining, entertainment and socializing. The honorees for this 1998 annual event were His Eminence Pio Cardinal Iaghi, Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, a long-time friend of the College; and Sir Daniel Donohue, President of the Dan Murphy Foundation, which has assisted this seminary tremendously in updating its communication system. In attendance were their Eminences Bernardin Cardinal Gantin, William Cardinal Baum, C'58; William Cardinal Keeler, '56, C '61, Chairman of the Board of Governors, who presented awards to the honorees; Francesco Cardinal Colasuonno, Edouard Cardinal Gagnon, Edmund Cardinal Szoka, C'59 as well as His Excellency Most Rev. Giovanni Battista Re, Undersecretary of State.

In addition, present were the U.S. Ambassador from the United States to the Holy See, Mrs. Lindy Boggs, as well as the ambassadors to the Holy See from Italy, Israel, Taiwan, Honduras, Argentina, Egypt, and Morocco.

The seminarians worked under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Robert Jaskot, '97 (Archdiocese of Baltimore). They parked cars, checked coats, waited on tables and provided musical entertainment, directed by the Rev. Edward Smith, '82.

This evening provides the College with the opportunity to host its friends and supporters besides serving as its principal annual fund-raiser. The college realized more than $85,000 from this effort.

Church dignitaries abound at the annual Rector's Dinner which was a smashing success in April A churchman, Cardinal Pio Laghi, and a layman, Sir Daniel J. Donohue, were honored with the 1998 Rector's Award. Cardinal Lagbi is Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education; Sir Daniel is President of the Dan Murphy Foundation. Unfortunately, neither recipient could be present due to last minute personal reasons. Cardinal William Baum, C'58, accepted Cardinal Laghi's award and reads his message of appreciation, as Cardinal William Keeler, '56, C'61, President and Chairman of the College board of governors, and Msgr. Timothy Dolan, '76, rector stand by. Clare Boothe Luce tapestry graces library office

A beautiful small-stitch tapestry now offers visual pleasure to visitors to the office of Sister Rebecca Abel, 0.S.B., College librarian. Sister reports the history of the work is incorporated on the back of the embroidery: "This project was begun by Clare Boothe Luce in the year of the Great jubilee 1950 and was completed for her on May 29th of the Marian Year, 1954, the day on which Pope Pius XII canonized Pius X, his predecessor, of undying memory. The embroidered squares represent the Litany of Our Lady of Loreto. At the center a larger square represents the Queen of Heaven and Earth."

For those who want to try their skill at the Latin version, which also appears: "Opus a Clara Boothe Luce inceptum An. Maximi Jubilaei MCML pro ea absolutum est An. Mariano MCMLIV die XXIX men. Maii in qua Pius Papa MI Suum antecessorem Sanctum Pium X. Imm. Mem. Sanctorum. fastis adscripsit."

Mrs. Luce was named the Ambassador to Italy in 1953, the first woman to hold such an important post.

The historic small-stitch tapestry decorates the office of the College librarian, Sister Rebecca Seminary enrollment Abel, O.S.B., seen here with Fr. Cornelius M. McRae, spiritual director again rises dramatically

There will be approximately 170 men - including 55 "new men" - studying for the priesthood at the Pontifical North American College this fall. Last year there were 40 new men in a student of body of 145. Total enrollment at the college has risen more than 40% since 1991.

This year's entering class continues a pattern of the past few years where many of the incoming students enter the seminary after successful careers in another vocation, including teaching, law, banking and sales. Play Ball Sports are an integral part of seminary life on the Janiculum and there are some heated rivalries. Recently our men defeated their arch-rivals, the Legionaries of Christ, in both basketball and softball. Getting off soft jump shots for the North American College five are Richard J. Toohey, '01, (Diocese of Erie) and Rev. Mr. Eric T. Pohlmeier, '97, (Diocese of Little Rock). On the softball diamond, left-handed slugger Jim Morgan, '01, (Diocese of Sioux Falls) shows off the classic one-handed finish. The victorious NAC'ers were aided in the victory by the likes of the determined slugger Bob Moses '99, (Diocese of Orlando) as he prepares to "cream" one. Godspell a 'godsend' for the Hermanas Josefinas!

The seminarians performed "Godspell" in the newly renovated The Cast recreates the parable of auditorium for the benefit of the beloved Hermanas Josefinas de Lazarus and trhe Rich Man. Carefully Maxico, who serve so faithfully at the seminary. Here, Jesus, watching from the heavens is Father played by Trevor K. Murray, '01, (Diocese of Belleville) is Abraham, aka Rodney Thibault, '01, tempted in the Garden. (Diocese of Fall River)

The North American College is of many traditions, one of these being the annual charity concert. With the newly renovated auditorium and the many talented seminarians at the College, Fr. Jason A. Gray,'98 (Diocese of Peoria) last fall proposed that the musical Godspell could be performed for charity in the spring. Soon after his proposal many preparations began quickly in order that the musical would be ready by May. Godspell is a musical interpretation of the Gospel according to St. Matthew in which the parables of Jesus are brought to life by the actors. From the baptism in the Jordan to the death on the cross and the resurrection, the musical conveys the hardships and joys of living the Gospel.

Many talented members of the College were involved. Fr. Gray directed and choreographed Godspell with the help of assistant, Luke M. Sweeney, '01 (Archdiocese of New York). The cast consisted of ten actors. Jesus was played by Trevor K. Murray '01, I (Diocese of Belleville) and John the Baptist/Judas was played by Erik T. Walters, '01 (Archdiocese of Mobile). Also in the crew were Jason K. Crossen, '00 (Diocese of Davenport); Cory J. Hayes, '01 (Diocese of Lafayette); Christopher A. Layden, '01 I (Diocese of Peoria); James P. Morgan, '01 (Diocese of Sioux Falls); Rodney E. Thibault, '01 (Diocese of Fall River); Brian T.Waldbilfig, '01 (Diocese of LaCrosse); Michael Werkhoven (Diocese of Memphis); and Robert S. White, '00 (Diocese of Norwich).

The stage crew played a very important role. The music director was Christopher S. Sahd, '01 I (Diocese of Scranton) and the accompanist Frederick J. Ringley, '01 1 (Diocese of Bridgeport). Adam L. Hertzfeld, '01 (Diocese of Toledo), Daniel J. Barnett, '00 (Diocese of Spokane); Christopher H. Nalty, '99 (Archdiocese of New Orleans); and James J. Bahash, '99 (Diocese of San Diego) helped out behind the scenes. Because of the hard work and dedication of all the students involved, the musical was a great success.

Fr. Jason A. Gray, '98 (Diocese of Peoria) and Brian P. Christiansen, '99 Cory J. Hayes, '01 (Diocese of (Diocese of Rapid City) present a check to Sr. Guadalupe Mondragon, Lafayette) sings 'Day by Day' H.J., Mother Superior of the Hermanas Josefinas, who were selected as as the cast seemingly the charity to benefit from the proceeds of the play. Gray directed the contemplates: (1) his flowered production while Christiansen represented the student body as the shirt (2) his lounge style vocals chairman of the student activities committee. (3) his philosophy of life.

The students of the North American College choose the Hermanas Josefinas sisters in Africa as the beneficiary of this charity event. The sisters provide medical care, food and shelter for the people of Africa in Luanda, Muxima and Huambo, as well as training future sisters in their novitiate house. All of this work is done despite the many obstacles the sisters face. From day-to-day operations to bombs and bullets, they continue to minister to those in greater need.

The seminarians of the College have always admired the Hermanas Josefinas' dedication to those in need and in turn the students have supported the sisters in prayer as well as with financial aid. At the closing banquet this spring, Fr. Jason A. Gray,'98 (Diocese of Peoria) presented a check to the sisters for the money generated by the performance of Godspell. An additional $2,000 was contributed by the greater community of Rome for the Missions of the Hermanas Josefinas in Angola. The musical production of Godspell was a double success in its performance and in its charitable fund raising.

All of the students involved, whether actors or behind the scenes, enjoyed being able to produce Godspell for the community for charity, especially for the Hermanas Josefinas, who are so closely connected to the College. Without the renovated auditorium and the support of the students and the many friends of the college such an event would have been very difficult to make possible. In working together the students were able to share their many talents and gifts to spread the Gospel in an unconventional way - all the while raising funds for those in need. Those involved with the production of Godspell took to heart the Gospel message by dedicating their time and effort to a worthwhile cause, which showed in the performance. Jason K. Crossen '00, Diocese of Davenport The NAC Photo Album

While on his Ad Limina visit to the Holy Father the Most Rev. John Keating, '59, Bishop of Artington, was called to his eternal reward A Memorial Mass for the Dead was celebrated by William Cardinal Keeler, '56, C '61, in the College's Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Seminarians (in white) assisting the cardinal were (l to r): Matthew A. Carr, '99 (Diocese of Arlington), Samuel A. Martin,'99 (Diocese of LaCrosse) and Stephen V. Hamilton, '99 (Archdiocese of Oklahoma City), who was Master of Ceremonies. Bisbops from Region IV in Rome with Bishop Keating, concelebrated

'Secretaries' Day is a big bit in Italy too. Gathered for lunch at one of the fine local eateries we see, starting from lower left: Msgr. Timothy Dolan, '76, rector; Mrs. Gloria Denton, secretary to Msgr. Bernard Yarrish, '76, vice rector for administration; Maria Luisa Marconi, assistant to Sister Rebecca Abet, O.S.B., librarian; Sister Rebecca; Mrs. Elena Panti, secretary to Msgr. William Ogrodowski, '75, C'82, vice rector for student life; Fr. Terrence Morgan, '76, director of the Institute for Continuing Theological Education; Mrs. Lory Mondaini, secretary to the rector: Mrs. Carol Ann Salfa secretary to Fr. Morgan; and Msgr. Ogrodowski. (Msgr. Yarrish is missing from the photo because be took it! Recently, Fr. Morgan was reassigned by his bishop to become rector of the Cathedral of St. Augustine, in Florida.) Representing the people of the Diocese of Pittsburgh at the dedication of the Cardinal Wright Suite were seminarians from the diocese. The dedication and blessing ceremonies were led by Bishop Donald W. Wuerl, '67, center He is flanked by Bishop David A. Zubik and Bishop William J. Winter, '56, both Pittsburgh auxiliaries.

Two new guest suites, special gifts from private donors, were dedicated and blessed this spring. On hand for ceremonies for the Lynch-Larkin Suite was a contingent from Tampa/St Petersburg Bishop Robert Lynch, left, led the prayers for participants who included, Msgr. Timothy M. Dolan, '76, and Greg and Linda Jewell, co-donors of the suite with Charles and Toni Behr notpresent.

Bishop Thomas J. Welch (bishop Emeritus of Allentown) ordaining Christopher Pollard, '98 (Diocese of Arlington), at St Thomas More Cathedral, Arlington, VA on May 6, 1998. At left is Rev Pollard's classmate, Rev Mr Mark Knestout, '97 ( Archdiocese of Washington). who was ordained two weeks later (Photo courtesy of Catholic Herald)

Rev. Samsaim R Bianchi, '98, and the Most. Rev. Edward M. Egan, '58, C '63, Bishop of Bridgeport, pose for pictures following Father Bianchi's ordination on May 23, 1998. The new priest has been assigned to St Joseph's Parish, in Brookfield, CT. At the Farewell Banquet in May, two faculty members bid adieu as they returned to the States and new assignments. Fr. Miles D. Walsh (above) (Diocese of Baton Rouge) has been director of Apostolic and Pastoral Formation. Fr. Terry Morgan, '76 (right) Diocese of St. Augustine) was director of the Institute for Continuing Theological Education, Here he receives a "going away" gift from Gerard P. O'Connor, '00 (Diocese of Fall River).

A new addition to the College's Chapel of the Immaculate Conception is this marble block, placed in front of the altar on which is located the tabernacle reserving the Blessed Sacrament The marble step was a gift from a long-time friend of the North American College, Msgr. William Noe Field. Repairs completed on historic organ at the Casa Magnificent wood encases the 1868 masterpiece, which has two manuals (keyboards) and a pedalboard. Meanwhile, the newly restored pipes stand gleaming and ready to pour forth their glorious sound.

Thanks to $45,000 in gifts from the Cuneo Foundation, in Nile, IL, and the thoughtfulness of Mr. John F. Cuneo, the marvelous Cavaille - Coll organ, dating from 1868, is back in service at the Casa Santa Maria, the graduate house.

Though repaired in 1971, the organ had, by the 1990's, become nearly unusable. The College contracted with Barthelemy Formentelli, a specialist in historic instruments, to do the necessary work. A new blower was installed and the pipes, damaged by poor tuning practices over the years, were repaired.

When work on the pipes was finished, new connections were made to the bellows from the blower and wind pressure to the pipes was readjusted. Finally, a new pedal was installed and the keyboard was regulated.

Aristide Cavaille - Coll ( 1811-1899) was one of the great organ builders of France, according to the International Encyclopedia of Music and Musicians. He built several organs for French churches, including St. Denis and the Madeleine. He wrote three treatises on organ building, including a project in 1875 for St. Peter's, in Rome.

The College acquired the organ in 1867 when Father Chatard, the vice-rector, bought it at the Paris Exposition and had it installed in the College chapel in place of the little melodion, wrote Fr. Robert F. McNamara, '37, in The American College in Rome 1855-1955.

All repair work was done with maximum respect for the intentions of the builder and standards appropriate to the restoration of valuable historic instruments. A concert in honor of John Cuneo and the Cuneo Foundation will be held sometime in the near future.

Newsletter Staff

Matthew Carr,'99, Diocese of Arlington, Student Editor Mr. Joel Cycenas,'00, Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, Assistant Editor Mr. David Shoemaker,'OO, Archdiocese of Mobile, Photographer

Administrative Staff Rev. Msgr. Timothy M. Dolan,'76, Rector Rev. Msgr. Bernard E. Yarrish,'76, Vice Rector and Faculty Advisor Rev. Msgr. William Ogrodowski,'75, C '82, Vice Rector Rev. Msgr. Charles Elmer,'53, C '68, Superior, Casa Santa Maria Deacon Patrick W. Kennedy, Director of Development

NAC Board of Governors

Most Rev. Robert H. Brom, D.D., '64, Bishop of San Diego Most Rev Tod D. Brown, D.D., '62, Bishop of Orange Most Rev. Fabian W. Bruskewitz, D.D.,'61, C'69, Bishop of Lincoln Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson, Bishop of Sioux Falls Most Rev. Edward M. Egan, '58, C'63, Bishop of Bridgeport, Vice Chairman Most Rev. Joseph A. Galante, C'68, Bishop of Beaumont Most Rev. Richard C. Hanifen, C'68, Bishop of Colorado Springs H.E. William Cardinal Keeler, '58, C'61, Archbishop of Baltimore, Chairman Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago Most Rev. Oscar H. Lipscomb, '57, Archbishop of Mobile Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde, '66, Bishop of Ogdensburg, Secretary Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt, '73, C'77, Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit Most Rev. Donald W. Wuerl, '67, Bishop of Pittsburgh, Treasurer