For God & Country

The Magazine of St. Mary’s Seminary Summer/Fall 2019 | www.smseminary.com

Features Legacy of St. Albert | Priestly Heart | For God & Country SUMMER / FALL 2019 1 Editorial Staff 3 EDITOR’S NOTE Editor’s Note Editor Cristian Bustos Garduño, ‘23 Cristian Bustos Garduño ‘23 O come, O come Emmanuel! PRESIDENT’S REMARKS Layout and Design Rev. Mr. Michael Cellars, ‘20 We are pleased to present our Summer/Fall ‘19 edition of the Regina Cleri! As we wait for Viet Nguyen ‘24 Christ’s advent in the manger, we eagerly rejoice with joy! This semester we welcomed 4 new seminarians, our returning Pastoral Year men, and new formation staff. A new Photographers THE RECTOR’S CORNER academic year means new opportunities, a new house and a new formation team. We have been blessed Aldo Camacho ‘22 5 with talented individuals who bring an array of experiences and gifts that greatly shape the makeup of the Viet Nguyen ‘24 House. St. Mary’s Seminary is blessed to have men in formation from a variety of Dioceses who significantly CHARITY AND RADICAL HOSPITALITY Thomas Vu ‘24 contribute to the meaning of what it means to be “Catholic”—cultural formation takes place in the encounters Mrs. Kathi Kramer, M.Div. themselves, and it truly adds an element of formation that complements what St. Mary’s Seminary has to Faculty Liason offer. Mrs. Kathi Kramer, M.Div. 6 DOCTOR UNIVERSALIS: Production Assistant THE LEGACY OF ST. ALBERT THE GREAT We joyfully present this current issue to you all as we hope this offers a perspective of life in the seminary. May you all continue to pray for us as we discern our vocation to the priesthood of Jesus Christ, the High Mrs. Cathy Irantalab Sr. Albert Marie Surmanski, O.P., Ph.D. Priest. Queen of the Clergy, pray for us! 9 Administration IN A PASTOR’S SHOES Cristian Bustos Garduño, ‘23 Wayne Ly, ‘21 Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Rector Editor-in-Chief Very Rev. Trung Nguyen, J.C.L. ‘94 10 THE PRIESTLY HEART Vice Rector & Director of Human Formation Rev. Eurel Manzano, M.Div. ‘11 Rev. Vincent Anyama, S.T.D. ‘09 12 President’s Remarks Director of Spiritual Formation ST. THOMAS AQUINAS: Rev. John Rooney, M.A. OUR TEACHER & OUR GUIDE t. Mary’s Seminary is fortunate to have a Seminarian House Council. The Director of Pastoral Formation Rev. Mr. Mark Herbert, ‘20 purpose of the Council is to help me in exercising pastoral leadership and responsibility. Furthermore, it is a place to represent and express Mrs. Kathi Kramer, M.Div. 14 S the feelings and desires of the student body. The Council meets every month TEXIANORUM CŒTIBUS: to discuss and vote on issues that are brought before them by their brothers THE MISSION OF THE ORDINARIATE in the seminary. Additionally, each month there is a meeting with the entire For more information about St. Mary’s Rev. Mr. Armando Alejandro, Jr., ‘20 community to inform them of what is being done by the Council. Seminary, please visit our website at www. smseminary.com or call us at (713) 686-4345. 16 The House consists of an executive branch of President, Vice-President, This publication was written, edited, and A VOCATION WITHIN A VOCATION Treasurer, and Secretary. Furthermore, each class is represented by two photographed by the students of St. Mary’s 1st Lieutenant Callan Sweeney, ‘21 members that speak on behalf of their fellow brothers. The Council has focused Seminary. its attention on ways in which to help lead the student body in areas such as 17 charity, hospitality, and communication. It also works with the Rector to help in THE URGENCY: whatever capacity to better the seminary community. FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY 2nd Lieutenant James Craig, ‘24 As the current President, I have made it a focus to foster an awareness of charity, both in terms of the social teachings concerning subsidiarity and solidarity. With 18 funds raised from the student body, the House Council distributes aid to those LEARNING THE CULTURE in need or those affected by natural disasters. For example, this year, the Council Sam Anchondo, ‘21 sent financial gifts to both the Archdiocese of Nassau, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Dorian, and also to the Diocese of Beaumont, which was 19 recently affected by flooding.

CONTENTS LA MORENITA: STAR OF THE SEMINARY Rev. Mr. Michael Cellars, ’20 Marco Medina Cervantes, ‘24 Student Government President 2 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE Diocese of Charleston SUMMER / FALL 2019 3 Editorial Staff 3 EDITOR’S NOTE Editor’s Note Editor Cristian Bustos Garduño, ‘23 Cristian Bustos Garduño ‘23 O come, O come Emmanuel! PRESIDENT’S REMARKS Layout and Design Rev. Mr. Michael Cellars, ‘20 We are pleased to present our Summer/Fall ‘19 edition of the Regina Cleri! As we wait for Viet Nguyen ‘24 Christ’s advent in the manger, we eagerly rejoice with joy! This semester we welcomed 4 new seminarians, our returning Pastoral Year men, and new formation staff. A new Photographers THE RECTOR’S CORNER academic year means new opportunities, a new house and a new formation team. We have been blessed Aldo Camacho ‘22 5 with talented individuals who bring an array of experiences and gifts that greatly shape the makeup of the Viet Nguyen ‘24 House. St. Mary’s Seminary is blessed to have men in formation from a variety of Dioceses who significantly CHARITY AND RADICAL HOSPITALITY Thomas Vu ‘24 contribute to the meaning of what it means to be “Catholic”—cultural formation takes place in the encounters Mrs. Kathi Kramer, M.Div. themselves, and it truly adds an element of formation that complements what St. Mary’s Seminary has to Faculty Liason offer. Mrs. Kathi Kramer, M.Div. 6 DOCTOR UNIVERSALIS: Production Assistant THE LEGACY OF ST. ALBERT THE GREAT We joyfully present this current issue to you all as we hope this offers a perspective of life in the seminary. May you all continue to pray for us as we discern our vocation to the priesthood of Jesus Christ, the High Mrs. Cathy Irantalab Sr. Albert Marie Surmanski, O.P., Ph.D. Priest. Queen of the Clergy, pray for us! 9 Administration IN A PASTOR’S SHOES Cristian Bustos Garduño, ‘23 Wayne Ly, ‘21 Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Rector Editor-in-Chief Very Rev. Trung Nguyen, J.C.L. ‘94 10 THE PRIESTLY HEART Vice Rector & Director of Human Formation Rev. Eurel Manzano, M.Div. ‘11 Rev. Vincent Anyama, S.T.D. ‘09 12 President’s Remarks Director of Spiritual Formation ST. THOMAS AQUINAS: Rev. John Rooney, M.A. OUR TEACHER & OUR GUIDE t. Mary’s Seminary is fortunate to have a Seminarian House Council. The Director of Pastoral Formation Rev. Mr. Mark Herbert, ‘20 purpose of the Council is to help me in exercising pastoral leadership and responsibility. Furthermore, it is a place to represent and express Mrs. Kathi Kramer, M.Div. 14 S the feelings and desires of the student body. The Council meets every month TEXIANORUM CŒTIBUS: to discuss and vote on issues that are brought before them by their brothers THE MISSION OF THE ORDINARIATE in the seminary. Additionally, each month there is a meeting with the entire For more information about St. Mary’s Rev. Mr. Armando Alejandro, Jr., ‘20 community to inform them of what is being done by the Council. Seminary, please visit our website at www. smseminary.com or call us at (713) 686-4345. 16 The House consists of an executive branch of President, Vice-President, This publication was written, edited, and A VOCATION WITHIN A VOCATION Treasurer, and Secretary. Furthermore, each class is represented by two photographed by the students of St. Mary’s 1st Lieutenant Callan Sweeney, ‘21 members that speak on behalf of their fellow brothers. The Council has focused Seminary. its attention on ways in which to help lead the student body in areas such as 17 charity, hospitality, and communication. It also works with the Rector to help in THE URGENCY: whatever capacity to better the seminary community. FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY 2nd Lieutenant James Craig, ‘24 As the current President, I have made it a focus to foster an awareness of charity, both in terms of the social teachings concerning subsidiarity and solidarity. With 18 funds raised from the student body, the House Council distributes aid to those LEARNING THE CULTURE in need or those affected by natural disasters. For example, this year, the Council Sam Anchondo, ‘21 sent financial gifts to both the Archdiocese of Nassau, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Dorian, and also to the Diocese of Beaumont, which was 19 recently affected by flooding.

Dear Alumni and Friends, ope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in his encyclical Deus who needs a bath and a meal, the other who desperately I recently got new glasses after 5 years! I noticed immediately first seminaries to properly provide pastoral integrative Caritas Est writes, “Only my readiness to encounter needs to know the depths of God’s love for them. the change of vision. This change brought some discomfort opportunities where men are trained to incorporate Pmy neighbour and to show him love makes me with the adjustment, but most important was the clarity— what they learn in their theological studies in parochial sensitive to God as well. Only if I serve my neighbour can Radical hospitality and charity are inextricably linked. The what matters after all. With vision comes a sense of contexts. Keeping in mind the reality of pastoral settings my eyes be opened to what God does for me and how much encounter and service of which Pope Emeritus Benedict refocusing, recommitting. My vision for the seminary in respective Dioceses, this year at St. Mary’s Seminary we he loves me.” (Deus Caritas Est, 18) spoke must be concurrently sought. When our eyes are open continues to develop and expand, with new talent and new assigned seminarians to parishes around the Archdiocese. to see the Christ in the other, indeed our first instinct is to faculty this affords me the vision and purpose of seminary We believe that with this new initiative, seminarians will serve Him. Our life in the seminary and in the various with new people to refocus—to reintegrate a community be equipped with bridging their theological studies to more expressions of pastoral ministry in which our seminarians with new perspectives. profound pastoral encounters in their respective parochial serve is marked by this striving. It is in this seeking and ministries, thereby offering a comprehensive formation. serving that our life in Christ can be a witness to God’s love. In his renown project Celebrating What’s Right with the In these encounters, the men learn the radical significance St. Francis de Sales writes, “You learn to speak by speaking, World, National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones of hospitality as Christian gentlemen—becoming gifts for to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working, introduces a pertinent theme that permeates much of our others. and just so, you learn to love by loving. All those who think vision here at St. Mary’s Seminary. Rather than holding an to learn in any other way deceive themselves.” “If I see it, I’ll believe it” attitude, we are called to the more As we wait for the publication of the 6th edition of the profound and hopeful perspective of “Believe it, and you’ll Program of Priestly Formation by the USCCB, here at St. see it!” That is exactly what we are striving for here at St. Mary’s Seminary we have begun incorporating the vision Mary’s Seminary: we believe by offering high standards set forth by the Congregation for Clergy in setting pastoral of community living and pastorally trained men, the men contexts for a profound “configuration to Christ” to take being formed will exhibit a more Christocentric priesthood place. We want to form good, talented men to be shepherds as they live out their pastoral charity in the parish. for the parish setting. Families desperately need healthy, The seminary community exists to form men for the faithful, zealous, pastoral priests, and I am glad that as we priesthood so that they may serve “…to equip the faithful I have had the blessing of being part of this community for continue to set forth a vision for pastoral integration, we in the unfolding of their baptismal grace” (CCC 1547). In 14 years—10 of those years as Rector! The joy that comes become part of the solution in a post-crisis Church. Change this place we call upon the seminarians, and the entire from witnessing many men go through these doors has set takes time and its unavoidable, that is why when we invite community, to live radical hospitality. a vision for the future Church. With this new year comes a change, a multitude of possibilities arise, and with those cascade of new opportunities for many to grow, including possibilities a new breath for growth and envisioning takes Radical – from the Latin radix – root. Not just any root – the team that helps shape these men. As faculty, staff, and place. We are extremely grateful to all of our benefactors, the Root – the Root of Jesse – the Root of Jesse born of the seminarians come and go, their involvement helps shape family and friends! Woman under whose patronage this seminary exists. Mary the life of the community. Change always introduces new is the vessel of Radical Hospitality in making room for God opportunities, new perspectives, new talents. This year incarnate, in visiting and caring for Elizabeth, in welcoming Let us imitate our blessed mother in making room – room we have new faculty and new formators who, equipped shepherds into her nursery and Magi into home, by tending for those who think differently, room for the poor, room for with a desire to form gifted men and liturgically-minded to the guests in Cana who ran out of wine, by taking in the the guest. Let us show one another the radical hospitality of stewards of God’s gifts, are part of the refocus towards a beloved disciple, and therefore you and me, as her own Christ whose name we bear. more pastorally integrative environment in their formation. Very Reverend Trung Nguyen, J.C.L. ’94, child. Rector The mission to form pastoral men studying for the Catholic This is our call in all things – to see and welcome Christ in the Priesthood has always remained the essential focus, and other. In the other with whom we disagree, the other who Mrs. Kathi Kramer, M.Div. here at St. Mary’s Seminary, we rejoice in being among the asks more from us than we think we can give, in the other Director of Pastoral Formation

4 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE SUMMER / FALL 2019 5 The Rector’s Corner A Vision for Hope: Seeing as Christ Charity and Radical Hospitality

4 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE SUMMER / FALL 2019 5 Doctor universalis: The Legacy of St. Albert the Great

n my religious community, the postulants It is beautiful to ponder the richness of Albert’s spend part of their first year praying life of priestly ministry. Albert entered the and pondering over name choices. Some Dominican order in Germany and was ordained women enter with a favorite patron saint a priest in the Dominican order at what is college already firmly part of their lives; some age today. His priestly ministry took him to the make repeated trips to the library with Dominican studium in Cologne Germany, outside book after book detailing the lives of new holy of Germany, to study and then at the University as food for us. His theology is dynamic. When St. Albert comes from his Commentary on the Ifriends. I came to the Dominican Sisters of Mary of Paris (where he was such a popular lecturer Albert argues for Christ’s presence in every part Sentences. Here he asks a question not found in Mother of the Eucharist with an initial certainty that some terms he was forced to teach in an of the host after it has been fractured at Mass, Peter Lombard’s Sentences; it is introduced by that my new patron would be a Dominican, but open square outdoors), back to Germany where his rationale is that, since every fragment of the Albert himself. Albert asks the question: Why do not sure who exactly it would be. As I came to he spent a term as Provincial for the order, and consecrated host still retains the signification of we not always experience joy when we receive know St. Albert the Great, I was impressed by his eventually to the episcopal chair in Regensburg. food, Christ’s body, our spiritual food, is present Christ in the Eucharist? He quickly dismisses a certainty that all human knowledge—scientific, He was so effective at making peace and putting in each fragment (De corpore domini, dist. 3, tract. 3, facile answer: because we do not love God enough. philosophical, and theological—teaches about his diocese in financial order that he was able to ch. 1). Albert sees Christ as given for our spiritual Albert will not accept this. He admits that the God and can draw us closer to him. Here is a first persuade the Pope to allow him to retire with his food in the Eucharist as a moment which connects Eucharist will not be beneficial for those in a state of and simple lesson for those engaged in seminary work completed after less than three years. us to a sublime outpouring of the divine life. The sin, but knows that many devout people also have studies! Reflecting further on how St. Albert the Father generates the Son from all eternity and moments of dryness. Albert’s preferred answer is Great has continued to inspire me, I can say that Along the way, Albert would make many holy both pour out the Spirit. The Son comes to earth wonderful: the Eucharist is not something non- the same qualities that make him a good patron and rich friendships. The most famous of these, in the Incarnation in the power of the Holy Spirit, living. It is not an automatic consolation dispenser for a present-day Dominican sister make him also of course was with Thomas Aquinas, a younger pouring himself out so far as to die for us. The which will always give us the same experiential a valuable model for seminarians. man who started off as Albert’s scribe (despite Eucharist is a further gift, given from Christ on result. Instead, what we receive in the Eucharist notoriously illegible handwriting), eventually the cross, to fill us with the grace of the Holy Spirit is “panis voluntarius” “bread with a will,” a Person One of the main reasons why I wanted a became a colleague and friend, and finally and therefore link us back to the “golden chain” who himself chooses whether we will encounter Dominican patron was that I wanted a patron predeceased Albert. It is said that when the news of Trinitarian life (De corpore domini, dist. 3, tract. him in consolation or in dryness. Our encounter saint who had lived as a Dominican. I wanted a of Thomas’s death was brought to Albert, he 1, ch. 8). Albert’s devotional Eucharistic theology of the Lord in the Eucharist will be in the way that patron who had also embraced a life of service to openly wept. It is a truism but an important one, uses the language of light and water to express will best deepen our relationship with him (Super the Lord, and who had lived it like Christ, loving that a life of priestly (or Dominican) faithfulness the overflow of life from God which we receive in IV Sent., 13.36). This deep-rooted trust in the “usque ad mortem” –even unto death. Little did I is full of surprises—some joyful, some sorrowful, the Eucharist. We see in these aspects of Albert’s Eucharistic Christ is surely tied to Albert’s long know that the saint whom I was about to choose is but all part of a life rich in meaning. thought the Neo-Platonism that would inspire the faithfulness as the source of his strength to serve perhaps the longest lived of all Dominican saints. Rhineland mystics. the Lord. His greatest lesson is to make it our own The period of life in which Albert practiced this Much of my own academic study of Albert has source of strength. faithful service lasted from approximately 1204- centered around his Eucharistic works. In reading Albert probably did have moments of mystical 1280, spanning most of the thirteenth century. As these, I have been inspired by Albert’s love of joy, but he was also a realist about the day-to-day Sr. Albert Marie Sursmanski, O.P., Ph.D. the years pass I find myself valuing Albert’s long Christ in the Eucharist. Albert’s Eucharistic quiet faith demanded by our Catholic sacramental Adjunct Professor of Theology fidelity more and more. theology is notable for his emphasis that Christ life. One of my favorite Eucharistic insights from Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist 6 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE gave us his body and blood in the Eucharist SUMMER / FALL 2019 7 Doctor universalis: The Legacy of St. Albert the Great

alutations! My name is Wayne Ly, and I am studying There are many more things that I’ve learned from Fr. for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. I am Wayne. I am ever grateful for his mentorship and it will in my 3rd year of theology, with a total of 6 years affect my own leadership style in the future. in formation thus far. Pastoral year is a time when Sthe seminarian lives at a parish and studies under a priest- I will say that the biggest lesson that I have learned is being mentor who is the pastor of that parish. The seminarian approachable. I learned that parishioners want to get to receives the opportunity to experience the life of a diocesan know their pastor, their leader, their shepherd. Moreover, priest and discerns if this is what he is called by God to they want to know if their priest loves them. It reminded do. Depending on the leadership and mentoring style of me of a parent-child relationship. The child yearns for the the priest-mentor, a seminarian can experience a vastly love of the parents. Thus, being approachable is crucial in different pastoral year compared to his brother seminarians. the life of a parish priest. They have a strong desire within However, the foundation for the pastoral year experience their hearts to be loved, especially by their leader of the is the same, that is, growing in the munus triplex(threefold parish. When they feel that I am approachable (a simple The Hospitality Team welcomed the new seminarians On August 18, 2019, the Third Year Theologians were office of Jesus Christ): to take charge of something within with essentials and a gift bag. admitted to Candidacy by Most Rev. Daniel Flores, Bishop smile goes a long way), they would come to me and share the parish (kingly office), to find ways of knowing Christ’s of Brownsville. whatever is in their hearts. Simply by listening to them, it flock through various events and encounters, and therefore says to them that I love them, that I care for their soul and teaching and speaking the laity the word of God through wellbeing. At the same time, approachability can be seen on our humanness (prophetic office), and partake in the liturgy my part when I take the initiative to reach out to them. One (priestly office). The seminarian is evaluated two times in approach for me to learn names and faces of parishioners in pastoral year by the priest-mentor and staff. This gives the such a large parish was by sending them thank you notes or seminary a snapshot of the seminarian and to determine prayer cards to them. This method tests my ability if I really if he may or may not be fit to the diocesan lifestyle or be did learn that person’s name, but also it is my own specific called to the priesthood. This past year I was assigned to St. way of showing my love for them. My vocation director, Fr. Michael the Archangel with Fr. Wayne Wilkerson. I loved Richard McNeillie, once asked me, “I know that you love my time at St. Michael because of the love that I received them, but do they know that you love them?” That really from the people of God. It is a clear sign to me that I am stuck with me, and thus prompted me to let Christ’s flock called to be a parish priest. I learned many things from Fr. entrusted to me know that I love them. I am ever grateful Wayne and the parishioners. that they received my love for them with open arms. The parishioners of the St. Michael formed, and continue to form Fr. Wayne’s style of mentoring is one who showed me the me, to be a holy priest one day. life of a diocesan priest, as opposed to directly teaching me like that of a professor-student relationship in the classroom. The seminarians learned about the DiSC Profile and the The seminary community celebrated African Night with Wayne Ly, ’21 many ways to act as servant leaders as future Pastors. some joyful music and delicious cuisine. I saw our relationship as that of a master-apprentice like in the days of old where a blacksmith apprentice would Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston work under the guidance of the master by showing the apprentice how the craft is done. Or, it can be compared to Jesus and the twelve apostles where they follow him day and night for three years. The apostles intimately knew their master because they were with Him all the time. I had the opportunity to see how he lived out the diocesan priesthood. I participated in many activities, such as:

• marriage preparation by Fr. Wayne with over 40 different couples

• served over 20 weddings, over 10 funerals, countless hospital and home visits for Anointing of the Sick

• managing the various challenges of staff members On November 24, 2019, the Second Year Theologians were St. Mary’s Seminary defeated Assumption Seminary 2-1 at instituted as Acolytes by Most Rev. Brendan Cahill, Bishop the annual Archbishop’s Cup tournament. • his logic behind making big decisions for the parish and of Victoria in Texas. navigating through it

8 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE SUMMER / FALL 2019 9 Snapshots In a Pastor’s Shoes

• marriage preparation by Fr. Wayne with over 40 different couples

• served over 20 weddings, over 10 funerals, countless hospital and home visits for Anointing of the Sick

8 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE SUMMER / FALL 2019 9 The Priestly Heart “Joy. That was my initial reaction oy. That was my initial reaction when I found out I was going first Pastor in college as he learned he was being deployed to the Jto be named a Pastor for the first time. A quiet, but, at the same Middle East as a Navy Chaplain: “As priests, our joy is wherever time, overwhelming sense of excitement at the possibilities and God’s people are.” Rather, it is that the variables in the equation when I found out I was going to be experiences that lay before me. What would this particular parish cannot be manipulated to one’s taste. I cannot will the needs or be like? What initiatives would I take up? How would I get along shape of the diocese to my liking. I cannot be someone I am not. with the clergy and staff? Then, just as quickly as the rush of joy I cannot create a parish out of just the parts I like from different filled my heart, I was filled with another, more brooding reaction: parishes. And I definitely do not control the variable that carries a named a Pastor terror. What do I need to know about this parish so that I can at crozier and signs the assignment letter. To resist the urge to define least feign competence? What if I am not able to gain their trust? these variables and simply walk forward in trust is an exercise of What am I getting myself into? In my mind, I replayed a scene obedience with which a priest begins a new assignment. from “Friends,” where Monica makes her introduction as the new for the first chef to a kitchen staff that is visibly seething with indignation at When that assignment is “Pastor,” it’s hard to disengage one’s her arrival: “With a pinch of excitement, a dash of hard work, and thoughts from pastors that he has had or otherwise experienced a dollop of cooperation we can have the…recipe…are you going as a mentor or supervisor in the past. How will I measure up to to kill me?” them? What kind of behaviors or methods did they employ that I promised I would emulate when I became a pastor myself? I time.” To be fair, each new phase in life brings its own joys and terrors was blessed to still have the chance to get in touch with some – starting a new school, a new job, a new relationship. We of them and solicit their advice. In one such conversation, I was anticipate the future adventures that await us, and come face to struck by his response to the admission of my trepidation, fear, face with our own inadequacies. In the life of a priest, however, and difficulties with the thoughts and process of this transition: there is something distinctive about the change that comes about “You have to offer all that suffering, even now, for your flock.” when one starts a new assignment. While seminarians are often regaled with horror stories of men being ripped violently from With great suddenness, it became intensely personal. My flock? parishes, or ugly wars of attrition between priests and their A priest typically understands that they are but stewards of the local ordinary over an unpalatable assignment, it would be rare time, people, and resources they have for any given assignment, indeed to come across a candidate for the priesthood who did not but to be made aware of the sense of personal responsibility take the prospect of having to pick up one’s life and move it at for the individual persons of a parish was jarring. Since that a moment’s notice as an inevitable occupational “hazard” of the conversation, my examination of conscience has consistently life he is being called to live. It is clearly stated in the terms and included the question of how well I am suffering, embracing conditions of this particular path, and it comes into sharp focus the cross, for the sake of my flock. “What was Jesus thinking as one places his hands into those of his bishop, who asks with about when he was on the cross?” “You” is the response many precision and without conditions, “Do you promise respect and spirituals writers provide. And herein lies one of the fundamental obedience to me and my successors?” Without a self-composed components of a pastor’s priestly and pastoral heart – a deep and “yes,” the ordination could not continue. personal desire to participate in that mode of self-sacrifice and suffering, all the while keeping the faces of one’s flock in his This is not to say that the “yes” proclaimed on his ordination day mind’s eye. Whether sitting at a desk enduring another round of is wholly and entirely perfect, or that it is incapable of soaking budget reviews, or overcoming the inertia necessary to put one’s more deeply into one’s heart. A priest quickly encounters persons plans on hold for the sake of communicating the love of Christ in and situations that test his patience and resolve, his abilities and the sacraments, a pastor takes his sufferings personally. lack thereof, to the extent that he often gets back to the sacristy and can’t help but ask himself with a sigh, “Is the answer still Thus even the terror of those first few minutes – and days, months, yes?” Nevertheless, it speaks to the very nature of the diocesan and years – of being a pastor was not just dumb suffering, but a priesthood that a public ritual in which he professes his obedience, bridge to Christ’s heart. By the miracle of grace, I was given a and not simply a quick digital signature in the sacristy before flock that humbled me with their generous love, inspired me to Mass, is a requisite part of the Rite of Ordination. Obedience, be a better Christian and priest, and that thankfully didn’t want to freely given, is not an option or extra for those priests who do not kill me (for the most part). In return, I tried my best to point them seem to mind it. It is required. As if to say, “I have spent the last to Christ in the Eucharist – the only one who can fill the longing of several years learning more and more about Jesus Christ and his our hearts, turn our broken lives and deficiencies into something Church, and I understand and agree to the proposition that this beautiful, and give us the glorious freedom of the children of thing called “priesthood” doesn’t work unless obedience to you, God. As long as my obedience, chastity, and prayer were being as my bishop, is part of the equation.” exercised to that end, I knew that they were being pastored to the reality we all pine for, and which awaits those who willingly It is when that equation yields an unanticipated result, that the follow Christ: Joy. rubber hits the road in terms of obedience. It is not so much whether or not the result brings about or is capable of bringing Rev. Eurel Manzano, M.Div. ’11 about joy – I often remember and quote a phrase said by my Formation Advisor

10 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE SUMMER / FALL 2019 11 The Priestly Heart “Joy. That was my initial reaction oy. That was my initial reaction when I found out I was going first Pastor in college as he learned he was being deployed to the Jto be named a Pastor for the first time. A quiet, but, at the same Middle East as a Navy Chaplain: “As priests, our joy is wherever time, overwhelming sense of excitement at the possibilities and God’s people are.” Rather, it is that the variables in the equation when I found out I was going to be experiences that lay before me. What would this particular parish cannot be manipulated to one’s taste. I cannot will the needs or be like? What initiatives would I take up? How would I get along shape of the diocese to my liking. I cannot be someone I am not. with the clergy and staff? Then, just as quickly as the rush of joy I cannot create a parish out of just the parts I like from different filled my heart, I was filled with another, more brooding reaction: parishes. And I definitely do not control the variable that carries a named a Pastor terror. What do I need to know about this parish so that I can at crozier and signs the assignment letter. To resist the urge to define least feign competence? What if I am not able to gain their trust? these variables and simply walk forward in trust is an exercise of What am I getting myself into? In my mind, I replayed a scene obedience with which a priest begins a new assignment. from “Friends,” where Monica makes her introduction as the new for the first chef to a kitchen staff that is visibly seething with indignation at When that assignment is “Pastor,” it’s hard to disengage one’s her arrival: “With a pinch of excitement, a dash of hard work, and thoughts from pastors that he has had or otherwise experienced a dollop of cooperation we can have the…recipe…are you going as a mentor or supervisor in the past. How will I measure up to to kill me?” them? What kind of behaviors or methods did they employ that I promised I would emulate when I became a pastor myself? I time.” To be fair, each new phase in life brings its own joys and terrors was blessed to still have the chance to get in touch with some – starting a new school, a new job, a new relationship. We of them and solicit their advice. In one such conversation, I was anticipate the future adventures that await us, and come face to struck by his response to the admission of my trepidation, fear, face with our own inadequacies. In the life of a priest, however, and difficulties with the thoughts and process of this transition: there is something distinctive about the change that comes about “You have to offer all that suffering, even now, for your flock.” when one starts a new assignment. While seminarians are often regaled with horror stories of men being ripped violently from With great suddenness, it became intensely personal. My flock? parishes, or ugly wars of attrition between priests and their A priest typically understands that they are but stewards of the local ordinary over an unpalatable assignment, it would be rare time, people, and resources they have for any given assignment, indeed to come across a candidate for the priesthood who did not but to be made aware of the sense of personal responsibility take the prospect of having to pick up one’s life and move it at for the individual persons of a parish was jarring. Since that a moment’s notice as an inevitable occupational “hazard” of the conversation, my examination of conscience has consistently life he is being called to live. It is clearly stated in the terms and included the question of how well I am suffering, embracing conditions of this particular path, and it comes into sharp focus the cross, for the sake of my flock. “What was Jesus thinking as one places his hands into those of his bishop, who asks with about when he was on the cross?” “You” is the response many precision and without conditions, “Do you promise respect and spirituals writers provide. And herein lies one of the fundamental obedience to me and my successors?” Without a self-composed components of a pastor’s priestly and pastoral heart – a deep and “yes,” the ordination could not continue. personal desire to participate in that mode of self-sacrifice and suffering, all the while keeping the faces of one’s flock in his This is not to say that the “yes” proclaimed on his ordination day mind’s eye. Whether sitting at a desk enduring another round of is wholly and entirely perfect, or that it is incapable of soaking budget reviews, or overcoming the inertia necessary to put one’s more deeply into one’s heart. A priest quickly encounters persons plans on hold for the sake of communicating the love of Christ in and situations that test his patience and resolve, his abilities and the sacraments, a pastor takes his sufferings personally. lack thereof, to the extent that he often gets back to the sacristy and can’t help but ask himself with a sigh, “Is the answer still Thus even the terror of those first few minutes – and days, months, yes?” Nevertheless, it speaks to the very nature of the diocesan and years – of being a pastor was not just dumb suffering, but a priesthood that a public ritual in which he professes his obedience, bridge to Christ’s heart. By the miracle of grace, I was given a and not simply a quick digital signature in the sacristy before flock that humbled me with their generous love, inspired me to Mass, is a requisite part of the Rite of Ordination. Obedience, be a better Christian and priest, and that thankfully didn’t want to freely given, is not an option or extra for those priests who do not kill me (for the most part). In return, I tried my best to point them seem to mind it. It is required. As if to say, “I have spent the last to Christ in the Eucharist – the only one who can fill the longing of several years learning more and more about Jesus Christ and his our hearts, turn our broken lives and deficiencies into something Church, and I understand and agree to the proposition that this beautiful, and give us the glorious freedom of the children of thing called “priesthood” doesn’t work unless obedience to you, God. As long as my obedience, chastity, and prayer were being as my bishop, is part of the equation.” exercised to that end, I knew that they were being pastored to the reality we all pine for, and which awaits those who willingly It is when that equation yields an unanticipated result, that the follow Christ: Joy. rubber hits the road in terms of obedience. It is not so much whether or not the result brings about or is capable of bringing Rev. Eurel Manzano, M.Div. ’11 about joy – I often remember and quote a phrase said by my Formation Advisor

10 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE SUMMER / FALL 2019 11 St. Thomas Aquinas: Our Teacher & Our Guide

The Life of St. Thomas: St. Thomas Teacher & Guide: Passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace, and a For all of us who have been in formation for a time, it is pledge of future glory is given us!” This grace of mind and perhaps relatively easy for us to see the priestly dimension renewal of glory, assures us that when Christ becomes our of Christ’s saving work, the self-sacrifice of the cross t. Thomas Aquinas was born in 1225 in the small In Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical letter Aeterni Patris, we read: food and drink he does not adopt a disguise, pretend to which is conveyed in the pouring of wine and the breaking town of Roccasecca, Italy, in a hilltop castle from “Above all the Scholastic Doctors towers Thomas Aquinas, be what he is not, but shows himself most clearly for what of bread that the priest offers. We somewhat grasp the which the great Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino prince and master of them all…Thomas gathered their he really is; the source of our new life in God. Further, by connection between the signs and the suffering they signify can be seen. At the age of five, his studies began doctrines together, as if they were the scattered members eating the body of Christ, by drinking his blood in this as we rehearse the words and gestures of Christ at the Last Sas he entered the great Abbey of Montecassino as a of the same body and knitted them into one whole. He sacramental form, we accept his gift in a way that most Supper and enter into the meaning which he gave to his Benedictine Oblate. When the monastery became a battle assembled them in an admirable order, and so increased clearly reveals our dependence on God, our hunger for his death. We understand at least something of the prayer that site for the warring factions at the time, St. Thomas was them with valuable additions that he is rightly and love. For St. Thomas Aquinas to have written these words, goes up to the Father, which carries within it our deepest transferred by his family to the University of Naples. It was deservedly esteemed the special guardian and glory of the he must have been more than a “stale academic.” On the and conflicted longings for love and forgiveness. here that St. Thomas would come to meet the two most Catholic Church.” (Aeterni Patris, 17) In the Second Vatican contrary, St. Thomas is someone who had fallen deeply important pillars of his life. While in Naples St. Thomas Council’s decree on the training of priests Optatam Totius in love with the truth of Jesus Christ and followed Him Yet, despite our perceived awareness of the heavenly came into contact with the “new” works of Aristotle, which the Council Fathers state that “in order to throw as full a unreservedly. mysteries, this awesome reality can sometimes grow dim or had just arrived in the West after being lost for centuries. light as possible on the mysteries of salvation, the students I once read a quote that summed up why St. Thomas lose its luster because of familiarity. The life of St. Thomas He also met the newly formed Order of Preachers or should learn to examine more deeply, with the help of Aquinas is so important for seminarians and priests. It shakes us out of this familiarity and forces us to confront Dominicans. speculation and with St. Thomas as teacher, all aspects of reads: the awesome power of the heavenly mysteries which the these mysteries, and to perceive their interconnection.” priest handles on a daily basis. St. Thomas was not a mere These encounters shaped St. Thomas not only as a priest, (Optatam Totius, 16) St. Thomas Aquinas has clearly been We must bear in mind that…for the priest ecclesiastical bureaucrat without pastoral solicitude, nor but also as a theologian. Despite his family’s wishes, St. set before us as a teacher because of his ability to shed pure there is virtually no competence without was he socially irresponsible, nor was he incapable of Thomas became a Dominican and eventually went north light on some of the most difficult questions concerning holiness and intelligence. Competence without internalizing and exposing the mystery of faith. No, St. to study, stopping briefly in Paris, and then at Cologne God and the human person. While affirming this, I would holiness reduces him to a mere ecclesiastical Thomas was competent, holy, and intelligent. The teaching with St. Albert the Great, whose interest in Aristotle also like to suggest that St. Thomas has been set before our bureaucrat without pastoral solicitude or to a of St. Thomas illuminates the profound truth of God, to be strengthened St. Thomas’s own predilections. After his eyes as a teacher and guide for an even deeper reason. studies with St. Albert, Thomas returned to Paris to social activist who espouses and practices de- sure, but it is his holiness and embodiment of these truths transcendentalized values. Holiness without in his whole person which makes him the perfect guide for complete his studies, eventually becoming a Master of the St. Thomas Aquinas has consistently been set before all competence makes him socially irresponsible seminarians and the entire Church. university. The next ten years were spent in various places members of the Church because he is a model of how to and insensitive to the needs of the least of in Italy with the mobile papal court, various Dominican respond to the truth of God with the whole person. For Christ’s brothers and sisters. Holiness and/or Rev. Mr. Mark Hebert, ’20 houses, and eventually in Rome. During this time St. many the thought of St. Thomas can seem unapproachable, competence without intelligence-an intelligence Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Thomas was writing what would become some of the most with some seeing St. Thomas as a purely intellectual acquired when the intellect is cultivated by foundational texts of western Christianity, the most famous figure. However, nothing could be further from the truth. faith-makes him incapable of internalizing of which is his Summa contra gentiles and Summa theologiae. St. Thomas Aquinas composed the prayers which are and exposing the mystery of faith. (Matthew In 1274 St. Thomas Aquinas was born into heavenly glory used to this day on the feast of Corpus Christi. One of Levering, Vatican II: Renewal Within Tradition, 244) in the Cistercian Abbey at Fossanova, while on his way to the antiphons to be sung on this feast reads, “O sacred the Council of Lyon. banquet, in which Christ is received, the memory of his 12 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE SUMMER / FALL 2019 13 St. Thomas Aquinas: Our Teacher & Our Guide

he Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter into the Church begins, not with the formation of the Holy Spirit and constituted in the Church. All things work enjoys a special relationship with St. Mary’s Ordinariates, but with the 1980 Pastoral Provision of Pope The three ordinariates erected were Personal Ordinariate of together to promote the supreme law of our Church: the Seminary. In 2015, Evan Simington became the Saint John Paul II. Recognizing the good in the English Our Lady of Walsingham, the Personal Ordinariate of the salvation of souls through access to sacramental grace. first seminarian of the Personal Ordinariate of the Patrimony and in response to the request of many Chair of Saint Peter, and the Personal Ordinariate of Our TChair of Saint Peter and was ordained to the priesthood members of the Episcopal and Anglican ecclesial Lady of the Southern Cross. Each was governed by a priest Texianorum Cœtibus – Groups of Texans in 2017. Since then, St. Mary’s Seminary has played a vital communions, the Holy Father allowed for a pastoral with the title of Protonotary Apostolic until Monsignor role in the preparation of candidates, especially in the area provision which would provide for the priestly ordination Steven J. Lopes was appointed as the first bishop of The fruit of this movement can be concretely observed by of doctrinal, human, and pastoral formation. My name is of married former clergymen of the Episcopal ecclesial the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter on looking to the Lone Star State. San Antonio nourished the Deacon Armando Alejandro, and I am currently in fourth communion and for the creation of personal parishes which November 24, 2015. founding parish of the Pastoral Provision, Our Lady of the year of formation together with Deacon Nathan Davis would be allowed to retain elements of the Anglican Atonement Catholic Church. Houston produced Our Lady at St. Mary’s Seminary and anticipate ordination to the liturgy. The Book of Divine Worship was the first liturgical of Walsingham Catholic Church, which was named as the priesthood in the summer of 2020. book used by these personal parishes, which included principle church of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of elements of the Book of Common Prayer, and would serve as Saint Peter in its erection and later elevated to a Cathedral Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to the base text for Divine Worship: The Missal. Some of the upon the appointment of its first bishop. Texas is also home dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133) earliest parishes erected through this provision included to seven parishes and communities in formation, as well as Our Lady of the Atonement Parish in San Antonio, Texas the Pope Benedict XVI House of Formation. Together with In 1534, the English Parliament passed the Act of (founded in 1983) and the now, Cathedral of Our Lady of the local diocese, each of these parishes work to cultivate Supremacy which established the English monarch as the Walsingham in Houston, Texas (founded in 1984). the bonds of unity and the evangelization of the people of head of the Church in England. While initially maintaining God. the liturgical practice of the Roman Church, the English Church would eventually adopt a new liturgical book Through the work of many faithful in the Anglican known as the Book of Common Prayer under the reign of and Episcopal ecclesial communion, faithful Catholics, Edward VI. These monumental events in history were the welcoming dioceses, and even our own St. Mary’s cause of great division within the Church, yet they would Seminary, the mystery of the unity of the Church, whose prove to be an opportunity to see the guiding hand of God source is in the unity of the Persons of the Trinity, has been in the universal Church, in the local churches around the made manifest. world, and even in the particular churches within the great state of Texas. “This is the work of the Lord and great are the works of the A Treasure to be Shared Lord” (Most Rev. Steven J. Lopes, S.T.D., Ordination Closing Re-grafting into the Vine Remarks. February 2, 2016.) The Second Vatican Council in its decree on the liturgy “[S]ome and even very many of the significant expressed its desire to increase the vigor of the Christian Rev. Mr. Armando Alejandro, Jr., ’20 elements and endowments which together go to build faithful by means of that which would nurture communion Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter up and give life to the Church itself, can exist outside The rapid growth of the personal parishes and the desire (Sacrosanctum concilium, 1). With the promulgation of the visible boundaries of the Catholic Church… All of of larger groups of Anglicans to join the Catholic Church Anglicanorum Cœtibus, the primacy of the Church has these, which come from Christ and lead back to Christ, prompted the promulgation of the Apostolic Constitution recognized that despite ecclesial rupture, God is still belong by right to the one Church of Christ” (Unitatis Anglicanorum Cœtibus. This document allowed for moving to bring those who are separated into the fold of Redintegratio, 3). the erection of Personal Ordinariates, similar to non- the Church. The English Patrimony, which the Church territorial dioceses, which would be governed by a priest identifies as that which has nourished the Catholic faith The Catholic elements which were preserved and fostered or bishop with ordinary, personal, and vicarious power. throughout the history of the Anglican tradition and in the Anglican ecclesial communion throughout their five Furthermore, the Ordinariates were given the “the faculty prompted aspirations toward ecclesial unity, serves as an hundred-year history cannot help but move the hearts to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and the other Sacraments, the agent of unity for many outside and inside the Church. It of men toward ecclesial unity because they find their Liturgy of the Hours and other liturgical celebrations according is truly a treasure that moves real people toward union origins in God. It was precisely these elements that moved to the liturgical books proper to the Anglican tradition, which with God and each other. This is why the Church, in her many clergy within the Anglican and Episcopal ecclesial have been approved by the Holy See, so as to maintain the wisdom, has not restricted this gift to those of English communions to actively seek unity with the One, Holy, liturgical, spiritual and pastoral traditions of the Anglican heritage, but made it available for the entire Church. It Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Communion within the Catholic Church, as a precious gift is brought into full communion and is given to us as our nourishing the faith of the members of the Ordinariate and as a patrimony so that God’s will be accomplished through the This task of re-grafting former Anglicans and Episcopalians treasure to be shared” (Anglicanorum Cœtibus, V. ). mission of the Son, made effective by the outpouring of the

14 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE SUMMER / FALL 2019 15 TEXIANORUM CŒTIBUS: The Mission of the Ordinariate he Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter into the Church begins, not with the formation of the Holy Spirit and constituted in the Church. All things work enjoys a special relationship with St. Mary’s Ordinariates, but with the 1980 Pastoral Provision of Pope The three ordinariates erected were Personal Ordinariate of together to promote the supreme law of our Church: the Seminary. In 2015, Evan Simington became the Saint John Paul II. Recognizing the good in the English Our Lady of Walsingham, the Personal Ordinariate of the salvation of souls through access to sacramental grace. first seminarian of the Personal Ordinariate of the Patrimony and in response to the request of many Chair of Saint Peter, and the Personal Ordinariate of Our TChair of Saint Peter and was ordained to the priesthood members of the Episcopal and Anglican ecclesial Lady of the Southern Cross. Each was governed by a priest Texianorum Cœtibus – Groups of Texans in 2017. Since then, St. Mary’s Seminary has played a vital communions, the Holy Father allowed for a pastoral with the title of Protonotary Apostolic until Monsignor role in the preparation of candidates, especially in the area provision which would provide for the priestly ordination Steven J. Lopes was appointed as the first bishop of The fruit of this movement can be concretely observed by of doctrinal, human, and pastoral formation. My name is of married former clergymen of the Episcopal ecclesial the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter on looking to the Lone Star State. San Antonio nourished the Deacon Armando Alejandro, and I am currently in fourth communion and for the creation of personal parishes which November 24, 2015. founding parish of the Pastoral Provision, Our Lady of the year of formation together with Deacon Nathan Davis would be allowed to retain elements of the Anglican Atonement Catholic Church. Houston produced Our Lady at St. Mary’s Seminary and anticipate ordination to the liturgy. The Book of Divine Worship was the first liturgical of Walsingham Catholic Church, which was named as the priesthood in the summer of 2020. book used by these personal parishes, which included principle church of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of elements of the Book of Common Prayer, and would serve as Saint Peter in its erection and later elevated to a Cathedral Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to the base text for Divine Worship: The Missal. Some of the upon the appointment of its first bishop. Texas is also home dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133) earliest parishes erected through this provision included to seven parishes and communities in formation, as well as Our Lady of the Atonement Parish in San Antonio, Texas the Pope Benedict XVI House of Formation. Together with In 1534, the English Parliament passed the Act of (founded in 1983) and the now, Cathedral of Our Lady of the local diocese, each of these parishes work to cultivate Supremacy which established the English monarch as the Walsingham in Houston, Texas (founded in 1984). the bonds of unity and the evangelization of the people of head of the Church in England. While initially maintaining God. the liturgical practice of the Roman Church, the English Church would eventually adopt a new liturgical book Through the work of many faithful in the Anglican known as the Book of Common Prayer under the reign of and Episcopal ecclesial communion, faithful Catholics, Edward VI. These monumental events in history were the welcoming dioceses, and even our own St. Mary’s cause of great division within the Church, yet they would Seminary, the mystery of the unity of the Church, whose prove to be an opportunity to see the guiding hand of God source is in the unity of the Persons of the Trinity, has been in the universal Church, in the local churches around the made manifest. world, and even in the particular churches within the great state of Texas. “This is the work of the Lord and great are the works of the A Treasure to be Shared Lord” (Most Rev. Steven J. Lopes, S.T.D., Ordination Closing Re-grafting into the Vine Remarks. February 2, 2016.) The Second Vatican Council in its decree on the liturgy “[S]ome and even very many of the significant expressed its desire to increase the vigor of the Christian Rev. Mr. Armando Alejandro, Jr., ’20 elements and endowments which together go to build faithful by means of that which would nurture communion Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter up and give life to the Church itself, can exist outside The rapid growth of the personal parishes and the desire (Sacrosanctum concilium, 1). With the promulgation of the visible boundaries of the Catholic Church… All of of larger groups of Anglicans to join the Catholic Church Anglicanorum Cœtibus, the primacy of the Church has these, which come from Christ and lead back to Christ, prompted the promulgation of the Apostolic Constitution recognized that despite ecclesial rupture, God is still belong by right to the one Church of Christ” (Unitatis Anglicanorum Cœtibus. This document allowed for moving to bring those who are separated into the fold of Redintegratio, 3). the erection of Personal Ordinariates, similar to non- the Church. The English Patrimony, which the Church territorial dioceses, which would be governed by a priest identifies as that which has nourished the Catholic faith The Catholic elements which were preserved and fostered or bishop with ordinary, personal, and vicarious power. throughout the history of the Anglican tradition and in the Anglican ecclesial communion throughout their five Furthermore, the Ordinariates were given the “the faculty prompted aspirations toward ecclesial unity, serves as an hundred-year history cannot help but move the hearts to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and the other Sacraments, the agent of unity for many outside and inside the Church. It of men toward ecclesial unity because they find their Liturgy of the Hours and other liturgical celebrations according is truly a treasure that moves real people toward union origins in God. It was precisely these elements that moved to the liturgical books proper to the Anglican tradition, which with God and each other. This is why the Church, in her many clergy within the Anglican and Episcopal ecclesial have been approved by the Holy See, so as to maintain the wisdom, has not restricted this gift to those of English communions to actively seek unity with the One, Holy, liturgical, spiritual and pastoral traditions of the Anglican heritage, but made it available for the entire Church. It Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Communion within the Catholic Church, as a precious gift is brought into full communion and is given to us as our nourishing the faith of the members of the Ordinariate and as a patrimony so that God’s will be accomplished through the This task of re-grafting former Anglicans and Episcopalians treasure to be shared” (Anglicanorum Cœtibus, V. ). mission of the Son, made effective by the outpouring of the

14 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE SUMMER / FALL 2019 15 A Vocation The Urgency: For Love of Country

within a he first time I was stuck with our country’s current need for military chaplains was when I was fourteen years old, reading our local Catholic Tnewspaper. There was an ad for the military chaplaincy which depicted some church-goers waiting in line for communion, but there was no priest. The Vocation words at the top of the ad asked: “Who will serve them?” This portrayal served to underscore and make quite vivid for me the simple fact that there are just not enough Catholic chaplains in the U.S. Armed Forces.

A long-time family friend served a tour in Iraq a number of years ago, and he shared that over the course of those nine months he was able to attend Mass only three times. Amidst the intense stress and emotional upheaval which combat zones inevitably bring with them, servicemen and women cling to their faith more than ever, relying on God to help them through the tense life-and- death situations with which they are confronted, along with the homesickness, grueling physical demands, and even moral challenges which face them from day to day. It is a pity that our brave service members, as they are giving their all to protect our own safety and our rights, should be at all deprived of spiritual comfort and aid during a time in their lives when they have such a great need ome seminarians feel the call of vocation from God at a very in a forward operating base in Afghanistan, a base in Germany, or young age, others do not hear the call until they are a little a submarine in the North Atlantic, the Archdiocese for the Military for it. One might ask just how bad this scarcity of military chaplains really is, older. When I was young, I wanted to serve in the military. I Services can be found. but a look at some statistics can serve as a sobering illustration of the military’s S true needs. All faith groups are currently under-staffed in military chaplains, did not yet know what form that would take but I was fascinated by the prospect. What attracted me was the challenge, the opportunity AMS has good reason to be proud of its work. Not only has but a U.S. News and World Report article shows that Catholics are being hit to serve something greater, and the camaraderie. When the chance thousands of Catholic service members performed countless acts of the hardest. Regardless of their religious preference, a priest can always offer to go to a federal military academy for college came up, it was an heroic service to the United States in its history, her Chaplains have them prayer, counseling, and even just an encouraging presence in the face of easy “yes” for me. also served with distinction. Of the nine Chaplains awarded the imminent danger. Besides these spiritual duties facing chaplains in their role Congressional Medal of Honor, our Nation’s highest recognition of as priests, it should be remembered that chaplains also hold an officer’s rank My faith by then was very important to me. I had even explored heroic service in wartime, five have been Catholic priests and all of in their particular branch of service. This means, as the U.S. News and World other schools from which I could study theology before coming those awarded since World War II have been to those priests. Two to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, but I had never seriously of those Chaplains, Father Vincent Capodanno (Vietnam War) and Report points out, that chaplains must balance their “religious responsibilities considered the priesthood as a vocation. That would change more Father Emil Kapaun (Korean War), have already been declared with [those] of a staff officer, particularly when deployed to a warzone.” and more as I met the priest chaplains at the academy. Servants of God, the first step along the process of canonization to be declared a Saint in the Catholic Church. In the next few years, “A chaplain assigned to a unit must coordinate with the commanding The U.S. Navy Chaplains at Merchant Marine were a different we may very well be celebrating the canonization in Rome of these officer and plan for logistics and travel, as well as battlefield kind of priest. Every one of them had been deployed overseas two great American Chaplains and Saints. situational awareness to ensure he isn’t putting himself or others in a combat zone. Some had been Chaplains for Marine Corps in unnecessary danger.” This means that all chaplain candidates battalions in various parts of the Middle East. Another had just After serving in the U.S. Army after graduation, I was able to finally must undergo additional training before they can serve in an returned from being the principal Catholic Chaplain at a hospital enter seminary. I applied to and was accepted by both my home active duty capacity, which is an additional factor in the scarcity in Baghdad. Needless to say, they all had many stories to tell. They Diocese of Austin and co-sponsored with the Archdiocese for the of new priest chaplains. A man discerning life as a Catholic were also uniquely Chaplains who were with us as Midshipman. Military Services with the intent of returning to active service in When we ran or took part in some other early morning arduous the future as a Chaplain. I have also had the distinct privilege of priest chaplain will ordinarily face eleven to fourteen years training, they would be there. These were not Sunday priests continuing to serve in the U.S.Army Reserve through the Chaplain of education, training, and pastoral experience before alone; they were priests who were willing to suffer with and for Candidate Program which pairs a seminarian with another local finally seeing active duty military service. But it seems their people. With their encouragement and direction, I began to battalion Chaplain in the Reserves while they are in seminary. I am to me that our service members, in willingly fighting for hear God’s call for my own life, inspired by these Chaplains, and grateful that I have the opportunity to remain close to the soldiers I the safety of everyone in America, deserve the service of began to pursue entrance into seminary with the hope of becoming serve now and hope to serve as a priest and Chaplain in the future. others in a particular way, especially in spiritual matters. a priest first, but a military chaplain as well. I am currently in 1st Theology, and with the help of the Please continue to pray for all our service men and women, their Lord I plan to persevere on this road to the military For the most part, all Catholic Chaplains serving in the military families, and those who serve them as Chaplains. Like many places, chaplaincy. May the Lord who has begun this good are endorsed by the singular diocese responsible for all U.S. there is a great need for more vocations to the priesthood, not just service members, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, and in terms of numbers, but also in the weight of ministry to be done. work in me bring it to fulfillment. Amen. USA (AMS). AMS is what is known as a personal ordinariate The toll of warfare is immense but in God all things are made new. meaning that unlike a traditional diocese marked by geographical 2nd Lieutenant James Craig, ’24 boundaries, AMS extends to every U.S.service member regardless 1st Lieutenant Callan Sweeney, ’21 Diocese of Corpus Christi; Archdiocese for Military Services of where they are in the world. Whether service members are found Diocese of Austin; Archdiocese for Military Services

16 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE SUMMER / FALL 2019 17 A Vocation The Urgency: For Love of Country within a he first time I was stuck with our country’s current need for military chaplains was when I was fourteen years old, reading our local Catholic Tnewspaper. There was an ad for the military chaplaincy which depicted some church-goers waiting in line for communion, but there was no priest. The Vocation words at the top of the ad asked: “Who will serve them?” This portrayal served to underscore and make quite vivid for me the simple fact that there are just not enough Catholic chaplains in the U.S. Armed Forces.

16 REGINA CLERI MAGAZINE SUMMER / FALL 2019 17 Learning the La Morenita: Culture Star of the Seminary

n Saludo y un abrazo! Greetings, my name is Samuel serve “those we feel comfortable with”! Seminarians should Espinosa Anchondo. I was born and raised in a small town already have engraved in their hearts their love for God’s people, Ucalled Pecos, Texas. My parents are the late Cresencio regardless of their cultural backgrounds. It is imperative for the and Amelia Anchondo, and I have 13 brothers and sisters. God seminarian to become familiar with other cultures, especially if he willing, I will be the 6th priest from my home parish. is not from the USA.

I grew up on the north side of town, and neighborhoods from Cultural formation begins in the seminary and continues into the Pecos were different because of social class and cultural priesthood. A gift that is bestowed upon the priest is baptizing differences. In Pecos, elementary and junior high schools are the faithful. In the Gospel of Matthew, Christ sends his apostles separated according to residential areas. However, we only have to teach and baptize. Jesus said to them, “All authority in heaven one high school, and African-Americans, Hispanics, Caucasians, and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples ur Holy Mother, “La Morenita,” wanted to appear as that we can respond to God’s call, like Juan Diego, “My Lady, and Asians come together and learn about each other and their of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of a humble Indian Mexican to bring a message of peace, Queen, my Little Girl, let me not give you anguish, let me not different backgrounds; we had no choice. This was my first the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the Ofaith and love. Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most grieve your face, your heart. I will most gladly go to carry out experience in cultural growth. I can still remember my teachers commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; famous advocates in the whole world. St. Pius X proclaimed her your breath, your Word” (Valeriano, 1560, 63). telling me not to speak Spanish, only English, even though both yes, to the end of time.” Jesus commands us to make disciples “Patroness of all Latin America”; then Pope Pius XI proclaimed languages are primary to me. We learned how to grow together of all nations, and through baptism we are all called to follow her “Patroness of all the Americas.” Pius XII called her “Empress Thanks to her appearance and her message, thousands converted and live in harmony. Learning about each other’s culture takes Jesus, regardless of our cultural background. Pope St. John Paul of the Americas.” Pope St. John XXIII later crowned her with to the Lord. Imagine what she can do in our vocation! Far from work and is a process; it is not done overnight. II, addressing the Pontifical Council of Culture, said “Those who the names: “The celestial Missionary of the New World” and “the our family, in the Seminary, we find another family in which are pastorally responsible for culture are resolutely committed Mother of the Americas” (John Paul II, 1979). She wanted to come our mother is Maria. Some of us were educated in a tender filial to finding ways for evangelization to reach minds and hearts, as a Mother of Christ, to be the evangelizer of all the American love for the Mother of Jesus, who we learned to invoke as an and to transform cultures in a way which also enriches them. towns but especially the protector of our vocation. intercessor and to sing to as our beloved mother. However, if you They weigh up the elements of culture which are open to the haven’t experienced this spiritual motherhood, I invite you to proclamation of the Gospel, and the challenges which have arisen Significantly, the universal message of compassion and love do so! All seminarians must carry in their heart, as an important from cultures which are indifferent, or sometimes hostile, to the given by Our Lady of Guadalupe and her promise of help and part of our spiritual formation, a special love for the Virgin, who faith. The Gospel brings culture to its perfection, and authentic protection for all humanity is recounted in the “Nican Mopohua,” we try to imitate by her courageous and committed acceptance culture is open to the Gospel.” a document written in the 16th century in the native language, of collaborating with God in the plan of salvation. Our devotion Nahuatl, which is still in use in several regions of Mexico. Our to the Blessed Mother is going to lead us by the hand to meet her Once a seminarian becomes an ordained minister for the church, Lady of Guadalupe met this humble man named Juan Diego, who Son and help us to reach heaven. he has many sons and daughters to teach, and he should lead his had already deviated a little from his mission because he wanted flock into the love of God. Each human being must be respected to attend to his sick uncle, and it was there in that meeting that a Our Lady of Guadalupe remains an excellent collaborator in because they are children of God. In Evangelii Nuntiandi, “What charming dialogue took place, which he then transmitted to us, the work of God, and in ours if we so desire! We can be assured matters is to evangelize man’s culture and cultures (not in a with all its freshness, as it expressed in the Nican Mopohua: that she remains a star of evangelization in each of our parishes purely decorative way, as it were, by applying a thin veneer, and in all dioceses. All pastoral work done under her special but in a vital way, in depth and right to their very roots), in the Listen. Put it into your heart, my youngest and dearest son, patronage is called to success. Blessed Fulton Sheen states: “As wide and rich sense” (§20). Gaudium et spes reminds us of the that the thing that frightened you, the thing that afflicted the mother knows the needs better than the babe, so the Blessed importance of “always taking the person as one’s starting-point you is nothing: do not let it disturb you: do not fear this Mother understands our cries and worries and knows them better and always coming back to the relationships of people among sickness nor any other sickness, nor any sharp and hurtful than we know ourselves.” We should immerse ourselves into themselves and with God.” thing. Am I not here, I, who am your mother? Are you not the immense love of “La Guadalupana,” but, undoubtedly, also In regard to cultural growth, when I entered St. Charles Seminary under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source entrust our vocation with great fervor. She really is the Queen and in El Paso, Texas, moving from Pecos to El Paso, which is three Cultural formation has a starting point, and it continues of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in Mother of each seminarian and priest. hours away, was a major change in culture. I am now a third- throughout life. It’s a never ending process. All believers, the crossing of my arms? Do you need something more?” year theologian for the missionary diocese of El Paso. El Paso is regardless of their cultural upbringings, depend on their priests the Virgin said to Juan Diego (Velariano, 1560, 58). I invite you to develop a deep devotion to Our Lady and to take a border city with Cuidad Juarez, Mexico, and I never thought to have a closer relationship with God. Therefore, I know that advantage of her intercession because “God has not acted thus of living close to Mexico. In fact, I have never stepped foot through my personal experience, beginning in my family and After this powerful message, Juan Diego accepted the call to for any other nation; to no other people has he shown his love in Mexico. This is when I learned that cultural formation is hometown, I became aware of my culture, and I hope that I will conversion and the invitation to be a missionary of God’s love. so clearly” (Ps 147:20). She is the Mother of mothers. She is “the important. I made many friends with different backgrounds at remain faithful to God by teaching the people of God and getting Our Lady of Guadalupe changed Juan Diego’s life, not only in world’s first love” (Fulton Sheen). Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe! school while also meeting new people at different parishes in El them closer to God. terms of his earthly needs, but also by assuring his safe entrance Viva la Reina de los Sacerdotes y Seminaristas! Viva la Emperatriz Paso. to heaven. Following the example of San Juan Diego, sometimes de América! Sam Anchondo, ’21 as seminarians, we are busy and worried about so many problems Seminarians must be open to cultural formation to learn about Diocese of El Paso and difficulties, but we must remember that every day the Virgin Marco Medina Cervantes, ’24 themselves and others. As a future priest for the Catholic Church, appears before us and asks the same question she did to Juan Diocese of Brownsville the main task is the salvation of souls. We are not called to only Diego to comforts us. We should entrust our vocation to her, so

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