Fall/Winter 1997

A Whirlwind Introduction to NAC, Assisi, and Rome Greets Class of '01

The New Men, 1997, pose for their first group photo in St.Peter's near the saint's tomb.

When the new men awoke on August 27 to the view of the morning sun rising over the Swiss Alps on their marathon flight from New York to Rome, they knew it would not be long before they would glimpse their new home-The Pontifical North American College.

In typical North American College style and tradition, the new men received an overwhelming and supportive welcome. To their surprise, they were greeted as they emerged from the jetway by rectors, faculty, and staff.

Later, spiked by rousing applause, the group was greeted by more faculty, staff, and the orientation team at the steps of the Immaculate Conception chapel. The 40 new men processed through the chapel doors tired and hungry, but grateful to God for a safe journey and for the opportunity to study in the Eternal City.

On August 29, the new men made their first pilgrimage to St. Peter's Basilica, stopping to pray the creed at the Confessio and asking for the Holy Apostles' intercession. Mass was celebrated in the Crypt Chapel, the Christ the King altar, facing the Confessio.

On August 31, the new men visited the Baptistry at the Basilica of St. John Lateran and celebrated Mass in one of the chapels there. They then proceeded to Castel Gandolfo to attend a public audience with the Holy Father during his Sunday noon Angelus. The North American College constituency, standing directly under the Holy Father's window, was greeted by His Holiness in English, and the seminarians voiced their approval. The final adventure for the new Men during their first week of orientation was a pilgrimage to Assisi from September 5 to 7. There, they visited the now earthquake-damaged Basilica of St. Francis, spent plenty of time in rest and prayer, and acquainted themselves with the charming village of Assisi. The orientation team, made up of second- year men, did an impeccable job of making the new men feel that Rome is truly home.

Mr. James Morgan, '01 Diocese of Sioux Falls

Rector's Corner

Sometimes people ask me about the benefits of priestly preparation in Rome, why bishops find value in sending priests and future priests to the North American College. I could go on at length about the reasons, but a survey of some recent events in which our men participated provides a much more credible and colorful reply.

Last spring, all the students and staff of the college were received in audience by the Holy Father. We spent about 40 unforgettable minutes with the successor of St. Peter. Pope John Paul II slowly walked through the exuberant group, greeting as many of us as possible as we bellowed out the ancient song "Tu es Petrus." He then addressed us with words of encouragement. As we prayed together and received his blessing, I thought, "This is why the North American College exists."

In May, we went on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love. Led by Msgr. Charles Elmer, we spent an afternoon meditating upon the value and beauty of devotion to our Immaculate Mother, our patroness. Then, only a week later, our men led the renowned Corpus Christi procession, amid tens-of-thousands of people in that medieval town of Orvieto where the feast actually began.

On their first morning in Rome, our new men attended Mass at the tomb of St. Peter, where they asked his intercession in guiding their years in his See city. The next day, they gathered to renew their baptismal vows and pray the Mass at the ancient church of St. John Laterna, the cathedral of Rome. A week later, our men immersed themselves in the message of St. Francis as we spent a weekend of recollection in his town of Assisi (this was before the tragic earthquakes there).

On October 2, fifteen of our men assembled beneath the choir of St. Peter in the basilica to be ordained deacons of the Church, the last step before priesthood. And, in October, all the college seminarians, graduate priests, and our men on sabbatical-gathered with one hundred-thousand others in St. Peter's Square as Pope John Paul II declared St. Therese of Lisieux, in the presence of her relics, a "doctor of the Church," powerfully speaking of our need for her message of simple love.

Currently, hundreds of bishops are gathered for the "Synod for America," and our men are right at the center of lively reflection on the challenges facing the Church in our hemisphere.

See! I haven't even mentioned our solid program of formation and the first rate theology our men learn, but I think I can rest my case as to why priestly formation in Rome is so valuable, and why we so appreciate your support that makes it possible.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Timothy M. Dolan, '76 Rector Photo Gallery

The new men, circa 1860: Official photograph of the first class to enter the North American College. The first rector, Fr. William G. McCloskey, sits front row, center.

Touch down at Fiumicino airport for Brian Chadwick, '01 (Diocese of Gary), on the left, and Tim McGilloway, 1 01 (Archdiocese of Newark).

The new men enter the chapel of the Immaculate Conception to the applause of the faculty, staff, and orientation team. They are on their way to pray Midday Prayer, their first official act as seminarians in Rome. Luke Ballman, '00 (Archdiocese ofAtlanta), chairman of the orientation team, presents the gifts to Fr. Thomas Radloff, Sj, director of spiritual formation, at the celebration of the Mass in the Conventual Chapel. Patrick Kennedy, development director, who went through orientation with the new men, serves as deacon.

Letter form the Editor

A Salute to the Janiculum Kitchen Crew

This fall's issue of the NAC newsletter is dedicated to the arrival of the class of 2001. Our new men encompass the breadth and width of America and Canada! They were welcomed, as the new men are every year, by the second theologians who, refreshed by their own summer travels and pastoral assignments, put on the two-week orientation program. The program began with meeting the tired new men at Fiumicino airport and concluded twelve days later with a weekend excursion to Assisi.

But the second-year class were not the only ones who worked hard to make the adjustment to Rome easier for the new men. Perhaps no other part of the staff contributes more to the overall morale and well-being of the House than our kitchen staff. These men and women cook and prepare Italian-style meals daily for up to 200 people.

Every day after 6:30 a.m. Mass, we begin with colazione, which generally consists of American coffee or tea, juice, rolls, eggs, and American cold cereals. To make it feel more like home, the kitchen staff, on occasion, also prepares pancakes and french toast. On one Sunday a month, the staff puts on an Americanstyle brunch, which is always a big hit.

Pranzo is the main meal in Italy, so we too follow this custom. Pranzo begins at 1:15 p.m. with announcements and a blessing, and includes salad, a pasta course, a meat and vegetable course, and a dessert of fruit or some other sweet. It is at this meal that the kitchen staff really shines. Many would argue that our carbonara, a dish composed of spaghetti in an egg and pancetta (bacon) sauce, is among the best in Rome.

Served in the evening following Vespers is cena, which is traditionally a lighter meal than pranzo. Cena usually includes a variety of foods--cold and hot-as well as soup and fruit.

But one should not neglect to mention the kitchen's tour de force-the famous NAC banquets on the various celebrations during the year.

If it is true, as Napoleon said, that an army marches on its stomach, it might also be said that the NAC seminarian's daily march to the Roman universities is made possible by the culinary expertise of our kitchen staff.

Mr. Matthew Carr, '99 Diocese of Arlington

These Four Move Mountains (of Paperwork)

To paraphrase an old saying, "Behind every good man there is a good woman." At NAC, behind the roughly 200 men - seminarians and priests all- there are four good women, at least in the administration. We'd like you to meet them.

(Clockwise from upper left) Mrs. Lory Mondaini has been the rector's secretary since 1984. Born and raised in West New York, N.J., she traveled to Rome in the early 70s. Mrs. Mondaini worked for United Airlines and met a Roman gentleman named Roberto, who worked for IVA. They married and had three children: Carlo, 14; Chiara, 11; and Massimo, who just turned two.

Mrs. Elena Panti, a native of Rome, is the secretary for the vice rector for student life, who is also director of the Formation Advising Program.

Mrs. Gloria Denton is the newest member of our staff. She is a licensed family nurse practitioner with a master's of science degree from Pace University. She has nursed in four states and in Cambodian refugee camps. Mrs. Denton calls San Francisco home. She and her husband, Stefano, are the parents of Andrea, 9; Davide, 7; and Giulia, nearly 5. Mrs. Denton is secretary to the vice rector for administration, who is also the business manager and the chief financial officer.

Mrs. Carol Ann Salfa hails from Minneapolis. With a bachelor's degree in art and education, and a master's degree in education, she taught elementary and middle school art for 15 years. Her husband, Amedeo, is a Roman film editor, whom she met and married 30 years ago. They have three children, Ashley, Rene, and Michaela, respectively, a lawyer, a student, and a set designer. Mrs. Salfa is secretary for the director of the Institute for Continuing Theological Education, NAC's very popular sabbatical program for priests.

Class of 2001: The New Men

Kevin M. Bazzel '01 Stephen W. Bird '00 Scott F. Boone '00 B.A., St. Meinrad College; Age 22, B.A., Wittenberg, B.S., Loras College, Age 24, Diocese of Birmingham; M.A., University of Illinois; Age 32, Archdiocese of Dubuque, St. Mary's Parish, Dubuque, IA; St. Ann's Parish, Decatur, AL; Diocese of Peoria; St. Mary's Parish, Dubuque, IA; Pastor: Rev. Joe Culotta. Holy Cross Parish, Champaign, IL; Pastor: Rev. Jerry Kopacek. Pastor. Rev. Msgr. Albert Hallen.

Charles A. Byrd jr. '00 Brian A Chadwick '01 Michael A. Colello '01 B.A., St. Vincent College, Age 33; B.A., Valparaiso; B.A., Providence College; Age 22, Diocese of Atlanta; B. Phil., Sacred Heart Seminary, Age 22; Diocese of Fall River; Cathedral of Christ the King Diocese of Gary, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Wakefield, Parish,Atlanta, GA; Nativity of Our Savior Parish, Portage, RI, Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Thomas Kenny. IN; Pastor: Rev. Nicholas Smith. Pastor: Rev. John Scott.

Martin E. Flum '01 James A Fowlie '00 Roger P. Ghatt '01 B.S., University of Maryland, Age 34, B.A., Christ the King Seminary; Age 28, B.A., American University; Age 32; Archdiocese of Washington; Diocese of Prince George, Archdiocese of Washington; St. Mary's Parish, Rockville, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Canada; St. Matthew's Cathedral Parish, MD; Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Adam J. Pastor: Most Rev. Gerald Wiesner. Washington, DC, Kostick. Pastor: Rev. W Ronald Jameson.

Cory J. Hayes '01 Stephen A. Hero '00 Adam L. Hertzfeld '01 B.A., St. Joseph's Seminary; Age 22; B.A., Seminary of Christ the King, Age B.A., University of Steubenville, Age 21; Diocese of Lafayette; 27, Diocese of Toledo, St. John the Baptist Parish, Lyons Point, Archdiocese of Edmonton; St. Patrick's Parish, Providence, OH; LA; St. Joseph's Basilica, Edmonton, Canada; Pastor: Rev. F. Anthony Gallagher Pastor. Rev. Albert Gayle Nunez. Pastor. Rev. Msgr. Donald MacDonald. Michael Dennis Irwin, Jr. '01 Michael W. Labadie '01 Jason Michael Labbe '01 B.S.C.E., Auburn University; B.A., Huntington College; Age 24; B.A., St. Joseph Seminary College, Age M.A., University of Steubenville, Age 27, Archdiocese of Mobile; 28, Archdiocese of Mobile, Our Lady Queen of Mercy Parish, Diocese of Baton Rouge; St. Bede's Parish, Montgomery, AL; Montgomery, AL; Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Baton Pastor: Rev. David Tokars. Pastor: Rev. William Folsom. Rouge, LA; Pastor: Rev. Michael Collins.

Christopher A. Layden '01 James E. Mason '01 Timothy T. McGilloway '01 B.A., St. Meinrad College; Age 20; B.A., University of St. Thomas; B.A., Seton Hall University; Age 27; Diocese of Peoria; J.D., University of Minnesota; Age 30, Archdiocese of Newark, St. Anthory's Parish, Hoopeston, IL; Diocese of Sioux Falls; St. Joseph's Parish, Oradell, NJ; Pastor: Rev. Jerome Pilon. Christ the King Parish, Sioux Falls, SD, Pastor: Rev. George Reilly. Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Richard Mahowald.

James Patrick Morgan '01 Trevor Keith Murry '01 Jason P. Oberg '01 B.A., University of South Dakota, Age B.A., St. Louis University; Age 22; B.A., St. Charles Boromeo Seminary; 38; Diocese of Belleville, Age 22; Diocese of Sioux Falls; Immaculate Conception Parish, Diocese of Lincoln; Holy Cross Parish, Ipswich, SD; Tamaroa, IL; St. Cecilia's Parish, Hastings, NE, Pastor. Rev. Msgr. Edward Burian. Pastor. Rev. Daniel Jurek. Pastor. Rev. Msgr. John McCabe. Dean P. Perri '01 David A. Pignato '01 Frederick J. Ringley, Jr. '01 B.A., St. John's Seminary; B.A., Holy Cross College, B.M., University of Iowa, B.S., University of Rhode Island, J.D., Harvard University; Age 27; M.M., University of Arkansas; Age 36, MBA, Renssalaer Potytechnic; Age 28; Diocese of Fall River, Diocese of Bridgeport, St. John Fisher, Diocese of Providence; St. Mary's Parish, Foxboro, MA; Stamford, CT, St. Pius X Parish, Westerly, RI; Pastor. Rev. Thomas Reilly. Pastor: Rev. Msgr Steven DiGiovani. Pastor. Rev. Ray Suriani.

Santiago 1. Robles '01 Christopher S. Sahd '01 J. Patrick Serna '01 B.A., University of San Diego, Age 23; B.A., Duquesne University, Age 25; B.A., University of Dallas; Age 25, Diocese of San Diego; Diocese of Scranton; Diocese of Corpus Christi; Parish St. Rose of Lima, Chula Vista, Holy Trinity Parish, Columbia, PA; Most Precious Blood Parish, Corpus CA; Pastor. Rev. Kenneth Lawrence. Christi, TX; Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Richard Duncanson. Pastor: Rev. Msgr. William Thompson.

Anthony J. Smith '01 Luke M. Sweeney '01 Rodney E. Thibault '01 B.A., University of Connecticut, Age 31; B.A., Fordham University; Age 22, B.A., St. John Seminary College, Age 22, Archdiocese of Hartford, Archdiocese of New York; Diocese of Fall River, St. Matthew's Parish, Forestville, CT; Immaculate Conception Parish, Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish, Fall Pastor: Rev. Robert Lysz. Irvington, NY; River, MA; Pastor: Rev. Raymond Byrne. Pastor. Rev. Richard W. Beaulieu. Richard J. Toohey '01 James A. Tucker '01 Aaron Urbanczyk '01 B.B.A., University of Notre Dame; Age B.A., University of Kentucky, Age 23; B.A., University of Steubenville; Age 26, 21; Diocese of Arlington; Diocese of Bridgeport, Diocese of Erie; Parish St. Agne's Parish, Arlington, VA; St. Cecilia's Parish, Adams, NY St. George's Parish, Erie, PA; Pastor: Rev. Jim Gould. Pastor. Rev. Douglas Decker. Pastor. Rev. Msgr. John Ouwin.

John J. Vargas '01 Brian T. Waldbillig '01 Erik T. Walters '01 B.A., Sacred Heart Seminary, Age 24; B.A., St. John's University, Age 22; B.A., St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Diocese of LaCrosse; Diocese of Brooklyn; Age 21; Basilica of St. John Parish, De Moines, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Queens, Archdiocese of Mobile; IA; NY; Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Frank Chiodo. Pastor. Rev. Msgr. Thomas Healy. Parish, Mobile, AL; Pastor: Rev. Msgr. James Oberkirch.

Eric C. Weber '01 Michael E. Werkhoven '01 Luke A.Wrobel '01 B.S., University of St. Thomas; Age 22; B.A., St. Joseph's Seminary College; Age B.A., Fairfield University, Age 23; Diocese of Lansing; 31; Diocese of Fall River, Most Holy Trinity Parish, Fowler MI, Diocese of Memphis, St. Stanislaus Parish, Fall River, MA; Pastor: Rev. Ray Rademacher. St. Ann's Parish, Bartlett, TN, Pastor. Rev. Rovert Kascynski. Pastor. Rev. Bruce Cinquegrani.

"I'm Here Because I Fell in Love With God"

Editor's note: Santiago Robles (Diocese of San Diego) gave the following toast at the opening reception:

I am honored to be given the opportunity to make a toast on behalf of the seminarians of the United States.

I have often been asked whether I consider myself Mexican or American. I tell them that I am Mexican by origin and American by adoption. What does that make of me? It makes me a very fortunate person to have been blessed with two cultural sources from which to draw my identity. These two cultures do not oppose each other; rather they complement each other.

Yet, the one aspect of my life that defines who I am is rooted in my faith. The same faith that all of us here in this place share: the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the reason why we are seminarians, priests, and members of religious communities. At the seminary college in San Diego where I studied, we have one day a week set aside to have guests for Mass, dinner, and evening prayer. Often a guest would ask us the reason we were in the seminary Some seminarians would respond, "Just wanted to check it out"; others, "I had a dream of being a priest"; and still others, "This is a good school." I could tell my brother seminarians were often bashful in explaining the reasons for being there. When it came my turn to respond, I said,

Quite frankly I could give you many sound reasons as to why I am here. But the real underlying reason is because I fell in love with God. Out of this, I have a desire to love back, and I am being led to the possibility of a love expressed through the priesthood.

Jesus Christ is the reason for whom and through whom the Catholic Church continues to move and live, and have its being in today's society.

Tonight I would also like to call into mind the communities where we each come from. After all, God used them in one way or another to love us and give shape to who we are today. And by communities I mean our families, our parishes and dioceses, and our beloved country. It was our faith community that bid us farewell, and upon our arrival in Rome, we were once again embraced by our faith community. Our Christian brothers and sisters from both houses of the North American College have, without doubt, extended to us a very warm and comforting welcome. Indeed, in our faith journey we never walk alone.

Finally (and before this turns into a homily) I want to express my admiration for each one of you-my classmates. Your willingness and courage to come and see is extraordinary. Your trust in Christ has led you here, and it may lead you to stranger lands. I am sure you have heard people say, "So young, so handsome, what a waste of a man." Still others go on to say, "They are too young, too inexperienced. What good have they got to offer the world or the Church?"

Little do they know that it is the power and the glory of God himself that brings to fulfillment his plans through simple young men who are open to being used as his instruments. Our yes to God introduces us to the joy of working with God in building his kingdom here on earth, in our lives and in our very own moment in history.

Many are the experiences we will share together. All along the way it is my prayer that we see each other as a source of support and inspiration to continue growing in holiness together. Praise God! The Holy Fatherposes with Msgr. Timothy Dolan, '76 (Archdiocese of St Louis), and our "deacons-to-be" on the eve of their ordination to the diaconate.

Annual Retreats Start the Year With Prayer

Some comments on the unsigned seminarian evaluations of this September's retreats ran in the vein of "Best made yet," "Could not have been better, " and "A genuine spiritual experience." That is quite encouraging coming from a markedly critical group with cultivated spiritual tastes.

Once planning meetings are completed, acceptable retreat accommodations are searched out in the hinterlands of Rome and booked. The commitments of a dozen or so competent retreat directors-priests and women religious are secured; transportation for 150 anxious retreatants is chartered; final liturgical eventualities are arranged; and prayers are said. Only anxious anticipation remains to sustain the hope that all works out as well as planned. Then, when seminarian evaluations are tabulated, staff review sessions are analyzed, and the final assessments of both retreat-makers and retreat-givers come back largely in positive terms, it all seems to be working.

Seminarians' annual retreats-lasting five full days-are intentionally planned at the college before the pressures of the October-June academic year begin. The new seminarians arrive in late August and are joined by the rest of the seminarians two weeks later.

Roger Ghatt, '01 (Archdiocese of Washington), on the left, and second theologian Dan Barnett, '00 (Diocese of Spokane), chat during one of the many social events of orientation. Barnett was vicechairman of the orientation team.

Once everyone is back at NAC, the seminarians participate in a series of pastoral workshops and spiritual retreats. These activities continue vigorously through the month of September and into early October, at which point the entire college plays host for deacons candidates of the fourth-year class, their families, and guests. The retreats, therefore, also serve as oases of prayer and rejuvenation in this busy time of year.

The plan for retreats is quite simple. It is hoped that NAC seminarians will have had the opportunity to experience all the currently used retreat styles available to priests in the United States: the preached, individually directed, and group-guided formats.

For retreat content, the plan is forthright: Mark in Year I, Matthew in II, Luke in III, and John in IV, with the directive of St. Teresa of Avila in mind, "Keep your eye on Jesus." The prayer method explained and encouraged is Lectio Divina, a meditative reading of the sacred Scriptures, allowing for variations and adaptations according to preference.

The goal is clear: the purpose of NAC retreats is to develop a rich, intimate relationship with Jesus that enables the seminarian to identify effectively and affectively with Him, His mission, and His Church. It seems to be working.

Rev. Thomas Radloff, SJ Director of Spiritual Formation

A Summer of Learning in Europe

Summer travel provides an opportunity to acquire a much broader view of the churches and cultures of Europe. I spent a few weeks this summer visiting the great Catholic shrines at Fatima, Lourdes, Fevers, Liseux, and Santiago de Compostela. I also visited friends in Scandinavia for a week and found myself in an officially Lutheran region where the society is very secular. One surprising fact about Finland is that there are less than 30 Catholic priests in the entire country.

The Catholic Church is in a unique situation in Scandinavia, but in spite of its minority status, I found it to be very vibrant with beautiful liturgies. I also spent about a week in Greece with Jason Crossen,'00 (Diocese of Davenport), and John Sistare,'00 (Diocese of Providence), where we experienced a culture whose official state religion is Greek Orthodox. The Greek sea coasts are extraordinarily beautiful, and inland one finds countless treasures of antiquity. But, just as in Scandinavia, there is a very small Catholic presence-only 0.5 percent of the Greek population is Catholic.

Many other wonderful experiences and stories come to mind from my summer travels, but the best ones consist in what G. K. Chesterton observed: "The real opportunity of travel is the chance to escape the guide and being able to contradict the guide-book." This means having the pleasure of witnessing the small, touching, humanizing sights that open a window onto the things that all human beings have in common, and the discovery of the many different aspects that the Church has acquired through centuries of European history.

Mr. Larry Schreider, '00 Archdiocese of Washington

Brooklyn Priest New Academic Dean

New Academic Dean Fr. Michael Curran, '80, C'88 (Diocese of Brooklyn), on the left, chats with Fr. Edward Smith, '82 (Archdiocese of Cincinnati), at the Casa Santa Maria. The "new man" on the faculty is no newcomer to Rome, for this is Fr. Michael Curran's third opportunity to live here.

A graduate of both the college and the Casa Santa Maria, Fr. Curran's new post is that of academic dean. He comes to us from the Diocese of Brooklyn after having served for nine years as professor of moral theology on the faculty of the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, Long Island.

Ordained in 1981, Fr. Curran shares the belief of his ordinary, Most Rev. Thomas V Daily, that priestly formation "is the most important work of the Church." Specifically in his capacity as the academic dean, Fr. Curran believes that his role is to "encourage and facilitate the love for the importance of theology in the life of the Church, and the importance of theological formation in the life of the priest"; ultimately, "to foster a love for the study of theology and an appreciation for it" among the seminarians.

Fr. Curran said the best thing his earlier Roman experience gave him to take back to the United States was the "spirit of the House: the fellowship, unity, and love for the priesthood" that he found in both seminarians and faculty. He said he also found that he experienced a "greater knowledge and appreciation for the Church in the States."

All this has helped Fr. Curran to "come to know the great love the Church has for priests and the priesthood. I come back fully aware of the love and support of so many people," he said. Even though the ministry is challenged at times, there is a "tremendous love and appreciation for priests. I feel a gratitude in being a priest and a responsibility to live it out well."

Mr. Luke Sweeney,'00 Archdiocese of New York

Economo's Corner

Giving the Seminary a Taste of Modernization

The college on the Gianicolo Hill is receiving a gradual refurbishment for the first time in 40 years. A suite on the fifth floor dedicated to the memory of H.E. John Card. Wright has been constructed and furnished on the former terrace on the hospital wing of the college. A donor has helped initiate what hopefully will be a series of new apartments constructed in this space. In fact, funds have been received to begin construction on the second suite.

The student lounge and television room have been improved with a beautiful tile floor, curtains, and drapes. A new suite has been created using three student rooms on the first floor. This new suite is currently being used by one of the college's spiritual directors. The renovation was done thanks to funds from the estate of the uncle of Most Rev. Daniel A. Cronin, Archbishop of Hartford.

The tennis courts of the North American College have been refurbished with a new rubber-based surface. In addition, a third court has been restored, and the lights for evening play have been installed. Mr. Phil North, a special friend of the college, has financed this project. In addition, with the discretionary funds available, the college has used this opportunity to resurface and enlarge the basketball court.

Thanks to various donors, the college has purchased new furniture for the Cardinal Cooke Suite, room 528, and for the Red Room, where guests are often entertained. These pieces of furniture were ordered, manufactured, and shipped from the United States. Without a doubt, these spaces have been improved significantly by this addition to the physical patrimony of the college.

The Casa Santa Maria has not been overlooked in these renovation efforts. A new suite has been constructed on the second floor of the Casa near the old Rector's Suite. Also, a new dressing room has been constructed for the employees, freeing the rooms above the laundry for guests. Through the generosity of a donor from Philadelphia, new furniture has been imported from the United States for the reading room and coffee bar of the Casa. Finally, the A. Cavaille organ has been restored by the Barthelemy Formentalli Company, thanks to the generosity of the Cuneo Foundation.

This year, the college will concentrate its renovation efforts on the Via dell' Umilta. In the planning stages are the construction of a new student kitchen, the renovation of the existing kitchen, the transfer of the library to a more spacious location, the development of the concelebration chapel, and the soundproofing of the windows on the Archetto Street side of the building.

Finally, the Institute for Continuing Theological Education should not be forgotten. Here a new gathering space on the first floor will be constructed, complete with a coffee bar for the convenience of the participants.

Rev. Msgr. Bernard E. Yarrish, '76 Diocese of Scranton

Fr. Cameron, "Preacher Teacher," Sets Example

Rev. Peter Cameron, OP, deals with both the theology and the craft of preaching during the preaching workshops.

"It is the first task of priests as co-workers of the bishops to preach the Gospel of God to all men." (Presbyterorum Ordinis [Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests], 4)

As part of the Pastoral Formation Program, the North American College welcomed Rev. Peter Cameron, OP, for two weeks of preaching workshops in September. Fr. Cameron is the head of the Homiletics Department at New York's St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie. He emphasized that in the teaching of the Church the primary duty of the priest is preaching the Gospel with the goal of bringing others to salvation. The preacher mediates salvation, enabling people to live more deeply their relationship with Christ.

The first part of the course, presented to the second-year men, examined the theology of Catholic preaching, placing special focus on the person and the office of the preacher. The second part, for the third-year students, focused on the craft of preaching as a literary form and as a theological instrument of salvation.

Throughout the course, Fr. Cameron emphasized the important service that preaching fulfills in the new evangelization repeatedly called for by the Holy Father. The homiletics program is important here, according to Fr. Cameron, because it "ensures that the priests of the North American College and the seminarians who become priests will be proclaimers of the 'new evangelization."' Fr. Cameron was praised by the seminarians for bringing enthusiasm and insight to homiletics as well as assisting them in their formation as future apostles of the Gospel.

As one of the benefits of the Fr. Carl J. Peter Program of Homiletics, in the future the North American College will be able to bring Fr. Cameron back to continue to develop the preaching skills of the future priests of the new evangelization.

Mr. Daniel Barnett, '00 Diocese of Spokane

Faith in Action

NAC Quartet Spends a Summer Month in Calcutta

Of all places, Mother Teresa was in Rome.

We arrived from Rome (we being Jason Crossen, '00 [Archdiocese of Dubuque], Francisco Flores,'00 [Diocese of Boise], Timothy MacDonald, '00 [Diocese of Lansing], and Thomas Sinnott, '00 [Diocese of Scranton]). We had come to Calcutta on June 28 to spend a month working and praying with the Missionaries of Charity at the Home for the Dying, where we ministered to men who were dying of malnutrition and tuberculosis. We fed them, carried them to the showers, massaged their aching and frail bodies, and prayed and laughed with them.

When we met Mother Teresa, she had advice for our fellow seminarians: "Tell them to be humble and tell them to be holy." Then she laughed and said, "Heaven is being filled up with the poor of Calcutta," a sentiment we shared each time we carried the dead through the crowded streets on the way to the Hindu crematorium. On her way to the chapel, Mother Teresa handed us her "business card," which said, "The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, and the fruit of service is peace."

Mother Teresa once remarked, "By blood and origin, I am Albanian. My citizenship is Indian. I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the World. As to my heart, I belong entirely to Jesus."

Her life was a reflection of everything that we are called to be.

Now, supported by her intercessory prayers, we at the North American College can confidently say, "Mother Teresa, pray for us."

Mr. Timothy MacDonald, '00 Diocese of Lansing

Staff

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

Contributors

Mr. Daniel Barnett, '00, Diocese of Spokane Mr. Timothy MacDonald, '00, Diocese of Lansing Mr. James Morgan, '01, Diocese of Sioux Falls Rev. Thomas Radloff, SJ, Director of Spiritual Formation Mr. Larry Schreider, '00, Archdiocese of Washington Mr. Luke Sweeney, '00, Archdiocese of New York

NAC Board of Governors

Most Rev. Robert H. Brom,'64, Bishop of San Diego Most Rev. Tod D. Brown, '62, Bishop of Boise Most Rev. Fabian W Bruskewitz,'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 President and 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 Card. Keeler,'58, C'61, Archbishop of Baltimore, President and 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

NAC Administration

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