With the Advent season in full swing (and already almost over - how did that happen?!), I just wanted to brief you on a few different things that have been going on here at the NAC over the past few weeks. It's certainly been a busy time! We've had some beautiful liturgical celebrations, exciting community events, and, of course, a steady dose of academic work. There certainly hasn't been much time to rest in these past weeks, but the Lord has certainly been close in all the hustle and bustle - after all, this is one of the busiest times of the year for priests as well! So it's been good to get a taste of that in this penultimate year of seminary.
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we had our 61st annual Spaghetti Bowl, a flag football game between the new men and the "old men" (the returning guys). It's always a great time, and, of course, a surprising display of athleticism and highlight reel-caliber play. This year, rather than resurrect my unimpressive role of 2nd string free safety, I was asked to help out in the broadcasting booth, which is essentially one of my favorite things in the world! I've always loved watching and listening to Al Michaels, John Madden, Joe Buck, Jon Miller, and all those guys, and, when we would play sports on my block as a kid, I was most content when I could sit on the curb and provide the play-by-play call. The three of us in the booth had a great time that day, and I think (or at least hope) it added a bit to the overall experience as well!
Then, on December 8, we solemnly celebrated the patronal feast of our beloved country and our College - the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception! If there has been one particular grace of living over here these past two and a half years, it has been coming to a greater appreciation for the saints and devotions which have played such a formative role in the history of our homeland. One instance of this is seen in the North American College's dedication to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, who had been declared by the American bishops to be the special patroness of the United States at the 6th Provincial Council of Baltimore in 1846, in order "to gratify a pious desire pervading the whole United States." Our Immaculately conceived Lady has truly been our protectress and our queen since the beginning, and it was only fitting that our Roman seminary would also be entrusted to her protection! We celebrated the solemnity (which is also a day off of school) with a beautiful Mass in her honor and a big banquet to follow. What a blessing to re-consecrate our lives to her maternal intercession!
This past week was a busy one, with Christmas caroling at the Gregorian University, a practice homily for Christmas Midnight Mass, and, on Friday, our house Christmas party, which my class (the third year men) were in charge of planning and hosting. Last night, we had a Region VIII party for the men from the ecclesiastical province of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota - a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the company of other men who hail from the beautiful lands of the Upper Midwest and the Great Plains. We also celebrated the upcoming Pallium reception of Archbishop Hebda, who will receive his Pallium today as a sign of his authority as the shepherd of the flock in the metropolitan see of the Twin Cities. Be sure to keep him in your prayers as he carries out his very difficult task!
On Wednesday, 30 men from the house, including myself, will be traveling to the Holy Land for 10 days of pilgrimage! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, and certainly update you when I'm back in Rome. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you!
This past week was a busy one, with Christmas caroling at the Gregorian University, a practice homily for Christmas Midnight Mass, and, on Friday, our house Christmas party, which my class (the third year men) were in charge of planning and hosting. Last night, we had a Region VIII party for the men from the ecclesiastical province of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota - a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the company of other men who hail from the beautiful lands of the Upper Midwest and the Great Plains. We also celebrated the upcoming Pallium reception of Archbishop Hebda, who will receive his Pallium today as a sign of his authority as the shepherd of the flock in the metropolitan see of the Twin Cities. Be sure to keep him in your prayers as he carries out his very difficult task!
On Wednesday, 30 men from the house, including myself, will be traveling to the Holy Land for 10 days of pilgrimage! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, and certainly update you when I'm back in Rome. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you!
