New Year's Greetings!
Dearest Friends & Visitors,
I pray that your Advent, Christmas Season and New Years were blessed and peaceful!
As we approach Epiphany, we have followed Mary and Joseph’s journey towards Bethlehem and now turn to walk in the footsteps of the Magi as they journey to worship the newborn King of Kings, Jesus Christ!
Reflecting on this past year, I look back with wonder at the many signs, people, and Providential occurrences that have brought me to Glenmary Home Missioners and the Pontifical College Josephinum (PCJ) seminary. Surrounded by the Faith and fellow souls striving for God, I have truly felt my soul expand here!
On the spiritual side of seminary life, an average day is very busy with periods of quiet time and prayer, but it is also filled with academics and special programs. During the week, each day officially centers around chanted Morning Prayer “Lauds” (from the Latin meaning “Praise”), Holy Mass, and Meditation, followed by chanted Evening Prayer “Vespers” (also from the Latin meaning “Evening”). We participate in all these activities together as a group. Lauds and Vespers are taken from the Breviary, a series of books full of the Psalms and Scripture readings (also known as the Liturgy of the Hours and the Divine Office, which are the official prayers of the Church). The Liturgy of the Hours and the beginnings of Gregorian chant originated from the ancient Jewish custom of singing the Psalms daily, which Jesus, Mary, the Apostles, and others also sung. In this way, we try to follow the command to “pray without ceasing!”
Additionally throughout the week, on Tuesdays, we have Conferences on various spiritual topics, such as Lectio Divina (ancient techniques for reading and praying the Bible), and on Wednesday, we pray the Rosary as a group sometimes outdoors or in the chapel in the evening. On weekends, typically Lauds and Vespers are prayed in private, but daily Mass continues.
Individually, we are also encouraged to continue to develop our own routines and methods of prayer. Some favorite less-structured spiritual pastimes of mine are Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in one of our four chapels or a quiet walk with God in the forest alongside the creek on the far end of campus. As you can see, spirituality is by far the most important element of our formation!
Academically speaking, the PCJ Seminary is divided into the College of Liberal Arts (those working towards a Bachelor’s Degree), and the School of Theology (those pursuing a Masters’ Degree up to Ordination), which also includes Pre-Theology (those with Bachelor’s degrees who need more theology/philosophy before going on to Theology). Currently, I am a Third Year Collegiate here and will be pursuing my Philosophy Degree. From Philosophy, Latin, Logic, Theology, Catechism, and Bible classes to Choir and Voice classes, academics fill the rest of our weekdays. Additionally, distinguished lay and religious members often visit as guest speakers.
On Saturdays, following morning Mass, we have house jobs and chores, where the seminarians assist in maintaining the campus buildings and grounds. This 2006-2007 academic year, I volunteered as the leader to care for the rocky Marian Grotto and the College’s patio flower garden area. Working outdoors is such a wonderful way to connect to the cycles and rhythms of God’s creation!
Another highlight of this past semester is my continuing involvement in our Apostolic Works program, which allows us to serve others in the surrounding communities. I was blessed to be assigned to the Boy Scout’s Venture Crew, a program that combines the best of Scouting adventures with a coed Catholic Youth Group. As an assistant leader of the Crew, I also participate in the Dead Theologians Society, a group (based on the movie, “Dead Poets Society”) whose mission is to help teach teens about the lives of the Saints through their own writings and life stories. So far, besides our weekly Sunday afternoon meetings, which are held at one of two rural retreat centers, I also led a camping/service trip and an overnight retreat with the teens. Now you may be wondering what exactly happens at our meetings. Well, weather permitting, we can be found exploring our Faith as we hike, trailblaze, clear woods, build campfires and picnic areas, etc. It is so wonderful sharing Christ’s love with them through our common interests in wilderness activities!!
Lest you think it’s all work and no fun, the brotherhood, support, and fellowship I’ve experienced with my fellow seminarians is amazing! Surprisingly, I am the only seminarian out of the 150, who is studying for a religious community, let alone a missionary society, (the rest are studying for their local dioceses around the country). However, they have quickly made me feel welcome and the friendships I’ve made here will definitely last long into the future!
On weekends, we have local outings, such as praying at an abortion clinic, visiting nearby parishes and other churches of different rites, playing sports, hiking, watching movies, running errands, doing laundry, etc. There is definitely never a dull moment, and we always manage to squeeze in some study time, too!
Some of my enthusiasm for the home missions has been rubbing off on my fellow seminarians, for many of them have expressed interest in learning more about Glenmary’s missionary spirit, history, and activities!
The Holy Spirit is truly bringing dedicated, orthodox, and devoted young men to the priesthood in ever-increasing numbers. It’s so remarkable to see that every seminarian I have met here epitomizes these attributes!! This years’ incoming class in the College section of the seminary was 40 new students, which is DOUBLE the ENTIRE enrollment in all four grades of the College section last year! Across the country, I hear of more and more young people heeding a call to religious life! Hope is on the horizon!
Dear Readers, I hope this post has provide a deeper insight into my daily life as a seminarian at the Pontifical College Josephinum! Stay tuned for more stories (a bit shorter) about my adventures!
As we look back on that most sacred night in Bethlehem so long ago, and look forward with hope to a blessed New Year, may we continue to better prepare ourselves to receive the Little Christ Child deep within our hearts! His soft eyes tenderly search our souls, His tiny outstretched hands beckon to be held, and His cries of joy resound throughout the world. Like the Magi, may we bow down in adoration and exclaim: Our Lord Jesus, the Emmanuel, the Light in the Darkness has come! O Israel, rejoice! Let us follow Him!
Prayers and Blessings!
In His Service,
Seminarian Shawn
