Here's an article about our Diocese of Venice Seminarian Convocation...

Diocese Seminarians: A Diverse, Dynamic Group Studying to Serve God

Seminarians gather at OLPH

A group of men recently gathered to pray and discuss their futures while gaining some information and enjoying the fellowship of each others company.

These men are the seminarians of the Diocese of Venice. They range in age from 19 to 58 and are each at different stages in their formation toward their ultimate goal of becoming a priest.

Each summer the seminarians gather at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center for a convocation to learn and talk about their experiences while reflecting on their choice to become a priest.

Each year the faces change. Some men from last have been ordained as priests, some are off on assignments or studying outside of the Diocese, others have decided to take time off to reflect on their decision and still others are new seminarians just beginning their journey.

The 2010-2011 class of seminarians includes five new men, each with their own unique story and each with the same belief that they we called to serve God.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for the seminarians and spoke to them about how they are each at different points on their faith journey that brought them together for the convocation.

Citing the Gospel reading for July 28, Bishop Dewane added that their call to vocation is the pearl they have found in their life which is the vocation they chose.

While on their journey they each must continually look inside themselves, and the life they have chosen, to continually answer the question that recalls another Gospel passage: “Who do you say that I am?” when Peter is asked to describe who Jesus Christ is.

“We are people of the New Testament,” he added. “Today you will answer the question in a different way than tomorrow, because you will have advanced on your path a little farther. Go forward in the knowledge that you are living your response and let your heart speak to God.” Everyday they must ask that question, Bishop said.

One of the seminarians who have been studying with the Diocese for a little longer is Matthew Grady. The 24-year-old has been studying at Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, and this year was his first chance to participate in the seminarian convocation.

“This has been a wonderful experience,” Grady said. “I met a lot of the guys for the first time and thought this time was very important to me in my formation.”

Seminarian Rafel Ligenza, 28, is entering his final year at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Mich. He said that as he moves one step closer toward ordination he has grown to accept what his role in the Church will be.

“It has been a long process for me to come to this point,” Ligenza said. “I am very happy with where I am and where I am going.”

Diocese of Venice Director of Vocations Father Gregg Caggianelli said he is pleased with how each man is progressing in their own formation.

“This is a process that is personal and enriching for those who are willing to make the commitment to serve God,” Father Caggianelli said. “The Diocese is blessing to have such a diverse group of men who have proven their commitment to serve.”

There are currently 20 seminarians studying for the Diocese of Venice. The seminarians are supported by the Diocese through the Catholic Faith Appeal and with the assistance from the Knights of Columbus.

Parishioners from around the Diocese are encouraged to help support the seminarians in their studies and choice of vocation and also prayers.

To financially support a seminarian, send a check to the Diocese of Venice, Office of Vocations, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.

For more information about the seminarians or a life of Vocations, contact Father Gregg Caggianelli at 941-484-9543