News

This article was written by seminarian Daniel McHale who is of the Class of 2021 and studying for the Diocese of Albany, NY .

Feb. 13, 2019 – Most Rev. Robert J. McManus of the Diocese of Worcester joined our community Wednesday night as presider at Mass for the Institution of Acolyte.  Family and friends along with priests from representative dioceses came to support nine men who were appointed acolytes as part of their advancement in Seminary formation.

Beloved Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary spiritual director, Fr. Paul P. Gilmartin, S.J., was called home to the Lord on February 4, 2019. Fr. Gilmartin served the Seminary for 25+ years from the 1970’s through the 1990’s.  Many of the Pope St. John XXIII alumni benefited from, and were inspired by, his leadership and humble service to God.  The Gilmartin Room on campus was dedicated as a testament to his strong influence, and now serves as a room for current students to relax, reflect and appreciate the essence of Fr. Gilmartin’s work.

During this first week of Advent, fifteen men received the Ministry of Reader.  The Most Reverend Edward Bernard Scharfenberger, Bishop of Albany, joined us as the Principal Celebrant.  Very Rev. Brian Kiely (Rector), Rev. Paul Miceli (Vice Rector), Seminary leaders, faculty and invited priests concelebrated. It was a joyful celebration!

The Mass was celebrated by the Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley, S.T.L., D.D., Archbishop of Oklahoma City. The rite of admission to Candidacy is celebrated when it has been established that the intention of those aspiring to Holy Orders is supported by the necessary qualifications. In the presence of the Archbishop, each seminarian publicly expresses his intention to complete his preparation for Holy Orders and his resolve to fully invest himself to that end, so that he will serve Christ and the Church.