Hello all! I realize it has been a while since my last message keeping all of you up-to-speed with my progress at the seminary. So, let’s cut to the chase….

Last Monday evening [January 19th], a large majority of the house participated in a Holy Hour for the Nation while others, including myself, participated in private holy hours keeping the new President and the country in our prayers. The following morning, Inauguration Day, our daily Mass was dedicated to the nation. As Catholic Christians, we are called to pray for those who have been elected to public office, no matter what our political ideologies may be. However, this does not mean that we conform to the ideologies of the nation’s political leaders. It is important that we stand up for what we believe in, reminding all of our elected officials of our stance on issues pertaining to life and the environment.

On Saturday, January 24th, we had the Liga Orante Mass with Archbishop Favalora and hundreds of Catholic women of the Archdiocese of Miami. The Liga Orante is a group of women who constantly pray for an increase to priestly vocations and vocations to the religious life. Each year, they do a fundraiser to help support the seminary financially. This year, the Liga Orante raised over $10,000 for the financial necessities of St. John Vianney. We thank them for their tremendous support!!

In a few weeks, all of the seminarians will be spending several hours in the library each night. Yes, mid-term exams are quickly approaching. (It is hard to believe that we have been back from Christmas Recess for four weeks! How the time flies!!) The Mid-Semester Break is the week following the exams. Even though it is only five days in length, we are all looking forward to being home with friends and family for a few days.

After the break, we go on a three day retreat. The location of the retreat is typically held off campus, however, the location in which the retreat is usually held is currently under renovation. So, we haven’t been told whether or not the retreat will be held on site or in another location.

I would like to thank all those who are continuing to support me while I study at the seminary. Most especially, I would like to thank my parents for instilling in me my faith in Jesus Christ, my church family for all of their financial and prayerful support, the St. Charles CCW, the Knights of Columbus (Our Lady of the Lakes Council), the Ladies Guild of Blessed Sacrament, and the Corpus Christi Women. Thank you all!

May God bless you and may He continue to bless the Diocese of Orlando and the Roman Catholic Church.

Bye for now………………..