Two weeks ago, the seminarians had a week packed with all kinds of exciting events, including a visit from Christopher West for a Theology of the Body conference, as well as visits from our bishops for Board of Trustees meetings. We also participated in a Day of Recollection,which was very well received by yours truly–I was able to rest with the Lord with no worries about papers, tests, etc. This past week, the seminary community celebrated the first major event in its 50th Anniversary year with the dedication of a new mosaic to Mary, Star of the Sea and the consecration of the seminary to Mary. What an exciting couple of weeks!! Thankfully, the next couple of weeks are going to be a little more ordinary.

Throughout this week, most of us here will be working on papers that are due in the very near future. We will also be studying for our mid-term exams, which are coming up next week (October 5th-9th). However, then we all have something to look forward to; mid-semester break is the week of October 12th. For me, break will be spent catching up on some much needed rest and spending time with family in Orlando. I am mostly looking forward to getting to see my nephew crawl around the house.

Off to the chapel for Morning Prayer and Mass. Bye for now….

The Prayer of Consecration from the ceremonies yesterday:

Most Holy Trinity, Our Father in Heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your spouse; God the Son, who chose Mary as your Mother; in union with Mary, we adore your majesty and acknowledge your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.

Most Holy Trinity, we put St. John Vianney College Seminary into the hands of Mary Immaculate, the New Eve and Star of the Sea, in order that she may present this seminary to you. Through her we wish to thank you for the great blessings you have bestowed upon us throughout our fifty years of service. Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the local churches we serve. Shower wisdom upon our bishops and all who assist them in their responsibilities of governance. Bestow strength to our seminary administration, faculty, and staff. Grant protection to those here discerning the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Call forth the precious gift of many vocations to the diocesan priesthood. Through the intercession of our mother, have mercy on the sick, the poor, the refugee, the tempted, sinners–on all who are in need.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our mother, patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and consecrate our seminary and ourselves to your immaculate heart. O Sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, pierced by the sword of sorrow prophesied by Simeon, save us from degeneration, presumption, and despair. Protect us from all harm. O sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, you who bore the sufferings of your son in the depths of your heart, be our advocate. Pray for us, the community of St. John Vianney College Seminary, that acting always according to the will of your divine son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.

Here are some pictures from the seminary’s ceremonies yesterday dedicated the new mosaic and consecrating the seminary to Mary.

PHOTO SOURCE: Tom Pringle

VIDEO SOURCE: Tom Pringle

Today, St. John Vianney College Seminary will be consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in a ceremony presided by Bishop Thomas Wenski, Bishop of Orlando, signifying the first major event of the seminary in celebration of its 50th Anniversary year. Over the past several months, a new mosaic dedicated to Mary, Star of the Sea has been in the works. The first major pieces were placed over the summer. For the first few weeks of this semester, the “Garden Crew” (a seminary house job) has been diligently working at polishing the tiles and removing the excess grout. The mosaic truly looks amazing! (Pictures will be posted after the dedication this afternoon.)

Dedicating the mosaic to Mary, Star of the Sea is significant for us at the seminary. It reminds us that whenever we face challenges, struggles and temptations in life we can always look to our Blessed Mother for guidance and protection. In other words, we are all ships drifting out on the sea with no idea of which way to go. But we look to the sky and see a bright light emerging through the darkness and chaos of the storm, leading us to a safe harbor. That bright light that guides us is Mary.

Let us turn then to our Blessed Mother, Star of the Sea, asking for her  intercession to protect us from all temptations and guidance to lead us to know her Son more deeply.

Mary, New Eve and Star of the Sea, pray for us.

PHOTO SOURCE: Dignare Me Laudare Te, Virgo Sacrata