Below is the announcement from Bishop Smith:

Coadjutor Bishop-Elect O'Connell

When the Holy Father’s personal representative to the United States, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio, informed me that Pope Benedict XVI had appointed the Very Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M. as Coadjutor Bishop of Trenton, I instantly knew that the future of the Diocese of Trenton would be in good and capable hands. A Coadjutor bishop comes to a diocese with the right of succession. That is he automatically becomes the bishop of the diocese upon the death or retirement of his predecessor. Coadjutor Bishop-elect David M. O’Connell will succeed me as Bishop of Trenton when the Holy Father accepts my resignation. Church law regulates that a bishop must submit his resignation to the Holy Father on his seventy fifth birthday. The Pope then decides when the resignation will be accepted and became effective. By God’s good grace and love, I will be seventy five on June 23 of this year 2010.

How blessed the Diocese of Trenton is to receive as coadjutor bishop, a priest of David O’Connell’s experience, scholastic depth, pastoral sensitivity and national reputation. A member of the Eastern province of the Congregation of the Missions ( the Vincentians) Coadjutor Bishop-elect O’Connell stepped down this year after completing twelve years as the President of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Many throughout the Diocese of Trenton have connections with The Catholic University of America and many more may already know Coadjutor Bishop elect O’Connell through his many appearances on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer”, ABC’s “Nightline”, PBS’s Newshour with Jim Lehrer, and National Public Radio’s “The Diane Rehm Show”.

His Episcopal Ordination will take place at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption on Friday, July 30, 2010, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

As Coadjutor Bishop-elect David O’Connell prepares to assume his new and awesome responsibilities in the Diocese of Trenton, I know that he will be supported by your prayers and soon come to experience your love for Christ, His Church, the priesthood and be touched by your warm welcoming hearts. How grateful we all are to our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI for his gift to us of a new distinguished and holy shepherd.

And now, the statement from Bishop-Elect O’Connell:

When I mentioned to my Mother that the Pope had appointed me a bishop, she didn’t react too much. She looked at me, smiled and said, “That’s nice.” I wasn’t sure if she heard my news correctly so I repeated, “Mom, the Pope has appointed me a bishop.” Again, she replied “that’s nice” although this time she added, “But do you think they’ll ever make you a Monsignor?”

Bishop Smith, Father Carroll, members of the Diocesan staff, members of the media and friends. No, I don’t think I’ll ever be made a Monsignor. But the Holy Father has given me a great gift and grace in appointing me Coadjutor Bishop of this wonderful Diocese of Trenton. A Coadjutor Bishop has the right of succession but I heard the distinction made this way. An Auxiliary Bishop comes to work at the Chancery each morning and greets his Bishop by saying, “Good morning your Excellency. What great pastoral work would you have me do today?” A Coadjutor Bishop with the right of succession, however, comes to work at the Chancery each morning and greets his Bishop by saying, “Good morning your Excellency, how are you feeling today?”

Thank God, Bishop Smith is feeling great these days and I’ll have plenty of time to learn from him about this place that he has led so well for the past 13 plus years.

I am, indeed, grateful to our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI for choosing me to serve the people of God of the Diocese of Trenton as bishop. I have met him numerous times over the years, most recently in March of this year, and I feel a deep bond of respect, affection and loyalty to him.

I want to express appreciation to the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Sambi, the Holy Father’s personal representative to our country and someone I have had the privilege to know during the past five years. It is his responsibility to recommend candidates for the episcopacy in our country and this day would not have been possible without his support.

Bishop Smith has been nothing but joyful and encouraging to me since we first learned the news two weeks ago and I want to thank him for that and for all he has done for us in the Diocese of Trenton.

I say “us” because I am no stranger to the Diocese. I grew up only a few miles from here in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, with beautiful, loving parents and family. I can’t count how many times I passed that bridge with the words written “Trenton Makes, the World Takes.” I went to high school in Princeton which is part of the Trenton Diocese. Bishop Ahr frequently attended ceremonies there. The Congregation of the Mission or Vincentians — my religious community — has served in this Diocese since 1913 so Trenton has been a second home to me. I am grateful that my Vincentian Provincial Superior and dear friend, Father Michael Carroll, is here with me today. Special thanks to you and all my confreres.

I mentioned my family earlier. I could not begin to thank my parents enough for all they have given me. My father has gone home to God but I am sure he is watching over me with pride today. And my dear Mother, soon to turn 84, has been a source of constant love and incredible support throughout my life — even though I never became a Monsignor! I have three great brothers as well who fill out the family picture.

I have taken as my Episcopal motto a phrase from St. Mark’s Gospel (10:45), “ministrare non ministrari,” words from Jesus’ own lips when he said “I have come to serve and not to be served, to give my life as ransom for the many.” My wonderful staff and colleagues at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., will tell you that these words are not simply a quotation for me. They are an obsession. When I was ordained a priest 28 years ago last Saturday, this Gospel passage was the text used at the ordination Mass. They struck me profoundly as a good theme for a priest’s life, especially a Vincentian priest.

Here we are, at the conclusion of our Church’s “Year for Priests.” All of us know that this year and the years before it have contained some dark and difficult moments for bishops and priests. All of us know that some of us have stumbled in the darkness at times. We can never forget nor apologize enough for the harm done to those who have suffered so much because of our failures and sins. But darkness always gives way to light, night always gives way to morning, clouds and fog always give way to the brightness of a new day. Jesus Christ must always be for us that bright light, that new day, that hope for tomorrow.

In his meeting with the bishops of Portugal in early May, our Holy Father stated that

“No priest is sufficiently equipped to carry out his mission alone and as it were single-handed. He can only do so by joining forces with other priests, under the leadership of those who govern the Church” (Presbyterorum Ordinis, no. 7). This is not a matter of turning back to the past, nor of a simple return to our origins, but rather of a recovery of the fervor of the origins, of the joy of the initial Christian experience, and of walking beside Christ like the disciples of Emmaus on the day of Easter, allowing his word to warm our hearts and his “broken bread” to open our eyes to the contemplation of his face. Only in this way will the fire of charity blaze strongly enough to impel every Christian to become a source of light and life in the Church and among all men and women.

Those words are very much on my mind and in my heart as I accept this appointment as bishop. “To serve and not to be served.” “To become a source of light and life in the Church among all men and women.” This inspiration and aspiration is what I hope will characterize my ministry among you.

Please God, I will be ordained a bishop at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton at 2 pm on July 30th. I have asked Bishop Smith to be my consecrator and Archbishop Myers of Newark and Archbishop Wuerl of Washington to assist him.

On Tuesday evening this week, I had dinner with Archbishop Wuerl. He gave me a bishop’s pectoral cross to wear around my neck. It is a beautiful gift that bears upon it the image of “Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.” Today, I ask our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Grace, and St. Vincent de Paul, the founder of my religious congregation who is called, “Lux Cleri, light of the clergy,” to help me carry this image not merely around my neck but also upon my shoulders and in my heart, as I prepare to serve the priests, deacons, religious women and men and the faithful of this great Diocese of Trenton as its shepherd, after the heart of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd and the light of the world. Thank you for being here today.

Video of the 10am press conference is available in three parts. Please click here for the three videos.

PHOTO SOURCE: Catholic University of America

SOURCE: VIS; Diocese of Trenton

Archbishop Wenski during June 1st Mass of Installation

On the afternoon of June 1st, Archbishop Thomas Wenski took the reigns of the Archdiocese of Miami. Emerging from outside the Cathedral of St. Mary after  the customary three knocks on the front door, Archbishop Wenski processed into the cathedral of the archdiocese to applause from the congregation. The Mass, which began shortly after 2 o’clock, was aired live on EWTN, CatholicTV, and the Archdiocese of Miami website.

At the beginning of the Mass, Archbishop John C. Favalora welcomed those in attendance, including some 500 priests, 40+ bishops, a Prince of the Catholic Church (Sean Cardinal O’Malley), religious men and women, seminarians, and lay faithful. In his remarks, Archbishop Favalora stated: “Today we all welcome Archbishop Wenski back home.” Favalora shared, “I can attest Archbishop, God does provide.”

Archbishop Wenski greets members of the community following his installation as the fourth Archbishop of Miami

Following the opening remarks of the outgoing Archbishop of Miami, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, greeted those in attendance. During his greeting, Archbishop Sambi quoted Pope Benedict XVI‘s  12 May 2010 speech to priests, religious, deacons, and seminarians in Fatima: “Let me open my heart and tell you that the greatest concern of every Christian, especially of every consecrated person or minister of the altar, must be fidelity, loyalty to one’s own vocation, as a disciple who wishes to follow the Lord.” After the reading of the Papal Bull, which appointed  him the fourth Archbishop of Miami, the episcopal rock star officially assumed his new duties and responsibilities.

During his homily, Archbishop Wenski called to mind the problems and challenges that the Church of Miami currently faces. Realizing these challenges, Wenski stated: “I am not afraid but I am trembling.” However, the newly installed archbishop comes home to Miami a seasoned pastor, capable of embracing the challenges and leading his flock into the future. Wenski recognizes that he cannot do it alone; the collaboration of all the faithful in Miami is needed to make the local church more united and centered on Christ. “Charity will unite us…May the Virgin of Charity illumine us…with a light that is as brilliant as the star of Christ.” He concluded his homily by saying: “We begin a new chapter in this history of this local Church…So let us begin. Let us start afresh from Christ.”

Following the homily, the rites of installation continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. I was somewhat shocked at the shear number of priests in attendance. For the first time (at least for this Catholic), it took longer for the priests to receive the body and blood of our Lord than the laity. It was a nice surprise.

As the Mass came to a close, the seemingly endless procession emerged from the cathedral to music and dancing.

Father Richard Walsh

UPDATE: On June 3, 2010, the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Orlando met to select a diocesan administrator; they selected Reverend Richard Walsh. Father Walsh is currently the Pastor of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park. He was ordained a priest on June 16, 1968. Father Walsh assumes the role of diocesan administrator immediately and will carry out those duties until Pope Benedict XVI names a new Bishop for the Diocese of Orlando. Until that time, please keep Father Walsh and the people of the Diocese of Orlando in your prayers.

UPDATE #2: Here is a link to an interview with Archbishop Wenski conducted by WSVN 7 in Miami. http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21001329909588/

PHOTO SOURCE: (1) Sun-Sentinel; (2) Sun-Sentinel; (3) Diocese of Orlando

The spring semester’s Vocations Awareness Weekend was so much more profound than the fall semester’s VAW. This time around, the seminary capped the number of young men who could attend to at about 70. Each of the seven dioceses of the Province of Miami brought priests and young men discerning God’s will for the their lives. The quality of guys that attended the weekend was a lot better than I had previously experienced. The men who came down know that there is something tugging at their hearts; they know that the Lord is calling them to do something special with their lives. In an increasingly materialistic world, the courage these young men exhibited in simply coming on the weekend was incredible. The Lord was working in so many ways!!

After Vocations Awareness Weekend, activities at the seminary really quieted down. In fact, most of the time leading up to Easter Break was spent, for most of the seminarians, working on papers. The paper I was working on was for Contemporary Philosophy; it was a paper on Martin Heidegger and his critique of the Cartesian project [For all of you non-Philosophers out there, Descartes' philosophical argument culminated in the belief: "Cogito ergo sum."--"I think, therefore I am."] However, once I got into the paper, I realized that in order to talk about Descartes, I first had to do a brief overview of the entire history of philosophy. I did not have a clue as to what I was writing, but Fr. Vallee seemed to like it because he gave me an A–something I was totally not expecting.

When Easter Break finally arrived, I was looking forward to helping out at St. Charles. I absolutely love being around the people of my parish. It reminds me where I am from, who is important and what matters most in life. On Good Friday, I was given the opportunity (strongly encouraged) to cantor for the first time at my parish. Even though I had done it countless amounts of time at the seminary, I was extremely nervous because it was my first time doing it at home. But, everything turned out okay. Before I went up to the ambo to sing the Responsorial Psalm, I said a brief prayer:”Lord, I am doing this for you. Please do not make me look like a fool.”

The rest of Easter Break was spent in a prayerful mood as I contemplated the gift that the Lord had given us through the suffering, death and resurrection of His son. I was reminded that, throughout our lives, we do not necessarily understand where the Lord is leading us; however, we simply have to put our trust in Him and follow where He leads. Most of the time, when we truly try to follow the Lord, we are going down a certain path when the Lord steps in and takes your hand. At that point, sometimes, we are led down a very different path. All we can do is surrender ourselves to His will.

When we returned from Easter Break, it was time to begin preparations for final exams. I was so thankful to be given a take-home final [Themes of the Catechism of the Catholic Church], three open note exams [Thomas Aquinas in the 20th Century, Contemporary Philosophy, and Anthropology], and only one exam where I actually had to study [Spanish]. I guess we can say that the Lord was very merciful as always.

After finals, the seminary community gathered together to begin community days. In most colleges, after the students take their final exams, they are free to go home for the summer. However, in the seminary, we are a faith community first and foremost. That connection ties us together and makes our school community unique. Therefore, community days are designed to help us come together and experience the Lord firsthand through the relationships we have with one another as brothers in Christ.

Community days and the academic year came to a close on May 5th with the celebration of graduation. Sixteen seminarians graduated from St. John Vianney College Seminary this year, most of which are moving on to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop John C. Favalora, which is usually not the case. Archbishop Favalora usually only presides over the graduation ceremony. However, because he is retiring as Archbishop of Miami in the next month, Favalora was asked to preside over the Mass. It was beautiful to share in that experience with him.

Well, there you have it, the final episode of the “Year in Review.” I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have supported me in this journey over the last year. I have had some great experiences this year at the seminary, all of which will remain with me forever. Thanks for the prayers and the support. As always, stay tuned.

Pax.

PHOTO: (1) St. John Vianney College Seminary; (2) The Excerpt Mill; (3) St. John Vianney College Seminary–Dan Darmanin

SOURCE: Archdiocese of Miami

This morning, upon the acceptance of Archbishop Favalora’s request to retire, Pope Benedict XVI appointed me as the fourth Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Miami.

Jesus once bid Peter “Duc in altum” (Put out into the deep). Now Peter’s successor has asked me to do the same in entrusting to me this new responsibility. I am being called back to this local Church where I was ordained a priest and where I served as a parish priest and auxiliary bishop. Humbled by the Holy Father’s confidence in me and aware of my own limitations and shortcomings, I once again ask the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, that I may worthily fulfill my new duties as the fourth Archbishop of Miami upon my installation on June 1, 2010.

While I am “coming home to Miami”, I am leaving the Diocese of Orlando where I have served almost seven years. I am deeply grateful to the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Orlando. They welcomed me and always made me feel at home in Central Florida. As I return to South Florida, I know you will welcome me and also make me feel at home again as I reacquaint myself with priests, deacons and faithful of the Archdiocese of Miami.

I am grateful to Archbishop Favalora who shortly after he arrived here to the Archdiocese appointed me as the Archdiocese Director of Catholic Charities. I had big shoes to fill – replacing Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh. And, I have big shoes to fill now. Archbishop, I was privileged to serve as your auxiliary bishop for six years. You were always a good mentor and you taught me not to be anxious for “God will provide”. I hope that I can turn to you to seek your advice and counsel from time to time. Hopefully, retirement will afford you the opportunity to be as occupied as you wish – without being preoccupied.

Those preoccupations fall on my shoulders come June 1st when I will be installed as your new Archbishop. I am told that Miami has its challenges but what else is new? The Lord tells us: “Do not be afraid” (Mt 28: 5). But the fundamental challenge that we face together is: “to show the Church’s capacity to promote and form disciples and missionaries who respond to the calling received and communicate everywhere, in an overflow of gratitude and joy, the gift of encounter with Jesus Christ. We have no other treasure but that. We have no other happiness, no other priority but being instruments of the Spirit of God, in the Church, so that Jesus Christ may be known, followed, loved, adored, and communicated to all, despite difficulties and resistances.” (Documento Conclusivo de Aparecida –V conferencia de CELAM).

When I was in Orlando, I used to tell the priests that I would not ask them to work harder than I did. To the priests of Miami, I say the same. And priests do work hard – and our people do appreciate that; and, they have every right to expect that: not that we burn ourselves out but that we burn ourselves up with love for them and for the Lord.

As I prepare to become your Archbishop, I ask all of you, auxiliary bishops, priests, deacons, religious and members of Christ’s faithful, for your prayers and for your support. I ask the same from the other faith communities of South Florida and I look forward to collaborating with them and with our civic and political leaders to promote the common good and the dignity of the human person made in the “image and likeness of God.”

John Paul II reminded us: we must remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm and look to the future with confidence. And so, with a mixture of gratitude, enthusiasm and confidence, I would like to conclude my statement this morning with these words from Pope Benedict XVI:

“There are times when the burden of need and our own limitations might tempt us to become discouraged. But precisely then we are helped by the knowledge that, in the end, we are only instruments in the Lord’s hands; and this knowledge frees us from the presumption of thinking that we alone are personally responsible for building a better world. In all humility we will do what we can, and in all humility we will entrust the rest to the Lord. It is God who governs the world, not we. We offer him our service only to the extent that we can, and for as long as he grants us the strength. To do all we can with what strength we have, however, is the task which keeps the good servant of Jesus Christ always at work: “The love of Christ urges us on” (2 Cor 5:14). Deus Caritas Est, #31

SOURCE: Archdiocese of Miami

PHOTO: The Florida Catholic

“It was officially announced today at the Vatican that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted my letter of resignation as Archbishop of Miami. I have been privileged and blessed to serve as Metropolitan Archbishop of Miami for almost sixteen years. There is hardly a more exciting and challenging place than South Florida. As I move into retirement years, I bring with me very fond memories of my ministry with our dedicated priests and deacons, the wonderful religious and seminarians, and the faithful hard-working laity of the Archdiocese.

“Today the Apostolic succession continues with the naming of Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Diocese of Orlando as the Fourth Metropolitan Archbishop of Miami. With resounding joy we welcome Archbishop Wenski back home. This native son of ours served us well in the past as pastor, Director of Haitian ministry, Director of Catholic Charities and Auxiliary Bishop. The Archbishop knows us well and he is no stranger to us.

“His many pastoral gifts suit him exceptionally well to be our Chief Shepherd. His extensive understanding of and experience with Central and South America and the Caribbean Island nations will enhance the international relationships we already enjoy. His linguistic skills enable him to communicate well with our neighboring nations and Churches.”

SOURCE: Archdiocese of Miami

PHOTO: The Florida Catholic

“Jesus once bid Peter to put out into the deep. Now, Peter’s successor has asked me to do the same, entrusting to me this new responsibility. I am being called back to that local church where I was ordained a priest and where I served as a parish priest and Auxiliary Bishop. Humbled by the Holy Father’s confidence in me and aware of my own limitations shortcomings, I once again ask the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church that I may worthily fulfill my duties as the fourth Archbishop of Miami.”

For the full video, please go to the Diocese of Orlando website.

The official announcement from the Vatican Information Service:

The Holy Father:

Appointed Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, U.S.A., as metropolitan archbishop of Miami (area 12,836, population 4,299,000, Catholics 860,000, priests 397, permanent deacons 119, religious 415), U.S.A. The archbishop-elect was born in West Palm Beach, U.S.A. in 1950, he was ordained a priest in 1976 and consecrated a bishop in 1997. He succeeds Archbishop John C. Favalora, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.

The official Announcement from the Archdiocese of Miami is yet to come. Stay tuned.

SOURCE: (1) Diocese of Orlando; (2) Vatican Information Service; (3) Archdiocese of Miami [when made available]

In 1976, Wenski was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Miami. He began his priestly ministry working in a Hispanic parish in Miami and was given the opportunity to help start an outreach program for Haitian immigrants to the United States. Since that time, Bishop Wenski has become close to the people of Haiti. In recent weeks, following the devastating earthquakes in that country, Bishop Wenski has grown even closer to the people of Haiti, praying for them, crying with them, mourning with them. With Wenski now at the helm of the Archdiocese, the fraternity between the people of Miami and Haiti will only continue to grow.

As was written last week and as the people of the great Diocese of Orlando can attest to, Bishop Wenski speaks a multitude of languages that make him the perfect choice as new Archbishop of Miami–the Archbishop-designate speaks Creole, Spanish, English and Polish. In fact, as Rocco Palmo wrote yesterday on Whispers in the Loggia, Bishop Wenski is said to “‘speak, think, curse and pray’ in ‘strongly Cuban-accented’ Spanish.”

Bishop Wenski going home to serve the people of Miami is a great loss for Orlando. Bishop Wenski has been a tremendous shepherd for the Diocese of Orlando. However, as I have said before, the gifts that the Lord has given the Archbishop-designate make him the only logical choice in this instance. While he will be missed dearly in the Diocese of Orlando, we know that he will continue to hold us within his heart.

As the day goes on, please continue to pray for Archbishop-designate Wenski, Archbishop Favalora, the people of the Archdiocese of Miami, the people of the Diocese of Orlando, and the soon-to-be-chosen (hopefully) fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando (no name on this one yet–there is a possibility of Orlando being a Vacant See for a few months).

PHOTO: The Florida Catholic

The chatter is starting to heat up in South Florida that Archbishop John Favalora, due to retire this December, may have a coadjutor appointed to his Archdiocese of Miami before then.

I am even hearing some sources (like our own Josh Mercer) speculate that Miami, as the unofficial “Capital of Latin America” [TRUE] and the seat of the Metropolitan of Florida, may be next in line for a Red Hat. [That means a Cardinal folks!!]

The name I most commonly hear for this episcopal role is Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando. He was ordained as a priest in Miami, is active in immigration issues, and has excellent Spanish-language skills as well.

If this all comes to fruition, it will be sad to see Bishop Wenski leave the Diocese of Orlando. However, because of his ability to speak Spanish and Creole, his role on speaking out for immigration reform, and the close relationship he has with the people of Haiti, our Bishop would be one of the top choices to be appointed to be Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Miami. Please pray for Bishop Wenski over the next few weeks–he will need them more than usual.

I would like to personally thank Bishop Wenski for accepting me as a seminarian for the Diocese of Orlando. I am so grateful for being given the opportunity to take this journey, which has allowed me to grow in love for Christ and His church. More than ever, stay tuned!

SOURCE: CatholicVote Action | Thomas Peters

PHOTO: Getty Images

All of the seminarians had a responsibility throughout the weekend. My responsibility was with the Schola, which sang at all of the liturgical celebrations throughout the weekend. The music that was chosen for the Mass covered each generation of the seminary, which hopefully brought back some enjoyable memories for the alumni that were present. Below is a list of the songs that were sung for the celebration of the Eucharist: (I will try to get the audio from the Mass when it is completed.)

• Go Up to the Altar of God composed by James J. Chepponis
• Kyrie from the Mass for John Carroll composed by Jan Michael Joncas
• Psalm 40: Here am I composed by Marty Haugen
• Celtic Alleluia composed by Christopher Walker
• Trilingual Intercessions composed by Donald Osuna
• Desde la Aurora hasta el Ocaso composed by Juan J. Sosa/words by Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy, D.D.
• Mass Parts: Festival Eucharist composed by Richard Proulx
• Agnus Dei from the Chant Mass
• God’s Justice composed by Robert Vallee (alumni and current member of the faculty of SJVCS)
• Amen. El Cuerpo de Cristo composed by John Schiavone
• Sacrum Convivium
• Go Forth and Preach the Gospel arranged by James Chepponis

From a current seminarian’s point of view, having the opportunity to share in the celebration of the 50th Anniversary Mass during my time at the seminary is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. Looking up to the altar during the consecration, I saw two bishops and a bishop-elect who had graduated from this place. Noticing this made me realize that we, the current generation of seminarians, are the future of the Church, which is terrifying and yet humbling. We all bring our own weaknesses with us as we begin the long road of discernment. However, the Lord has called each of us, despite those weaknesses, to follow in the footsteps of the Apostles, the martyrs, saints, and millions of Christians who have gone before us. We have all received the message of our Lord, Jesus Christ and it is our duty to go forth and preach the gospel to all nations and all peoples.

After the jump, more photos.

PHOTOs SOURCE: St. John Vianney College Seminary

In fact, at St. John Vianney College Seminary this year, the number of seminarians is at 35-year record high. The seminary welcomed 35 new seminarians at the beginning of August, bringing the total number of seminarians to 76 for the year. We are witnessing hope.

MIAMI | When former Air Force pilot Ryan Boyle, 32, finished his stint in the military to pursue a 10-year call to the priesthood, he inadvertently helped make history.

Boyle, who hails from St. Petersburg, is part of the largest group of seminarians – a total of 76 – that St. John Vianney College Seminary has seen in more than three decades.

“The last time we had numbers like this was more than 35 years ago,” said Msgr. Michael G. Carruthers, rector-president of the seminary, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year.

St. John Vianney opened in 1959 as a high school seminary for the then newly created Diocese of Miami. It now takes in students from throughout Florida, other U.S. dioceses and the Bahamas who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in philosophy or a two-year degree in pre-theology in preparation for the priesthood.

The larger-than-usual entering class has created some extra work for the faculty and staff.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, but we’re very excited. We’ve been adding extra tables, chairs, and preparing to accommodate these young men here,” Msgr. Carruthers said.

He credited Archbishop John C. Favalora’s support for the seminary – particularly his resistance to the idea of moving the education and training of priests-to-be away from the seminary setting – for “enabling the growth of a healthy environment and a strong model of priestly formation” that made the growth in enrollment possible.

“Some suggested that we have a study house attached to a university,” Archbishop Favalora said, where future priests would attend classes with other college students while living and being instructed on the particulars of the priesthood in the study house. “However, neither the U.S. Catholic bishops nor I agreed with that. Seminarians need to be trained in the seminary. That is how it is done and how the bishops want it done.”

The historic number entering the seminary also seems to defy the economic reality.

“I’m proud these men are answering God’s call. There is a lot of pressure, especially during these hard times, to go and do something else. However, they are here seeking (Christ),” Archbishop Favalora said. “It really shows that God’s ways are not our ways.”

The archbishop visited the seminary Aug. 22 to officially open the academic year with the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit, during which he invoked the guidance of the Spirit upon the seminarians, their professors and the seminary’s staff.

“We’re invoking the Holy Spirit to transform us into something greater than what we appear to be,” Archbishop Favalora said. “We’re asking the Holy Spirit to make holy the work we’re going to do.”

“The Holy Spirit is the breath of the seminary. It is a string that connects us to Christ whom we follow,” said Martin Nguyen, 20, a third-year seminarian from the Diocese of Orlando.

“It is an honor to pass on the priesthood from one generation to the next. Passing on the faith is what this seminary is all about, and I’m very proud to see so many taking on that tradition,” Archbishop Favalora said.

–The Florida Catholic, “St. John Vianney Seminary enrollment at 35-year high”

Bye for now…

PHOTO SOURCE: The Florida Catholic

Sunday, August 17th:
On Sunday, the new seminarians began, somewhat reluctantly, their four day silent retreat to reflect upon their journey to the seminary thus far. It gave all of us an opportunity to recall the days of the New Student Experience and how we have all come together as brothers in the faith. We were not able to use any kind of technology, including computers, cell phones, radios, televisions, etc. However, this was a gift from God, because we were able to recognize God’s presence in our daily lives.

Monday, August 18th – Wednesday, August 20th:
The retreat continued until Wednesday, when we were finally able to get our cell phones back from Reverend Doctor Rios (we just found out that he had been taking classes to become a doctor without anyone knowing – including Archbishop Favalora). When I finally got my phone back, I turned it on and was greeted by 41 messages!! YIKES!!

The retreat was an awesome experience! It gave us all the time we needed to have for prayerful reflection not only on these days here in the seminary, but for most of us, our entire lives. I was able to see that God has been present in my life the entire time. I just never really noticed! After the retreat ended and I discovered that my vocal chords did not disappear, I was able to voice what I felt touched me the most. When I was sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament, a sense of peace and comfort came over me and I knew that God was with me.

Thursday, August 21st:
On Thursday, all of the Returning Men arrived at the college. They are great guys also!! We have all been getting along really well so far. In my book, we are no longer New Men and Returning Men; we are Men of the Church who are traveling the same road of discernment to the priesthood.

Friday, August 22nd: (Happy Birthday, David!!!)
Friday….what a day! It was jam packed with a lot of fun and some not so fun things. We all had to be up at 7:30 for Morning Prayer, which was a little difficult for the guys returning after a long summer break, but I was used to it. Then we had breakfast, got our books for the semester, and the New Men went out on a “Social.”

We carpooled to the Dadeland Mall, which is about 5 minutes to the south of the seminary, and walked to the MetroRail station (above ground rail system). From there, we went to Downtown Miami and attended Mass at Gesu Catholic Church (the oldest Church in the Archdiocese). Then we went shopping for awhile and got back on the train and departed for home. That night, however, the New Men had to vacate the property because the Returning Men had to go on their Day of Recollection (silent retreat).

Well, a group of us decided to go to see a ceremony where some ladies were installed as nuns. On the way home from the ceremony, we were coming down the Palmetto Expressway when we ran over an iron gate that was sitting in the middle of the road. Unfortunately, the SUV I was riding in got a flat tire. At the time, it was about 11:40 p.m. and curfew was at 12:00 a.m. We were only about 5 minutes from the seminary when we ran over this stupid gate and had to sit there waiting for the tire to get changed. But, because so many cars ran this gate over, the Florida Highway Patrol had to come out and take a report, which took some time. By the time we got back to the seminary, it was about 1:15 a.m. way passed curfew!! But the Dean of Men did get a call from us, so he knew we would be late. But, I got very little sleep last night!!

Saturday, August 23rd:
Today, the Archbishop of Miami came and celebrated a Mass of the Holy Spirit with us as we begin the school year on Monday. Following the celebration of the Eucharist, we had a HUGE dinner. Fr. Miguel even came down to see us for this special occasion. After dinner, we had a little bit of free time so a group of us went bowling and had quite a bit of fun!

Hopefully, I was able to catch everyone up on my week. It was a week filled with great triumphs! Even the flat tire was a blessing because we were able to do some apostolic work on the side of the road (make sure everyone was okay, make sure no one needed any help, etc.). All of the seminarians are looking forward to this upcoming year of formation as we are a community of joy!

I leave you with a couple of questions from our retreat to use to reflect upon your own relationship with our Heavenly Father. Where has God been present in your lives? When have you been aware of His presence? When have you neglected to notice His presence? Have you given thanks to God for all the gifts he has placed in your lives?

Bye for now………..