Class of 2008 - Pontifical North American College
Posted on 09/15/2008 1:50:15 PM PDT by NYer
The Rome seminary considered the West Point for U.S. priests has its largest incoming class in 40 years.
The Pontifical North American College is welcoming 61 seminarians in its fall classes beginning in mid-October, according to Catholic News Service.
The school, on a hill overlooking the Vatican, opened in 1954 with room for more than 200 students, but has not been full in recent years.
Monsignor Robert Gruss, vice rector for student life, told CNS that the college, which is sponsored by the U.S. bishops, will have 208 seminarians total this year.
I understand that US universities also are having their largest freshman class ever - the echo of the baby-boomers. As good as the news is - perhaps demographics is also playing a large role.
I had the distinct honor of staying at the Pontificate in Rome as a guest of Cardinal O’Connor in the mid-1990’s. It was beautiful and punctuated by the opportunity of a life time to meet Pope John Paul II. The saddest part of the trip was to see such a large facility for North American priests literally empty save for a dozen or so young men studying at the time. I am so glad to see it fill up.
I shall never forget watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks from the rooftop as we ushered in 1995.
Father Gruss was formerly chancellor and vocations director of the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa. Folks here were sad to see him called to Rome and hope that he may return as Bishop Gruss.
I had the distinct honor of staying at the Pontificate in Rome as a guest of Cardinal O’Connor in the mid-1990’s. It was beautiful and punctuated by the opportunity of a life time to meet Pope John Paul II. The saddest part of the trip was to see such a large facility for North American priests literally empty save for a dozen or so young men studying at the time. I am so glad to see it fill up.
I shall never forget watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks from the rooftop as we ushered in 1995.
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!
Thanks for posting this up beat article.
Competitive entrances for seminaries... that’d be interesting in this day and age.
Competitive entrances for seminaries... that’d be interesting in this day and age.
Does that mean they’re going to let Spike become a priest?
Thank You, Lord. You are answering the prayer of your people by sending vocations to the priesthood. Please continue to send vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.
This is great news!
While we’re talking about seminarians, please pray for a young man of my acquaintance who, at 18 years old has just entered our diocese’s minor seminary.
Should this young man discern a vocation, in nine years he will make an outstanding and holy priest. He is a most impressive candidate and could use all our prayers.
Regards,
a few yrs. ago our diocese had 6 seminarians, the number is now up to 43!
Deo Gratias! What wonderful news!
A number of young men from our parish are presently enrolled at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, and a few who’ve been ordained in recent years. The 5 who were ordained to the priesthood a few months ago are solidly orthodox, too.
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