"Seminarians"

October 13, 2009

The Year for Priests

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last Thursday I concelebrated the ordination Mass for the new deacons from the North American College in Rome.  It was a great celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica.  Among the ordinandi was our own, Reverend John Burns.  He, along with the four other deacons in his class, Matthew Widder, Charles Wrobel, Erich Weiss and Antony Thomas, will be ordained priests of Jesus Christ next spring. 

On Thursday night we had a delightful dinner under the Italian skies—yes, it was warm enough in Rome to eat outdoors at night!  There was a wonderful gathering of priests and seminarians from our archdiocese present for the festivities.  I felt such a great sense of happiness and pride as I listened to our seminarians.  Kevin Barnekow and Nathan Miniatt from the Louvain in Belgium were there along with their Rector, Msgr. Ross Shecterle.  Also present was Archbishop James Harvey, prefect of the Papal Household, responsible for the daily schedule of the Holy Father.  Fr. Don Hying, our own rector of Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, was present; and the table was completed by Fr. Aaron Esch and our seminarians Jacob Strand and John Gibson who are studying at the North American College.  I think the only thing that could have made it better would have been if all the seminarians of our archdiocese were there together.  It was grand!

The seminarians of the archdiocese, as is true of seminarians everywhere in the Church, offer a unique vision for the future as they plan and dream about ministries and works among and with the people of God.  I know the seminarians on both sides of the ocean are very excited about their work and ministry in the Church.  We invite them to start praying now for the people whom they will serve in the not so distant future.  The excitement about the diaconate and priesthood should not just be centered in the lives of these seminarians.  I take the time here, to remind us all of the need for prayer and living a life of grace.  Prayer stimulates growth and action in our lives so that we may act genuinely as brothers and sisters in Christ and sons and daughters of God!

Talking about prayer, please allow me to add a word of congratulations to our Carmelite brothers and sisters here in the archdiocese as we celebrate the great St. Teresa of Avila on Thursday.  She is truly among the great saints of our beloved Church.  Such a strong and holy woman of faith!  You might like to consider some of her words as part of your daily prayer:

 “Pain is never permanent.”

“As to the aridity you are suffering from, it seems to me our Lord is treating you like someone He considers strong: He wants to test you and see if you love Him as much at times of aridity as when He sends you consolations.  I think this is a very great favor for God to show you.”

“The saints rejoiced at injuries and persecutions, because in forgiving them they had something to present to God when they prayed to Him.”

“We will never come to know ourselves if we do not try to know God.”

Finally, I include one of my favorite thoughts from this masterful saint:

      “How is it, Lord, that we are cowards in everything, except in opposing You?”

True, oh, so true.  God be with you.

Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan

Archdiocesan Administrator
Archdiocese of Milwaukee

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