“Rorate caeli desuper, et nubes pluant justum. Aperiatur terra, et germinet salvatorem.”
Drop down dew, ye heavens, and let the clouds rain down the just one. May the earth open up, and bud forth the savior.
From the Rorate Mass of the first Saturday of Advent.
Here at the seminary, we began Advent with the 40 Hours Devotion. Spending this time with our Lord in Adoration was the perfect way to enter into the new liturgical year, and to begin this season of preparation and expectation. As we approach Christmas in four weeks’ time, may we be ceaselessly preparing for the coming of our Savior.
“May we receive, O Lord, Thy mercy in the midst of Thy temple, that we may prepare with due honor for the approaching feast of our redemption.”
(Post Communion from the First Sunday of Advent)
With autumn in the air on a near-perfect Thanksgiving morning, we took to the field for our annual Thanksgiving Day football game—the beloved Buckley Bowl. Both teams played hard, and all those on the sideline enjoyed the spectacle. The halftime banjo performance, however, might’ve been a highlight for many in the stands. After the game, a bit later in the afternoon, we (of course), sat down together for a hearty and delicious dinner.
It was most definitely a good Thanksgiving here at the seminary. God has indeed blessed us with countless gifts, and we have so much to be grateful for. Thank you to all of you who support us with your prayers, encouragement, and donations. May God continue to bless you!
Last Saturday, November 19th, 22 candidates received minor orders from his Excellency Bishop Robert Finn. Twelve seminarians received the orders of Exorcist and Acolyte, and another ten received Porter and Lector. The minor orders are an indispensable part of our discernment and formation for the priesthood—incrementally increasing our duties as we slowly draw closer to the altar, and also providing the grace for us to whole-heartedly fulfill the ministry conferred upon us by Christ’s Church. Family and friends traveled in to witness the men take this step, happily supporting them and celebrating with them. The weekend was an exciting and joyous time. Please continue to pray for our seminarians!
Here’s a glimpse at music night, which happens once a semester—though we all wish it were more often! As usual, the amount of talent here at the seminary is amazing. There were so many good pieces to enjoy. These pictures don’t do the event justice, but perhaps they’ll communicate just a bit of the overall atmosphere: the passionate skill of the various seminarians performing, and the intent appreciation of all those listening!
From the festivities of All Saints and All Souls: The Divine Office and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass from each feast day.
