Posted on 05/01/2013 1:41:13 PM PDT by NYer
While some dioceses in the US have been closing and consolidating seminaries, here in Washington DC we recently opened a new one: The Blessed John Paul II Seminary. And things are going so well, we are now adding a new three-floor wing to accommodate more men. (See a wonderful video below on the Seminary)
Currently 30 men are in formation at Blessed John Paul II. Altogether Washington has just over 70 men studying for the priesthood.
This new seminary is unique in that it enrolls men who are still in college, or need to do pre-theology studies, prior to undertaking post-Graduate Theology studies. It was the concern of Cardinal Wuerl that in the years prior to entering Major Seminary and theological studies it was important to form the men and let them live in community in the Washington area where they will serve in future years.
Back in 2005 we also opened a Missionary Seminary for thirty seminarians of this Archdiocese in the Neocatechumenal Way to study. We also send men to the North American College in Rome, Mount St. Marys Seminary in Emmitsburg MD, Theological College in Washington, and Blessed John XXIII in Boston.
The Lord is turning out some very good men. I remain impressed with the caliber, devotion and orthodoxy of the men who are in our seminaries. I recently preached a retreat for 30 of them at Blessed John Paul II here in DC. I also work with them in both summer assignments here in the parish and have at least three at a time working here throughout the academic year. They are prayerful and intelligent men who have a heart for the Church, and a love and reverence for God.
Internationally the number of seminarians has increased an astonishing 86.3% since 1978. in 2010 there 118,990 seminarians worldwide, whereas in 1978 there were just 63,882 major seminarians. All this according to the Annuario Pontificio
U.S. Catholic seminary enrollment in theology this past year year (2012) is the highest in almost a quarter-century, according to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). Last year’s total of 3,723 is the highest enrollment since the 3,788 reported for 1988-89.
The average rate of retention for seminarians entering theology to being ordained has remained consistent at about 75 percent.
Younger trend -Slightly more than a quarter of today’s major seminarians are 35 or older, and more than half are under 30, representing a possibly significant shift back toward youth after a couple of decades in which newly ordained priests tended to be much older.
So, there is a lot to be grateful for. It is true we must work harder, and there is much about which to be sober. The reported growth in seminarians does not match what we need to fill the gaps. Ordinations are still only about a third of the number that are needed to compensate for those priests who are retiring, or dying.
Yet still we have more than bottomed out and are now heading in the right direction. Continue to pray for many vocations.
Great Laity too - Pray too for continued reform and zeal among the lay faithful. So many good signs exist there too, I meet so many dedicated and zealous laity every day. A growing remnant of clergy and laity are getting clearer and more focused, day by day.
Take this to heart, beloved readers. I think it is easy for us to get discouraged today and we see so much confusion and decay in our culture. But God is raising up a faithful remnant. He is purifying the Church in so may ways, with good vocations, but also many wonderful lay movements and Catholics in fire for the Lord.
Yes, He has been pruning his Church, to be sure, and our overall numbers at Mass may continue to go down for a while. But pruning has a purpose, and the Church that remains may be overall smaller, but she is going to need to be strong to endure and overcome the days that get ever darker. Like Gideon’s army that was too large, God is thinning but purifying his ranks. A smaller but clearer army that is united will win the day.
Like Noah’s Ark! It may take time but it is clear that God is preparing, pruning and purifying the Church for something very great. It may well be that the Church will once again have to be a kind of Noah’s ark which will preserve the vestiges of life from a dying culture, only to replant them when the flood waters subside. And thus, the Lord is strengthening the Ark, the Barque of Peter. In the Words of an old spiritual: Get on board Children, there’s room for many-a-more.
Yes! Take heart and be of good courage. Jesus says, In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (Jn 16:33)
Here’s a video of our newest Seminary at which we are needing to add a new wing to accommodate “many-a-more.”
Blessed John Paul II Seminary Video
Ping!
Today’s young theology students are going to be tomorrow’s front line troops. I truly believe that they will experience, in full measure, the persecution that Christ spoke of in His Word. They, and all believers, are standing more exposed to the hostility of the world, and it is going to be tough. But, the faithful will endure and be blessed in eternity, praise God!
They took my Parish Priest to be on the faculty there, One of the finest Priests I ever had experience with.
A truly spiritual man who should go far in the Church.
Indeed. From what I've seen there are many of them ready for battle! Some of these JPII generation seminarians and young priests are amazing. Here's a few seminarians from the Josephinum outside an abortuary.
Truly prophetic! You are absolutely right. These young men have chosen to walk into a nest of vipers, with total trust in Jesus Christ.
We have over 140 seminarians at Mount Angel Seminary in Mount Angel Oregon. They are practically hanging cots from the rafters for them.
I bet the abortion clinic didn’t like all those seminarians showing up to pray.
What a glorious picture.
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