Leaven Fall 2009

Saint Vincent SeminaryFall 2009

The Year of the Priest

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1

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nion at a covert Mass in a farmhouse that was surrounded by ox carts to prohibit onlookers from peering into the windows and reporting the illegal liturgy. Had the small congregation been reported, they would have faced the guillotine. Succeeding years witnessed a pro-found loss of faith throughout France.

However, God sent many spiritual comforts to this beleaguered nation, and the faith was restored. Surprisingly, one of the greatest signs of God’s mercy was revealed in the person of a frail and sickly man in an obscure villa-ge who made time to listen to peoples’ woes and assure them of God’s love. This man, Saint John Vianney, was not a scholar. In fact, his or-dination was held up due to his difficulties with studies. He had few worldly gifts which usually accompany success. But in his lowliness he wholly offered God the only gifts he had: an ability to listen with loving patience and the capacity to absolve sins.

The Gospel proclaims that it is the hum-ble who shall be exalted, and in naming Saint John Vianney as the patron for the “Year of the Priest,” Pope Benedict endorses this the-me. The model for priestly renewal is not the mighty hero, but a humble heart. It is the Lord himself who is our Shepherd. Despite personal weaknesses and limitations, if his priests trust humbly in him today, he will raise them up to be shepherds after his own heart. Indeed, it is only through priests such as these that he will lead us into a new spring time of faith.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Fr. Justin, O.S.B., Rector

PublisherArchabbot Douglas R.

Nowicki, O.S.B.

RectorVery Rev. Justin M.

Matro, O.S.B.

Vice Rector Dean of Human Formation

Director of Pastoral FormationRev. David T. Brzoska

Academic DeanDr. Michel Therrien

Dean of StudentsRev. Matthias Martinez, O.S.B.

Director of Spiritual FormationRev. Lester Knoll, O.F.M. Cap.

Director of Seminary Development

Paul R. Whiteside

Director of Seminary Public Relations

Kimberley A. Metzgar

Public Relations AssociateElizabeth A. Cousins

Director for Alumni AffairsBr. Elliott C. Maloney,

O.S.B.

Consultant for Alumni AffairsRev. Gilbert J. Burke, O.S.B.

Contributors to this issue:Jim Andrews

Elizabeth CousinsAnnette HartCarly Marsh

On the cover:Icon of Saint John Vianney, painted by Peter Pearson,

1997. Saint Vincent Seminary collection.

300 Fraser Purchase RoadLatrobe, Pennsylvania

15650Phone: 724-537-4592

Fax: 724-532-5052www.saintvincentseminary.edu

Dear Friends of Saint Vincent Seminary,

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI declared that the Church would observe a year dedicated to the ministe-rial priesthood. This “Year of the Priest” began in June of 2009 and

will end in June of 2010. What is more,

the year also has a specific patron, Saint John Vianney (1886-1859).

Also known as the Curé of Ars, Saint John Vianney was particularly renowned for his role as a confessor. Indeed, he commonly spent sixteen to eighteen hours in the confessional in a single day, and people traveled for miles to seek spiritual counseling from this simple and humble priest. Because of his example and sanctity of life, thousands of souls found their way back to a deep and personal love for the Lord and communion with the Church

We too often think that problems facing the world today are insurmountable, but a simple glance at history can be very eye ope-ning. Saint John was born on the eve of the French Revolution. When he was a child, the faith was outlawed in France. The churches were closed and priests and members of reli-gious orders who did not renounce their vows and/or orders were either exiled or executed. Young John Vianney made his first commu-

Rector’s Column

The Year of the Priest

Rev. Justin M. Matro, O.S.B.Rector

By Elizabeth CousinsIn consultation with the Diocese of

Greensburg, Saint Vincent Seminary has submitted a petition to the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) for a new Master degree in Ecclesial Ministry. The degree will provide the academic formation needed for ordination to the permanent diaconate as well as lay ministry in the Church.

For those studying for ordination to the diaconate, the program will include training in homiletics and some field work, while most of the pastoral, spiritual, and human formation will be the responsibility of the Diocese, outside the context of the degree program. If

New M.A. Degree in Ecclesial Ministryapproved by the Association of Theological Schools the degree would be the first Master degree of its kind for the permanent diaconate in our region.

For those preparing for lay ministry in Catholic parishes, schools, and dioceses, the field work assignments will accommodate their future ministry goals. For both groups, the curriculum will consist of three major areas: systematic theology, sacred scripture, and pastoral studies.

The admission requirements include a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and a minimum of 18 credits in

(Continued on Page 3)

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By Kim MetzgarAs the fourth oldest Roman Catholic

Seminary in the United States, Saint Vincent has always embraced its history. Under the guidance of Rector Father Justin Matro and the Board of Regents, the long-term plans for the Seminary are being considered with the development of a comprehensive strategic plan.

As part of the planning process, persons with an affiliation with the Seminary, such as Bishops who send seminarians here, alumni, and friends, were surveyed about the needs for future priests as well as for input about the strengths and weaknesses of the current program. The process has been a way for members of the Board of Regents to become more involved, Father Justin noted in a presentation on the plan to all staff members. “The process is a way for all of our constituents to better understand the specifics of the Seminary program. Input from the faculty and alumni was valuable as well, he said, and programming needs are in the process of being adjusted to perfect that input. For instance, Father Justin said, newly-ordained priests are being appointed as full-time pastors much sooner, and there is less time to work with a senior priest serving as a mentor. Thus, the Seminary needs to focus on providing more of the training that was typically provided “on the job” earlier in a seminarian’s program of studies and with more emphasis.

“Overall our constituents praised us for the warm hospitality and the real Christian

environment and prayer life,” he said. The Seminary’s retention rate for ordained

graduates remaining in active priestly ministry is 95 percent over a 20-year period.

“The importance of daily prayer and the integration of work and prayer” contribute to that retention rate, he added. “The lack of a prayer life is usually the beginning of the end of a vocation.”

Other strengths, he said, include the long-term stability of the faculty. Its members have terminal degrees from many exceptional programs, some of the best universities in the world, he said.

“We understand the strength of our history and the charism of our founder,” Father Justin noted. “We are imparting our culture and heritage to our students on a daily basis.”

Challenges include preparing the increased number of foreign-born seminarians for ministry in our culture and for working in an increasingly technological world.

While preparation of students for priesthood is critical, the strategic plan also looked at all aspects of the seminary operation, from staffing needs to the growth of the seminarian population, which is projected to outgrow available dormitory space in Leander and Roderick Halls in the next few years. Other areas of focus include recruitment, planning for a capital campaign to address future seminary needs, and increasing our efforts to train permanent deacons as well as increasing ongoing formation efforts for clergy and alumni.

Seminary Develops Strategic Plan

Judeo-Christian theology. Students will be admitted into the program in cohorts every other year. In anticipation of ATS approval, five students have begun classes this fall in fulfillment of the program’s requirements. The next cohort will begin in the fall of 2011.

In the future, the Seminary plans to make the program available to other nearby dioceses through teleconference technology.

New M.A. Degree in Ecclesial Ministry

(Continued from Page 2)

Pope Benedict XVI Declares Year of the PriestOn June 19, Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated

a “Year for Priests” in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the death of John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests worldwide.

“The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus,” Saint John Vianney would often say. The Pope noted that the Cure of Ars “was quite humble, yet as a priest he was conscious of being an immense gift to his people: ‘A good shepherd, a pastor after God’s heart, is the greatest treasure which the Lord can grant to a parish, and one of the most precious gifts of divine mercy.”

“The Church needs holy priests; ministers who can help the faithful to experience the merciful love of the Lord and who are his convinced witnesses,” the Holy Father said. “The objective of this Year for Priests, as I wrote

in the letter sent to priests for this occasion, is to support that struggle of every priest ‘toward spiritual perfection, on which the effectiveness of his ministry primarily depends.’” Pope Benedict XVI wrote that “Jesus speaks of the proclamation of the Kingdom of God as the true objectibe for his coming to the world, and his proclamation is not just a ‘discourse.’ It includes, at the same time, his actions ... even in this idea of the ‘primacy’ of proclamation, word and sign are inseparale. Christian proclamation does not proclaim ‘words,’ but the Word, and the proclamation coincides with the very person of Christ.”

The Holy Father wrote that “now then, to be the ‘voice’ of the Word doesn’t constitute for the priest a merely functional element. On the contrary, it presupposes a substantial

‘losing oneself’ in Christ, participating in his mystery of death and resurrection with all of oneself...”

Saint John Vianney often said that “a good pastor, a pastor after the heart of God, is the greatest treasure that the good God can give to a parish, and one of the most precious gifts of divine mercy.”


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Seminarians 2009-2010Saint Vincent Seminarians for 2009-2010, pictured with the Rector’s Council.First row, from left, Michael Marcelli, Diocese of Youngstown; Brother Paulavang Vuong, O.S.B., Monastery of

Christ in the Desert; Father Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B., Professor of Sacred Scripture and Biblical Languages; Father Matthias Martinez, O.S.B., Dean of Students; Father Justin Matro, O.S.B., Rector; Dr. Michel Therrien, Academic Dean; Father Edward Mazich, O.S.B., Assistant Professor of Biblical Languages, Sacred Scripture and Systematic Theology; Carlos Vargas, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Vernon Knight, Diocese of Savannah; Brother John Mary Lugemwa, O.S.B., Mary, Mother of the Church Abbey; Augustine Ariwaodo, Diocese of Savannah; Tri Nguyen, Archdiocese of Atlanta.

Second row, from left, Brother Matthew Nguyen, O.Cist., Saint Joseph Monastery; David Renne, Diocese of Erie; Matthew Larlick, Diocese of Harrisburg; Ernie Darby, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Eric Andriot, Diocese of Covington; Donald Bender, Jr., Diocese of Harrisburg; Thang Pham, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Brother Peter Pham, O.Cist., Saint Joseph Monastery; Cong Nguyen, Archdiocese of Atlanta.

Third row, from left, Rob Fleckenstein, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Damien Zablocki, Diocese of Paterson; Jose Manuel Escalante, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; Curtis Matthew Abbott, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; Stephen Kelley, Diocese of Harrisburg; Michael Gossett, Diocese of Steubenville; Kevin Coyle, Diocese of Harrisburg; Brother Maximilian Maxwell, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Juan Velasquez, Diocese of Saginaw; Brother Cassiano De Souza, O.S.B., São Bento Monastery, Brazil.

Fourth row, from left, Huang Wen Hong, Diocese of Nan Chong, China; Brother Jacob Amos, O.S.B., Saint Bernard Abbey; Charles Affholter, Diocese of Birmingham; John Michniuk, Diocese of Covington; Brother Isidore Minerd, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brian Crouch, Diocese of Steubenville; Brother Finbar Ramsak, O.S.B., Saint Andrew Abbey; Christopher Barnes, Diocese of Erie.

Fifth row, from left, Brother Albert Gahr, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brother Michael Antonacci, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Tom Trofino, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; Brother Paul Sheller, O.S.B., Conception Abbey; Josiah Booth, Diocese of Covington; Brian Warchola, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; Michael Norton, Diocese of Covington; Harry Settle, Diocese of Covington; John Wright, Diocese of Savannah; Alberto Vargas, Diocese of Saginaw; Kyle Sahd, Diocese of Harrisburg; Brother Jeremy Heppler, O.S.B., Saint Benedict Abbey.

Sixth row, from left, Jose Alexandre Missio, Archdiocese of Campinas, Brazil; Luis Alvarez, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Brian Cline, Diocese of Youngstown; Ryan Stenger, Diocese of Covington; Jacob Straub, Diocese of Covington; Ryan Stichweh, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; Brother Bonaventure Curtis, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brother Gregory Jarzombek, O.S.B., Saint Bede Abbey; Kevin Fazio, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Michael Peck, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Brother Pio Adamonis, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey.

Seventh row, from left, Brother Nathanael Polinski, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brandon Kleckner, Diocese of Erie; Michael Polinek, Diocese of Erie; Stephen Hotard, Diocese of Savannah; Brother Jeremiah Lange, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brother Frances Ehnat, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Micah Wright, Diocese of Savannah; Ryan Fischer, Diocese of Harrisburg; Brother Gabriel Myriam Kurzawski, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brother John Paul Heiser, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brother Thomas Colucci, O.S.B., Mount Saviour Monastery; William Appel, Diocese of Covington. (Photo by Jim Andrews)

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Jubilarian Alumni HonoredSeminary alumni jubilarians honored at Alumni Day include, from left, Archabbot Lambert Reilly, O.S.B., Saint Meinrad

Archabbey; Rev. Peter Pilarski; Rev. Gerard Trancone; Msgr. Paul Lenz; Rev. Robert Reardon; Rev. Joseph C. Beck; Rev. Garrett Dorsey; Very Rev. Donald Breier; Rev. Campion Gavaler, O.S.B.; Rev. George Wilt; Bishop R. Daniel Conlon, Diocese of Steubenville, a member of the Board of Regents who attended Alumni Day; Brother Norman Hipps, O.S.B.; Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., and Father Justin M. Matro, O.S.B., Rector, who offered their congratulations. In the middle photo, left, Archabbot Douglas presents Father Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B., with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to the Seminary. In the middle photo, right, Bishop Conlon gives the blessing at the dinner. In the bottom, left photo, Archabbot Douglas, Master of Ceremonies Father Athanasius Cherry, O.S.B., Archabbot Lambert, Bishop Conlon and Deacon Daniel Frescura during the Liturgy of the Eucharist at Mass. In the bottom photo, right, Archabbot Lambert gives the homily.


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Alumni Day 2009

Saint Vincent Seminary rec-ognizes those who have con-tributed gifts to Saint Vincent Seminary or to the Rev. Pauli-nus J. Selle, O.S.B., Endowment Fund from April 1, 2009 to Sep-tember 18, 2009:

Rev. William R. BarronRev. Damian B. Breen Rev. Msgr. William G. CharnokiMr. Harold Cheatle Rev. Msgr. John A. CippelRev. Matthew R. CirilliRev. Roy H. ConleyDr. and Mrs. William E. DankoMrs. Orlie FerrettiRev. Msgr. J. Gerald GallagherMost Rev. Rene H. GracidaVery Rev. Paul C. HelwigMs. Yolanda JeselnickRev. Kenneth R. KeeneRev. Msgr. James P. KellyVery Rev. Daniel C. MahoneyRev. Francis E. MaloneyRev. Timothy D. MarcoeMr. and Mrs. Jack J. McBrideRev. Donald W. McIlvaneMiss Ann M. Pakos Mr. Samuel L. Paolo Mrs. William Parson Mr. and Mrs. Gerald M. PrechtlRev. Msgr. William R. RathgebMr. and Mrs. Richard J. Reuscher+Rev. Roland R. Ripoli, O.S.B.Mr. Joseph J. RubinoRev. Paul S. Siebert Mrs. Josephine M. Smart Rev. Gerard A. TranconeBr. Timothy Waid, O.S.B.

More Tributes

To Father Paulinus

Right Rev. Lambert W. Reilly, O.S.B, was the principal celebrant and homilist at the Saint Vincent Seminary Annual Alumni Day Mass held on Tuesday, Sept. 29. At the dinner that followed Mass, the Seminary also paid tribute to two long-time faculty members, Father Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B., and the late Father Paulinus J. Selle, O.S.B.

Archabbot Lamber is the former Archabbot of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana. He entered Saint Meinrad as a seminarian studying for his home diocese of Pittsburgh. He then entered the monastery, made his first profession of vows as a Benedictine in 1956, and was ordained a priest in 1959. For over 40 years he led hundreds of retreats, parish missions and days of recollection all over the United States and in several foreign countries.

As Archabbot, he oversaw the completion of the renovation of the Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church; the growth and development of programs in the Saint Meinrad School of Theology; the establishment of a new enterprise, Abbey Caskets; the inauguration of a $40 million comprehensive campaign and the development of a master plan for the Saint Meinrad campus.

Archabbot Lambert is the author of two spiritual books, Because There is Jesus, a collection of his homilies and conferences, and Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth, spiritual reflections on some of his favorite Latin sayings and New Testament quotes.

Father Demetrius received the Saint Vincent Seminary Lifetime Achievement Award at the Alumni Banquet. A 1940 graduate of Saint Vincent Preparatory School, he received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Saint Vincent College in 1945, and attended the Seminary from 1943 to 1946.

He received a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree from the Pontifical Institute of Sant’ Anselmo, Rome. In 1999, he was presented with the honorary Doctor of Sacred Theology degree from Saint Vincent Seminary. He has taught Sacred Scripture since 1952 at the Seminary, and is a former Rector of the Seminary (1963-1980), and Vice Rector (1955 to 1963). He is the author of five published books: Flowers in the Desert; Cherish Christ Above All: The Bible in the Rule of Benedict; A Mystical Portrait of Jesus, New Perspectives on John’s Gospel; Praying the Scriptures; and So We Do Not Lose Heart: Biblical Wisdom for all Our Days. He also co-authors a weekly column on the Sunday Homilies available on Archabbey website and published in Jednota, newspaper

of the First Catholic Slovak Union.A video tribute to Father Paulinus was

shown during the banquet. The tribute is now also available on the Seminary website, www.saintvincentseminary.edu. Father Donald P. Brier, Rector/Pastor of Saint Paul Cathedral, Pittsburgh, and Father Carl J. Gentile, pastor of Saint John Fisher Parish, Churchill, were interviewed for the tribute, as well as Benedictine Brother Timothy Waid, a close friend of Father Paulinus.

“Paulinus was able to differentiate between his role as teacher, his role as spiritual director, his role as counselor, even his role as floor prefect, and still be able to be your friend,” Father Brier said. “Paulinus was the teacher.... Paulinus taught that you could be an orthodox theologian, that you didn’t have to worry about meandering from the church’s teaching, and still be a very compassionate individual.”

“What I particulary appreciated about Father Paulinus was that one of the components of explaining the faith is that there would be a reasonableness in believing in this particular dogmatic statement of the church and therefore he was extremely good at it,” said Father Carl J. Gentile, pastor of Saint John Fisher Parish, Churchill. “He had a very clear, logical mind.

“To me he was a Benedictine,” he continued, “a true Benedictine and therefore his spirituality was like his teaching. It was always reasonable, it was always human, it was always first and foremost.

Father Paulinus died February 8, 2009, at the age of 95. He taught moral theology, patristics, dogmatic theology and fundamentals of liturgy. In 1987, he received the Nova et Vetera Award from the Seminary for “Outstanding and Distinguished Service to the Seminary and the Church in priestly formation and theological education.” In 1989, he received the Saint Vincent Alumni Association Award in “recognition of his meritorious contribution to Saint Vincent College.” Outside the classroom, he maintained friendships with his students and acted as a counselor in times of need for his students. In addition to teaching, Father Paulinus served as a confessor for many members of the Benedictine Community, for students, and priests upon their ordinations.

The Jubilarians of the Seminary Classes of 1933, 1939, 1949, 1959, 1969, and 1984 were also honored at the Annual Alumni Day Mass and Banquet.


Memorial, Tribute Gifts

To give a tribute or memorial gift please make a donation to Saint Vincent Seminary in honor of a friend, colleague or family member. Mail to Mr. Paul R. Whiteside, Seminary Development Office, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pa., 15650-2690. Donors from March 26, 2009, to September 18, 2009, are included below.

IN HONOR OF: REV. THOMAS P. ACKLIN, O.S.B.

Ms. Elizabeth M. Gallagher REV. JEREMY J. BOLHA, O.S.B.

Mrs. Mary Ann Facetti Mrs. Catherine Olson

BR. ELIJAH C. CIRIGLIANO, O.S.B. Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Burlas

REV. PATRICK T. CRONAUER, O.S.B. Mrs. Marion Cronauer

SISTER MARY JAMES DIPPOLD Mrs. Catherine Olson

REV. CONAN E. FEIGH, O.S.B. Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Fennell, Sr.

REV. KEVIN J. HARGADEN Ms. Nancy Kesler

REV. DANIEL HOFFMAN Mrs. Catherine Olson

REV. OMER U. KLINE, O.S.B. Mrs. Elizabeth A. Kelly

MR. DONALD MCGUIRE Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. McGuire

MRS. BERNADETTE PEVARNIK Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M. Joe Pevarnik Mark Pevarnik

MR. JOSEPH C. PEVARNIK Rev. Gilbert J. Burke, O.S.B. Mr. and Mrs. Jerry A. Damin Ms. Cecilia Harr Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M. Mark Pevarnik Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Pevarnik Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Pevarnik

MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH C. PEVARNIK Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M.

BR. NATHANAEL R. POLINSKI, O.S.B. Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Burlas

REV. PAUL R. TAYLOR, O.S.B. Mr. Evan Rosenberg

REV. JAMES A. WEHNER Mr. John C. Miller, Jr.

REV. FLAVIAN G. YELINKO, O.S.B. Dr. and Mrs. Ferdinand L. Soisson

REV. FRANK E. ZIEMKIEWICZ, O.S.B. Mrs. Catherine Olson

IN MEMORY OF: +REV. ALBERT C. BICKERSTAFF, O.S.B.

Mr. and Mrs. William W. Shearouse, Jr. +REV. BONIFACE BUERKLE, O.S.B.

Mr. Robert F. Seiler +RENEE CAROTHERS

Mr. and Mrs. W. Paul Matty

+HAROLD T. CRONAUER, SR. Mrs. Marion Cronauer

+REV. J. DAVID CROWLEY Rev. Sean M. Hogan, C.S.Sp. Ms. Joan B. Lang

+JOSEPH AND MARY CYMBOR Mrs. Agnes C. Peters

+MOST REV. NICHOLAS C. DATTILO Mrs. Anita G. D’Eramo

+JAMES A. DIPADOVA Mrs. Delpha Moran Barrera

+MR. ROBERT EAGLEHOUSE Frank and Suzanne Skacel

+MARIO J. FERRETTI Mrs. Josephine A. Ferretti

+CONRAD J. FLESSNER, SR. Mrs. Jean Flessner

+MAUREEN KRILL FREY Mr. Gerard Golofski

+JOHN E. GOLOFSKI Mrs. Anna Golofski

+JEROME F. GRATTAN Mr. Jerome Ronald Grattan

+REV. GEORGE A. JURICA Mr. Clement A. Jurica

+ANNA MARY KADLUBEK Mr. Vincent C. Kadlubek, Sr.

+VINCENT PAUL KELLY Mr. Richard E. Armstrong, Jr.

+EDNA MAE KNORR Mr. K. Michael Bidaman Mr. and Mrs. Jerry A. Damin Kathy and Harry Dudro Mr. and Mrs. William J. Frank Dennis and Janet Galayda Mr. and Mrs. John H. Kiefer Ms. Marsha A. Landers Elizabeth Burger-Loy and George Loy Ms. Ann L. Marino Leslie and Jeffrey Miklas Carol Showalter Myron, M.D. and Family Board of Governors and Staff of Oakmont Country Club Ms. Dorothy L. Rigatti

+IRENE STOCKEY KOEHLER Mrs. Anna Golofski

+REV. THOMAS J. KRAM Mrs. Patricia M. Coghlan

+GRACE LANZEL Eugene and Alicia Gleixner

+LOUISE G. LONG AND JOHN A. LONG Mrs. Louise D. Paul

+MR. NICHOLAS P. MATRO Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel J. Answine ASCO Oldtimer’s Club ASCO Valve, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Amil A. DiPadova Andrew and Holly Duffy Ross Green and Maureen E. Lally-Green Ms. Sheila Lehner Mr. and Mrs. John C. Marous, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Morris

Trish and Bill Perry Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Pevarnik Tim and Nancy Sobota Mr. and Mrs. Gene R. Yanity

+PETER J. MESSINA Mr. Michael A. Messina

+REV. FRANCIS A. NAZIMEK Rev. David J. Nazimek

+ANTHONY J. PESAVENTO, SR. Mrs. Genevieve Pesavento

+JOSEPH F. REILLY Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence S. Busch Ms. Joan A. Castelli Mary Ann and Patrick Conroy Marilyn and Jim Davis and Family Mr. Robert J. DePasquale The DiGiorgi Family Mrs. Lynne Ellis Mr. Samuel A. Folby Mrs. Elizabeth Worland Ford Ed and Joan Fritz Dr. and Mrs. Martin P. Gallagher Roger and Sheila Gorg The Robert W. King Family Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Klimowski Ms. Lori Koleck Michael and Theresa Larkin Mr. and Mrs. Seward Prosser Mellon Marie and Arthur Miltenberger Ms. Lois M. O’Brien Mr. John J. Petritis, Jr. Ms. Carol G. Pollock Mr. Robert A. Rath, Jr. Mrs. Shirley Ratner Mr. and Mrs. Wilson G. Saul, III Joanna and Richard Stillwagon The Company of TWENTIETH CENTURY

at Saint Vincent Theatre Jim and Barb Uhrin Valley School of Ligonier

+REV. ROLAND R. RIPOLI, O.S.B. Mrs. Terry Butler Ms. Julia Ripoli Mrs. Nellie Parastino

+MR. VIRGIL C. ROSEBOROUGH Mr. Richard J. Schulte

+MRS. ANN M. SCHNEIDER Carpenters’ Combined Funds, Inc. Barbara and James McLean Mr. Edward B. Schneider Mr. and Mrs. John C. Scrabis Seubert and Associates, Inc.

+WILLIAM W. SHEAROUSE, SR. Mr. and Mrs. William W. Shearouse, Jr.

+NICHOLAS SICHI Mr. and Mrs. W. Paul Matty

+MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH STACHONI Mr. Ron Stachoni

+REV. HUGH J. WILT, O.S.B. Ms. Agnes M. Nachman

+KERI LYNN ZIMMERMAN Mrs. Anna Golofski


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Bishop Foys: “Let Your Light Shine!”

Bishop Roger Foys of the Diocese of Covington received an honorary degree and was the speaker at the 163rd commencement of Saint Vincent Seminary on May 8. His address is excerpted below:

“Luceat Lux Vestra —Let Your Light Shine! Seven years ago I received a call from the Apostolic Nuncio in Washington, D. C., informing me that our then Holy Father, Pope John Paul II had in mind to name me the Bishop of the Diocese of Covington. Having come as a complete surprise to me, after the Nuncio had finished speaking I was speechless. After a few moments the Nuncio said, Monsignor, God will give you the grace you need to carry out this task.

“In the time between the announcement of my appointment and of my consecration and installation as Bishop of Covington, among the things I had to do was to have a coat of arms designed and choose a motto for that coat of arms. The motto was to convey the thrust of my service as bishop.

“For my motto I chose the words of the Lord from the 5th Chapter, 16th verse of the Gospel of Matthew: Luceat Lux Vestra —Let Your Light Shine! This exhortation of the Lord has always intrigued me and has always seemed to me to be something that every follower of the Lord needs to take to heart. We live in what is sometimes a very dark world, a world where the light of Jesus Christ does not shine, a world not of life and light but of death and darkness. Jesus calls on us, His followers to bring light and

life to those who live in darkness and death.My motto, of course, must be taken in its

complete context. Verse 16 of Chapter 5 of Matthew’s Gospel is in the concluding remarks of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in which he outlines what we know as the Beatitudes. For it to make sense we must take into account what comes before and what follows.

“Jesus speaks in the beginning of the poor in spirit, of those who mourn, of the meek, of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, of the merciful, of the clean of heart, of the peacemakers, of those who are persecuted for sake of righteousness. These, He says, are blessed, these are happy and to these He promises the kingdom of heaven, that they will be comforted, that they will inherit the earth, that they will be satisfied, that they will be shown mercy, that they will see God and be called children of God!

“Jesus goes on to say that His true followers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Of the light, He says it is not put under a bushel basket but rather on a lampstand there to give light to all in the house. Just so, YOUR light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father!

“Our light must shine before others. Our light must shine not for, not on ourselves, but for and on others! Ours is a light that is meant to illumine the path for others. The lamp set upon a lampstand is not there for itself but so that all in the house may see. The gifts, the talents, the graces that the Lord gives us, and gives us in abundance, are not meant to be horded selfishly but to be shared selflessly! We are, after all, the light of the world! Our light is to shine for all!

“Jesus goes on to tell us why that light needs to shine before others. He says it shines so that others may see our good deeds and glorify our heavenly Father. Ah, our good deeds are not meant to bring us adulation, to bring us recognition, to bring us fame and fortune but rather to bring others to the Lord! To bring others to the recognition that all good things, all grace, all life, all light, all gifts, all talents have their beginning and their end in the Lord. The attention, then, is not on us or for us but on the Lord. We, as servants of the Lord, as His followers, are to bring others to the Lord by our good deeds, by letting our light shine.

“The world in which we live is beset by complex problems that do not always allow for simple solutions. We are beset by moral

Bishop Roger Foys received the honorary Doctor of Sacred Theology degree at the May 8 commencement of Saint Vincent Seminary. At right is Father Justin Matro, O.S.B., Rector.


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Bishop Foys: “Let Your Light Shine!”issues, social issues, economic issues; issues that impact our lives as individuals, as a nation, as a Church.

“Unfortunately, oftentimes the solutions to problems with these issues are sought in the dark rather than in the light. As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to reflect His light and to shed that light upon the problems that beset our world. We are called to be beacons in a sea of darkness, a light shining brightly that will guide home safely those who are lost. We are called to use the gifts and talents the Lord has bestowed on us to make a positive impact and have a positive influence on the lives of others. When doubt and despair encircle us the only way out is the light of Christ.

“We live in a world that would sometimes have us compromise our principles and dilute our truths. This we cannot do if we are to reflect the light of Christ, if we are to lead others to Him by our good deeds.

“Compromise is not the answer, is not the solution. We are blessed to have in the Diocese of Covington a diocesan college. The college is named after the great statesman and saint, Thomas More. When I speak to the graduates at commencement every year I remind them of the great integrity of their patron saint. In the play about More’s life, A Man For All Seaons, the Duke of Norfolk is trying to convince Thomas More to sign the Act of Supremacy.

“More has serious problems with the Act and in good conscience refuses to sign. Finally Norfolk says: Look, Thomas, I’m not a scholar, and frankly I don’t know whether the marriage

was lawful or not—but Thomas, look at these names! You know these men! Can’t you do as I did and come along for fellowship?

“To which More replies: And when we stand before God, and you are sent to heaven for doing according to your conscience and I am sent to hell for not doing according to mine, will you come along with me—for fellowship? Thomas More let his light shine, he did not let the dire circumstances of his situation dim the light he knew was of Christ. So too must we, firm in the faith, be a light for others. Our light must shine for all that is good, holy and true!

“Father Boniface Wimmer, whose 200th birthday we observe this year, let his light shine. Because he did, we are able to gather here this night to celebrate your light. Boniface was faced with many a trial, with many a challenge, with many a dilemma. But his light, reflecting the light of Christ, was able to overcome the darkness of doubt and despair. He was able to overcome the trials, challenges and dilemmas he faced because his faith was strong, his light was bright.

“All of us are called to let our light shine but I wish to speak now to those graduates who will be ordained to the priesthood within the next several weeks. Your light must truly shine, always and for everyone. I believe there has never been a time in the history of our country when we needed good priests, holy priests, learned priests, obedient priests, as we do now. You will bring, through your sacramental ministry, the light of Christ to a darkened world. You will bring healing, comfort, forgiveness and peace to those who are seeking answers to problems

and issues that will sometimes seem insoluble. You must hold fast to the truths of our faith, you must never give up or give in. The Church needs you and wants you to bring light to darkness, life to death.

“We, all of us, ordained and lay, need to be proud of our Faith, proud of our heritage, proud of our commitment to the truth. We must hold our heads high and profess that faith without compromise, without fear. We must walk in the light and be that light for others!

“To all the graduates, my congratulations and best wishes once again. As you graduate, wherever the future may take you, may your light ever shine so that others, seeing Dr. John C. Marous, Jr., Chairman of the Seminary

Board of Regents, addresses the graduates.


your good deeds, will give glory to the Lord!”


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Thirteen students at Saint Vincent Seminary received the master of divinity degree, four the master of arts degree and two the bachelor of sacred theology degree during the Seminary’s annual commencement on May 8. They represent nine dioceses and two religious orders. Three are lay students. Two students received dual degrees.

Most Rev. Roger J. Foys, Bishop of Covington, Kentucky, received an honorary doctor of divinity degree, honoris causa, and gave the commencement address.

ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTASalomon Garcia-Cortes is the son of Alfredo

Garcia Garrio Bribiesca and Maria Delfina Francisca Cortes of Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. He is a 1998 graduate of Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Morelia, Michoacan. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy at Saint Joseph Seminary College in Saint

Benedict, Louisiana, in 2005. He received the master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.

Dominic T. Tran is the son of Cahn Tran and Ri Ha Tran. He is a 1991 graduate of Vinh An High School, Vietnam. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Divine Word College Seminary, Epworth, Iowa, in 2000. He received the master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.

DIOCESE OF ALTOONA-JOHNSTOWNMatthew Brian Baum of Altoona,

Pennsylvania, is the son of Donna M. and James T. Baum of Altoona. He is a 2000 graduate of Bellwood-Antis High School, Bellwood, Pennsylvania. In 2004, he received a bachelor of arts in philosophy and religious studies from St. Francis University, Loretto, Pennsylvania. Since 2004, he has been studying in the

Twenty Degrees Awarded At Commencement

Taking part in the May 8 commencement at Saint Vincent Seminary were, front, from left, Father David Brzoska, Vice Rector; Father Lester Knoll, O.F.M. Cap., Director of Spiritual Formation; Vicar General/Administrative Services, Diocese of Covington, Rev. Monsignor Gilbert J. Rutz, V.G. Archabbot and Chancellor Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.; Board of Regents Chairman John C. Marous, Jr.; Most Rev. Roger J. Foys, Bishop of Covington; Vicar General/Pastoral Services, Diocese of Covington, Very Rev. J. Michael Due, V.G.; Very Rev. Justin Matro, O.S.B., Rector; Dr. Michel Therrien, Academic Dean; Father Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B., and Father Edward Mazich, O.S.B., members of the Rector’s Council. In the second row, from left, are Matthew Baum, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; Larry Schaeper, Diocese of Covington; Dominic Tran, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Salomon Garcia-Cortes, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Francis Dankoski, Diocese of Steubenville; Matthew Cushing, Diocese of Covington; Michael Russo, master of arts degree; Luis Fonseca, Diocese of Savannah. In the back row, from left, are Michael Zavage, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Ernesto Rodriguez, Diocese of Saint Thomas; Jose Parra-Murcia, Diocese of Saginaw; Bradley Greer, Diocese of Steubenville; Ximena DeBroeck; Daniel Langa, Diocese of Pittsburgh and Brother Joseph Adams, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey.


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ordination program at Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He received the master of divinity degree, with highest honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.

DIOCESE OF COVINGTONMatthew Aloysius Cushing of Overland

Park, Kansas, is the son of Carol and Dennis Cushing of Overland Park. He is a 1993 graduate of Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri. In 1997, he received a bachelor of science degree in computer information systems from Devry in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended St. Louis University from 2002 to 2003 for pre-theology. In 2004, he received his masters in divinity from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. He received the master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.

Lawrence A. Schaeper of Fort Wright, Kentucky, is the son of Donald and Mary Jo Schaeper of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a 1983 graduate of Roger Bacon High School, earned a bachelor of science in business administration degree from Xavier University in 1988 and studied at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Cincinnati, from 1998 to 2003. He received the master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.

DIOCESE OF PATERSONRev. Abuchi F. Nwosu is the son of Felicia

Ukamaka Nwosu of Lagos, Nigeria. He is a 1993 graduate of the Model Comprehensive Boy’s School in Inyi, Enugu, Nigeria. He earned a bachelor of philosophy degree from Bigard Memorial Seminary in 1999. He received the master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2008, and the master of arts degree in 2009.

DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGHDaniel Joseph Langa of Butler,

Pennsylvania, is the son of Julia Ann and David Langa of Butler. He is a 2001 graduate of Slippery Rock High School. In 2005, he received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He received the master of divinity degree, with honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.

Michael Andrew Zavage, Jr. of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, is the son of Joan and Michael Zavage of Carmichaels. He is a 2001 graduate of Carmichaels Area High School. In 2005, he received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He received the master of divinity degree, with high honors, and the bachelor of sacred theology degree,

with high honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009. He also received the Diakonia Award, given to the graduating student who most fulfills the criteria for this service award, given by the faculty. Included in the criteria are academic performance, service to the community by upbuilding student morale and spirit, leadership, and creative outreach.

DIOCESE OF SAGINAWJose G. Parra Murcia of Saginaw, Michigan,

is the son of Evangelina Murcia of Chiquinquira, Boyaca, Colombia and the late Jose G. Parra. He is a 1994 graduate of Industrial Technical Institute of Chiquinquira and earned a degree in philosophy from Seminario Conciliar in Tunja, Boyaca, Colombia, in 2002. He received the master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009. He also received the Omer U. Kline, O.S.B., Homiletics Award, given by the Rector’s Council. It is given to the fourth-year student who has most clearly demonstrated excellence in preaching.

DIOCESE OF SAINT THOMASErnesto Rodolfo Rodriguez of St. John, Virgin

Islands, is the son of Rosa Elena Mendizabal of Lima, Peru, and the late Julio E. Rodriguez. He is a 1984 graduate of Agustiniano San Martin de Porres, Lima, Peru. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the Pontificia Universidad Catolica, Lima, in 1992. He received the master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.

DIOCESE OF SAVANNAHLuis A. Fonseca is the son of Hector

and Ana Granados de Fonseca of Bogota, Colombia. He is a 1994 graduate of Salesian School, Duitauia, Boyaca, Colombia. He earned degrees in the philosophy of education from St. Thomas Aquinas University, Bogota, in 1999, and from La Salle University in 2000. He received the master of divinity degree, with honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.

DIOCESE OF STEUBENVILLEBrother Francis Dankoski of Hopedale,

Ohio, is the son of Dennis James Dankoski of Steubenville, Ohio, and the late Diane Marie Dankoski. He is a 1990 graduate of the School of Mary Immaculate–Chapel American School in São Paulo, Brazil. From 1998 to 2000, he studied pre-theology and philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. He received the master of divinity degree, with high honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.

Bradley W. Greer is the son of Larry W.

Twenty Degrees Awarded(Continued from Page 10)


Permanent Deacons Ordained

William J. Hisker and F. Daniel Frescura were ordained to the perma-nent diaconate for the Diocese of Greensburg on Monday, August 10, by the Most Rev. Lawren-ce E. Brandt, JCD, Ph.D., Bishop of Greensburg.

Hisker and Frescura are the first graduates of Saint Vincent Seminary to be ordained perma-nent deacons. Hisker completed a master of divinity degree at the Seminary in 2005, while Frescura earned a mas-ter of arts degree in the-ology in 2001.

Frescura is a parisho-ner of Saint John Baptist de La Salle Parish in Del-mont, and has retired from teaching German, English and video pro-duction at Penn-Trafford High School. He and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 39 years.

Hisker is a parishoner at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Greensburg, and is a professor of ma-nagement at Saint Vin-cent College. He and his wife, Vera, have been married for 40 years.

According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, there are more than 13,000 permanent deacons in this country.

The ministry was intro-duced in the Diocese of Greensburg in 2005 by Bishop Brandt. Perma-nent deacons serve at the altar and proclaim the word during Mass. They also serve the church by serving others through charity.


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formation at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, a part-time academic tutor for Saint Vincent Seminary, and is currently serving as an adjunct faculty member at the Seminary. She earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Texas at Austin in 1985. She received the master of arts degree, with highest honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009. She also received the Sacred Scripture Award, given by the Sacred Scripture faculty and awarded to the graduating student who has demonstrated excellence in the study of Sacred Scripture.

Michael Lewis Russo of Johnstown received the master of arts degree, with high honors, in 2009. Married to Nancy, he is finishing his fourth year in the formation process for ordination to the diaconate for the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese. He is currently assisting Deacon Gene Neral, the Director for the Formation Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, in implementing guidelines established by the National Association of Diaconate Directors. These guidelines are designed to help in the initial development and formation of deacons and their ongoing formation. He is also a faculty member of Stephen Ministries, St. Louis. Stephen Ministries is a complete system for training and organizing lay people to provide one-to-one Christian care for people in crisis. He is the son of Johanna Russo of New Port Richey, Florida, and the late Michael Russo.

MASTER OF DIVINITYMichal Zábrecky is the son of Frantisek

and Magdaléna Zábrecky of Siroké, Presov, Slovakia. He is a 2001 graduate of Gymnázium Krompachy, Krompachy, Slovakia. He received the master of divinity degree, with high honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.

Greer of Lenoir, North Carolina and Claudette I. Triplette of Simpsonville, South Carolina. He is a 1996 graduate of South Caldwell High School, Hudson, North Carolina. He studied English and history at Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, and received his bachelor’s degree in those subjects from North Carolina State University, Raleigh in 1998. He received the master of arts degree, with highest honors, and the bachelor of sacred theology degree, with highest honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009. He also received the Honorable Judge Bernard F. Scherer Award, given to the student who most exemplifies the qualities evident in the life of Judge Scherer. Given by the faculty, the award criteria includes a breadth of learning, which allows one to integrate theology and the life of the people of God with academic areas, wisdom and the ability to see the interconnectedness of all life, the practice of corporal works of mercy, witness to faith and a hope-filled attitude.

SAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYBrother Joseph M. Adams, O.S.B., of Silver

Spring, Maryland, is a son of Paul V. and Rita A. Adams of Lusby, Maryland. He attended St. Catherine Laboure Parochial School in Wheaton, Maryland and is a 1982 graduate of Wheaton High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from Saint Vincent College in 2001. He began studies at Saint Vincent Seminary in 2005 and received the master of divinity degree, with honors, in 2009. He made simple profession of vows July 10, 1997 at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica, and solemn profession of vows on July 11, 2000.

MASTER OF ARTSXimena DeBroeck, a native of Quito,

Ecuador, is married to Michael DeBroeck of Greensburg. She was coordinator of faith

Twenty Degrees Awarded At Commencement

(Continued from Page 11)Four on Path to Permanent

Diaconate

Four men from the Dio-cese of Greensburg were accepted as aspirants by Bishop Brandt in De-cember 2008. Dr. Edwin Hogan from Blessed Sa-crament Cathedral Parish in Greensburg, William Newhouse from Saint Paul Parish in Greensburg, Mi-chael Orange from Saint Vincent Basilica Parish in Latrobe, and Raymond Takacs from Saint Agnes Parish in North Huntingdon are engaged in the first official step of the diaco-nate formation process.

In the Diocese of Gre-ensburg, diaconate for-mation is made up of four steps: inquiry period, aspirant path, candidate path, and post-ordination path. Formation in the hu-man, intellectual, pasto-ral spiritual dimensions is addressed in each step.

The path to aspirancy is marked by growth in commitment to Christ and neighbor, as well as dis-cernment of personal gifts and how those gifts can be used to serve others as a deacon of the church.

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Judge Lally-Green Scholarship Dinner Speaker

Seminarians Develop Music CD

Seminary Board of Regents member Hon. Maureen E. Lally-Green was the speaker at the annual scholarship dinner, held this year at LaMont in Pittsburgh. In 1998, Judge Lally-Green was appointed by Governor Tom Ridge to the Superior Court, and confirmed by the State Senate. In 1999, Judge Lally-Green was elected for a term of ten years. The Judge’s memberships include: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee (appointed by the Court and serves as its Chair); The Board of Directors, Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh; The Board of Directors, Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central Pennsylvania; The Board of Trustees, Auberle, McKeesport, Pa. (serves as Secretary); The Board of Directors, Saint Thomas More Society of Allegheny County; The Board of Directors, Saint Francis University, Loretto, Pa.; The Board of Directors, Mercy-UPMC Hospital; The National and International Associations of Women Judges; The Pennsylvania Bar Association; The Allegheny County Bar Association; Western Pennsylvania Women’s Bar Association; and The Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession.

By Carly MarshSaint Vincent Seminary

announces the launch of its debut CD, O God Come to my Assistance: Saint Vincent Seminarians in Song, to arrive in mid-November. Father Justin Matro, O.S.B., Rector, said the idea came about several years ago and was put into action this past spring by himself and Deacon Robert Fleckenstein. Their goal with the CD is to showcase Saint Vincent Seminary’s diversity and talent by showing “all of [the seminarians] enjoying each other’s music together and the freedom to express [their] faith and religion in the original pieces that were written,” said Fleckenstein. The CD showcases the multicultural diversity of the Seminary, with songs in Spanish, Vietnamese, and even a Baptist choir piece, along with several individual and duo selections.

Seminarians featured in the vocal groups on the disc include Deacon Matthew Baum, Deacon Michael Zavage, Deacon Robert Fleckenstein, Matthew Larlick, William Appel, Luis Alvarez, Kevin Coyle, Stephen Kelley, Ernie

Darby, Cody Ford, Ryan Stichweh, Thomas Trofino, Vernon Knight, Kyle Sahd, Deacon Daniel Langa, Deacon Jose Parra-Murcia, Jose Manuel Escalante, Luis Alvarez, Michael Gossett, Kevin Coyle, Deacon Dominic Tran, Thang Pham, Cong Nguyen, Tri Nguyen, Brother Maximillian Maxwell, O.S.B., Brother Gabriel Myriam Kurzawski, O.S.B., Brother Jeremy Heppler, O.S.B.,

Brother Elijah Cirigliano, O.S.B., Charles Affholter, and Rigo Ochoa. Organ accompanists include Father Cyrprian Constantine, O.S.B., and Jason Keefer.

Original pieces include “God Above All” written by Deacon Robert Fleckenstein, “Melody in E” written by Daniel Langa, and “The Good Pelican” co-written by Michael Gossett and Daniel Langa. Listeners will also enjoy familiar songs such as “Simple Gifts.” The tracks for the CD were recorded during the Spring 2009 semester in the Saint Gregory the Great Chapel and in the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. The CD was then mixed together at George Harris’ studio in Bridgeville. The production of the

CD included more than thirty seminarians helping in all the various aspects of the process ranging from singing, playing, and writing songs to a seminary wide CD naming contest and the designing of the album’s cover. The CD is currently in its final stages of preparation before launch. O God Come to my Assistance: Saint Vincent Seminarians in Song will be available mid November at http://www.stvincentstore.com or by calling Archabbey Publications at 724-805-2427. Plans are also in the making for the majority of the songs on the CD to be available for purchase on iTunes after the release of the CD.


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The fourth annual Conference for Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians took place June 15-19, 2009. Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. Brant Pitre, and Dr. John Bergsma presented “Romans: The Gospel According to Saint Paul.”

The speakers provided a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.

“It’s a real joy to study with you the Book of Romans in a Catholic context,” Dr. Bergsma said during his opening lecture

In “Justification, Faith, and Works of the Law,” Dr. Pitre discussed chapters 2 and 3, “very controversial chapters, because they focus on the question that has divided the church now for four or five hundred years. That’s the question of the role of works in salvation.”

Dr Hahn’s lecture on chapters four and five, “Spiritual Fatherhood,” focused “primarily on Abraham as the divine exemplar of faith and fatherhood, and Adam as the exemplar of the anti-father.”

This year’s conference also featured an optional homiletics workshop on Friday, June 19. The homiletics workshop was conducted by Very Rev. Joseph Mele, an assistant professor of homiletics at the Seminary, and Frather Brian Cavanaugh, TOR.

The fifth annual lecture will take place June 14-18, 2010. Please see the insert in the

center of this issue of Leaven for more information or to register for the

conference.“Romans: The Gospel

According to Saint Paul,” is available on a six DVD set for $40 plus $5 shipping and handling. For priests, deacons, and seminarians,

the seven-DVD set that includes the DVD of the

homiletics workshop is available for $45, plus $5 shipping and

handling.

Summer Conference Focuses on Gospel of Paul

Fourth Year DinnerIn the spring, deacons serving in parishes invited those who worked with them during that time to the annual Fourth Year

Dinner, held on campus. Among those attending, above, left, were Daniel Langa, right, of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, who served at Our Lady of Fatima Parish with Rev. Howard W. Campbell. Above right, center, is Matthew Cushing of the Diocese of Covington, with representatives from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Indiana, where he served with Father William Kiel.

Participants in the 2009 Summer Conference for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians, were, from left, Dr. Michel Therrien, Seminary Academic Dean; Very Rev. Justin Matro, O.S.B., Rector; Dr. Scott Hahn, presenter; Most Rev. William Winter, Bishop of Pittsburgh, who presided at Mass one day; Dr. Brant Pitre, presenter; and Dr. John Bergsma, presenter.

Fifth AnnualConference for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians

Gospel & Sacraments: Reading and Proclaiming the Gospel of John

Dr. Scott Hahn

Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania June 14-18, 2010

Above: 2009 Conference Attendees

Dr. Scott HahnAn exceptionally popular speaker and

teacher, Dr. Scott Hahn has delivered numerous talks nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics related to Scripture and the Catholic faith. Hundreds of these talks have been produced on audio and videotapes by Saint Joseph Communications. Dr. Hahn is the Pope Benedict XVI Chair of Biblical Theology and Homiletics for Excellence in Preaching at Saint Vincent Seminary. A native of Pittsburgh,

Dr. Hahn served as a visiting professor at Saint Vincent Seminary in 2000. He has also served as a Professor of Theology and Scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville since 1990. He is the founder and president of The Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

The Signs of Life: Forty Catholic Customs and their Biblical Roots (2009), Kingship by Covenant: A Canonical Approach to the Fulfillment of God’s Promises (Anchor Bible Reference Library, 2009), Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, and Defend the Catholic Faith (Doubleday: New York, 2007) and Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace (Doubleday: New York, 2006) are the titles of his newest books. Previous works include Letter & Spirit: From Written Text to Living Word in the Liturgy (2005); Swear to God: The Promise and Power of the Sacraments, (Doubleday, 2004). Other books from Dr. Hahn include Scripture Matters: Essays on Reading the Bible from the Heart of the Church (Emmaus Road, 2003); Lord, Have Mercy: The Healing Power of Confession (Doubleday, 2003); First Comes Love: Finding Your Family in the Church and the Trinity (Doubleday, 2002); Hail Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God (Doubleday, 2001); The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth (1999); A Father Who Keeps His Promises (Servant Publications, 1997). In addition, he served as coauthor (along with his wife, Kimberly) of Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism (Ignatius Press, 1993).

Priests, deacons and seminarians are invited to spend four days reflecting on the “Gospel & Sacraments: Reading and Proclaming the Gospel of John,” with Dr. Scott Hahn, June 14-18, 2010 on the grounds of Saint Vincent Archabbey and Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Dr. Hahn will once again be joined by other noted scholars, including Dr. Brant Pitre of Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, and Dr. John Bergsma of Franciscan University of Steubenville. The days will be filled with discovery, in a leisurely, but stimulating environment. It’s an opportunity for clergy to contemplate the Scriptures more deeply—for prayer, for preaching, and for understanding.

Dr. John BergsmaDr. John Bergsma, a Senior Fellow of The Saint

Paul Center for Biblical Theology, is an expert in the Dead Sea Scrolls and many aspects of Sacred Scripture. He has been an associate professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville since 2004.

Received into the Catholic Church in 2001, Dr. Bergsma is a former Protestant pastor and graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary, with a master’s degree in theology and a master of divinity degree in Old Testament. He went on

to receive his doctorate in theology from the University of Notre Dame, defending his dissertation, “The Jubilee from Leviticus to Qumran” with high honors.

Dr. Bergsma is fluent in eight languages including Aramaic, classical Greek and Hebrew, as well as Latin. He has written over 20 articles and given over 25 presentations on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Salvation History, Gnosticism, Sexuality in the Old Testament, The Jubilee Year, and many other topics in Biblical Theology.

Dr. Brant PitreDr. Brant Pitre is the Professor of Sacred

Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana. He received his Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, where he specialized the study of the New Testament and ancient Judaism and graduated with highest honors. He is the author of several articles and the new book, Jesus, the Tribulation, and the End of the Exile, which focuses on the eschatology of Jesus as

the key to the origin of the doctrine of the atonement (Baker Academic, 2005). He is currently working on a second book on Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist, a project which was funded by a grant from the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology, founded by Dr. Scott Hahn. Dr. Pitre is an extremely enthusiastic and engaging speaker and has produced several Bible studies on CD, in which he explores the Jewish roots and biblical background of Catholic faith and theology.

Gospel & Sacraments: Reading and Proclaiming the Gospel of John

Pictured, from left, Dr. Brant Pitre, Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. John Bergsma

REGISTRATION FORM - Please type or print clearly. Registration Deadline: May 25, 2010

Title: Monsignor Father Brother Deacon Seminarian

First Name: Last Name: Suffix:

Mailing Address: Day Phone:

City: State: Zip: Cell Phone:

Email: Fax Number: Monastery/Diocese/Community:

Special Needs: Handicap Parking Wheelchair Refrigeration for Medication Golf Cart (For those with difficulty walking. Each cart holds four people.) Dietary Needs: Diabetic Vegetarian Vegan Other

: Other: (please specify) ________________________________________________

May we share your contact information with the other conference participants? Address: Yes No Email: Yes No Phone: Yes No

FEE SCHEDULE – DR. SCOTT HAHN CONFERENCE

I am including: $75 Non-refundable deposit*$550 Full Registration (Monday thru Thursday)** $250 Seminarian Rate (with Student ID)** $100 Optional Homiletics Workshop (Friday, June 18)$650 Full Registration plus Homiletics Workshop $25 Early Arrival or Late Departure***

I will need round trip shuttle service, please contact me with details:

$40 Pittsburgh International Airport $20 Greensburg Greyhound bus station $10 Latrobe Amtrak train station or Arnold Palmer

Airport

You will be staying in either a suite or apartment.

Suites are two rooms (single or double) that share a bath. Apartments are 4 single bedrooms that share 2 baths and a common living space with kitchenette.

Suitemate/Apartment Share Request:

* A non-refundable deposit must accompany each individual registration to guarantee a space. Payment in full is required by May 25, 2010 ** Fees include room, all meals during conference, banquet, snacks, and registration for June 14-17. *** Early Arrival is available after 6 p.m. on June 13.

Please send registration & payment to: Event and Conference Services Saint Vincent College 300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 15650 Phone: (724) 532-5030 Fax: (724) 532-5019

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Visit www.saintvincentseminary.edu or please contact Dr. Michel Therrien at (724) 805-2324 or [email protected]

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Gospel & Sacraments: Reading and Proclaming the Gospel of JohnJune 14-18, 2010 • Saint Vincent Seminary • Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Fifth Annual Conference for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians

Saint Vincent CampusNestled in the foothills of Chestnut Ridge near Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Saint

Vincent Archabbey, College, Parish and Seminary are shaped by the 1,500-year-old Benedictine heritage of liturgical prayer, study, hospitality and community. The fourth oldest Roman Catholic Seminary in the United States, Saint Vincent has prepared over 2,500 diocesan and religious priests for the service of God and His Church. The Archabbey was founded by Bavarian monk Boniface Wimmer, who established Benedictine monasticism in America in 1846. The campus features the 100-year-old Rheinish Romanesque Basilica designed by William Schickel, facilities for swimming, a fitness center and walking trails as well as a number of chapels and gardens for quiet meditation. This year’s conference will be held in the newly-constructed Fred M. Rogers Center, pictured at left and below. Greater Pittsburgh International Airport is located 60 miles west of campus.

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“The IRS Code is about ten times the size of the Bible – and unlike the Bible, it contains no good news.”

All of us have experienced the anguish of filling out tax forms, and as such we can relate directly to this clever, yet painful quote credited to former United States Senator and American businessman, Don Nickels. Despite the tax code not having any good news, there are some rays of sunshine regarding charitable donations that can help to alleviate your tax burden.

If you have a qualified retirement account such as an IRA or 401K, and you are age 70.5 or older, you still qualify to make a charitable gift (up to $100,000) directly from your retirement account with no tax consequence to you or your family. This dramatically simplifies the tax filing process for you, and furthermore, if you are being required to withdraw from your retirement account, this is an excellent way to avoid taxes on those mandatory withdrawals.

Another way to save taxes is through a Charitable Gift Annuity. Many of our friends and benefactors have enjoyed the benefits of a CGA, especially in these most uncertain economic times. Some of these benefits include:

• Enjoy an immediate tax deduction on a portion of your gift annuity

• Receive guaranteed quarterly dividend payments for as long as you live

• Know that upon your passing, the remaining principal of your gift will go directly to Saint Vincent Seminary and will not be subject to estate taxes

In addition, if you own appreciated stock or real estate that you plan to sell, you can minimize the impact on your annual taxes by sharing your gains with Saint Vincent. Some of our benefactors regularly donate entire shares of stock to the Seminary. In this case, our policy is to immediately sell the shares and apply the proceeds to the area of the Seminary as specified by the donor. The donor enjoys an immediate tax deduction, and the Seminary is able to use the liquid funds to apply to our operating expenses, the endowment, or to a special project.

Last, but certainly not least, if you are not already a member of the Saint Vincent Guardian Society, please consider joining our many friends and alumni who have named Saint Vincent Seminary in their wills and estate plans. If you need assistance with this process, we have experts in the field that can assist you.

Pope Benedict XVI has proclaimed this year the official “Year of the Priest.” Saint Vincent Seminary is honored to play a key role in the formation of new priests in the United States,

and indeed in many parts of the world. Many dioceses and abbeys are relying on the expertise of our esteemed faculty, staff and administration to train new priests in the well-rounded tradition of the “four pillars” of formation: Academic, Spiritual, Pastoral and Human. In our last fiscal year, our costs for providing a first-class education to the seminarians here were approximately $2.4 million. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to meet our budgetary obligations despite some very strong “head-winds” in the economy.

As the new academic year is now well underway, it would appear that there is a light at the end of the economic tunnel. We continue to count on your contributions, no matter how large or small, to help us to carry on the work entrusted to us on behalf of the Church. While we all agree that there is not much good news in the IRS Tax Code, there is plenty of Good News in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we continue to teach and to preach at here at Saint Vincent.

Please know that we are ever grateful for your past support, and that you are always remembered in the prayers of the Benedictine Community of Saint Vincent.

Taxes and tax planning are a complicated issue and you should consult your accountant or tax expert for specific advice.

For further information about Planned Giving, you may contact Paul Whiteside by email at [email protected] or by phone at (724) 532-6740.

Paul R. WhitesideDirector of Development

A Few Tax Saving Tips


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Saint Vincent Seminary welcomed 28 new seminarians for the fall semester, in addition to four men who will study for the permanent diaconate and two lay students. The seminarians are from eight dioceses and six abbeys and monasteries.

CONCEPTION ABBEYPaul A. Sheller, O.S.B., is the son of Dennis

and Barbara Sheller of Stillwater, Oklahoma. He is a 2000 graduate of Stillwater High School. He studied at Oklahoma State University from 2000 to 2002, and then at Conception Seminary College from 2002 to 2005, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy.

DIOCESE OF COVINGTONEric L. Andriot of Florence, Kentucky, is

the son of the late Phil and Mary Andriot. He is a 1992 graduate of Covington Catholic High School, Park Hills, and attended Thomas More College, Crestview Hills, Kentucky, where he studied business administration, from 2000 to 2003. He has an associate of applied science degree from Northern Kentucky University.

Josiah N. Booth is the son of Ray Booth and Vanna Mae Critoria of Navarre, Ohio. He is a 2003 graduate of Central Catholic High School, Canton, earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from the Pontifical College Josephinum and Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2009.

Michael B. Norton of Villa Hills, Kentucky, is the son of Michael E. and Kathy S. Norton of Madisonville. He is a 2001 graduate of Ryle High School, Union. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Thomas More College, Crestview Hills, Kentucky, in 2009.

Jacob E. Straub is the son of Clifford and Terri Straub of Alexandria, Kentucky. He is a 2001 graduate of Campbell County High School. He studied history at Georgetown College, Georgetown, Kentucky; history and philosophy at Northern Kentucky University; and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from the Pontifical College Josephinum in 2009.

DIOCESE OF ERIEDavid M. Renne of Punxsutawney is the son

of Peter and Jennifer Renne of Punxsutawney.

He is a 2005 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School and earned a bachelor of arts degree in English/philosophy from Gannon University, Erie, in 2009.

DIOCESE OF HARRISBURGDonald H. Bender, Jr., of Lancaster, is the

son of Donald H. Bender, Sr., and Theresa Bender of Ephrata. He is a 1989 graduate of Ephrata Senior High School and received a bachelor of science degree in education from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.

Ryan M. Fischer of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is the son of Michael and Margaret Fischer. He is a 2003 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School. He attended Franciscan University of Steubenville and received degrees in philosophy and theology in 2009.

DIOCESE OF NAN CHONGJohn Huang Wen Hong is from Nan Chong,

Si Chuan Province, China. He is the son of Daiguo Huang and Weihua Tang of Anyue. He is a 2000 graduate of Bei Ta High School in Nan Chong. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Saint Vincent College in 2007.

DIOCESE OF PATERSONDamian P. Zablocki of Newark is the son

of Brenda G. Edwards of Holland, Ohio, and the late Bronislaw W. Zablocki. He is a 1996 graduate of Maumee High School, Maumee, Ohio. He also studied philosophy at Catholic University of America from 2006-2007.

DIOCESE OF SAGINAWChristian Tabares of Saginaw is the son of

Sonia Velasquez of Medellin, Colombia and the late Hector Tabares. He is a 1993 graduate of Medellin Minor Seminary, Colombia, and earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Santo Tomas de Aquino Seminary, Santa Rosa de Osos, Colombia, in 2006.

Alberto E. Vargas of Saginaw is the son of Ivan and Maria Disne Vargas of Ituango, Colombia. He is a 2005 graduate of the Seminario Cristo Sacerdote with a major in philosophy. He has also studied at Santo Tomas de Aquino Seminary, Santa Rosa de Osos, Colombia.

Seminary Welcomes 28 New SeminariansPaul Sheller

Eric Andriot

Josiah Booth

Michael Norton

Jacob Straub

David Renne

Donald Bender Ryan Fischer Huang Wen Hong Damian Zablocki

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Juan I. Velasquez of Saginaw is the son of Alirio I. Velasquez and Teresa Hincapie of Yarumal, Colombia. He attended the diocesan Santo Tomas de Aquino Seminary, Santa Rosa de Osos, Colombia, graduating high school in 1998 there and graduating with a degree in ecclesiastic studies in November 2001.

DIOCESE OF SAVANNAHAugustine U. Ariwaodo of Umuahia, Abi

State, Nigeria, is a current resident of Statesboro, Georgia. He is a son of Monica Chinyere Ariwaodo and the late Matthias Nriwaodo of Umuahia. He graduated from Queen of Apostles Secondary Technical College in Nigeria in 1994, and earned a bachelor of theology degree from the Seminary of Saints Peter and Paul, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria, in 2005.

John D. Wright is the son of Rob and Carol Wright of Savannah. He is a 2004 graduate of Benedictine Military High School, Savannah. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from the University of Georgia, Athens, in 2008.

Micah J. Wright is the son of Rev. Gary E. and Rev. Carol A. Wright of Greenfield, Indiana. He is a 1992 graduate of West Branch High School, Beloit, Ohio, and studied theology and philosophy at Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Florida, from 2003 to 2006.

DIOCESE OF WHEELING-CHARLESTONCurtis M. Abbott of Nitro, West Virginia, is

the son of Harold and Shawn Abbott of Nitro. He is a 2005 graduate of South Charleston High School, South Charleston, West Virginia. He also studied theology at Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling, West Virginia.

MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERTBrother Lawrence Alberto Pilarca, O.S.B., is

a monk of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert in New Mexico. He is the son of Fidela Pilarca of Camarines Sur, the Philippines, and the late Alfredo Pilarca. He received a bachelor of science in industrial education at the Camerines Sur National College of Arts and Trades in 1981. He has also studied at Saint Meinrad School of Theology.

Brother Paulavang L. Vuong, O.S.B., of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, New Mexico, is the son of Hien Xuan Vuong and Hac Thi Luu of Houston. He is a native of Da Nang, Vietnam. He graduated from Trinh Chau Phan High School, Da Nang, in 1980. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Mount Angel Seminary, Saint Benedict, Oregon, in 2007 and has also studied at Saint Meinrad School of Theology.

MOUNT SAVIOR MONASTERYThomas M. Colucci, O.S.B., of Bronxville,

New York, is the son of Donald F. and Marilyn G. Colucci of Bardonia, New York. He is a 1974 graduate of Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia. He earned a bachelor of science degree in general studies from Springfield College, Massachusetts, in 1979 and a master of science degree in health and fitness management from American University in 1981.

SAINT BEDE ABBEYBrother Gregory Jarzombek, O.S.B., of

Chicago is from Saint Bede Abbey, Peru, Illinois. He mother is Catherine Jarzombek of Park Ridge, Illinois. He is a 1971 graduate of Notre Dame High School for Boys, Niles, Illinois. He earned a bachelor of science degree in finance from Marquette University in 1975 and a master of business administration degree in finance in 1976 from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

SAINT JOSEPH MONASTERYBrother Matthew Nguyen, O.Cist., of Saint

Joseph Monastery, Lucerne Valley, California, is the son of Thuc Van and Nam Be Thi Vo Nguyen of Vinh Long, Vietnam. He attended Hieu Phung High School, Vinh Long, graduating in 1999.

Brother Peter Pham, O.Cist., of Saint Joseph Monastery, Lucerne Valley, California is the son of An Dang Pham and the late Cong Thi Nguyen Pham of Dong Nai, Vietnam.He attended Kiem Tan High School, Dong Nai, graduating in 1999.

SAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYBrother Pio Adamonis, O.S.B., is the son of

Christian Tabares Alberto Vargas Juan Velasquez

Seminary Welcomes 28 New SeminariansAugustine Ariwaodo John Wright

Micah Wright

Curtis Abbott

Lawrence Pilarca

Paulavang Vuong

Thomas Colucci


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Father Matthias Martinez is the son of Lynda C. Martinez of Latrobe and the late

Edelmiro Martinez, Jr. He has one sister, Janalyn Pentlow, of Douglastown, New York.

He is a 1993 graduate of Northfield Mt. Hermon High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy in 1999 from Saint John Seminary College, and has also studied at Babson College and Saint John Seminary, Boston. He earned a master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2007.

Father Matthias made simple profession of monastic vows on July 9, 2004 and solemn profession of vows on July 11, 2007.

He was ordained to the diaconate on July

Rev. Matthias Martinez Named Dean of Students14, 2007, and served his deacon internship at Saint Mary Parish, St. Marys, starting August 1 of that year. He was ordained to the priesthood on January 19, 2008 by Bishop Lawrence Brandt of Greensburg in the Archabbey Basilica.

He served as assistant archivist and assistant master of ceremonies/ sacristan at Saint Vincent Archabbey (2004-2008). In 2007, he was named assistant to the rector of Saint Vincent Seminary, and to the staff of the Formation Program. In 2008 he was named assistant director of Facilities Management. He began duties as Dean of Students for Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009. He also served as the assistant curator of the archabbey music collection (2005-2006), Benedictine Resident of Wimmer Hall at Saint Vincent College (2006-2007) and as a Campus Ministry Assistant (2006-2007).

Father Matthias assists with weekend mission at the two parishes in Mount Pleasant: Saint Pius X and Visitation.

Rev. Matthias Martinez, O.S.B.

Peter P. and Catherine Adamonis of Upland. He is a 1986 graduate of Saint James High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing from Penn State University in 1990.

Brother Cassiano Mauricio De Souza, O.S.B., of Brazil is from São Bento Abbey, São Paulo, Brazil. He studied theology at Centro Universitário Salesiano de São Paulo, philosophy at Faculdade São Bento and is a 1995 graduate of EEPSG Prof a Zenaide Vilalva de Araujo, São Paulo.

Brother Albert Gahr, O.S.B., is the son of Raymond and Diana Gahr of Kersey. He is a 1991 graduate of Elk County Christian High School, St. Marys. He earned a bachelor of science degree in biology in 1995 from Saint Vincent College and a doctorate in genetics and developmental biology from West Virginia University in 2002.

Brother John Paul Heiser, O.S.B., is the son of Randy and Sherry Heiser of Bethel Park. He

Seminary Welcomes 28 New Seminariansis a 2004 graduate of Bethel Park High School and earned a bachelor of arts degrees in international politics and psychology from Penn State University in 2008.

Brother Isidore Minerd, O.S.B., is the son of Timothy and Laura Lee Szepesi of Connellsville. He is a 2002 graduate of Connellsville Area High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in computing and information science from Saint Vincent College in May 2006 and a bachelor of arts in Catholic theology from Saint Vincent in December 2006.

PERMANENT DIACONATEThe Seminary has four new men in the

permanent diaconate program, including Edwin Hogan, William Newhouse, Michael Orange, and Ray Takacs

LAY STUDENTSNew lay students enrolled in the Master of

Arts program include Ronald Quinn, Janelle Pica and Jennifer Price.

Gregory Jarzombek

Matthew Nguyen

Peter Pham

Cassiano De Souza

Albert Gahr John Paul Heiser Isidore MinerdPio Adamonis

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Father Joseph Mele has recently been appointed Co-Vicar General of the Diocese

of Pittsburgh along with Father Robert Guay who will also serve as Coordinator of the newly appointed Regional Episcopal Vicars in Pittsburgh.

In addition, he has received an appointment from Bishop David A. Zubik

to serve as Vice Rector of Saint Paul Seminary.The Bishop permits him to return to Saint

Vincent to teach Homiletics. Father Joseph calls teaching in the

seminary “one of my greatest joys. I enjoy teaching in the classroom and witnessing the development of the seminarians in their ability to communicate God’s Word in the liturgical preaching ministry. I am deeply grateful to Archabbot Douglas and Father Justin for inviting me to stay on as a faculty member of Saint Vincent Seminary.

“In terms of Homiletics, I believe I am ready to begin the process to adapt my recent dissertation ‘Homiletics at the Threshold: Pope Benedict XVI’s Invitation’ so it can be published as a book.”

* * * * *Brother Bruno Heisey,

O. S. B., has published two articles on the Venerable Bede: “Bede’s Homilies,” in the November, 2008, issue of Tjurunga; “Bede, Caedmon, and the Eucharist,” in the July, 2009, issue of The

Downside Review.* * * * *

Father Thomas P. Acklin, O.S.B., was one of four keynote speakers at the National Convention of Bishops and Vocation Directors, held in Newark, New Jersey, September 27 to October 1.

Other speakers included Archbishop Piertro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States; Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Harrisburg; Archbishop Basil M. Schott, O.F.M., Metropolitan Archbishop, Archeparchy of Pittsburgh for Byzantines.

Father Tom recently gave a retreat to the priests of Covington, Kentucky at Saint Meinrad’s Archabbey in Indiana from September 21-24, and a retreat for the priests of Metuchen, New Jersey from October 25-28.

He had also given a day of recollection at Newark Abbey and also a day of Recollection for the staff of the television station EWTN.

* * * * *Father Justin Matro,

O.S.B., has given numerous retreats and days of recollections recently.

They include: • Region 1 (New

England) Roman Catholic Bishops Retreat, Mystic,

Connecticut.• Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Johnstown,

day of recollection.• Diocese of Trenton Clergy

Convocation, Cape May, New Jersey.• Saint Michael’s Parish, Greenville, day

of recollection.• Diocese of Harrisburg Catechists,

workshop of lectio divina.• Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, Clergy

Convocation, Chicago.• Diocese of Gaylord Clergy Retreat.• Diocese of Nashville Seminarian

Retreat.• Diocese of Nashville Clergy Retreat.• Knights of Malta Federal Association

retreat.* * * * *

Father Edward Mazich, O.S.B., recently published an article entitled “St. Jerome: Biblical Scholarship in the Service of the Church” in The Bible Today. Father Edward took up the theme sounded by Pope

Faculty News

Father Thomas Acklin, O.S.B., talks with Chuck Neff, president and executive producer of Salt River Production Group, Chesterfield, Missouri during a recent visit to Saint Vincent. Neff is host of “The Inner Life” on Relevant Radio, on which Father Tom also is a host for “Go Ask Your Father.”

Benedict XVI when he launched the 2008 Synod on The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church, exploring the ways in which Saint Jerome employed his enormous scriptural learning for the benefit of the whole Christian Church. Saint Jerome’s many biblical translations, his careful and critical exegesis, and the principled stands which he took in the face of opposition were noted as enduring contributions to the advancement of the Catholic study of sacred scripture.

Father Edward also published a review of Newman and the Alexandrian Fathers: “ Shaping Doctrine in Nineteenth-Century England by Benjamin King,” in the current issue of the Zeitschrift für neuere Theologiegeschichte.


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CONDOLENCES ARE

OFFERED TO:Rev. Francis P.

Balestino, C’56. S’60 on the death of his sister Rose Balestino on April 22, 2009.

Most Rev. Anthony G. Bosco, C’49, S’52, D’89 on the death of his brother Joseph V. Bosco on June 14, 2009.

Brother Timothy J. Brown, O.S.B., S’82 on the death of his mother Geraldine Brown on May 29, 2009.

Rev. Gilbert J. Burke, O.S.B., P’53, C’58, S’62 on the death of his brother Mark E. Burke on June 8, 2009.

Rev. Thomas M. Hart, O.S.B., S’88 on the death of his sister Mary May on April 8, 2009.

Rev. Peter A. Kuenzig, C’43, S’46 on the death of his brother Rev. Aloysius A. Kuenzig, S’43, on June 18, 2009.

Very Rev. Justin Matro, O.S.B., rector of Saint Vincent Seminary, on the death of his father, Nicholas P. Matro, 88, of Crabtree, who passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2009.

Rev. James F. Podlesny, O.S.B., S’80, on the death of his father James J. Podlesny on August 13, 2009

Rev. Pierre G. Sodini, C’65, S 68, on the death of his father George Sodini on May 27, 2009.

“Forward, always forward, everywhere forward.” While that quote might be

familiar to those affiliated with Saint Vincent as the words of its founder

Archabbot Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B., they were words used by Bishop Roger Foys of the Diocese of Covington, who was celebrating his seventh anniversary as Bishop on July 15. Bishop Foys accepted the

candidacy of seminarians studying for the priesthood on August 16, including Jacob Straub Harry Settle, Ryan Stenger, Michael Norton, Josiah Booth and John Michniuk.

* * * * *Priests from the Diocese of Harrisburg celebrating jubilees included:

Father Paul C. Helwig, S’74, 35 years; Father John Peck, O.S.B., S’89, 20 years; Father Edward J. Keating, Jr., S’94, 15 years.

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades apointed Father Michael E. Messner, S’97, as pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Lancaster He had been serving as pastor of Immaculate Heart of

Mary Parish, Abbottstown. The appointment was effective August 22.

In addition to his continued duties as parochial vicar at Saint Joseph Parish, Hanover, Father Timothy D. Marcoe is now chaplain at York Catholic Junior/Senior High School.

* * * * *Priests from the Diocese of Altoona-

Johnstown celebrating jubilees included: • Monsignor Samuel J. Tomaselli, C’55,

S’59, Monsignor Arnold L. Gaus, C’56, S’59; Father John J. Marshall, S’59.

* * * * *In the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston,

Bishop Michael J. Bransfield has made the following appointments:

• Father Richard Ulam, O.S.B., S’80, appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Fairmont with residence at the parish rectory, effective July 1, 2009.

• Father John Rice was named pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Montgomery and its Mission of Saint Anthony’s Shrine in Boomer, effective June 3, 2009.

Saint Vincent Seminary was honored at the annual awards luncheon of the Laurel Area Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers on May 28 at the Fred Rogers Center. The organization promotes the Faith in Action program, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for persons 60 years and older who reside in the Greater Latrobe and Ligonier areas by providing companionship and assistance. The group aims at helping older adults continue to live in their homes, with assistance provided by its volunteers. The program serves over 300 senior citizens in the region by training volunteers to help with caregiver relief, visiting, rides to the doctor, grocery shopping, chores and other services. The service is free to those receiving it. Saint Vincent Seminary is recognized as a community partner by the organization, and received the Civic Leadership Award, presented to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to enhancing the quality of life for individuals in the area. That award was sponsored by The Latrobe Bulletin newspaper and presented by News Editor Marie McCandless, who is vice president of the group.

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• Father Douglas A. Ondeck was named pastor of Saint Margaret Mary Parish, Parkersburg, effective July 15, 2009

• Father John Chapin Engler, Jr., was appointed associate pastor of Saint Leo Parish, Inwood, effective July 15, 2009.

• Seminarian Jose Manuel Escalante has been inspired by many priests on his vocation journey, according to an article appearing in the July 24 edition of The Catholic Spirit, diocesan newspaper. He became attracted to the priesthood in 1984 while working with the Salatian community in his home country of El Salvador. Later he served as a religious worker in the office of the Spanish apostolate in Arlington, Virginia. Later he met Father John Gallagher, vocations director for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, and he ended up studying at Saint Vincent Seminary, where he is in third theology.

* * * * *The work of Father Anthony Pham, O.Cist.,

to establish a monastery in San Bernardino, California, with a small community of Vietnamese monks, is chronicled in an article by David Olson appearing on a Catholic blog site. The article appears in the new alumni section of the Saint Vincent Seminary

(Continued from Page 24) website, found under the people section at saintvincentseminary.edu. Two of those monks, Brother Matthew Nguyen, and Brother Peter Pham, have begun studies at Saint Vincent.

* * * * *Diocesan priest jubilarians from Saint

Vincent Archabbey included:Rev. Omer U. Kline, O.S.B., sixty years

ordination; Brother Patrick Lacey, O.S.B., sixty years profession; Father Sebastian Samay, O.S.B., Father Jeremy Bolha, O.S.B., Father Campion Gavaler, O.S.B., fifty years ordination; Father Warren Murrman, O.S.B., Brother Benedict Janecko, O.S.B., Father Jonathan Murrman, O.S.B., fifty years profession; Father Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B., Brother Mauro Fernandes, O.S.B., Father Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B., twenty-five years, ordination; Father John Peck, O.S.B., Father Job Foote, O.S.B., Father Thomas Hart, O.S.B., Father Luke Policicchio, O.S.B., Father Justin Matro, O.S.B., and Father Cristiano Brito, O.S.B., twenty-five years, profession.

* * * * *Diocesan priest jubilarians from the

Diocese of Pittsburgh included:Rev. Garrett D. Dorsey, C’55, S59; Rev.

RECENT DEATHS:The following deaths

were reported:Rev. John F. Bench,

C’60, S’64, died June 6, 2009.

Joseph A. Corrado, Ph.D., C’57, S’61, on the death of his brother Edward A. Corrado, C’56, on July 22. 2009.

Rev. Conall R. Coughlin, O.S.B., C’54, S 58 on March 1, 2009.

Rev. Msgr. Leon S. Darkowski, S’43, died August 22, 2009.

Paul J. Durkin, C’53, S’57, on June 18, 2009.

Rev. Thomas A. Heffernan, S’61 died August 6, 2009.

Rev. Edward J. Kretz, S’56, on August 3, 2009.

Rev. Aloysius A. Kuenzig, S’43 on June 18, 2009.

Joseph F. Reilly, C’66, S’70 died Saturday, June 27, 2009. He directed more than 150 shows for the Saint Vincent Theatre.

Rev. Michael P. Sikon, S’95 on the death of his mother Nancy L. Sikon on August 18, 2009.

Peggy M. West, S’94, on May 1, 2009.

(Continued on page 26)

Brother Jeremy Heppler, O.S.B., was ordained to the transitional diaconate by Archbishop Joseph Naumann at Saint Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, Kansas, on May 30. Pictured are, from left, Abbot Barnabas Senecal, O.S.B., Abbot of Saint Benedict’s Abbey; Rev. Br. Jeremy Heppler, O.S.B., newly ordained deacon; Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, ordaining bishop; Rev. Matthias Martinez, O.S.B., Assistant to the Rector, Dean of Students, Saint Vincent Seminary.


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Joseph R. Grosko, C’55, S’59; Rev. Francis Z. Jurewicz, C’55, S’59; Rev. Albert C. Koser, C’55, S’59; Rev. Joseph V.

Kurutz, C55, S59; Rev. Thaddeus S. Maida, C’55, S59; Rev. Peter R. Pilarski, C’55, S’59; Rev. Robert J. Reardon, C’55, S’59; Rev. George E. Saladna, C’55, S 59; Rev. Robert G. Turner, C’55, S’59; Rev. George A. Wilt, C’55, S’59; Rev. Joseph C.

Beck, S’84; Rev. David D. DeWitt, S’84.

* * * * *In the Diocese of Covington, Bishop Roger

J. Foys has appointed:• Newly-ordained Father Matthew A.

Cushing as parochial vicar, Mary, Queen of Heaven Church, Erlanger, effective May 11. He was ordained by Bishop Foys on May 30 along with Father Lawrence A. Schaeper.

• Newly-ordained Father Lawrence A. Schaeper as parochial vicar, Saint Thomas Church, Fort Thomas, effective May 11.

• Father Martin J. Pitstick as parochial administrator, Saints Peter and Paul Church, California. Father Pitstick had been serving as

parochial vicar, Saint Joseph Church, Cold Spring, effective May 11.

* * * * *In the Diocese of Erie:More than 500 people participated in the

32nd annual Clearfield rosary march, held May 3. Guest speaker was Father Lester Knoll, O.F.M. Cap., from Saint Vincent Seminary, who gave a reflection on Fatima.

Bishop Donald W. Trautman announced the following appointments:

• Monsignor Joseph Riccardo, S’75, was appointed to the office of dean of the DuBois Deanery through June 2010, effective May 27, 2009.

• Seminarians Christopher Barnes and Michael Polinek were ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 2 in the chapel at Saint Peter Cathedral by Bishop Trautman.

• Father James Campbell was appointed pastor of Saint Eulalia Parish, Coudersport, and Saint Gabriel Parish, Port Allegany, for a six-year term, effective August 27.

• Father Joseph Dougherty was appointed pastor of Saint Bibiana Parish, Galeton, and the mission churches of Sacred Heart, Genesee, and Saint Augustine, Austin, for a six-year term, effective August 27.

• Father Thomas Tyler, S’79, was appointed dean of the Saint Marys Deanery until June 2010.

• Father David Perry was appointed pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Frenchville, and its mission churches of Saints Peter and Paul, Grassflat, and Saint Severin, Drifting, for a term of six years, effective July 8.

• Father Paul Siebert, S’85, was reappointed pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Harborcreek, for a six-year term.

• Father William Barron was appointed temporary parochial administrator of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie, for a five-week period this summer. He also was guest homilist at the Blue Army’s 15th annual rosary march, which took place October 11 at Saint Peter Cathedral in Erie.

• Appointed to membership on the Presbyteral Council for five-year terms, effective September 1, were Father Joseph Dougherty, Father Meinrad Lawson, S’67; and Father Edward Lohse, S’88.

Matthew Baum of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Joseph V. Adamec in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday, May 30. He celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving the following day at Saint Andrew Parish, Johnstown. He is now serving as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Victory Church, State College. Included in the photo are, first row, Father Baum, in red; second row, from left, in cassock and surplice, Rob Fleckenstein, Michael Peck, Tom Trofino, Brian Warchola, all seminarians from Saint Vincent; third row, on left end, Father Aron Maghsoudi, a seminary graduate; fourth row, on left, second from the end, Father George Flinn and Monsignor Michael E. Servinsky, vicar generals for the Diocese. In the center of the middle row, with the white stole, is Father Michael Becker, former Vocation Director for the diocese and professo of homiletics at Saint Vincent Seminary.

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* * * * * In the Diocese of Birmingham,

Bishop Robert J. Baker has accepted the recommendation of Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., to appoint Father Patrick Egan, O.S.B., as pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cullman, effective August 1.

* * * * *In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop David

Zubik announced the following appointments:• Father Hugh J. Lang C’53 S’56,

administrator, pro tem, of Saint Bernard Parish, Mount Lebanon, until May 26, 2009

• Father Thomas E. Kredel C’68 S’72, moved from replacement ministry, pro tem, to administrator, Holy Family Parish, New Brighton, effective April 20, 2009.

• Father Harry R. Bielewicz, S’86, from pastor, Saint Paul Parish in Butler, Saint Wendelin Parish in Carbon Center and dean of the Butler County Deaner to Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, effective May 11, 2009 and Secretary for Parish Life and Ministerial Leadership, effective May 11, through June 30, 2009. As part of the reorganization of pastoral administration, Father Bielewicz will begin his responsibilities as Secretary for the Secretariat for Clergy, effective July 1, 2009.

• Father John R. Haney C’57, S’61, relieved of duties as administrator, pro tem, of SS. Simon and Jude Parish, Scott Township, effective Monday, May 11, 2009. He continues as pastor of Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, Whitehall, and Dean of the South Hills Deanery.

• Father Philip Farrell, S’93, pastor of Saint Camillus Parish, Neshannock Township, named new vicariate leader. He is also dean of the Lawrence Deandery and Catholic chaplain at Westminster College in New Wilmington.

• Father Donald R. Bischof, S’83, from pastor at Divine Mercy Parish, Beaver Falls, to pastor, Saint John Parish, Coylesville, for six years, effective June 15, 2009.

• Father Kenneth E. Kezmarsky, S’86, to parochial vicar, Saint Athanasius Parish, West View, effective June 15, 2009.

• Father Joseph B. Codori, from parochial vicar, Saint Athanasius Parish, West View, to parochical vicar, Saint Patrick Parish, Canonsburg, effective June 15, 2009.

• Father Barry P. O’Leary from parochial vicar, Saint Bernard Parish, Mount Lebanon, to parochial vicar, Holy Trinity Parish, Robinson Township, effective July 1, 2009. He maintains his responsibilities as assistant chaplain to the Catholic inmates and staff at the State

Correctional Institution at Pittsburgh. He was named part-time chaplain at Bishop Canevin High School, effective August 27.

• Father Joseph E. Sioli, S’96, was incardinated into the Diocese of Pittsburgh, effective April 22, 2009. He continues his responsibilities as parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish, Washington.

• Father Stephen M. Chervenak C’56 S’60, has retired as a pastor of Saint Angela Merici Parish, White Oak, in accordance with Canon 538.3, effective Thursday, July 30, 2009. He was named administrator of the parish and maintains his responsibilities as dean of the Mon Yough Deanery.

• Father Joseph M. Mele, a member of the faculty of Saint Vincent Seminary, has been named vicar general of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, effective June 8, 2009. Father Mele maintains his responsibilities as director of spiritual formation at Saint Paul Seminary and director of the Department for Post-Ordination Formation, with continued residence at Saint Paul Seminary, where he is now vice rector.

• Father Aaron J. Kriss, S’91, has been appointed to a second six-year term as pastor of Holy Martyrs Parish, Tarentum, effective

Father Chris Turner, S’05, Recovering from Brain Aneurysm

Father Christopher Turner, S’05, a priest in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, is recovering from a brain aneurysm in time to celebrate the fourth anniversary of his ordination. Father Turner had been serving as pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Wheeling when he became ill. The aneurysm was discovered on February 6 and he spent nearly three weeks in a Pittsburgh hospital after several surgeries. He then spent three months at HealthSouth in Morgantown before returning to his parents’ home in Bridgeport in May, where he spent another month recuperating.

He plans to return to active ministry. Celebrating Mass with him on June 11 were Very Rev. Anthony Cincinnati, pastor of Saint Michael Parish in Wheeling, where Father Turner was first assigned; and Father Harry N. Cramer, pastor of All Saints Parish n Bridgeport, Father Turner’s home parish.


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• Robert Fleckenstein was ordained to the diaconate on June 20 by Bishop Zubik.

Deacon Fleckenstein, who is assigned to Saint Mary of the Assumption

Parish in Glenshaw, assisted with the diocesan Festival of Praise, held this summer to mark the start of the Year of the Priest. He appeared in a photo along with Bishop Zubik and another seminarian in the McKeesport Daily News.

• Father Joseph Carr was named parochial vicar of Saint Kilian

Parish, Adams/Cranberry, effective July 13. He had been serving as parochial vicar of Good Samaritan Parish, Ambridge, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Baden, and chaplain at Quigley Catholic High School.

• Father James G. Salberg, S’69, has been named to a third six-year term as pastor of Saint Andrew Parish, Center Township, effective June 23.

• Father Stephen A. Kresak has been named pastor of Saint Mary Czestochowa Parish, McKeesport, and pastor of Saint Pius V Parish, McKessport, for six years, effective October 5, 2009.

• Father Edward S. Litavec, C’56, S’60, has retired, effective October 5, 2009. He most recently served as pastor of Saint Mary Czestochowa Parish, McKeesort and Saint Pius V Parish, McKeesport.

• Father Michael L. Yaksick, S’94, has

been named part-time chaplain at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School, effective August 27. He also will provide sacramental assistance to the Catholic students and staff at Robert Morris University, in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of Saint Blaise Parish, Midland.

• Father John M. Bachkay, S’83, has been named pastor of Saint Sylvester Parish, Brentwood, for a term of six years, effective July 1, 2009.

• Father Kevin F. McKnight, S’94, has been named parochial vicar of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Pleasant Hills, effective July 1, 2009.

• Father Richard G. Terdine, C’61, S’65, has been named full-time chaplain to the Catholic patients and staff at UPMC Shadyside, effective July 1, 2009, with responsibility for sacramental and emergency pastoral care at Magee-Women’s Hospital, effective July 1, 2009. He will reside at the Cardinal Dearden Center.

• Father James F. Murphy, C’66, S’70, has been named dean, pro tem, of the Butler County Deaner, from June 9 to October 1, 2009. He maintains his responsibilities as pastor of Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen Parish, Lyndora/Meridian.

Father Philip Farrell, S’93, was named one of three regional vicars by Bishop Zubik.

* * * * ** * * * *



Father Matt McClain, S’02, New Vocation Director for Diocese of Pittsburgh

Father Matthew McClain, S’02, has been named Director of Vocations for

the Diocese of Pittsburgh by Bishop David Zubik. He had most recently served as pastor of Saint Peter’s, Slippery Rock, and Saint Anthony Church, Forestville, as well as director of Campus Ministry at the Newman Center

of Slippery Rock University.He began his new position in April.

Citing Bishop Edward Burns, now Bishop of Juneau, Alaska, as vocation director for the diocese when he felt his call to priesthood, McClain said “I am excited

about the appointment because I am excited about the priesthood and about the church in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. There is a new excitement about living the faith in our diocese.

“Bishop Zubik has engaged people where they are—in real life—and has encouraged us to see that our faith is powerful and relevant in today’s society,” McClain told Pittsburgh Catholic. “I am so excited to talk about the priesthood because I have seen firsthand what an awesome, humbling, meaningful and powerful life it can be.”

Ordained only seven years ago, he said that “it will be helpful that my seminary experience was not too long ago.... I think that I can give some insight to men who are not sure what to expect.”

October 13. • Father David

D. DeWitt, S’84, has been named pastor of Incarnation of the Lord Parish, Observatory Hill/Perry North, and pastor, Risen Lord Parish, Marshall/Shadeland, for a term of six years, effective September 14.

• Father David E. Scharf, S’85, has been named chaplain of the Sisters of Saint Joseph at Saint Joseph Motherhouse, Baden, and chaplain to the residents and staff of Villa Saint Joseph, Baden, effective September 1. He maintains residence at Saint John Vianney Manor.

• Bishop Zubik ordained Michael Zavage and Daniel Langa to the priesthood on Saturday, June 27. Father Langa has been appointed as parochial vicar of Saint Louise de Marillac Parish, Upper Saint Clair, effective July 13. Father Zavage has been named parochial vicar of Saint Anne Parish, Castle Shannon, effective July 13.

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Seminary Board of Regents member Hon. Maureen Lally-Green will retire from the state Superior Court on July 31 and join the Diocese of Pittsbugh pastoral administration as director of the Office for Church Relations. She will represent the diocese to civic, charitable, service and community organizations throughout the region, working with various diocesan administrative offices to advance the mission of the Church.

Judge Lally-Green was appointed to the Superior Court in 1998 and elected to a full ten-year term in 1999. Prior to that she was an associate with a private law firm in Pittsburgh, counsel to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in Washington, D.C., counsel to Westinghouse Electric Corp., a research associate and consultant to justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for 12 years, and a full professor of law at Duquesne University’s School of Law for 15 years.

* * * * * In the Diocese of Tulsa, Bishop Edward J

Slattery has named Father James Caldwell the new pastor at Saint Joseph Parish in Krebs and Saint Paul Parish in Eufaula. He continues as chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, Rachel’s Vineyard and Retrouvaille.

Father Stuart Crevcoure, pastor of Saint John the Evangelist University Parish in Stillwater and chaplain of Oklahoma State University’s Newman Center, wrote on Saint Paul in the September 2009 i ssue of Eastern Oklahoma Catholic, the magazine of the Diocese of Tulsa.

* * * * * Monsignor George R. Coyne of the

Diocese of Steubenville, and Monsignor Paul Lenz, C’46, S’49, D’95, of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, members of the Board of Regents, also marked jubilees in 2009. Monsignor Coyne is celebrating 50 years as a priest, while Monsignor Lenz is celebrating 60 years of priesthood. Monsignor Lenz retired after 31 years as the national director of the Catholic Church’s Black and Indian Mission Office, Washington, D.C., in 2007. He is postulator of the Cause of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.

* * * * *Also celebrating a jubilee this year was

Bishop J. Kevin Boland of the Diocese of Savannah, who marked his golden jubilee of priestly odination at Saint Patrick Church in Cork City, Ireland, July 8, and in the diocese on June 10 at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

* * * * *In the Diocese of Youngstown, Bishop

George Murry, S.J., has announced the following appointments:

• Father Peter Haladej, administrator of Saint Aloysius Parish in East Liverpool and Immaculate Conception Parish in Wellsville, effective May 1, 2009. He was associate pastor of Saint Christine Parish in Youngstown prior to his new assignment.

• Brian Cline and Michael Marcelli were ordained transitional deacons July 18 by Bishop Murry on July 18 at Saint Columba Cathedral.

* * * * *Father Martin Celuch, S’02, was featured in the September 18, 2009 edition of The Catholic Exponent, newspaper of the Diocese of Youngstown. Now studying law at Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., he serves as an advocate on the Diocesan Tribunal. A native of Sverzov, Slovakia, he also has a brother who is a priest studying for a doctorate in theology in Germany. The complete article is included on the new alumni section of the Seminary website, saintvincentseminary.edu, under the people section.

* * * * *In the Diocese of Steubenville, Bishop

R. Daniel Conlon ordained Bradley Greer, a diocesan seminarian, and Brother Francis Dankoski, of the Order of Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary, to the priesthood on May 30. The ceremony took place at Holy Name Cathedral, Steubenville.

In an article appearing in the Steubenville Register, Father Francis credited his mother, Diane, who died in 1999, with leading him to religious life. Born in Hong Kong, he moved frequently, but his mother always “had a church as home base,” he said.

* * * * *In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Archbishop

Wilton Gregory ordained Thang Pham and Carlos Vargas to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, May 16 at the Cathedral of Christ the King. The Cathedral was also the setting for the June 27 priesthood ordinations of Salomon Garcia-Cortes and Dominic Tran.

* * * * *At Saint Vincent Archabbey, Bishop

Lawrence Brandt of the Diocese of Greensburg ordained Brother Bonaventure Curtis, O.S.B., to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, May 30, and Brother Joseph Adams, O.S.B., to the priesthood on May 16, in the Archabbey Basilica.

William J. Hisker, C’69, S’05, and Daniel


Frescura, S’02 were ordained permanent deacons at Our Lady of Grace Parish, Greensburg on August 10 by Bishop Brandt.

In the diocese, Bishop Brandt announced the following appointments:

Father Joseph E. Bonafed, S’92, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Connellsville and administrator of Saint Rita Parish, Connellsville, and administrator of Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Connellsville, effective July 31.

Father Timothy J. Kruthaupt, parochial vicar of the Church of the Resurrection Parish, Clymer, and chaplain to the Indiana Regional Medical Center, while continuing as assistant director for Clergy Vocations and chaplain to the Saint Thomas More Society of the Diocese of Greensburg, effective July 31.



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Father Timothy Kruthaupt is a father in more ways than one. Ordained to the

priesthood in 2007, and serving as parochial vicar at Holy Family

Parish, Latrobe, Father Timothy also has a son, Alex. A feature by Maryann Gogniat Eidemiller in The Latrobe Bulletin notes that Father Timothy’s wife died in 1981 when his son was only 16 months old. The single father first felt a

calling to priesthood while working in a lay ministry program in the

Archdiocese of Baltimore. He entered the Seminary in 2001.

* * * * *Jose Alexandre Missio was ordained to

the transitional diaconate in the Archdiocese of Campinas, Brazil.

* * * * *In the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown,

Bishop Joseph Adamec appointed Father Richard Chirichiello, O.S.B., S’95, administrator of Saint John the Baptist Parish, Summerhill, and Immaculate Conception Parish, New Germany, effective August 15, through December 15 during a sabbatical for study for the current pastor, Father Alfred Patterson, O.S.B., C’85, S’90.

Father Richard M. Tomkosky was appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Lock Haven, and remains as sacramental minister at Saint Joseph Parish, Renovo and chaplain to the Catholic Community of Lock Haven University, effective July 22.

Father Matthew A. Reese was named administrator of Saint Patrick Parish, Johnstown, effective July 22. He most recently served as parochial vicar of Holy Name Parish, Ebensburg. He attended the International Priests Retreat in Ars, France, September 26 to October 4.

Father John J. Slovikovski, S’96, pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Duncansville, was released for service with the Society of Saint Sulpice, effective July 1.

Monsignor Robert J. Saly, S’85, pastor of Saint Benedict Parish, Johnstown, was appointed pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Duncansville, effective July 22. He continues as administrator of Dmitri Manor, Hollidaysburg.

Father Francis P. Balestino, C’56, S’60, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Johnstown, was granted senior priest status and retirement from administrative responsibilities, effective July 22.

Father Aron Maghsoudi, parochial vicar and episcopal master of ceremonies at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona, was profiled on the September 13 edition of Proclaim! The television show airs every Sunday at 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on WWCP TV FOX 8.

Seminarian Brian Warchola was admitted to candidacy for Holy Orders by Bishop Adamec on July 24.

* * * * *Jose Parra-Murcia of the Diocese of

Saginaw, was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Robert J. Carlson at Saint Stephen Parish on Saturday, June 6.

* * * * *In the Diocese of Savannah, Bishop J.

Kevin Boland ordained Luis Fonseca to the priesthood on Saturday, June 20. Father Fonseca was appointed parochial vicar of Saint John the Evangelist Church, Valdosta, effective July 23.

Seminarian Jorge Bedoya was admitted to candidacy for priesthood by Bishop Boland on September 3. He will be ordained a deacon at Saint Teresa of Avila Church, Grovetown, on November 28.

* * * * *In the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston,

Bishop Michael J. Bransfield ordained Stephen McGinnis to the priesthood on Saturday, June 27 in the Cathedral of Saint Joseph.

* * * * *Father Anthony Sargent, O.S.B., S’01, of

Saint Mary’s Abbey, Delbarton, has received a new assignment, serving as parochial vicar at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Linden, N.J., since August 15. He recently completed six years as a religious studies instructor at Delbarton School, Morristown, New Jersey.

* * * * *George F. Spellman, S’62, is now a

member of the American Psychotherapy Association. He has been granted the Academy Certified Master Chaplain designation. He serves as a chaplain for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services at Eastern State Hospital, Williamsburg.

* * * * *Pardon our error. Rev. Anthony G.

DeLuca, was inadvertently listed under the in memoriam column in the recent Annual Report, under the Saint Vincent Seminary Guardian Society. He is still living. We regret the error.

Very Rev. Daniel C. Mahoney, S’70, vicar forane of Deanery 4, while continuing as pastor of Holy Family Parish, Latrobe, effective July 31.

Father Donald B. Conroy C’61, S’65, has retired as senior priest active and from pastoral responsibilities at the Church of the Resurrection, Clymer, as well as chaplain to Indiana Hospital, Indiana, effective July 31.

Monsignor William R. Rathgeb, S’67, will be in residence at Saint Paul Parish, Greensburg while serving as judicial vicar of the Diocese of Greensburg and chaplain to the Sisters of Charity at Caritas Christi, Greensburg.

Priests from the diocese celebrating anniversaries in 2009 included:

Father Edward F. Higgins, C’50, S’54, 55 years; Father Donald B. Conroy, C’61, S’65, 45 years; Father Richard E. Mackiewicz, S’69, 40 years; Father Leonard J. McAlpin, C’65, S’69, 40 years; Father James W. Clark, S’84, 25 years.

* * * * *

(Continued from 29)

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UPCOMINGOCTOBER

23 Lecture, Father Jeremy Driscoll, “A Monk’s Alphabet: Provisional

Approaches to the Mystery,” 7:30 P.M., Fred M. Rogers Center.

26 Admission to Candidacy for Diaconate and Priesthood, Most Rev.

David R. Choby, D.D., Bishop of Nashville, principal celebrant and homilist, 7:30 p.m., Archabbey Basilica.

27 Diocese of Greensburg Alumni Dinner.

NOVEMBER9 Annual lecture of the Pope Benedict XVI

Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation, Dr. Scott Hahn, 7:30 p.m., Robert S. Carey Performing Arts Center.

10 Diocese of Youngstown Alumni Dinner.

19 Closing Ceremonies, Wimmer 200th anniversary year, Justin Cardinal

Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, 3 p.m. Mass, Archabbey Basilica.

30 Ministry of Acolyte, Most Rev. George V. Murry, S.J., Bishop of Youngstown,

principal celebrant and homilist, 7:30 p.m., Archabbey Basilica.

DECEMBER5 “A Funeral Mass for Mozart,” 8 p.m.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Manfred Honeck, Conductor, Heinz Hall, Pre-Concert Reception and Buffet, The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and The Saint Vincent Schola Gregoriana, 6

p.m., $200 per person. RSVP November 25.

JANUARY22 March for Life, Washington, D.C.

26 Diocese of Pittsburgh Alumni Dinner.

FEBRUARY13 Mardi Gras Celebration, Fred M.

Rogers Center. Contact Lisa Poole, 724-805-2901.

22 Ministry of Reader, Most Rev. Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Harrisburg,

principal celebrant and homilist, 7:30 p.m., Archabbey Basilica.

MARCH14 Irish Fest, Fred M. Rogers Center.

Contact Lisa Poole, 724-805-2901.

21 Solemnity of the Passing of Saint Benedict, Abbot.

23 Diocese of Erie Alumni Dinner.

APRIL19 Fourth Year Recognition Day and

Banquet, 6 p.m., Archabbey Basilica.

22 Saint Vincent Seminary Scholarship Dinner, LeMont, Pittsburgh. Contact

Lisa Poole, 724-805-2901.

MAY7 Baccalaureate Mass, 10 a.m.,

Archabbey Basilica, Vespers and Commencement 7 p.m., Archabbey Basilica.

One area of focus during Father Justin Matro’s time as Rector of the Seminary has been to build an ongoing relationship with Seminary alumni.

During the past several years, Father Justin has begun holding an annual alumni dinner in many of the dioceses that send seminarians to Saint Vincent. These small dinners supplement the annual Alumni Day event held in Latrobe every year, provide a networking opportunity for diocesan priests who attended the Seminary, and a way for the Seminary to reach out to alumni who may not be able to attend the Alumni Day event.

As part of Father Justin’s efforts, the Seminary is also beginning an effort to showcase alumni on its website. Now, when visitors go to saintvincentseminary.edu, they can navigate to the “people” section and

Father Stephen Pontzer, S’07, a priest in the Diocese of Savannah, is spending the last half of 2009 living and ministering in Santa Cruz, Bolivia to enhance his Spanish language skills.

“It is interesting,” he said, “but a lot of work learning to minister in Spanish. We really don’t know where God will lead us. The only tough parts were leaving my family, my first parish and missing hunting season, of course. But I was never one to turn down an adventure.”

Before entering the seminary he worked as a forester in Georgia for sixteen years.

Father Stephen Pontzer, S’07, In Bolivia

Seminary Building Alumni Sitesfind a section devoted to alumni. Included will be a list of prominent alumni over the years, upcoming alumni events, such as the diocesan dinners, seminary news and events relating to alumni, feature stories of alumni that have appeared both in our publications and in other newspapers and magazines, and an online form for alumni to use to update their address information and send news items to the Seminary for inclusion in this publication.

Additionally, Father Justin authorized the start of an alumni group on the social networking site Facebook.com. Ordained graduates of the seminary and seminarians can search on the group Saint Vincent Seminary Alumni and request membership in the group, or visit the link directly at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=118354263090&ref=ts.


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Saint Vincent Seminary300 Fraser Purchase Road

Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650-2690

Address Service Requested

http://www.saintvincentseminary.edu724-537-4592

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 110

Bishops Visit Saint VincentAt left is The Most Rev. Edward J. Burns, a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh who was installed as the Bishop

of Juneau, Alaska on April 2. He was the principal celebrant during the Priest Day Mass held on Tuesday, July 28 on campus. At right is Most Rev. David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh. He served as the principal celebrant for the Baccalaureate Mass for Saint Vincent College students prior to the spring commencement.

Leaven Fall 2009

Documents

Transcript of Leaven Fall 2009