Editor’s Note: Rhode Island Catholic will also feature a profile on 140-year-old St. John Seminary, in Brighton, Massachusetts, in an upcoming edition.
ROME — In September, when colleges in the U.S. have begun their fall semester, a group of young men from across the country acclimate themselves to a new culture and landscape unlike any they had known before. Seminary students at the Pontifical North American College (commonly referred to as the NAC) study the the sacred science of theology — practically underneath the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the heart of Rome.
“When you come to Rome, you step into a world so much bigger than yourself, and yet the Church begins to feel so much smaller as you make connections all across the country through your comrades at the seminary, and across the globe through people you meet at your apostolates and through your classmates at the Pontifical universities,” said recently ordained priest for the Diocese of Providence, Father Joseph Brodeur.
What is the NAC?
The NAC has been training future priests since 1859, when Pope Pius IX believed young American seminarians would benefit from being educated in Rome so that they might grow in their respect and love for the Vicar of Christ. Some of these men from the Diocese of Providence, such as Father Nathan J. Ricci, vice chancellor and director of the Office of Divine Worship, have served at Masses for the pope. Others, like former Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans, sat on the faculty. Their experiences differed, but the common bond of studying in Rome remains with them. Currently, two seminarians and one newly ordained priest study in Rome. Father Christopher Murphy recently joined the faculty of the North American College as a spiritual director.
Education in Europe differs than that of America, however. There, the educational system dates back centuries. Seminarians live at the Janiculum Hill campus, which overlooks the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. This becomes a center of brotherhood for men from 39 different U.S. dioceses and two Australian ones. Some priests live at the Casa Santa Maria, which is the graduate house for priests at the North American College.
From these “dorms,” students go out into greater Rome each day to their respective universities. They earn their primary degrees from one of three major schools and complete their second at one of several other universities.
Universities that offer first cycle degrees include the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), the Pontifical Gregorian University) Gregorian), and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce). Two of these univiersites date back to the 1500s. The Gregorian was founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Learning the language
Bishop Evans spent more time in Rome than the other priests. In addition to his first years at the Gregorian and then the Angelicum from 1969-1973, he returned in 1987 for two more years at the Gregorian to study Canon Law, and again from 2001-2005 as the director of the Institute for Continuing Theological Formation and as formation advisor for young seminarians.
The classes at the pontifical universities are taught exclusively in Italian, though most of the priests who spoke with Rhode Island Catholic at least began their studies in English. While on the seminary faculty, Bishop Evans stated that he had never taught in Italian, but “a basic facility in the language was necessary.” His early classes were taught in Italian, and his Canon Law lectures were given in Latin.
Whether or not these young men learn in Italian, they must, by necessity, learn enough of the language to speak proficiently with teachers and locals.
Saints and foundations of faith
Father Ricci fondly recalled his time in formation, particularly the advice he learned was given to Saint John Paul II when the future pope was a student, and which he shared with future seminarians, to “learn Rome.” By this, “I came to learn that the physical closeness of the bones of so many heroes of our faith gives sound spiritual instruction: the saints, our heavenly friends, are near to us. … They remind us that no matter how distant we may be from the place of our birth, we are always ‘home’ in the bosom of the Church, our Mother.”
“Rome is filled with countless saints, from every era and walk of life. So many holy men and women have lived and walked and died in this city,” Father Brodeur remarked joyfully. He often takes advantage of the pilgrimages one can make throughout the city that correspond with liturgical feast days.
For example, on November 16, priests and seminarians from the Diocese of Providence gather at the Church of Santi Biagio e Carlo ai Catinari on the feast of Our Lady of Providence to offer Mass for the intentions of the people of the diocese.
“It is a real privilege to be able to visit these places and make intercession for family, friends and loved ones back home.”
Bishop Evans noted that: “The experience of living in Rome and traveling in Europe brought us close to the foundations of Christendom. To experience different cultures and languages is an education unto itself.”
He was blessed to be surrounded by beautiful art and architecture from centuries past during that time. “In short, our time in Rome was itself a formation in the Faith as well as a theological education in the Faith.”
Bonds of brotherhood
The miles between Rome and home binds these men more closely with each other. Father Ricci explained this connection, saying: “When a man is displaced from his homeland, he must, of necessity, find some place or community he can call home. The North American College became just that for me: a communion of brothers united by the same call, seeking the same Christ. Those brothers, now priests, remain with me as a constant source of strength and support.”
Dioceses throughout the world send seminarians to study at the pontifical universities in Rome, and according to Father Brodeur, “The Roman classroom is a truly international one, with students from every continent, so you get exposed to some very different faces and experiences of Catholicism, and yet enjoy the opportunity to rejoice in the one faith that we all share.
“This shared experience of leaving home forges very close bonds between you and your classmates that lasts a lifetime. … In many ways, these men become your family.”
Starting fresh
As a young man prepares to transition from college to major seminary, he anticipates that call from the bishop to discuss his future education. Alexander Richardson took that step this year, when Bishop Richard G. Henning met with him to discuss where he would continue studying for the priesthood. Typically, seminarians are sent to either Boston or Rome, “So both options were on the table. He took our suggestions into consideration.” While he was open to either, “being able to come to Rome is an amazing opportunity.”
Ultimately, the bishop sent Richardson to the Eternal City, to the NAC. Barring any emergencies, he will not return home for two years. A son of St. Luke Parish in Barrington, he has never been to Rome yet began his third year of seminary with “excitement,” even in the face of “obvious challenges.”
The experience is a bit different than what Richardson and his classmates were used to. It’s all on you to study on your own. A lot of your grade is built into the final exam,” he explained. As he loves to travel, one aspect he most looks forward to through this opportunity is the required summer assignments, which could take him anywhere “except for America,” he joked.
