OCTOBER 4-5, 2016
Forty alumni from across the country visited their former home at Theological College during Alumni Days, during which they met and toured with current seminarians and traded stories and ministry experiences with those from graduating classes ranging in time from 1955 to 2016. They commented on the excellent condition of the building and grounds and the myriad improvements that have enhanced the aesthetic milieu, as well as on the very positive “mood of the house,” with the current spirited and highly gifted cohort of scholar seminarians and resident priests. The itinerary for the two days included Tuesday evening prayer with the community followed by the much anticipated dedication and blessing of the 16 rectors portraits in the newly named Olier Hall reception room. Wednesday’s morning symposium in Vieban Hall with Fr. Tom Reese, S.J., was titled, “Pope Francis the Reformer.” Attendees enjoyed lunch together after the presentation, meeting staff and visiting with Fr. Reese, as well as with the new rector, Fr. Gerald McBrearity, P.S.S. Most Rev. Mitchell Rozanski, Bishop of Springfield (’84), was presider and homilist for the evening Eucharist. Three dozen alumni priests concelebrated, with Fr. McBrearity and Fr. John Kemper, P.S.S., Provincial Superior of the Sulpician Fathers in the USA. Monsignor Milam Joseph (’64), of the Diocese of Dallas, was awarded the Alumnus Lifetime Service Award, recognizing his years of service as a leader in Catholic education. Also recognized with a crystal plaque for his seven years as the TC Alumni Board Chairman, Msgr. Tom Synderwine (’68) turned over the chairman reigns to Rev. John Abe (’84), as he begins his tenure at the Board’s helm.
