RECENT NEWS

Theological College’s seminary community hosted 25 guests — staff and their families and friends — for a beautiful and lively evening that began with Mass accompanied by traditional Advent music from TC’s Schola choir, followed by a sumptuous reception and celebratory feast. After dinner, all were welcomed to the annual “Christmas show” in Vieban Hall, during which seminarians fraternally roasted their brothers and the faculty, bringing the evening to a close with much creative good cheer.

The founder of the Sulpicians, Jean-Jacques Olier (1607-1658), like many members of the French School of Spirituality, had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In November, the Feast of the Presentation is celebrated by Sulpicians around the globe as the patronal feast day of the order. Informally known as the “Sulpician Christmas,” Theological College faculty invite seminarians to share their joy and devotion to Mary on this special day.

Two Theological College seminarians, Erick Viloria-Romero (left) and Daniel Zinger travelled to El Paso to attend the 16th annual Border Mass, offered for the commemoration of all souls who have perished crossing over the border seeking a better life on United States soil, and to pray for effective, just, and swift comprehensive immigration reform in the United States.

In a spirit of fraternal outreach during a season of thanksgiving, Theological College’s Community Life Committee invited seminarians from several DC houses of formation for an evening of socializing and bowling competition at AMF Lanes in Virginia. TC teams were joined by those from Saint John Paul II Seminary and the Capuchin College of Capuchin Franciscans. New friendships were forged and a good time was had by all.

Rev. Albert Giaquinto, PSS, a graduate of the Basselin Class of 1944 and the Theological College Class of 1948, died on October 27, 2014, at the age of 90. Ordained on May 27, 1948, he served the dioceses of Hartford and Norwich until he was released to the Sulpician Fathers in 1953. In 1969, Fr. Al joined the Theological College faculty, where he ministered for over 30 years in 1970–2003, including as rector in 1982–86. He resided at St. Charles Villa for Sulpicians in Catonsville, Md., after his retirement, though he frequently visited Theological College. See inside for the homily delivered at Fr. Al’s funeral on November 1st, and click here to read a letter of tribute from one of the scores of seminarians and priests he mentored over so many years.

This year’s annual alumni gathering at Theological College hosted almost 40 alumni for two days of reunion, beginning with the Sedes Cup Golf Tournament and Silent Auction on Sept. 30th (see below) and ending with the Awards Dinner on October 1st. While acknowledging reunion years for classes ending in 9 and 4, this year’s celebration was unique in that it took place during The Year of the Basselin, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Basselin Program endowment.

On September 30th, more than 80 golfers turned out for Theological College’s second annual Sedes Cup golf tournament fundraiser at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Md. Seminarians, alumni, and benefactors enjoyed a long game of golf followed by a silent auction and awards luncheon on this glorious sunny day with temperatures in the 70s.

On September 27th, Theological College capped an extraordinary day of brotherly competition with an impressive showing in the 2014 Vianney Cup soccer tournament. Seminarians from four mid-Atlantic seminaries spent the day praying, eating, relaxing, and competing together in TC’s successful debut as the host of this annual event. The home team was narrowly defeated by Mount St. Mary’s, 2-1, in a thrilling championship game.

Nearly 150 people gathered at the academic year’s outset to celebrate the collaboration and mutual enrichment between Theological College and CUA’s Schools of Theology & Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Canon Law. TC’s annual reception and dinner are its way of expressing appreciation for the centrality of these schools to the academic and spiritual formation of its seminarians.

From Tuesday, August 19th, through Sunday, August 24th, 16 new seminarians experienced life here at TC, presented in a nutshell. Orientation 2014 and the year-opening celebrations offered a chockfull schedule: prayer, relaxation, and getting to know the people at TC and the beautiful campus at CUA as well as some of the memorable sites in the area. The Mass and dinner celebration at week’s end was a joyful beginning of a new academic and formation year for all at Theological College.