The Lord has put angels in charge of you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:1-2
On October 2, 2024, more than 30 alumni and friends of TC gathered for the annual Alumni Day reunion. The evening began at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception’s Crypt Church with the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels liturgy, presided by Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth. Led by Father James McKearney, P.S.S., the newly formed Schola offered stunning musical accompaniment, replete with viola. Father Dan Carson, Alumnus Lifetime Service Award recipient, was the homilist. Father Carson had recent cause to call upon the guardian angels during an unexpected health crisis, and he encouraged those present to acknowledge and treasure the angels’ generous presence. “How often do you call upon the guardian angels to help you in your journey of life and in living out your faith?” he asked, suggesting that perhaps this is an uncommon occurrence for us all. Using the words of one of his parish’s young students, he quipped, “Adults are old and they forget they have guardian angels!” It was a welcome reminder to become like little children, during this nostalgic alumni celebration that is predicated upon the passage of time during which, with the aid of the Lord’s angels, we can grow closer to him.
Back at TC, attendees immediately reconnected during the lively reception hour, and continued their reminiscences and catching up over a sumptuous banquet, opened by the welcome of Fr. Bud Stevens, P.S.S., rector. Fr. Bud recognized the anniversary alumni, as well as the cohort of more than a dozen recent graduates who attended. There was also a table of those who were with Father Carson during his time at TC, there to join the celebration in his honor. After the dinner, Fr. Bud praised Father Carson’s suitability as award recipient, extolling him as a priest of admirable character and sacrifice, an inspiring example and a gifted mentor for our seminarians.
In his acceptance speech, Father Carson recalled his humble beginnings at TC, when, on his first day, he wondered if the seminarian life was really for him, until Fr. Mel Blanchette put him at ease. He was also helped by the then-rector Father Hurst’s insistence on the inspiration of these words, which he carried close to his heart throughout seminary and into his seven assignments (including two at the chancery) over the ensuing 12 years: “‘Trust the Providence that brought you here.’ This has remained with me to this day, to trust the Providence that has brought me through the many joys and navigating any challenges along my path.”
