Thirty-five bishops joined two dozen representatives from TC for a moment of communion among the prelates, seminarians, and formators at the Fall Assembly. TC Rector, Fr. McBrearity, welcomed all to get reacquainted with the seminary, whose trajectory into the future presents many new opportunities to be educated in key aspects of formation for today’s priesthood in America, including Hispanic ministry and myriad pastoral experiences. The new five-year S.T.L. degree track introduced into the formation program – and the rooms being built at TC for student priests – was news that met with much enthusiasm among the American bishops, who formerly could only look to Rome for this pontifical degree for the newly ordained. Describing a seminary culture of conversation and contemplation, Father McBrearity ended his greeting and TC update with the assurance, “At this time of challenge and controversy, TC renews its commitment to prepare men who will be good shepherds after the mind and heart of Christ, priests who acknowledge that everything they say and do can and will have lasting consequences in the lives of those they serve.”
The Student Government Association President, Anthony Federico, also gave an update on the environment in which he has been formed over the past six years: “I am grateful for being sent by my Archbishop to such a healthy place. …I can say that it is the ideal place for mature men who are self-starters, men who are willing to take ownership of their formation. The fruit of the Sulpician formation program in my life can be summarized in one word – freedom; the freedom to know myself and accept myself and in love offer Jesus a resounding yes to his invitation to follow him into the priesthood.”
Click here to view the video first aired at the Bishops Breakfast, “Freedom to be Formed.”
