leaven summer/fall 2001

The third book by Saint Vincent Seminary fac-ulty member Father Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B., will be published by Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, in November. Entitled A Mystical Portrait of Jesus — New Perspectives on John’s Gospel, the book will retail for $16.95.

A Mystical Portrait of Jesus — New Per-spectives on John’s Gospel is a book that pays close attention to scientific biblical study, but goes beyond it to highlight the spiritually nourishing symbolic message of the fourth gospel. By beginning the book with a study of John’s passion narrative, Father Demetrius presents the guiding principle of this gospel and then makes some surprising discoveries about the dangers of religious ritual and the promise of richly reward-ing mystical experience for all Christians.

“After teaching the gospel of John for almost fifty years, it has become clear to me that a traditional chapter-and-verse commentary does not do justice to the unique symbolic and spiri-tual dimensions of this gospel,” Father Demetrius said. “In looking for a better way to interpret this gospel, I accepted the standard judgment that all the gospels were written after the resurrec-

Father DemetriusDumm Pens BookOn John’s Gospel

His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, received an honorary doctor of divinity degree from the Seminary in May. See page 14.

Father Augustine Di Noia, O.P., first director of the Intercultural Forum, the scholarly branch of the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Wash-ington, D.C., will be the keynote speaker at Saint Vincent Seminary’s 156th annual commencement on Friday, May 10, 2002. He will receive an hon-orary doctoral degree.

Father Di Noia has been a leader in scholarly research for the Catholic Church for the past thirty years. He has also served as a professor of theol-ogy at the Dominican House of Studies in Wash-ington D.C., as an adjunct professor for the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies in Washington, and editor in chief of The Thomist, a quarterly review on the theological system of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Father Di Noia is former Executive Director of the Secretariate of the Doctrine and Pastoral Practices Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. In his position with the Doc-trine Committee, he advised the bishops on mat-ters of theology and doctrine during the critical debate on issues of importance to the Church in the United States. Among these matters were implementation of the Catechism of the Catho-lic Church and Ex Corde Ecclesiae, the Vati-can document on higher education.

Ordained in 1970, he is the author of three books: The Diversity of Religions: A Chris-tian Perspective, published by The Catholic Uni-versity of America Press in 1992, and The Love

John Paul II Center’s Forum Director to be Honored

Cardinal George Receives Honorary Doctorate(Continued on Page 3)

(Continued on 0)

Alumni Day HomilistVery Rev. Mauricio West, S’79, S’84,

Vicar General for the Diocese of Charlotte, was the homilist and keynote speaker at the Seminary’s Annual Alumni Day Mass, held October 2.

Volume 10, Numbers 2-3 Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, PennsylvaniaSummer/Fall 2001 724-537-4592

Excerpt from New

Book By Father

Demetrius Dumm,

O.S.B. Just Released!

See Page 10

Father Augustine Di Noia, O.P.

That Never Ends: A Key to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, jointly authored with Gabriel O’Donnell, Romanus Cessario and Peter John Cameron and published by Our Sunday Vis-itor Press in 1996. In 1999, he jointly edited Ver-

http://benedictine.stvincent.edu/seminary/

Leaven Summer/Fall 2001 Volume 10, Numbers 2-3

2

Very Rev. Kurt J. Belsole, O.S.B.

Rector’s Message Leavenis published by

Saint Vincent Seminary 300 Fraser Purchase Road

Latrobe, PA 15650-2690724-537-4592, Fax: 724-532-5052

http://benedictine.stvincent.edu/seminary/

PublisherArchabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.

RectorVery Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B.

Vice RectorRev. William J. Fay

Academic DeanSr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M.

Acting Academic DeanRev. Cyprian G. Constantine, O.S.B.

Dean of StudentsRev. Kevin Dominik

Director of Spiritual FormationRev. Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B.

Director of DevelopmentWilliam P. Malloy

Writer/EditorKimberley A. Metzgar

Alumni DirectorRev. Gilbert J. Burke, O.S.B.

Seminary Board of RegentsRev. Julio Alvarez-Garcia

Very Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B.Most Rev. Anthony G. Bosco

Mr. David L. BrennanRev. Msgr. Lawrence Brandt

Mr. Frank V. CahouetRev. Msgr. George R. CoyneMost Rev. Nicholas C. DattiloMost Rev. John F. DonoghueRev. Msgr. Raymond G. East

Mr. Mark F. GarceaSr. M. Gabriel Kane, I.H.M.

Rev. Thomas J. KramRev. Msgr. Paul A. LenzDr. James V. Maher, Jr.Dr. John C. Marous, Jr.

Rt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.Most Rev. Bernard W. Schmitt

Mr. Thomas G. WagnerMost Rev. Donald W. Wuerl

Dear Friends,As we are still early in the 2001-2002

academic year, this issue of the Leaven provides us with the opportunity to reect on the preceding year and report on the year just begun.

This past summer, we were blessed to see 26 alumni of Saint Vincent Seminary ordained to the priesthood. They are presently serving in the following arch/dioceses and religious communities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston, Erie, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Saint Thomas (Virgin Islands), Steubenville, and Tulsa, Holy Cross Abbey, Cãnon City, Colorado, Saint Gregory’s Abbey, Shawnee, Oklahoma, Saint Procop-ius Abbey, Lisle, Illinois, and Saint Vincent Archabbey. This is the Seminary’s largest ordination class in over thirty years.

This year, we have 84 students enrolled in the ordination program. These students rep-resent 15 dioceses and 11 abbeys, including new students from Asirvanam Monastery in India, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mon-astery in Ohio, and Phuoc Son Abbey in Vietnam. One seminarian is enrolled in the S.T.B. program, and two lay students are enrolled in the Master of Divinity Program.

Bishop Donald Wuerl of Pittsburgh has graciously released Father Kevin Dominik to serve as Dean of Students and Archab-bot Douglas has appointed Father Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B., as Director of Spiritual Formation. With Sister Cecilia on a well-deserved sabbatical until January 2002, Father Cyprian Constantine, O.S.B., is serv-ing as Acting Academic Dean. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Father Cyprian is employing his musical talents in arranging new settings for sung Evening Prayer on Sunday. The Seminary commu-nity is grateful to Fr. Kevin, Fr. Thomas More, and Fr. Cyprian for their ne service to the Seminary. At the same time, I would like to express our gratitude to Father Alan Thomas who served for a three-year term as Dean of Students and Father Justin Matro, O.S.B., who served as Director of Spiritual Life from 1993 until he was appointed Socius of Novices this summer.

The Seminary continues with the Key-stone Project which is devoted to examining the relationship between the phenomenon of conversion and theological education. Br. David Kelly, O.S.B., and Fathers Justin Matro, O.S.B., and Cyprian Constantine, O.S.B., represented Saint Vincent at the meeting in Keystone, Colorado from June 24-29. The theme of that meeting focused on the Challenge of Theological Education: Theological Differences (intellectual, spiri-tual, cultural, and liturgical).

The “Expanding the Vision” Capital Cam-paign has reached approximately 71% of the $6.15 million goal. The Capital Cam-paign is focused on providing additional student housing, improved preaching by funding a chair in homiletics, outreach to His-panics through development of the Hispanic Ministries Program, technological upgrad-ing of the classrooms in Aquinas Hall, stu-dent scholarships and library endowment. As we are in the nal phase of pursuing our goal, the support of the Capital Cam-paign by all of our alumni and friends is most appreciated. May God reward you for all your generosity and sacrice.

This coming January, Bishop Timothy Dolan, Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Louis and former Rector of the North American Col-lege in Rome, will direct the retreat for our theology students at Saint Emma Retreat House in Greensburg, and Father Joseph Mele of the Diocese of Pittsburgh will direct the retreat for the pre-theologians at Saint John the Baptist Retreat Center in New Bal-timore.

We live in a time of abundant grace and blessing, and, in light of the recent events in our country, also in a time of challenge. May God guide us and give us the strength to do his will. Let us pray for one another.

Very Reverend Kurt Belsole, O.S.B.Rector


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Rev. Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B.

Father Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B., has been named Director of Spiritual Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary. He most recently directed the Opportunity SVC/Act 101 pro-gram at Saint Vincent College. He has been an academic advisor and tutor in the program, which was established at the college in 1975 under state legislation designed to assist eco-nomically disadvantaged students.

Fr. Thomas More received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the Pontifical College Josephinum, and both a master of arts degree and a master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary. He has also studied at St. Hyacinth College in Granby, Massachu-setts, and in philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh.

He entered the Saint Vincent Benedictine community in 1988 and made simple profes-sion of monastic vows on July 10, 1989, and solemn profession of vows on July 11, 1993. Ordained a deacon on May 14, 1996, by Bishop Anthony G. Bosco at the Archabbey Basilica, he was ordained a priest the follow-ing year on May 31, also by Bishop Bosco.

Fr. Thomas More has served the monastic community as a sacristan, administrative sec-retary to the Archabbot, and an assistant in the Archabbey Vocation Office and the Development Office. In addition, he has been Vocation Director and Socius of Novices and

currently is director of the Benedictine Annual Appeal.

For the college, he has been a part-time faculty member since 1993 and was the direc-tor of international studies. He was parochial vicar at Saint Benedict Parish, Carrolltown, from 1999 to 2000. He is the son of Adam and Grace Sikora of Avonmore.

New Director of Spiritual Formation

Czestochowa Parish, Saint Mary’s Parish Grade School and Serra Catholic High School. His older brother Lawrence and his wife Maryann reside in North Huntingdon with their two chil-dren, Kristen and Michael.

Rev. Kevin Dominik

New Dean of Students Named Rev. Kevin Dominik has been named Dean of

Students at Saint Vincent Seminary.Father Dominik comes to Saint Vincent fol-

lowing three years of service at Saint Paul Sem-inary, Pittsburgh, where he was Vice Rector, Academic Dean and Director of Spiritual For-mation. During that same time period he also served as Director of Clergy and Ministerial Formation for the Pittsburgh Diocese.

He is a 1984 graduate of Saint Mary’s Col-lege, Orchard Lake, Michigan, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in religious education. He received a master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 1988.

Following his May 21, 1988, ordination to the priesthood, Father Dominik served as Director of Religious Education and Parochial Vicar for Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Verona (1988-1992); Parochial Vicar at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Churchill (1992-1997); Deanery Director of Religious Education for the Pittsburgh Diocese (1994-1997); Parochial Vicar for Saint Valentine Roman Catholic Church, Bethel Park (1997-1998) and as Master Cathechist for the Diocese of Pittsburgh (1990-2000).

He is the son of John and Helen Dominik of McKeesport, where he attended Saint Mary

itatis Splendor and the Renewal of Moral Theology with Romanus Cessario, with essays by the two editors and Cardinal Pio Laghi, Servaise Pinckaers, Russell Hittinger, Alasdair MacIntyre, William E. May and Martin Rhonheimer.

He has published numerous articles, essays and papers in various publications, including The Thomist, the National Catholic Register, the National Catholic Reporter, Our Sunday Vis-itor, the Encyclopedia of American Catholic History, the Encyclopedia of Catholic Doc-trine, the Dictionary of Historical Theology, The Priest, and many others.

Born and raised in New York City, Father Di Noia attended Cardinal Hayes High School. He received the Bachelor of Arts and the Master of Arts degrees in philosophy from St. Stephen’s College, Dover, Massachusetts, and the Bachelor in Sacred Theology degree from the Dominican House of Studies. He holds a Licentitate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) from the Dominican House of Studies, and a Ph.D. from Yale University. In 1998, he received a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) by the Dominican Order.

The John Paul II Cultural Center, which opened to the public this past spring, is a multimedia edu-cational facility and museum designed to engage people of all denominations in the exploration of the role of faith in the modern age. Using new technology, such as audiovisual presentations and interactive computer displays as well as artifacts from the past, the Center’s aim is to help visitors examine age-old questions of spirituality in the new millennium.

(Continued from Page 1)

In This Issue...Cardinal George ...................................1Fr. Di Noia ............................................1, 3Fr. Demetrius’ Book..................1, 10-11, 18Fr. West ................................................1Rector’s Message.................................2 Director of Spiritual Formation..............3New Dean of Students .........................3Acting Academic Dean .........................4Essay in New Book ..............................4Arua Visitors .........................................4Brazilian Seminarian ............................5Nigerian Visitor .....................................5Atlanta Seminarians .............................5Ordinations 2001 ..................................6-7New Priest Fitting In .............................7, 922 New Students ..................................8-9Class of 2001 .......................................12-13Father Burns Dies ................................13Degrees Awarded .................................14-16Bishop Zubik ..........................................16Tribute Gifts ..........................................17The Next Generation ............................17Alumni Day ...........................................19Saint Paul- Saint Vincent......................19Development Corner ............................20News & Notes.......................................21-24Annual Red Mass...................................24Jendruch Family To Return....................24

Father Di Noia


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Diocesan ofcials from the Diocese of Arua, Uganda, visited Saint Vincent Seminary this spring to meet with seminarian Alex Andrua, who is from the diocese, and to tour the campus. From left are, Msgr. Casto Adeti, Vicar General of the Arua Diocese; Alex Andrua; Rev. Alfred Asiku, Project Manager, Department of Social Concerns, Diocese of Arua; Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Seminary Chancellor; Rev. Peter Debo, and Rev. Diego Cadri, priests of the diocese and students at Duquesne University.

Msgr. Michael A. Becker, vocation director for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, has an essay in the new book, Theology of Preach-ing: Essays on Vision and Mission in the Pulpit. Edited by Rev. Gregory Heille, O.P., Associate Professor of Homiletics and Director of the Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program at Aquinas Institute of Theology, the collection is authored by eight first-year doctoral students who are simultaneously engaged in full-time min-istry. Msgr. Becker, who has been an adjunct faculty member at Saint Vincent Seminary since 1990, is studying for the doctor of ministry in preaching at Aquinas. The book was published by Melisende Press in London and is available through Aquinas Institute for $16, including ship-ping, at 3642 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63108.

Msgr. Becker HasEssay in New Book

Father Cyprian G. Constantine, O.S.B., has been named Acting Academic Dean of Saint Vincent Seminary during the sabbatical of Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M.

Father Cyprian is also an Assistant Professor of Fine Arts at Saint Vincent College, teaching organ and music history, and he assists the fac-ulty of Saint Vincent Seminary in teaching litur-gical music and Gregorian chant.

He is a native of Boulder, Colorado, where he earned the B. Mus. Ed. Degree (organ and violin). He professed solemn vows as a Bene-dictine of Saint Vincent Archabbey in 1975, received the M.Div. degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 1976, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1977 by the late Bishop William G. Connare. Following ordination, Fr. Cyprian earned the M.M. degree (organ and church

music) from Northwestern University in 1979.Upon his return from graduate school, Fr.

Cyprian served in a variety of posts: Director of Music for Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg, PA; as an instructor in music for Saint Vincent College and Seminary; as Asso-ciate Director of Admission and Financial Aid; and as Assistant Director of the Opportunity Program. Fr. Cyprian also directed the Saint Vincent Camerata for six years, and served as organist, schola director, and cantor for the Archabbey. In 1985 he received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for summer research in Gregorian chant at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. The result of his study was the reconstruc-tion from an 11th-century manuscript from the Abbey of Cluny of the Office of Matins for the Feast of Saint Peter in Chains. This was subse-quently published by the Plainsong and Medi-eval Society, London, England.

In 1990, Fr. Cyprian was named secretary to the Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Order, headquartered in Rome, Italy. Later that year Fr. Cyprian returned to Colorado because of family obligations. There he was on loan to the Archdiocese of Denver, and served as Organist/Associate Director of Music for the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Concep-tion, as chaplain for the Benedictine nuns of the Abbey of Saint Walburga, and as Director of the Office of Liturgy for the Archdiocese. Fr.

Cyprian also served on the Music Commission of the Archdiocese and was one of the organizers of the local chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM). He also served as an organizer and clinician at the national con-ventions of the NPM and the American Guild of Organists in Denver.

Fr. Cyprian has appeared many times as organ recitalist on the Saint Vincent College concert series, and in other series around the country: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Pitts-burgh; Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Harrisburg; the National Shrine of the Immaculate Concep-tion, Washington, D.C.; Whatley Chapel at the University of Denver; St. Paul’s Our Savior’s Lutheran churches, Trinity Methodist and First Baptist churches in Denver; as dedicatory recit-alist in Covington, Kentucky, and Baltimore, Maryland. In the summer of 2000 Fr. Cyprian returned to Rome, Italy, to perform in a concert series at the basilica at Sant’ Anselmo. Cur-rently he is scheduled for a return performance at the Cathedral-Basilica in Denver on April 14, 2002.

Having returned to Saint Vincent Archab-bey in 1998, Fr. Cyprian was named principal organist, director of the Archabbey Schola, monastery Choirmaster and instructor in music for the monastery novices, and Assistant Pro-fessor of Fine Arts, all of which he continues in addition to his new post as Acting Academic Dean for the Seminary.

Acting Academic Dean Appointed

Rev. Cyprian G. Constantine, O.S.B.


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By Maryann Gogniat EidemillerSpecial to the Catholic AccentThursday, May 17, 2001Jonas Christal knows poverty. He grew up in

a family of poor farmers in Brazil, and when they moved to the city to seek better opportuni-ties, he met children who lived on the streets.

He has also experienced a more affluent life in the United States where he is amazed by libraries, shopping malls and how much ordi-nary people have.

But Christal, who received his master of divin-ity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary May 11, knows where his heart belongs. In June he returned to the Archdiocese of Campinas where the people are in great need of many things. . . . He will devote his life to sharing the message of the Gospels and working among the poor.

“You find more meaning and joy in your life when you serve others,” he says.

Christal, 27, arrived at Saint Vincent in Janu-ary 1997. He came with a scholarship from the Benedictines at Saint Vincent, who have a mis-sion in his archdiocese. He also had high recom-mendations from Archbishop Gilberto Lopes.

Strong Catholic traditions in Christal’s family inspired his vocation.

“I was also influenced by my involvement in the community and by participating in youth groups,” he says.

Young people in Brazil study hard and also work to help support their families. Their dedi-cation and spirtuality, Christal says, “made me really reflect on what I wanted to do and to seek something to become more involved in a life of service.”

The Archdiocese of Campinas, located a three-hour drive from São Paulo, has approxi-matley 100 diocesan priests for more than one-million Catholics. In many churches the faithful rely on lay ministers for worship services when a priest cannot come. Christal, a lay leader in

a parish that included 23 communities, even led Easter vigil services.

For his fourth-year practicum at Saint Vin-cent, he worked on staff with Terri Telepak, director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Greensburg. They co-directed the Youth Insti-tute on Catholic Social Teachings where he did a presentation on Pope John Paul II’s “The Church in the Americas.”

Christal believes the people of both conti-nents have a lot to offer each other. Catholics in the United States, he points out, can “adopt”

Brazilian Seminarian Brings Church of Latin America to Greensburg Dioceseparishes in South America.

“Latin America has a lot to offer in the sense of spirituality, the sense of community and the sense of giving yourself to others,” he says.

Christal tells youth groups about human rights issues, particularly the plight of children who live on the streets of Brazil. Some of them are as young as five and many are involved with drugs.

“They come first to work the streets, to sell candies and things that their mothers cook at home,” he explains. “Then they don’t go home anymore because home is worse than living on the streets. Sometimes the parents don’t come looking for them, or they are abandoned. Who takes care of them? In some ways, it’s God.”

He also shares his love of the Blessed Mother with his young audiences. The many faces of Mary, he says, influenced his life. The maternal and comforting face helped him through an impoverished childhood. Mary in the Magnifi-cat showed him how to accept responsibility.

Christal wears a black ring to symbolize his solidarity with the poor, and it is to them that he will return.

“He goes right to the heart of the Gospel message, and the justice and joy of the good news,” Telepak says. “He is happy, and he is smiling all the time. We wish he would stay here and be a diocesan priest for us, but his people need him back in the Archdiocese of Campi-nas.”

Christal was ordained a deacon on July 27, and was ordained to the priest-hood on October 5 in Campinas.

Rev. Jonas Christal

Rev. Angus Fraser, C.S.Sp., Master General of the Via Christi Society, located in the Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria, this summer visited two seminarians from the Society who are students at Saint Vincent Seminary. Pictured giving Father Fraser a tour of the campus are, from left, John-Paul Otanwa, in his second year of studies; Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Seminary Chancellor; Father Fraser, and Samuel Odeh, also in his second year of studies at the seminary.

Atlanta SeminariansSpend Summer Learning

About CulturesJohn Matejek and Neil Herlihy, seminar-

ians from the Archdiocese of Atlanta, spent part of their summer in El Paso, Texas, where they learned about different American cul-tures as part of the El Paso Project run by Msgr. Frank Giusta, an Atlanta priest who directs the summer program.

The program was designed by Msgr. Giusta and former vocations director Msgr. David Talley to provide seminarians a summer immer-sion experience in Mexican-American culture and intensive Spanish instruction in a predom-inantly Mexican-American and Catholic city of 600,000.


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Bishop of the Tulsa Diocese, arrived at Saint Vincent to ordain six men to the diaconate, including two from his own diocese.

Ordained were Rev. Br. Michael Cal-houn, O.S.B., of Saint Bede Abbey; Rev. Mr. Terence A. Crone, of the Archdiocese of Atlanta; Rev. Mr. Carl Kerkemeyer and Rev. Mr. David Medina of Tulsa; Rev. Mr. Christopher Roux of the Diocese of Char-lotte and Rev. Mr. Bryan Small of the Arch-diocese of Atlanta.

On May 12, Rev. Mr. Thomas Dagle was ordained in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charles-ton by Most Rev. Bernard Schmitt.

Two days later, Greensburg Bishop Anthony G. Bosco ordained Rev. Mr. William Berkey and Rev. Mr. Douglas Dorula to the diacon-ate in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greens-burg.

Rev. Mr. Robert M. Miller, a seminarian from the Youngstown Diocese, was ordained to the diaconate on May 19 in Youngstown. He had been serving a pastoral internship at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Beaver, Pa.

That same day, Rev. Mr. John K. Nes-bella, was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Joseph V. Adamec in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona.

In June, Rev. Mr. David Shaffer, a semi-narian from the Erie Diocese, was ordained to the diaconate. He is a member of Saint Mark the Evangelist Parish.

Rev. Mr. Jonas Christal of the Archdio-cese of Campinas, Brazil, was ordained to the diaconate on July 27 and to the priesthood on October 5.

* * * * *Rev. Thomas J. Burke was ordained to

the priesthood by Bishop Donald W. Wuerl on May 26, 2001, in St. Paul Cathedral, Pittsburgh. Now the parochial vicar at Saint Alphonsus Parish, Wexford, he is a former dis-trict executive with the Boy Scouts. The self-acknowledged “people person” says “I love just being around youngsters, middle age, senior cit-izens, the whole walks of life. I think the priest who is there with the people makes a difference in their lives.”

* * * * *Rev. Anthony Gargotta, S’00, was

ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Donald W. Wuerl on May 26, 2001, in St. Paul Cathe-dral, Pittsburgh. A radiation therapist, he took a trip to Medjugorje to rekindle the spirit that

he always had. He began attending daily Mass and praying the Rosary.

“When I missed a day or two I felt my life supply line was being cut off,” he told Pitts-burgh Catholic staff writer John Franko. He is the third member of the Seton-La Salle High School class of 1980 to be ordained to the diocesan presbyterate, joining Fathers David Bonnar and Daniel Maurer. He is now parochial vicar, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Natrona Heights.

* * * * *Rev. Wayne E. Morris was ordained to

the priesthood by Bishop Gilbert I. Sheldon on May 25, 2001 in St. Mary’s Church, Marietta, Ohio. A feature article in the Steubenville Register prior to the ordination noted that Father Morris was “a man who was pegged by adults early in his life as a candidate for the priesthood.” Studies in electrical engineering and a job in the field came before his call to the priesthood. His favorite part of ministry is inter-acting with the people, he told Register editor Pat DeFrancis.

* * * * *Rev. Terrence P. O’Connor was ordained

to the priesthood by Bishop Donald W. Wuerl on May 26, 2001, in St. Paul Cathedral, Pitts-burgh. The son of a Jewish mother and Cath-olic father, he became a Catholic at 19, and seven years later entered the seminary after graduating from law school in Pittsburgh. While working for a Pittsburgh law firm, “he began to struggle with a realization that he was being called to something more. . . . ‘The phone keeps ringing and ringing and you finally have to pick it up,’ he said” to Pittsburgh Catholic staff writer John Franko. Father O’Connor is now parochial vicar, at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Hopewell Township.

* * * * *Rev. Michael J. Stumpf, was ordained

to the priesthood by Bishop Donald W. Wuerl on May 26, 2001, in St. Paul Cathedral, Pitts-burgh. He told Pittsburgh Catholic staff writer Chuck Moody that the search for the “meaning in life” led him to the priesthood. While attend-ing California University of Pennsylvania his tae kwan do instructor was Father Bob Connolly, the chaplain at the university. Their friendship and the support of his family helped him keep “an open mind and an open heart to God and to life.” He is now parochial vicar at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Beautiful River

at my heart’ as he went about his job as East-ern United States sales manager for Fleetwood Enterprises, which markets recreational vehicles and motor homes,” wrote Chuck Moody in the Pittsburgh Catholic. What he looks forward to as a priest is “bringing the love of Christ, especially to those people who feel far removed from it.” He is now the parochial vicar of St. Teresa of Avila Parish, Perrysville.

* * * * *Rev. Clinton P. Zadroga was ordained

to the priesthood by Bishop Donald W. Wuerl on May 26, 2001 in St. Paul Cathedral, Pitts-burgh. He began studying music education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania when he became involved with the Newman Center on campus. He began to lose interest in teaching music and gained interest in working with the church. “Don’t close that (vocation) out as a possibility because of a sense of unworthiness, or a sense that it’s not for you,” he said in a Pittsburgh Catholic article. “God’s call comes with grace, and with that grace comes a sense of amazement of what can happen.” He is now parochial vicar, St. Margaret Parish, Green Tree.

* * * * *Rev. Donald W. Cramer II, newly

ordained, has been named parochial vicar at Good Shepherd Parish, Camp Hill, and chaplain at Trinity High School, Camp Hill, Diocese of Harrisburg. Featured in The Catholic Witness’ Vocation Spotlight following his ordination, he said the idea of considering a religious vocation “was very natural.” In college he entered a few different fields of study, and intense prayer about his career path made him decide to enter the seminary. Since his ordination he told writer Jen Reed he is “overwhelmed by the beauty of priestly life and how much the faith-ful have given him spiritually. ‘We seek ordina-tion because we want to serve God and serve others, yet we’re so enriched by the ministry we do . . . . There is just so much return that comes from it,’ he said.”

He was ordained with classmate Rev. Robert Burns, who passed away in his sleep that night (see article on page 13).

* * * * *On July 14, Rev. Roberto Orellana of

the Archdiocese of Atlanta, was ordained to the priesthood. A native of El Salvador, he was

Saint Vincent Sem-inary administrators and faculty members handled a scheduling feat this past spring and summer, as they attended 33 ordina-tions to the diaconate and the priesthood.

It started on April 28, when Most Rev. Edward J. Slattery,

Parish, Bellevue.* * * * *

Rev. Robert J. Vular was or-dained to the priest-hood by Bishop Donald W. Wuerl on May 26, 2001, in St. Paul Cathe-dral, Pittsburgh. “He continually felt ‘The Lord tugging

(Continued on Page 7)


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vested during his ordination by Father Richard Young, chaplain at Our Lady of the Americas Mission in Doraville. The church is a mission of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Atlanta, where Father Orellana will serve his first assign-ment as parochial vicar. Father Young had taught Father Orellana English as a second lan-guage at the University of Georgia and served at Father Orellana’s parish in Atlanta.

* * * * *Rev. Gregory Wilson of the Charleston

Diocese was ordained to the priesthood on Sat-urday, June 9. A curiosity about Catholicism which began when he was in grade school led him to the priesthood. He told writer Nancy Schwerin for The New Catholic Miscellany that a classmate making the sign of the cross after school prayer sparked his curiosity and a great desire to learn about the Catholic Church. In college he began the Rite of Christian Initia-tion for Adults and was brought into the church in 1994. Three years later he entered the semi-nary. “Being a convert, I see so much beauty in the entire faith,” he told the Miscellany. “It kind of took me and never let me go.”

* * * * *Rev. Tien Duong, ordained to the priest-

hood on June 2, has been assigned as parochial vicar to Saint Gabriel Parish, Charlotte. He had the unique opportunity to be ordained at the same time as his brother Duc Duong, who attended the Theological College of the Catho-lic University of America in Washington, D.C. Both men escaped Vietnam in order to find freedom in the United States.

* * * * *Rev. Stuart W.G. Crevcoure was

ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Edward J. Slattery on May 25, 2001, in Holy Family Cathedral, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Originally from Wisconsin, he went to Oklahoma to attend the University of Tulsa, and has remained. He was active in the St. Philip Neri Newman Center while at Tulsa, and now will return there with one of his assignments as assistant chaplain. He will also be associate pastor of the Church of the Madalene, and chaplain at Bishop Kelley High School.

* * * * *Five Benedictines who graduated from the

Seminary were also ordained to the priest-hood:

Rev. Lee R. Yoakam, O.S.B. was ordained by Bishop Anthony G. Bosco on May 19, 2001, in Saint Vincent Basilica. Father Lee Yoakam is the son of Ted and Doloros Yoakam of Arma, Kansas. He has a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Old Dominion Univer-sity, a bachelor of arts degree from Old Domin-ion and a master of science degree from Central Michigan University. In 2000, he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent

By Father Thomas Burke

Well, it has been more than a month since my priesthood ordination at St. Paul Cathedral. After six years of studying in the Seminary, the time has come to go to work. My five class-mates and I were eager to get our assignments after the ordination ceremony.

The ordination and first Masses went well. The turnout was incredible. To look out and see the cathedral packed with people was quite a feeling.

And to see so many friends, family members and parishioners attend my first Masses at St. Norbert in Overbrook (Pittsburgh), Christ the Light of the World in Duquesne and St. Ferdi-nand in Cranberry Township was a blessing.

When I arrived on my first day at St. Alphon-sus in Wexford, Pastor Father Peter Murphy and the parish staff welcomed me and were helpful in moving me into the rectory. The rookie had arrived ready to go to work.

I celebrated my first Mass at 9 a.m., then I headed to Kennywood for our parish school picnic. It was a great way to meet people in a very relaxed and informal setting. Not bad for my first day.

My first days were spent just getting acquainted with the church and school grounds and learning which keys go where, and the loca-tions of the proper light switches. That week I also celebrated Mass at a personal care home

Seminary, with honors. Rev. J. Kevin Bachmann, O.S.B., was

ordained on June 1 at Holy Cross Abbey. He is the son of the late Charles F. and Helen R. Bachmann. He is a graduate of Newton High School, Newtonville, Massachusetts. He earned a bachelor of arts degree and a doctoral degree from Georgetown University. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2000 with highest honors.

Saint Gregory Abbey celebrated the priest-hood ordination of Rev. Nicholas Ast, O.S.B., on June 22. Father Nicholas is the son of Aemil Joseph Ast and Mary Ann Ast. He is a 1982 graduate of Andale High School, Andale, Kansas. He earned an A.A. degree from St. Gregory’s College, Shawnee, in 1984; a bach-elor of arts degree from Kansas Newman Col-lege, Wichita, in 1988; and a master of arts degree from Wichita State University in 1991. He received the Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2000, with highest honor. In 2001 he received the Omer U. Kline, O.S.B., Homiletics Award, given to the fourth-year student who has most clearly demon-strated excellence in preaching during his fourth year of study.

Rev. Benedict Alva, O.S.B., was ordained on June 30 at Saint Procopius Abbey. He is the son of Benedict and Moira Albuquer-que Alva. In 2000, he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary, with high honor. He also received the Omer U. Kline Homiletics Award, for excellence in preaching.

Rev. Edward M. Mazich, O.S.B., was ordained by Bishop Anthony G. Bosco on July 14 in Saint Vincent Basilica. Father Edward is the son of Alice (Connolley) Mazich of Danville and the late John Mazich. He received a bache-lor of science degree in mathematics from Penn State University in 1994. He received a Master of Arts degree in theology from Saint Vincent

Seminary in May of 1998. He is a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa. In 2000 he began graduate studies in Rome at the Biblicum.

* * * * *In September, rounding out the ordinations,

David Perry and James Reardon of the Erie Diocese were ordained to the priesthood.

Father Perry wrote in The Lake Shore Vis-itor that he has known he wanted to be a priest from a very young age. By his junior year in college he began to think about it seriously. He entered the seminary in 1996. “I believe that priesthood, at its core, is simply being available to people. All four Gospels give us clues that Jesus lived his life among others. Jesus traveled the area of Galilee and Jerusalem, stopping at people’s homes and villages to spread the good news of forgiveness and salvation. Jesus often freed people from their attachment to guilt or shame simply by taking the time to remind them how important they are in the eyes of the Father. That is exactly what a priest is called to do: remind people how precious they are in the sight of God, lead them to a greater awareness of how much Jesus loves them — even in the midst of brokenness and adversity — and com-municate to them that they are not alone in their struggles.”

Father Reardon also experienced a desire to be a priest from a young age, attending a live-in hosted by St. Mark Seminary in Erie while a junior in high school. He wrote in the Lake Shore Visitor that he has been at peace with his decision and “will be dedicated to the Eucha-rist. . . . The satisfaction received and given in the priesthood is sharing the love of God with others and watching people grow closer to God. . . . My outlook on life is positive. I seek the goodness in all experiences, whether they are good or bad. I want to be there for others rather than have others serving me.”


Ordinations 2001

Newly ordained priest ‘fi ing right in’



8

Saint Vincent Seminary welcomed 22 new students for the 2001-2002 school year. The new students are from seven archdioceses and dioceses and seven monasteries of three religious orders. The student enrollment at the Seminary is 99, including 84 men in the ordination program, and thirteen lay and religious men and women in graduate studies.

New students, depending on their previous fields of study, will take up to two years of pre-theology coursework, or enter into the four-year theology program. Saint Vincent Seminary offers the master of divinity, master of arts and bachelor in sacred theology degrees.

The new students are from the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Georgia; and the Dioceses of Erie, Har-risburg and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania; Savannah, Georgia; Steubenville, Ohio, and Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, as well as from Asir-vanam Monastery in India; Mary Mother of the Church Abbey in Richmond, Virginia; Phuoc Son Abbey in Vietnam; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Monastery in Waterford, Ohio; Saint Andrew Abbey in Cleveland, Ohio; Waegwan Abbey in South Korea and Saint Vincent Archabbey.

Br. George Augustine, O.S.B., is the son of Augustine and Kochu Thressia Shibu of Marayoor, India. He is a 1990 graduate of G. H. Marayoor High School in India. He earned a P.D.C. degree from St. Thomas Col-lege, Kumily, India. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Mysore University in 2000. He is a monk of Asirvanam Monastery, Bangalore, India.

Arthur Bufogle, Jr. attended St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo, Japan, graduating

in 1972. He studied biol-ogy at St. Bonaventure University, New York, from 1972 to 1974. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in biology from Walsh College, North Canton, Ohio in 1976. He received a master of arts degree in theology in 1985 from St. Michael’s College,

Winooski, Vermont; a master of science degree in soil science in 1988 from the University of Ver-mont, Burlington, and a doctorate in agronomy in 1996 from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. He is studying for the Diocese of Wheel-ing-Charleston.

Cyril Soo-Gil Chae is the son of Sun-Ik Chae and Cho-Young Noh of Seoul, Korea. He completed high school in 1976 in Seoul, Korea, and studied for two years at Saint

Vincent’s College Sem-inary in Quezon City, Philippines. He earned a diploma of philosophy and theology from Saint Vincent School of The-ology in the Philippines. He is studying for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

Matthew J. Costa is the son of Charles J. Costa and Sharon L. Costa of Erie. He is a 1997 graduate of McDowell High School in Erie. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy in 2001 from Gannon Univer-sity, Erie. He is studying for the Diocese of Erie.

Joseph V. Dough-erty III is the son of Joseph V. Dougherty Jr. and Edna May Connaugh-ton of Willow Grove. He is a 1974 graduate of Upper Moreland High School in Willow Grove and obtained a degree in business from Montgomery County Community College and Temple University in 1978. He is studying for the Diocese of Erie.

Br. Mark Flo-reanini, O.S.B., is a 1974 graduate of West Branch High School, Beloit, Ohio. He earned an associate of arts degree in fine arts from Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio, in 1987 and a bache-lor of arts degree from Saint Vincent College in

2001. He is a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey. Br. James M. Glass, O.S.B., is the

son of John W. Glass and Dolores l. Glass of Richmond, Virginia. He is a 1979 gradu-ate of Midlothian High School in Richmond. He earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering in 1984 from Virginia Poly-technic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. He studied systematic theology at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary from 1995 to 1999. He is a

monk of Mary Mother of the Church Abbey, Richmond, Virginia.

Br. Gregory A. Gresko, O.S.B., is the son of Joseph A. and Wanda L. Gresko of Mont-

pelier, Virginia. He is a 1988 graduate of The Collegiate Schools, Richmond, Virginia. He earned a bachelor of science degree in psy-chology and English in 1992 and a master of arts in education in sec-ondary English educa-tion from the College

of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia. He is a monk of Mary Mother of the Church Abbey, Richmond, Virginia.

Dr. William J. Hisker of Greensburg has entered the Master of Divinity program at Saint Vincent Seminary. He is a professor of busi-ness education at Saint Vincent College. He is a 1965 graduate of Saint Vincent Prepara-tory School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Saint Vincent Col-lege in 1969 and a MRCPL (professional master’s degree) from the University of Oklahoma in regional and city plan-ning in 1973. He earned a doctorate in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh in 1981.

Rev. Samuel Kim, O.S.B., is the son of Ky Wha Jung of Wae-gwan, Korea and the late Kyun Lae Kim. He is a 1985 graduate of Sun Sim High School, Waegwan, Korea. He earned a degree in theology from Catho-lic University of Taegu-Hyosung School of Theology, Taegu,

South Korea, in 1992. He also received a degree in theology from Taegu Regional Major Semi-nary in 1995. He is a monk of Waegwan Abbey, South Korea.

Stephen A. Kresak is the son of Andrew F. and Marie A. Kresak of McKees Rocks. He is a 1987 graduate of Sto-Rox High School and earned a degree in com-munications and philos-ophy from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, in 1998. He is studying for the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

22 New Students Arrive for New Academic Year


9

nois. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the Franciscan Uni-versity of Steubenville in 1994, and has done graduate studies at Mount Saint Mary’s Semi-nary. He is from the Diocese of Steubenville.

Cong Chi Vu is the son of Men Thi Vu of Vietnam and the late Lap Van Vu. He is a 1993 graduate of South Houston High School in Houston, Texas. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Divine Word Col-lege, Epworth, Iowa, in 1995 in cross-cultural studies and philosophy. He is studying for the Diocese of Savannah.

Timothy D. Marcoe is the son of David and Debra Marcoe of Whitehall. He is a 1997 graduate of Whitehall High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in meteorology from Millersville Univer-sity in 2001. He is study-ing for the Diocese of Harrisburg.

Luis F. Mercado is the son of Luis F. and Corpina Rosario Mercado of Quebradil-las, Puerto Rico. He graduated from Hogar Colegio La Milagrosa in Arecibo, Puerto Rico in 1997 and studied philosophy at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce, from 1997 to 1999. He

is studying for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.Steven V. Neff is

the son of Anthony J. and Roberta K. Neff of Chicora. He is a 1984 graduate of Butler Senior High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philos-ophy from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, in 2001. He is study-ing for the Diocese of

Pittsburgh.Chidi Osondu is

the son of Luke Chijioke and Sussan Uzdamaka Osondu of Nigeria. He is a 1991 graduate of St. John Cross Seminary in Nigeria. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the Claretian Institute of Phi-losophy in 1998. He is

studying for the Diocese of Savannah.Br. Mario Andrew

Parisi, O.S.B., is the son of Charles Parisi of Brandon, Florida, and Rose Marie Parisi of Akron, Ohio. He is a 1989 graduate of Lake High School in Union-town, Ohio. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy, cum laude, from John Carroll Uni-versity in 1993. He studied theology at Saint Mary Seminary from 1993 to 1998. He is a monk of Saint Andrew Abbey, Cleveland, Ohio.

Br. Anthony H. Pham, O. Cist., is the son of Han Cong Pham and Canh Thi Cao of Son Giang, Huong Son, Vietnam. He is a 1988 graduate of Huong Son High School, Hatinh Province, Vietnam. He is a monk of Phuoc Son Abbey, Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam.

Stephen J. Pontzer is the son of Joseph H. and Carol J. Pontzer of Athens, Georgia.

He is a 1985 graduate of Cedar Shoals High School in Athens. He attended the Univer-sity of Georgia from 1985 to 1993 where he earned a bachelor of science degree in forest resources. He is studying for the Dio-cese of Savannah.

Br. Gabriel J. Rapisarda, C.M.M.I., is the son of Gregory A. and Carol A. Rapisarda of Bel Air, Maryland. He is a 1995 graduate of John Carroll School, Bel Air. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from Fran-ciscan University of Steubenville in 2000. He studied theology at Creighton University Institute for Priestly Formation. He is from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Monastery, Water-ford, Ohio.

Br. Peter N. Ray-appan, O.S.B., is the son of Nicholas and Amalorpavam Rayap-pan of Dharmapuri, India. He is a 1992 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Dhar-mapuri. He received a P.U.C. degree from Saint Antony’s College in Krishnagiri, India. He

earned a bachelor of arts degree from Mysore University in 1998. He is a monk of Asirvanam Monastery, Bangalore, India.

David Vogel is the son of Robert J. Vogel and Mrs. Eileen M. Vogel of Deerfield, Illi-nois. He is a 1989 graduate of Christian Liberty Academy of Arlington Heights, Illi-

and went to Six Flags of Ohio with the parish youth group. It was great to be able to interact with the old and the young all in the same week.

After unpacking and getting settled into parish life, I feel very calm and at peace finally being a priest. To be able to perform the sac-raments and just be with the people is what priesthood is all about. A priest can have such a positive impact on a person’s life: the homily at Mass, listening during a counseling session, visiting someone in a hospital or nursing home, spending time at a baseball game or being on a rollercoaster ride at Kennywood.

Many people have asked me, “So how does it feel ‘Father Tom’ that you’re now a priest?” I say it’s awesome. People are very supportive and very kind. At the ordination Bishop Donald Wuerl said the priest is never alone. That is so very true. I am very blessed to have so much love and support from my family and friends and parishioners.

It’s an honor to have my parents attend Mass at St. Alphonsus on Sunday just to spend some time with their son. Friends call or write me notes to just say hi and parishioners send their encour-aging words. That sure means a lot to the priest, to know that we are being thought of and some-one is keeping us in their prayers.

Yes, I’m still new and have a lot of energy and still flying high after ordination, but being a priest is the goal and dream I have had for a long time and I am blessed to have finally made it.

As I crossed the finish line of my seminary career, another journey began and that is the road of priesthood. Yes, there are going to be highs and lows, that is human, but I know that I will not be alone along the journey. I say to those thinking about the priesthood, go for it. God still calls. With God, all things are possible.

Father Burke is parochial vicar at St. Alphonsus Parish in Wexford.

‘Fi ing right in’(Continued from Page 7)


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tion and that the passion narrative greatly influ-enced, therefore, how the earlier chapters were composed.

“Since John’s gospel is so distinctive, I looked for a unique perspective in his passion narrative. I found this particularly in the trial of Jesus before Pilate, where the issue under discussion is kingship or, more precisely, the nature of POWER. Pilate seems to have all the power in this scene, but Jesus declares that his whole purpose in coming to this earth is to reveal the ‘truth’.”

Father Demetrius notes that the word “truth” is one of the most frequently used words in the gospel, “and it clearly refers to the revelation that Jesus (the Divine Word) has brought from the Father, namely, that the only effective and lasting power in this world is that of unselfish love. Accordingly, it is Jesus, a prisoner before Pilate, who is by far the most powerful person in that scene.”

Chapters 13 to 17 of the gospel, the “so-called farewell discourse(s),” would, Father Demetrius notes, “then be concerned with how the unself-ish ideal of Jesus can be applied to all the vari-ous circumstances of human life. In this respect, it would be similar to the Book of Deuteronomy, which was also written long after Moses but pur-ports to be his last instructions to Israel. This also explains the special role of the Paraclete/Spirit in guiding Christians toward a true understanding of Jesus’ message in every possible circumstance.

“The first half of the gospel (after the Pro-logue) would,” he said, “be a ‘revisiting’ of the traditional stages of Christian initiation (conver-sion, baptism and Eucharist), although now inter-preted out of the experience of the Johannine community at the end of the first century and almost certainly suffering persecution in Asia Minor. Under the influence of the Beloved Dis-ciple, they have developed a profound mystical understanding of their relationship with Jesus, which causes them to emphasize the personal faith dimension of these rituals. This same ten-dency also causes them to invite all Christians to join them in a deeper understanding of the sac-raments which would include mystical enlighten-ment (8:12 -- ‘I am the light of the world’), and the experience of divine life already in this world (raising of Lazarus).

“The Prologue,” Father Demetrius concludes, “then becomes a synopsis or summary of this journey of the divine Word from the Father, through our human situation and back again to the Father, with the earnest hope that we too might be able to trust Jesus’ revolutionary mes-sage of unselfish love and thus find our way to the Father.”

Abbot Jerome Kodell, O.S.B. of Subiaco Abbey, Arkansas, notes that the book is “rooted in sound biblical scholarship but available to everyone. . . . Above all, he (Father Demetrius) leads us into the Gospel of John as through a doorway to the experience of God.”

“Demetrius Dumm, using a new and daring approach, brings remarkably fresh insights to

John’s Gospel,” said Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., Archbishop of Milwaukee. “In his usual lucid and clear style, he goes beyond the literal, historical, and critical approach to reveal the transcendent elements in this unique Gospel. In reading his commentary one continues to say, ‘Of course, now it makes sense,’ only to find that it also becomes much more challenging.”

Patricia H. Livingston, a counselor, author and speaker, wrote that: “with a rare ability to express complex theology and biblical scholar-ship in an engaging, readable style, Fr. Dumm offers a valuable gift . . . as informative as a fine graduate course, and as inspiring as an outstand-ing retreat.”

Other books by Father Demetrius include Flowers in the Desert, A Spirituality of the Bible, recently reprinted, and Cherish Christ Above All, The Bible in the Rule of Bene-dict. Father Demetrius, currently Professor of New Testament at the Seminary, has been a fac-ulty member since 1952.

The 200-page paperback includes chapters titled “The Hour Has Come,” “Testifying to the Truth,” “Love Gives All,” “Love Conquers All,” “Love One Another,” “Abide in Me as I Abide in You,” “That They May Be One,” “Conver-sion,” “Baptism,” “Eucharist,” “Enlightenment,” and “Eternal Life.”

The book will be available from Archabbey Publications, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pa., 15650-2690. Cost is $16.95 plus $2.05 shipping and handling.

The Liturgical Press has granted permission to publish an excerpt from the book for readers of Leaven. The book is copyright © by The Order of St. Benedict, Inc., Collegeville, Minnesota. All rights reserved.

A Mystical Portrait of Jesus:New Perspectives on John’s GospelBy Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B.

INTRODUCTIONAnyone who has visited the biblical section of a library must wonder

whether we really need another book on John’s Gospel. Literature about this Gospel is voluminous and there is no sign that the flow will decrease any time soon. Nonetheless, this literature is so domi-nated by scientific analysis that it seems worthwhile to offer a book that benefits from such scientific study but which seeks to discover the deeper, spiritual meaning in this Gospel. Great strides have in fact been made in recent years toward an interpretation of the Bible that respects scientific interpretation but strives to go beyond that to plumb the depths of a faith-guided understanding. Such an endeavor is especially appropriate in the case of John’s Gospel, which is so sen-sitive to the spiritual, symbolic dimension of biblical revelation.

APPRECIATING BIBLICAL EVENTSOur modern culture is intensely verbal. We process words with

amazing speed and we are bombarded by them in all the media. We should not be surprised, therefore, to learn that scientific study of

the Bible is also devoted almost exclusively to an analysis of biblical words. At the same time, it is clear that the deepest and richest mean-ing of the Bible is found only in the biblical events toward which those words point.

The Bible is, first and foremost, a history of salvation. It is, there-fore, in crucial saving events, representing God’s decisive action in our history, that we will find the real meaning of the Scriptures. And it is only there that we will find the biblical wisdom, which tells us about the meaning and purpose of our own existence. Study of the biblical words remains indispensable but we will miss their deeper meaning if we do not see that they are really interpreting great biblical events. Of course, we know that God is constantly acting decisively in our history but there are certain crucial and creative moments when a whole new impetus is given to the flow of time.

There is no doubt that the biblical words have a worthwhile mean-ing independently of the events of the Bible. The same can be said of the sayings of Confucius or of other great religious philosophers. The point is that the full and salvific meaning of the biblical words cannot be grasped unless they are seen in connection with the events to which they refer and whose meaning they reveal. What then is this deeper and more authentic meaning of the Bible to which the words point and which alone constitutes true biblical interpretation? It is the meaning that we discover when we realize that all the biblical words are anchored in and flow from the central biblical events of Exodus for the Hebrew Scriptures and of the death and resurrection of Jesus for the New Testament.

We need to remind ourselves constantly that not a single word of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Christian Old Testament) was written before the Exodus of the Hebrew slaves from the bondage of the


Father Demetrius’ Book



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Pharaoh, which occurred about 1250 b.c.e., and that not a single word of the New Testament was written before the resurrection of Jesus, which occurred about 30 c.e. We can only speculate about what the thoughts and words of biblical writers might have been prior to those pivotal events. But we can be sure that any thoughts or words that they might have had were changed in the most radical way by these central events of the Bible. We can be sure that, if Peter had kept a diary during the public ministry of Jesus, it would have been very different from what he understood and wrote after the resurrection! It is no exaggeration to say that the events of the Exodus and of the resurrection of Jesus changed forever the meaning of the flow of history, just as a barrel of dye poured into a river will change its color for miles downstream.

All of this can, of course, be grasped on an intellectual level and one may be willing to concede that this point of view has its own significance. It should be noted, however, that this centrality of biblical events has profound and far-reaching implica-tions for the very manner in which one accepts biblical revelation and guides one’s life by it. For if one understands that the deepest mean-ing of revelation is in the events themselves, the words of Scripture will be seen as subservient to those events since their task will be simply to comment on the events and to draw out of them all the rich implica-tions for one’s life. Moreover, it will no longer be sufficient to learn the meaning of the words as such; one will need also to see their meaning in relation to the saving events that they serve.

PERSONAL INTEGRITY REQUIREDAt this point, it is important to note the crucial difference between

the manner in which one arrives at the meaning of biblical words as distinguished from biblical events. To understand the words, one must be reasonably intelligent and have access to at least some of the aids available for dealing with the language of an ancient book. To understand the meaning of biblical events, however, it is necessary to approach these stories in a condition of personal honesty and integ-rity. For these biblical events are the most real events in human history and only those who are in some measure in touch with the reality of their own lives will ever be able to enter experientially into the mean-ing of these events.

In other words, one cannot really understand the meaning of the Exodus and the resurrection of Jesus unless one has been able to acknowledge bondage in one’s own life and has begun to learn how to move toward freedom. This seems to be the import of the words of the Vatican Instruction mentioned above, for we read there, “Access to a proper understanding of biblical texts is only granted to the person who has an affinity with what the text is saying on the basis of life experience” (The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church, 21).

It follows that one of the principal obstacles to biblical interpreta-tion is our tendency to live in illusion of one kind or another. To the extent that this is true, we remain mere spectators who hear about the biblical events of liberation from bondage but cannot participate in that experience. This happens because it is so painful to acknowledge need, and therefore illusion becomes most attractive. When Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor” (Luke 6:20), he was not extol-ling poverty as such but declaring instead the good fortune of those who are so powerless that they cannot afford the illusion of seeking

freedom through their own efforts alone. This is the reality, and only those who can embrace this reality will be rewarded with the Kingdom.

It should be obvious, then, that one can study the Bible endlessly and still be living in the illusion of one’s own control of life, or of the complete suf-ficiency of one’s human knowledge. Indeed, it is a tragic possibility that the most brilliant and power-ful ones of this earth are more likely to be deluded by their apparent control of life and will thus be rendered incapable of grasping fully the signifi-cance of the great biblical events of liberation. Knowledge is a wonderful possession as long as it is profound enough to know that the most impor-tant areas of human life have a mysterious dimen-sion that is quite impervious to the probing of human reason. Therefore, a little knowledge with true humility leads to greater wisdom than superior knowledge crippled by the illusion of prideful self-sufficiency. On the other hand, smug ignorance is certainly no friend of the Bible. What is needed is profound knowledge that knows its limits.

LOCATING THE MYSTERYI shall always be grateful for a lesson taught me by my theology pro-

fessor, Fr. Cipriano Vagaggini, O.S.B. He pointed out that the true role of biblical and theological science is not to reduce, much less to destroy, the divine mystery in human life, but to locate it. Such a scholarly enter-prise will assess the authentic characteristics of divine mystery in human life and will evaluate the fruits produced by contact with that mys-tery. Though the mysterious presence of God among us cannot be fully analyzed or controlled by human reason, the fruits in human attitudes and behavior can readily reveal the authenticity of that presence. The great mystic Teresa of Avila is supposed to have said that if she had to choose, she would prefer a theologian to a saint for her confessor. The clear implication is that the theologian would be better equipped to help her discern the nature and consequences of God’s presence in her moments of mystical transport.

Vagaggini was well aware that one of the pitfalls of biblical interpre-tation is a false sense of one’s ability to study the Bible in a way that ignores the mysterious presence of God in it or refuses to consult good theology in identifying the dimensions of that presence. Otherwise, one is always in danger of finding a “divine mystery” of one’s own making, or one created by a misguided leader, in which case the consequences are inevitably tragic. One need look no farther than the Heaven’s Gate cult for evidence of this danger. Their mass suicide may have seemed in a sense heroic but it was tragically out of touch with the reality of a God who is loving and compassionate.

I have found it helpful at times to offer my students a graphic illustra-tion of the biblical project of locating the divine mystery in the text and in our lives. Let us imagine that the thousands of words of the Bible are an outer circle, a kind of verbal galaxy, which we encounter when we first approach the Bible. All biblical scholarship is concerned with the meaning of these words and the importance of wrestling with the words is indisputable. However, there is an inner circle also, which we reach by going beyond the words to the great saving events of the Exodus and the resurrection of Jesus. As we have noted already, the deepest meaning of the Bible is found on this level, and this meaning is avail-able only where there is real faith and personal honesty. For assistance at this stage, one must turn to prayer and, on the human level, to a spiritual director or a trusted friend. Finally, at the very center of these circles, there is the divine mystery itself which, for Christians, is repre-sented by the person of Jesus Christ. When one reaches this heart of

New Perspectives on John’s Gospel




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13

Seminary Graduate Robert Burns Dies Following Ordination

“A Mass of Thanksgiving became a memorial Mass this weekend (June 3) when a priest . . . died the morning after being ordained in the Roman Catholic Church,” wrote Paul Ruppel, staff writer for the Doylestown Record, a newspaper in Rev. Robert Burns’ home district.

Father Burns, 56, died in his sleep Sunday morning at the Mary Mother of the Redeemer Rectory, before a scheduled Mass with family and friends that afternoon in his home parish in North Wales.

Father Burns had been ordained to the priesthood for the Harrisburg Dio-cese the previous day by Bishop Nicholas Dattilo at St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg. His first assignment was to have been as parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great Parish, Rohrerstown.

Father Burns was born in Philadelphia in 1944, a son of the late Robert Burns, Sr., and the late Cecelia (Burns) Walsh. He is survived by his step-father Edward Walsh, his brother, Edward C. Burns of Roslyn, and sisters, Elizabeth C. Capaldi of Dresher, Sharon Fitzpatrick of Montgomeryville and Robin Burns of Hendersonville, N.C.

He attended Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote, Pa., graduating in 1962. He attended Chatfield College in Saint Martin, Ohio, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Edgecliff College of Xavier University in Ohio, studying history and secondary education. He did graduate work in educa-tion at Gwynedd Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, Pa., La Salle University in Philadelphia and Penn State University.

He served in the U.S. Navy, then the Marines, earning the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and other medals and honors for his service as a corpsman during the Vietnam War. He taught, then served as principal at St. Gabriel’s Hall in Audubon, before entering Saint Vincent Seminary, where he earned a master of divinity degree and completed his priestly formation.

“‘Burns desired all his life to become a priest,’” Ruppel quoted Rev. Philip C. Ricci, pastor at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer in his news article. “‘He was a man of many skills, many talents,’ Ricci said. ‘He could pick up any-thing and fix it. He was a good listener, and a mentor to teen-agers who talked to them, listened to them and guided them.’

“‘With many of Burns’ family and friends already in town, the 2:30 p.m. service that was to be a celebration of his joining the priesthood was trans-formed into a Mass to remember and give thanks for his life,’ Ricci said.”

“‘It’s very sad,’ Ricci said. ‘And yet the way we celebrated on Sunday was a tribute to the priesthood as we lifted Father Burns up to be a priest forever in the eternity of God’s love.’”

Ruppel also interviewed Daniel Kredensor, 20, who, after meeting Father Burns eight years ago, was so greatly influenced by him that he is beginnning seminary studies this fall.

As part of his seminary formation, Father Burns served two summers at Seven Sorrows Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Middletown, and Prince of Peace Parish, Steelton. He was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop Dattilo on May 20, 2000, and the following summer he served at Divine Redeemer Parish, Mount Carmel.

Commenting on the loss in The Catholic Witness, Bishop Dattilo said: “Father Burns’ death stunned us all. It seems so untimely, but our faith tells us something else. It tells us that he wanted to become a priest and that God allowed his dream to come true.

“On June 2 he was ordained a priest and celebrated Mass with his bishop and fellow priests in the presence of his family and friends. In retrospect, what a wonderful preparation for heaven.”


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Twenty-seven degrees were awarded at Saint Vincent Seminary’s 155th annual commencement ceremony held Friday, May 11, at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica.

His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, presided at the Solemn Vespers. Chancellor of Saint Vincent Seminary, Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., con-ferred the degrees on the candidates who were presented by the Seminary Rector, the Very Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B., and the Academic Dean, Sister Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M.

Cardinal George received an honorary doctor of divinity degree and gave the commencement address. Cardinal George is a member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Dis-cipline of the Sacraments, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and for Societ-ies of Apostolic Life, the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church, and the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum.” He also serves as Chancellor of The Catholic Church Extension Society, Chicago, and the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois. He was named a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II on January 18, 1998, while serving as Archbishop of Chicago, where he was installed on May 7, 1997.

Cardinal George came to Chicago from the

Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, where he had been installed as Archbishop on May 27, 1996. Prior to that he had served as the fifth Bishop of Yakima, Washington, his ordination and installa-tion as Bishop taking place on July 10, 1990. He entered the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immac-ulate on August 14, 1957, and was ordained a priest on December 21, 1963. Recently Cardi-nal George gave the Lenten retreat for Pope John Paul II. The theme was “A faith for all the people: conversion, freedom, and communion in Christ.” Cardinal George has authored, edited or contributed to seven books, and has also writ-ten dozens of articles and reviews published in a variety of national and international publica-tions.

Cardinal George earned an S.T.D. degree in ecclesiology from the Pontifical University, Urba-niana, Rome (1988); a Ph.D. in American phi-losophy from Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana (1970); an M.A. in theology from the University of Ottawa, Canada (1971); an M.A. in philosophy from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. (1965); and a B. Th. from the University of Ottawa, Canada (1964). His honorary degrees include the Doctor of Laws degree from the John Marshall Law School of the University of Portland (1998); Doctor of Humane Letters from Loyola University of Chicago (1998);

Doctor of Pedagogy from Franciscan University of Steubenville (2000) and Doctor of Humane Letters from Barat College (2000). ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Terence Crone is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harrel Crone of Memphis, Tennessee. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta. He earned the master of arts degree with honor.

Bryan D. Small is the son of Ken Small and the late Bobbie Small. He has a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Saint Meinrad Col-lege, Saint Meinrad, Indiana (1997), and also attended West Georgia College. He is a 1992 graduate of St. Pius X High School. In 2001, he earned the master of arts degree.ARCHDIOCESE OF CAMPINAS, BRAZIL

Jonas D. Christal is the son of Alcides Pereira Christal and Maria Ivone da Silva Christal. He attended Seminario da Imaculada, and received a degree in philosophy from The Pontificia Universidade Catholica de Campinas. He attended Professor Jose Felicio Miziara High School. His home parish is San Joao Batista. He earned the master of arts degree with honors from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2000 and the master of divinity degree in 2001.DIOCESE OF ALTOONA-JOHNSTOWN

Taking part in the 155th annual commencement at Saint Vincent Seminary were, front, from left, Christopher Roux, Diocese of Char-lotte; Matthew Reese, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M., Academic Dean; Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Chancellor; His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.; Dr. John C. Marous, Jr., Chairman, Board of Regents; Very Rev. Kurt J. Belsole, O.S.B., Rector; Rev. William Fay, Vice Rector. Second row, from left, Jonas Christal, Archdiocese of Campinas; Stuart Crevcoure, Diocese of Tulsa; Michael Stumpf, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Gary Krummert, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Chapin Engler, Diocese of Charlotte; Br. Anthony Sargent, O.S.B., St. Mary’s Abbey; Donald Cramer, Diocese of Harrisburg; Patrick Doering; Br. Michael Calhoun, O.S.B., St. Bede Abbey; Peter Haladej, Diocese of Youngstown. Third row, from left, Br. Hugh Lester, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Matthew McClain, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Gregory Wilson, Diocese of Charleston; Michael Zimcosky, Diocese of Greensburg; David Shaffer, Diocese of Erie; Shawn Malarkey, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Bryan Small, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Clinton Zadroga, Diocese of Pittsburgh; David Medina, Diocese of Tulsa; Carl Kerkemeyer, Diocese of Tulsa; Terrence Crone, Archdiocese of Atlanta. Not pictured are Thomas Dagle of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and Br. Nicholas Ast, O.S.B., of St. Gregory Abbey.

Saint Vincent Seminary Commencement 2001

Twenty-Seven Degrees Awarded By Seminary



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Matthew A. Reese is the son of Dennis and Betty Reese of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He is a 1994 graduate of Central Cambria High School, Ebensburg. He earned a bachelor of art degree in Latin American studies from Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio, in 1998. He received a master of divinity degree.

DIOCESE OF CHARLESTON, S.C.Gregory Wilson is the son of Mr. and Mrs.

George A. Wilson of St. Matthews, South Caro-lina. He earned a bachelor of science degree in biology at the University of South Carolina. In 2000, he earned a master of arts degree from Saint Vincent Seminary, with honors. He earned the master of divinity degree, with honors.

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE, N.C.John Chapin Engler, Jr., is the son of

Peggy and John Engler of Charlotte, North Car-olina. He is a 1980 graduate of Charlotte Cath-olic High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy in 1985 from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana. He earned the master of divinity degree with honors.

Christopher Roux is the son of Raymond D. and Gail P. Roux of Rock Hill, South Carolina. He is a 1981 graduate of Camden High School, Camden, South Carolina. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the College of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1988. He earned the master of divinity degree with honors.

DIOCESE OF ERIEDavid A. Shaffer is the son of David D.

and Jean M. Shaffer of Harborcreek, Pennsyl-vania. He is a 1994 graduate of Harbor Senior High School, Erie. He earned a degree in arts and humanities from Gannon University in 1998. He earned the master of divinity degree with honors.

DIOCESE OF GREENSBURGMichael Zimcosky is the son of Ethel Zim-

cosky of Smock and the late Stanley V. Zim-cosky. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration and finance from Cali-fornia University of Pennsylvania. He earned a master of divinity degree.

DIOCESE OF HARRISBURGDonald Cramer II, son of Mr. and Mrs.

Donald Cramer I of Hershey, Pennsylvania, earned a bachelor of arts degree in labor and industrial relations at the Pennsylvania State Uni-versity. He received a master of divinity degree, with honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2000. In 2001 he earned a master of arts degree, with high honors, from the Seminary.

DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGHGary W. Krummert is the son of Helen

Krummert of Coraopolis and the late Herman J. Krummert. He is a 1983 graduate of Montour High School, McKees Rocks. He earned a bach-elor of science degree in information systems from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh in 1987, and completed a pre-theology program

at Duquesne University. In 2001, he earned the master of divinity degree with honors, and the master of arts degree, with honors. He also received the Diakonia Award, a service award given by the Seminary faculty, recognizing him for his academic performance, service to the community by building student morale and spirit, leadership and creative outreach.

Shawn O. Malarkey is the son of Thomas J. and Lesley E. Malarkey of West Sunbury, Pennsylvania. He is a 1992 graduate of Moni-teau High School, West Sunbury. He earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary and kindergarten education from Pennsylvania State University in 1996 and a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Duquesne University in 1998. He earned the master of arts degree, with highest honors. He also received the Sacred Scripture Award, which is given to the graduating student who has demonstrated excellence in the study of Sacred Scripture.

Matthew R. McClain is the son of Dr. Edward J. McClain, Jr., and Nancy M. McClain of Pittsburgh. He is a 1989 graduate of Mount Lebanon High School, Pittsburgh. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, in 1993. He received the master of arts degree, with honors.

Michael J. Stumpf is the son of Joseph R. and Rose A. Stumpf of Herman. He is a 1992 graduate of Butler High School. He has a bach-elor of arts degree in psychology and a bache-lor of arts degree in philosophy from Duquesne University. In 2000 he earned a master of arts degree, with honors. In 2001, he received a master of divinity degree, with honors.

Clinton P. Zadroga is the son of Pamela Ann Zadroga Bassett of Greenock and the late Paul Allen Zadroga. He received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and music from Duquesne University. He is a 1992 graduate of

Elizabeth Forward High School. In 2000, he earned a master of arts degree from Saint Vin-cent Seminary. In 2001, he received a master of divinity degree.

DIOCESE OF TULSA, OKLAHOMAStuart Crevcoure received a bachelor of

arts degree in history from the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma. A native of Green Bay, Wis-consin, he is the son of David and Pamela Crev-coure. He earned a master of arts degree, with highest honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2000, and also received the American Bible Society Award. In 2001 he received the bach-elor of sacred theology degree, with highest honors. He also received the Honorable Judge Bernard F. Scherer Award, given to the student who most exemplifies the qualities evident in the life of Judge Scherer, including a breadth of learning, knowledge which allows one to inte-grate theology and the life of the People of God with academic areas, wisdom and the ability to see the interconnectedness of all life, the practice of corporal works of mercy, witness to faith and a hope-filled attitude.

Carl A. Kerkemeyer is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Kerkemeyer of Collinsville, Illi-nois. He received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois. He received a master of arts degree.

David Medina Raygoza is the son of Can-delario Medina and Gregoria Medina of Gua-dalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. He is a 1989 graduate of Preparatory School Number 5, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. He also graduated from Inter-continental University, Mexico City, in 1995. He earned the master of arts degree.

DIOCESE OF WHEELING-CHARLESTON, W.V.

Thomas W. Dagle of Murrysville, is the

Degrees(Continued from Page 14)


His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, receives the honorary doctor of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary Chancellor Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., as Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M., Academic Dean, and Very Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B., Seminary Rector, applaud.


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son of the late Harold and Florence Dagle. He received a bachelor of science degree in psy-chology and a bachelor of science degree in busi-ness administration from Fairmont State College. He has completed one year of graduate studies in counseling and guidance at West Virginia Uni-versity. He earned the master of divinity degree.

DIOCESE OF YOUNGSTOWN, OHIOPeter Haladej of the Diocese of Youngstown

is the son of Pauol Haladej and Theresa Halade-jová of Slovakia. He is a 1994 graduate of Kovácska Street 28 High School, Kosice, Slo-vakia. He studied theology from 1994-1999 at

Knazsky Seminár, Hlavná, Kosice, Slovakia. He earned a master of divinity degree.

SAINT BEDE ABBEYBrother Michael M. Calhoun, O.S.B., is

the son of Michael and Linda Calhoun of Utica, Illinois. He graduated from Saint Bede Academy, Peru, Illinois, in 1989. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in religious education from Immacu-late Heart of Mary Seminary on the campus of Saint Mary’s University, Winona, Minnesota, in 1993. He received a master of arts degree.

SAINT GREGORY’S ABBEYBr. Nicholas Ast, O.S.B., is the son of

Aemil Joseph Ast and Mary Ann Ast. He is a 1982 graduate of Andale High School, Andale, Kansas. He earned an A.A. degree from St.

Degrees(Continued from Page 15)

Congratulating His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., center, on his honorary doctor of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary are, from left, Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Chancellor; Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M., Academic Dean; Mrs. Marilyn Donnelly, a Seminary patron; Mr. Thomas Donnelly, a Seminary patron; Very Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B., Seminary Rector; and Dr. John C. Marous, Jr., Chairman, Seminary Board of Regents.

Gregory’s College, Shawnee, in 1984; a bach-elor of arts degree from Kansas Newman Col-lege, Wichita, in 1988; and a master of arts degree from Wichita State University in 1991. He received the Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2000, with highest honors. In 2001, he received the Omer U. Kline, O.S.B. Homiletics Award, given to the fourth-year Seminary student who has most clearly demonstrated excellence in preaching during his fourth year of study.

SAINT MARY’S ABBEYBr. Anthony G. Sargent, O.S.B., is the

son of Anthony and Eleonor Sargent. He is a 1978 graduate of Seton Hall Prep School, West Orange, New Jersey. He earned the master of divinity degree and the master of arts degree.

SAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYBr. Hugh Lester, O.S.B., attended John F.

Kennedy Grade School in Washington, Pa., and is a 1970 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School there. He received a bachelor of sci-ence degree from Fordham University in 1974; and a master of science degree in accounting from Appalachian State University. He earned the master of arts degree, with honors.

MASTER OF ARTSS. Patrick Doering, of Denver, North Car-

olina, is the son of Charles H. Doering and Anne Elaine Doering of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Lacey Township School System and is a 1990 graduate of Bishop Joseph V. Sullivan Catholic High School. He attended Southeastern Louisiana State University and Louisiana State University, where he majored in history. He is a 1995 graduate of Elon College with a bachelor of arts degree in history, with honors. He received a master of arts degree, with high honors.

Bishop Zubik Keynote Speaker At Scholarship Dinner

Most Rev. David Zubik, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, was the keynote speaker at the Seminary’s annual Scholarship Dinner, held at Churchill Valley Country Club in April. Bishop Zubik spoke on prayer in every day life.


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Tribute,Memorial Gifts

To give a tribute or memorial gift, please make a donation to Saint Vincent Seminary in honor of or in memory of a friend, col-league or family member. Donations should be mailed to Mr. William Malloy in the Seminary Development Office, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pa., 15650-2690, 724-532-6740. Donors from March 1, 2001 to September 30, 2001 include:

IN HONOR OF:REV. DONALD W. CRAMER II

Erin, David, and Brenna Anne ArnoldiMRS. MARTHA DEMKO

Mr. Francis H. FreidhoffREV. DEMETRIUS R. DUMM, O.S.B.

Larry and Linda HudakREV. ARTHUR L. GARBIN

Rev. Michael L. YaksickBROTHER CAJETAN HOMICK, O.S.B.

Mr. William N. Hamilton, Jr.MR. JOHN J. NEWMEYER

Tom and Flo ClaybaughJane DixonMs. Kathie F. GrevemeyerPaul and Kay IrvinCarolyn KocianFrances M. Leap

Bud and Do RitzerJoe and Virginia RusakRita Trettel

MISS PHILOMENA T. RICHOrlando and Peg PietropaoliMs. Antonette Spinelli

IN MEMORY OF +ANASTASIA, JOSEPH, GEORGE, AND MARY

Sister M. Melanie, O.S.B.M.+BARGER AND MARASCO FAMILY

Thomas and Mary Louise Barger+MR. THOMAS ACKLIN

Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Cleary+MRS. BERTHA ANDERSON

Pat and Mark Townsend+SEBASTIAN WIMMER FAMILY OF BELLAIRE, OHIO

Mrs. Rose L. Daugherty+STELLA ROSE BENYO

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Benyo+PAUL BREINDEL

Mrs. Gertrude M. BrechtelMrs. Rosemary Breindel

+MRS. MARGARET (HOFFMAN) BYRNEVic and Betty Jevsevar

+ANNA CHURAMs. Victoria Valeria

+MR. FRANK CUDNIKMs. Stella M. Cudnik

+REV. EDWARD V. CURRYMr. Frank A. Skrjanc

+PAUL DUGGANMrs. Helen M. Duggan

+MARTIN AND THERESA FOYSRev. Msgr. Roger J. Foys

+MARY GASPERMr. William T. Gasper

+ANN A. GIGLIOTTIMs. Frances M. GigliottiMarge and John Kraft

+JOHN MICHAEL JOYCERev. Joseph R. Lemp

+MRS. ROSEMARY KLEEHAMMERMr. Wendel B. Kleehammer

+MR. STEPHEN P. KOSMOMrs. Angeline Kosmo

+MR. AND MRS. STEVE J. KOSMOMrs. Angeline Kosmo and +Mr. Stephen P. Kosmo

+REV. JOEL R. LIEB, O.S.B.Mr. and Mrs. Herman K. Dupré

+CHARLES W. MARTINMr. and Mrs. Robert V. Martin

+O. ROBERT MILLERMr. Melvin J. Matty

+MR. ERNEST L. PERRI, SR.Mr. Wendel B. Kleehammer

+MR. AND MRS. STEVE POVIRKMrs. Angeline Kosmo and +Mr. Stephen P. Kosmo

+VERNA RIPOLIMr. Bruno M. Ripoli

+MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH SZCZYGIELMrs. Angeline Kosmo and+Mr. Stephen P. Kosmo

To Whom Will the NextGeneration Belong?

In 1846 Saint Vincent founder Boniface Wimmer asked, “To whom will the next generation belong/” Since that time Saint Vincent Seminary h as been work-ing to ensure that the future belongs to Jesus Christ.

For over 150 years, the formation of future priests has been our mission at Saint Vincent Seminary. In that time we have been blessed to prepare 2,400 men to serve the people of God.

Our blessings continue to grow. At a time when other seminaries in this country suffer from declining enrollment, Saint Vincent Seminary is preparing record numbers of future priests to lead the Church in the new millennium.

As seminarians exhibit the courage and faith to accept the call to priest-hood, we must educate and prepare them. As Our Holy Father tells us, the formation of future priests is “one of the most demanding and important tasks for the future of the evangelization of humanity.” We cannot allow the chal-lenges of a growing enrollment and rising educational costs to impede our mission.

Please consider a gift to help support the priestly formation program at Saint Vincent Seminary. You can ensure the continued availability of nan-cial aid for Seminary students in need. Your gift will allow us to continue to prepare the leaders of the Church for the new millennium.

Yes, Father Kurt, I support Saint Vin-cent Seminary’s mission and the for-mation of future priests.

Here is my tax-deductible gift of:

$20 $50 $100 $500

Name

Address

City

State

Postal Code

Phone

For more information contact: Mr. William P. Malloy, Seminary Develop-ment Ofce, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pa., 15650-2690, 724-532-6740, [email protected].


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A Mystical Portrait of Jesus: New Perspectives on John’s Gospel(Continued from Page 11)

the Bible, it is time for worship in loving contemplation.

THE PASSION STORY IS CENTRALIn view of what has been already said, it should not be surprising

to learn that the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus constitute the heart and soul of all divine revelation. For this is the crucial event toward which all other words and events point. In fact, it has often been noted that the Gospels were written backwards, in the sense that the first stage of gospel formation was nothing more than a sum-mary of the passion story. A classic example of this is found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, where Paul provides a capsule of his preaching: “that Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, that he was raised and that he appeared.” This narrative is presented by Paul as the quintessence of gospel revelation and one will note immediately that it is a series of events, and not some saying of Jesus, that is at the center. No doubt a saying of Confucius is central to his teaching, but for Christianity all is centered in the event of Jesus’ death and resur-rection.

Only at a second stage did the evangelists add the stories and say-ings of the public ministry of Jesus. Moreover, they were necessarily highly selective in this process as they chose those episodes and say-ings of Jesus which were seen to be significant, not just at the time they occurred, but especially in the light of the death and resurrec-tion of Jesus. Accordingly, it is clear that certain actions or sayings of Jesus, which seemed to be important during his ministry, were seen later to have been really insignificant, while other apparently unimpressive events or sayings were later recognized as indispens-able because they showed how Jesus made choices which led to his untimely death and his glorious victory. Such choices were seen to be important because it was understood that the followers of Jesus would have to make similar decisions in their own lives.

It is also noteworthy that the death and resurrection of Jesus hap-pened on the anniversary of the original Exodus. This could not have been an accident, for it expressed the conviction of the gospel writers that the death and resurrection of Jesus summed up and transcended the meaning of the Exodus from Egypt. And just as the continuous actuality of the Exodus is expressed in the annual Passover Meal of Judaism, so also the Christian Eucharist has been understood as the continuous representation of the reality and consequences of the death and resurrection of Jesus. For this reason, the Easter Vigil Eucharist takes on special significance, for it celebrates the Paschal event on the actual anniversary of its occurrence.

JOHN’S SPECIAL CONCERNAs we ponder the Fourth Gospel, we become more and more

aware that its author has a special concern, which governs the way in which he presents the story of Jesus and of our salvation. This Gospel was written several decades after the Synoptic Gospels and it is evi-dent that the author has noticed something happening in the Christian communities that is a source of deep concern to him.

It is clear in all the Gospels, as it is in the entire Bible, that salva-tion is offered to us humans in a sacramental way. We are made up of body and spirit and therefore our contacts with God will inevita-bly be expressed in a way that respects this reality. Jesus himself, as Word made flesh, becomes the primary and essential sacramen-tal contact between humans and their God. This also means that reli-gious expression will always involve ritual words and actions. Indeed, the great saving events of the Exodus and resurrection of Jesus have always been re-enacted in a sacramental way in both Israel’s Pass-over and in the Christian Eucharist. We are not angels and we should not act toward God as if we were pure spirits. Nor does God act

toward us in that way. John’s special concern seems to derive from the fact that Christians

of his day had begun to succumb already to that most dangerous temptation of sacramental religion, namely, the careful observance of ritual without that deep, spiritual counterpart that constitutes the true meaning and purpose of the ritual. This temptation is so danger-ous because it is so much easier to observe rituals than to undertake personal conversion. Meticulous concern with external appearances may provide the illusion of virtue while inner conversion to unselfish love and service may be largely absent. As a consequence, we note throughout the Gospel of John an attempt to warn against a super-ficial Christianity, that knows all the right theological words and per-forms all the right ritual actions but which has not discovered the rich personal and mystical union with God in Christ for which these words and actions exist and toward which they point.

And so, for example, when John writes about baptism, he plays down the water ritual in order to emphasize the living faith, which alone makes the ritual effective for salvation. This is true also of his discussion of the Eucharist, where he moves the institution of this pri-mary sacrament out of the Last Supper in order to provide a lengthy introduction where he can stress the need for a deeply personal faith if the sacrament is to be fruitful in the lives of its recipients.

Moreover, this authentic faith will always involve to some degree a profound mystical awareness of God’s presence in even the most ordinary moments of our lives. This concern for a personal mystical experience of the presence of God, centered in Christ and nurtured by the Spirit, will be seen in every part of John’s Gospel.

JESUS AND THE COMMUNITY OF JOHNOne of the most striking features of John’s Gospel is the tendency

to identify Jesus with the community itself. No doubt the mystical quality of the author’s experience was a major factor here, for mys-ticism tends to disregard the limits of time and space. Thus, in chapter 4, Jesus is pictured converting the Samaritan woman and her villag-ers, yet there is no evidence elsewhere that any Samaritans became followers of Jesus during his public ministry. This beautiful story puts us in touch, therefore, with an historical event, which has been nar-rated in a way that sensitively accommodates the interests of the Samaritan converts in the Johannine community.

Likewise, in chapter 9, the parents of the blind man refuse to tes-tify before the Pharisees about their son lest they be cast out of the synagogue (9:22). In fact, it is extremely unlikely that anyone was expelled from the synagogue during the public ministry of Jesus. On the contrary, Jesus himself, according to Luke 4:16-18, was not only admitted to the synagogue at Nazareth but was invited to read and comment on a biblical text. Once again, the experience of the com-munity of John at the end of the first century, when they were in fact being expelled from the synagogue, is read back into the context of the ministry of Jesus.

Finally, and most importantly, the community of John sees itself standing with Jesus before Pilate during the passion of Jesus. It is very likely that this community was located in Asia Minor where, accord-ing to the Book of Revelation, they experienced radical weakness in the presence of Roman power, just as Jesus did before Pilate. They too felt the humiliation of Jesus as he was mocked and scourged. And they too knew by faith that the real power lay in the love of Jesus, just as must also be the case in their own situation. The primary purpose of John’s Gospel will be to reveal the power of this love, which Jesus brings from the Father and offers to us.


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Saint Vincent and Saint Paul Seminaries Initiate Joint Recruiting ProgramAfter many years of an informal partnership

whereby a number of Saint Paul Seminary (Pitts-burgh) graduates went on to theology studies at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, the two institu-tions have formally decided to share resources to promote their priestly formation programs.

Established in 1965 by the Diocese of Pittsburgh on two hundred acres in the Crafton area west of downtown Pittsburgh, Saint Paul Seminary is just 15 minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport. Saint Paul Seminary offers priestly formation for both college and pre-theology level students. Stu-dents enrolled in the priestly formation program at Saint Paul Seminary fulfill many of their academic requirements at Duquesne University. Saint Paul Seminary can accommodate up to 35 seminarians at this time.

Located on the grounds of Saint Vincent Arch-abbey in Latrobe, Saint Vincent Seminary is the fourth oldest Roman Catholic seminary and is spon-sored by the oldest Benedictine monastery in the United States. Saint Vincent Seminary provides

pre-theology and theology seminary formation.In this new relationship, Saint Vincent Semi-

nary and the Diocese of Pittsburgh will promote Saint Paul Seminary’s college level priestly forma-tion program for undergraduate students and the priestly formation program at Saint Vincent for theological studies.

“The Diocese of Pittsburgh has always had a good working relationship with Saint Vincent Seminary,” said Bishop Donald W. Wuerl of Pitts-burgh. “Together we can provide total quality priestly formation programs, from college to pre-theologate to theologate. This new arrangement will strengthen the relationship between the two seminaries, and more important, it will serve to enhance the programs at both institutions.”

Two options will be promoted as formation programs for pre-theology students. Saint Vincent Seminary will offer its one/two year pre-theology program for Benedictines and any interested dioc-esan seminarians. The Saint Vincent program is particularly helpful for those students who might

need only one year of philosophy or can com-bine philosophical and theological studies. Saint Paul Seminary will offer its two-year pre-theol-ogy program to those students and dioceses who are interested in a program which terminates in a two-year master’s degree. Through its relation-ship with Duquesne University, Saint Paul Semi-nary can provide its students and their dioceses with a Master of Arts in Philosophy for Theologi-cal Studies. This degree is the first of its kind in the region, and one of only a few in the nation.

Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Sem-inary Chancellor, noted, “With the opportunity then to go on to theology at Saint Vincent Semi-nary from either of these pre-theology programs, I think the Saint Paul/Saint Vincent combination is an unparalleled priestly formation opportunity for dioceses in the surrounding area and through-out the country. We look forward to this joint program between Saint Paul Seminary and Saint Vincent Seminary as we both work to prepare priests for the Third Millennium.”

Annual Alumni Day Activities Include Mass, Dinner

Featured at the annual Saint Vincent Seminary Alumni Day Banquet were, top left, Mr. John C. Marous, Jr., Chairman, Seminary Board of Regents; bottom left, Most Rev. Bernard Schmitt, Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, and Board of Regents member; top right, Bishop Schmitt celebrates Mass; bottom right, seminarians and alumni at the annual dinner.


20

sale would mean a sizeable capital gains tax. By making a year-end gift of this prop-erty instead, you would avoid the capital gains tax, and, at the same time, receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the property.

It is also possible to make a gift of your home, farm, or vacation home so that you and your spouse can continue to use it for your lifetime — while you receive a current year tax deduction. Please give me a call for details.

LIFE INCOME GIFTSIf you own stock which is paying you

little in dividends, a “life-income” gift may be an appropriate year-end gift.

You could transfer the stock to us and establish a ‘charitable remainder trust” or “charitable gift annuity” that would provide you with a 5% or greater annual return.

This income would be paid to you and/or a loved one for life, after which the assets would be distributed outright to us. Through such an arrangement, you may be able to increase your income and make a meaningful (and tax-deductible) contribution to us at the same time.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATIONPlease call or write me if you have questions on how to

make your gift.You should contact your own professional tax advisor

to learn how this general information relates to your cir-cumstances. Giving, as you know, is about much more than tax savings.Your charitable gifts make an impor-tant difference in what we are able to accomplish. On behalf of the Saint Vincent Seminary community, I thank you for your interest and support.

Mr. William P. MalloyDirector of DevelopmentSaint Vincent Seminary

300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690, Phone: 724-532-6740

E-mail: [email protected].

Development Corner: A Message from the Director

William MalloyDirector of Development

YEAR-END GIVINGAs you finalize your year-end tax plan-

ning, please consider making good use of the income tax charitable deduction. Your year-end gift can significantly reduce your income taxes, while providing meaning-ful support for Saint Vincent Seminary. Regardless of your income, if you itemize you can almost always lower the taxes you pay through charitable giving.

Here are some of the best year-end gift ideas. I would be pleased to provide you with further information. Also, I urge you to discuss your tax planning with your accountant or other professional advisor.

CASHIf you itemize, you can lower your

income taxes simply by writing us a check by December 31. There is no easier way to garner a year-end charita-ble deduction. Make sure your envelope is postmarked by December 31. If it is, your gift will qualify as a current year gift even if it is not received by us until the first week of next year.

Some employers will match your charitable gifts, mean-ing your gifts are worth even more. If your company or firm has a matching gift program, simply enclose the form along with your check. Gifts of cash are fully deductible — up to a maximum of 50% of your adjusted gross income.

Example:If your adjusted gross income is $50,000, up to $25,000

of charitable gifts may be deducted this year. Any excess can generally be carried forward and deducted over as many as five subsequent years.

STOCKIf you own stock, it is almost always more beneficial to

contribute stock than cash.This is because a gift of appreciated stock generally

offers a two-fold tax savings. First, you avoid paying any capital gains tax on the increase in value of the stock. Second, you receive an income tax charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock at the time of the gift.

Make sure you have owned the stock for more than one year to qualify for these significant tax advantages. Your gift of stock should be postmarked by December 31. Your stock broker can arrange for a year-end gift of stock from your account.

Gifts of appreciated stock are fully deductible — up to a maximum of 30% of your adjusted gross income.

Example:If your adjusted gross income is $50,000, up to $15,000

of long-term appreciated stock and other property gifts may generally be deducted this year. Any excess can generally be carried forward and deducted over as many as five sub-sequent years.

REAL ESTATEYour residence, vacation home, farm or acreage may

have appreciated in value through the years such that its

Yes, I would like to make a year-end gift. $50 $100 $500 $1000 Other

My company may match my gift. Enclosed is the form.

Name

Address

City State

Zip Phone

Make checks payable to Saint Vincent Seminary


21

The June 7, 2001 edition of The Catholic Accent featured an article on the oldest priest in the Greensburg Diocese, the late Msgr. Robert A. Hanicak, P’28, C’32, S’36, who was cel-ebrating 65 years in the priesthood. He was ordained in 1936 at Saint Vincent Archabbey and was the first retired priest to take up residence at Saint Joseph Center near Greensburg. He died on Sept. 5.

Originally from Mount Pleasant, Msgr. Hani-cak felt the call to the priesthood while in seventh grade at Saint Vincent Preparatory School. His sister and mother encouraged him in his vocation.

He served in McKees Rocks, Leechburg, Browns-ville, Mount Pleasant and Lower Burrell, retiring in 1984. He has also held a number of positions in the Diocese of Greensburg. He attended daily mass throughout his retirement.

* * * * *Alex Andrua, a seminarian from the Diocese

of Arua in Uganda, eastern Africa, spent his summer at Saint Benedict Parish in Baltimore, Maryland, under the mentorship of Father Pas-chal Morlino, O.S.B., a Benedictine of Saint Vincent Archabbey. He wrote in the parish bul-letin that “everybody I have met with is cheerful and welcoming. It has exactly reminded me of the African hospitality.”

* * * * *Br. Brian Boosel, O.S.B., C’96, a third the-

ology student at the Seminary, made his solemn profession of monastic vows at Saint Vincent Archabbey on July 11, along with Br. Mark Flo-reanini, O.S.B., C’00, who is entering the Semi-nary this fall.

* * * * *Br. Gregory Montagna, O.S.B., S’00, now

entering the Master of Arts Program at the Semi-nary, made his first profession of monastic vows at Saint Vincent Archabbey on July 10. He also has a master of divinity degree from the Seminary.

* * * * *In news of alumni:Rev. Dean Cesa, S’97, formerly parochial

vicar of Saint Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte, has been named pastor of Saint John Parish, Tryon, in the Diocese of Charlotte.

* * * * *Very Rev. Martin D. McCamley, C’58,

S’62. has been named Dean of the Northern Deanery in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. He remains as pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in State College.

* * * * *Father Richard E. Mackiewicz, S’69,

was appointed pastor of Saint Matthew Parish, Saltsburg, with financial administration for Saint Ambrose Parish, Avonmore in the Greensburg Diocese.

* * * * *Father Terry A. Hercik, S’80, is now pastor

of Immaculate Conception Parish, Connellsville, Diocese of Greensburg.

* * * * *Father Dennis A. Bogusz, S’79, has been

assigned pastoral duties in the parishes of Saint

Stanislaus, Calumet, and Immaculate Conception, Connellsville, with residence in Holy Trinity Rec-tory, Connellsville, Diocese of Greensburg.

* * * * *Father William J. Lechnar, S’96, is asso-

ciate director of the Office of Pastoral Life and Planning in the Diocese of Greensburg, with res-idence in Transfiguration Rectory, Mount Pleas-ant.

* * * * *Rev. Michael C. Letteer, S’95, had his

three-year term as parochial vicar at St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus Parish, New Cumberland, extended for a year. The parish is in the Harris-burg Diocese.

* * * * *Rev. Daniel F.X. Powell, S’92, was assigned

another three-year term as campus minister at Millersville University and Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, in the Diocese of Harrisburg.

* * * * *Rev. Paul Shuda, C’56, S’60, received a

renewal of his six-year term as pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Harris-burg.

* * * * *Rev. Dwayne A. McNew, S’93, has been

named pastor of Portsmouth Holy Redeemer Parish in the Diocese of Columbus, his first pastor-

ate.* * * * *

Four priests and Saint Vincent Seminary grad-uates have attained senior priest status in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown: Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Kiniry, S’50, who most recently served as pastor of Saint Benedict Parish in John-stown, and Dean of the Johnstown Deanery; Rev. Msgr. Thomas K. Mabon, S’57, who was pastor of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in John-stown; Rev. John J. Marshall, S’59, who was pastor of Saints Casimir and Emerich Parish in Johnstown; and Rev. Charles F. Leon-ardis, C’51, S’54, who was pastor of Holy Child Jesus Parish in Windber, which was clustered with and later merged into Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish in Windber.

* * * * *Rev. Jozef Kovacik, S’97, has been assigned

as parochial vicar at Saint Benedict Parish in John-stown, after serving in the same capacity at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona, where he was also master of ceremonies.

* * * * *Rev. Allen P. Zeth, S’86, is moving from

parochial vicar at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown to pastor of Saint John the Baptist Parish and Director of the Retreat Center in New Baltimore, Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.

* * * * *Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Saly, S’85, is moving

from team ministry at Prince of Peace Parish in Northern Cambria to pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Duncansville, remaining as Director of Catholic Social Services, Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.

* * * * *Rev. Peter J. Kuligowski, S’95, is moving

from parochial vicar at Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown to parochial vicar at Prince of Peace Parish in Northern Cambria, Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.

* * * * *Rev. James M. Dugan, S’89, is pastor of

Saints Philip and James Parish in Meyersdale, with its mission of Saint Gregory in Macdonald-

Very Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B., Rector of Saint Vincent Seminary, presents a gift to Father Alan Thomas, who served as Seminary Dean of Students for a three-year term. Father Alan completed his three-year assignment in Latrobe, and moves on to serve as parochial vicar at Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Altoona. Father Alan was also director of ongoing formation of clergy in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.



22

* * * * *Rev. Otto B. Pisoni, C’37, S’41, retired

pastor of Holy Cross Parish, Brandy Camp, and president of the International Apostolate of Our Lady of Fatima, is celebrating his 60th anniver-sary in the priesthood this year.

* * * * *Br. Nicholas A. Koss, O.S.B., P’61, C’66,

S 70, prior of Wimmer Priory in Taipei, Taiwan, was promoted to full professor at Fu Jen Catholic University.

* * * * *Rev. Michael W. Matusak, P 67 S’75,

pastor of St. Pius X Church, Mt. Pleasant, is chap-

ton. He was previously parochial vicar at Saint Rose of Lima parish in Altoona.

* * * * *In the Diocese of Erie, Rev. William Cala-

brese, S’98, has been named parochial vicar of Saint Joseph Parish, Sharon.

* * * * *Father Scott E. Katren, S’91, has been

named temporary parochial administrator at Saint John the Baptist Parish, Erie.

* * * * *Father Regis J. Meenihan, S’91, has been

reappointed parochial vicar at St. Brigid Parish, Meadville and Catholic chaplain at Allegheny Col-lege, Meadville, in the Erie Diocese.

* * * * *Newly-ordained Father David A. Perry,

S’00, and Father James A. Reardon, S’00, of the Erie Diocese have been given their first assignments. Father Perry is serving as parochial vicar at St. Peter Cathedral Parish, Erie, while Father Reardon is parochial vicar at St. Luke Parish, Erie.

* * * * *Father David E. Prenatt, S’94, an Erie

diocesan priest, has been named parochial vicar at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, DuBois, effective Sept. 24.

* * * * *Rev. Michael Messner, S’97, a priest of

the Harrisburg Diocese, has been assigned from parochial vicar of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, Gettysburg, to auditor of the Diocesan Tribunal and graduate studies in canon law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Father Messner is residing at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Harrisburg.

lain to the borough fire department.* * * * *

Joseph Dreliszak, C’77, S’91, completed his doctoral work in education at Duquesne Uni-versity in Spring 2000. His thesis title: Examining the Spiritual Leadership of Four Elementary School Principals and its Contributing Role with Enhancing the Schools’ Catholic Iden-tity. Also he received the Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility - State of Pennsylvania. Joe started to work as an adjunct professor at Duquesne University. He is working on a book of themes and reflections for Catholic school principals. The book will be called Remembering the Present.

* * * * *Rev. James F. Podlesny, O.S.B., S’80,

pastor of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Pal-myra, is celebrating this year the 25th jubilee of his monastic profession.

* * * * *Rev. Donald R. Bischof, S’83, pastor

of Divine Mercy Church, Beaver Falls, recently received the Beaver County Holy Name Man of the Year Award. Five others were among this year’s honorees.

* * * * *Richard R. Rossi, C’84, S’91, is the Direc-

tor of Choral Activities at Eastern Illinois Uni-versity. He is also Director of the Eastern Illinois Symphonic Orchestra.

* * * * *Rosemary J. Bertocci, Ph.D., S’86, assis-

tant professor of religious studies at Saint Francis University, has been named to the executive board of Delta Epsilon Sigma, the national scholastic honor society for Catholic colleges and universi-ties.

* * * * *Appointments to the College of Deans in the

Rev. Mr. Carl Kerkemeyer, left, and Rev. Mr. David Medina, both of the Diocese of Tulsa, ank Tulsa Bishop Edward Slattery after their ordination to the diaconate held at Saint Vincent Seminary this spring. Bishop Slattery was the ordaining prelate.

(Photo by Mark Van Alstine of the Savannah Diocese.)

Seminarians ordained to the diaconate at the Archabbey Basilica in April included, from left, Rev. Mr. Terence Crone, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Rev. Mr. Christpher Roux, Diocese of Charlotte; Rev. Mr. David Medina, Diocese of Tulsa; Rev. Mr. Bryan Small, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Rev. Mr. Carl Kerkemeyer, Diocese of Tulsa and Rev. Br. Michael Calhoun, O.S.B., Saint Bede Abbey. (Photo by Mark Van Alstine of the Savannah Diocese.)




23

Pittsburgh Diocese for three-year terms were made for Very Rev. Kenneth E. Oldenski, V.F., dean of the Northwest Deanery; Very Rev. Carl J. Gentile, V.F., dean of the East Subur-ban Deanery; Very Rev. Stephen M. Cher-venak, V.F., dean of the Mon Yough Deanery; Very Rev. Daniel A. Valentine, V.F., dean of the Steel Valley Deanery; Very Rev. Donald P. Breier, V.F., dean of the South Hills Deanery; Very Rev. Harry R. Bielewicz, V.F., dean of the Butler County Deanery; Very Rev. Wil-liam P. Feeney, V.F., dean of the Washington County East Deanery; Very Rev. James G. Young, V.F., dean of the Washington County West Deanery.

* * * * *Very Rev. Harry R. Bielewicz, S’86, is

moving from pastor at Saint Wendelin Parish, Carbon Center, in the Pittsburgh Diocese, to pastor of Saint Paul Parish, Butler, for six years.

* * * * *Rev. Charles S. Bober, an adjunct faculty

member at the Seminary, is moving from pastor of Saint John Vianney Parish, South Pittsburgh, to pastor of Saint Kilian Parish, Mars, for a six-year term.

* * * * *Rev. Edward L. Yuhas, S’97, has been

assigned as parochial vicar, Saints John and Paul Parish, Franklin Park/Marshall Township, and Saint Mary Parish, Aleppo Township, in the Dio-cese of Pittsburgh. He was master of ceremonies to the diocesan bishop and assistant director of the Office for Worship in the Secretariat for Pastoral Life.

* * * * *Rev. Richard J. Thompson, S’96, is

moving from parochial vicar at Saint Alphonsus Parish, Wexford, to parochial vicar, Prince of Peace Parish, South Side, and part-time chaplain, Central Catholic High School, in the Pittsburgh Diocese.

* * * * *At his request, Rev. George T. DeVille,

C53, S’57, will continue to maintain his responsi-bilities as pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, Muse, in the Pittsburgh Diocese, but has been relieved of his responsibilities as part-time chaplain to the Catho-lic patients and staff at Mayview State Hospital.

* * * * *Rev. Thomas J. Kram, C’46, S’49, D’93,

has retired as chaplain to the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Providence of God Motherhouse, Whitehall, and will take up residence at Nativity Parish, South Park, in the Pittsburgh Diocese. He will continue his responsibilities as Vicar for Retired Clergy for the diocese.

* * * * *Rev. Hugh M. Gloninger, C’53, S’56, has

retired as pastor of Saint Paul Parish, Butler, in the Pittsburgh Diocese. He is now residing in Saint John Vianney Manor.

* * * * *Rev. Joseph C. Beck, S’84, has moved

from residence at Saint Bede Parish, Point Breeze,

in the Pittsburgh Diocese, to Saint Rosalia Parish, Greenfield. He maintains his responsibility as chap-lain to Nursing Home Ministry.

* * * * *Rev. Chad Ficorilli, O.S.B., C’73, S’79,

has been named to a three-year term as Regional Moderator in the Diocese of Greensburg by Bishop Anthony G. Bosco.

* * * * *Seminary Board of Regents member Rev.

Msgr. Raymond G. East spoke on the increas-ing diversity in the Catholic Church, this spring in Pittsburgh. He was the guest speaker at the ninth annual Community of Faith gathering May 10 at the Radisson Hotel in Greentree. The gathering recognizes the importance of ministerial leaders in Total Catholic Education and includes pastors, principals, catechetical administrators and youth ministers.

* * * * *Rev. Adrian Pleus, S’98, parochial vicar at

St. Catherine of Siena Church, Kennesaw, Geor-gia in the Atlanta Archdiocese, was pictured in the Georgia Bulletin at the Archdiocesan Con-ference on Prison Ministry. Father Pleus works in prison ministry at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Center, Jackson, periodically. He is unable to work in Cobb County prison ministry because he also serves as Cobb County police chaplain.

* * * * *Four days shy of his ordination to the priest-

hood, Robert Vular, S’00, spoke at a gathering at Saint Paul Seminary in Crafton for men inter-ested in exploring a vocation.

The “Road to the Priesthood” program also featured seminarian Matthew McClain.

Deacon Vular pointed out “that with so much noise in the world, a man thinking about the priest-hood must let the Holy Spirit work within him. He said the sense of peace he felt once he made his decision was indescribable,” wrote Pittsburgh Catholic staff writer John Franko in a June 1 arti-cle. “His only regret is that he didn’t make his deci-sion earlier. ‘I see now what the glorious gift of the

priesthood is,’ he said.”* * * * *

Father Chrysostom Schlimm, O.S.B., P’52, C’57, S’61, was one of four people hon-ored as an Alumnus of Distinction at the Saint Vincent College Alumni Reunion Weekend held from Aug. 3-5. He is associate professor and special collections librarian for the Saint Vincent Libraries.

* * * * *Rev. Bernard Finerty, O.F.M. Cap.,

S’61, has been appointed director of Paul VI Pastoral Center, Wheeling, West Virginia, effec-tive August 8.

* * * * * Additional ordinations this year involving

three men who began their studies at Saint Vin-cent Seminary and completed them in Rome:

Rev. Luke R. Ballman, S 96, was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop John F. Dono-ghue, Archbishop of Atlanta, on July 14 at Saint Benedict Church, Duluth, Georgia. After fin-ishing his pre-theology studies at Saint Vincent, Fr. Ballman was assigned to the Pontifical North American College in Rome where he earned an S.T.B. degree from the Gregorian University and an S.T.L. in spirituality from the Pontifical Uni-versity of Saint Thomas. He is now serving as parochial vicar at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta, GA.

Rev. Charles A. Byrd, Jr., S 97, was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop John F. Donoghue, Archbishop of Atlanta, on July 14 at Saint Benedict Church, Duluth, Georgia. After completing three years of studies for the priest-hood at Saint Vincent, Fr. Byrd was assigned to the Pontifical North American College in Rome where he earned an S.T.B. degree from the Gre-gorian University and an S.T.L. in spirituality from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas. He is now serving as parochial vicar at the Church of Saint Andrew, Roswell, GA.

Rev. John Mark, S 98, was ordained to the priesthood on August 4 by Bishop George

Return to BoardThree members of the Saint Vincent Seminary Board of Regents who have previously

served on the board have returned to accept additional terms. They are, from left, Msgr. Lawrence E. Brandt, Chancellor of the Diocese of Erie; Msgr. Raymond G. East, pastor of Nativity Parish in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and Msgr. Paul A. Lenz, who serves as executive director of the Black and Indian Mission Ofce, Washington, D.C.




24

February 23, 2001.Rev. Valentine Sed-

lak, S’44, on the death of his brother Albert M. Sedlak on May 22, 2001.

Rev. Richard P. Scherer, P’42, C’47, S’49, on the death of his brother John H. “Jack” Scherer on August 6, 2001.

Rev. Msgr. Andrew A. Chupela, C’51, S ‘55, on the death of his brother John Chupela on May 3, 2001.

Rev. Msgr. Donald W. Kraus, Ph.D., S.T.D., C’51, S’54, on the death of his mother Marie G. Kraus on March 17, 2001, at the age of 101.

Rev. Conan E. Feigh, O.S.B., P’48, C’53, S’57, on the death of his mother Margaret Feigh on March 1, 2001.

Rev. Cornelius P. Chang, O.S.B., C’58, S’62, on the death of his father Louis Chang on April 8, 2001.

Rev. Robert J. Schweitzer, C’60, S’66, on the death of his father, Clarence Schweitzer, on April 9, 2001.

Rev. William Rathgeb, S’67, on the death of his mother Ethel Rathgeb on September 26.

Rev. V. Paul Fitzmaurice, C’68, on the death of his father Vincent Fitzmaurice on Octo-ber 14, 2001.

Rev. Kenneth R. White, S’68, on the death of his father Howard White on April 25, 2001.

Rev. James G. Salbery, S’69, on the death of his step-father Robert W. Smith on August 30, 2001.

Rev. John T. Euker, C’70, S’74, on the death of his brother Charles Euker on April 3, 2001.

Red Mass SpeakerC. J. Queenan, Jr., Esq., gave the address

at the 34th Annual Red Mass in honor of the Bench and Bar, at noon Friday, Sept. 28 at the Archabbey Basilica. A practicing attorney spe-cializing in the areas of tax, corporate, inter-national and transactional law, Mr. Queenan is currently Senior Counsel in the law firm of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP and Chairman of its Audit Committee. He is recipient of the Distinguished Pennsylvanian Award; listed in America’s Best Lawyers and Who’s Who in America and was named one of Pittsburgh’s Top 50 Business Leaders — 2001 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He serves on the Saint Vincent College Board of Directors.

Slovak Christmas ConcertThe Jendruch Family of Slovakia will return to Saint Vincent

on Saturday, December 22, at 8 p.m. in the Archabbey Basilica for a Christmas Concert. This will be the third Christmas Concert the popular group has given at Saint Vincent. The event is spon-sored by Saint Vincent Seminary.

Rev. Edward Roberts, C’89, on the death of his father Richard Roberts on October 10, 2001.

Rev. Vincent F. Kolo, S’95, on the death of his mother Anna Mae Kolo on March 22, 2001.

Br. Nicholas V. Nicol, O.S.B., on the death of his mother Martha A. Nicol on January 1, 2001.

* * * * *The following deaths were reported:Rev. Msgr. Robert A. Hanicak, P’28,

C’32, S’36, on September 5, 2001.Rev. Joel R. Lieb, O.S.B., P’38, C’43,

S’46, on June 8, 2001.Rev. Albert J. Marconyak, S’43, on May

31, 2001. Rev. Michael T. Gubanich, S’47, on May

31, 2001.Rev. Msgr. John L. Garred, C’49, S’52,

on April 5, 2001. Rev. George Alderson, S’71, on October

7, 2001.

Murray at Saint Croix, Virgin Islands. After beginning his studies for the priesthood at Saint Vincent, Fr. Mark was assigned to the Pontifical North American College in Rome where he was ordained to the diaconate and completed his studies for the priesthood.

* * * * *Condolences are offered to:Rev. Francis G. Massung, C’36, S’40,

on the death of his sister Catherine Massung on


Saint Vincent Seminary300 Fraser Purchase Road

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