News & Events

Monday, September 21, 2009
by: Benjamin Emmel

The College Seminary recently welcomed fourteen men to seminary formation, marking the newest class of men studying for the priesthood. The new seminarians represent each of the five dioceses of New Jersey, and hail from the United States, Columbia, Puerto Rico, and El Salvador.

"The new men at the house are a delightful and inspiring group of men," said Monsignor Joseph Reilly, rector of the College Seminary. "Representing five dioceses and three countries, in addition to the United States, they bring a tremendous amount of talent and experience to us. Their presence with us is truly a blessing from the Lord!”

The latest seminarians, one of the largest classes in recent years, join the College Seminary at an especially pertinent time, as Pope Benedict XVI has declared this year the Year for Priests. This celebration of the priesthood is intended as a celebration for the entire Church in recognizing the importance of the priestly vocation, especially in this modern era.

Monsignor Reilly said that this special period in honor of priests is an invitation for the seminarians to pattern their lives after Jesus Christ, and the famed “Curé de Ars,” Saint John Marie Vianney. “Much of seminary life can lead one to look to the future, and to neglect the opportunity to experience God's grace here and now. The life and example of Saint John Vianney remind us that living in the present moment, amidst the challenges and struggles of today, is where God is found.”

The new men have already joined fellow students, as well as the fourteen men returning to St. Andrew's Hall, in their classes at Seton Hall, where they study in the Catholic Theology program. In addition to their academic work, seminarians assist in local parishes and religious organizations, as well as attending ongoing formation sessions to assist in development both as a young man, and future priest.

Despite the challenges of integrating into a new university and seminary community, Monsignor Reilly expressed his hope that each seminarian would learn to deeply appreciate the joy of the priestly life as exemplified by St. John Vianney, who wrote “To be loved by God, to be joined to God, to walk before God, to live for God  - O blessed Life!”

“I am looking forward to the coming year with great hope and enthusiasm,” the rector said.

The College Seminary - St. Andrew's Hall has a clear mission: to provide the foundation for a young man discerning a call to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. For more information, contact Msgr. Joseph Reilly at (973) 761-9420 or via e-mail at collegeseminary@shu.edu.

For more information please contact:
Msgr. Joseph Reilly
(973) 761-9420
joseph.reilly@shu.edu