Archive
MIAMI HERALD article on Bryan Garcia at SJVCS !!!
This morning, I saw Bryan Garcia, Javier & Chuck on the FRONT page of the Miami Herald and I thought I was dreaming. After realizing I wasn’t, I started reading the article titled, “Answering the Call” that continued to TWO FULL PAGES inside. WOW!!!
The article spoke on the high enrollment at St John Vianney College Seminary (SJVCS) and the discernment process of seminarians, specifically profiling Bryan Garcia, my fellow brother seminarian.
The rector, Msgr Michael Carruthers, has some great quotes as well. “What they [seminarians] want most is help in knowing the Lord. If that leads to priesthood, great.” And is the section about struggling in discernment, he said, “If you don’t struggle, you’re not discerning.”
The article closed with one of my favorite passage, Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
There is also a SECOND ARTICLE on “Priesthood of today is much smaller than a decade ago.”
There is also an AUDIO SLIDESHOW with Bryan sharing his experience in seminary at SJVCS. CHECK IT ALL OUT!!!
Dedication of Mary mosaic @ SJVCS
Today, at St John Vianney College Seminary, was the highly anticipated dedication of the new mosaic of Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea in the one of the chapel gardens around St Raphael Chapel. Orlando Bishop Wenski celebrated Mass and the blessing and dedication of the new mosaic. Artist (and seminarian) Peter Dionne (SJVCS class of 2008) was present along with friend, family and supporters of SJVCS.
Also see picture of mosaic conception through completion and prayer of consecration to Mary.
[these pictures taken by Cliff Whitty, a SJVCS seminarian]
prayer of consecration to Mary
† PRAYER OF CONSECRATION †
Most Holy Trinity, Our Father in Heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your spouse; God the Son, who chose Mary as your Mother; in union with Mary, we adore your majesty and acknowledge your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.
Most Holy Trinity, we put St. John Vianney College Seminary into the hands of Mary Immaculate, the New Eve and Star of the Sea, in order that she may present this seminary to you. Through her we wish to thank you for the great blessings you have bestowed upon us throughout our fifty years of service. Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the local churches we serve. Shower wisdom upon our bishops and all who assist them in their responsibilities of governance. Bestow strength to our seminary administration, faculty, and staff. Grant protection to those here discerning the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Call forth the precious gift of many vocations to the diocesan priesthood. Through the intercession of our mother, have mercy on the sick, the poor, the refugee, the tempted, sinners–on all who are in need.
Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our mother, patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and consecrate our seminary and ourselves to your immaculate heart. O Sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, pierced by the sword of sorrow prophesied by Simeon, save us from degeneration, presumption, and despair. Protect us from all harm. O sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, you who bore the sufferings of your son in the depths of your heart, be our advocate. Pray for us, the community of St. John Vianney College Seminary, that acting always according to the will of your divine son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.
[this prayer is especially used for today’s dedication of the new mosaic of Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea at SJVCS]
new mosaic of Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea
For the last couple of years, Msgr Michael Carruthers (rector of SJVCS) and Peter Dionne (artist & seminarian, SJVCS class of 2008) have been working on a new mosaic to our Blessed Mother for the chapel gardens. With today’s dedication of the new mosaic to Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea, here are some pictures posted by Fr Michael from mosaic conception through completion.
— Wow! Beautiful! Surely our Lady is happy.
Also see dedication ceremony here.
Consecration prayer to Mary here.
Christopher West with Theology of the Body at SJVCS
Today my seminary friends at St John Vianney College Seminary in Miami were blessed with a day of lectures on Pope John Paul II’s ” Theology of the Body” by renown speaker Christopher West, founder of the Theology of the Body Institute.
I’m guessing his lecture was very similar to the 2-day lecture he gave at IPF this past summer on “Priestly Celibacy and the Redemption of Sexuality.” See day #1 at IPF (plus video of Christopher West lectures). See day #2 at IPF.
current news item: Following debate, two bishops affirm ‘strong support’ for Christopher West
Weblinks to Theology of the Body resources:
- Christopher West homepage
- Theology of the Body Institute
- Theology of the Body — other resources, speakers, Theology of the Body International Alliance
- Theology of the Body — John Paul II’s 129 lectures
- Theology of the Body — wikipedia info
[thanks to Javier Barreto for the picture]
SJVCS enrollment at 35-year high
There’s a great article in the Florida Catholic.org this week about the 50th Anniversary of St John Vianney College Seminary in Miami have a record enrollment of 76 men discerning the priesthood, which is a 35-year high. Check out the article.
— There are a couple of great picture of my seminarian brother Jason Priela praying in the newpaper. I’m still praying for all the guys at SJVCS, old friends & the newbies. 🙂
leaving seminary formation
Over the last two years in seminary formation at St John Vianney College Seminary, I have been gifted with the opportunity and tools to help in my discernment of a vocation to the priesthood. The support, encouragement and growth were especially evident in my summer assignment at the Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) in Omaha, NE. My summer was graced with regular spiritual direction, tools in deepening prayer, an 8-day Ignatian Silent Retreat, apostolic work in hospital pastoral service, courses on sexuality, diocesan priestly spirituality and liturgy, and the fellowship of brother seminarians from around the country.
Throughout my summer experience at IPF, I spend considerable time in serious prayer and discernment with a gifted spiritual director that helped me recognize an intimacy with the Lord that brought overwhelming joy and peace. I came to realize that my journey with the Lord at this point in my life would call for leaving seminary formation in order to pursue stronger desires of my heart. This decision, when brought to prayer over some time, has come with a confidence in the Holy Spirit that radiates peace in my heart.
I know this news comes with some sadness from the Archdiocese of Miami for losing a seminarian, but know that I will continue discerning the Lord’s plan for me in all that I do. I wish to express the deepest gratitude to Archbishop Favalora and the Archdiocese of Miami for their prayer, support, attention, tools and opportunity to discernment a vocation to the priesthood. Thank you and know I will continue to support vocations and sharing my own faith journey to others encouraging the Body of Christ to discern their own unique roles to grow the Kingdom of God.
back from IPF
I just got back from IPF in Omaha yesterday. I’m trying to get settled and I need to see some close friends and priests to share and discuss my experience over the summer in relation to my discernment of a priestly vocation.
I miss IPF but it’s good to be home.
Walk for Life @ SJVC seminary
Today is the annual “Walk for Life” done throughout the US with multiple locations around the Archdiocese of Miami. Our seminary was one of the locations. The day began with Mass with Miami Auxiliary Bishop Noonan with a full Chapel.
don’t be a loser … commit
MASS – (Fr Santos) — Gospel about the beheading of John the Baptist.
There are 3 kinds of people in this world: (1) Runners avoid their problems, (2) Watchers sit on the fence; both avoid pain, hurt and becoming vulnerable when dealing with difficulties of life. They lose out on triumph, victory and joy that (3) Those that Commit have as their reward.
more basketball
SPORTS NIGHT (take 2) — again, Sports Night was delayed … so no volleyball … I “played” basketball again … my calves are rock hard.
Salesian Spirituality
"Hey, that's St John Bosco!"
RECTOR’s CONFERENCE – (Fr Alvarez) — for a change, our Vice Rector / Dean of Men did the conference for the whole house on Salesian Sprituality. He shared some great personal experiences on St John Bosco, Salesian Spirituality, his “Preventative” System of Education (promote love over punishment), his 3 Pillars (reason, religion & kindness … also music and games), and some application to our lives & ministries.
Love is all important. Be sure people feel loved.
Meet people where their at. And yourself as well.
It’s a spirituality that helps us realize we need to have fun!
coco morning
It’s cold today … even at breakfast! Hot chocolate for sure!
basketball + clean shoes
SPORTS NIGHT — since Sports Night was delayed (HS practice) until 9:30pm, not enough guys for volleyball. The basketball players needed 1 more to make even teams, so I “played” (there must be a better word for what I did).
Beforehand, I finally cleaned those dirty white shoes.
spiritual awareness + God alone suffices
MASS – (Fr Vallee) — No prophet is accepted in his home … Fr Omar laugh … Spirituality is about awareness … stay awake!
HOLY HOUR – (Fr Michael) — “God alone suffices”
So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ (Jesus) will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen. — 1Peter 5:6-11
Haitian food night
CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — tonight was Haitian food nite. Great food, especially the pumpkin “freedom” soup!
diet: “More Priests Less #s” week #4
The new diet plan here at the seminary, “More Priest, Less Pounds,” (by Fr Jose Alvarez) is still in effect Week #4. Some guys are getting results. There are a lot more guys working out at our gym (and some local gyms). — I’m starting to feel fat just being around all these health-nuts!
Superbowl Party @ SJVC seminary
SOCIAL — The Sophomore class was in charge of any AWESOME Superbowl Party. Great game. Great fellowship. AWESOME FOOD (so much, I couldn’t take pictures of all if it … missed the chocolate bread pudding & ice cream).
At half-time, they brought out the killer casadias and chicken wings. — “More Priests Less Pounds” diet is suspended tonight … in memory of all this food!
flag football @ SJVCS
SPORTS — before tonight’s Superbowl game, we played some flag-football. — only minor injuries … wrists … knees … pride … etc.
SJVCS Seminary Life Album
July '09 -- hospital chaplains @ IPF
Easter '09 -- Miami SJVCS friends
the Son always finds a break in let the clouds
Feb '09 -- school vocation talks @ AMHS
Feb '09 -- cold breakfast with brothers (Matias, Fenly & Randy), now at SVDP and Imad (at SJVCS)
Superbowl '09 -- eating great @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- Worklist Coordinators?
St Raphael Chapel mural @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- retreats @ SJVCS
"It's not easy being green"
Catholic Kermit 
Recent Comments