Under the patronage of St. Philip Neri, the International Seminary of the Institute has begun another academic year in the buildings of the Villa Martelli situated in the Tuscan hills ten miles east of Florence.
Due to some recent restoration work, the seminary can now accommodate 71 seminarians for the daily life of prayer, study, and work. Because of the lack of space, another 14 seminarians are sent out to various apostolates of the Institute in Europe where, alongside the Canons, they are also learning important lessons about priestly life and pastoral care of souls.
This year's class of seminarians entering their first year numbers 4 men from North America, as well as 12 others from France, Spain, Portugal, and Malaysia. One in every three of the 85 seminarians comes from the United States and Canada.
New first-year seminarians with their prefect, Canon AppleThese men from four continents are daily learning from one another just how the Catholic Church is truly universal. At the same time, they are also formed in a spirit of Romanitas, which unites them in fidelity to the See of Peter and to the doctrine and traditions taught by the Roman Pontiffs. The spirituality of St. Francis de Sales teaches the seminarians to live in charity as a family, focusing more on the holy ideals and desires they share as sons of the Church rather than on the secondary differences of personal background, cultural tastes and habits.
With diligence, perseverance and sacrifice, each young man is answering the call to the holy priesthood. Will you help them?
As we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King on the last Sunday of October, as instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, we invite all faithful to pray for these seminarians and to provide financial support for them.
Even the sacrificial contributions of you who have only limited means are of great value to these generous young vocations!