On Sunday, November 3, Very Rev. Luke Strand, Rector of St. Francis de Sales Seminary, Milwaukee, visited St. Stanislaus. Fr. Charles Luke, newly-ordained priest of the archdiocese and several seminarians joined Fr. Strand in announcing the inaugural capital campaign for the restoration of St. Francis de Sales seminary.
Founded in 1845, St. Francis de Sales Seminary is the third oldest Roman Catholic seminary in continuous operation in the United States and the oldest on its original site. The Semiinary is the first academic and formational institution in Wisconsin and one of the most venerable in the country. henni Hall was completed in 1856 and its iconic dome and chapel were completed in 1861.
Since 2008, the strength of the formation program has drawn 10 new sending dioceses and enrollment has expanded to 90 men-- an increase of more than 165%. More than 4,200 Cathoic priests have been formed over the 179-year history. Among the Siminary's distinguished alumni are 45 bishops, 3 cardinals and two future saints -- Blessed Solanus Casey and Servant of God Fr. Joseph Walijewski. The nine men ordained in 2024 represent the largest ordinarion class for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in over 30 years.
Included in the restoration project are: Expansion of kitchen, dining room, classrooms, and lecture spaces; Infrastructure upgrades; and full restoration and beautification of Christ King Chapel -- the heart of the Seminary -- as well as the grand staircase, dome and corridors.
Insititute of Christ the King priests, Canon Benoit Jayr, and Canon Olivier Meney before him, have been intimately involved in assisting young men at St. Francis de Sales Seminary in their formation. Fr. Strand expressed his gratitute for their cooperation, assistance, and edification of the seminarians over the past several years. This close relationship has fostered a renewed appreciation for the Extraordinary Form among these young men.
Member of St. Stanislaus oratory are invited -- along with all Catholic churches throughout the diocese -- to respond with generosity to this capital campaign to ensure the formation of faithful, selfless, and zealous priests for the future. For more information, please visit sfs.edu/zeal.