St. Charles Borromeo Seminary opened once again this September for the education and formation of 176 seminarians from 12 (arch)dioceses and six religious congregations; 67 of the seminarians are preparing to become priests in our archdiocese! Founded in 1832, it has provided excellent priestly formation for our archdiocese and (arch)dioceses around the country. I am very proud of our seminary and grateful for the preparation it offered me to be your priest. It’s clear that we need a seminary to prepare more men to become priests to serve the faithful of our archdiocese and around the world.
However, as I’m sure you have heard by now, it has moved, once again. It is now located on a new campus adjacent to Gwynedd Mercy University. It is a much more intimate setting and the seminarians are very happy there for a number of reasons. First of all, everything works – lights, heat, air conditioning – and there aren’t any leaking roofs. That wasn’t the case in the old buildings, which were in need of millions of dollars of deferred maintenance. The new buildings are filled with great religious art from the old campus and, at the same time, are equipped with the latest technology to assist them in their studies. Most important, they feel a much greater sense of community since they aren’t rattling around in facilities built for 500 seminarians. They have quickly adjusted to their new home and are working hard to prepare for their ordination.
Main Line Health Care purchased the property where the old seminary stood for $43.5 million. With these funds, the Archdiocese was able to purchase 15 acres and build the new seminary. An Endowment Fund has also been established to ensure the continued maintenance of the new seminary. But, funding for day-to-day operations depends heavily on the annual Seminary Appeal. Along with every other registered parishioner throughout the archdiocese, you should have already received a packet from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary as it begins its annual direct mail appeal. Support for our seminary is especially important today. As part of our annual Seminary Appeal, Mr. Bob Hutz, who is studying at the seminary in preparation for priestly ordination, will speak at all the Masses next weekend to let you know about the seminary and ask for your continued support. The motto for this year is: For Today. For Tomorrow. For All of Us – a very fitting motto as we look to support the seminary today as it prepares the priests, deacons and laity to serve us for years to come! Please be as generous as you can in supporting our seminary to ensure a continued bright future for this very important institution of our archdiocese.