Seminarian, Third Theology
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Forty Hours in St. Martin Chapel, 2010 |
The Rector, Fr. Shaun Mahoney celebrates mass for the community on the 3rd day of 40 Hours celebration |
Dan Kravatz, 1st Theology getting ready at Mass |
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Fr. Bongard celebrates Mass on All Saints Day |
[Panis Angelicus Video] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SkdKniABZg {Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following All Saints Day mass opens this years Forty Hours Celebration}
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At Vespers, Bishop Daniel Thomas offers benediction with the Blessed Sacrament. |
James Harper at the Organ on All Souls Day |
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Mass on All Souls Day |
The 2nd day of Forty Hours is All Souls day. Rather than the pomp and loud hymns of previous day, the Holy Mass begins with the ancient introit: “Réquiem aetérnam dona eis, Dómine, et lux perpétua lúceat eis.” (Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon them). The singing of this chant unites us in prayer for the souls that have gone on before us, and remind us of our own place in our journey to eternity.
The final day of our Forty Hours devotions falls on the memorial of St. Martin de Porres. Our Rector, Father Shaun Mahoney was the principle celebrant and homilist. In his homily, he recalled St. Martin's devotion and unswerving love for his sick brethren. He then called the seminary community to consider what God reveals to us in the physical and spiritual suffering and sickness of humanity. Following the homily, Father Mahoney invited the whole community to pray for the seminarians and faculty who are currently afflicted with serious illness—and there was a celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for the seriously ill at the seminary.
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The Eucharistic procession moves into Immaculate Conception Chapel |
[Procession Video] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHKgWm154vM {A clip of the procession as it moves through the campus of St. Charles Seminary}
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The Closing of Forty Hours in Immaculate Conception Chapel |
Upon the entire assembly's arrival in Immaculate Conception Chapel, the conclusion of that great hymn of St. Thomas is sung: “Tantum ergo Sacraméntum..”. Finally benediction with the Blessed Sacrament is given to all assembled and the annual celebration of Forty Hours concludes. [Tantum Ergo Video] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzorpzznFbw {Incensation Hymn at Benediction of the closing of Forty Hour}
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Cardinal Rigali offers St. Charles Day Mass |
The next day, The Feast of St. Charles Borromeo is celebrated with much joy by the community. The Archbishop of Philadelphia, Justin Cardinal Rigali, offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with the entire community—and also presides over the Rite of Admission of the men in the 1st year of Theology to Candidacy for Holy Orders.
Dan Kravats and Mark Searles listen to the readings at mass |
Three men from the Diocese of Allentown received the call to Candidacy by Bishop John O. Barres, and officially expressed their intention to prepare for and receive Holy Orders before Cardinal Rigali this year: Dan Kravatz of St. Catherine of Sienna Parish- Reading, Mark Searles of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish- Easton, and Kevin Lonergan of St. Patrick Parish- Pottsville. [Picture 11] {Kevin Lonergan chants the Responsorial Psalm} During this Feast Day mass, these men express their resolution to prepare themselves in mind and spirit to give their lives in faithful witness to Christ. The whole community is invited to pray for them, that God's work may be brought to completion in the Holy Spirit.
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To the right, Allentown Priests Msgr. Stephen Radocha, and Fathers Andrew Gehringer, Joel Kiefer, Gene Ritz concelebrate on St. Charles Day, and visit with the seminarians receiving candidacy from their parishes.
During the feast day, the much awaited 'Upper-side/Lower-side' football game is played. All the sems displayed great eagerness and resolve to play despite the rain—in fact, they even seemed more excited than if it were sunny! In a wet and muddy field, both teams gave it their all— at the end, covered in mud as they were— the theologate (upper-side) was victorious!
View of the Chapel of St. Martin of Tours |
Following Solemn Vespers, the community came together for a wonderful dinner-- truly engaging the great feast day. As always this was a blessed time of the year. A holy and enjoyable time to pray, rest, and celebrate the great gift of our Lord in the Eucharist—as well as His presence here at the Seminary.
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