Rector’s Dinner 2015

17176843075_1919ab973e_oThe Rector, along with the students, faculty, and staff of the Pontifical North American College, thank our many friends and benefactors who contributed to making the 2015 Rector’s Dinner a most blessed and memorable event! The Rector’s Dinner is a wonderful time when our benefactors and friends can come together for an evening marked by gratitude and joy.

Since the first Rector’s Dinner in 1991, this event has continued to grow thanks to the tremendous support of many benefactors and friends of the College. The evening is also an opportunity for the seminarians and faculty of the College to open our doors in hospitality and sincere gratitude for all that is done to support the mission of the College.

On April 16th, 2015, the College celebrated the 23rd Annual Rector’s Dinner to honor His Eminence George Cardinal Pell, Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, and Mr. Robert and Mrs. Dita Baker, with the 2015 Rector’s Award.

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In addition to the many Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and Curial Officials in attendance, the College was honored to have the distinguished presence of several Ambassadors and international diplomatic representatives from around the world, several members of the Papal Foundation, and numerous friends, benefactors, and alumni of the College.

17176801005_abceb40cac_o2During the evening, guests enjoyed traditional Italian fare and lively entertainment provided by the seminarians. A talented ensemble of seminarian musicians and singers from the College performed arrangements of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”, “Con te Partirò”, and “Lean on Me” for all of the guests present.

Upon accepting the Rector’s Award, the honorees shared their life experiences and expressed their appreciation for the work of the North American College.17200690125_bb7be3df33_o

His Eminence George Cardinal Pell expressed much gratitude to Msgr. James Checchio and the North American College. He likewise reflected on the value of solid priestly formation and the education that men in formation ought to receive. He went on to comment on his high regard for the exceptional priestly formation provided at the North American College.

17014615619_22f5a4b0ca_oMr. Robert and Mrs. Dita Baker received the Rector’s Award for their generous support of Catholic schools in the United States and of the North American College. Mr. Baker spoke of God’s providential care through the intercession of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, which he experienced personally during his time as a paratrooper for the United States military during the Korean War. Mr. Baker also encouraged the seminarians to get to know the exemplary life of Fr. Emil Kapaun, Servant of God, who died in 1951 during the Korean War as a prisoner of war.

We thank you again for joining us and look forward to seeing you in 2016 at the 24th Annual Rector’s Dinner!

For more pictures from the 2015 Rector’s Dinner, see the main photo gallery on this site.

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