Rector’s Welcome

For 150 years now, the Pontifical North American College has been forming priests for service of the Church in the United States.  It was in response to an appeal by Pope Pius IX for an American Seminary in Rome, that the Catholic bishops of the United States in 1859 founded our College as a house of formation and study for the diocesan priesthood. Pope Pius IX believed that bringing men to live in the heart of the Church for priestly formation would provide for the Church in North America happy, healthy and holy priests with a love and appreciation for the Successor of St. Peter; a loyalty to a man’s own Ordinary; and a broad understanding of the issues the whole world faces in following Christ.  Even then, the Holy Father knew that the world was becoming more and more interrelated. This has been and continues to be a part of our mission at the Pontifical North American College. The College has grown over the years to also include not only the formation of seminarians, but also the continuing education of clergy through the Casa Santa Maria, our house for priests engaged in graduate studies at the Pontifical Universities of Rome, and the Institute for Continuing Theological Education for priests on sabbaticals.  In addition, the College also assists a few bishops from Australia in forming men for their dioceses too.

During this Year for Priests proclaimed by Pope Benedict to mark the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, our men continue to focus on gaining fuller knowledge of and a deeper union with Christ Himself and His Church. Of course, this is done in a variety of ways but especially through liturgical and private prayer, intellectual pursuits in an international setting, pastoral and apostolic works, cultural experiences here in Europe and beyond, and community living with almost 300 seminarians and priests. The present time is a particularly good one to spend in Rome at the Pontifical North American College. Throughout this Year for Priests, at his Masses and audiences, Pope Benedict XVI has regularly reflected on the many different aspects of priestly life and ministry.  Additionally, through the Holy Father’s own example, our seminarians and priests have witnessed first hand the importance of being a man in close conversation with the Lord.  Fortunately, they often hear first hand the clarity with which he enunciates the teachings of Christ and His Church which is in part based on that solid relationship the Holy Father has with the Lord Himself.

As the rector of this College, I am privileged to be part of forming or nourishing faithful, loving, courageous priests for the new evangelization. I count on your continued prayers and support as we guide our men to be priests formed after the heart of Christ Himself. Please be assured of our prayers for you, our friends, alumni, benefactors, and family members.

Enjoy our website and getting to know the Pontifical North American College better. If any of the formation faculty or staff can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.

Vergine Immacolata, aiutateci!

Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA