January is a quiet time around The Saint Paul Seminary campus. But that doesn’t mean the seminarians aren’t active. In fact, they pilgrimage all over the world for a special January month of formation. All of the trips involve various cultural experiences – and challenges. In the end, the men said they returned with one thing in common: transformed hearts.
Theology III and IV seminarians visit the Eternal City
As they approach ordination to priestly ministry, our transitional deacons are experiencing the universal Church in Rome. Due to the war in The Holy Land, the Theology III seminarians attended the Rome trip as well. They’d normally be in Israel, but the seminary community is praying for peace and that the Holy Land trip can take place at a later date.
Theology II seminarians spend January term ministering to poor in Mexico
Theology II seminarians spent two weeks in Mexico City to encounter the poor. By visiting with the inhabitants of the Neza Landfill and working with the Missionaries of Charity, seminarians encountered those who live on the margins and those who minister to them. They also made a pilgrimage to Guadalupe to experience the key role Our Lady of Guadalupe plays in Latino culture and in the life of the Church in the Americas.
The seminarians returned to the Twin Cities metro area for a week of encounter with local Latino immigrants, participating in parish life, engaging in discussion with experts in outreach and evangelization, and accompanying local missionaries and youth. The experience concluded with a week-long retreat.
Seminarians March for Life in Washington, D.C.
The men in Theology I spent the “J-term” in their home dioceses, getting acquainted with parish and diocesan life. The end of their assignments culminated in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.