Seminary grounds now quiet and still
-
- May
- 9
I returned to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers the other day, where it was beyond quiet.
I was standing on the fields behind the seminary, where the papal youth rally took place on April 19. It was empty, just grass and dirt. I actually had trouble getting my bearings: Where had the stage been? Where were the incredibly long lines for food? Where were priests listening to confessions?
After turning around a few times, I was finally able to walk over to the hill where the “press pen” was. From 34,700 people (the final count on the total number of people there) to just me.
The grounds are so quiet this week because seminarians are on retreat before tomorrow’s ordination Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then seminarians get two weeks off before heading for their summer parish assignments.
But Father Luke Sweeney, head of vocations for the Archdiocese of NY, has been busy.
The hope was that the papal visit would inspire men to listen for a call to the priesthood. The archdiocese desperately needs vocations, as the number of active priests just drops and drops.
Since the papal visit, Sweeney (that’s him) has received dozens of calls and emails from men who say they may be hearing such a call.
I’ll be writing about Sweeney’s experience during the next few days.
By the way, there are rumblings—loud rumblings—of major changes coming with the archdiocese. Much of it has to do with Cardinal Egan’s upcoming (when?) retirement. But lots of church officials may be changing roles. I’m spending a lot of time on the phone these days…
This entry was posted
on Friday, May 9th, 2008 at 10:21 am by Gary Stern.
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The world of religion, we don't have to tell you, is vast. The purpose of this blog is for Stern to note, flag and comment on some of the more interesting religious developments on the scene – weighty and quirky, somber and laughable, far away and just down the road. He won't interpret Scripture, take sides in conflicts or judge anyone. But he will take advantage of the journalist's license to observe.
