Dec. 14, 2016 By Father Thomas J. Higman Four and half years ago, I proudly posted on social media and made the headlines of the North Country Catholic with a picture of my seminary alma mater in the rearview mirror of my Jeep Compass. Four and a half year later, as associate director of vocations and seminarians – with a seminary filling the windshield - I arrived in a Dodge minivan in the parking lot of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, with three discerning young men. The trip offered time for a visit with our seminarians as well as the opportunity for further discernment opportunities for these young men who are considering making this their way of life. As a I got out of the car, the brisk wind and the sheer sight of what might be described as a modern day Hogwarts, caught the lump in my throat and the still familiar pit of my stomach as I made my way to our seminarians and their community of brothers and spiritual fathers. The thought of these days for me at ‘Holy Mother Overbrook’ – Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, filled my mind; a great sense of renewal took over from there. Arriving to the hustle and bustle of a community preparing for their annual Advent Lessons and Carols Service, made the memories even more vivid, as the men prepared to offer their God-given talents and make the house look fit for guests. After a spirit filled performance and hors d'oeuvres plenteous enough for an evening meal – the Ogdensburg seminarians, discerners, and their new associate director returned for an evening of fraternity and story telling. Beginning in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, one pontifical cassock trimmed in red after another filled the seats of their make-shift auditorium chapel (or as one priest called it- the ‘oratorium’!) The Lord’s Day began with Jesus himself and a holy hour, morning prayer, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, followed immediately with the celebration of holy Mass. It was evident; this was the real heart of not only their week – but also their entire community life. What a treat for this new parish administrator and associate director of vocations! Whether it was sharing a meal or the stories of seminary professors, classes, classmates, and the news of the diocese and home parishes, or praying in solidarity with one another – it was quickly evident that even after four and half years and a few hundred miles away – seminarians are still up to par in their zeal and fervor for the Lord and his Church! We are blessed with five young men who currently make up the ranks of those in seminary formation: Deacon Michael Jablonski (Dolgeville) who is scheduled to be ordained a priest in May; Matthew Conger (I Theology, Ogdensburg), Leagon Carlin (III College, Plattsburgh), Douglas Schirmer (I College, Ogdensburg), and Nick Olley (I College, Carthage). Be on the lookout for these guys over during the Christmas Season as they’ll be home on a well-deserved break.
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