The 2022-2023 formation year of the Pontifical College Josephinum gives every indication of hope for the future of the Church. Fall brought the arrival of 20 new seminarians, an overall enrollment increase and two new sending dioceses.
The seminary now serves 15 (arch)dioceses and religious orders: Birmingham (Alabama), Cincinnati, Columbus, Fathers of Mercy, Gaylord (Michigan), Jefferson City (Missouri), Joliet (Illinois), Kiyinda-Mityana (Uganda), Lugazi (Uganda), Oakland (California), Ogdensburg (New York), St. Thomas (Virgin Islands), Santa Fe (New Mexico), Steubenville and Wheeling-Charleston (West Virginia).
With 21 seminarians in formation, the Diocese of Columbus has the largest contingent of men at the Josephinum. Four are currently on pastoral year, residing in parish rectories and engaging full-time in ministry while supervised by pastors.
“This year we’ve been blessed with one of the largest entering classes in many years,” said Father Steven Beseau, rector/president. “But it’s not just about numbers, it’s also about the quality of the men. The Josephinum has a very rigorous acceptance process; we don’t accept everyone who applies. These seminarians would not be here if they weren’t good men. They really are exceptional, and we are very blessed to have them.”
The formation of the Josephinum’s 60 seminarians is guided by 10 full-time resident priest formators who themselves reflect the national character of the seminary, coming from the (arch)dioceses of Kansas City (Missouri), Metuchen (New Jersey), Savannah (Georgia), Chicago, Columbus and Plymouth (England), as well as the Institute of the Incarnate Word, the Dominican Order and the Fathers of Mercy.
Many full- and part-time lay professors make possible an academic excellence for which the Josephinum has long been known. “We have some of the finest professors in the country,” Father Beseau said. “This is seen not only in the classroom but also in the love and dedication they offer to the seminarians.”
Bishop Earl Fernandes serves as the Josephinum’s vice-chancellor. Many clergy of the Columbus diocese take part in the Josephinum’s mission as full- or part-time administrators, professors and spiritual directors: Bishop Emeritus Frederick Campbell; Father Stash Dailey (vice-rector); Mercedarian Fathers Joseph Eddy, OdeM, and Father Michael Donovan, OdeM; Father Thomas Blau, OP; Father David Arrroyo Alonso, CR; Father Peter Fegan, OP (dean of men); Father Thomas Kessler; Msgr. John Johnson; Father Bernard Mulcahy, OP; and Father David Schalk.
Priestly formation consists of four dimensions – human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral – the integration of which is reflected in seminary life. The Liturgy of the Hours, Mass, Holy Hours, academic classes, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, off-campus pastoral formation assignments, formation conferences, one-on-one meetings with advisers and spiritual directors and many recreational activities are all part of the seminary experience.
It is an experience that fosters a deep sense of brotherhood among the seminarians. “The best part of the Josephinum is the fraternity I experience with my fellow seminarians,” Michael Haemmerle said. “It is great to be surrounded with men who are all striving for the same goal.”
Seminary administrators are preparing to guide the institution into the future as it adopts a new comprehensive five-year Strategic Plan, currently under final review by the Board of Trustees. Planning acknowledges the rising cost of seminary formation, reflected in the Josephinum’s highest-ever annual fundraising goal of more than $1.8 million.
“Funds are needed primarily for seminarian scholarships, to give seminarians the opportunity to discern and be formed,” Father Beseau said, “so that, if called to the priesthood, they are ready to respond as holy, generous, adaptable and resilient priests.”
Appeal gifts also will fund program adjustments required of all seminaries by the new edition of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ “Program of Priestly Formation.”
Independent of any one diocese or religious community, the Josephinum has a 134-year history of being sustained by the generosity of benefactors. “The historic support of the Josephinum is remarkable,” Father Beseau said. “Helping to form future priests is an incredibly unique and deeply rewarding experience. It is a privilege to have so many people share in this journey.
To learn more about the Josephinum’s mission and upcoming events, or to make a gift to support the seminarians, visit www.pcj.edu.
