In response to an appeal by Pope Pius IX in 1855 for an American Seminary in Rome, the Catholic bishops of the United States in 1859 founded the North American 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.

The mission of all these facets of the College is to bring men who are serving as priests or training to be priests into fuller knowledge of and 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 these first few months and years of the pontificate of Pope Benedict, our seminarians and priests have witnessed first hand the importance of being a man in close conversation with the Lord through the example of our Holy Father. 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.

For the seminarian this deepening of his union with Christ and coming to know more fully His will for him is obviously our primary work. For many years, the spiritual formation of the seminarians has been a hallmark of the North American College’s formation program. This has certainly been an appropriate emphasis, for the Program of Priestly Formation published by the Bishops of the United States reminds those in formation work, “The final goal of spiritual formation in the seminary is the establishment of attitudes, habits, and practices in the spiritual life that will continue after ordination. Spiritual formation in the seminary is meant to set the foundation for a lifetime of priestly ministry.” What a good, strong foundation we want for all our men who return home to participate in this new evangelization, needed now in our country as much as ever before in our history!

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 in “ever deeper communion with the pastoral charity of Jesus Christ.” 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