The Year of the Priest

The Year of the Priest
Saint Vincent Seminary
Fall 2009

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
15650
Phone: 724-537-4592
Fax: 724-532-5052
www.saintvincentseminary.edu
Publisher
Archabbot Douglas R.
Nowicki, O.S.B.
Rector
Very Rev. Justin M.
Matro, O.S.B.
Vice Rector
Dean of Human Formation
Director of Pastoral Formation
Rev. David T. Brzoska
Academic Dean
Dr. Michel Therrien
Dean of Students
Rev. Matthias Martinez, O.S.B.
Director of Spiritual Formation
Rev. Lester Knoll, O.F.M. Cap.
Director of Seminary
Development
Paul R. Whiteside
Director of Seminary
Public Relations
Kimberley A. Metzgar
Public Relations Associate
Elizabeth A. Cousins
Director for Alumni Affairs
Br. Elliott C. Maloney,
O.S.B.
Consultant for Alumni Affairs
Rev. Gilbert J. Burke, O.S.B.
Contributors to this issue:
Jim Andrews
Elizabeth Cousins
Annette Hart
Carly Marsh
On the cover:
Icon of Saint John Vianney,
painted by Peter Pearson,
1997. Saint Vincent
Seminary collection.
Rector’s Column
Dear Friends
of Saint Vincent
Seminary,
His Holiness
Pope Benedict
XVI declared
that the Church
would observe a
year dedicated
to the ministerial
priesthood.
This “Year of the
Priest” began in
Rev. Justin M. Matro, O.S.B. June of 2009 and
Rector will end in June of
2010. What is more,
the year also has a specific patron, Saint John
Vianney (1886-1859).
Also known as the Curé of Ars, Saint John
Vianney was particularly renowned for his role
as a confessor. Indeed, he commonly spent
sixteen to eighteen hours in the confessional in
a single day, and people traveled for miles to
seek spiritual counseling from this simple and
humble priest. Because of his example and
sanctity of life, thousands of souls found their
way back to a deep and personal love for the
Lord and communion with the Church
We too often think that problems facing
the world today are insurmountable, but a
simple glance at history can be very eye opening.
Saint John was born on the eve of the
French Revolution. When he was a child, the
faith was outlawed in France. The churches
were closed and priests and members of religious
orders who did not renounce their vows
and/or orders were either exiled or executed.
Young John Vianney made his first commu-
By Elizabeth Cousins
In consultation with the Diocese of
Greensburg, Saint Vincent Seminary has
submitted a petition to the Association of
Theological Schools (ATS) for a new Master
degree in Ecclesial Ministry. The degree will
provide the academic formation needed for
ordination to the permanent diaconate as
well as lay ministry in the Church.
For those studying for ordination to the
diaconate, the program will include training in
homiletics and some field work, while most of
the pastoral, spiritual, and human formation
will be the responsibility of the Diocese,
outside the context of the degree program. If
The Year of the Priest
2
nion at a covert Mass in a farmhouse that was
surrounded by ox carts to prohibit onlookers
from peering into the windows and reporting
the illegal liturgy. Had the small congregation
been reported, they would have faced the
guillotine. Succeeding years witnessed a profound
loss of faith throughout France.
However, God sent many spiritual comforts
to this beleaguered nation, and the faith was
restored. Surprisingly, one of the greatest signs
of God’s mercy was revealed in the person
of a frail and sickly man in an obscure village
who made time to listen to peoples’ woes
and assure them of God’s love. This man, Saint
John Vianney, was not a scholar. In fact, his ordination
was held up due to his difficulties with
studies. He had few worldly gifts which usually
accompany success. But in his lowliness he
wholly offered God the only gifts he had: an
ability to listen with loving patience and the
capacity to absolve sins.
The Gospel proclaims that it is the humble
who shall be exalted, and in naming Saint
John Vianney as the patron for the “Year of
the Priest,” Pope Benedict endorses this theme.
The model for priestly renewal is not the
mighty hero, but a humble heart. It is the Lord
himself who is our Shepherd. Despite personal
weaknesses and limitations, if his priests trust
humbly in him today, he will raise them up to
be shepherds after his own heart. Indeed, it is
only through priests such as these that he will
lead us into a new spring time of faith.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr. Justin, O.S.B., Rector
New M.A. Degree in Ecclesial Ministry
approved by the Association of Theological
Schools the degree would be the first
Master degree of its kind for the permanent
diaconate in our region.
For those preparing for lay ministry in
Catholic parishes, schools, and dioceses, the
field work assignments will accommodate
their future ministry goals. For both groups,
the curriculum will consist of three major
areas: systematic theology, sacred scripture,
and pastoral studies.
The admission requirements include
a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited
college and a minimum of 18 credits in
(Continued on Page 3)

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Pope Benedict XVI Declares Year of the Priest
On June 19, Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated
a “Year for Priests” in celebration of the 150th
anniversary of the death of John Mary Vianney,
the patron saint of parish priests worldwide.
“The priesthood is the love of the heart of
Jesus,” Saint John Vianney would often say.
The Pope noted that the Cure of Ars “was quite
humble, yet as a priest he was conscious of
being an immense gift to his people: ‘A good
shepherd, a pastor after God’s heart, is the
greatest treasure which the Lord can grant to
a parish, and one of the most precious gifts of
divine mercy.”
“The Church needs holy priests; ministers
who can help the faithful to experience the
merciful love of the Lord and who are his
convinced witnesses,” the Holy Father said.
“The objective of this Year for Priests, as I wrote
Seminary Develops Strategic Plan
By Kim Metzgar
As the fourth oldest Roman Catholic
Seminary in the United States, Saint Vincent
has always embraced its history. Under the
guidance of Rector Father Justin Matro and
the Board of Regents, the long-term plans for
the Seminary are being considered with the
development of a comprehensive strategic
plan.
As part of the planning process, persons
with an affiliation with the Seminary, such
as Bishops who send seminarians here,
alumni, and friends, were surveyed about
the needs for future priests as well as for
input about the strengths and weaknesses
of the current program. The process has
been a way for members of the Board of
Regents to become more involved, Father
Justin noted in a presentation on the plan to
all staff members. “The process is a way for
all of our constituents to better understand
the specifics of the Seminary program. Input
from the faculty and alumni was valuable as
well, he said, and programming needs are
in the process of being adjusted to perfect
that input. For instance, Father Justin said,
newly-ordained priests are being appointed
as full-time pastors much sooner, and there
is less time to work with a senior priest serving
as a mentor. Thus, the Seminary needs to
focus on providing more of the training that
was typically provided “on the job” earlier in
a seminarian’s program of studies and with
more emphasis.
“Overall our constituents praised us for
the warm hospitality and the real Christian
in the letter sent to priests for this occasion,
is to support that struggle of every priest
‘toward spiritual perfection, on which the
effectiveness of his ministry primarily depends.’”
Pope Benedict XVI wrote that “Jesus speaks of
the proclamation of the Kingdom of God as
the true objectibe for his coming to the world,
and his proclamation is not just a ‘discourse.’ It
includes, at the same time, his actions ... even in
this idea of the ‘primacy’ of proclamation, word
and sign are inseparale. Christian proclamation
does not proclaim ‘words,’ but the Word, and
the proclamation coincides with the very
person of Christ.”
The Holy Father wrote that “now then, to
be the ‘voice’ of the Word doesn’t constitute
for the priest a merely functional element.
On the contrary, it presupposes a substantial
environment and prayer life,” he said.
The Seminary’s retention rate for ordained
graduates remaining in active priestly ministry
is 95 percent over a 20-year period.
“The importance of daily prayer and the
integration of work and prayer” contribute to
that retention rate, he added. “The lack of a
prayer life is usually the beginning of the end
of a vocation.”
Other strengths, he said, include the longterm
stability of the faculty. Its members have
terminal degrees from many exceptional
programs, some of the best universities in the
world, he said.
“We understand the strength of our
history and the charism of our founder,”
Father Justin noted. “We are imparting our
culture and heritage to our students on a
daily basis.”
Challenges include preparing the
increased number of foreign-born seminarians
for ministry in our culture and for working in an
increasingly technological world.
While preparation of students for
priesthood is critical, the strategic plan
also looked at all aspects of the seminary
operation, from staffing needs to the growth
of the seminarian population, which is
projected to outgrow available dormitory
space in Leander and Roderick Halls in
the next few years. Other areas of focus
include recruitment, planning for a capital
campaign to address future seminary needs,
and increasing our efforts to train permanent
deacons as well as increasing ongoing
formation efforts for clergy and alumni.
3
‘losing oneself’ in Christ,
participating in his mystery
of death and resurrection
with all of oneself...”
Saint John Vianney
often said that “a good
pastor, a pastor after
the heart of God, is the
greatest treasure that
the good God can give
to a parish, and one of
the most precious gifts of
divine mercy.”
New M.A.
Degree in
Ecclesial
Ministry
(Continued from Page 2)
Judeo-Christian theology.
Students will be admitted
into the program in
cohorts every other year.
In anticipation of ATS
approval, five students
have begun classes this
fall in fulfillment of the
program’s requirements.
The next cohort will begin
in the fall of 2011.
In the future, the
Seminary plans to make
the program available
to other nearby dioceses
through teleconference
technology.

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Seminarians 2009-2010
Saint Vincent Seminarians for 2009-2010, pictured with the Rector’s Council.
First row, from left, Michael Marcelli, Diocese of Youngstown; Brother Paulavang Vuong, O.S.B., Monastery of
Christ in the Desert; Father Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B., Professor of Sacred Scripture and Biblical Languages; Father
Matthias Martinez, O.S.B., Dean of Students; Father Justin Matro, O.S.B., Rector; Dr. Michel Therrien, Academic Dean;
Father Edward Mazich, O.S.B., Assistant Professor of Biblical Languages, Sacred Scripture and Systematic Theology;
Carlos Vargas, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Vernon Knight, Diocese of Savannah; Brother John Mary Lugemwa, O.S.B.,
Mary, Mother of the Church Abbey; Augustine Ariwaodo, Diocese of Savannah; Tri Nguyen, Archdiocese of Atlanta.
Second row, from left, Brother Matthew Nguyen, O.Cist., Saint Joseph Monastery; David Renne, Diocese of Erie;
Matthew Larlick, Diocese of Harrisburg; Ernie Darby, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Eric Andriot, Diocese of Covington;
Donald Bender, Jr., Diocese of Harrisburg; Thang Pham, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Brother Peter Pham, O.Cist., Saint
Joseph Monastery; Cong Nguyen, Archdiocese of Atlanta.
Third row, from left, Rob Fleckenstein, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Damien Zablocki, Diocese of Paterson; Jose Manuel
Escalante, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; Curtis Matthew Abbott, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; Stephen Kelley,
Diocese of Harrisburg; Michael Gossett, Diocese of Steubenville; Kevin Coyle, Diocese of Harrisburg; Brother Maximilian
Maxwell, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Juan Velasquez, Diocese of Saginaw; Brother Cassiano De Souza, O.S.B.,
São Bento Monastery, Brazil.
Fourth row, from left, Huang Wen Hong, Diocese of Nan Chong, China; Brother Jacob Amos, O.S.B., Saint Bernard
Abbey; Charles Affholter, Diocese of Birmingham; John Michniuk, Diocese of Covington; Brother Isidore Minerd, O.S.B.,
Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brian Crouch, Diocese of Steubenville; Brother Finbar Ramsak, O.S.B., Saint Andrew Abbey;
Christopher Barnes, Diocese of Erie.
Fifth row, from left, Brother Albert Gahr, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brother Michael Antonacci, O.S.B., Saint
Vincent Archabbey; Tom Trofino, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; Brother Paul Sheller, O.S.B., Conception Abbey; Josiah
Booth, Diocese of Covington; Brian Warchola, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; Michael Norton, Diocese of Covington;
Harry Settle, Diocese of Covington; John Wright, Diocese of Savannah; Alberto Vargas, Diocese of Saginaw; Kyle
Sahd, Diocese of Harrisburg; Brother Jeremy Heppler, O.S.B., Saint Benedict Abbey.
Sixth row, from left, Jose Alexandre Missio, Archdiocese of Campinas, Brazil; Luis Alvarez, Archdiocese of Atlanta;
Brian Cline, Diocese of Youngstown; Ryan Stenger, Diocese of Covington; Jacob Straub, Diocese of Covington; Ryan
Stichweh, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; Brother Bonaventure Curtis, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brother
Gregory Jarzombek, O.S.B., Saint Bede Abbey; Kevin Fazio, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Michael Peck, Diocese of Pittsburgh;
Brother Pio Adamonis, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey.
Seventh row, from left, Brother Nathanael Polinski, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brandon Kleckner, Diocese
of Erie; Michael Polinek, Diocese of Erie; Stephen Hotard, Diocese of Savannah; Brother Jeremiah Lange, O.S.B., Saint
Vincent Archabbey; Brother Frances Ehnat, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Micah Wright, Diocese of Savannah;
Ryan Fischer, Diocese of Harrisburg; Brother Gabriel Myriam Kurzawski, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brother John
Paul Heiser, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Brother Thomas Colucci, O.S.B., Mount Saviour Monastery; William Appel,
Diocese of Covington.
(Photo by Jim Andrews)
4

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Jubilarian Alumni Honored
Seminary alumni jubilarians honored at Alumni Day include, from left, Archabbot Lambert Reilly, O.S.B., Saint Meinrad
Archabbey; Rev. Peter Pilarski; Rev. Gerard Trancone; Msgr. Paul Lenz; Rev. Robert Reardon; Rev. Joseph C. Beck; Rev.
Garrett Dorsey; Very Rev. Donald Breier; Rev. Campion Gavaler, O.S.B.; Rev. George Wilt; Bishop R. Daniel Conlon, Diocese
of Steubenville, a member of the Board of Regents who attended Alumni Day; Brother Norman Hipps, O.S.B.; Archabbot
Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., and Father Justin M. Matro, O.S.B., Rector, who offered their congratulations. In the middle photo,
left, Archabbot Douglas presents Father Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B., with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to
the Seminary. In the middle photo, right, Bishop Conlon gives the blessing at the dinner. In the bottom, left photo, Archabbot
Douglas, Master of Ceremonies Father Athanasius Cherry, O.S.B., Archabbot Lambert, Bishop Conlon and Deacon Daniel
Frescura during the Liturgy of the Eucharist at Mass. In the bottom photo, right, Archabbot Lambert gives the homily.
5

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
More
Tributes
To Father
Paulinus
Saint Vincent Seminary recognizes
those who have contributed
gifts to Saint Vincent
Seminary or to the Rev. Paulinus
J. Selle, O.S.B., Endowment
Fund from April 1, 2009 to September
18, 2009:
Rev. William R. Barron
Rev. Damian B. Breen
Rev. Msgr. William G.
Charnoki
Mr. Harold Cheatle
Rev. Msgr. John A.
Cippel
Rev. Matthew R. Cirilli
Rev. Roy H. Conley
Dr. and Mrs. William E.
Danko
Mrs. Orlie Ferretti
Rev. Msgr. J. Gerald
Gallagher
Most Rev. Rene H.
Gracida
Very Rev. Paul C.
Helwig
Ms. Yolanda Jeselnick
Rev. Kenneth R. Keene
Rev. Msgr. James P.
Kelly
Very Rev. Daniel C.
Mahoney
Rev. Francis E. Maloney
Rev. Timothy D. Marcoe
Mr. and Mrs. Jack J.
McBride
Rev. Donald W.
McIlvane
Miss Ann M. Pakos
Mr. Samuel L. Paolo
Mrs. William Parson
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald M.
Prechtl
Rev. Msgr. William R.
Rathgeb
Mr. and Mrs. Richard J.
Reuscher
+Rev. Roland R.
Ripoli, O.S.B.
Mr. Joseph J. Rubino
Rev. Paul S. Siebert
Mrs. Josephine M. Smart
Rev. Gerard A. Trancone
Br. Timothy Waid, O.S.B.
Right Rev. Lambert W. Reilly, O.S.B, was the
principal celebrant and homilist at the Saint
Vincent Seminary Annual Alumni Day Mass
held on Tuesday, Sept. 29. At the dinner that
followed Mass, the Seminary also paid tribute
to two long-time faculty members, Father
Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B., and the late Father
Paulinus J. Selle, O.S.B.
Archabbot Lamber is the former Archabbot
of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana. He
entered Saint Meinrad as a seminarian studying
for his home diocese of Pittsburgh. He then
entered the monastery, made his first profession
of vows as a Benedictine in 1956, and was
ordained a priest in 1959. For over 40 years he
led hundreds of retreats, parish missions and
days of recollection all over the United States
and in several foreign countries.
As Archabbot, he oversaw the
completion of the renovation of the Saint
Meinrad Archabbey Church; the growth and
development of programs in the Saint Meinrad
School of Theology; the establishment of a new
enterprise, Abbey Caskets; the inauguration of
a $40 million comprehensive campaign and
the development of a master plan for the Saint
Meinrad campus.
Archabbot Lambert is the author of two
spiritual books, Because There is Jesus, a
collection of his homilies and conferences,
and Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth, spiritual
reflections on some of his favorite Latin sayings
and New Testament quotes.
Father Demetrius received the Saint
Vincent Seminary Lifetime Achievement Award
at the Alumni Banquet. A 1940 graduate of
Saint Vincent Preparatory School, he received
a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from
Saint Vincent College in 1945, and attended
the Seminary from 1943 to 1946.
He received a Doctor of Sacred Theology
degree from the Pontifical Institute of Sant’
Anselmo, Rome. In 1999, he was presented
with the honorary Doctor of Sacred Theology
degree from Saint Vincent Seminary. He
has taught Sacred Scripture since 1952 at
the Seminary, and is a former Rector of the
Seminary (1963-1980), and Vice Rector (1955 to
1963). He is the author of five published books:
Flowers in the Desert; Cherish Christ Above All:
The Bible in the Rule of Benedict; A Mystical
Portrait of Jesus, New Perspectives on John’s
Gospel; Praying the Scriptures; and So We
Do Not Lose Heart: Biblical Wisdom for all Our
Days. He also co-authors a weekly column on
the Sunday Homilies available on Archabbey
website and published in Jednota, newspaper
Alumni Day 2009
6
of the First Catholic Slovak Union.
A video tribute to Father Paulinus was
shown during the banquet. The tribute is now
also available on the Seminary website, www.
saintvincentseminary.edu. Father Donald P.
Brier, Rector/Pastor of Saint Paul Cathedral,
Pittsburgh, and Father Carl J. Gentile,
pastor of Saint John Fisher Parish, Churchill,
were interviewed for the tribute, as well as
Benedictine Brother Timothy Waid, a close
friend of Father Paulinus.
“Paulinus was able to differentiate
between his role as teacher, his role as spiritual
director, his role as counselor, even his role
as floor prefect, and still be able to be your
friend,” Father Brier said. “Paulinus was the
teacher.... Paulinus taught that you could be
an orthodox theologian, that you didn’t have
to worry about meandering from the church’s
teaching, and still be a very compassionate
individual.”
“What I particulary appreciated
about Father Paulinus was that one of the
components of explaining the faith is that there
would be a reasonableness in believing in this
particular dogmatic statement of the church
and therefore he was extremely good at it,”
said Father Carl J. Gentile, pastor of Saint John
Fisher Parish, Churchill. “He had a very clear,
logical mind.
“To me he was a Benedictine,” he
continued, “a true Benedictine and therefore
his spirituality was like his teaching. It was
always reasonable, it was always human, it was
always first and foremost.
Father Paulinus died February 8,
2009, at the age of 95. He taught moral
theology, patristics, dogmatic theology and
fundamentals of liturgy. In 1987, he received
the Nova et Vetera Award from the Seminary
for “Outstanding and Distinguished Service
to the Seminary and the Church in priestly
formation and theological education.” In
1989, he received the Saint Vincent Alumni
Association Award in “recognition of his
meritorious contribution to Saint Vincent
College.” Outside the classroom, he
maintained friendships with his students and
acted as a counselor in times of need for
his students. In addition to teaching, Father
Paulinus served as a confessor for many
members of the Benedictine Community, for
students, and priests upon their ordinations.
The Jubilarians of the Seminary Classes of
1933, 1939, 1949, 1959, 1969, and 1984 were
also honored at the Annual Alumni Day Mass
and Banquet.

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Memorial,
Tribute Gifts
To give a tribute or memorial gift please make
a donation to Saint Vincent Seminary in honor
of a friend, colleague or family member. Mail to
Mr. Paul R. Whiteside, Seminary Development
Office, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pa.,
15650-2690. Donors from March 26, 2009, to
September 18, 2009, are included below.
IN HONOR OF:
REV. THOMAS P. ACKLIN, O.S.B.
Ms. Elizabeth M. Gallagher
REV. JEREMY J. BOLHA, O.S.B.
Mrs. Mary Ann Facetti
Mrs. Catherine Olson
BR. ELIJAH C. CIRIGLIANO, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Burlas
REV. PATRICK T. CRONAUER, O.S.B.
Mrs. Marion Cronauer
SISTER MARY JAMES DIPPOLD
Mrs. Catherine Olson
REV. CONAN E. FEIGH, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Fennell, Sr.
REV. KEVIN J. HARGADEN
Ms. Nancy Kesler
REV. DANIEL HOFFMAN
Mrs. Catherine Olson
REV. OMER U. KLINE, O.S.B.
Mrs. Elizabeth A. Kelly
MR. DONALD MCGUIRE
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. McGuire
MRS. BERNADETTE PEVARNIK
Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M.
Joe Pevarnik
Mark Pevarnik
MR. JOSEPH C. PEVARNIK
Rev. Gilbert J. Burke, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry A. Damin
Ms. Cecilia Harr
Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M.
Mark Pevarnik
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Pevarnik
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Pevarnik
MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH C. PEVARNIK
Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M.
BR. NATHANAEL R. POLINSKI, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Burlas
REV. PAUL R. TAYLOR, O.S.B.
Mr. Evan Rosenberg
REV. JAMES A. WEHNER
Mr. John C. Miller, Jr.
REV. FLAVIAN G. YELINKO, O.S.B.
Dr. and Mrs. Ferdinand L. Soisson
REV. FRANK E. ZIEMKIEWICZ, O.S.B.
Mrs. Catherine Olson
IN MEMORY OF:
+REV. ALBERT C. BICKERSTAFF, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. William W. Shearouse, Jr.
+REV. BONIFACE BUERKLE, O.S.B.
Mr. Robert F. Seiler
+RENEE CAROTHERS
Mr. and Mrs. W. Paul Matty
+HAROLD T. CRONAUER, SR.
Mrs. Marion Cronauer
+REV. J. DAVID CROWLEY
Rev. Sean M. Hogan, C.S.Sp.
Ms. Joan B. Lang
+JOSEPH AND MARY CYMBOR
Mrs. Agnes C. Peters
+MOST REV. NICHOLAS C. DATTILO
Mrs. Anita G. D’Eramo
+JAMES A. DIPADOVA
Mrs. Delpha Moran Barrera
+MR. ROBERT EAGLEHOUSE
Frank and Suzanne Skacel
+MARIO J. FERRETTI
Mrs. Josephine A. Ferretti
+CONRAD J. FLESSNER, SR.
Mrs. Jean Flessner
+MAUREEN KRILL FREY
Mr. Gerard Golofski
+JOHN E. GOLOFSKI
Mrs. Anna Golofski
+JEROME F. GRATTAN
Mr. Jerome Ronald Grattan
+REV. GEORGE A. JURICA
Mr. Clement A. Jurica
+ANNA MARY KADLUBEK
Mr. Vincent C. Kadlubek, Sr.
+VINCENT PAUL KELLY
Mr. Richard E. Armstrong, Jr.
+EDNA MAE KNORR
Mr. K. Michael Bidaman
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry A. Damin
Kathy and Harry Dudro
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Frank
Dennis and Janet Galayda
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Kiefer
Ms. Marsha A. Landers
Elizabeth Burger-Loy and George Loy
Ms. Ann L. Marino
Leslie and Jeffrey Miklas
Carol Showalter Myron, M.D. and Family
Board of Governors and Staff of Oakmont
Country Club
Ms. Dorothy L. Rigatti
+IRENE STOCKEY KOEHLER
Mrs. Anna Golofski
+REV. THOMAS J. KRAM
Mrs. Patricia M. Coghlan
+GRACE LANZEL
Eugene and Alicia Gleixner
+LOUISE G. LONG AND JOHN A. LONG
Mrs. Louise D. Paul
+MR. NICHOLAS P. MATRO
Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel J. Answine
ASCO Oldtimer’s Club
ASCO Valve, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Amil A. DiPadova
Andrew and Holly Duffy
Ross Green and Maureen E. Lally-Green
Ms. Sheila Lehner
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Marous, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Morris
Trish and Bill Perry
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Pevarnik
Tim and Nancy Sobota
Mr. and Mrs. Gene R. Yanity
+PETER J. MESSINA
Mr. Michael A. Messina
+REV. FRANCIS A. NAZIMEK
Rev. David J. Nazimek
+ANTHONY J. PESAVENTO, SR.
Mrs. Genevieve Pesavento
+JOSEPH F. REILLY
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence S. Busch
Ms. Joan A. Castelli
Mary Ann and Patrick Conroy
Marilyn and Jim Davis and Family
Mr. Robert J. DePasquale
The DiGiorgi Family
Mrs. Lynne Ellis
Mr. Samuel A. Folby
Mrs. Elizabeth Worland Ford
Ed and Joan Fritz
Dr. and Mrs. Martin P. Gallagher
Roger and Sheila Gorg
The Robert W. King Family
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Klimowski
Ms. Lori Koleck
Michael and Theresa Larkin
Mr. and Mrs. Seward Prosser Mellon
Marie and Arthur Miltenberger
Ms. Lois M. O’Brien
Mr. John J. Petritis, Jr.
Ms. Carol G. Pollock
Mr. Robert A. Rath, Jr.
Mrs. Shirley Ratner
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson G. Saul, III
Joanna and Richard Stillwagon
The Company of TWENTIETH CENTURY
at Saint Vincent Theatre
Jim and Barb Uhrin
Valley School of Ligonier
+REV. ROLAND R. RIPOLI, O.S.B.
Mrs. Terry Butler
Ms. Julia Ripoli
Mrs. Nellie Parastino
+MR. VIRGIL C. ROSEBOROUGH
Mr. Richard J. Schulte
+MRS. ANN M. SCHNEIDER
Carpenters’ Combined Funds, Inc.
Barbara and James McLean
Mr. Edward B. Schneider
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Scrabis
Seubert and Associates, Inc.
+WILLIAM W. SHEAROUSE, SR.
Mr. and Mrs. William W. Shearouse, Jr.
+NICHOLAS SICHI
Mr. and Mrs. W. Paul Matty
+MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH STACHONI
Mr. Ron Stachoni
+REV. HUGH J. WILT, O.S.B.
Ms. Agnes M. Nachman
+KERI LYNN ZIMMERMAN
Mrs. Anna Golofski

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Bishop Roger Foys
received the honorary
Doctor of Sacred
Theology degree at the
May 8 commencement
of Saint Vincent Seminary.
At right is Father Justin
Matro, O.S.B., Rector.
Bishop Foys: “Let Your Light Shine!”
Bishop Roger Foys of the Diocese of
Covington received an honorary degree and
was the speaker at the 163rd commencement
of Saint Vincent Seminary on May 8. His address
is excerpted below:
“Luceat Lux Vestra —Let Your Light Shine!
Seven years ago I received a call from
the Apostolic Nuncio in Washington, D. C.,
informing me that our then Holy Father, Pope
John Paul II had in mind to name me the Bishop
of the Diocese of Covington. Having come as
a complete surprise to me, after the Nuncio
had finished speaking I was speechless. After a
few moments the Nuncio said, Monsignor, God
will give you the grace you need to carry out
this task.
“In the time between the announcement
of my appointment and of my consecration
and installation as Bishop of Covington, among
the things I had to do was to have a coat of
arms designed and choose a motto for that
coat of arms. The motto was to convey the
thrust of my service as bishop.
“For my motto I chose the words of the Lord
from the 5th Chapter, 16th verse of the Gospel
of Matthew: Luceat Lux Vestra —Let Your Light
Shine! This exhortation of the Lord has always
intrigued me and has always seemed to me
to be something that every follower of the
Lord needs to take to heart. We live in what
is sometimes a very dark world, a world where
the light of Jesus Christ does not shine, a world
not of life and light but of death and darkness.
Jesus calls on us, His followers to bring light and
8
life to those who live in darkness and death.
My motto, of course, must be taken in its
complete context. Verse 16 of Chapter 5 of
Matthew’s Gospel is in the concluding remarks
of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in which he
outlines what we know as the Beatitudes. For
it to make sense we must take into account
what comes before and what follows.
“Jesus speaks in the beginning of the poor
in spirit, of those who mourn, of the meek, of
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
of the merciful, of the clean of heart, of the
peacemakers, of those who are persecuted
for sake of righteousness. These, He says, are
blessed, these are happy and to these He
promises the kingdom of heaven, that they
will be comforted, that they will inherit the
earth, that they will be satisfied, that they will
be shown mercy, that they will see God and
be called children of God!
“Jesus goes on to say that His true followers
are the salt of the earth and the light of the
world. Of the light, He says it is not put under
a bushel basket but rather on a lampstand
there to give light to all in the house. Just so,
YOUR light must shine before others, that they
may see your good deeds and glorify your
heavenly Father!
“Our light must shine before others. Our
light must shine not for, not on ourselves, but
for and on others! Ours is a light that is meant
to illumine the path for others. The lamp set
upon a lampstand is not there for itself but
so that all in the house may see. The gifts, the
talents, the graces that the Lord gives us, and
gives us in abundance, are not meant to be
horded selfishly but to be shared selflessly! We
are, after all, the light of the world! Our light is
to shine for all!
“Jesus goes on to tell us why that light
needs to shine before others. He says it shines
so that others may see our good deeds and
glorify our heavenly Father. Ah, our good
deeds are not meant to bring us adulation,
to bring us recognition, to bring us fame and
fortune but rather to bring others to the Lord!
To bring others to the recognition that all good
things, all grace, all life, all light, all gifts, all
talents have their beginning and their end in
the Lord. The attention, then, is not on us or for
us but on the Lord. We, as servants of the Lord,
as His followers, are to bring others to the Lord
by our good deeds, by letting our light shine.
“The world in which we live is beset by
complex problems that do not always allow
for simple solutions. We are beset by moral
(Continued on Page 9)

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Bishop Foys: “Let Your Light Shine!”
(Continued from Page 8)
issues, social issues, economic issues; issues
that impact our lives as individuals, as a nation,
as a Church.
“Unfortunately, oftentimes the solutions
to problems with these issues are sought in
the dark rather than in the light. As followers
of Jesus Christ we are called to reflect His light
and to shed that light upon the problems that
beset our world. We are called to be beacons
in a sea of darkness, a light shining brightly that
will guide home safely those who are lost. We
are called to use the gifts and talents the Lord
has bestowed on us to make a positive impact
and have a positive influence on the lives of
others. When doubt and despair encircle us
the only way out is the light of Christ.
“We live in a world that would sometimes
have us compromise our principles and dilute
our truths. This we cannot do if we are to reflect
the light of Christ, if we are to lead others to
Him by our good deeds.
“Compromise is not the answer, is not the
solution. We are blessed to have in the Diocese
of Covington a diocesan college. The college
is named after the great statesman and saint,
Thomas More. When I speak to the graduates
at commencement every year I remind them
of the great integrity of their patron saint. In the
play about More’s life, A Man For All Seaons,
the Duke of Norfolk is trying to convince Thomas
More to sign the Act of Supremacy.
“More has serious problems with the Act
and in good conscience refuses to sign. Finally
Norfolk says: Look, Thomas, I’m not a scholar,
and frankly I don’t know whether the marriage
Dr. John C. Marous, Jr., Chairman of the Seminary
Board of Regents, addresses the graduates.
was lawful or not—but Thomas, look at these
names! You know these men! Can’t you do as
I did and come along for fellowship?
“To which More replies: And when we stand
before God, and you are sent to heaven for
doing according to your conscience and I am
sent to hell for not doing according to mine,
will you come along with me—for fellowship?
Thomas More let his light shine, he did not let
the dire circumstances of his situation dim the
light he knew was of Christ. So too must we,
firm in the faith, be a light for others. Our light
must shine for all that is good, holy and true!
“Father Boniface Wimmer, whose 200th
birthday we observe this year, let his light shine.
Because he did, we are able to gather here
this night to celebrate your light. Boniface was
faced with many a trial, with many a challenge,
with many a dilemma. But his light, reflecting
the light of Christ, was able to overcome the
darkness of doubt and despair. He was able to
overcome the trials, challenges and dilemmas
he faced because his faith was strong, his light
was bright.
“All of us are called to let our light shine but
I wish to speak now to those graduates who will
be ordained to the priesthood within the next
several weeks. Your light must truly shine, always
and for everyone. I believe there has never
been a time in the history of our country when
we needed good priests, holy priests, learned
priests, obedient priests, as we do now. You
will bring, through your sacramental ministry,
the light of Christ to a darkened world. You will
bring healing, comfort, forgiveness and peace
to those who are seeking answers to problems
and issues that will sometimes seem
insoluble. You must hold fast to the
truths of our faith, you must never
give up or give in. The Church needs
you and wants you to bring light to
darkness, life to death.
“We, all of us, ordained and
lay, need to be proud of our Faith,
proud of our heritage, proud of our
commitment to the truth. We must
hold our heads high and profess that
faith without compromise, without
fear. We must walk in the light and
be that light for others!
“To all the graduates, my
congratulations and best wishes once
again. As you graduate, wherever
the future may take you, may your
light ever shine so that others, seeing
your good deeds, will give glory to
the Lord!”
9

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Taking part in the May 8 commencement at Saint Vincent Seminary were, front, from left, Father David Brzoska, Vice
Rector; Father Lester Knoll, O.F.M. Cap., Director of Spiritual Formation; Vicar General/Administrative Services, Diocese of
Covington, Rev. Monsignor Gilbert J. Rutz, V.G. Archabbot and Chancellor Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.; Board of Regents
Chairman John C. Marous, Jr.; Most Rev. Roger J. Foys, Bishop of Covington; Vicar General/Pastoral Services, Diocese of
Covington, Very Rev. J. Michael Due, V.G.; Very Rev. Justin Matro, O.S.B., Rector; Dr. Michel Therrien, Academic Dean; Father
Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B., and Father Edward Mazich, O.S.B., members of the Rector’s Council. In the second row, from left,
are Matthew Baum, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; Larry Schaeper, Diocese of Covington; Dominic Tran, Archdiocese
of Atlanta; Salomon Garcia-Cortes, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Francis Dankoski, Diocese of Steubenville; Matthew Cushing,
Diocese of Covington; Michael Russo, master of arts degree; Luis Fonseca, Diocese of Savannah. In the back row, from
left, are Michael Zavage, Diocese of Pittsburgh; Ernesto Rodriguez, Diocese of Saint Thomas; Jose Parra-Murcia, Diocese
of Saginaw; Bradley Greer, Diocese of Steubenville; Ximena DeBroeck; Daniel Langa, Diocese of Pittsburgh and Brother
Joseph Adams, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey.
Twenty Degrees Awarded At Commencement
Thirteen students at Saint Vincent Seminary
received the master of divinity degree, four the
master of arts degree and two the bachelor of
sacred theology degree during the Seminary’s
annual commencement on May 8. They
represent nine dioceses and two religious
orders. Three are lay students. Two students
received dual degrees.
Most Rev. Roger J. Foys, Bishop of
Covington, Kentucky, received an honorary
doctor of divinity degree, honoris causa, and
gave the commencement address.
ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA
Salomon Garcia-Cortes is the son of Alfredo
Garcia Garrio Bribiesca and Maria Delfina
Francisca Cortes of Morelia, Michoacan,
Mexico. He is a 1998 graduate of Santa Maria
de Guadalupe in Morelia, Michoacan. He
earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy
at Saint Joseph Seminary College in Saint
Benedict, Louisiana, in 2005. He received the
master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent
Seminary in 2009.
Dominic T. Tran is the son of Cahn Tran and
Ri Ha Tran. He is a 1991 graduate of Vinh An
High School, Vietnam. He earned a bachelor
of arts degree in philosophy from Divine Word
College Seminary, Epworth, Iowa, in 2000. He
received the master of divinity degree from
Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.
DIOCESE OF ALTOONA-JOHNSTOWN
Matthew Brian Baum of Altoona,
Pennsylvania, is the son of Donna M. and James
T. Baum of Altoona. He is a 2000 graduate
of Bellwood-Antis High School, Bellwood,
Pennsylvania. In 2004, he received a bachelor
of arts in philosophy and religious studies from
St. Francis University, Loretto, Pennsylvania.
Since 2004, he has been studying in the
(Continued on Page 11)
10

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Twenty Degrees Awarded
(Continued from Page 10)
ordination program at Saint Vincent Seminary,
Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He received the master
of divinity degree, with highest honors, from
Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.
DIOCESE OF COVINGTON
Matthew Aloysius Cushing of Overland
Park, Kansas, is the son of Carol and Dennis
Cushing of Overland Park. He is a 1993
graduate of Rockhurst High School, Kansas
City, Missouri. In 1997, he received a bachelor
of science degree in computer information
systems from Devry in Kansas City, Missouri.
He attended St. Louis University from 2002 to
2003 for pre-theology. In 2004, he received
his masters in divinity from Kenrick-Glennon
Seminary. He received the master of divinity
degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.
Lawrence A. Schaeper of Fort Wright,
Kentucky, is the son of Donald and Mary
Jo Schaeper of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a
1983 graduate of Roger Bacon High School,
earned a bachelor of science in business
administration degree from Xavier University
in 1988 and studied at Mount Saint Mary’s
Seminary, Cincinnati, from 1998 to 2003. He
received the master of divinity degree from
Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.
DIOCESE OF PATERSON
Rev. Abuchi F. Nwosu is the son of Felicia
Ukamaka Nwosu of Lagos, Nigeria. He is a
1993 graduate of the Model Comprehensive
Boy’s School in Inyi, Enugu, Nigeria. He earned
a bachelor of philosophy degree from Bigard
Memorial Seminary in 1999. He received the
master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent
Seminary in 2008, and the master of arts
degree in 2009.
DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGH
Daniel Joseph Langa of Butler,
Pennsylvania, is the son of Julia Ann and David
Langa of Butler. He is a 2001 graduate of
Slippery Rock High School. In 2005, he received
a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He received the master of divinity degree, with
honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.
Michael Andrew Zavage, Jr. of
Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, is the son of Joan
and Michael Zavage of Carmichaels. He is
a 2001 graduate of Carmichaels Area High
School. In 2005, he received a bachelor of arts
degree in philosophy from Duquesne University,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He received the
master of divinity degree, with high honors,
and the bachelor of sacred theology degree,
with high honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary
in 2009. He also received the Diakonia
Award, given to the graduating student who
most fulfills the criteria for this service award,
given by the faculty. Included in the criteria
are academic performance, service to the
community by upbuilding student morale and
spirit, leadership, and creative outreach.
DIOCESE OF SAGINAW
Jose G. Parra Murcia of Saginaw, Michigan,
is the son of Evangelina Murcia of Chiquinquira,
Boyaca, Colombia and the late Jose G. Parra.
He is a 1994 graduate of Industrial Technical
Institute of Chiquinquira and earned a degree
in philosophy from Seminario Conciliar in Tunja,
Boyaca, Colombia, in 2002. He received the
master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent
Seminary in 2009. He also received the Omer
U. Kline, O.S.B., Homiletics Award, given by the
Rector’s Council. It is given to the fourth-year
student who has most clearly demonstrated
excellence in preaching.
DIOCESE OF SAINT THOMAS
Ernesto Rodolfo Rodriguez of St. John, Virgin
Islands, is the son of Rosa Elena Mendizabal
of Lima, Peru, and the late Julio E. Rodriguez.
He is a 1984 graduate of Agustiniano San
Martin de Porres, Lima, Peru. He earned a
bachelor’s degree in education from the
Pontificia Universidad Catolica, Lima, in 1992.
He received the master of divinity degree from
Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.
DIOCESE OF SAVANNAH
Luis A. Fonseca is the son of Hector
and Ana Granados de Fonseca of Bogota,
Colombia. He is a 1994 graduate of Salesian
School, Duitauia, Boyaca, Colombia. He
earned degrees in the philosophy of education
from St. Thomas Aquinas University, Bogota, in
1999, and from La Salle University in 2000. He
received the master of divinity degree, with
honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.
DIOCESE OF STEUBENVILLE
Brother Francis Dankoski of Hopedale,
Ohio, is the son of Dennis James Dankoski of
Steubenville, Ohio, and the late Diane Marie
Dankoski. He is a 1990 graduate of the School of
Mary Immaculate–Chapel American School in
São Paulo, Brazil. From 1998 to 2000, he studied
pre-theology and philosophy at Franciscan
University of Steubenville, Ohio. He received
the master of divinity degree, with high honors,
from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.
Bradley W. Greer is the son of Larry W.
(Continued on Page 12)
11
Permanent
Deacons
Ordained
William J. Hisker and
F. Daniel Frescura were
ordained to the permanent
diaconate for the
Diocese of Greensburg
on Monday, August 10,
by the Most Rev. Lawrence
E. Brandt, JCD, Ph.D.,
Bishop of Greensburg.
Hisker and Frescura
are the first graduates of
Saint Vincent Seminary
to be ordained permanent
deacons. Hisker
completed a master of
divinity degree at the
Seminary in 2005, while
Frescura earned a master
of arts degree in theology
in 2001.
Frescura is a parishoner
of Saint John Baptist
de La Salle Parish in Delmont,
and has retired
from teaching German,
English and video production
at Penn-Trafford
High School. He and his
wife, Debbie, have been
married for 39 years.
Hisker is a parishoner
at Our Lady of Grace
Parish in Greensburg,
and is a professor of management
at Saint Vincent
College. He and his
wife, Vera, have been
married for 40 years.
According to the U.S.
Conference of Catholic
Bishops, there are more
than 13,000 permanent
deacons in this country.
The ministry was introduced
in the Diocese of
Greensburg in 2005 by
Bishop Brandt. Permanent
deacons serve at
the altar and proclaim
the word during Mass.
They also serve the
church by serving others
through charity.

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Twenty Degrees Awarded At Commencement
Four on Path
to Permanent
Diaconate
Four men from the Diocese
of Greensburg were
accepted as aspirants
by Bishop Brandt in December
2008. Dr. Edwin
Hogan from Blessed Sacrament
Cathedral Parish
in Greensburg, William
Newhouse from Saint Paul
Parish in Greensburg, Michael
Orange from Saint
Vincent Basilica Parish in
Latrobe, and Raymond
Takacs from Saint Agnes
Parish in North Huntingdon
are engaged in the first
official step of the diaconate
formation process.
In the Diocese of Greensburg,
diaconate formation
is made up of
four steps: inquiry period,
aspirant path, candidate
path, and post-ordination
path. Formation in the human,
intellectual, pastoral
spiritual dimensions is
addressed in each step.
The path to aspirancy
is marked by growth in
commitment to Christ and
neighbor, as well as discernment
of personal gifts
and how those gifts can
be used to serve others as
a deacon of the church.
(Continued from Page 11)
Greer of Lenoir, North Carolina and Claudette
I. Triplette of Simpsonville, South Carolina. He is
a 1996 graduate of South Caldwell High School,
Hudson, North Carolina. He studied English and
history at Appalachian State University, Boone,
North Carolina, and received his bachelor’s
degree in those subjects from North Carolina
State University, Raleigh in 1998. He received
the master of arts degree, with highest honors,
and the bachelor of sacred theology degree,
with highest honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary
in 2009. He also received the Honorable Judge
Bernard F. Scherer Award, given to the student
who most exemplifies the qualities evident
in the life of Judge Scherer. Given by the
faculty, the award criteria includes a breadth
of learning, which allows one to integrate
theology and the life of the people of God
with academic areas, wisdom and the ability
to see the interconnectedness of all life, the
practice of corporal works of mercy, witness to
faith and a hope-filled attitude.
SAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEY
Brother Joseph M. Adams, O.S.B., of Silver
Spring, Maryland, is a son of Paul V. and Rita
A. Adams of Lusby, Maryland. He attended
St. Catherine Laboure Parochial School in
Wheaton, Maryland and is a 1982 graduate of
Wheaton High School. He earned a bachelor
of arts degree in history from Saint Vincent
College in 2001. He began studies at Saint
Vincent Seminary in 2005 and received the
master of divinity degree, with honors, in 2009.
He made simple profession of vows July 10,
1997 at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica, and
solemn profession of vows on July 11, 2000.
MASTER OF ARTS
Ximena DeBroeck, a native of Quito,
Ecuador, is married to Michael DeBroeck of
Greensburg. She was coordinator of faith
12
formation at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral,
a part-time academic tutor for Saint Vincent
Seminary, and is currently serving as an adjunct
faculty member at the Seminary. She earned
a bachelor of science degree in nursing
from the University of Texas at Austin in 1985.
She received the master of arts degree, with
highest honors, from Saint Vincent Seminary in
2009. She also received the Sacred Scripture
Award, given by the Sacred Scripture faculty
and awarded to the graduating student who
has demonstrated excellence in the study of
Sacred Scripture.
Michael Lewis Russo of Johnstown
received the master of arts degree, with
high honors, in 2009. Married to Nancy, he
is finishing his fourth year in the formation
process for ordination to the diaconate for the
Altoona-Johnstown Diocese. He is currently
assisting Deacon Gene Neral, the Director for
the Formation Ministry and Life of Permanent
Deacons in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese,
in implementing guidelines established by the
National Association of Diaconate Directors.
These guidelines are designed to help in the
initial development and formation of deacons
and their ongoing formation. He is also a faculty
member of Stephen Ministries, St. Louis. Stephen
Ministries is a complete system for training and
organizing lay people to provide one-to-one
Christian care for people in crisis. He is the son
of Johanna Russo of New Port Richey, Florida,
and the late Michael Russo.
MASTER OF DIVINITY
Michal Zábrecky is the son of Frantisek
and Magdaléna Zábrecky of Siroké, Presov,
Slovakia. He is a 2001 graduate of Gymnázium
Krompachy, Krompachy, Slovakia. He received
the master of divinity degree, with high honors,
from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2009.

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Judge Lally-Green Scholarship Dinner Speaker
Seminary Board of Regents member Hon. Maureen E. Lally-Green was the speaker at the annual scholarship dinner, held
this year at LaMont in Pittsburgh. In 1998, Judge Lally-Green was appointed by Governor Tom Ridge to the Superior Court,
and confirmed by the State Senate. In 1999, Judge Lally-Green was elected for a term of ten years. The Judge’s memberships
include: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee (appointed by the Court and serves
as its Chair); The Board of Directors, Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh; The Board of Directors, Epilepsy Foundation of Western/
Central Pennsylvania; The Board of Trustees, Auberle, McKeesport, Pa. (serves as Secretary); The Board of Directors, Saint
Thomas More Society of Allegheny County; The Board of Directors, Saint Francis University, Loretto, Pa.; The Board of Directors,
Mercy-UPMC Hospital; The National and International Associations of Women Judges; The Pennsylvania Bar Association; The
Allegheny County Bar Association; Western Pennsylvania Women’s Bar Association; and The Executive Committee of the
Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession.
By Carly Marsh
Saint Vincent Seminary
announces the launch of its debut
CD, O God Come to my Assistance:
Saint Vincent Seminarians in Song,
to arrive in mid-November. Father
Justin Matro, O.S.B., Rector, said
the idea came about several
years ago and was put into action
this past spring by himself and
Deacon Robert Fleckenstein. Their
goal with the CD is to showcase Saint Vincent
Seminary’s diversity and talent by showing
“all of [the seminarians] enjoying each other’s
music together and the freedom to express
[their] faith and religion in the original pieces
that were written,” said Fleckenstein. The CD
showcases the multicultural diversity of the
Seminary, with songs in Spanish, Vietnamese,
and even a Baptist choir piece, along with
several individual and duo selections.
Seminarians featured in the vocal groups
on the disc include Deacon Matthew Baum,
Deacon Michael Zavage, Deacon Robert
Fleckenstein, Matthew Larlick, William Appel,
Luis Alvarez, Kevin Coyle, Stephen Kelley, Ernie
Seminarians Develop Music CD
Darby, Cody Ford, Ryan Stichweh,
Thomas Trofino, Vernon Knight,
Kyle Sahd, Deacon Daniel Langa,
Deacon Jose Parra-Murcia, Jose
Manuel Escalante, Luis Alvarez,
Michael Gossett, Kevin Coyle,
Deacon Dominic Tran, Thang Pham,
Cong Nguyen, Tri Nguyen, Brother
Maximillian Maxwell, O.S.B., Brother
Gabriel Myriam Kurzawski, O.S.B.,
Brother Jeremy Heppler, O.S.B.,
Brother Elijah Cirigliano, O.S.B., Charles Affholter,
and Rigo Ochoa. Organ accompanists include
Father Cyrprian Constantine, O.S.B., and Jason
Keefer.
Original pieces include “God Above All”
written by Deacon Robert Fleckenstein, “Melody
in E” written by Daniel Langa, and “The Good
Pelican” co-written by Michael Gossett and
Daniel Langa. Listeners will also enjoy familiar
songs such as “Simple Gifts.” The tracks for
the CD were recorded during the Spring 2009
semester in the Saint Gregory the Great Chapel
and in the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica.
The CD was then mixed together at George
Harris’ studio in Bridgeville. The production of the
13
CD included more than
thirty seminarians helping
in all the various aspects
of the process ranging
from singing, playing, and
writing songs to a seminary
wide CD naming contest
and the designing of the
album’s cover. The CD is
currently in its final stages
of preparation before
launch. O God Come
to my Assistance: Saint
Vincent Seminarians in
Song will be available
mid November at http://
www.stvincentstore.com
or by calling Archabbey
Publications at 724-805-
2427. Plans are also in the
making for the majority of
the songs on the CD to be
available for purchase on
iTunes after the release of
the CD.

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Summer Conference Focuses on Gospel of Paul
Participants in the
2009 Summer Conference
for Priests, Deacons and
Seminarians, were, from
left, Dr. Michel Therrien,
Seminary Academic
Dean; Very Rev. Justin
Matro, O.S.B., Rector; Dr.
Scott Hahn, presenter;
Most Rev. William Winter,
Bishop of Pittsburgh,
who presided at Mass
one day; Dr. Brant Pitre,
presenter; and Dr. John
Bergsma, presenter.
The fourth annual Conference for
Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians
took place June 15-19, 2009. Dr.
Scott Hahn, Dr. Brant Pitre, and
Dr. John Bergsma presented
“Romans: The Gospel
According to Saint Paul.”
The speakers provided
a chapter-by-chapter
discussion of the letter of Saint
Paul to the Romans.
“It’s a real joy to study
with you the Book of Romans in a
Catholic context,” Dr. Bergsma said
during his opening lecture
In “Justification, Faith, and Works of the
Law,” Dr. Pitre discussed chapters 2 and 3,
“very controversial chapters, because they
focus on the question that has divided the
church now for four or five hundred years.
That’s the question of the role of works in
salvation.”
Dr Hahn’s lecture on chapters four and
five, “Spiritual Fatherhood,” focused “primarily
on Abraham as the divine exemplar of faith
and fatherhood, and Adam as the exemplar
of the anti-father.”
This year’s conference also featured an
optional homiletics workshop on Friday, June
19. The homiletics workshop was conducted by
Very Rev. Joseph Mele, an assistant professor
of homiletics at the Seminary, and Frather Brian
Cavanaugh, TOR.
The fifth annual lecture will take place
June 14-18, 2010. Please see the insert in the
center of this issue of Leaven for more
information or to register for the
conference.
“Romans: The Gospel
According to Saint Paul,”
is available on a six DVD
set for $40 plus $5 shipping
and handling. For priests,
deacons, and seminarians,
the seven-DVD set that
includes the DVD of the
homiletics workshop is available
for $45, plus $5 shipping and
handling.
Fourth Year Dinner
In the spring, deacons serving in parishes invited those who worked with them during that time to the annual Fourth Year
Dinner, held on campus. Among those attending, above, left, were Daniel Langa, right, of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, who
served at Our Lady of Fatima Parish with Rev. Howard W. Campbell. Above right, center, is Matthew Cushing of the Diocese
of Covington, with representatives from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Indiana, where he served with Father William Kiel.
14

Fifth Annual
Conference for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians
Gospel & Sacraments:
Reading and Proclaiming the Gospel of John
Dr. Scott Hahn
Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
June 14-18, 2010
Above: 2009 Conference Attendees

Gospel & Sacraments:
Reading and Proclaiming the Gospel of John
Priests, deacons and seminarians are invited to spend four
days reflecting on the “Gospel & Sacraments: Reading and
Proclaming the Gospel of John,” with Dr. Scott Hahn, June 14-18,
2010 on the grounds of Saint Vincent Archabbey and Seminary
in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Dr. Hahn will once again be joined by
other noted scholars, including Dr. Brant Pitre of Notre Dame
Seminary, New Orleans, and Dr. John Bergsma of Franciscan
University of Steubenville. The days will be filled with discovery,
in a leisurely, but stimulating environment. It’s an opportunity for
clergy to contemplate the Scriptures more deeply—for prayer,
for preaching, and for understanding.
Dr. Scott Hahn
An exceptionally popular speaker and
teacher, Dr. Scott Hahn has delivered numerous
talks nationally and internationally on a wide
variety of topics related to Scripture and the
Catholic faith. Hundreds of these talks have
been produced on audio and videotapes by
Saint Joseph Communications. Dr. Hahn is the
Pope Benedict XVI Chair of Biblical Theology
and Homiletics for Excellence in Preaching at
Saint Vincent Seminary. A native of Pittsburgh,
Dr. Hahn served as a visiting professor at Saint Vincent Seminary in
2000. He has also served as a Professor of Theology and Scripture at
Franciscan University of Steubenville since 1990. He is the founder
and president of The Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology.
The Signs of Life: Forty Catholic Customs and their Biblical
Roots (2009), Kingship by Covenant: A Canonical Approach to
the Fulfillment of God’s Promises (Anchor Bible Reference Library,
2009), Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, and
Defend the Catholic Faith (Doubleday: New York, 2007) and
Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace (Doubleday: New York, 2006)
are the titles of his newest books. Previous works include Letter &
Spirit: From Written Text to Living Word in the Liturgy (2005); Swear
to God: The Promise and Power of the Sacraments, (Doubleday,
2004). Other books from Dr. Hahn include Scripture Matters: Essays
on Reading the Bible from the Heart of the Church (Emmaus
Road, 2003); Lord, Have Mercy: The Healing Power of Confession
(Doubleday, 2003); First Comes Love: Finding Your Family in the
Church and the Trinity (Doubleday, 2002); Hail Holy Queen: The
Mother of God in the Word of God (Doubleday, 2001); The Lamb’s
Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth (1999); A Father Who Keeps
His Promises (Servant Publications, 1997). In addition, he served as
coauthor (along with his wife, Kimberly) of Rome Sweet Home:
Our Journey to Catholicism (Ignatius Press, 1993).
Pictured, from left, Dr. Brant Pitre,
Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. John Bergsma
Dr. Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre is the Professor of Sacred
Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New
Orleans, Louisiana. He received his Ph.D.
in Theology from the University of Notre
Dame, where he specialized the study of
the New Testament and ancient Judaism
and graduated with highest honors. He is the
author of several articles and the new book,
Jesus, the Tribulation, and the End of the Exile,
which focuses on the eschatology of Jesus as
the key to the origin of the doctrine of the atonement (Baker
Academic, 2005). He is currently working on a second book on
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist, a project which
was funded by a grant from the Saint Paul Center for Biblical
Theology, founded by Dr. Scott Hahn. Dr. Pitre is an extremely
enthusiastic and engaging speaker and has produced several
Bible studies on CD, in which he explores the Jewish roots and
biblical background of Catholic faith and theology.
Dr. John Bergsma
Dr. John Bergsma, a Senior Fellow of The Saint
Paul Center for Biblical Theology, is an expert
in the Dead Sea Scrolls and many aspects of
Sacred Scripture. He has been an associate
professor of theology at Franciscan University
of Steubenville since 2004.
Received into the Catholic Church in 2001,
Dr. Bergsma is a former Protestant pastor and
graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary, with
a master’s degree in theology and a master of
divinity degree in Old Testament. He went on
to receive his doctorate in theology from the University of Notre
Dame, defending his dissertation, “The Jubilee from Leviticus to
Qumran” with high honors.
Dr. Bergsma is fluent in eight languages including Aramaic,
classical Greek and Hebrew, as well as Latin. He has written
over 20 articles and given over 25 presentations on the Dead
Sea Scrolls, Salvation History, Gnosticism, Sexuality in the Old
Testament, The Jubilee Year, and many other topics in Biblical
Theology.

REGISTRATION FORM - Please type or print clearly. Registration Deadline: May 25, 2010
Title: Monsignor Father Brother Deacon Seminarian
First Name: Last Name: Suffix:
Mailing Address:
Day Phone:
City: State: Zip: Cell Phone:
Email:
Monastery/Diocese/
Community:
Fax Number:
Special Needs: Handicap Parking Wheelchair Refrigeration for Medication
Golf Cart (For those with difficulty walking. Each cart holds four people.)
Dietary Needs: Diabetic Vegetarian Vegan Other
: Other: (please specify) ________________________________________________
May we share your contact information with the other conference participants?
Address: Yes No Email: Yes No Phone: Yes No
FEE SCHEDULE – DR. SCOTT HAHN CONFERENCE
I am including:
$75 Non-refundable deposit*
$550 Full Registration (Monday thru Thursday)**
$250 Seminarian Rate (with Student ID)**
$100 Optional Homiletics Workshop (Friday, June 18)
$650 Full Registration plus Homiletics Workshop
$25 Early Arrival or Late Departure***
I will need round trip shuttle service, please contact me
with details:
$40 Pittsburgh International Airport
$20 Greensburg Greyhound bus station
$10 Latrobe Amtrak train station or Arnold Palmer
Airport
You will be staying in either a suite
or apartment.
Suites are two rooms (single or
double) that share a bath.
Apartments are 4 single
bedrooms that share 2 baths
and a common living space
with kitchenette.
Suitemate/Apartment Share
Request:
* A non-refundable deposit must accompany each individual registration to guarantee a space. Payment in
full is required by May 25, 2010
** Fees include room, all meals during conference, banquet, snacks, and registration for June 14-17.
*** Early Arrival is available after 6 p.m. on June 13.
Please send registration & payment to:
Event and Conference Services
Saint Vincent College
300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, PA 15650
Phone: (724) 532-5030 Fax: (724) 532-5019
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Visit
www.saintvincentseminary.edu or please
contact Dr. Michel Therrien at (724) 805-2324
or michel.therrien@email.stvincent.edu
Method of Payment
Credit Card: Visa Mastercard
Discover
CC#:_________________________________________________________
Exp: __________________ CVV Code (on back): _________________
Check or Money Order: Please make payable to:
Saint Vincent College
Total Amount Due: $____________ Total Enclosed: $_____________

Fifth Annual Conference for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians
Gospel & Sacraments: Reading and Proclaming the Gospel of John
June 14-18, 2010 • Saint Vincent Seminary • Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Saint Vincent Campus
Nestled in the foothills of Chestnut Ridge near Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Saint
Vincent Archabbey, College, Parish and Seminary are shaped by the 1,500-yearold
Benedictine heritage of liturgical prayer, study, hospitality and community.
The fourth oldest Roman Catholic Seminary in the United States, Saint Vincent has
prepared over 2,500 diocesan and religious priests for the service of God and His
Church. The Archabbey was founded by Bavarian monk Boniface Wimmer, who
established Benedictine monasticism in America in 1846. The campus features the
100-year-old Rheinish Romanesque Basilica designed by William Schickel, facilities
for swimming, a fitness center and walking trails as well as a number of chapels
and gardens for quiet meditation. This year’s conference will be held in the newlyconstructed
Fred M. Rogers Center, pictured at left and below. Greater Pittsburgh
International Airport is located 60 miles west of campus.

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
A Few Tax Saving Tips
“The IRS Code is about
Last, but certainly not
ten times the size of the
least, if you are not already
Bible – and unlike the Bible,
a member of the Saint
it contains no good news.”
Vincent Guardian Society,
All of us have
please consider joining our
experienced the anguish of
many friends and alumni
filling out tax forms, and as
who have named Saint
such we can relate directly
Vincent Seminary in their
to this clever, yet painful
wills and estate plans. If
quote credited to former
you need assistance with
United States Senator and
this process, we have
American businessman,
experts in the field that can
Don Nickels. Despite the
assist you.
tax code not having any
Pope Benedict XVI has
good news, there are some
proclaimed this year the
rays of sunshine regarding
official “Year of the Priest.”
charitable donations that
Saint Vincent Seminary is
can help to alleviate your
Paul R. Whiteside
honored to play a key role
tax burden.
Director of Development in the formation of new
If you have a qualified
priests in the United States,
retirement account such as an IRA or 401K, and indeed in many parts of the world.
and you are age 70.5 or older, you still qualify Many dioceses and abbeys are relying on
to make a charitable gift (up to $100,000) the expertise of our esteemed faculty, staff
directly from your retirement account with no and administration to train new priests in the
tax consequence to you or your family. This well-rounded tradition of the “four pillars”
dramatically simplifies the tax filing process of formation: Academic, Spiritual, Pastoral
for you, and furthermore, if you are being and Human. In our last fiscal year, our costs
required to withdraw from your retirement for providing a first-class education to the
account, this is an excellent way to avoid seminarians here were approximately $2.4
taxes on those mandatory withdrawals. million. Thanks to your generosity, we were
Another way to save taxes is through a able to meet our budgetary obligations
Charitable Gift Annuity. Many of our friends despite some very strong “head-winds” in the
and benefactors have enjoyed the benefits economy.
of a CGA, especially in these most uncertain As the new academic year is now well
economic times. Some of these benefits underway, it would appear that there is a
include:
light at the end of the economic tunnel. We
• Enjoy an immediate tax deduction on a continue to count on your contributions, no
portion of your gift annuity
matter how large or small, to help us to carry
• Receive guaranteed quarterly dividend on the work entrusted to us on behalf of the
payments for as long as you live
Church. While we all agree that there is not
• Know that upon your passing, the much good news in the IRS Tax Code, there
remaining principal of your gift will go directly is plenty of Good News in the Gospel of Jesus
to Saint Vincent Seminary and will not be Christ that we continue to teach and to
subject to estate taxes
preach at here at Saint Vincent.
In addition, if you own appreciated stock Please know that we are ever grateful
or real estate that you plan to sell, you can for your past support, and that you are
minimize the impact on your annual taxes by always remembered in the prayers of the
sharing your gains with Saint Vincent. Some Benedictine Community of Saint Vincent.
of our benefactors regularly donate entire
Taxes and tax planning are a
shares of stock to the Seminary. In this case, complicated issue and you should consult
our policy is to immediately sell the shares your accountant or tax expert for specific
and apply the proceeds to the area of the advice.
Seminary as specified by the donor. The
For further information about Planned
donor enjoys an immediate tax deduction, Giving, you may contact Paul Whiteside by
and the Seminary is able to use the liquid email at paul.whiteside@stvincent.edu or by
funds to apply to our operating expenses, the phone at (724) 532-6740.
endowment, or to a special project.
19

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Paul Sheller
Eric Andriot
Josiah Booth
Michael Norton
Jacob Straub
David Renne
Donald Bender Ryan Fischer Huang Wen Hong Damian Zablocki
Seminary Welcomes 28 New Seminarians
Saint Vincent Seminary welcomed 28
new seminarians for the fall semester, in
addition to four men who will study for the
permanent diaconate and two lay students.
The seminarians are from eight dioceses and
six abbeys and monasteries.
CONCEPTION ABBEY
Paul A. Sheller, O.S.B., is the son of Dennis
and Barbara Sheller of Stillwater, Oklahoma. He
is a 2000 graduate of Stillwater High School. He
studied at Oklahoma State University from 2000
to 2002, and then at Conception Seminary
College from 2002 to 2005, where he earned a
bachelor of arts degree in philosophy.
DIOCESE OF COVINGTON
Eric L. Andriot of Florence, Kentucky, is
the son of the late Phil and Mary Andriot. He
is a 1992 graduate of Covington Catholic High
School, Park Hills, and attended Thomas More
College, Crestview Hills, Kentucky, where he
studied business administration, from 2000 to
2003. He has an associate of applied science
degree from Northern Kentucky University.
Josiah N. Booth is the son of Ray Booth and
Vanna Mae Critoria of Navarre, Ohio. He is a
2003 graduate of Central Catholic High School,
Canton, earned a bachelor of arts degree in
history from the Pontifical College Josephinum
and Franciscan University of Steubenville in
2009.
Michael B. Norton of Villa Hills, Kentucky,
is the son of Michael E. and Kathy S. Norton
of Madisonville. He is a 2001 graduate of Ryle
High School, Union. He earned a bachelor of
arts degree in philosophy from Thomas More
College, Crestview Hills, Kentucky, in 2009.
Jacob E. Straub is the son of Clifford and
Terri Straub of Alexandria, Kentucky. He is a 2001
graduate of Campbell County High School.
He studied history at Georgetown College,
Georgetown, Kentucky; history and philosophy
at Northern Kentucky University; and earned
a bachelor of arts degree in history from the
Pontifical College Josephinum in 2009.
DIOCESE OF ERIE
David M. Renne of Punxsutawney is the son
of Peter and Jennifer Renne of Punxsutawney.
He is a 2005 graduate of Punxsutawney Area
High School and earned a bachelor of arts
degree in English/philosophy from Gannon
University, Erie, in 2009.
DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG
Donald H. Bender, Jr., of Lancaster, is the
son of Donald H. Bender, Sr., and Theresa
Bender of Ephrata. He is a 1989 graduate of
Ephrata Senior High School and received a
bachelor of science degree in education from
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.
Ryan M. Fischer of Lancaster, Pennsylvania,
is the son of Michael and Margaret Fischer. He
is a 2003 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High
School. He attended Franciscan University
of Steubenville and received degrees in
philosophy and theology in 2009.
DIOCESE OF NAN CHONG
John Huang Wen Hong is from Nan Chong,
Si Chuan Province, China. He is the son of
Daiguo Huang and Weihua Tang of Anyue. He
is a 2000 graduate of Bei Ta High School in Nan
Chong. He earned a bachelor of arts degree
in philosophy from Saint Vincent College in
2007.
DIOCESE OF PATERSON
Damian P. Zablocki of Newark is the son
of Brenda G. Edwards of Holland, Ohio, and
the late Bronislaw W. Zablocki. He is a 1996
graduate of Maumee High School, Maumee,
Ohio. He also studied philosophy at Catholic
University of America from 2006-2007.
DIOCESE OF SAGINAW
Christian Tabares of Saginaw is the son of
Sonia Velasquez of Medellin, Colombia and
the late Hector Tabares. He is a 1993 graduate
of Medellin Minor Seminary, Colombia, and
earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from
Santo Tomas de Aquino Seminary, Santa Rosa
de Osos, Colombia, in 2006.
Alberto E. Vargas of Saginaw is the son
of Ivan and Maria Disne Vargas of Ituango,
Colombia. He is a 2005 graduate of the
Seminario Cristo Sacerdote with a major in
philosophy. He has also studied at Santo
Tomas de Aquino Seminary, Santa Rosa de
Osos, Colombia.
20

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Christian Tabares Alberto Vargas Juan Velasquez Augustine Ariwaodo
Seminary Welcomes 28 New Seminarians
Juan I. Velasquez of Saginaw is the son
of Alirio I. Velasquez and Teresa Hincapie of
Yarumal, Colombia. He attended the diocesan
Santo Tomas de Aquino Seminary, Santa Rosa
de Osos, Colombia, graduating high school
in 1998 there and graduating with a degree
in ecclesiastic studies in November 2001.
DIOCESE OF SAVANNAH
Augustine U. Ariwaodo of Umuahia, Abi
State, Nigeria, is a current resident of Statesboro,
Georgia. He is a son of Monica Chinyere
Ariwaodo and the late Matthias Nriwaodo
of Umuahia. He graduated from Queen of
Apostles Secondary Technical College in
Nigeria in 1994, and earned a bachelor of
theology degree from the Seminary of Saints
Peter and Paul, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria,
in 2005.
John D. Wright is the son of Rob and Carol
Wright of Savannah. He is a 2004 graduate of
Benedictine Military High School, Savannah.
He earned a bachelor of arts degree in
criminal justice from the University of Georgia,
Athens, in 2008.
Micah J. Wright is the son of Rev. Gary
E. and Rev. Carol A. Wright of Greenfield,
Indiana. He is a 1992 graduate of West Branch
High School, Beloit, Ohio, and studied theology
and philosophy at Ave Maria University, Ave
Maria, Florida, from 2003 to 2006.
DIOCESE OF WHEELING-CHARLESTON
Curtis M. Abbott of Nitro, West Virginia, is
the son of Harold and Shawn Abbott of Nitro.
He is a 2005 graduate of South Charleston
High School, South Charleston, West Virginia.
He also studied theology at Wheeling Jesuit
University, Wheeling, West Virginia.
MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT
Brother Lawrence Alberto Pilarca, O.S.B., is
a monk of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert
in New Mexico. He is the son of Fidela Pilarca
of Camarines Sur, the Philippines, and the
late Alfredo Pilarca. He received a bachelor
of science in industrial education at the
Camerines Sur National College of Arts and
Trades in 1981. He has also studied at Saint
Meinrad School of Theology.
Brother Paulavang L. Vuong, O.S.B., of
the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu,
New Mexico, is the son of Hien Xuan Vuong
and Hac Thi Luu of Houston. He is a native of
Da Nang, Vietnam. He graduated from Trinh
Chau Phan High School, Da Nang, in 1980. He
earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy
from Mount Angel Seminary, Saint Benedict,
Oregon, in 2007 and has also studied at Saint
Meinrad School of Theology.
MOUNT SAVIOR MONASTERY
Thomas M. Colucci, O.S.B., of Bronxville,
New York, is the son of Donald F. and Marilyn
G. Colucci of Bardonia, New York. He is a 1974
graduate of Albertus Magnus High School,
Bardonia. He earned a bachelor of science
degree in general studies from Springfield
College, Massachusetts, in 1979 and a master
of science degree in health and fitness
management from American University in
1981.
SAINT BEDE ABBEY
Brother Gregory Jarzombek, O.S.B., of
Chicago is from Saint Bede Abbey, Peru,
Illinois. He mother is Catherine Jarzombek of
Park Ridge, Illinois. He is a 1971 graduate of
Notre Dame High School for Boys, Niles, Illinois.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in
finance from Marquette University in 1975 and
a master of business administration degree in
finance in 1976 from the University of Wisconsin,
Madison.
SAINT JOSEPH MONASTERY
Brother Matthew Nguyen, O.Cist., of Saint
Joseph Monastery, Lucerne Valley, California,
is the son of Thuc Van and Nam Be Thi Vo
Nguyen of Vinh Long, Vietnam. He attended
Hieu Phung High School, Vinh Long, graduating
in 1999.
Brother Peter Pham, O.Cist., of Saint
Joseph Monastery, Lucerne Valley, California
is the son of An Dang Pham and the late Cong
Thi Nguyen Pham of Dong Nai, Vietnam.He
attended Kiem Tan High School, Dong Nai,
graduating in 1999.
SAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEY
Brother Pio Adamonis, O.S.B., is the son of
John Wright
Micah Wright
Curtis Abbott
Lawrence Pilarca
Paulavang Vuong
Thomas Colucci
21

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Gregory Jarzombek
Matthew Nguyen
Peter Pham
Pio Adamonis
Seminary Welcomes 28 New Seminarians
Peter P. and Catherine Adamonis of Upland. He
is a 1986 graduate of Saint James High School.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in
marketing from Penn State University in 1990.
Brother Cassiano Mauricio De Souza,
O.S.B., of Brazil is from São Bento Abbey,
São Paulo, Brazil. He studied theology at
Centro Universitário Salesiano de São Paulo,
philosophy at Faculdade São Bento and is a
1995 graduate of EEPSG Prof a Zenaide Vilalva
de Araujo, São Paulo.
Brother Albert Gahr, O.S.B., is the son of
Raymond and Diana Gahr of Kersey. He is a
1991 graduate of Elk County Christian High
School, St. Marys. He earned a bachelor of
science degree in biology in 1995 from Saint
Vincent College and a doctorate in genetics
and developmental biology from West Virginia
University in 2002.
Brother John Paul Heiser, O.S.B., is the son
of Randy and Sherry Heiser of Bethel Park. He
Albert Gahr John Paul Heiser Isidore Minerd
is a 2004 graduate of Bethel Park High School
and earned a bachelor of arts degrees in
international politics and psychology from
Penn State University in 2008.
Brother Isidore Minerd, O.S.B., is the son of
Timothy and Laura Lee Szepesi of Connellsville.
He is a 2002 graduate of Connellsville Area
High School. He earned a bachelor of science
degree in computing and information science
from Saint Vincent College in May 2006 and a
bachelor of arts in Catholic theology from Saint
Vincent in December 2006.
PERMANENT DIACONATE
The Seminary has four new men in the
permanent diaconate program, including
Edwin Hogan, William Newhouse, Michael
Orange, and Ray Takacs
LAY STUDENTS
New lay students enrolled in the Master of
Arts program include Ronald Quinn, Janelle
Pica and Jennifer Price.
Rev. Matthias Martinez Named Dean of Students
Father Matthias Martinez is the son of
Cassiano De Souza
Lynda C. Martinez of Latrobe and the late
Edelmiro Martinez, Jr. He has
one sister, Janalyn Pentlow,
of Douglastown, New York.
He is a 1993 graduate
of Northfield Mt. Hermon
High School. He earned a
bachelor of arts degree
in philosophy in 1999
from Saint John Seminary
College, and has also
studied at Babson College
and Saint John Seminary,
Boston. He earned a master
of divinity degree from Saint
Vincent Seminary in 2007.
Father Matthias
made simple profession of
monastic vows on July 9,
Rev. Matthias Martinez, O.S.B.
2004 and solemn profession
of vows on July 11, 2007.
He was ordained to the diaconate on July
14, 2007, and served his deacon internship at
Saint Mary Parish, St. Marys, starting August
1 of that year. He was ordained to the
priesthood on January 19, 2008 by Bishop
Lawrence Brandt of Greensburg in the
Archabbey Basilica.
He served as assistant archivist and
assistant master of ceremonies/ sacristan at
Saint Vincent Archabbey (2004-2008). In 2007,
he was named assistant to the rector of Saint
Vincent Seminary, and to the staff of the
Formation Program. In 2008 he was named
assistant director of Facilities Management.
He began duties as Dean of Students for Saint
Vincent Seminary in 2009. He also served as
the assistant curator of the archabbey music
collection (2005-2006), Benedictine Resident
of Wimmer Hall at Saint Vincent College
(2006-2007) and as a Campus Ministry
Assistant (2006-2007).
Father Matthias assists with weekend
mission at the two parishes in Mount Pleasant:
Saint Pius X and Visitation.
22

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Father Joseph Mele has recently been
appointed Co-Vicar General of the Diocese
of Pittsburgh along with
Father Robert Guay
who will also serve as
Coordinator of the newly
appointed Regional
Episcopal Vicars in
Pittsburgh.
In addition, he has
received an appointment
from Bishop David A. Zubik
to serve as Vice Rector of Saint Paul Seminary.
The Bishop permits him to return to Saint
Vincent to teach Homiletics.
Father Joseph calls teaching in the
seminary “one of my greatest joys. I enjoy
teaching in the classroom and witnessing the
development of the seminarians in their ability
to communicate God’s Word in the liturgical
preaching ministry. I am deeply grateful to
Archabbot Douglas and Father Justin for
inviting me to stay on as a faculty member of
Saint Vincent Seminary.
“In terms of Homiletics, I believe I
am ready to begin the process to adapt
my recent dissertation ‘Homiletics at the
Threshold: Pope Benedict XVI’s Invitation’ so it
can be published as a book.”
* * * * *
Brother Bruno Heisey,
O. S. B., has published two
articles on the Venerable
Bede: “Bede’s Homilies,”
in the November,
2008, issue of Tjurunga;
“Bede, Caedmon, and
the Eucharist,” in the
July, 2009, issue of The
Downside Review.
* * * * *
Father Thomas P. Acklin, O.S.B., was one
of four keynote speakers at the National
Convention of Bishops and Vocation
Directors, held in Newark, New Jersey,
September 27 to October 1.
Other speakers included Archbishop
Piertro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United
States; Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of
Harrisburg; Archbishop Basil M. Schott, O.F.M.,
Metropolitan Archbishop, Archeparchy of
Pittsburgh for Byzantines.
Father Tom recently gave a retreat
to the priests of Covington, Kentucky at
Saint Meinrad’s Archabbey in Indiana from
September 21-24, and a retreat for the priests
of Metuchen, New Jersey from October 25-28.
Faculty News
He had also given a day of recollection at
Newark Abbey and also a day of Recollection
for the staff of the television station EWTN.
* * * * *
Father Justin Matro,
O.S.B., has given
numerous retreats and
days of recollections
recently.
They include:
• Region 1 (New
England) Roman Catholic
Bishops Retreat, Mystic,
Connecticut.
• Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Johnstown,
day of recollection.
• Diocese of Trenton Clergy
Convocation, Cape May, New Jersey.
• Saint Michael’s Parish, Greenville, day
of recollection.
• Diocese of Harrisburg Catechists,
workshop of lectio divina.
• Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, Clergy
Convocation, Chicago.
• Diocese of Gaylord Clergy Retreat.
• Diocese of Nashville Seminarian
Retreat.
• Diocese of Nashville Clergy Retreat.
• Knights of Malta Federal Association
retreat.
* * * * *
Father Edward Mazich, O.S.B., recently
published an article entitled “St. Jerome:
Biblical Scholarship in the Service of the
Church” in The Bible Today. Father Edward
took up the theme sounded by Pope
Father Thomas Acklin, O.S.B., talks with Chuck Neff, president and
executive producer of Salt River Production Group, Chesterfield, Missouri
during a recent visit to Saint Vincent. Neff is host of “The Inner Life” on Relevant
Radio, on which Father Tom also is a host for “Go Ask Your Father.”
23
Benedict XVI when he
launched the 2008 Synod
on The
Word
of God
in the
Life and
Mission
of the
Church,
exploring
the ways
in which Saint Jerome
employed his enormous
scriptural learning for
the benefit of the whole
Christian Church. Saint
Jerome’s many biblical
translations, his careful
and critical exegesis,
and the principled stands
which he took in the face
of opposition were noted
as enduring contributions
to the advancement
of the Catholic study of
sacred scripture.
Father Edward
also published a
review of Newman
and the Alexandrian
Fathers: “ Shaping
Doctrine in Nineteenth-
Century England by
Benjamin King,” in the
current issue of the
Zeitschrift für neuere
Theologiegeschichte.

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Co n d o l e n c e s a r e
offered to:
Rev. Francis P.
Balestino, C’56. S’60 on
the death of his sister Rose
Balestino on April 22, 2009.
Most Rev. Anthony G.
Bosco, C’49, S’52, D’89
on the death of his brother
Joseph V. Bosco on June
14, 2009.
Brother Timothy J.
Brown, O.S.B., S’82 on
the death of his mother
Geraldine Brown on May
29, 2009.
Rev. Gilbert J. Burke,
O.S.B., P’53, C’58, S’62
on the death of his brother
Mark E. Burke on June 8,
2009.
Rev. Thomas M. Hart,
O.S.B., S’88 on the death of
his sister Mary May on April
8, 2009.
Rev. Peter A. Kuenzig,
C’43, S’46 on the death of
his brother Rev. Aloysius A.
Kuenzig, S’43, on June 18,
2009.
Very Rev. Justin
Matro, O.S.B., rector of
Saint Vincent Seminary,
on the death of his father,
Nicholas P. Matro, 88, of
Crabtree, who passed away
on Sunday, July 5, 2009.
Rev. James F.
Podlesny, O.S.B., S’80,
on the death of his father
James J. Podlesny on
August 13, 2009
Rev. Pierre G. Sodini,
C’65, S 68, on the death of
his father George Sodini on
May 27, 2009.
“Forward, always forward, everywhere
forward.” While that quote might be
familiar to those affiliated with Saint
Vincent as the words of its founder
Archabbot Boniface Wimmer,
O.S.B., they were words used
by Bishop Roger Foys of the
Diocese of Covington, who
was celebrating his seventh
anniversary as Bishop on July
15. Bishop Foys accepted the
candidacy of seminarians studying
for the priesthood on August 16,
including Jacob Straub Harry Settle, Ryan
Stenger, Michael Norton, Josiah Booth and
John Michniuk.
* * * * *
Priests from the Diocese of Harrisburg
celebrating jubilees included:
Father Paul C. Helwig, S’74, 35 years;
Father John Peck, O.S.B., S’89, 20 years; Father
Edward J. Keating, Jr., S’94, 15 years.
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades apointed Father
Michael E. Messner, S’97, as pastor of Sacred
Heart of Jesus Parish, Lancaster He had been
serving as pastor of Immaculate Heart of
Mary Parish, Abbottstown. The appointment
was effective August 22.
In addition to his continued duties
as parochial vicar at Saint Joseph Parish,
Hanover, Father Timothy D. Marcoe is now
chaplain at York Catholic Junior/Senior High
School.
* * * * *
Priests from the Diocese of Altoona-
Johnstown celebrating jubilees included:
• Monsignor Samuel J. Tomaselli, C’55,
S’59, Monsignor Arnold L. Gaus, C’56, S’59;
Father John J. Marshall, S’59.
* * * * *
In the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston,
Bishop Michael J. Bransfield has made the
following appointments:
• Father Richard Ulam, O.S.B., S’80,
appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception
Parish in Fairmont with residence at the parish
rectory, effective July 1, 2009.
• Father John Rice was named pastor
of Immaculate Conception Parish in
Montgomery and its Mission of Saint Anthony’s
Shrine in Boomer, effective June 3, 2009.
(Continued on Page 25)
Saint Vincent Seminary was honored at the annual awards luncheon of the Laurel
Area Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers on May 28 at the Fred Rogers Center. The organization
promotes the Faith in Action program, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for persons
60 years and older who reside in the Greater Latrobe and Ligonier areas by providing
companionship and assistance. The group aims at helping older adults continue to live in
their homes, with assistance provided by its volunteers. The program serves over 300 senior
citizens in the region by training volunteers to help with caregiver relief, visiting, rides to the
doctor, grocery shopping, chores and other services. The service is free to those receiving
it. Saint Vincent Seminary is recognized as a community partner by the organization, and
received the Civic Leadership Award, presented to an individual or organization that has
made a significant contribution to enhancing the quality of life for individuals in the area. That
award was sponsored by The Latrobe Bulletin newspaper and presented by News Editor Marie
McCandless, who is vice president of the group.
24

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Brother Jeremy Heppler, O.S.B., was ordained to the transitional diaconate
by Archbishop Joseph Naumann at Saint Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, Kansas,
on May 30. Pictured are, from left, Abbot Barnabas Senecal, O.S.B., Abbot of
Saint Benedict’s Abbey; Rev. Br. Jeremy Heppler, O.S.B., newly ordained deacon;
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in
Kansas, ordaining bishop; Rev. Matthias Martinez, O.S.B., Assistant to the Rector,
Dean of Students, Saint Vincent Seminary.
(Continued from Page 24)
• Father Douglas A. Ondeck was
named pastor of Saint Margaret Mary Parish,
Parkersburg, effective July 15, 2009
• Father John Chapin Engler, Jr., was
appointed associate pastor of Saint Leo
Parish, Inwood, effective July 15, 2009.
• Seminarian Jose Manuel Escalante has
been inspired by many priests on his vocation
journey, according to an article appearing
in the July 24 edition of The Catholic Spirit,
diocesan newspaper. He became attracted
to the priesthood in 1984 while working with
the Salatian community in his home country
of El Salvador. Later he served as a religious
worker in the office of the Spanish apostolate
in Arlington, Virginia. Later he met Father John
Gallagher, vocations director for the Diocese
of Wheeling-Charleston, and he ended up
studying at Saint Vincent Seminary, where he
is in third theology.
* * * * *
The work of Father Anthony Pham, O.Cist.,
to establish a monastery in San Bernardino,
California, with a small community of
Vietnamese monks, is chronicled in an article
by David Olson appearing on a Catholic
blog site. The article appears in the new
alumni section of the Saint Vincent Seminary
website, found under the people section
at saintvincentseminary.edu. Two of those
monks, Brother Matthew Nguyen, and Brother
Peter Pham, have begun studies at Saint
Vincent.
* * * * *
Diocesan priest jubilarians from Saint
Vincent Archabbey included:
Rev. Omer U. Kline, O.S.B., sixty years
ordination; Brother Patrick Lacey, O.S.B.,
sixty years profession; Father Sebastian
Samay, O.S.B., Father Jeremy Bolha, O.S.B.,
Father Campion Gavaler, O.S.B., fifty years
ordination; Father Warren Murrman, O.S.B.,
Brother Benedict Janecko, O.S.B., Father
Jonathan Murrman, O.S.B., fifty years
profession; Father Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B.,
Brother Mauro Fernandes, O.S.B., Father
Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B., twenty-five years,
ordination; Father John Peck, O.S.B., Father
Job Foote, O.S.B., Father Thomas Hart, O.S.B.,
Father Luke Policicchio, O.S.B., Father Justin
Matro, O.S.B., and Father Cristiano Brito,
O.S.B., twenty-five years, profession.
* * * * *
Diocesan priest jubilarians from the
Diocese of Pittsburgh included:
Rev. Garrett D. Dorsey, C’55, S59; Rev.
(Continued on page 26)
25
Recent De a t h s:
The following deaths
were reported:
Rev. John F. Bench,
C’60, S’64, died June 6,
2009.
Joseph A. Corrado,
Ph.D., C’57, S’61, on the
death of his brother Edward
A. Corrado, C’56, on July
22. 2009.
Rev. Conall R.
Coughlin, O.S.B., C’54, S
58 on March 1, 2009.
Rev. Msgr. Leon S.
Darkowski, S’43, died
August 22, 2009.
Paul J. Durkin, C’53,
S’57, on June 18, 2009.
Rev. Thomas A.
Heffernan, S’61 died
August 6, 2009.
Rev. Edward J. Kretz,
S’56, on August 3, 2009.
Rev. Aloysius A.
Kuenzig, S’43 on June 18,
2009.
Joseph F. Reilly, C’66,
S’70 died Saturday, June
27, 2009. He directed
more than 150 shows for
the Saint Vincent Theatre.
Rev. Michael P. Sikon,
S’95 on the death of his
mother Nancy L. Sikon on
August 18, 2009.
Peggy M. West, S’94,
on May 1, 2009.

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
(Continued from Page 25)
Joseph R. Grosko, C’55, S’59; Rev. Francis
Z. Jurewicz, C’55, S’59; Rev. Albert
C. Koser, C’55, S’59; Rev. Joseph V.
Kurutz, C55, S59; Rev. Thaddeus
S. Maida, C’55, S59; Rev. Peter R.
Pilarski, C’55, S’59; Rev. Robert J.
Reardon, C’55, S’59; Rev. George
E. Saladna, C’55, S 59; Rev. Robert
G. Turner, C’55, S’59; Rev. George
A. Wilt, C’55, S’59; Rev. Joseph C.
Beck, S’84; Rev. David D. DeWitt,
S’84.
* * * * *
In the Diocese of Covington, Bishop Roger
J. Foys has appointed:
• Newly-ordained Father Matthew A.
Cushing as parochial vicar, Mary, Queen of
Heaven Church, Erlanger, effective May 11.
He was ordained by Bishop Foys on May 30
along with Father Lawrence A. Schaeper.
• Newly-ordained Father Lawrence A.
Schaeper as parochial vicar, Saint Thomas
Church, Fort Thomas, effective May 11.
• Father Martin J. Pitstick as parochial
administrator, Saints Peter and Paul Church,
California. Father Pitstick had been serving as
Matthew Baum of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown was ordained to the priesthood
by Bishop Joseph V. Adamec in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday,
May 30. He celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving the following day at Saint Andrew
Parish, Johnstown. He is now serving as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Victory Church,
State College. Included in the photo are, first row, Father Baum, in red; second row, from
left, in cassock and surplice, Rob Fleckenstein, Michael Peck, Tom Trofino, Brian Warchola,
all seminarians from Saint Vincent; third row, on left end, Father Aron Maghsoudi, a
seminary graduate; fourth row, on left, second from the end, Father George Flinn and
Monsignor Michael E. Servinsky, vicar generals for the Diocese. In the center of the middle
row, with the white stole, is Father Michael Becker, former Vocation Director for the
diocese and professo of homiletics at Saint Vincent Seminary.
26
parochial vicar, Saint Joseph Church, Cold
Spring, effective May 11.
* * * * *
In the Diocese of Erie:
More than 500 people participated in the
32nd annual Clearfield rosary march, held
May 3. Guest speaker was Father Lester Knoll,
O.F.M. Cap., from Saint Vincent Seminary,
who gave a reflection on Fatima.
Bishop Donald W. Trautman announced
the following appointments:
• Monsignor Joseph Riccardo, S’75, was
appointed to the office of dean of the DuBois
Deanery through June 2010, effective May
27, 2009.
• Seminarians Christopher Barnes and
Michael Polinek were ordained to the
transitional diaconate on May 2 in the chapel
at Saint Peter Cathedral by Bishop Trautman.
• Father James Campbell was appointed
pastor of Saint Eulalia Parish, Coudersport,
and Saint Gabriel Parish, Port Allegany, for a
six-year term, effective August 27.
• Father Joseph Dougherty was
appointed pastor of Saint Bibiana Parish,
Galeton, and the mission churches of Sacred
Heart, Genesee, and Saint Augustine, Austin,
for a six-year term, effective August 27.
• Father Thomas Tyler, S’79,
was appointed dean of the Saint
Marys Deanery until June 2010.
• Father David Perry was
appointed pastor of Saint Mary
Parish, Frenchville, and its mission
churches of Saints Peter and
Paul, Grassflat, and Saint Severin,
Drifting, for a term of six years,
effective July 8.
• Father Paul Siebert,
S’85, was reappointed pastor
of Our Lady of Mercy Parish,
Harborcreek, for a six-year term.
• Father William Barron was
appointed temporary parochial
administrator of Our Lady of
Peace Parish, Erie, for a five-week
period this summer. He also was
guest homilist at the Blue Army’s
15th annual rosary march, which
took place October 11 at Saint
Peter Cathedral in Erie.
• Appointed to membership
on the Presbyteral Council
for five-year terms, effective
September 1, were Father Joseph
Dougherty, Father Meinrad
Lawson, S’67; and Father Edward
Lohse, S’88.
(Continued on page 27)

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
(Continued from Page 26)
* * * * *
In the Diocese of Birmingham,
Bishop Robert J. Baker has accepted the
recommendation of Abbot Cletus Meagher,
O.S.B., to appoint Father Patrick Egan, O.S.B.,
as pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
Cullman, effective August 1.
* * * * *
In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop David
Zubik announced the following appointments:
• Father Hugh J. Lang C’53 S’56,
administrator, pro tem, of Saint Bernard Parish,
Mount Lebanon, until May 26, 2009
• Father Thomas E. Kredel C’68 S’72,
moved from replacement ministry, pro tem,
to administrator, Holy Family Parish, New
Brighton, effective April 20, 2009.
• Father Harry R. Bielewicz, S’86, from
pastor, Saint Paul Parish in Butler, Saint
Wendelin Parish in Carbon Center and dean
of the Butler County Deaner to Episcopal
Vicar for Clergy, effective May 11, 2009
and Secretary for Parish Life and Ministerial
Leadership, effective May 11, through June
30, 2009. As part of the reorganization of
pastoral administration, Father Bielewicz will
begin his responsibilities as Secretary for the
Secretariat for Clergy, effective July 1, 2009.
• Father John R. Haney C’57, S’61,
relieved of duties as administrator, pro
tem, of SS. Simon and Jude Parish, Scott
Township, effective Monday, May 11, 2009.
He continues as pastor of Saint Gabriel of the
Sorrowful Virgin, Whitehall, and Dean of the
South Hills Deanery.
• Father Philip Farrell, S’93, pastor of
Saint Camillus Parish, Neshannock Township,
named new vicariate leader. He is also dean
of the Lawrence Deandery and Catholic
chaplain at Westminster College in New
Wilmington.
• Father Donald R. Bischof, S’83, from
pastor at Divine Mercy Parish, Beaver Falls,
to pastor, Saint John Parish, Coylesville, for six
years, effective June 15, 2009.
• Father Kenneth E. Kezmarsky, S’86, to
parochial vicar, Saint Athanasius Parish, West
View, effective June 15, 2009.
• Father Joseph B. Codori, from parochial
vicar, Saint Athanasius Parish, West View,
to parochical vicar, Saint Patrick Parish,
Canonsburg, effective June 15, 2009.
• Father Barry P. O’Leary from parochial
vicar, Saint Bernard Parish, Mount Lebanon,
to parochial vicar, Holy Trinity Parish, Robinson
Township, effective July 1, 2009. He maintains
his responsibilities as assistant chaplain to
the Catholic inmates and staff at the State
Correctional Institution at Pittsburgh. He
was named part-time chaplain at Bishop
Canevin High School, effective August
27.
• Father Joseph E. Sioli, S’96, was
incardinated into the Diocese of
Pittsburgh, effective April 22, 2009.
He continues his responsibilities as
parochial vicar at Immaculate
Conception Parish, Washington.
• Father Stephen M.
Chervenak C’56 S’60, has retired
as a pastor of Saint Angela Merici
Parish, White Oak, in accordance with
Canon 538.3, effective Thursday, July 30,
2009. He was named administrator of the
parish and maintains his responsibilities as
dean of the Mon Yough Deanery.
• Father Joseph M. Mele, a member of
the faculty of Saint Vincent Seminary, has
been named vicar general of the Diocese
of Pittsburgh, effective June 8, 2009. Father
Mele maintains his responsibilities as director
of spiritual formation at Saint Paul Seminary
and director of the Department for Post-
Ordination Formation, with continued
residence at Saint Paul Seminary, where he is
now vice rector.
• Father Aaron J. Kriss, S’91, has been
appointed to a second six-year term as pastor
of Holy Martyrs Parish, Tarentum, effective
(Continued on page 28)
Father Chris Turner, S’05, Recovering
from Brain Aneurysm
Father Christopher Turner, S’05, a priest in the Diocese of
Wheeling-Charleston, is recovering from a brain aneurysm in time to
celebrate the fourth anniversary of his ordination. Father Turner had
been serving as pastor of Our Lady of Peace
Parish in Wheeling when he became ill.
The aneurysm was discovered on February
6 and he spent nearly three weeks in a
Pittsburgh hospital after several surgeries. He
then spent three months at HealthSouth in
Morgantown before returning to his parents’
home in Bridgeport in May, where he spent
another month recuperating.
He plans to return to active ministry.
Celebrating Mass with him on June 11 were
Very Rev. Anthony Cincinnati, pastor of Saint
Michael Parish in Wheeling, where Father
Turner was first assigned; and Father Harry N. Cramer, pastor of All
Saints Parish n Bridgeport, Father Turner’s home parish.
27

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
(Continued from Page 27)
October 13.
• Father David
D. DeWitt, S’84, has
been named pastor of
Incarnation of the Lord
Parish, Observatory
Hill/Perry North, and
pastor, Risen Lord Parish,
Marshall/Shadeland, for a
term of six years, effective
September 14.
• Father David E.
Scharf, S’85, has been
named chaplain of
the Sisters of Saint
Joseph at Saint Joseph
Motherhouse, Baden,
and chaplain to the
residents and staff of Villa
Saint Joseph, Baden,
effective September 1.
He maintains residence
at Saint John Vianney
Manor.
• Bishop Zubik
ordained Michael Zavage
and Daniel Langa to the
priesthood on Saturday,
June 27. Father Langa
has been appointed
as parochial vicar of
Saint Louise de Marillac
Parish, Upper Saint Clair,
effective July 13. Father
Zavage has been named
parochial vicar of Saint
Anne Parish, Castle
Shannon, effective July
13.
• Robert Fleckenstein was ordained to
the diaconate on June 20 by Bishop Zubik.
Deacon Fleckenstein, who is assigned
to Saint Mary of the Assumption
Parish in Glenshaw, assisted with the
diocesan Festival of Praise, held
this summer to mark the start of the
Year of the Priest. He appeared
in a photo along with Bishop Zubik
and another seminarian in the
McKeesport Daily News.
• Father Joseph Carr was
named parochial vicar of Saint Kilian
Parish, Adams/Cranberry, effective July
13. He had been serving as parochial vicar of
Good Samaritan Parish, Ambridge, Saint John
the Baptist Parish, Baden, and chaplain at
Quigley Catholic High School.
• Father James G. Salberg, S’69, has
been named to a third six-year term as pastor
of Saint Andrew Parish, Center Township,
effective June 23.
• Father Stephen A. Kresak has been
named pastor of Saint Mary Czestochowa
Parish, McKeesport, and pastor of Saint Pius
V Parish, McKessport, for six years, effective
October 5, 2009.
• Father Edward S. Litavec, C’56, S’60,
has retired, effective October 5, 2009. He
most recently served as pastor of Saint Mary
Czestochowa Parish, McKeesort and Saint Pius
V Parish, McKeesport.
• Father Michael L. Yaksick, S’94, has
been named part-time chaplain at Our Lady
of the Sacred Heart High School, effective
August 27. He also will provide sacramental
assistance to the Catholic students and staff
at Robert Morris University, in addition to his
responsibilities as pastor of Saint Blaise Parish,
Midland.
• Father John M. Bachkay, S’83, has
been named pastor of Saint Sylvester Parish,
Brentwood, for a term of six years, effective
July 1, 2009.
• Father Kevin F. McKnight, S’94, has
been named parochial vicar of Saint
Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Pleasant Hills,
effective July 1, 2009.
• Father Richard G. Terdine, C’61, S’65,
has been named full-time chaplain to
the Catholic patients and staff at UPMC
Shadyside, effective July 1, 2009, with
responsibility for sacramental and emergency
pastoral care at Magee-Women’s Hospital,
effective July 1, 2009. He will reside at the
Cardinal Dearden Center.
• Father James F. Murphy, C’66, S’70, has
been named dean, pro tem, of the Butler
County Deaner, from June 9 to October 1,
2009. He maintains his responsibilities as pastor
of Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen Parish, Lyndora/
Meridian.
Father Philip Farrell, S’93, was named one
of three regional vicars by Bishop Zubik.
* * * * ** * * * *
(Continued on page 29)
Father Matt McClain, S’02, New Vocation
Director for Diocese of Pittsburgh
Father Matthew McClain, S’02, has
been named Director of Vocations for
the Diocese of
Pittsburgh by Bishop
David Zubik. He had
most recently served
as pastor of Saint
Peter’s, Slippery Rock,
and Saint Anthony
Church, Forestville,
as well as director of
Campus Ministry at
the Newman Center
of Slippery Rock University.
He began his new position in April.
Citing Bishop Edward Burns, now Bishop
of Juneau, Alaska, as vocation director
for the diocese when he felt his call to
priesthood, McClain said “I am excited
about the appointment because I am
excited about the priesthood and about
the church in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
There is a new excitement about living the
faith in our diocese.
“Bishop Zubik has engaged people
where they are—in real life—and has
encouraged us to see that our faith is
powerful and relevant in today’s society,”
McClain told Pittsburgh Catholic. “I am
so excited to talk about the priesthood
because I have seen firsthand what an
awesome, humbling, meaningful and
powerful life it can be.”
Ordained only seven years ago,
he said that “it will be helpful that my
seminary experience was not too long
ago.... I think that I can give some insight
to men who are not sure what to expect.”
28

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
(Continued from Page 28)
Seminary Board of Regents member
Hon. Maureen Lally-Green will retire from the
state Superior Court on July 31 and join the
Diocese of Pittsbugh pastoral administration
as director of the Office for Church
Relations. She will represent the diocese to
civic, charitable, service and community
organizations throughout the region, working
with various diocesan administrative offices to
advance the mission of the Church.
Judge Lally-Green was appointed to the
Superior Court in 1998 and elected to a full
ten-year term in 1999. Prior to that she was an
associate with a private law firm in Pittsburgh,
counsel to the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission in Washington, D.C., counsel
to Westinghouse Electric Corp., a research
associate and consultant to justices of the
Pennsylvania Supreme Court for 12 years, and
a full professor of law at Duquesne University’s
School of Law for 15 years.
* * * * *
In the Diocese of Tulsa, Bishop Edward J
Slattery has named Father James Caldwell
the new pastor at Saint Joseph Parish in Krebs
and Saint Paul Parish in Eufaula. He continues
as chaplain for the Knights of Columbus,
Rachel’s Vineyard and Retrouvaille.
Father Stuart Crevcoure, pastor of
Saint John the Evangelist University Parish in
Stillwater and chaplain of Oklahoma State
University’s Newman Center, wrote on Saint
Paul in the September 2009 i ssue of Eastern
Oklahoma Catholic, the magazine of the
Diocese of Tulsa.
* * * * *
Monsignor George R. Coyne of the
Diocese of Steubenville, and Monsignor
Paul Lenz, C’46, S’49, D’95, of the Diocese of
Altoona-Johnstown, members of the Board
of Regents, also marked jubilees in 2009.
Monsignor Coyne is celebrating 50 years as
a priest, while Monsignor Lenz is celebrating
60 years of priesthood. Monsignor Lenz
retired after 31 years as the national director
of the Catholic Church’s Black and Indian
Mission Office, Washington, D.C., in 2007. He
is postulator of the Cause of Blessed Kateri
Tekakwitha.
* * * * *
Also celebrating a jubilee this year was
Bishop J. Kevin Boland of the Diocese of
Savannah, who marked his golden jubilee of
priestly odination at Saint Patrick Church in
Cork City, Ireland, July 8, and in the diocese
on June 10 at the Cathedral of Saint John the
Baptist.
* * * * *
In the Diocese of Youngstown, Bishop
George Murry, S.J., has announced the
following appointments:
• Father Peter Haladej,
administrator of Saint Aloysius Parish
in East Liverpool and Immaculate
Conception Parish in Wellsville,
effective May 1, 2009. He
was associate pastor of Saint
Christine Parish in Youngstown
prior to his new assignment.
• Brian Cline and Michael
Marcelli were ordained
transitional deacons July 18 by
Bishop Murry on July 18 at Saint Columba
Cathedral.
* * * * *
Father Martin Celuch, S’02, was featured
in the September 18, 2009 edition of The
Catholic Exponent, newspaper of the Diocese
of Youngstown. Now studying law at Catholic
University of America, Washington, D.C.,
he serves as an advocate on the Diocesan
Tribunal. A native of Sverzov, Slovakia, he
also has a brother who is a priest studying
for a doctorate in theology in Germany.
The complete article is included on the new
alumni section of the Seminary website,
saintvincentseminary.edu, under the people
section.
* * * * *
In the Diocese of Steubenville, Bishop
R. Daniel Conlon ordained Bradley Greer,
a diocesan seminarian, and Brother Francis
Dankoski, of the Order of Sacred and
Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary, to the
priesthood on May 30. The ceremony took
place at Holy Name Cathedral, Steubenville.
In an article appearing in the Steubenville
Register, Father Francis credited his mother,
Diane, who died in 1999, with leading him to
religious life. Born in Hong Kong, he moved
frequently, but his mother always “had a
church as home base,” he said.
* * * * *
In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Archbishop
Wilton Gregory ordained Thang Pham and
Carlos Vargas to the transitional diaconate
on Saturday, May 16 at the Cathedral of
Christ the King. The Cathedral was also the
setting for the June 27 priesthood ordinations
of Salomon Garcia-Cortes and Dominic Tran.
* * * * *
At Saint Vincent Archabbey, Bishop
Lawrence Brandt of the Diocese of
Greensburg ordained Brother Bonaventure
Curtis, O.S.B., to the transitional diaconate
on Saturday, May 30, and Brother Joseph
Adams, O.S.B., to the priesthood on May 16,
in the Archabbey Basilica.
William J. Hisker, C’69, S’05, and Daniel
29
Frescura, S’02 were
ordained permanent
deacons at Our Lady of
Grace Parish, Greensburg
on August 10 by Bishop
Brandt.
In the diocese, Bishop
Brandt announced the
following appointments:
Father Joseph E.
Bonafed, S’92, pastor of
Immaculate Conception
Parish, Connellsville and
administrator of Saint Rita
Parish, Connellsville, and
administrator of Saint
John the Evangelist Parish,
Connellsville, effective
July 31.
Father Timothy J.
Kruthaupt, parochial
vicar of the Church of
the Resurrection Parish,
Clymer, and chaplain
to the Indiana Regional
Medical Center, while
continuing as assistant
director for Clergy
Vocations and chaplain
to the Saint Thomas More
Society of the Diocese
of Greensburg, effective
July 31.
(Continued on page 30)

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
(Continued from 29)
Very Rev. Daniel C.
Mahoney, S’70, vicar
forane of Deanery 4,
while continuing as pastor
of Holy Family Parish,
Latrobe, effective July 31.
Father Donald
B. Conroy C’61, S’65,
has retired as senior
priest active and from
pastoral responsibilities
at the Church of the
Resurrection, Clymer,
as well as chaplain to
Indiana Hospital, Indiana,
effective July 31.
Monsignor William
R. Rathgeb, S’67, will be
in residence at Saint
Paul Parish, Greensburg
while serving as judicial
vicar of the Diocese
of Greensburg and
chaplain to the Sisters of
Charity at Caritas Christi,
Greensburg.
Priests from the
diocese celebrating
anniversaries in 2009
included:
Father Edward F.
Higgins, C’50, S’54, 55
years; Father Donald B.
Conroy, C’61, S’65, 45
years; Father Richard
E. Mackiewicz, S’69, 40
years; Father Leonard J.
McAlpin, C’65, S’69, 40
years; Father James W.
Clark, S’84, 25 years.
* * * * *
Father Timothy Kruthaupt is a father in
more ways than one. Ordained to the
priesthood in 2007, and serving as
parochial vicar at Holy Family
Parish, Latrobe, Father Timothy
also has a son, Alex. A feature
by Maryann Gogniat Eidemiller
in The Latrobe Bulletin notes that
Father Timothy’s wife died in 1981
when his son was only 16 months
old. The single father first felt a
calling to priesthood while working
in a lay ministry program in the
Archdiocese of Baltimore. He entered the
Seminary in 2001.
* * * * *
Jose Alexandre Missio was ordained to
the transitional diaconate in the Archdiocese
of Campinas, Brazil.
* * * * *
In the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown,
Bishop Joseph Adamec appointed Father
Richard Chirichiello, O.S.B., S’95, administrator
of Saint John the Baptist Parish, Summerhill,
and Immaculate Conception Parish, New
Germany, effective August 15, through
December 15 during a sabbatical for study
for the current pastor, Father Alfred Patterson,
O.S.B., C’85, S’90.
Father Richard M. Tomkosky was
appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception
Parish in Lock Haven, and remains as
sacramental minister at Saint Joseph Parish,
Renovo and chaplain to the Catholic
Community of Lock Haven University, effective
July 22.
Father Matthew A. Reese was named
administrator of Saint Patrick Parish,
Johnstown, effective July 22. He most recently
served as parochial vicar of Holy Name Parish,
Ebensburg. He attended the International
Priests Retreat in Ars, France, September 26 to
October 4.
Father John J. Slovikovski, S’96, pastor of
Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Duncansville,
was released for service with the Society of
Saint Sulpice, effective July 1.
Monsignor Robert J. Saly, S’85, pastor
of Saint Benedict Parish, Johnstown, was
appointed pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena
Parish, Duncansville, effective July 22. He
continues as administrator of Dmitri Manor,
Hollidaysburg.
Father Francis P. Balestino, C’56, S’60,
pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish,
Johnstown, was granted senior priest
status and retirement from administrative
responsibilities, effective July 22.
Father Aron Maghsoudi, parochial vicar
and episcopal master of ceremonies at the
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona,
was profiled on the September 13 edition
of Proclaim! The television show airs every
Sunday at 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on WWCP
TV FOX 8.
Seminarian Brian Warchola was admitted
to candidacy for Holy Orders by Bishop
Adamec on July 24.
* * * * *
Jose Parra-Murcia of the Diocese of
Saginaw, was ordained to the priesthood
by Bishop Robert J. Carlson at Saint Stephen
Parish on Saturday, June 6.
* * * * *
In the Diocese of Savannah, Bishop J.
Kevin Boland ordained Luis Fonseca to the
priesthood on Saturday, June 20. Father
Fonseca was appointed parochial vicar of
Saint John the Evangelist Church, Valdosta,
effective July 23.
Seminarian Jorge Bedoya was admitted
to candidacy for priesthood by Bishop
Boland on September 3. He will be ordained
a deacon at Saint Teresa of Avila Church,
Grovetown, on November 28.
* * * * *
In the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston,
Bishop Michael J. Bransfield ordained
Stephen McGinnis to the priesthood on
Saturday, June 27 in the Cathedral of Saint
Joseph.
* * * * *
Father Anthony Sargent, O.S.B., S’01, of
Saint Mary’s Abbey, Delbarton, has received
a new assignment, serving as parochial vicar
at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Linden, N.J.,
since August 15. He recently completed
six years as a religious studies instructor at
Delbarton School, Morristown, New Jersey.
* * * * *
George F. Spellman, S’62, is now a
member of the American Psychotherapy
Association. He has been granted the
Academy Certified Master Chaplain
designation. He serves as a chaplain for the
Commonwealth of Virginia, Department
of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and
Substance Abuse Services at Eastern State
Hospital, Williamsburg.
* * * * *
Pardon our error. Rev. Anthony G.
DeLuca, was inadvertently listed under the
in memoriam column in the recent Annual
Report, under the Saint Vincent Seminary
Guardian Society. He is still living. We regret
the error.
30

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
23
OCTOBER
Lecture, Father Jeremy Driscoll,
“A Monk’s Alphabet: Provisional
Approaches to the Mystery,” 7:30 P.M., Fred
M. Rogers Center.
Admission to Candidacy for
26 Diaconate and Priesthood, Most Rev.
David R. Choby, D.D., Bishop of Nashville,
principal celebrant and homilist, 7:30 p.m.,
Archabbey Basilica.
Diocese of Greensburg Alumni
Dinner.
27
9
NOVEMBER
Annual lecture of the Pope Benedict XVI
Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical
Proclamation, Dr. Scott Hahn, 7:30 p.m.,
Robert S. Carey Performing Arts Center.
Diocese of Youngstown Alumni
10 Dinner.
Closing Ceremonies, Wimmer 200th
19 anniversary year, Justin Cardinal
Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, 3 p.m.
Mass, Archabbey Basilica.
Ministry of Acolyte, Most Rev. George
30 V. Murry, S.J., Bishop of Youngstown,
principal celebrant and homilist, 7:30 p.m.,
Archabbey Basilica.
5
Seminary Building Alumni Sites
One area of focus during Father Justin
Matro’s time as Rector of the Seminary has
been to build an ongoing relationship with
Seminary alumni.
During the past several years, Father Justin
has begun holding an annual alumni dinner in
many of the dioceses that send seminarians to
Saint Vincent. These small dinners supplement
the annual Alumni Day event held in Latrobe
every year, provide a networking opportunity
for diocesan priests who attended the
Seminary, and a way for the Seminary to reach
out to alumni who may not be able to attend
the Alumni Day event.
As part of Father Justin’s efforts, the
Seminary is also beginning an effort to
showcase alumni on its website. Now, when
visitors go to saintvincentseminary.edu, they
can navigate to the “people” section and
DECEMBER
“A Funeral Mass for Mozart,” 8 p.m.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra,
Maestro Manfred Honeck, Conductor,
Heinz Hall, Pre-Concert Reception and
Buffet, The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
and The Saint Vincent Schola Gregoriana, 6
UPCOMING
find a section devoted to alumni. Included
will be a list of prominent alumni over the
years, upcoming alumni events, such as the
diocesan dinners, seminary news and events
relating to alumni, feature stories of alumni
that have appeared both in our publications
and in other newspapers and magazines, and
an online form for alumni to use to update their
address information and send news items to
the Seminary for inclusion in this publication.
Additionally, Father Justin authorized
the start of an alumni group on the social
networking site Facebook.com. Ordained
graduates of the seminary and seminarians
can search on the group Saint Vincent
Seminary Alumni and request membership
in the group, or visit the link directly at http://
www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/
group.php?gid=118354263090&ref=ts.
p.m., $200 per person. RSVP November 25.
22
26
13
22
JANUARY
March for Life, Washington, D.C.
Diocese of Pittsburgh Alumni Dinner.
FEBRUARY
Mardi Gras Celebration, Fred M.
Rogers Center. Contact Lisa Poole,
724-805-2901.
Ministry of Reader, Most Rev. Kevin
C. Rhoades, Bishop of Harrisburg,
principal celebrant and homilist, 7:30 p.m.,
Archabbey Basilica.
14
21
23
19
22
MARCH
Irish Fest, Fred M. Rogers Center.
Contact Lisa Poole, 724-805-2901.
Solemnity of the Passing of Saint
Benedict, Abbot.
Diocese of Erie Alumni Dinner.
APRIL
Fourth Year Recognition Day and
Banquet, 6 p.m., Archabbey Basilica.
Saint Vincent Seminary Scholarship
Dinner, LeMont, Pittsburgh. Contact
Lisa Poole, 724-805-2901.
7
MAY
Baccalaureate Mass, 10 a.m.,
Archabbey Basilica, Vespers and
Commencement 7 p.m., Archabbey
Basilica.
31
Father
Stephen
Pontzer,
S’07, In
Bolivia
Father Stephen
Pontzer, S’07, a priest
in the Diocese of
Savannah, is spending
the last half of 2009
living and ministering
in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
to enhance his Spanish
language skills.
“It is interesting,”
he said, “but a lot
of work learning to
minister in Spanish.
We really don’t know
where God will lead
us. The only tough
parts were leaving my
family, my first parish
and missing hunting
season, of course. But I
was never one to turn
down an adventure.”
Before entering
the seminary he
worked as a forester
in Georgia for sixteen
years.

Leaven Fall 2009, Volume 18, Number 1
Bishops Visit Saint Vincent
At left is The Most Rev. Edward J. Burns, a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh who was installed as the Bishop
of Juneau, Alaska on April 2. He was the principal celebrant during the Priest Day Mass held on Tuesday, July 28
on campus. At right is Most Rev. David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh. He served as the principal celebrant for the
Baccalaureate Mass for Saint Vincent College students prior to the spring commencement.
Saint Vincent Seminary
300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
15650-2690
Address Service Requested
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 110
http://www.saintvincentseminary.edu
724-537-4592
32