Volume I, Issue 3
PASTOR B ONUS Newsletter of Immaculate Conception Seminar y School of Theology
Season of Celebration: Ordination and Graduation
Ordinandi lie prostrate in the sanctuary of the Cathedral Basilica during the praying of the Litany of Saints (See page 8 for more information)
Keep always before your eyes the example of the Good Shepherd who came not to be served but to serve, and who came to seek out and save
The Bachelor of Arts in Catholic Theology is awarded as part of Seton Hall’s Baccalaureate Commencement Ceremony. This year marked the first time a graduate from Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology was chosen to give the valedictory address. Brother Leonard Joseph Carlino, S.D.B., received his Bachelor of Arts in Catholic Theology and delivered an address to his fellow graduates. Brother Lenny, currently in formation with the Salesians of Don Bosco, is taking classes at Fordham University and working in campus ministry this year. His future assignments will include teaching in a school staffed by Salesians and ultimately pursuing his S.T.B. studies in Jerusalem.
what was lost.
Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology conferred 44 graduate degrees on 15 seminarians and 22 lay students.
— Rite of Ordination
(continued on page 8)
In this Issue Pg. 2 A Message from the Rector/Dean
• Presbyterate Ordination, page 8
Pg. 4 Exciting Changes Pg. 7 Falling in Love with God
• Diaconate Ordination, page 9
Pg. 8 Ordination and Graduation
• Complete list of degree recipients, page 10
Pg. 12 Years of Service
Brother Leonard Carlino, S.D.B., delivering the valedictory address
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Newsletter of Immaculate Conception Seminar y School of Theology
A message from the Rector/Dean
the chapel of christ the good shepherd
Dear Friends of the Seminary School of Theology: Peace in the Lord Jesus!
This magnificent window depicts the account of Genesis 14:1-20, in which Melchisedech, priest of the most high God, offers bread and wine to Abram and his followers upon their return from the overthrow of Sodom with the words: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand.” (14:17-20)
There is always more than a small measure of excitement and joyful anticipation with the beginning of a new academic year. Following the quieter days of summer, we look forward to re-engaging with our studies, with the process of formation, and with the chance to deepen our appreciation for our Catholic faith and the call to holiness and service that is intimately connected therein. Hopefully the summer has been a time for all of us to relax, rejuvenate and recreate a bit. All of us have the need to be refreshed. This latest issue of our newsletter, Pastor Bonus, is our opportunity to reconnect you with some of the ways that our Lord is working in the hearts and lives of our seminarians and students, our faculty and alumni. It is our hope that the stories contained herein will give you some insight into the graces lived and experienced by the men and women of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology.
Monsignor Joseph Reilly Rector/Dean
As we enter into this new school year that is still shrouded in the mystery of God’s loving design yet to unfold, be assured of our daily prayers and gratitude for all of you and your loved ones. May Our Lady watch over you with her maternal protection and may God keep you in his loving care.
This story is echoed in Psalm 110:4, and later quoted in Hebrews 7:17, identifying Christ as “a priest forever in the order of Melchisedech.” Melchisedech’s gifts of bread and wine foreshadow the Eucharist and the role of the priest as “another Christ.”
“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchisedech.”
–Psalm 110:4
Our window, made in Innsbruck, Austria, over a century ago, is in the style of the period that replicated Renaissance paintings. Melchisedech is resplendently robed as a priest and wears a crown, indicating his royal dignity. He holds a chalice of wine above Abram, who gazes with wonder and awe.
God Bless you all! Monsignor Reilly
It is most appropriate for a seminary from both a spiritual and a theological perspective. The motet, Tu es sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech, is sung at almost every priestly ordination and anniversary.
Monsignor Joseph Reilly celebrates the Mass of Blessing for graduates of ICSST 2
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Newsletter of Immaculate Conception Seminar y School of Theology
Exciting Changes
Exciting Changes
Monsignor Joseph Chapel Accepts Assignment in Rome
Reverend John Chadwick Assigned as Rector of the College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Andrew’s Hall
Monsignor Joseph Chapel has accepted the appointment as spiritual director of the Casa Santa Maria in Rome, Italy. Monsignor Chapel has served the seminary for 16 years in a variety of capacities including professor, mentor, administrator, spiritual director and confessor. Monsignor Chapel’s appointment is a distinct honor for him in recognition of his many gifts and talents. In this role, Monsignor Chapel will oversee the program of spiritual formation for the graduate house of studies. In addition, he will act as an adjunct spiritual director for the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Monsignor Chapel traveled to Rome in late August and will return to ICSST in mid-September for three weeks. ICSST wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude as well as the assurance of our ongoing prayers for him and his priestly work in Rome.
In August, Father John Chadwick, S.T.D., assistant professor of systemic theology, was appointed as the new rector of the College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Andrew’s Hall.
Monsignor Joseph Chapel
Reverend William McDonald, Associate Spiritual Director We are pleased to welcome Father William McDonald to ICSST as the new associate spiritual director. Father Bill, as he likes to be called, was most recently assigned as a pastor in the Diocese of Stockton, CA, and will be celebrating the 25th Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood this year. Father Bill began his formation directly after high school at St. Joseph’s Mountain College Seminary in Mountain View, CA. From there he had the distinct honor of studying spirituality at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome. Before returning to California, Father Bill spent time living in Costa Rica as a missionary. As the associate spiritual director, Father Bill will be bringing his years of study and service to bear as he assists our seminarians in addressing the unifying pillar of formation — the spiritual life. Father Bill states, “Answering God’s call is itself spirituality, forming the capacity to see God. I look forward to working with and helping these young men and guiding them on their spiritual journey.”
Father Chadwick began his formation after having worked for eight years as a graphic artist in Manhattan. Ordained to the priesthood in 1995, Father Chadwick served as parochial vicar of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Cedar Grove, NJ, and St. Agnes Church in Clark, NJ. From 2006 to 2009, he was assigned to the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH, as director of formation for pre-theology and director of liturgy. In addition, Father Chadwick taught theology classes on the undergraduate and graduate levels, specializing in courses on liturgy and sacramental theology. In 2009, he returned to the Archdiocese of Newark to serve as archdiocesan director of the RCIA.
Reverend John Chadwick
He earned his S.T.B. from the Pontificia Università Gregoriana, Rome, and an S.T.L. and S.T.D. from the Pontificio Ateneo San Anselmo, Rome. His doctoral dissertation is entitled “Empathy and Sacraments: A Theological Perspective Inspired by Edith Stein.” As rector of the College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Andrew’s Hall, Father Chadwick will oversee the formation of our undergraduate seminarians at Seton Hall University. We are confident that Father Chadwick will shine in this new role with which he has been entrusted. His priestly joy and gentleness of spirit will help to make this transition both smooth and successful. Our prayerful support and encouragement go with him.
Father Bill also serves as a weekend assistant at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Mountainside, NJ. Please join us in welcoming Father Bill McDonald to our formation team. Reverend William McDonald
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Newsletter of Immaculate Conception Seminar y School of Theology
Pilgrimage with Knights of the Holy SepulchRE By Rev. Mr. Thomas Quinn The pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Turkey, sponsored by the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, provided an invaluable experience for my aspirations to be a priest. The Irish Benedictine, Blessed Columba Marmion (d. 1923), reminds us that through baptism we are made members of Our Lord’s Mystical Body. We are united to Him in a quite singular way so all the mysteries, all the events of Christ’s life on earth, become our mysteries as well. We traveled from Mt. Tabor to the Sea of Galillee and the city of Jerusalem with its numerous sites. I had the opportunity to visit Calvary and the empty tomb housed within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. To stand in the place of this great mystery was a tremendous grace and a gift from the Lord. Anyone who has been to the Holy Land might agree that the Sea of Galilee is a particularly engaging place. The peacefulness and beauty echo the beauty and compassionate nature of Christ’s humanity. A number of Jesus’ miracles occurred around (and even on) the Sea of Galilee. One such miracle, the multiplication of the loaves and fish, was an act of sheer compassion for the vast crowds who journeyed to see Jesus, to hear Him preach, and to draw close to Him. For those studying to be priests — to be alteri Christi — the manner in which our Lord carried out His public ministry must be the same way that we are called to exercise the priestly office. Blessed Columba states that Christ instituted the priesthood to perpetuate His power and His love. This power and love of Christ that is so palpably felt in Galilee must become the power and love with which the priest ministers to the faithful. The opportunity to immerse myself in this sacred land — the “Fifth Gospel” — was a great gift and blessing from Him whom I hope to reflect as a priest.
falling in love with god Each year, Immaculate Conception Seminary sends a group of seminarians to spend the summer in Omaha, NE. Why spend a summer in Omaha, NE? Nestled on the campus of Creighton University is the Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF). Each summer, IPF hosts hundreds of seminarians and priests from across the country to live, study and pray together. They focus on cultivating a deep internal communion with God as the center of their priestly formation — “Falling in love with God.” This summer marks the 20th anniversary of the IPF program, which is rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, providing focus that God is present and active in our daily lives. The program encourages seminarians to bear witness to Christ in the personal gifts of grace and blessing they receive. This year, seven seminarians from ICS participated with 162 seminarians from 65 dioceses in IPF’s 9-week program of prayer, classes and community service. Although our seminarians expressed some initial trepidation about traveling to the midwest for such an intense program, including eight days in silence, they returned grateful and enthusiastic about their experiences.
Some of their reflections are: “ A highlight of the program was the 8-day silent retreat during the second week. Being with the Lord without the distractions of everyday life and the noise of the media, and doing four holy hours along with an hour of spiritual direction every day for eight days was great. I received many graces and felt at peace with the Lord, for He was enough for me.”
Seminarians pose with Monsignor McCarren on the campus of Creighton University
“ I feel that I have benefited from IPF greatly. At IPF, I rediscovered the gift of prayer. I feel that much of what I learned at IPF will allow me to encounter Jesus more deeply in my daily life as a priest, to give of myself to those I serve as Jesus gave of Himself, and to see God’s presence in everything and everyone I encounter. I am deeply grateful for those who made this experience possible, and who see the value in IPF’s role in forming priests.” The Sea of Galilee, the site of many of Jesus’ miracles
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A view of the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth, housed within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
“ …in the quiet time I would contemplate, place the emphasis of Scripture on Christ, and envision the Scripture. It progressed into the day with prayer and talking with a spiritual director. My Holy Land trip definitely overflowed into this; it made closing my eyes and envisioning Scripture so much more. I can’t really describe it but the places became that much more a part of my experience.”
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Newsletter of Immaculate Conception Seminar y School of Theology
Season of Celebration: Ordination and Graduation (continued from page 1) Ordination to the Priesthood
Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity On April 28, during the celebration of evening prayer in the Chapel of Christ the Good Shepherd, 11 seminarians from Immaculate Conception Seminary made their Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity. This is a final step in preparation for their ordination to the transitional diaconate.
On Saturday, May 24, in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Archbishop John J. Myers ordained 12 new priests to serve the archdiocese. The Newark ordination of 12 was the second largest among dioceses in the United States. Archbishop Myers commented, “The Archdiocese continues to be blessed by so many vocations to the priesthood....These men have chosen to hear God’s call to serve the people as priests and the call of Pope Francis to address the spiritual and human needs of people with love and commitment to the Gospel.” On Saturday, May 31, in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Bishop David M. O’Connell ordained six priests, including two men from Immaculate Conception Seminary, to serve in the Diocese of Trenton.
With one hand on the Book of the Gospels, seminarians sign the Oath of Fidelity
Each of the newly ordained has begun his priestly service in parishes of his diocese.
Archdiocese of Newark
ICS seminarians recite the Profession of Faith
Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate On Saturday, May 18, 11 men from Immaculate Conception Seminary and two from Redemptoris Mater were ordained as transitional deacons by Archbishop John J. Myers at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Newly ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Newark
Reverend Emmanuel Agu - St. Michael, Union
As “transitional” deacons (the title signifying the ongoing commitment of formation to the priesthood), they will integrate their theological studies with pastoral assignments in preparation for the demands of day-to-day life in a parish setting. These men will continue to grow deeper in their calling to be shepherds of Christ and will be ordained to the Order of the Presbyterate next year.
Reverend Doroteo Layosa - Holy Trinity, Hackensack
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Reverend Pedro Repollet - Mount Carmel/Saint John, Jersey City
Rev. Mr. Arturo Ortiz-Bedoya (RM)
Reverend Jose Robinson Valencia - St. Francis de Sales, Lodi
Rev. Mr. Johan Betancourt
Reverend Sung Gye Hong - St. Paul, Ramsey
Rev. Mr. Hermes Diaz
Reverend Eugenio de la Rama - Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Ridgewood
Rev. Mr. Luis Fernando Diaz
Reverend Elvio Esteban - Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scotch Plains
Rev. Mr. Brian Orlando Gonzalez (RM)
Reverend Jeong-Gyeong Kim - St. James, Springfield
Rev. Mr. Paul Importico
Reverend Nelson Oyola - St. Joseph, West New York
Rev. Mr. Cesar Augusto Infante
Reverend Duberley Salazar - St. Mary of the Assumption, Elizabeth
Rev. Mr. Chungyeol Jung
Reverend Zachary Swantek – St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Linden
Rev. Mr. Jason Makarow
Reverend Archibald Mabini –(RM) - Sacred Heart, Lyndhurst
Rev. Mr. Oliver D. Nilo
Diocese of Trenton
Rev. Mr. Joseph Pavone
Reverend John Butler – St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton
Rev. Mr. Thomas Quinn
Reverend Rafael Esquen – St. Anthony, Red Bank
Rev. Mr. Antonio Sarento
13 Newark seminarians on retreat in preparation for their ordination to the transitional diaconate
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Newsletter of Immaculate Conception Seminar y School of Theology
Master of Arts in Catholic Theology
Season of Celebration: Ordination and Graduation Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry Reverend Emmanuel O. Agu
Reverend Doroteo B. Layosa
Reverend John K. Butler
Reverend Archibald L. Mabini
Rev. Mr. Vincenzo Cardilicchia
Rev. Mr. Jorge Mateos Perez
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Reverend Eugenio P. de la Rama
Rev. Mr. Oliver D. Nilo
Reverend Rafael Enrique Esquen+
Reverend Nelson Yobani Oyola+
Reverend Sung Gye Hong+
Reverend Pedro Repollet+
Rev. Mr. Cesar Augusto Infante
Reverend Jose Robinson Valencia
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Sister B. Phyllis Kapuscinski
Sister Elaine E. Bebyn
Mrs. Barbara A. La Porte
Monsignor William Benwell
Reverend Doroteo B. Layosa+
Dr. Jewel E. Brennan
Mr. John M. McGuire
Reverend John K. Butler+
Mr. Magdi Nachef
Ms. Insook C. Choi
Reverend Nelson Yobani Oyola+
Deacon Patrick J. Cline
Ms. Harriette M. Peters
Reverend Eugenio P. de la Rama
Mr. Tony L. Piccotti
Dr. Kathleen S. Dodds
Reverend Pedro Repollet+
Reverend Rafael Enrique Esquen+
Ms. Kathryn E. Sheldon
Rev. Mr. James J. Grogan
Reverend Hoa V. Tran
Ms. Nancy J. Harding
Reverend Jose Robinson Valencia+
Rev. Mr. Cesar Augusto Infante
Mrs. Eileen A. Ziesmer
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Reverend Jeong Gyeong Kim
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Ms. Jeannie V. Barnett
Ordained to the Priesthood, May 2014
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Ordained to the Priesthood, May 2014
Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry Ms. Caroline A. Gartley Ms. Elise Rossbach Ms. Ivette M. Valori
Monsignor Joseph Reilly addresses the graduates at their hooding ceremony on May 14
Bachelor of Arts in Catholic Theology
Immaculate Conception Seminary Class of 2014
Mr. Joseph Boykow (St. Andrew’s)
Mr. Michael Preston (St. Andrew’s)
Brother Leonard Carlino (Salesian)
Mr. Dragan Pusic (Redemptoris Mater)
Mr. Stephen Eguino (Salesian)
Brother Michael Vaissade (Franciscan Friars of the Renewal)
Mr. Philip Klaas (St. Andrew’s)
Mr. Juan Carlos Velasquez (Redemptoris Mater)
Mr. Alexis Ornelas Aguilar (Redemptoris Mater)
Mr . Benjamin Weiskircher (Adorno)
Mr. Mark Patrick (St. Andrew’s) 10
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Newsletter of Immaculate Conception Seminar y School of Theology
thank you for your years of service “ So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well.”
— 2 Timothy, 2:1-2
Through the ESL program at ICSST, seminarians have received assistance and encouragement as they develop skills associated with reading comprehension, listening, academic writing and speaking. Sister Phyllis has retired from her position at ICSST and now resides with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion in her home of Saskatoon, in Saskatchewan, Canada. Her faith-filled and joyful presence is missed by all of the Seminary community. We are truly indebted to her.
Reflecting upon these lines from Sacred Scripture, the life and faithful witness of two consecrated women religious — namely Sister Concetta Russo and Sister Phyllis Kapuscinski — come to mind in a strong and powerful manner. Both of them have served with such generosity and humility. Both of them have influenced so many of the priests and lay students by their kindness and selfless service. While their length of service is by no means similar — 27 years for Sister Concetta and six years for Sister Phyllis — the Spirit that drives them both is one and the same! It is most evident that the Holy Spirit invigorates these two powerful witnesses. May God bless Sister Concetta and Sister Phyllis in his love, now and always!
Rev. Mr. Hermes Diaz poses with Sister Concetta Russo, M.P.F.
Sister Concetta is a member of the community of the Religious Teachers Filippini. She began working at the Seminary in 1986. As a member of our ICSST library staff, she was available to help library patrons by answering their reference questions and pointing them in the right direction for the best sources.
Sister Phyllis Kapuscinski, N.D.S., Ph.D.
Sister Concetta has retired to the Filippini Mother House, Villa Walsh, in Morristown, NJ. We are all blessed to have had her working among us for so many years. We wish her peace and happiness in her retirement.
Sister Phyllis is a member of the community of Sisters of Our Lady of Sion. Prior to serving as coordinator of ESL (English as a Second Language) services at ICSST, Sister Phyllis amassed a total of 36 years as an educator at the high school and university levels. 12
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Newsletter of Immaculate Conception Seminar y School of Theology
The Example of the Good Shepherd
Monsignor James C. Turro HONORED AT “Many Are One” GALA
The Seminary community gathered in the Chapel of Christ the Good Shepherd to mark the beginning of a new academic year on Wednesday, August 20. Archbishop Bernard Hebda celebrated Mass for the community on the day, which was also the feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, his patron saint. Archbishop Hebda reflected upon the image of the shepherd and our individual call to become shepherds after the Lord’s own heart. Each of us has unique gifts and talents. All of us are called to love the sheep entrusted to us. This is how we follow the example of the Good Shepherd. Following the Mass, Monsignor Joseph Reilly expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Hebda for having blessed the seminarians by celebrating the start of a new year on the feast of his patron saint. In recognition of Archbishop Hebda’s Silver Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood, Monsignor Reilly presented him with a framed quote from St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
“ Love is sufficient of itself, it gives pleasure by itself. It is its own merit, its own reward. Love looks for no cause outside itself, no effect beyond itself. Its profit lies in its practice.”
University President A. Gabriel Esteban presents the Alumni Service Award to Monsignor James C. Turro ‘44/M.Div. ’48, with Monsignor Joseph R. Reilly
−St. Bernard of Clairvaux In recognition of his longtime service and leadership in seminary formation and education and his dedication to the Seminary Library, Seton Hall University and Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology presented Monsignor James C. Turro ’44/M.Div. ’48 with the 2014 “Many Are One” Alumni Service Award. Ordained in 1948, Monsignor Turro was sent to the Catholic University of America, where he earned a licentiate in theology. He went on to Rome to study at the Pontifical Biblical Institute. When he returned to the U.S. in 1959, he began teaching at Immaculate Conception Seminary — a place he would call home for more than half a century. That same year, he took on the role of director of the Seminary Library. Monsignor Turro has had a paramount role in the history of the Seminary Library. Among the five priests who have held the title of director in the library’s more than 150-year history, Monsignor Turro held the role longest — from 1959 to 2004. It is fitting that the Seminary Library was named after the priest and scholar who contributed to its development and presided over it for nearly one-third of its history. The library was dedicated the Monsignor James C. Turro Library on October 28, 2007.
Archbishop Hebda recessing from morning Mass on August 20
Archbishop Hebda and Monsignor Reilly display the quote from St. Bernard of Clairvaux 14
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PASTOR B ONUS Newsletter of Immaculate Conception Seminar y School of Theology
Immaculate Conception Seminary Annual Blood Drive Thursday, October 2 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Student Center, Main Lounge Seton Hall University To register to donate or sign up to volunteer please visit www.shu.edu, click on “News & Events” and scroll to “Seminary Blood Drive”
For more information, email vincent.dagostino@student.shu.edu
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