By Dean Taberdo
Enquiry day is something we always look forward to. It is a day when we get to meet men who are considering the call to the priesthood (some of whom will be our future “brothers” here) and a day where we hope to be able to inspire and encourage others to answer God’s call and to share with them how amazing life is here in the seminary.
Today (14 May 2016) at three in the afternoon, the seminary community welcomed this year’s enquirers. It began with seminarians leading enquirers to the student lounge for some refreshments and to meet other members of the community. All were welcomed by the Rector, Very Reverend Brendan Lane, who introduced the members of the Staff and Fr David Cartwright to all present. Afterwards, the enquirers were able to hear sharings from Fr Ed Moloney (first year formator), Brendan Lindsay and Toan Nguyen (third year and sixth year seminarians). They then had a chance to receive a tour of the seminary: they were shown the chapel, the dining area, the gym, Sacred Heart Church and even the first year building, complete with a visit to one of the rooms.
At 5.30pm, the enquirers together with the seminarians proceeded to the seminary chapel for Solemn Evening Prayer for the Solemnity of Pentecost, which was presided over by His Grace, Most Reverend Denis Hart, Archbishop of Melbourne. During the liturgy he gave a short homily and reminded all that “the Spirit blows wherever He wills… The Spirit is gentle. The Spirit is caring. The Spirit is loving.” Afterwards, the Archbishop also led grace before everyone enjoyed the barbeque prepared by some of our seminarians.
Please say a prayer for these men, that they may be able to discern God’s will for them- and when they have found it, whether it may be the priesthood or not, to follow His will and answer His call with generosity, zeal and burning love.
“It is He (the Holy Spirit) who gives us the light by which we perceive our personal calling and the strength to carry out all that God expects of us. If we are docile to the Holy Spirit, the image of Christ will be formed more and more fully in us, and we will be brought closer every day to God the Father.” (Saint Josemaria Escriva) Come, O Holy Spirit!
