Dear Friends in Christ,
Seminary formation must set a man free to love as God loves. Recently, someone asked me what that means in practical terms. Good question!
At Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, we have created an environment where the seminarians are respected, known, and loved. Formation advising and spiritual direction are not limited to monthly meetings. Our faculty enter into the lives of the seminarians as spiritual fathers. They engage the men as future brother priests, God-willing! They are at the side of each seminarian from his arrival, through the struggles of pursuing a life of humility and virtue, to the joyous day of ordination, and beyond. Our formators model Christ’s self-giving love as an example and as a servant.
The relationships that result offer a powerful sense of belonging that free a seminarian to be completely himself; the man God created him to be.
The men of the Salesianum are constantly called to practice selfless giving and sacrificial love. We must strive to love each other as God has so generously loved us. We have a house that must be maintained, and a community that must be supported, whether classes are in session, or the men are on break. Chores become a fraternity-building experience; assisting a brother seminarian with his philosophical study, act of charity; and spending extra time in chapel, one’s primary work. Every opportunity and challenge that seminary presents to give of oneself is formational!
Seminarians who have learned to love and make a gift of themselves here, will love and offer themselves generously in a parish. We are training your future priests to enter into your family’s lives as servants, spiritual fathers, and beacons of light and truth.
Please help us with this mission. Please pray for our seminarians and our formation faculty. They are praying for you!
Prayerfully consider supporting us with a sacrificial offering. Your contribution will help us to form more priests who are prepared to love and serve. May God bless you for your faithfulness to us.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Luke Strand
Rector Designate
P.S. - Don't just take my word for it! Read what some of our formators have to say about being a part of the Seminary's mission.
