Due to current COVID-19 protocols at the Seminary, and in consultation with the Archbishop, public celebration of the Mass in the Seminary Chapel is suspended until further notice.
We have completed the first phase of our COVID-19 prevention and planning protocol, and I am happy to report that thanks to due diligence on the part of many, we have not had any active cases amongst the resident community. A less restrictive but nevertheless structured approach to community life is now being maintained until the end of the semester. I wish to take the opportunity to express my gratitude once again to all the students (and their respective dioceses), faculty, and staff for their generous cooperation with this plan, and in particular to Fr. Vincent for its design and execution.
Thanks to a generous allowance by the University administration in light of our unique status within the institution, we have begun the semester with in-person instruction with some safety protocols in place. Only seminarians have been given this allowance for courses on the Seminary campus; those non-seminarians who are taking courses here are doing so remotely. Likewise, those in Pre-Theology are also participating in their coursework in the online modality, since their courses are being taught on the main campus.
As this semester continues in earnest, I am reminded of the many ways the Lord has shown to us his providence - especially in the charity, patience, and genuine joy I see in our seminarians, even in the midst of so many difficulties. May we be ever mindful of his gifts, and inspired to cultivate in ourselves and those around us a spirit of gratitude. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix!
-Very Rev. Eurel Manzano
Rector, St. Mary’s Seminary