Behind the scenes of the virtual gala .
Celebrating a Century of Blessings and Looking Forward in Hope
Mary Henige
The annual Archbishop ’ s gala went virtual this year . Held on June 26th , Sacred Heart Major Seminary Rector and President Msgr . Todd Lajiness welcomed everyone to the gala , saying , “ We are privileged to come together and celebrate what , by divine providence , has happened here in the last century and lean in , by faith , to where the Sacred Heart of Jesus will lead us in the days and years to come .”
Referencing the online format , the rector said these unusual circumstances “ remind us of an important truth about our last 100 years as a seminary . No matter what occurred — changes in our city , in our nation or in our world — the Lord Jesus was always with us , leading us forward in hope .”
Archbishop Allen H . Vignernon , a former rector of Sacred Heart and Chairman of the Board of Trustees , thanked benefactors for their generous and unfailing support . “ There are many blessings that God has bestowed on our seminary over its 100 years of mission and ministry . This gala is an important occasion to be gathered together to give God praise and thanks for those many gifts . It is an opportunity to be rededicated to the mission of the seminary .”
Serving as the gala ’ s Master of Ceremonies , Fr . Mario Amore , Pastor of St . Aloysious and Our Lady of the Rosary and Sacred Heart 2018 graduate , reflected , “ It is remarkable to be reminded of what has happened over a century and to thank God for all of his blessings and recognize that it is the Sacred Heart of Jesus that animates everything that we do .” Though held online , the gala ’ s usual engaging format continued with Fr . Amore guiding guests throughout the evening from an inspiring video , which chronicled the seminary ’ s first 100 years , to hosting a playful centennial trivia contest with former gala masters of ceremonies .
The free and virtual format enabled new guests to participate and cameo appearances from out-of-town alumni and supporters , including by Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana , Gaum , His Excellency Michael Byrnes . He said , “ I ’ m grateful for the 14 years I had at Sacred Heart as a seminarian , professor , and vice rector , those years have been essential to forming and equipping me to proclaim Jesus Christ even to the ends of the earth .”
Among the gala ’ s virtual guests was Msgr . Robert Monticello , the oldest living alumnus of Sacred Heart , who entered the seminary 80 years ago in 1940 . He shared a heartfelt message , noting that he spent part of his priesthood as a member of the faculty . Monsignor said , “ Every time I enter the chapel , I am very much at home again surrounded with memories of those who have gone before us .”
Annual gala entertainment is provided by the seminary ’ s choir , this year with some additions . Joining the seminarians were a number of priests , including Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Robert Fisher , to perform a moving rendition of the song , “ You Raise Me Up ,” a fitting
18 Sacred Heart Major Seminary | Mosaic | Fall 2020 / Winter 2021