ADVANCING THE MISSION
Robert Nofz added .
Seminarians played a key role in planning and executing the gala , including providing entertainment during dinner — singing an a capella hymn dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus — and organizing the coat check and various odds and ends . But most importantly , seminarians said they appreciated the chance to thank those who helped make their formation possible .
“ It ’ s a tremendous blessing to know there are people out there who have a genuine love for those being formed as priests ,” said Joseph Nannoshi , a secondyear theology seminarian studying for the Chaldean Eparchy of St . Thomas the Apostle .
“ When you see us ( seminarians ), let us know you ’ re praying for us ,” Nannoshi added . “ Introduce us to the family , because in the end , we ’ re being formed as fathers . Getting to know our future parishioners is absolutely everything to us .”
Bishops across the Midwest who send their diocesan seminarians to Sacred Heart were also in attendance , including Sacred Heart alumnus — and former Detroit priest — Bishop Robert J . McClory of the Diocese of Gary , Indiana .
“ Sacred Heart has a combination of academic excellence , which is very faithful and dynamic in its presentation , along with a solid pastoral formation , which refers to the human skill in the ways we can serve our people ,” Bishop McClory said .
The seminary also “ encourages a very deep spiritual life , because we want our priests to have a strong confidence in their relationship with the Lord ,” Bishop McClory added .
Bishop Francis Y . Kalabat of the Chaldean Eparchy of St . Thomas said the seminary has been a great partner for the Eastern-rite diocese . The gala is a way for the community to show its appreciation , he said .
“ St . Paul in the Scriptures talked about the need to be active in how you support those who are in need , whether they are the poor or those who need to study ,” Bishop Kalabat said . “ Both those who have received the benefits and those who have given the benefits need to see each other . That way it ’ s not just giving to an idea , but you see the greater community that you are supporting , that ’ s supporting you , and we can gather in this great hall to say , ‘ Thank you , Jesus .’”
Archbishop Vigneron closed his keynote address by asking all in attendance to continue to pray for vocations , for men already in the seminary , and for those discerning the priesthood .
“ Pray especially that God will send
new brothers to these men ,” Archbishop Vigneron said , referring to the five seminarians who emceed the event . “ Pray for new members of the band of missionary disciples who will advance the kingdom of God . Particularly , I ask , through the intercession of the Mother of God , that these men have the grace to hear God and to have the bravery to preach the Gospel in a world that finds our message sometimes even labeled as hate speech .
“ We need priests who have courageous hearts , so please pray for that ,” Archbishop Vigneron said .
WATCH : A DAY IN THE LIFE AT SACRED HEART MAJOR SEMINARY
Take a look inside Sacred Heart Major Seminary . Walk with seminarians as they live the life of a seminarian , in classes , on the basketball court , sharing meals , and in the chapel for times of prayer .
This video was created for the Archbishop ’ s Gala 2022 .
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