Our seminarians are called to be men of charity

    You spent much of last week at a gathering of the 30 seminarians who are studying for the Archdiocese of New Orleans at St. Joseph Seminary College and Notre Dame Seminary. How did the week go?
    It was a wonderful time for prayer, reflection and fraternity. We have nine new seminarians this year – two will be attending St. Joseph Seminary and seven will be starting at Notre Dame. As you know, we ordained five men to the priesthood in June, and we have four men who are transitional deacons and will be ordained to the priesthood next June. The deacons are considered seminarians in their final year of theological studies.
    There were several presentations. Shirley and Arthur Dupre, whose children attended St. Christopher the Martyr School, gave wonderful talks along with several of their children about how their family has been personally influenced by the ministry priests have given to them over the years, in both joyful and challenging times. The Dupre family offered some good advice and suggestions for the seminarians regarding their formation and the pastoral care they will offer to individuals and families in the future. They challenged them as priests to be available, accountable and authentic.
    They talked about homilies that have impressed them and individual pastoral counseling that has made a difference in their lives. They talked about socializing with priests and inviting priests over to their homes for dinner.
    Were you able to address the seminarians?
    Yes. I spoke to them from three different perspectives: what they can expect from me, what I expect of them and what Pope Francis expects of them. It’s important to state these expectations specifically because it means we are all on the same page and our expectations are clear. It seems to me when there is confusion or disagreement, it’s very often because our expectations of each other are not laid out.
    What can they expect from you?
    I will keep them in daily prayer, and I will be available to them and eager to receive their calls or inquiries. I have a desire to be there for them. They can expect me to support them and to help them discern their call to the priesthood. I will give them respect as a brother, as a father and as a bishop, and I will trust them and take them at their word. I will give them honest affirmation, but I also will challenge them to become the very best priest that they can be. Because of that, I will sit in on their seminary evaluations in order to be able to challenge them in a positive way.
    What do you expect of each seminarian?
    I expect him to be a man of prayer and a man of honesty, in a particular way with his spiritual director and confessor and also with those involved in his formation, including the archdiocesan and seminary staff. I expect him to make a strong commitment to his studies and every aspect of seminary formation. I want him to be a man of charity inside and outside the seminary and to avoid some of the negativity and judgmentalism that is part of our society. I want him to remember that he is a public person and must give a positive image to the church.
    What about Pope Francis’ expectations?
    I was in Rome recently when he addressed seminarians along with women and men novices in religious life. He said very clearly that there is “no sadness in holiness.” He said finding someone with “a long face and wet blanket over them” is not a sign of joy or holiness, it’s a person who is troubled by life and who should not be in priestly ministry. The Holy Father also said to be a priest is not a choice but a call from God, and the church has to confirm that call. Pope Francis dreams of a church that is poor and for the poor, and that has very specific ramifications for the priest. It calls the priest to a simplicity, humility and docility in his own life, and he must have a big heart for the poor. He’s also cautioned seminarians and clergy to avoid clerical ambition and elitism. He’s also challenged seminarians not to be possessed by their possessions. They don’t need fancy cars or the very latest smart phone. Their possessions should reflect a simplicity of life. A priest is not a priest for himself but for others. The pope also said that after they are ordained or in religious life, they should not be sitting in their offices but must be out among the people. He exhorted them not to lose touch with real people and their struggles.
    Can you profile generally the nine new seminarians?
    There is one coming straight from high school and one who is in his junior year of college going to St. Ben’s. The other seven who are entering Notre Dame range from young men just graduating from college to an older but young-in-spirit gentleman who many years ago graduated from West Point and has been involved in various careers. Now he has heard God’s call to come discern the priesthood.
    Aug. 29 will be the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Isaac.
    While many people in our archdiocese have been affected individually, the two areas that have been affected the most seem to be Braithwaite and LaPlace. I just met a lady the other day who still is not in her home – she is still rebuilding. A lot of times, those of us who have not been affected lose sight of the challenges and the disruption that people have to go through. This anniversary is an opportunity to pray not only that we don’t have any more hurricanes this year but also to pray for those who are still being affected by last year’s hurricane.
    Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].