August 25, 2020
Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle
Today we begin academic classes at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Our seminarians returned last week, and after a day of spiritual retreat, a day of orientation, and three days of camping, they are eager to begin another semester of formation.
The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to affect us all. However, we intend to continue to promote a positive view of this period as an opportunity for growth and not of one of fear or anxiety. Two sayings of St. Paul come to mind “all things work for good” (Romans 8:28), and “power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). This semester we look to maximize in-person learning and formation while ensuring that the physical, spiritual, and mental health and safety of our seminarians, faculty, and staff are at the center of our decisions.
We have in place to ensure a safe and healthy environment. These include:
- Initial and ongoing testing of our seminarians, faculty, and staff.
- We are restricting access to the campus to all non-essential visitors and guests.
- Our “house system” allows us to establish cohorts as a risk mitigation strategy.
- All seminarians, faculty, and staff will perform health screening daily for symptoms.
- We have extra hygiene and safety protocols in place.
- Extra cleaning and sanitizing will take place.
- Use of masks in compliance with all state and local orders.
To facilitate the ongoing testing of seminarians, faculty, and staff, we are working with a local Catholic physician and health clinic and other local urgent care facilities.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for the men. During this time, we will be praying for all of you for God’s protection and intercession.
In Christ,
Fr. Daniel Leonard Ph.D., STL
Rector, Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary
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This Act of Entrustment to Our Lady was written by Fr. Gary Selin for the seminarians. The prayer is inspired by the prayer of Pope Francis to Our Lady, Salvation of the Roman People. At the end of the prayer is an English translation of the Sub Tuum, which is the most ancient Marian prayer outside of Sacred Scripture.
Act of Entrustment to Our Blessed Mother Mary
O Blessed Virgin Mary, our loving Mother,
you bring joy to us in sorrow, and light in times of darkness.
We seek to console your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart
for those who are suffering today from the coronavirus,
and for those who have died and their grieving families.
You are the patroness of our seminary life,
And you know what we need to become holy.
We are confident that you will provide for us,
as you did in Cana at Galilee,
so that we may remain in peace
during this time of suffering
and grow closer to your Son Jesus.
On this day we entrust ourselves to you.
As a sign of our filial confidence
in your protection of ourselves
and our families from the coronavirus,
we will honor you in a special way at our seminary,
when we are able once again to unite as a community.
Most of all, we ask you to help us grow in holiness,
and to protect us from the spiritual virus of sin,
which brings weakness and even death to the soul.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to do the Father’s will by obeying Jesus,
your Son and our Savior,
Who has died for our sins,
and opened for us the gates of eternal life.
Under your protection, we seek refuge,
Holy Mother of God.
Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial,
but deliver us from every danger,
O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
