Fourth Year Farewell

On Sunday, April 26th, we celebrated our annual Farewell Vespers and Dinner for our Fourth Year transitional deacons, who are about to be ordained to the priesthood. The deacons processed in before Fr. Rector for Vespers that we might honor them and pray for them as they prepare to leave the seminary and become spiritual fathers. After Vespers concluded, we proceeded to a short farewell cocktail gathering and a farewell dinner. Fr. Palermo, director of spirituality for the seminary, led the invocation and blessing. Then, after the meal begun, we were led by three seminarians with three separate toasts (for the Holy Father, for the country, and for the seminary). Then, as has become a tradition, the third year seminarians presented the fourth year deacons with a parting gift. This was followed by the fourth years, who gave their comical but heartfelt “jimmies” or Fr. Jim Wehner Awards. This concluded the evening. It was a great experience of fraternity and camaraderie for those leaving and for those who are continuing on in formation. How blessed indeed it is when brothers dwell in unity!