Annuntio vobis gaudium…

… well, perhaps not quite so magnum, but good news nevertheless.

I am pleased to announce that I have been accepted to a Catholic seminary to study for the priesthood.  As the seminary is in a foreign country, and as the notice came a bit late, I have been in a mad scramble to get many things done in preparation for my departure.  I am sorry that content has not been updated very frequently, therefore.

Because my time and internet access will be very limited at the seminary, I am considering a series, in which we summarize the contents of one of the more extensive, theological manuals used by seminarians and priests in days of yore.  It would be a complete overview of sound, traditional, Catholic doctrine.  If readers would like to read such content, interspersed with an original post from time to time (if possible), let me know.  Otherwise, I don’t know how much content I’ll be able to produce for you over the next couple of years.

I will make an embarrassing appeal: seminary will be very costly, not only for the tuition, room/board, the expenses that inevitably arise when travelling/living abroad, etc., but also for the expenses of various major moments – buying the first cassock, the first diaconal vestments, the first priestly vestments and sacred vessels (chalices, patens, etc.)   Thank God, I have a few sponsors making regular donations; please consider donating, also, if you are able.  I have been a monk for almost ten years, now, so you can imagine that my liquid assets are not very great!  Info is on our Support Us page.

And for those who are worried about my orthodoxy, do not worry; while I do believe sedevacantism is the opinio probabilior at present, the seminary is a canonical institution of the Catholic Church, recognizing Francis as pope.  I realize our situation is complex, and that there are Catholics on all sides of the debate in our current crisis.  The seminary is for a traditional rite with an hierarchy ordained in that traditional rite; one lucky thing about my bi-ritual background, is that it keeps my options open!  I am keeping details about the seminary scarce, however, for reasons of privacy – both mine, and theirs.

I hope to produce some more content for a little while, here, until I leave.  After that, if folk indicate that they are interested, I will see about preparing those theological summaries. If we run one a week, maybe we’ll be done around the time I’m ordained, please God!

I ask, most of all, everyone’s prayers.  The priesthood is the most terrifying responsibility and power given to men – a tremendous power, greater than that wielded by any angel; it is a participation in the theandric acts of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It behooves me to be the best priest I can be.  I would beg a rosary a week from people (or an Akathist, if you are opposed to the rosary).  But, whether much or little: pray for me!

Many thanks to all.