Life at the Seminary

Well, I don’t think it’ll come as a surprise when I announce that lent has begun. A 40-day period in which Catholics prepare for Easter, similar to Jesus 40 days in the desert, where He faced several temptations. He came out, however, ready to begin His public life, which would eventually result in His crucifixion. How is lent experienced here at the seminary?

As a community we have a central program for all staff members and students. Central to this theme is St. John, patron of the seminary and of our diocese. Each of us is invited to pray a prayer to St. John for his fatherly protection on our road to the priesthood every day. Also, we pray for vocations together on his intercession. During Lauds and Vespers, we all spend one minute in comtemplation of the lecture. And every Mass, we say an additional prayer where we ask for God’s blessing. Every two weeks we pray the Way of the Cross together, made for us by the Sisters of St. John.

Foodwise, we do not have any deserts. Nor are there cookies to go with the coffee during our breaks. Lastly, we do not speak during dinners, but instead one of us reads from Scott Hahn’s book Rome, sweet home. If you haven’t read it, it’s a real winner! Not only is it easy to read, it’s a personal account of how a protestant scholar found his way to the Catholic Church through his study of the Scriptures. It’s very motivating to hear him talk. His views on the Eucharist and on Mary have given me new insights as well! Amazing…

The previously named Sisters of St. John are a contemplative organization which is quickly growing. There are about 300 sisters, and more in training. Seven of them live in The Hague, and we are trying to get some money together so they can remodel some of their cells — currently three of them are sleeping in guest quarters of the house, adjoining the night club. You can imagine how much fun that must be for a contemplative sister… Most of us will do some chores in and around the house for money. We’re also selling some of their handwork here and hold a collection in our evening Mass.

Apart from that, each seminarian takes on his own mission for Lent. I am doing something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I’ve fleshed out the project with my spiritual director. For some it contains more prayer, another more fasting in the sense of food, for others more charity work or everything combined. I think this must have been the most intensive lent period I’ve had so far, where God has given me many insights already, which hopefully make a change in my life.

I can only encourage those of you who haven’t thought seriously about what they want to do this Lent period, to speak to someone about it. The book of Proverb rightly says that two are stronger than one, and even if both fall, they will keep each other warm. With other words, even if you cannot complete the highest standards that you have set, together it is always easier, even if it doesn’t turn out as you might have hoped. A blessed Lent period, friends!