Polish chapel and Congregation for the Clergy

This morning we returned to the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica for Mass, which was celebrated in the Polish chapel, in which many Polish saints are commemorated - Maximilian Kolbe, John Cantius, and Faustina Kowalska, to name a few.  Of course, the most famous son of Poland in recent memory, Bl. Pope John Paul II, was on our minds and hearts as we celebrated the Mass.  We asked his intercession for us and for all those who have asked our prayers on this pilgrimage to the heart of the Church.

Deacon Brandon Moravitz preaches on the call of the Apostles in the Gospel of Mark - how Christians are invited to share in the suffering of Christ, but also in the joy of the Christian life.

 

The Holy Eucharist and a beautiful image of Our Lady of Czestochowa

 After Mass and breakfast back at the Domus, we walked up the Via della Conciliazione to the Offices of the Congregation for the Clergy.  There we were welcomed by three priests from the United States who work in the Congregation, which deals with administrative aspects of priestly life throughout the world.  The Congregation is also responsible for promoting the fruitful life and ministry of priests and deacons.  They were instrumental in much of the activity surrounding the Year for Priests in 2009-2010.  The Congregation has a very useful website which can tell one more about their work, as well as being a rich resource for priestly ministry.  Quite unexpectedly, we were each given as gifts several DVDs produced by the Congregation, about priestly life, as well as a beautiful stole for our use upon priestly ordination.  The stoles had been commissioned for the Year for Priests and are blessed by the Pope.  They are even decorated with his Coat of Arms.  What a treasure!

Deacon Evan Koop in front of a large portrait of the patron of parish priests, St. John Vianney, in the offices of the Congregation for the Clergy

Priest in the center, Msgr. McDaid, Irish-born priest of the Archdiocese of Denver, CO, and classmate of our Rector Msgr. Callaghan, talks about the work of the Congregation for the Clergy.  Monsignor had some very inspiring words about priestly life and ministry for us. 

Nice view of St. Peter's Square from the Congregation's offices that most tourists don't get to see

Our gift from the Congregation. Notice the Coat of Arms of Pope Benedict XVI adorning the ends of the stole.