On Friday, May 4, the Regional Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs celebrated its Closing Mass for the academic year 2006-2007. Archbishop Edward Gilbert presided at the Mass in the Seminary Chapel.

Msgr Michael de Verteuil and Fr Robert Llanos, Seminary Rector and Vice Rector, respectively, lecturer Fr Jason Gordon and Fr Henri Brennon FMI concelebrated. In the gathering were a large body of university students, family, friends, and well-wishers present to glorify God with us for the blessings of the year.

In his homily, the Archbishop reminded us of our responsibility as Christians, and especially as seminarians. We were to live the word of God, celebrate that word and share it. He reminded us of the need for such a mission in the region. People of our home nations are hungry for that word, for the meaning that the word gives.

There are many substitutes for the word of God in many lives; only the word of God could truly give life. If we really believe in that word, we have the responsibility to proclaim it in word and deed.

This message was especially applicable to four special persons who completed their studies at the regional seminary this year. These were Roger Graham of the Archdiocese of Kingston, Jamaica, Lystra Long of the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters and Robert Christo, both from the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Hugh Logan from the diocese of St George’s, Grenada.

These four were specially commended by the Dean of Studies, Fr Eddy Birmingham, SJ. He said their work and perseverance, which highlighted their creativity, showed a remarkable love for the people whom they must serve. We thank God for these special four.

In a sense, the year ended the same way it began. We began the year worshipping God and we ended it in the same way. His Grace, at the opening Mass, reminded us of our responsibility to be formed into persons of integrity for the mission of God in the region.

This was also the main point at the closing Mass. We started the year excited by the prospect of what God would unfold yet unsure of what the year would hold. We ended thanking God for all things, both the happy moments as well as the sad ones, which have helped to form us this year.

We have no idea what will happen next. We just hope that we were better persons at the end of this year at Seminary. We know God will journey with us along the path on which he has called us.

We thank all the persons who made this year the success that it was. To all the lecturers and fellow students, we say thank you. To our financial supporters and those who pray for us, thank you. To all who journeyed with us this year, God’s blessings and our sincerest thanks.