Alleluia, praise God, Oh praise the Lord! These lyrics set the tone for the official opening of the new academic year 2007-2008 at the Regional Seminary on Tuesday, September 18.

Rector, Msgr Michael de Verteuil

The celebration began with Holy Mass at 6.00 p.m, presided over by the chairman of the seminary board, Archbishop-elect Robert Rivas together with other archbishops, and bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference. Also present were the rector, Msgr Michael de Verteuil, and vice-Rector, Fr Robert Llanos, of the Seminary, other priests of the archdiocese, faculty, staff, students and friends. 

This community of disciples gathered around the Lord rightly gave God thanks and praise for the work of all those who contributed to the formation of future priests and lay leaders of the Caribbean region.

Homilist, Archbishop Lawrence Burke of Kingston, Jamaica and President of the Conference singled out Sr Diane Jagdeo OP, who has recently retired from teaching after 34 years due to illness, and Dr Everard Johnston whom he described as a “cornerstone” of the institution.

Drawing from the wisdom of the readings selected for the Feast of St John Vianney, patron of the seminary, Archbishop Burke commented on the special ministry of the priesthood, the urgency and gravity of the ministry and the context in which this ministry is offered.

 The Archbishop noted that while all the people of God are expected to exercise the ministry of reconciliation, proclamation of the good news and healing to a world in “chaos”, it is the specific duty of the priest. He explained that even as seminarians consider their time spent in formation as a discernment process, “never forget the goal,” which is priesthood. It will provide the focus to carry one through. He went on to say that the urgency of the prophetic role of the priesthood is very real. In fact, it is a matter of life and death.

The selection of music for the Mass reflected the rich diversity of the Caribbean with some parts of the Mass sung in Patois and Papiamentu. The chanting of the Lord’s Prayer in Latin also added a special flavour to the celebration. The choirmaster, Cleophus Joseph of the Archdiocese of Castries, skillfully led the Seminary choir with his guitar, assisted by Kenard Pickett on the keyboard. 

The first and second readings were done by Rose-Ann Walker, lecturer at the seminary, and Nigel Karam, seminarian of the diocese of Roseau, Dominica. William Howard and Alando Williams, of the Archdiocese of Castries and Diocese of Kingstown respectively, skillfully delivered the Responsorial Psalm. The whole atmosphere was prayerful and beautiful and one got the feeling that John Vianney himself was present among all gathered there. 

This academic year will mark the 65th anniversary of the Seminary, which opened its doors in January 1943. While it is a time of great celebration, the number of seminarians is at its lowest in ten years.

There are currently 16 young men in formation. In spite of the small number the tenor of the celebration was not diminished. In fact, the seminarians fervently and convincingly sang their recessional song indicating, “This is the time for the Church to arise and proclaim…Jesus is Lord.”