On Thursday, the 8th of May, Allen Hall Seminary rejoiced at the sight of the white smoke acclaiming the Conclave’s decision, which was later announced: Habemus Papam. As the community gathered for vespers, still in anticipation of the New Holy Father’s identity, we prayed for our new Pope and recited the Te Deum. After vespers, the seminarians and staff gathered in the student common room to see the Holy Father’s first appearance on TV.
Saturday Mass was offered for Pope Leo XIV. During the homily, the Rector quoted from the Pope’s first homily the day before, reminding us that “we are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Jesus the Saviour. Therefore, it is essential that we, too, repeat, with Peter: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16)”. This entails “commitment to a daily journey of conversion”, “to move aside so that Christ may remain, to make oneself small so that he may be known and glorified (cf. Jn 3:30), to spend oneself to the utmost so that all may have the opportunity to know and love him.”
With Pope Leo, we called on the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, to help us be faithful to this commitment.
All of this transpired in time for Good Shepherd Sunday as the seminarians were sent into the parishes in their respective diocese to give their testimonies and witness to vocations.