By Michael Leason
As my final semester of college seminary winds down, I have been given many opportunities to reflect upon, not only this year, but on all my time at Saint Andrew’s Hall. I look forward to major seminary, yet nevertheless, I glance to the past to appreciate and consider my journey so far.
That mid-August afternoon of 2020 when I first arrived at the seminary seems so far distant now and yet still so fresh, too. Before I even got out of my car, my peers to-be and brothers were ready to help me move in. Before even reaching the door to the seminary, the rector embraced me and said, “Welcome home.” Saint Andrew’s really did become my second home, and quickly, at that.
I entered with five other men, including another seminarian from our Diocese. Thankfully, all six of us have stayed and will graduate this spring. Through the thick and thin of the pandemic freshman year, my class rallied around one another and remained a close-knit unit since. But not a closed-knit unit, as over the subsequent three years, we have met, welcomed and lived with some 20-plus other men from all walks of life and experience – from across New Jersey to areas of New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
This community has taught me so much and offered me so much more. It was in this place, our own domestic Church of sorts, that I fostered and grew in the faith in the most meaningful ways. It has been a true haven to encounter our Lord.
When I look back, I am in awe at our Lord’s providence and grace working through my challenges, strengths, weaknesses and experiences in the minor seminary. As I look around, I am grateful and happy with my growth, awareness and discernment. As I look ahead, I am hopeful and excited, not only for my next steps, but for the next steps of the house I leave behind.
On the stained-glass windows in the Saint Andrew’s chapel, there is a quote attributed to the apostle before his martyrdom, which prayerfully and powerfully goes,
“O’ good cross, so long desired and now at last prepared for a soul that loves you. Behold, safely and gladly, I come to you rejoicing as a disciple of Him, who hung upon you. Forever have I been your lover and ever have I desired to embrace you.”
My chapter in the college seminary began like the apostle’s journey, hearing our Lord’s invitation to “Come and see.” (John 1:39) Now, I approach the next chapter, what the Church calls the Configuration Stage. Further configuration as a disciple of the crucified and risen Christ, who bears our crosses and embraces us as His future priests.
Michael Leason is fourth college at the College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Andrew’s Hall, Seton Hall University, South Orange.
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