BISHOP OF
Former Rector, Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD
PRESS RELEASE:
17 JULY 2006
WASHINGTON, DC
Apostolic Nuncio and Vatican Ambassador to the USA, Most Reverend Pietro Sambi, addressed the annual gathering of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in the District of Columbia this past week [July 12]. Archbishop Sambi was joined by the newly installed Archbishop of Washington, Most Rev. Donald Wuerl. The gathering was a poignant sign of unity between the clergy and the hierarchy, in both the local and universal church, with the presence of the personal representative of the Holy Father and that of the local Ordinary.
Both prelates also expressed their deep appreciation and continued support for priestly associations like the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy which seek to promote ongoing spiritual, theological, pastoral and human formation among the clergy (priests and deacons). Bishop Wuerl had been a previous speaker several years ago while he in Pittsburgh. The seven hundred member organization began in 1975 as a response to the call of the Second Vatican Council to foster associations among the ordained to support each other in service to the Church. Each year the CCC has an annual convocation for those who can attend, comprising a week of intellectual discussion, lectures from expert speakers, common prayer and time for priestly fraternity. Local monthly chapter meetings are also held around the country where priests and deacons can gather for an afternoon of recollection, prayer, study and fraternity. A quarterly journal, SAPIENTIA, is also sent to members to keep them informed of what is happening in the local and the universal church.
This year’s speakers included U.S. Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania; Dr. Helen Alvare, JD, of Catholic University of America; Christopher West; Beth Racine; the Most Rev. Kevin Rhoades, Bishop of Harrisburg, PA (former rector of Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD). Deputy Director, Dr. Hugh Dempsey, welcomed this year’s conference and extended full hospitality to the Confraternity which had Vespers, Benediction, dinner and a lecture at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center for one evening. The rest of the week was spent at Catholic University and at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Next year’s meeting is tentatively scheduled for St. Louis the week of July 9 – 13, 2007
Submitted by
Rev. Kenneth D. Brighenti, PhD
Editor, SAPIENTIA
Confraternity of Catholic Clergy
