June 24, 2025
Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist
Holy Year Jubilee for Seminarians
Dear Seminarians of the Diocese of Trenton,
As the Church celebrates today’s wonderful Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist, we also recognize and acknowledge those preparing for the priesthood throughout the world today on this Holy Year’s “Jubilee for Seminarians.” As your Bishop, I send my prayers and affection to you, the seminarians of the Diocese of Trenton. I am so grateful for your generous response to God’s call and I am filled with a sense of pride as you continue your preparation for the priesthood.
Earlier today, our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV addressed a large group of seminarians and offered to them a profoundly inspiring and beautiful message on the vocation they are pursuing.
Several of you are spending the summer working in various parishes throughout the Diocese while others are working at home. These months away from your seminaries not only provide you a break from your academic coursework but also — and more importantly — an opportunity for a different kind of “learning.” I encourage you to pursue that “learning” by attentively observing and, as the Synod has suggested, “listening” to your pastors who serve as mentors along with the faithful to whose pastoral care you will one day be entrusted. Be generous with God in prayer and kind to all who cross your path in ministry. Learn to be a servant of God’s people in imitation of the Lord Jesus Christ “who came to serve and not be served.”
Again, I am so proud of you all. I am grateful to Fr. Chris Colavito who is a good priest and role model. He works very hard to attract young men to the priesthood in our Diocese. I also thank Msgr. Mullelly for his great service to you and our Diocese. As he often reminds us, “do good things!” He practices what he preaches. So many others in the Chancery generously support you: Carol Norbut, Tanya Taylor-Norwood, Kevin Cimei and Joe Bianchi along with members of the vocation team. I appreciate their care for your vocations.
In closing, know of my daily prayers for you. Enjoy the summer months, have fun and be refreshed. Feel free to keep in touch with me. I hope to see you soon. God bless you!
Faithfully yours in the Lord,
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D.
Bishop of Trenton
Love with Christ’s compassionate heart, Pope Leo tells seminarians