This past weekend, our new rector, Fr. Denis Robinson O.S.B., was inaugurated, formalizing the role that he has been performing since the start of the school year.
The weekend was one of pomp and circumstance galore! First of all, our school's board of overseers met here for their fall meeting. The board is a group of lay people, priests, and deacons who help the president-rector in his leadership of the school. Their meeting is normally a two-day event, but this past weekend's meeting was conducted just on Friday, clearing everyone's calendars for the inauguration Mass and convocation.
Archbishop Daniel Beuchlein presided at Mass in the Archabbey Church at 10 in the morning and gave a beautiful homily about St. Meinrad and its history of forming men for the priesthood. Mass was followed by a very nice banquet. The art of "banqueting" is something that St. Meinrad has perfected over the last 150 years!
At 2:00 P.M., everyone filed into Bede Hall (which is the old college theater hall). Five salutations were given. I actually gave the address on behalf of the seminarians since I am the student body president this year. My talk was short (nobody came to hear me). The following is what I shared:
"Fr. Denis,
On behalf of the seminarians of the Saint Meinrad School of Theology, allow me to say “CONGRATULATIONS”
Prior to your appointment as rector, we benefited from your ability to teach with a rare blend of academic precision and humor
We also benefited from your spiritual counsel whether that was in spiritual direction, a conversation in the hallway, or in one of your homilies in the Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapel
When you were elected, we were and continue to be excited by what you bring to the position of president rector.
Fr. Denis, we seminarians are a diverse group. We are a group who has given up our homes, our friends, our careers, our families, and sometimes even our native lands to come to St. Meinrad to study for the priesthood. We are your primary mission as the president rector. I ask you to always remember the sacrifices that the seminarians who come through saint meinrad have made to be here – know that in coming here, a serious commitment has already been made and that the men who come here want to be the best priests they can be
Father, before entering the monastery, you were a diocesan priest. I urge you to bring that experience to your job as president rector, and to let it influence your decisions and your ministry to us.
Prior to that, you were a Southern Baptist. I urge you to continue to bring that fire to your preaching, BUT remember that the ambo in our school’s chapel can only take so many poundings from your fists
Father, as when we initially embraced the call to the priesthood, we come here today to embrace you as our rector. We are your men. Lead us, teach us, and love us.
Know of our love, support, and prayers for you as you begin this journey.
Congratulations once again, and may God pour out His blessings upon your time as rector of the Saint Meinrad School of Theology."
Fr. Denis' acceptance speech is making the rounds among catholic bloggers. It was absolutely amazing, which has become par for the course for Father Denis.
His talk can be accessed by clicking on the following link:
As you can see, The Saint Meinrad School of Theology is in great hands heading into the future.
Jeremy and John lying prostrate (front right, respectively) during the Litany of the Saints.
(Left) Archbishop Daniel laying hands on John to ordain him to the Order of Deacon.
