MOUNT HOLLY — Hundreds of people from across the Diocese of Charlotte got a look into the daily life of a seminarian at a holiday-themed open house Saturday at St. Joseph College Seminary.
The façade of the seminary was decked with garland and wreaths made by the seminarians from holly, pine, fir, magnolia, and other plants they had gathered in the nearby woods.
Father Matthew Kauth, rector, stood in front of the main entrance with the seminary’s two beloved Great Danes, Bocca and Lupo, to greet visitors.
“This seminary belongs to all the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte, so this is a great chance to welcome the faithful and share with them what we have here,” Father Kauth said. “It impresses me how visitors from all parts of the diocese have turned out for this.”
Visitors traveled in for the open house from the Charlotte and Greensboro areas, as well as Boone, Blowing Rock, Tryon, Franklin, and other places. The celebration drew people of all ages, including many families with small children. Fredrik Akerblom, the seminary’s advancement director, estimated turnout at between 350 and 400 people.
Visitors toured the seminary, from the library and study rooms to the seminarians’ living quarters. People prayed in the beautiful chapel where relics of a saint were on display, and visited the chapel sacristy to learn about priestly vestments and other items stored there.
In the large kitchen and dining area, visitors enjoyed hot chocolate, coffee and homemade cookies and got to see where the seminarians have their daily communal meals. Hot dogs and other refreshments were available at the seminary’s barn, which serves as a recreation and fellowship site for the seminarians.
St. Joseph College Seminary currently houses 20 seminarians who are discerning a vocation as a priest for the diocese while studying for an undergraduate degree at nearby Belmont Abbey College. They live in community and follow a daily schedule of prayer, work, study, meals, and recreation inspired by the Benedictine monks who founded Belmont Abbey.
“It’s beautiful and breathtaking to see what is going on here,” said Kathleen Wellman, a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Charlotte. “I wish everybody had a chance to see this beautiful place.”
Andrea Mantilla, a member of St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte, visited with her husband and two daughters. She especially enjoyed visiting the chapel and said it reminded her of churches in her native country of Colombia, where she used to attend Mass with her grandmother.
“Everything is beautiful and holy here, and so organized,” she said. “I’m also glad my children are here. One of my daughters has said she would like to be a religious sister someday, so showing her a place like this is a way to encourage her and show her what that life could be like.”
Charles and Theresa Fraune, who attend St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, visited with their four children. Charles Fraune said the visit was especially moving for him because five students he previously taught at the diocese’s Christ the King High School have since gone on to study at the seminary.
Added Theresa Fraune, “Visiting here gives us so much hope for the future of the Church.”
Bishop Peter Jugis founded the college seminary program in 2016, and in 2017 the diocese purchased 90 acres in Mount Holly for a permanent site for the seminary. Construction was completed in 2020.
St. Joseph College Seminary recently reached an important goal for its future: meeting an initial $22 million fund-raising goal to build a major chapel, offices, piazza, and welcoming hall that will host talks, visits, and retreats for parishes. Groundbreaking is expected in June 2024.
— Christina Knauss. Photos by Troy Hull
Learn more about St. Joseph College Seminary: www.stjcs.org
