A group from St. Mary's Seminary in Cleveland, Ohio met with Pope Francis in an audience in the Apostolic Palace. Bishop Edward Malesic greeted the Pope on behalf of the group.
We are here today representing the clergy, religious and faithful of the diocese of Cleveland in Ohio.
Pope Francis encouraged the group to take up three characteristics of the synodal journey as part of their formation: listening, walking together and witness. He explained that these aspects will help the men put their vocation at the service of the Church.
POPE FRANCIS
Your time of seminary formation is an opportunity to deepen the spirit of fraternal communion, not only among yourselves.
We should recognize that we are part of one great people which has received God’s promises as a gift, not as a privilege. In the same way, your vocation is a gift to be placed at the service of building up the body of Christ.
St. Mary's Seminary was founded in 1848 by the first Bishop of Cleveland, Amadeus Rappe.
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