News

13 March 2013

As white smoke rose over the Vatican,  members of the St Patrick's Community began to cheer, applaud, send text messages, and ring bells across the campus.

We then assembled in the dining hall to watch the televised proceedings and learn for the first time that the Cardinals had electe Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina to become Pope Francis I.

Fr. McKearney led us in prayer just before our lunch break--where we shared thoughts and impressions of this historic moment.

Pictured here are seminarians Brandon Dang (Orange), and Guadalupe Vargas (Fresno) and Raj Derivera (Sacramento) as they first learned the news.

13 March 2013

Today, Wednesday, March 13, 2013 has been made extraordinary by the election of the first Pope from the Americas!

 Pope Francis I, formerly Jesuit Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, humbly accepted the silent blessing of the Church Universal in an extraordinary beginning to his papacy. The Church of San Francisco welcomes our Holy Father who bears, for the first time, the name of the great Francis of Assisi, Patron of our diocese. Holy Father, we congratulate you and pledge our prayerful support and love. Ad multos annos!   

12 March 2013

As the Church moves once again into uncharted waters, the People of God join together in prayer for the cardinals gathered in the Eternal City for the papal conclave which begins today.

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28 February 2013

As our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI resigns as Pope today, he goes forth with the prayer and support of the entire St. Patrick's Seminary & University community. Finding it necessary and important at this stage of declining health and stamina, the Pope has chosen, and the first time a pope has done so in nearly six hundred years, to resign in order that the Church may with energy, fidelity and enthusiasm carry out her mission in these crucial and fast-moving times.

Holy Father, you retire to a life of prayer for the Church and the world and we are grateful for everything you have given us. We are grateful for your leadership, your remarkable preaching and teaching and for your tremdous act of humility as you begin this phase of your life as Pope Emeritus. You have left us with a humble and courageous example. Now, the Seminary joins you in prayer for the Holy Spirit's acting through the College of Cardinals and the selection of your successor. Ad multos annos Holy Father!

26 February 2013

Cardinal William J. Levada addressed the media on Monday February 25th at a press conference held at the Main Chapel of St Patrick's Seminary and University. The focus was on the upcoming papal conclave in Rome, the first that Cardinal Levada has participated in.

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