As the fall semester draws to its close, Mater Dei Seminary pauses to give thanks to Almighty God for the many graces received during these past months of formation. The closing weeks of the semester were marked in a particular way by the sacred liturgy and by the advancement of several of our seminarians in Holy Orders—moments that stand at the very heart of priestly formation.

Throughout the semester, our seminarians have applied themselves diligently to their studies, prayer, and community life, striving daily to grow in fidelity to their vocation. Alongside their academic work and daily responsibilities, the rhythm of seminary life remained centered on the sacred duties proper to their state. In December, this was expressed in a particular way through the ordinations and the liturgical functions observed, which occupied an important place in the life of the seminary during the final weeks of the term.

Sacred Ordinations — December 12

On December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mater Dei Seminary was blessed to witness the conferral of Holy Orders upon several of our seminarians. In the presence of clergy, faithful, and guests, three men were ordained to the Diaconate, and four were ordained to the Subdiaconate, each taking another decisive step toward the holy priesthood.

Ordained to the Diaconate were:

Rev. Mr. Anthony Alley (South Dakota)
Rev. Mr. Kyle St. Aubin (Canada)
Rev. Mr. Lucas Costa Oliveira (Brazil)

Ordained to the Subdiaconate were:

Rev. Mr. Thomas Netzel (Washington)
Rev. Mr. Richard Lauricella (Washington)
Rev. Mr. Julio Perez (California)
Rev. Mr. Jorge Diaz (California)

In addition, two of the seminarians, Mr. Massimo Turri (Italy) and Mr. Mateo Alzate (Colombia), received the first two minor Orders of Porter and Lector.

These ordinations remind us that the Church continues to call men from many places and backgrounds, uniting them in a common mission: the service of God and the salvation of souls. We ask all our friends and benefactors to remember these newly ordained clerics in their prayers, that they may remain faithful to the graces they have received and persevere generously in their vocations.

Solemn Vespers of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Following the ordinations, the seminary community gathered once again in choir for Solemn Vespers, lifting our voices in thanksgiving in honor of Our Blessed Mother. In the chanting of the Psalms and the solemn prayers of the Church, we were reminded that the public prayer of the Church remains central to priestly life—both as an obligation and as a source of grace.

This moment of prayer provided a quiet and fitting opportunity to reflect upon the blessings of the semester just completed and to entrust the coming days to Divine Providence.

Solemn High Mass on the Feast of St. Lucy

The liturgical life of the semester concluded with a Solemn High Mass on the Feast of St. Lucy, celebrated on December 13. As the Church honors this virgin martyr whose name is associated with light, the Mass offered a timely reminder that Christ Himself is the true Light who comes into the world—especially meaningful as the days grow shorter and Advent leads us ever closer to Christmas.

The solemnity and reverence of the sacred rites once again underscored the purpose of seminary formation: to prepare men to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with faith, devotion, and fidelity to the Church’s sacred tradition.

Christmas Break and the Coming Semester

With final examinations completed and the close of the semester marked by these sacred celebrations, Christmas break has now begun, and our seminarians have returned home to spend time with their families. Classes will resume on January 6, when the seminary community will gather once more to continue the work of priestly formation in the new semester.

The clergy and seminarians of Mater Dei Seminary wish to express their sincere gratitude to all who support the seminary through their prayers, sacrifices, and generosity. Be assured of our remembrance at the altar.

We wish you and your loved ones a Blessed Christmas and a grace-filled New Year.