HSS Spiritual Director

Слава Ісусу Христу!

Dear friends, Fr. Michael

This seminary year is developing into a very special year indeed. We have eight young men from three of the Canadian eparchies of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in residence preparing for priestly ministry. There are others, now outside the seminary, who have completed the basic program, but are still in some particular program of additional formation (academic or pastoral or personal) before being called to sacred orders.

The program of spiritual formation at the seminary includes personal and communal spiritual direction, an adequate liturgical life that reflects the future reality in our Canadian parishes, as well as special days of reflection and retreat. The seminarians are truly a great bunch and the atmosphere in residence is very positive. It is surely a sign that the patron of our seminary, the Holy Spirit, is truly working among us and by the grace of God we will have a successful year in fulfilling the mandate of this seminary.

The seminarians themselves also contribute to the spiritual life and formation of the seminary community by sharing their insights on their faith and what they come across in their theological studies. This occurs informally at various gatherings - especially at the meal table, or when we are traveling, but also very competently when everyone takes turns giving a morning "reflection" at the daily Divine Liturgy. You would be inspired by some of the profound insights presented often with sincere conviction.

The Holy Eucharist is always of paramount importance in our seminary life. However, as the Catholic Church prepares for the International Eucharistic Congress to be held in Quebec in June, the significance of the Eucharist in the life of a priest and the Church he serves is a theme that is given special attention this year.

The seminarians would like very much to attend the World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. The participation of young men preparing for the priesthood has often been a unique aspect of WYD and the Holy Father has made a point of meeting with them in the past. This will depend, of course, if the considerable funds can be raised.

In conclusion, I would ask that you remember us all in your prayer – especially our seminarians, as well as the many "anonymous seminarians" out there that have yet to clearly discern the calling of our Lord that sounds in their hearts. Pray that our seminarians, your future priests, will fully receive the formation that they need to serve one day as great and holy priests.

з Богом!

Fr. Michael

Rev. Dr. Michael Kwiatkowski
Director of Spiritual Formation
frmbk@ucatholic.info

1030 Baseline Road - Ottawa, Ontario - K2C 0A6
Telephone: (613) 727-1255 - Facsimile: (613) 727-1573 - E-mail: admin@hsseminary.org