Rector's letters

While we currently undergo times of trial and uncertainty, we must nevertheless place our hope in Divine Providence whose silent workings are constant and ever-present. In our sufferings let us be comforted by the glorious victory of Christ, by whose death and Resurrection we are restored to life. We are grateful for you, our generous friends and benefactors, whose countless gifts and prayers make it possible for us to form laborers for the harvest. 

In times of fear and uncertainty our perseverance in the Christian life is put to the test. Such times are also opportunities for examination and conversion. Have we become lukewarm, fallen into routine, or taken our liturgical life for granted? Now is the time to enliven our faith, to place our fears and concerns at the foot of the Cross as we follow Our Lord this Holy Week. In imitation of Christ, let us be willing to suffer joyfully and peacefully, giving thanks amidst our tribulations because God is glorified in all things. Let us trust in God and take heart! "For those who love God, all things work together unto good."

“Unless you do penance, you will likewise perish.” These famous words of Our Lord Jesus Christ fall upon us as a hammer blow. Their meaning is very clear. We cannot try to avoid it by giving this saying an allegorical or fanciful interpretation that would permit us to stay lukewarm. Our Savior presents us with a simple alternative: either we do penance and live, or we refuse it and die.

St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our friends and benefactors for their continued kindness and generosity. Seminarians offer their personal thanks and discuss the Seminary as a kind of Advent; a preparation to receive the priestly character of Christ.

During these times when many religious congregations have withered away and even disappeared, it is almost a miracle for a congregation to attain 50 years of existence. Aware that we share in the same weaknesses that all men have, nevertheless we rejoice that the boat of the Society of St. Pius X does not take on the waters of the conciliar reforms. In spite of the strong waves that rock the Church, our Society does not sink in the storm, does not let itself be overcome by the waves that crash against it.

A society that revolves around comfort and transitory pleasures is only too eager to deny the existence of the devil who likewise despises the very idea of penance or mortification. It is the devil's first line of defense to convince the world he doesn't exist. In the darkness of our blind disregard, the devil goes about his work in human affairs doing all he can to lead souls away from God and to the service of creatures. Let us give heed to the warning of St. Peter the Apostle: "Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour."

Millions of anxious souls watched in disbelief as the cathedral of Notre-Dame perished in the flames. The work of centuries by humble and God fearing men, within a matter of hours, was left scorched and in ashes. The tragedy of Notre-Dame is a striking image of our own souls which are made to be sanctuaries and living tabernacles of the Most High. A faithful soul will resemble a heavenly façade enclosing within itself the Most Holy Trinity; a rejection of God abandons the soul to a fiery ruin.

As nature awakens with the coming of spring, we are reminded of the life giving power of Christ in the soul and the fruit of the apostolate brought forth by prayer and sacrifice. Thanks to your generosity, we continue to improve the seminary property so that it may reflect the beauty and serenity which are essential in a priestly soul. We further commend to your prayers the taking root and growth of vocations in the souls entrusted to us. From the Rector and the whole seminary community, we would like to thank you for your prayers and support.

How do we make the most of Lent? This month, we consider the words of our revered founder. While penance and mortification are necessary aspects of the Lenten season, it is in the fulfillment of the two greatest commandments, love of God and love of neighbor, that God is most pleased. During this holy season, let our prayer continually express our love for God; a love that is both simple and selfless, as a child in the arms of his father. From this love of God will flow love of neighbor and the strength to undergo purification by the Cross.

The Fall of Man and every sin that flows from it is founded upon a single lie from the mouth of the Serpent, “You shall not die… you shall be like God.” Satan, the Father of Lies, has thus enslaved all men and drives them on the road of perdition. By our sin we further the reign of Satan and spread his empire of deceit. As children of God by grace, we are called to reject this slavery to sin and reflect the image of Our Lord Jesus Christ who is Light and Truth.