By Luke Rochford
Starting seminary formation is a joyful and daunting time. There is excitement as we start a new adventure but uncertainty about what it will be like. In February I joined Corpus Christi Seminary along with my fellow first years George and Ambrose. On the Sunday when we first arrived, our new brother seminarians greeted us with "welcome home."
George Becerra (left), Luke Rochford (center) and Ambrose Meehan (right)
The first few days were a time of adjustment as we settled into our new lives. Our days are filled with opportunities for prayer, beginning with Morning Prayer, meditation and mass as well as Evening Prayer, Eucharistic adoration and Night Prayer each evening. It is a big blessing to be able to spend so much time in prayer with our Lord Jesus, growing closer to him, seeking and responding to his plan for our lives.
The program at Corpus Christi seeks to form the whole person. During the day we attend formal classes at Catholic Theological College and various introductions in-house. Some of the classes we have enjoyed so far include speech coaching, catechism and etiquette. We also have weekly times for working bees and sport.
A particular feature of the propaedeutic (first- year) program, is a Saturday group activity throughout the initial weeks. These activities offer an opportunity to bond with our fellow first years and build a brotherhood that will support us in the years ahead. On these days, we travelled around Melbourne as we visited different sites, attended events, and shared meals.
One of the most memorable days for me was also one of our biggest. A (very) early day started with Mass before driving down to Mornington for a 7am fishing charter. For George and Ambrose, it was their first time going fishing and we were all able to catch a few, which would later cook and eat, enjoying the fruit of our labour.
Back in Melbourne that evening, we ventured to Docklands to watch Australia vs New Zealand in the Ice Hockey. We had a ring side spot which gave us a close-up view of the action.
It has been a great joy to start seminary formation, as we seek to respond to God’s will. These first weeks have been a gift, and I look forward to what lies ahead.
