Part One: SEMINARIES
Ever since ‘That’s My Money, Your Excellencies’ appeared, REGINA has been deluged with requests for our suggestions for ‘safe spaces’ for Catholic money.
It seems that Catholics are sick and tired of learning that their donations are supporting the luxurious lives of predators, or organizations which act contrary to Catholic teachings.
Herewith are our recommendations: Seminaries
No, these are not infallible. Obviously, we cannot provide bullet-proof picks– but we can tell you that we have spoken with, or visited, or known good people associated with each of these worthy institutions. Some have been subjects of REGINA articles, as well.
Further, if you can’t find an organization on our list, it’s not necessarily a bad bet. It may only mean that we don’t have any information on that particular organization.
In any case, we can wholeheartedly recommend the following seminaries:
USA
Eastern Province of the Dominicans
Washington, DC
For 800 years, the Dominicans have been forming priests at the heart of the Catholic Church. Nowhere is this more evident than in a truly Catholic seminary like that of the Eastern Dominican Province of St. Joseph in Washington, D.C. which continues to attract young vocations. (Novus Ordo & Dominican Old Rite)
Official website: https://dominicanfriars.org
REGINA’s story here.
Saint Gregory the Great Seminary
Lincoln, Nebraska
We can’t begin to tell you how many great things we hear about this diocesan seminary, which accepts men from many dioceses. But you can get a look for yourself at this Youtube link. (Novus Ordo & Latin Mass)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/St-Gregory-the-Great-Seminary-274167316041700/
Fraternity of Saint Peter
Denton, Nebraska
Located in rural Denton, Nebraska, Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary is the Fraternity of St. Peter’s international house of formation for English-speakers. Their website says: Using the ancient liturgy as our well-spring, we form our priests in the traditions of the Church to serve at the altar and in the parish so that the fullness of Christ might enter the emptiness of the world.
Official website: https://fssp.com/
REGINA’s story here
EUROPE
Institute of Christ the King Sovereign King
Gricigliano, Italy
This French-speaking seminary goes from success to success; they have 90 current students and a one year waiting list. Their director says, “Divine Providence always provides so we never have to turn anyone away, but, yes, the seminary is full to capacity. We will continue to trust in God for the answer, and I must say that too little space for all the vocations is a rather good problem to have when you consider all the seminary buildings that are empty and closed.” (Latin Mass)
Official website: http://www.institute-christ-king.org/home/
REGINA’s story here.
International Dominican Foundation
Rome, Italy
Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) https://angelicum.it/
(newly established in Rome Fall 2018) Angelicum Thomistic Institute https://angelicum.it/
Donations are made here: https://angelicum.it/give/ via the “International Dominican Foundation” – a 501(c)(3) charity.
Known for its fidelity to the Church, the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum) has its historical roots in the 13th century studium generale of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) in Rome, where St. Thomas Aquinas was himself assigned to teach in 1265. In the 20th century, many great figures have been associated with the university, including Bl. Hyacinth-Marie Cormier OP and Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange OP, and the university’s most distinguished alumnus, Pope St. John Paul II (as Fr. Karol Wojtyła). Specializing in the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelicum educates 1,200 priests, seminarians, religious brothers/sisters and lay people from 93 countries. Most are seminarians studying for the priesthood from the United States who live at the North American College in Rome.
Community of St Martin
Evron, France
Named for the famous 4th century Saint who evangelized France and Germany, this French-speaking seminary now has over 80 men in attendance. Their location in rural northwestern France and their ban on internet usage while in school does not seem to deter young vocations, who thrive under the tutelage of this Community, which is winning souls for Christ in modern secular France. (Novus Ordo)
Official website: http://www.communautesaintmartin.org/en/
Fraternity of Saint Peter
Wigratzbad, Germany
This German-speaking seminary is located in southern Germany near Lake Como. They have quietly been preparing young vocations for the priesthood in a country where the Faith is greatly endangered, a heroic task if we’ve ever seen one. (Latin Mass)
Official website: http://www.petrusbruderschaft.de/
Heiligenkreuz Abbey (Holy Cross)
Austria
This German-speaking seminary in the oldest continuously occupied Cistercian monastery in the world is located in southern Austria. In addition to its excellent seminary, the Abbey has 52 priests who are engaged in teaching and administering the affairs of the parishes that belong to the monastery. (Novus Ordo)