The Opening Academic Exercises (Convivium Academicum) began at 7:30 pm with welcoming remarks from the Rev. Tim Cusick, Academic Dean, who later introduced new faculty members. The event included a lecture on “The Early Church Fathers and the Jovinianist Controversy: The Defense of Celibate Asceticism in Late Antiquity” by Rev. Fabian C. Anibueze, Assistant Professor of Church History and Ecclesiastical Latin. The evening concluded with the tapping of the mace to formally begin the new academic year.

We are also excited to share that we started the year with a record number of seminarians. This significant increase in enrollment not only marks a period of growth for our institution but also highlights our ongoing commitment to preparing future priests and religious leaders. Our seminarians are now preparing to bring the joy of the Gospel to communities throughout the Southeastern United States.

For the 2024–2025 formation year, our theme is linked to the upcoming Jubilee Year in 2025: “Announce a Year of Favor from the Lord” (Isaiah 61:2). We seek to prepare future priests who will be Pilgrims of Hope (the theme of the Holy Year) as they proclaim the mercy and love of Christ to all.

We ask that you continue to keep our seminarians in your prayers as they embark on their path of faith and formation.

For additional details about SVDP, please visit our website at www.svdp.edu.