We Are Mundelein: Your Stories
We asked you to tell us what Mundelein Seminary means to you. Below are some of the wonderful and inspiring responses we received from our community of supporters.
Rochelle Murphy Joseph
How did you first hear about Mundelein Seminary?
My uncle, Fr. Roland LeCompte, was at Mundelein Seminary in the 1950s. I remember my Dad visiting while we stayed in the car or walked around the grounds. I thought it was the most beautiful and peaceful place I had ever seen. My uncle died in 1969 and I loved him dearly.
Lauren Hanna
Is there a particular priest or seminarian who has made an impact in your life?
Father Dennis Spies ’02 (Diocese of Joliet) is a gift from our Lord…and he has instilled much comfort in my family’s hearts. Life has been extremely challenging, but the Lord keeps reminding me of the radiance glowing through His priests and their compassionate characters.
Merikay Olson
We are so in need of these devout and brave men who have come to better our lives.
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I will always remember and be grateful for Father Matt Bozovsky ’13 (Archdiocese of Chicago) who was a priest at St. Joseph parish in Libertyville. He talked about creating a personal spiritual team which greatly affected my spiritual life. St. Marianne Cope, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, and St. Therese of Lisieux are now guiding my path.
Rose Olivieru
What does Mundelein Seminary mean to you?
I feel that Mundelein Seminarians, especially in recents years, have the ability to connect with Catholics in a more meaningful way. These priests are in tune with the needs of their congregation. They are able to relate from the very young to seniors, which directly relates to their training.
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One priest in particular stands out as impressive, and this priest is Reverend Michael Trail ‘16 (Archdiocese of Chicago). Father Trail is the epitome of what a parish priest should be. He is understanding and easy to talk with. He is a sensitive young man and combines the qualities of a saged priest, and a modern priest, not an easy fete. His homilies are heartfelt, his knowledge of doctrine, combined with the trials of everyday life, make one feel that his words are directly for them.
Tamara Brongiel
What does Mundelein Seminary mean to you?
Mundelein Seminary is a prestigious Catholic institution, passionate about forming individuals following God’s calling to serve in various church ministries. The enthusiasm for the faith is evident as I work with staff and instructors in my duties in the Vocations Office and as a student myself.
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Father James Presta ’86 (Archdiocese of Chicago) has impacted my life since I was young, because he is my Uncle’s cousin; also when he was our pastor at St. Christopher, Midlothian he baptized our eldest son in 1993.
Father Dindo Billote ’09 (Diocese of Joliet) has made an impact on my life as Pastor of St. Mary’s in Mokena because although I attend a neighboring parish, he has a dynamic outreach.
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The Diocese of Joliet Seminarians are all inspirational as I witness the zeal for their journey towards priesthood and are all humble men of great faith.
Pat White
Is there a particular seminarian or priest who has made an impact on your life?
Father Arnold Reuter ’52 (Diocese of La Crosse). He was a priests’ priest. Very holy and good man. Very good to my parents and me. God bless his soul. May he rest in peace.
Reverend Steven Avella
Is there a particular priest or seminarian who has made an impact on your life?
Msgr. Dan Cantwell ’39 (Archdiocese of Chicago). Dan attended Mundelein in the 1930s under Msgr. Reynold Hillenbrand. Dan came to head the Catholic Interracial Council of Chicago and along with others worked to bring Chicago Catholics behind the cause of racial justice.
Elizabeth Plaskacz
Is there a particular seminarian or priest who has made an impact on your life?
I remember well a young seminarian named John Murray, who is now around 80 years old, who came to St. Joseph school in Libertyville to teach my fourth grade class catechism. It was 1967 and I was ten years old at the time. I am now 64 years old. Father John Murray ’68 (Archdiocese of Chicago) came to teach our class once or so a month. He was the kindest, sweetest man. I will never forget him. On his last visit to St. Joseph before the school year ended, he told us to keep in touch with him, and that we could always contact him through his mother if need be. He gave us her home address on Washtenaw Avenue in Chicago. I never did write him, and eventually moved away out of state, but I never forgot Father Murray. I know he was ordained on schedule a couple of years later, because I saw his picture in a Catholic newspaper when he was celebrating 50 years as a priest. I would love for him to know how his kindness and goodness touched my life as a young child.
Dr. Eileen Quinn Knight
What does Mundelein Seminary mean to you?
Mundelein means a great deal to me. It has been helpful to me spiritually, morally, socially and religiously. I’ve met people who have made a difference in my life and continue to do so. The rector is a friend of mine and directs the seminary in a most delightful way. He has joy and hope in the Church and her teachings.
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Deacon William Stuever is a seminarian who has transformed my life by his interactions with me and others at Holy Name Cathedral. First, he is a holy man in his care for others. He took care of one of the priests who is disabled at Mass in such a way as the Mass became a sense of prayer and fluid understanding of the presence of Christ. He also gives compelling homilies in which he calls people to holiness and transformation in a challenging manner. He wants the people to leave the Church in a different way than when they came. One other issue that I think was outstanding took place as I was coming home from a coffee shop and Deacon Stuever was talking with a group of protesters out in front of the Church, more than talking he was listening to them. I thank God for his dedication to Him and His holy Church.
Elaine M. Mott
Is there a particular seminarian or priest who has made an impact on your life?
Father Carl A. Camponovo was a childhood friend. He was always kind, considerate and devoted to his faith. Just being with him was a joy and always lots of fun. Unfortunately, he died only 4 years after ordination at Beda Pontifical College in Rome. His beautiful faith and love are always with all who knew him.
Ashley Rylander
Is there a particular seminarian or priest who has made an impact on your life?
St. Mary’s in Lake Forest is blessed to have two phenomenal priests on staff who are graduates of Mundelein Seminary. They are positive, faithful, engaging leaders who lead the school and parish faithfully through our ever-changing world. Father Radley Alcantara ’17 (Archdiocese of Chicago) and Father Michael Nacius ’89 (Archdiocese of Chicago) are much appreciated!
Ellen Lee
What does Mundelein Seminary mean to you?
Mundelein Seminary is a great companion on my spiritual journey. It has been a joyful experience that I can pray for all members of Mundelein Seminary, but also can count on prayers of members of Mundelein Seminary when it is needed.
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I support Mundelein Seminary because it is my appreciation of how Mundelein Seminary helps seminarians to be great priests in a parish later. I have seen so many good Mundelein alumni priests impact the faithful around the country.
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There are a lot of seminarians and priests who have made an impact on my life but during this specific moment, Father Justin Ryan ’18 (Archdiocese of Seattle) has made an impact on my life and faith.Mundelein Seminary is a great companion on my spiritual journey. It has been a joyful experience that I can pray for all members of Mundelein Seminary, but also can count on the prayers of the seminary community for me.Mundelein Seminary is a great companion on my spiritual journey. It has been a joyful experience that I can pray for all members of Mundelein Seminary, but also can count on prayers of members of Mundelein Seminary when it is needed.
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I support Mundelein Seminary because it is my appreciation of how Mundelein Seminary helps seminarians to be great priests in a parish later. I have seen so many good Mundelein alumni priests impact the faithful around the country.
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There are a lot of seminarians and priests who have made an impact on my life but during this specific moment, Father Justin Ryan ’18 (Archdiocese of Seattle) has made an impact on my life and faith.
Arlene Quiogue & Tony Moreno
“The Porta Santa/Holy Doors of Our Lady of Peace Church and Shrine in Santa Clara, CA happen to feature photos of our seminarians of the Diocese of San Jose that led us to pray indoors in adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament for an increase in Holy Orders to the priesthood and sacramental marriages. In this Year of St. Joseph, we also went to our Spiritual Father, Pillar of Families and Head of the Holy Church. ”
