Three MTSM Seminarians Selected for 2022 Rome Experience

Three seminarians from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology (MTSM) are among the 20 men selected for this summer’s Rome Experience. The Rome Experience began in 2007 when several bishops designed a program for U.S. seminarians to experience the riches of the universal Church and discover the intimate companionship of Christ in the life of the priest (Optatam Totius, no. 8). The Rome Experience is a six-week program designed to function as an extension of existing programs of formation for diocesan seminarians.

To be considered for this program, seminarians must have completed their first year of theology and be recommended by a bishop or vocational director.

The three MTSM seminarians participating in this year’s Rome Experience include:
Daniel Jasek, Our Lady of Hope, Miamisburg, OH
Adam Lewis, St. Columbkille, Wilmington, OH
Benjamin Klare, St. Ignatius Loyola, Cincinnati

Since 2011, a total of 42 MTSM seminarians have participated in The Rome Experience.

“I am hoping to gain more insight into my vocational call, experience God through beauty, and gain a new sense of brotherhood with other seminarians from around the country,” said Daniel Jasek, an MTSM seminarian who recently completed I Theology. “This will give me a picture of the unity and universality of the Church. It will give me the opportunity to pray for my vocation and the needs of others at some of the holiest places on earth, especially the tombs of so many saints.”

 MTSM seminarians departed for this year’s Rome Experience on May 23 and will return on July 4. The trip started with a retreat in Bracciano to reflect on the meaning of the priesthood. The seminarians will then travel to Rome for academic courses in Theology, History of the Church and Christian Art and Architecture at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. Seminarians will also have an opportunity to visit patriarchal basilicas, catacombs and other ancient churches throughout the Eternal City.

“I’m hoping to fall deeper in love and union with Jesus, our Mother Mary, and His Bride, the Church; and, to do this at the Chair, the rock of Peter. What a gift!” said Adam Lewis, an MTSM seminarian who recently completed II Theology.

MTSM is the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s graduate-level Catholic Seminary and School of Theology. Founded in 1829, our 75-acre campus prepares men for ordination to the priesthood and permanent diaconate as part of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. In addition, our School of Theology offers classes for graduate and certification programs for laity, clergy and religious.

For additional information about MTSM, visit www.athenaeum.edu or call 513-231-2223.