A Token of Appreciation

Saturday two weeks ago all the men who are rising seniors, which includes the juniors and the second pre-theologians, had the privilege of serving the graduating men at their senior dinner. The pre-theologians put together a social hour. And after that, the juniors served dinner for the seniors and the faculty. We didn’t cook the dinner, thankfully that was the work of our wonderful kitchen staff. The juniors all worked hard to ensure that the seniors had a pleasant dining experience. But we are their brothers, so, of course we also made it fun! We dressed as waiters would at a high-class dining establishment: with black slacks and a dress shirt. But we also wore fake mustaches, just to add a little extra je ne sais quoi. We set up the dining area, meticulously folded all the napkins, and put on some French music for ambience. No glass went unfilled, and no man left hungry. The dinner went well, and the seniors were all very appreciative of our efforts.

It was a privilege for us to do this because the seniors have all served us more than we have served them. It was a privilege to be able to give them this token of our appreciation, in return for their friendship and all the times they have helped us out. When we first came into the seminary, as unprepared freshmen, or as an equally immature transfer sophomore, we needed guidance. Our brothers in the classes above us were there to help us along the way. Just in my case, there were so many questions that I had when I was first adjusting to seminary life. The priest faculty here are as helpful as can be, but sometimes help just needs to come from a brother. When I first came in, I was struck by how much these men really cared about my growth. Even though they weren’t my biological siblings, and they didn’t even know me! They were there when I needed to know what the dress code was for Saturday morning Mass, as I hadn’t been able to remember until at least a semester in. They were there to make sure I knew how to write a philosophy paper. They were there to fill me in on all the seminary customs and traditions, serious and light-hearted. And they were there making sure that we all felt welcome to join in on trips, conversations, and pickup basketball games.

Considering that the junior class is one year behind the senior class, perhaps one day we’ll find ourselves once again serving the seniors. When members of our class, God-willing, are ordained deacons, the senior class will be ordained priests. Hopefully, we will have the privilege of serving them as deacon at their first masses. All in all, it was a great pleasure for our junior class to be able to serve the seniors their dinner and be a part of ushering them on to their next seminary as they were so integral in aiding us in being ushered into this one!

Mr. Malanga is a college III seminarian for the Diocese of Arlington.