A
aimee
Guest
I’m sorry Chicago…I know how important it is to you…it touches your heart doesn’t it…
God Bless you today…
God Bless you today…
- Status
C
chicago
Guest
I believe that it touches the Sacred Heart of Jesus (under whose patronage the seminary school was originally founded in 1905). As such, it should touch all Christian, nay, all human hearts.
The value of a minor seminary has been lost on contemporary Catholics. The closing of Quigley really does mark something of an end to the era and the failure of faith for our great city, and indeed, Catholicism as a whole - particularly in the U.S.
Thank you. I wish the same for all the alumni, families of students present and past, and those who supported Le Petit Seminaire over the years. It has made a real difference in the lives of so many who have been part of it, or those who just encountered the institution and the men it educated. It has nurtured and provided us our priests for over a century, continuing Christ’s presence among us, and enabling Catholic faith to prosper - particularly in this place (as well as so many others): the most august and significant, the second largest Church in the United States: the Archdiocese of Chicago.
I am sure, then, that His choicest blessings are in a special way with the faculty, staff, adminstration, and students today as they gather one last time and celebrate their continuance to the last, keeping the tradition of Quigley ever present among us to this day.
C
chicago
Guest
There’s a very real and genuine ironic Providence about how everything is coming together with the closing. Probably unplanned, certain things are tying together in amazing ways.
I received a message from one of Quigley’s sons who was at the school on this last day. He noted that they had one of the most beautiful Masses he has ever attended. I then turned on EWTN. Where I was reminded that today (Thursday) is the traditional feast of Corpus Christi, so intimately united with the priesthood. Pope Benedict (on tape, I know) just gave Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament… the service then concluded with that all familiar hymn of Quigley (our “fight song” as so many call it), which I naturally sang along with in union with and offering for Quigley and the brotherhood: Salve Regina!
I received a message from one of Quigley’s sons who was at the school on this last day. He noted that they had one of the most beautiful Masses he has ever attended. I then turned on EWTN. Where I was reminded that today (Thursday) is the traditional feast of Corpus Christi, so intimately united with the priesthood. Pope Benedict (on tape, I know) just gave Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament… the service then concluded with that all familiar hymn of Quigley (our “fight song” as so many call it), which I naturally sang along with in union with and offering for Quigley and the brotherhood: Salve Regina!
A
Andy_K
Guest
Happy Quigley day, Chicago!
C
chicago
Guest
You beat me to it!Happy Quigley day, Chicago!
What’s he talking about?
Well, by mayoral proclamation (and a helping hand of a Quigley alumnus who assists him), today is “Quigley Day” in the City of Chicago. So celebrate!
That’s right, in order to honor the importance of Quigley Seminary to the City of Chicago, June 8, 2007 has been dedicated to today specially recognize the contributions of the institution, it’s faculty, students, and alumni over the years; along with the beautiful building which houses the school that have given so much in legacy and value through this day to our great particular patch of land, this place we know as Chicago.
Don’t let the holiday pass uncommemorated! Tell everyone you know. Do something to mark it with pride. For it’s our big day!
And if you can’t find anything else to do (or even if you can, top it off and), join me as I lead a celebratory procession, “Toasting Up The Avenue”. I’ll be at Stetson’s in the Hyatt Hotel (South bank of the Chicago River one block east of Michigan Avenue) starting at 7 tonight. Then it’s up Boul Mich to the Peninsula Hotel (Superior between Rush and Michigan), arriving around 8:30. Out the door after 9:30, past Le Petit Seminaire one final time. Sing the Salve. And winding up with the last toast at 10 in the Coq d’Or at the Drake Hotel. Here’'s hoping I’ll see all lovers of the City Beautiful and it’s crown jewel, Quigley Seminary, somewhere along the route!
A
aimee
Guest
I’ll offer a prayer today, Chicago…
C
chicago
Guest
Thanks.I’ll offer a prayer today, Chicago…
And have a drink of the finest kind on us, too!
C
chicago
Guest
It’s a sad day in Chicago. A melancholy mourn. For Quigley is closing.
The days of minor seminary have passed by, we all should know. Such is common wisdom; has been for years. Yet God’s ways are not ours.
Those powers of darkness have long set out, and now finally prevail, to shutter this school. But Quigley is bigger than that.
Somehow, she survived. Through thick and thin, in season and out, Quigley carried on. She changed, adapted, grew, and shrunk to serve each era of time. Like a Phoenix, she transfigured, passing through death to resurrected form. It’s the natural cycle of life, earthly and eternal. We, as Catholic men, ought understand this more than most. In our weakness, we remained strong, for at Quigley our strength lies in Christ.
Compared to some times yesteryear, Quigley now seems frail. Spun statistics, discontexted, certainly say so. Are we at the precipice where one ought to resign, or do we make a leap of faith: crossing the threshold of hope? Decisions have been made, not of our doing, when only time could tell in truth what fruit might be borne.
“Give it time!” said the steward from the gospel of “The Great Goodbye”. “Exercise some effort.” “Nurture the tree”. One Hundred Two Years’ time, she survived. Now Judgement Day has come.
“All Quigley needs to be successful in the future is to have its work accepted and supported by those who love God and the Church and who recognize the importance of fostering vocations, be they to the priesthood, religious life, diaconate, or lay ministry. Our youth need God, our faith, and a high school like Quigley now more than ever. They are deeply spiritual and they deserve our support to help them understand their spirituality and enable it to grow. If Quigley does not survive these turbulent and trying days for our Catholic faith, it will not be because Quigley has failed in carrying out its mission. It will be because our Catholic community has lost faith in the fact that God’s call for vocations occurs at all ages and that a gracious God works through its members to nurture his call.” These prophetic words from Fr. Peter Snieg, rector, written three years ago. The verdict now is rendered, our efforts fallen short, that time running out.
Sit transit gloria Quigley. A strong tradition passes on. We inherited so much. We carried it forth.
Here, then, to our alma mater. Her gates may be closing; slammed shut upon us by those shortsighted ones who have failed faith in the value, significance, and importance of this institution… of this place. Yet she stands strong still today. Though we shall never again enter into the embrace of her arms, Quigley WILL carry on, as she always has. In memory and mission she will move forth, on journey through our world as a witness; for many, many years to come, never to be forgotten, ever anew in each one of our lives.
Le Petit Seminaire!
The seminary school which we now know as Archbishop Quigley was founded by it’s namesake in 1905 as “Cathedral College of the Sacred Heart”. Her gates will close with finality on June 15, 2007: the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. It is a sorrowful day, to be sure, but one also of celebration. For, truly, this institution and all who carried on it’s tradition as students, faculty, administrators, and staff have been embraced by Jesus Christ’s priestly, sacrificial love, becoming one in the life he offered us; life which enlivened this special place for one hundred two grace filled years.
The days of minor seminary have passed by, we all should know. Such is common wisdom; has been for years. Yet God’s ways are not ours.
Those powers of darkness have long set out, and now finally prevail, to shutter this school. But Quigley is bigger than that.
Somehow, she survived. Through thick and thin, in season and out, Quigley carried on. She changed, adapted, grew, and shrunk to serve each era of time. Like a Phoenix, she transfigured, passing through death to resurrected form. It’s the natural cycle of life, earthly and eternal. We, as Catholic men, ought understand this more than most. In our weakness, we remained strong, for at Quigley our strength lies in Christ.
Compared to some times yesteryear, Quigley now seems frail. Spun statistics, discontexted, certainly say so. Are we at the precipice where one ought to resign, or do we make a leap of faith: crossing the threshold of hope? Decisions have been made, not of our doing, when only time could tell in truth what fruit might be borne.
“Give it time!” said the steward from the gospel of “The Great Goodbye”. “Exercise some effort.” “Nurture the tree”. One Hundred Two Years’ time, she survived. Now Judgement Day has come.
“All Quigley needs to be successful in the future is to have its work accepted and supported by those who love God and the Church and who recognize the importance of fostering vocations, be they to the priesthood, religious life, diaconate, or lay ministry. Our youth need God, our faith, and a high school like Quigley now more than ever. They are deeply spiritual and they deserve our support to help them understand their spirituality and enable it to grow. If Quigley does not survive these turbulent and trying days for our Catholic faith, it will not be because Quigley has failed in carrying out its mission. It will be because our Catholic community has lost faith in the fact that God’s call for vocations occurs at all ages and that a gracious God works through its members to nurture his call.” These prophetic words from Fr. Peter Snieg, rector, written three years ago. The verdict now is rendered, our efforts fallen short, that time running out.
Sit transit gloria Quigley. A strong tradition passes on. We inherited so much. We carried it forth.
Here, then, to our alma mater. Her gates may be closing; slammed shut upon us by those shortsighted ones who have failed faith in the value, significance, and importance of this institution… of this place. Yet she stands strong still today. Though we shall never again enter into the embrace of her arms, Quigley WILL carry on, as she always has. In memory and mission she will move forth, on journey through our world as a witness; for many, many years to come, never to be forgotten, ever anew in each one of our lives.
Le Petit Seminaire!
The seminary school which we now know as Archbishop Quigley was founded by it’s namesake in 1905 as “Cathedral College of the Sacred Heart”. Her gates will close with finality on June 15, 2007: the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. It is a sorrowful day, to be sure, but one also of celebration. For, truly, this institution and all who carried on it’s tradition as students, faculty, administrators, and staff have been embraced by Jesus Christ’s priestly, sacrificial love, becoming one in the life he offered us; life which enlivened this special place for one hundred two grace filled years.
C
chicago
Guest
It’s been an interesting year. They thought we were down and this was the time to bury the institution. They wanted to see us pass silently, allowing our culture to disappear and be forgotten. Perhaps they saw we were on the rise and wanted to stop that before it got out of hand.
Whatever the case, we witnessed with pride and passion to the value of Chicago’s minor seminary, in longstanding tradition. We showed joy and life of our ongoing experience. And it has been well recorded right here and now in this time and place. It is undeniable, depite the detractors disbelief.
In the not too distant future, surely, people will look back to recognize our story, they will see such vibrant life which was present and carried forth, and they will wonder, “My God! What have we done?”
On the nights of final graduation and the following Friday, Quigley Day, I sat and drank at the Drake. As Judy Roberts sang the words of, Big Yellow Taxi, I thought, “How true, how right tonight!”
Long live Quigley!
Whatever the case, we witnessed with pride and passion to the value of Chicago’s minor seminary, in longstanding tradition. We showed joy and life of our ongoing experience. And it has been well recorded right here and now in this time and place. It is undeniable, depite the detractors disbelief.
In the not too distant future, surely, people will look back to recognize our story, they will see such vibrant life which was present and carried forth, and they will wonder, “My God! What have we done?”
On the nights of final graduation and the following Friday, Quigley Day, I sat and drank at the Drake. As Judy Roberts sang the words of, Big Yellow Taxi, I thought, “How true, how right tonight!”
But one day, before we all shall die - and much sooner that that, I am convinced that the minor seminary will rise again in Chicago; if it hasn’t perhaps begun to do so already. For the living ministry of Christ Jesus can not long be kept down in the grave.
Long live Quigley!
A
Andy_K
Guest
My sentiments exactly; it’s just such a shame that when the phoenix once again rises from the ashes, it will be in a location not nearly as conducive to the mission as the current Quigley building.
Still, the sooner the minor seminary system is reinstalled, the better.
LONG LIVE QUIGLEY!
C
chicago
Guest
One never knows now, does one? That possibility may not be quite over yet. Though, clearly, the eventual planned interior destruction of a beautiful building intended to inspire, serving as a seminary school is nothing short of damn sinful.
But, then, there may soon be an Archbishop Timothy who will give it all back to the progeny for whom it rightly belongs.
Amen to that!
C
chicago
Guest
Just to offer some final thoughts.
Encourage these young men!
Whether you live in Chicago or far beyond. Whether you are part of the big Quigley family or not.
It is thought that youth can no longer be called to vocations, or that it is so very unusual. This is not true.
As Pope John Paul II wrote in Pastores Dabo Vobis
Yet things will not get any easier from here on out. As these boys transfer to other schools, they will have a difficult time transitioning. They will be challenged by the culture around them. They will have to explain to even more people than before why it is that they attended a seminary high school or would even bother to perhaps ponder some openness to the potential of joining the priesthood. It requires courage to attend Quigley and will take all the more to live life without the supportive environment of this institution.
And there are, surely, many more boys out there who only need to be invited. They only need a gentle nudge, the support, some incentive to consider the priesthood. No, not everyone who opens themselves up the the possiblity will go on to be ordained. Nor is anyone asking them to commit to such at an early age. But it is good to discover something about the priesthood, something about vocation, something about oneself.
This is the lasting testimony to Quigley. A seminary high school has the potential to do something which no other institution is able. For it’s inherant nature is distinct and it’s focus unique. As a result, it produces a special kind of man. One who tends to be more in touch with the world around him, more cenetered in life.
Oh, sure, there are the wild ones, also. But such is the nature of life. And, honestly, it’s a good experience and training ground for future priests to understand that. For, on the journey, people are at all kinds of places, simultaneously together. It’s a little microcosm of the Church, the world. Still, not unlike men at war, the comeraderie and conflict grinds you into something more, something refined.
“Just give me good men and I will have good priests!” was the exhortation of Chicago’s Archbishop, Cardinal Meyer, at the opening luncheon for Quigley South.
That was about the time when one young schoolboy enrolled at Quigley North. Recently, Fr. Dan Mayall wrote of it, recalling:
Encourage these young men!
Whether you live in Chicago or far beyond. Whether you are part of the big Quigley family or not.
It is thought that youth can no longer be called to vocations, or that it is so very unusual. This is not true.
As Pope John Paul II wrote in Pastores Dabo Vobis
Chicago has been blessed with bishops who have understood the importance of nurturing such, and thereby supporting the minor seminary to an extent that almost every other place has not managed. Even with the closing of Quigley, it is recognized that this commitment must not be abandoned. Such is the stated reason for the implementation of a new discernment program for teenage boys along with a scholarship which is being established. Such is the claimed reason why De La Salle high school has instituted a Quigley program which rougly 50 of the minor seminary’s students will now attend.
Yet things will not get any easier from here on out. As these boys transfer to other schools, they will have a difficult time transitioning. They will be challenged by the culture around them. They will have to explain to even more people than before why it is that they attended a seminary high school or would even bother to perhaps ponder some openness to the potential of joining the priesthood. It requires courage to attend Quigley and will take all the more to live life without the supportive environment of this institution.
And there are, surely, many more boys out there who only need to be invited. They only need a gentle nudge, the support, some incentive to consider the priesthood. No, not everyone who opens themselves up the the possiblity will go on to be ordained. Nor is anyone asking them to commit to such at an early age. But it is good to discover something about the priesthood, something about vocation, something about oneself.
This is the lasting testimony to Quigley. A seminary high school has the potential to do something which no other institution is able. For it’s inherant nature is distinct and it’s focus unique. As a result, it produces a special kind of man. One who tends to be more in touch with the world around him, more cenetered in life.
Oh, sure, there are the wild ones, also. But such is the nature of life. And, honestly, it’s a good experience and training ground for future priests to understand that. For, on the journey, people are at all kinds of places, simultaneously together. It’s a little microcosm of the Church, the world. Still, not unlike men at war, the comeraderie and conflict grinds you into something more, something refined.
“Just give me good men and I will have good priests!” was the exhortation of Chicago’s Archbishop, Cardinal Meyer, at the opening luncheon for Quigley South.
That was about the time when one young schoolboy enrolled at Quigley North. Recently, Fr. Dan Mayall wrote of it, recalling:
(con’t)
C
chicago
Guest
Yes, the times, the cultures have changed. So do all of us. It seems the only thing which does not change is change itself. But God does not change. Nor does his call to those he has chosen, even from a tender age. It is simply our duty to quiet ourselves and listen.
So pray for these and many other young men who might be open to such discernment. They’re still out there, as they always have been. And God believes in them today, just as much as yesterday, and forever. We should also!
Encourage them, then. Invite each one who you encounter. Find good opportunities and examples for these guys (and, yes, girls also in their appropriate paths) to help them explore their vocation. You might be surprized at who makes it someday. For it is only in commiting ourselves in these ways that we will ever have the good men who will make good priests which the Church so desperately needs.
So pray for these and many other young men who might be open to such discernment. They’re still out there, as they always have been. And God believes in them today, just as much as yesterday, and forever. We should also!
Encourage them, then. Invite each one who you encounter. Find good opportunities and examples for these guys (and, yes, girls also in their appropriate paths) to help them explore their vocation. You might be surprized at who makes it someday. For it is only in commiting ourselves in these ways that we will ever have the good men who will make good priests which the Church so desperately needs.
A
Andy_K
Guest
This particular nuance of Quigley is often overlooked in the assessments and memories of even the most ardent Quigley supporters. I’m glad you brought it up, because it may have been one of the most important lessons I learned in my 4 years there, and I’m sure it’s a lesson I wouldn’t have learned had I attended a different high school.
C
chicago
Guest
And so the era comes to a end.
While, I suppose, some staff still have a few days to clear out their stuff, business now finishes up. Soon destruction shall ensue.
Yet we have come full circle. The school once founded in honor of the Sacred Heart shutting her gates on His Solemn Feast. Is it coincidence that it happened like this? Most likely not. Providence, for certain.
Quigley had to suffer much for some time. Burdened by comparisons to decades past; weighed down by those who don’t believe; seeing trials of culture changes; and challenges to the faith, still she continued on.
Ten years ago seemed a low point. It was from this time that we now discover the infamous “one in sixteen”. It may be said, in retrospect, that was an appropriate moment to stop. But, she lived longer yet, struggling through difficult times.
“Die while you’re down” was the message offered so often this past year. And a picture was certainly painted to make everyone think it was the present case. But 'twas obviously not so.
As these last months have proven, we went on with pride. Quigley, it’s students, alumni united with faculty, family, and staff. We celebrated; continued forward with hope, though everyone knew what soon would be lost.
“These kids want to be here!” was stated by one instructing alumnus. As did we all. Alumni came back, and back again, then they returned for more! Students left their mark (in chalk, and ink, but mostly persevering witness). We stopped to talk, discovered, our past; present; future now unknown. Remembered, tradition, made memories which will last. Laughed a lot, with joy in our hearts. Prayer of pleas and thanks, alone; together. The chapel saw us once more. Some wrote their names in attics unseen. Memorial Hall found Jake, Egan Archbishop, among the others… everyone who cared to score. We recorded with pictures and watched so sadly pictures disappear. Lament there was, frustration sure, resignation all too much. Yet life defeated death.
Revived in recent years, now knowing hope was here, life’s growth, we fought through witness strong. Unwilling to be defeated, we stood tall. “Quigley will die a silent death, and soon will be forgotten,” was the message we received. They tried to make it happen such as this. But that we would not allow.
Indeed, as sunset falls, the seminary seems to fade. Who noticed - did anyone even care? We know what good has come now, perhaps just we alone. Something stronger has prevailed: standing strong together in witness and coming out on top. Forward moving, onward looking soliders. Out of the silence, a Word spoken clear. Yes, Life has conquered death.
Diaspora day has cometh. Our home it is no more. But Le Petit Seminaire has life. Life in it’s revival that stands unto this day. Life in lives well lived. Life in all who carry it forward across the threshold of hope.
As we move on from this place, support must - nay will - be shown among us all to all alumni - including those still in high school. Scattered outward, several locales; separated yet together; children abandoned but not lost; we cling to each other, we trust in God.
Let us sing with praises, then, at last that most appropos anthem now which is ours. United in the fight, in faith, this most significant feast as we have all year, all times, on our Lady’s Immaculate day: who holds us dear in our distress, within her loving mother’s heart.
youtube.com/watch?v=IhaoPh6SrKM
http://home.earthlink.net/~totustuus/Resources/oraetlabora1.gif
http://home.earthlink.net/~totustuus/Resources/quigley.jpg
While, I suppose, some staff still have a few days to clear out their stuff, business now finishes up. Soon destruction shall ensue.
Yet we have come full circle. The school once founded in honor of the Sacred Heart shutting her gates on His Solemn Feast. Is it coincidence that it happened like this? Most likely not. Providence, for certain.
Quigley had to suffer much for some time. Burdened by comparisons to decades past; weighed down by those who don’t believe; seeing trials of culture changes; and challenges to the faith, still she continued on.
Ten years ago seemed a low point. It was from this time that we now discover the infamous “one in sixteen”. It may be said, in retrospect, that was an appropriate moment to stop. But, she lived longer yet, struggling through difficult times.
“Die while you’re down” was the message offered so often this past year. And a picture was certainly painted to make everyone think it was the present case. But 'twas obviously not so.
As these last months have proven, we went on with pride. Quigley, it’s students, alumni united with faculty, family, and staff. We celebrated; continued forward with hope, though everyone knew what soon would be lost.
“These kids want to be here!” was stated by one instructing alumnus. As did we all. Alumni came back, and back again, then they returned for more! Students left their mark (in chalk, and ink, but mostly persevering witness). We stopped to talk, discovered, our past; present; future now unknown. Remembered, tradition, made memories which will last. Laughed a lot, with joy in our hearts. Prayer of pleas and thanks, alone; together. The chapel saw us once more. Some wrote their names in attics unseen. Memorial Hall found Jake, Egan Archbishop, among the others… everyone who cared to score. We recorded with pictures and watched so sadly pictures disappear. Lament there was, frustration sure, resignation all too much. Yet life defeated death.
Revived in recent years, now knowing hope was here, life’s growth, we fought through witness strong. Unwilling to be defeated, we stood tall. “Quigley will die a silent death, and soon will be forgotten,” was the message we received. They tried to make it happen such as this. But that we would not allow.
Indeed, as sunset falls, the seminary seems to fade. Who noticed - did anyone even care? We know what good has come now, perhaps just we alone. Something stronger has prevailed: standing strong together in witness and coming out on top. Forward moving, onward looking soliders. Out of the silence, a Word spoken clear. Yes, Life has conquered death.
Diaspora day has cometh. Our home it is no more. But Le Petit Seminaire has life. Life in it’s revival that stands unto this day. Life in lives well lived. Life in all who carry it forward across the threshold of hope.
As we move on from this place, support must - nay will - be shown among us all to all alumni - including those still in high school. Scattered outward, several locales; separated yet together; children abandoned but not lost; we cling to each other, we trust in God.
Let us sing with praises, then, at last that most appropos anthem now which is ours. United in the fight, in faith, this most significant feast as we have all year, all times, on our Lady’s Immaculate day: who holds us dear in our distress, within her loving mother’s heart.
youtube.com/watch?v=IhaoPh6SrKM
http://home.earthlink.net/~totustuus/Resources/oraetlabora1.gif
http://home.earthlink.net/~totustuus/Resources/quigley.jpg
- Status