At the start of the academic year, Dan Cellucci traveled to Rome to lead human formation workshops for seminarians at the Pontifical North American College (NAC). His visit was not a new initiative, but part of a tradition that’s lasted for more than a decade. Since 2013, Catholic Leadership Institute has accompanied seminarians and priests at the NAC, aiding formation and investing in generations of future priests.
This year, Dan’s time in Rome unfolded alongside a historic moment for the Church—the canonization of Sts. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis, young modern men whose lives of holiness stand as models for the seminarians and all young people navigating the world today.
Investing in Human Formation
At the NAC, Dan led workshops for both second and third-year seminarians and participated in the Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE) – a sabbatical program for priests around the world.
The workshops for the second-year seminarians focused on developing self-awareness and learning how to be more versatile in interpersonal interactions. Joseph Kelly, a Configuration II seminarian from the Diocese of Lansing, reflected: “The greatest gift I received from these workshops was the understanding that the areas for growth are not unalterable, but areas where grace can work in my life and form me to be a better man and one day, a better priest.”
The workshops for third-year men draw on research from Catholic Leadership Institute’s Disciple Maker Index, engaging the seminarians in real-life case studies of newly ordained priests. Together, they discussed how to establish priorities, manage time, interpret data, and build strong relationships with brother priests. Andrew Beine, a Configuration II seminarian from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, shared:
“I am grateful for Dan’s visit and for the positive impact that CLI makes throughout the Church in the United States and beyond. The workshop series continues to provide men of the Pontifical North American College the opportunity for personal exploration and professional development from a perspective we cannot receive anywhere else. I look forward to future connections with CLI!”
To Be a Better Priest
Joseph Kelly’s desire: “To be a better man and one day, a better priest” reflects a desire to grow not only in holiness, but in discernment to serve the people of God. Catholic Leadership Institute is honored to walk alongside these young men today, accompanying them in their journey to lead as Catholic men and God willing, someday as our future priests, shepherding the Church of tomorrow.
Our President & CEO Daniel Cellucci's weekly email, the DIAL: Discerning Insights About Leadership.
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