Holy Apostles was proud to learn that one of our alumni participated in the first Mass of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. Sister Mary Mercy Lee, FSE, MA ’11, PMC ‘17, proclaimed the first reading in English at the Mass that took place on May 9 in the Sistine Chapel.
Image credit: Vatican News Youtube Live Broadcast
Sister Mary Mercy received her Master of Arts in Theology at Holy Apostles prior to discerning her vocation as a religious sister. At that time, her given name was Robyn Lee. In 2016, she entered the novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in Meriden, CT, and professed her perpetual vows in May 2024. During discernment and while in the novitiate, she studied at Holy Apostles and received her Post Master’s Certificate in 2017.
After her profession of vows, Sister Mary Mercy was assigned to work at the Vatican, where she serves in the English language section at a Vatican office. As relayed in a Facebook post by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, Sister Mary Mercy considered it a privilege to proclaim the first reading at the Holy Father’s first Mass for the cardinal-electors.
At Holy Apostles, we share the excitement about our new pope. As President-Rector Rev. Peter Kucer, MSA, stated in his email of joy upon Pope Leo’s election, “We welcome him with hearts full of hope and prayers, trusting that the Lord will continue to guide His Church through the humble service of the Vicar of Christ.”
Watch Sister Mary Mercy as she proclaims the first reading at Pope Leo XIV’s first Mass.
Holy Apostles held its 67th Commencement Ceremony on April 26, 2025, at Queen of the Apostles Chapel on the campus in Cromwell, CT. Attending either in person or via livestream were 160 students representing 30 states and four countries. At the event, President-Rector Very Rev. Peter Kucer bestowed an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (L.H.D.), honoris causa, upon Mr. James Wahlberg in recognition of his notable contributions to society.
Left to Right: Very Rev. Peter Kucer, Mr. Jim Wahlberg, and Dr. Kristina Olsen
The weekend began with a Friday evening gala that brought together faculty, staff, graduates, guests, and friends. We were honored to have as special guests: The Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne, 6th Archbishop of Hartford, and keynote speaker Mr. Wahlberg. In his commencement address on Saturday, Mr. Wahlberg, an author, speaker, and award-winning filmmaker, spoke about receiving the mercy and grace that only God can provide. For him, it came in the form of a priest, Fr. James Freitas, who was there for him at the lowest point in his life and to whom he dedicated his speech. Speaking at the podium, in the Holy Apostles Chapel, Jim Wahlberg thanked the seminarians, priests, and all the religious, “for your ‘Yes’ to Our Lord.”
“You see, the things that you learn here at Holy Apostles will arm you, so that when the time comes, you will be Fr. Freitas for somebody else… He was a reflection of Jesus Christ… And you will have that opportunity, and you will be armed with the facts,” he said. He also emphasized that “love is the most important thing, but then it has to be followed up with a message of depth and weight.”
Wahlberg ended by reciting the Apostles’ Creed as a testimony of his beliefs. His final words encouraged the graduates with the statement, “Be bold in your faith. The world needs you.” — Watch Mr. Wahlberg’s complete commencement address. Both the undergraduate speaker, Carla Martinez, and the graduate speaker, Sr. Hoa Ngoc Thi Nguyen, SJP, spoke of finding solace and strength from God through prayer during the stressful times in their educational journey. Sr. Nguyen went on to explain that at Holy Apostles, she gained knowledge, but also learned a valuable lesson of love from the patience, thoughtfulness, and kindness of her professors, as well as from the religious and lay students with whom she studied and worked. As for the future, she reminded those in attendance, “No matter what the future holds, we are never alone because God is always with us.”
Over 300 attendees gathered at the beautiful Saint Clements Castle & Marina in Portland, CT, for the Holy Apostles Gala on April 24, 2025.
The festivities featured special guest, The Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne, 6th Archbishop of Hartford, and keynote speaker Mr. Jim Wahlberg, who delivered the commencement address the next day at the Holy Apostles’ 67th Commencement Ceremony.
From left to right, first row: Archbishop Coyne, Jim Wahlberg, Peter Callan, Very Rev. Peter Kucer. Second row: Brother Ron Aucoin, Very Rev. Martin Rooney, Bishop Betancourt, and John Connelly. | Photos by Phil Farnsworth
The evening began on a high note with the angelic voices of the Cathedral Schola Cantorum from the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford. The choral group performed an impressive medley of both spiritual and popular tunes.
Archbishop Coyne and Jim Wahlberg shared stories of their years in Boston, setting the tone for an engaging and spirit-filled evening. As a writer, speaker, and filmmaker, Jim Wahlberg shared a captivating testimony of his personal journey of recovery and redemption, describing how an encounter with Mother Teresa was a pivotal moment in his transformation.
Thank you to Peter Callan and Saint Clements Charities for their excellent hospitality. Funds raised at the event support Holy Apostles’ mission of providing an affordable and quality educational experience for seminarians, religious, and lay students.
Cathedral Schola Cantorum
Holy Apostles Board members, Bob O’Hara, chair and Fr. Ed Przygocki, MSA
Silent Auction: Thank you to our wonderful donors!
Cheers erupted across St. Peter’s Square—and around the world—when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:09 p.m. Rome time on May 8, 2025. For nearly an hour, the world watched and waited to learn who would become the 267th Holy Father. At last, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti stepped out onto the loggia and declared: “Habemus Papam!” A hush fell over the crowd as he announced that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost had been elected and had taken the name Leo XIV.
So, who is our new Holy Father—and what can we expect from Pope Leo XIV? Here are 5 facts you should know!
1. Pope Leo XIV has dual citizenship
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in 1955 in the south Chicago suburb of Dolton, Illinois, grew up in a devout Catholic family. His father served as a Catholic school superintendent, and his mother was a librarian. The youngest of three brothers, Prevost felt the call to religious life early. The family home was always filled with local priests, gathered around the dinner table. After his ordination in 1982, he joined the Augustinian mission in Peru, where he served for many years and eventually obtained Peruvian citizenship.
2. He belongs to the Order of St. Augustine
The Order of St. Augustine, founded in 1244 under Pope Innocent IV, follows the teachings and rule of St. Augustine of Hippo. Prevost joined the order in 1977 and served as its Prior General from 2001 to 2013. His leadership emphasized evangelization, especially in Latin America. With his election as Pope Leo XIV, he became the first member of the Augustinian order ever to be chosen as pope.
3. He’s a Tennis & Baseball Fan
In an interview with the Augustinians, he said, “I consider myself quite an amateur tennis player. Since leaving Peru, I have had few occasions to practice, so I am looking forward to getting back on the court.”
Growing up near Chicago, Prevost became — and remains — a loyal Chicago White Sox fan, a passion that reminds many of Pope John Paul II’s love for skiing: a reminder that popes are human too.
4. He has held Senior Roles in the Vatican
Before his election, Pope Leo XIV held key leadership positions within the Vatican. In January 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — the Vatican office responsible for overseeing the appointment of bishops around the world. In April 2023, he was appointed as the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, These roles placed him at the heart of the Church’s global leadership decisions.
5. Elected on the Anniversary of the Apparition of St. Michael
Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8 — the anniversary of the apparition of St. Michael the Archangel on Monte Gargano in the 5th century. This event cemented St. Michael’s role as a heavenly protector of the Church.
The date draws symbolic connections to Pope Leo XIII, who famously composed the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel in 1886 after a mystical experience warning of future spiritual trials. Many Catholics now look to Pope Leo XIV’s election on this feast as a sign of renewed spiritual protection and strength for the Church.
A Pontificate Shaped by Mission and Heritage
Pope Leo XIV brings with him a rich blend of American roots, missionary zeal, and deep theological formation. His unique background — as a Chicago native, a Peruvian citizen, and the first Augustinian pope — promises a pontificate rooted in tradition and energized by global experience.
With great joy, Holy Apostles College and Seminary celebrates the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. We welcome him with hearts full of hope and prayers, trusting that the Lord will continue to guide His Church through the humble service of the Vicar of Christ.
This moment is a powerful reminder of the continuity and unity of the Catholic Church, built on the rock of Peter and sustained by the Holy Spirit through every age.
As a community devoted to forming missionary disciples, evangelizers, and holy priests in fidelity to the Magisterium, we renew our commitment to supporting the mission of the Holy Father through prayer, scholarship, and service. May Pope Leo XIV lead with wisdom, compassion, and courage, and may his pontificate inspire a renewed zeal for evangelization and holiness throughout the world. Ad multos annos, Holy Father!
We entrust you to the care of Our Blessed Mother, Queen of the Apostles, and the intercession of all the saints.
United in the Lord Jesus,
Fr. Peter S. Kucer, M.S.A.
President-Rector
Cromwell, CT (April 10, 2024) – The Holy Apostles College & Seminary community gathered on Friday, March 29, 2025, to celebrate Founders’ Day and witness the Renewal of Promises for Br. Robert Cantoni, MSA, and Br. Ronald Aucoin, MSA. Surrounded by priests, religious, students, faculty, and friends, the event honored the rich history and mission of Holy Apostles while celebrating the ongoing formation of these two dedicated Brothers.
Honoring a Visionary Founder
Founders’ Day paid tribute to Rev. Eusebe Ménard, O.F.M., and MSA Co-Founder Hector Durand, whose vision and commitment in 1956 breathed new life into the historic site of Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut. With a heart for service and a passion for guiding older men in discerning their call to the priesthood, Fr. Ménard and Mr. Durand laid the foundation for a community dedicated to faith, growth, and leadership.
A Sacred Commitment: Renewing Promises
During the Founders’ Day Mass, Br. Robert and Br. Ronald renewed their promises before Very Rev. Martin D. Rooney, MSA, Provincial Animator for the Society of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles – USA/Vietnam. This solemn moment reaffirmed their dedication to their formation and future ministry.
Both Br. Robert and Br. Ronald are currently studying in the Master of Divinity program at Holy Apostles and continuing their formation for the priesthood.
Join Us in Prayer
As these brothers and their fellow seminarians continue their journey, we invite you to pray for their vocations and support the mission of Holy Apostles College & Seminary.
Learn more about Holy Apostles College & Seminary and how you can support future vocations at holyapostles.edu/seminary/
Both the undergraduate speaker, Carla Martinez, and the graduate speaker, Sr. Hoa Ngoc Thi Nguyen, SJP, spoke of finding solace and strength from God through prayer during the stressful times in their educational journey. Sr. Nguyen went on to explain that at Holy Apostles, she gained knowledge, but also learned a valuable lesson of love from the patience, thoughtfulness, and kindness of her professors, as well as from the religious and lay students with whom she studied and worked. As for the future, she reminded those in attendance, “No matter what the future holds, we are never alone because God is always with us.”
