May 29, 2025 | News
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!
May 9, 2025 | News
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!
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.
May 9, 2025 | News
Dear Holy Apostles Family,
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
Apr 11, 2025 | News
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/
Apr 8, 2025 | Feature, News
Please join us during the Jubilee Year of Hope for an unforgettable evening to support Holy Apostles College & Seminary and celebrate our community. On Friday, April 25, 2025, the eve of our Sixty-Seventh Commencement Exercises, we invite you to gather at the stunning St. Clements Castle & Marina in Portland, CT, for a night of elegance, connection, and inspiration.
Apr 7, 2025 | News
Cromwell, Connecticut — Holy Apostles College and Seminary is proud to announce that Mr. James Wahlberg, writer, speaker, and filmmaker, will deliver the commencement address at the Holy Apostles 67th Commencement Ceremony. Holy Apostles will bestow an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (L.H.D.), honoris causa, upon Mr. Wahlberg in recognition of his notable contributions to society.
The commencement exercises will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Chapel on the Holy Apostles campus. Festivities will begin on Friday evening with the Holy Apostles Gala held at St. Clements Castle & Marina featuring special guest The Most Reverend Christoper J. Coyne, 6th Archbishop of Hartford, and a keynote address from Mr. Wahlberg.
Jim Wahlberg is the Executive Director of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which partners with other youth organizations to improve the lives of inner-city youth. He is also the founder and CEO of Wahl St. Productions, a full-service production company that independently produces films, television, and web content. He has worked in the field of addiction recovery for more than 25 years and Wahl St. Productions is credited with the films Circle of Addiction: A Different Kind of Tears (2018), If Only (2015), and What About the Kids (2020) designed to show the harsh realities and remove the stigma of addiction.
Jim Wahlberg is also the Executive Producer of Fathom Event’s #1 documentary of the year Mother Teresa: No Greater Love which was released in the U.S. in 2022 and internationally in 2023. Most recently he produced Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist, a documentary that takes viewers on a global journey to uncover the transformative power of the Eucharist. Jesus Thirsts won #1 Documentary of 2024.
Currently, he is producing Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality, exploring the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a film that is scheduled for a limited release between April 27-29, 2025, coinciding with his April 27 canonization date.
Mr. Wahlberg is also an author, having written the autobiography titled The Big Hustle, the story of his personal journey of recovery, with Jim Caviezel writing the forward. He is a gifted speaker and truthful storyteller who impactfully recounts the challenges and triumphs in his life to bring hope to others facing difficult situations.
Holy Apostles College and Seminary www.holyapostles.edu is a NECHE and ATS accredited college with a mission of preparing and educating seminarians, consecrated, and lay students for the New Evangelization through undergraduate and graduate programs. Students have access to faithfully Catholic, truly affordable, and fully online programs as well as residential religious programs in historic Cromwell, Connecticut. As a pioneer in online learning, Holy Apostles is one of the first theological schools to offer 100% online graduate programs. Alumni and faculty of the institution include internationally recognized leaders and experts in apologetics, philosophy, and theology.
Media Contact:
Ms. Beverly Tryon
Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Holy Apostles College & Seminary
[email protected]
