The group of seminarians from Saint Mary Seminary in Wickliffe, Ohio, along with the Bishop of Cleveland, Edward Malesic, went to Rome to visit and meet Pope Francis. 

One of the seminarians described the meeting with the pope and expressed his excitement to see him in person. 

Visiting Rome, Meeting Pope 

Bishop Malesic joined the group of seminarians for this significant event. He and two other prominent priests at Saint Mary noted that the pope welcomed each seminarian individually and prayed with them.

Even though many people are confused about the difference between religion and spirituality, Malesic has come to appreciate the value of belonging to a group; after all, it's difficult to be a family of one or a church of one.

According to MSN, Rev. Mark Latcovich, the seminary's president and rector, believes that Francis's sermon inspired him because of the emphasis placed on walking side by side with people as well as listening to God.

Aside from Latcovich, the Rev. Joseph Koopman, who studied in Rome and met St. John Paul II during his papacy, expressed his delight at witnessing the group's audience with Pope Francis.

It was also reported that Pope Francis has also praised Saint Mary Seminary for the numerous priests it has produced.

Addressing the Group

Pope Francis recently addressed Saint Mary Seminary, where he met with priests, deacons, seminarians, and faculty. The pope also praised God for the seminary's nearly two hundred years of service.

The Vatican News reported that the conversation followed opening remarks from the Malesic. He also explained that this effort is ongoing at the seminary, which trains deacons and lay ministers to aid God's holy people to fulfill their missionary discipleship.

The pope then stressed the necessity of fostering fraternal communion among seminarians, their bishop, and the local church, including religious and lay faithful. 

About Saint Mary Seminary

Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology is a Catholic seminary and graduate school of theology that trains men for the priesthood.

The seminary continues to prepare men for ordination to the Catholic priesthood to engage in the Church's mission, building on its 160-year heritage to accomplish this and adapting to the requirements of the Church. 

They are committed to working together to foster future ministerial leaders. 

As part of their preparation to serve God and their neighbor in the Catholic faith, they also agree to take up the demands of continuous spiritual growth and theological and ministerial education.

Founding of the Seminary

The Diocese of Cleveland was established almost simultaneously with the seminary's opening. On Oct. 10, 1847, Amadeus Rappe became Cleveland's first bishop after being ordained. 

According to its history, the bishop rented a residence close to the historic Haymarket for a while before settling into his current home at the corner of East 6th Street and St. Clair Avenue. 

The brick home on the grounds served as his primary residence. In 1848, the adjacent frame buildings were converted into classrooms to open Cleveland's first diocesan Seminary. 

In July of that year, eight pupils were enrolled; they all shared the bishop's home.]

To become a part of this new institution, Saint Mary Seminary relocated to Wickliffe on Sept. 5, 1991, to take over the current location of Borromeo Seminary of Ohio.

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