The month of November is a busy time at the International Seminary in Gricigliano.
It's time for the olive harvest. Appreciating and cultivating the beautiful land that Divine Providence has entrusted to us is an essential part of seminary life. With 800 olive trees on the grounds, the harvest translates into two weeks of work. Classes are suspended, and the seminarians spend the days, rain or shine, in the magnificent Tuscan countryside. The olive harvest is an important community exercise, especially for the first-year seminarians, who after these two weeks find themselves much more incorporated into the community.
Another festive event in November is Thanksgiving in Gricigliano—an American holiday gone international! For many years now, the superiors of the Institute have invited the American seminarians in Gricigliano to bring Thanksgiving to the Tuscan hills which have just seen the end of a bountiful olive harvest. This tradition from across the Atlantic is observed with enthusiasm. The many American seminarians prepare the traditional dinner: roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, all served in a dining room decorated with American flags and a statue of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States as well as the Institute!
The two enormous turkeys, roasted to perfection, are carried by the American seminarians in procession, and the superiors do the honors in carving the birds. Priests, seminarians and guests enjoy a delightful evening to the tune of traditional American song. The entire community gives thanks to Almighty God for benefits received throughout the year, and the Americans take this opportunity to thank Monsignor Wach and the other superiors for their fatherly care so far away from home.
Indeed, the International Seminary is a family and a home away from home for many seminarians who come from all corners of the world. With diligence, perseverance and sacrifice, each young man is answering the call to the holy priesthood. At this time of the year, we invite all faithful to remember the International Seminary and individual seminarians through prayer and financial support.