the "other American College"....

A carving of an Indian head from the exterior of the American College in Belgium.

During diaconate ordiantions and the canonization of St. Damien, the North American College was "invaded" by the "other American College." Most do not know that there are in fact two American seminaries in Europe, the one in Rome where Brian Romportl and I study, and one in Louvain (which is in fact one year older!).

It is a very small seminary, under twenty seminarians, but it is rich in its history. It some how managed to stay open during World War I, and even managed to preserve many of the treasures of Louvain while the Germans burnt the rest of the town.

It has many connections to the diocese of Green Bay. At least two of our bishops were trained as priest there, Bishop Fox and our very own Bishop Ricken.

The history continues. Currently the diocese has two seminarians studying there: Chris Thelen and Amadi Alvan. I know that they would appreciate your prayers and maybe even a card during the holiday season. There contact information can be found on the seminarian website.