Back at the beginning of November, on All Souls Day, the Congregation of Holy Cross celebrated and remembered those men who have walked before us as priests, brothers and seminarians. It is a day in which after having just professed first vows in Holy Cross almost four months ago, I am reminded of all those who have gone before me and have blazed a trail for which I am to follow.
After Mass celebrated by Fr. David T. Tyson C.S.C., Provincial Superior of the United States Province, the community present, featuring many Holy Cross priests, brothers and seminarians, walked to our community cemetery in a solemn procession, invoking the intercession of the Saints, to pray for our brothers who have died.
What a beautiful experience to be able to pray as one community for those who have gone on to eternal life and ask for their prayers as well. It was an especially beautiful and humbling moment for my fellow newly professed and me to pray for our friend and mentor, Bro. Thomas Krieter C.S.C.
While a novice last year in Colorado, I was blessed to be able to live with a true man of God who lived his vows faithfully as a Holy Cross Brother. Bro. Tom added a lighter side to the Novitiate, while embodying those characteristics of a religious who truly loved his life. He served as a mentor as well as a friend for those of us who had the opportunity to know him. Even when his health wasn’t the greatest, he still made the effort to be present at our common meals and prayers. He lived his life in love with the Lord and is finally at rest now with the Lord.
On that Wednesday afternoon, I walked towards Bro. Tom’s grave in our cemetery. I prayed for his soul, but asked for his prayers in return. The experience of visiting the cemetery on All Souls Day was very special because it brought back some great memories of Bro. Tom. But, it also reminded me of the many men who followed God’s call, walking together as a brotherhood and inviting so many others to be a part of the family of Holy Cross. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this family.
Mr. Dan Ponisciak, C.S.C., is in his first year of temporary vows and is studying theology as a seminarian at Moreau Seminary on the campus of Notre Dame. He and other seminarians at Moreau write a post each month for the Spes Unica Blog, sharing on their life and formation at Moreau. Learn more about seminary life in Holy Cross, and specifically about the Postulant Program at Moreau Seminary, which constitutes the first year of religious and priestly formation in Holy Cross for college graduates and Old College seniors.
