“They Came, They Saw, They Conquered”
(As Julius Caesar might say)
They came – In keeping with a tradition started over 50 years ago, the Seminarians of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia “Came” for Christmas caroling at Holy Family Home (same Home, reconstructed building) on December 17, 2025.
They saw – Arriving, 74 young men in formation for the priesthood “Saw” the family of Residents and Little Sisters of the Poor in new surroundings but with unchanged enthusiasm. “It’s so good to see the answer to our prayers,” declared 95-year-old Dorothy.
They conquered – With harmony of voice and manner, the seminarians, “Conquered” the hearts of their audience. They achieved the active participation of all, inspiring us to sing along with old favorite Christmas carols and making us laugh out loud at the antics of those dressed up like Santa, Elves, Elvis, a Polar Bear and Rider, Snowman, etc.
The conclusive “Victory” came at the end of the performance when Father Christopher Redcay, the newly appointed Rector of St Charles Seminary, explained that the 74 students in the day’s winning cast were all being prepared for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. There are 67 others from 18 other dioceses making St Charles one of the largest seminaries in the country. Cheers broke out when we heard that. Then Father Redcay had the fifteen newcomers to the formation program step forward. Even more cheers came on seeing them, and when Father presented the eight deacons to be ordained to the priesthood Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10 AM, by Archbishop Nelson Pérez. Yes, our seminarians conquered our hearts and won our prayers through this traditional Christmastime event.
