By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Dec 23, 2024 / 17:45 pm
Christmas abroad for American seminarians studying in Rome can offer a chance to travel, serve Mass with the pope, or spend more time with their fellow students.
During the first three years of formation at the Pontifical North American College (NAC) on Rome’s Janiculum Hill, seminarians stay in Europe for the Christmas holiday and break from studies. During their last year as students, as ordained transitional deacons, they can go home.
Here’s what five NAC seminarians from the United States are doing this Christmas, what they’ve done in the past, and a little bit about their favorite Christmas hymns and traditions — including which traditional Italian Christmas sweet they prefer: pandoro or panettone.
Deacon Will Robbins, Diocese of Beaumont, Texas (fourth year at NAC)
Christmas this year: It’ll be a great joy to be able to go home this year after spending three Christmases away. I know I’ll be in my home parish, St. Ann Parish, for the about two weeks that I’m home, and the priest back home has already let me know I’ll be preaching and helping with Masses. So I’m just really looking forward to being able to one, be able to celebrate Christmas at home again, but also to be able to exercise diaconal ministry. It’ll be a great blessing to be able to be a deacon at home with my people that have supported me all these years and my faith community. I’m really looking forward to it.
Christmases past: I’ve done a whole mix of stuff. My first year was still COVID time, so it was not as easy to do stuff. That year I stayed in Rome itself for Christmas. We went to the Christmas Mass at 7 p.m. with the Holy Father, which turns out was his last full Mass to celebrate before he went into the wheelchair. So for me, that was a real grace to be able to be at that Mass and liturgy with him. We cooked ourselves a big breakfast dinner in the middle of the night afterward.
Welcome to my blog where I share unique and personal stories about Christmas traditions and celebrations. Let me take you on a journey through my favorite memories and experiences during the holiday season.
During one memorable Christmas, my family’s plans were canceled due to COVID restrictions, so we decided to explore small towns around Rome instead. It was a time when there were fewer tourists, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the city and make it feel like home.
One of my favorite Christmas traditions growing up was attending church on Christmas Eve and then watching “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” while enjoying chicken and sausage gumbo. Bringing this tradition to Rome, I make a big pot of gumbo every year while decorating the hallways at the NAC to add a touch of home to the festive season.
At Christmas Mass, my favorite hymn is “Adeste Fidelis” for its grandeur and joyous melody that uplifts the spirit. And when it comes to choosing between Pandoro and panettone, I’m definitely team Pandoro for its delicious pairing with coffee.
Meet Deacon Nathan Ledoux of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island
This Christmas, I’m heading to Derry, Northern Ireland, to visit a parish where I previously served during my time at the NAC. It’s a special opportunity to reconnect with the community and immerse myself in their traditions and culture.
Reflecting on past Christmases, I fondly remember spending the holiday in Paris with fellow seminarians, attending Mass at a local parish and experiencing the festive spirit of the city. This year, I plan to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock and embark on a spiritual retreat in Fatima, Portugal.
Join me as I share more stories and insights into the magic of Christmas and the joy it brings to our hearts. Stay tuned for more festive adventures and traditions!
Christmas is a time of traditions and celebrations, and for Deacon Bryce Bowman, who is currently studying at the NAC in Rome, it is no different. One of the unique traditions at the NAC is having a meal between the Vigil Mass and the Mass during the Night for those who may not have family to celebrate with. Last year, Deacon Bryce had the honor of serving at Mass for the Holy Father in Rome, which was a truly memorable experience.
One of Deacon Bryce’s favorite Christmas traditions is decorating. He recalls fond memories of decorating his home as a child and the excitement of preparing for something important. Even at the NAC, the hallways are already decorated for Christmas, creating a festive atmosphere. Putting up Christmas lights, setting up the tree, and arranging the Nativity scene all add to the anticipation and joy of the season.
When it comes to Christmas music, Deacon Bryce’s favorite song is “In the Bleak Midwinter.” This hymn speaks to Christ’s humility in coming to Earth and the quiet, understated way in which he entered human life. The simplicity and beauty of the song allow Deacon Bryce to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation.
As for Christmas treats, Deacon Bryce has a clear favorite – panettone. He prefers it over pandoro and enjoys the variety of flavors available. Stocking up on panettone after Christmas when it goes on sale is a tradition he looks forward to every year.
Looking ahead to this Christmas, Deacon Bryce is excited to return to the United States to baptize his niece, who is his sister’s first child. He fondly recalls a previous Christmas when his whole family visited him in Rome, and despite a luggage mishap, they were able to attend the Christmas Eve Mass with Pope Francis, creating lasting memories.
