Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - In view of the feast on 21 January of Saint Agnes the Patron Saint of Almo Collegio Capranica seminary in Rome Pope Benedict XVI received in audience on Friday 19 January the members of Rome’s ‘oldest ecclesial college’ accompanied by Cardinal Vicar Camillo Ruini, Archbishop Pio Vigo, and the College Rector Mgr Ermenegildo Manicardi. The Pope recalled the history of the College established for young students called to the priesthood by Cardinal Domenico Capranica, Archbishop of Fermo 550 years ago on 5 January 1457. “The college was the first of its kind in Rome; initially reserved for young men from Rome and Fermi, later open to students from other parts of Italy and even other countries”. Two Popes studied at the Capranica College: Pope Benedict XV for almost four years and then the Servant of God Pius XII for a shorter period.
With regard to why it was established, Pope Benedict XVI recalled that Cardinal Capranica wished for a collage “exclusively for the formation of future priests, especially candidates with less material means” anticipating therefore the institution on the part of the Council of Trent of "seminaries". “However we have not yet focused on the main reason for this providential foundation - the Pope continued -: the conviction that the quality of the clergy depends on the seriousness of its formation. In the times of Cardinal Capranica there was no careful selection of aspirants to Holy Orders: sometimes they were examined on literature, chant, but not on theology, morals or canon law with imaginable negative repercussions on the ecclesial Community. This is why in the Constitutions of his college the Cardinal made it a rule for theology students to study the best authors, especially St Thomas Aquinas; students in law, the doctrine of Pope Innocent III and for all the ethics of Aristotle. Not content with lessons at the Studium Urbis, he guaranteed supplementary lectures by specialists at the College itself. The study plan was inserted in a framework of integral formation, centred on the spiritual dimension, based on the founding pillars of the sacraments of the Eucharist - daily - and Penance - at least once a month - and sustained by the practice of devotions prescribed or suggested by the Church. Great importance was given to education to charity, both day to day fraternal charity and assistance for the sick; and also to what we call today " pastoral experience". In fact on Sundays and holidays students offered their services in the Cathedral or some other church nearby”.
The Holy Father underlined the validity of Cardinal Capranica’s option for “serious human, cultural and spiritual formation open to the needs of the times and place”. The Pope concluded expressing the hope that the " Almo Collegio Capranica" may continue along this path "faithful to is long tradition and to the teachings of Vatican Council II.”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/1/2007 - righe 35, parole 485)
