On September 14th at the 12th Annual Gala celebration, St. Patrick's Seminary honored Ignatius Press for its contribution to Catholic Education. Rev. Joseph Fessio, the founder of Ignatius Press, accepted the Patrician Award. The evening had a spirit of joy and prayerfulness among the seminarians and all in attendance. The Gala raises the operational funds necessary for St. Patrick's mission to form courageous men of reflection and action who live joyous lives as a priest.
As a leader in the publication and distribution of Catholic print, video, and audio materials, especially books and films, Ignatius Press has brought many valuable theological works to print – some of which we use at the seminary. For instance, De Lubac, Balthasar, and Ratzinger were and are among the most distinguished Catholic theologians of the 20th century, but in the 1970s, few of their works were known in the United States and even fewer were available in English translation. Ignatius Press serve the good of the Catholic Church by making these works available to English-speaking readers, Later, they added other European and American theologians and authors.
Father Dan Donohoo, the new President-Rector of St. Patrick's Seminary, commented in his speech, "I will strive to make a difference by emulating Christ and bringing a pastoring perspective to the role as rector. The Lord Jesus Christ is who we are to evidence in our ministry, our pastoring of God’s people." He emphasized the importance of the contribution of Ignatius Press, "Proper education is a critical component of the formation of the priest as a shepherd after the heart of Christ."
In his acceptance speech, Father Fessio stressed the importance of planting seeds and watching them grow. For more than 40 years, Ignatius Press has been planting these seeds by bringing English translations of authentically Catholic teachings to the Church. They have also provided valuable study aids, such as the Ignatius Bible, and produces various periodicals, such as Catholic World Report.
Speakers at the Gala included Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco, Rev. Daniel Donohoo, President-Rector, Most Rev. Thomas A. Daly, Bishop of the Diocese of Spokane, Student Body President William Mamangun from the Archdiocese of Agaña, and Gala Chairperson Mrs. Martha Sheridan. Also in attendance was Most Rev. Oscar Cantu, Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose. The program included tours, vespers, cocktails and dinner, a grand raffle, and silent and live auctions.
Please check out the slideshow below for all the night's festivities.