The Seminary hosted Pope John Paul II in 1995 and Pope Benedict XVI on April 19, 2008.[5] They each led an afternoon prayer service and visited with the seminarians. Pope Benedict also held a rally for youth in the Archdiocese.
On April 4, 2019, the Seminary hosted the incorruptible heart relic of St. Jean Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests. The relic was venerated by more than 2,000 people while it was at the seminary.[6]
Seminary formation and intellectual life
The seminary's primary mission is to educate men studying for the priesthood. Besides four years of academic work, students are required to take part in charitable activities. Seminarians pray together three times a day, at morning and evening prayers and at Mass.
In addition to offering the degrees of M.Div., S.T.B., and M.A., the seminary, through its various chairs, hosts visiting scholars throughout the academic year. Seminarians are given the opportunity to take part in interreligious discussions with students of non-Catholic seminaries of the metropolitan area.
The Dunwoodie Review was published by the seminary bi-annually from 1961 until 1974.
Other archdiocesan functions
The seminary's main building also hosts monthly pre-Cana conferences for those preparing for the sacrament of Matrimony. One of the archdiocesan tribunals and the studio of ITV for schools is also located on the campus.
Throughout the year, both days of prayer and days of further education are scheduled for the clergy of the archdiocese.