Submitted by, Carolyn A. Dinovo, Director of Communications, Pontifical College

COLUMBUS, OHIO (April 29, 2022) – An unforgettable event benefitting the Pontifical College Josephinum was held at the seminary on April 25, 2022. The Good Shepherd Dinner brought together more than 200 friends and supporters and many honored guests: His Excellency, The Most Reverend Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States and Chancellor of the Josephinum; seminary Board member Bishop-Elect Earl Fernandes, future Bishop of Columbus and Josephinum Chancellor; and numerous bishops, religious, and lay members of the Josephinum’s Board of Trustees.

In addition to a keynote address given by Catholic author, presenter, and radio host Mr. Patrick Madrid, also of the seminary’s Board, event highlights included toasts to the Holy Father, the United States, and the Josephinum offered by seminarians; a vocal performance by Columbus seminarians Zachery Goodchild and Joey Rolwing; and the presentation of special awards.

Former faculty member and administrator Reverend Raymond Enzweiler of the Diocese of Covington was given the Good Shepherd Award in recognition of his outstanding work in seminary formation and his contributions to Catholic higher education. Very Reverend Steven Beseau, Josephinum Rector/President, acknowledged that, although Father Ray wore many hats during his tenure at the Josephinum, “he never gave up his most important job, that of being a shepherd for Christ’s sheep. He is fully present to those who need him, and helps to guide them closer to Christ and the peace, love, and joy our faith offers.”

The Josephinum’s Pope Leo XIII Award was presented to Mr. John Erwin, a member of Saint Paul Parish, Westerville, for his support of priestly vocations as seminary Treasurer and Vice President of Administration. “It has been an honor to work here, and I give thanks to God for letting me play a small role in helping to form good priests for the Church,” he said. “I have seen the Holy Spirit at work at the Josephinum in countless ways; there have been many God moments here and I am sure that Saint Joseph is helping to guide this House of Joseph in Columbus.”

A unexpected, joyful announcement by Archbishop Pierre named Mr. Erwin as a Knight of The Pontifical Equestrian Order of Saint Gregory the Great. The Order, established in 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI, is one of the five orders of knighthood of the Holy See. The honor is bestowed upon Catholic individuals in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and to the Catholic Church, through their unusual labors, their support of the Holy See, and the examples they set in their communities and their countries.

Since his appointment at Apostolic Nuncio to the United States and the Josephinum’s Chancellor in 2016, Archbishop Pierre has been a strong supporter and friend of the seminary. Words of gratitude to the Nuncio for his life of service to the Church throughout the world was offered by Bishop-Elect Fernandes, and was met with great applause by all who attended. The Bishop-Elect concluded his remarks by affirming that the Josephinum will be close to his own heart as the new Bishop of Columbus. “To the young men who are studying here and being formed here, I thank each of you for making a gift of yourself. This institution will shape the priests for the next millennium. Priests like Saint Joseph who are courageous, chaste, and compassionate; gentle souls, good-hearted and zealous shepherds for Christ and his Gospel.”

The Good Shepherd Dinner is the Josephinum’s signature fundraising event. According to Mr. Doug Stein, the seminary’s Vice President for Advancement, this year’s dinner has raised a total of $130,000 to date. “This resounding success was made possible by the many dioceses, parishes, organizations, and individuals who sponsored the event, as well as by the great generosity of those who attended,” he said.

Proceeds support the seminary’s mission to form holy, generous, adaptable, and resilient priests for the 21^st century; a mission that, in the words of Mr. Erwin, “is crucial in today’s secular world that has wandered far from God. With our prayers and support, the Josephinum will continue to form priests – for the Church in the United States and the world – who will win souls for Christ.”

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