Launched in 2023 with a grant from the Lilly Endowment, the Preaching as Hospitality initiative empowers preachers to grow in confidence while embodying the spirit of Christian hospitality.
The program is directed by Father Dominic Ciriaco, D.Min., as a preaching pilgrimage, where participants become traveling companions who share their knowledge and experiences in their ministries.
"Hospitality in preaching goes beyond just being a good public speaker,” explains Dianne M. Traflet, J.D. ’88, S.T.D., Associate Dean of the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology. “A hospitable preacher needs to connect in a specific way through the Word of God.”
Our program’s recent and upcoming focus centers on hospitable teachings and lessons throughout the New Testament, exploring how these principles can help build and strengthen Christian friendships.
Catholic Artist, Brother Mickey McGrath, brings art, storytelling and humor to his ministry. In the Chapel of Christ the Good Shepherd, Brother Mickey delivered a lively presentation using artwork, storytelling and humor as he considered the lives of many Catholic figures, particularly Servant of God, Dorothy Day. Learn More >>
The tradition of Benedictine preaching and hospitality was a source of inspiration when Sister Marlene Milasus, OBS, and Right Reverend Augustine Curley visited the Immaculate Seminary chapel recently. The event focused on the preaching and hospitable traits of St. Benedict, and how both religious and lay people can incorporate these teachings in their daily lives. Sister Marlene offered perspectives on three different levels of hospitality: to God, to others, and to ourselves. Learn More >>
The series began in November 2024, with an Evening of Reflection, featuring Evening Prayer in the Seminary’s Chapel of Christ the Good Shepherd. The event included a reflection by Fr. Ciriaco on St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, emphasizing her compassionate welcome toward immigrants and the poor. Seminarians also participated by reading excerpts from her diary, offering a personal glimpse into her life and hospitality.
At the age of 103, Monsignor James Turro has had a long and remarkable life. A graduate of the Immaculate Conception Seminary, he has been blessed with the gift of delivering the Gospel message through homilies that are rarely more than a page long. “I never sat down to write based on length. If I was riding in the car and thinking about my homily for Sunday, I would try to find a way to express the essential meaning. It was somewhat inspired.” Read more about Father Turro’s life story.
Bishop John Flesey remembers giving his first “homily” as a student at St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City. It was a talk about the Blessed Virgin May in front of the full student body, without notes. “Preaching was easy after that,” he joked. Bishop Flesey’s preaching style often focuses on making emotional connections with Scripture. “I am sharing what has touched my life.” Read more about Bishop Flesey’s approach to preaching.
Seton Hall friends visited Monsignor James Turro, our oldest living alumnus, who, at almost 103, continues to live life with gratitude, humility and the joy that comes with spreading the Good News.
Last month, 52 men were accepted as candidates for the permanent diaconate at a ceremony presided over by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark.
Seton Hall University's $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. will help the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST) establish a Preaching as Hospitality formation program.
ICSST's Preaching as Hospitality Formation Program and Dr. Gregory Glazov hosted a day of reflection exploring God's hospitality in Luke's Gospel.
ICSST's Preaching as Hospitality Formation Program interviewed Bishop Flesey as part of its Wisdom Figures of Preaching series.