St. John's Seminary at a crossroad

AS AN alumnus of Saint John's Seminary, I was ashamed to read the remarks of its outgoing rector, the Rev. John A. Farren ("Critic slams archdiocese land sale as betrayal," Page A1, June 13). Rather than corrupting my education, the communities of Boston College and Weston Jesuit School of Theology provided a supportive environment to address the complex spiritual and social issues that have influenced the evolution of the church. Young seminarians need to experience the conflicts and struggles of the human condition if they are to develop the maturity and integrity needed to minister to a church in terrible need of healing.

I would suggest to Father Farren that nothing induces "asphyxiation" of the church more than letting a young priest enter the world ill-prepared to deal with parish life -- part of which is learning to minister to those deemed by religious leaders to be undesirable. This mandate is not part of some liberal agenda; it is the mission of Jesus himself.

Perhaps one day the bishops will ask: Why have so many good and bright men left the seminary and the priesthood? When they do, and should they listen and respond, I can assure you that there will be many more seminarians at St. John's than the current 50 expected for the fall.

EDWARD CARDOZA
Cranston, R.I.

AS A Catholic theologian and graduate of the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, I was relieved to read that the departing rector of St. John's perceives the sale of the seminary property to Boston College as a threat. I have been concerned that the relocation of Weston Jesuit to the BC property would compromise its rich theological integrity and prophetic voice in the church. I guess what this shows is that we all find change hard. It is heartening for me to know that Farren assumes that Weston Jesuit will continue to serve the church in a groundbreaking capacity. The "doctrinal integrity" of my church depends on such service, as well as profound respect for the dignity of all people including "self-professed gays or lesbians." Kudos to Cardinal O'Malley for selling the property to BC and trusting that the work of the church will flourish in Brighton.

DONNA M. McKENZIE
Natick