North American College in Rome experiences enrollment boost

Published: 2007-10-19

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Pontifical North American College in Rome experienced an increase in its enrollment of seminarians as it welcomed a freshmen class of 52 students this year. Now the total number of students enrolled in the U.S. seminary is 185, the most in the past 40 years, said Msgr. James F. Checchio, the college's rector. While the upturn reflects U.S. national trends, the rector said enrollment also has been boosted because more dioceses are sending their men to Rome for preparation for the priesthood. "There are 14 new dioceses that have men here that did not last year," including many dioceses from the Midwest and the South, he told Catholic News Service Oct. 16. The college also has "a pretty good number," 74 priests, who are pursuing graduate degrees in Rome and living at its Casa Santa Maria, he said. "A few years ago (that number) had been down to 57," he said.

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