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Seminarians from the North American College in Rome, Italy pray the rosary in St. Peter's Square March 13, 2016. CNA file photo.
March 23, 2020
Christine Rousselle
Catholic News Agency
ROME, Italy -- Amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the Pontifical North American College has ordered its students to return to the United States by the end of this week, CNA has learned.
A student of the North American College, who did not wish to be identified due to concerns of reprisal, told CNA on Sunday, March 22 that both houses of the college –- the seminary and Casa Santa Maria –- were informed following that evening’s dinner they would have to depart campus and return home.
Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, confirmed with CNA that he was told on Sunday that everyone at the college would be sent home. The seminarians from Strickland’s diocese studying at the NAC had returned to the United States earlier in March.
Posts on social media from seminarians also confirmed the school had decided to send all students back to the U.S.
NAC Rector Father Peter Harman confirmed to CNA via email March 23 that the decision to send students home had been made “in consultation with” the seminary’s board of governors. He said that about 20 or so students would be staying at the seminary with the faculty as they are unable to get home or would not have a place to self-quarantine.
Harman said everyone will undergo a 14-day quarantine after returning home and their studies will continue through the means established by their individual universities.
“We made this decision for their safety, thinking that being in smaller groups at home would be safer than one large campus, not being able to assure direct health care here for the indefinite future,” he said. “We still have everyone healthy, and would rather undergo this convenience than jeopardize their health.”
The announcement to the seminarians at the NAC that they were being sent home was made verbally, and students were told the school would not be providing a written statement.
The NAC is located in Rome and was created to train American seminarians. It also houses priests who are in the city pursuing graduate work or continuing formation programs.