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Seminarians compete for the Vianney Cup

Frankie Garcia | For the Catholic Herald

As the sun rose over the field of the Theological College in Washington, competitors from four seminaries clashed for the ultimate prize — the Vianney Cup. This annual soccer tournament brings together seminarians from four nearby seminaries: the Theological College of The Catholic University of America; St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Md.; St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pa.; and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md.

The seminarians gathered for Mass in the crypt church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Then the battle began. Round one pitted Arlington seminarians against each other as St. Charles Borromeo faced off against Mount St. Mary’s, and Theological College took on St. Mary’s.

The St. Charles guys were unable to overcome the might of the Mount with their 0-2 victory over the Arlington seminarians. In the final, attended by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Mount St. Mary’s defended their championship against the Theological College with a score of 1-0.

First-year seminarian Kevin Kelly described it as “an amazing opportunity to see so many seminarians gathered together, praying, laughing and enjoying themselves throughout the day.” Ending as they began, the seminarians prayed together at the Theological College, then socialized over dinner.

Despite playing on opposing seminary teams, the bond between Arlington seminarians remains strong and they look forward to more opportunities to play, pray and serve the Lord. Summing up the experience, third-year seminarian Daniel Reuwer said, “Friends, fraternity and faith — there’s nothing better.”

Garcia, who is from St. Bernadette Church in Springfield, is in his first year of pre-theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pa.

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