Alumni Day 2026
St. Augustine’s Seminary welcomed alumni back to the seminary for its 2026 Alumni Day, a day of prayer, fellowship, and thanksgiving that brought together generations of priests to renew their connections with one another and with the community where their formation began.
The day provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with classmates, reflect on their years of priestly ministry, and celebrate the enduring bonds they share with St. Augustine’s Seminary and the presbyterate, united in their vocation and service to the Church.
A DAY OF FELLOWSHIP AND PRAYER
The gathering began with the Alumni Association’s executive and annual meeting, accompanied by coffee and conversation. Alumni had the opportunity to catch up, share stories from their years in ministry, and discuss the ongoing life and activities of the Alumni Association.
The community then gathered for the celebration of the Holy Mass, presided over by Rev. Boniface Perri, President of the Alumni Association.
In his homily, Fr. Boniface reflected on the mission of the priesthood and the importance of remaining close to Christ throughout a lifetime of ministry. Drawing on Christ’s commissioning of the apostles, he reminded those present that their formation at St. Augustine’s prepared them to be heralds of the Gospel, bringing others to encounter the Lord.
“The lamp doesn't ask permission to shine,” Fr. Boniface reflected. “It just does it because it's in it to do. That's who we are.”
He encouraged his brother priests to remember that their vocation is not simply a profession or a daily responsibility, but an essential part of who they are. Through prayer, devotion, and a deep personal relationship with Christ, priests are called to bear witness to His love in all that they do.
Fr. Boniface also emphasized the importance of trusting in the Lord’s providence, remaining faithful to the mission entrusted to them, and persevering through the challenges and misunderstandings that can accompany ministry. Pointing to the example of St. Padre Pio, he called upon his fellow priests to continue being witnesses of Christ’s love and lights in the world.
His message served as a fitting reminder of the enduring vocation shared by the alumni gathered for the occasion.
CELEBRATING GENERATIONS OF PRIESTHOOD
Following Mass, alumni gathered for a reception and dinner, enjoying an evening of fellowship and presentations from fellow alumni. The gathering offered an opportunity to celebrate the many ways in which graduates of St. Augustine’s continue to serve the Church and their communities.
A highlight of the day was the recognition of alumni celebrating significant anniversaries of their ordination. The milestones represented decades of faithful service, pastoral ministry, and dedication to the people of God.
St. Augustine’s Seminary congratulates the following alumni celebrating their anniversaries in 2026:
25th Anniversary
Rev. Derek Raymond Ali
Rev. Andrew Boyd
Rev. Pierre Champoux
Rev. Frederick Chung
Rev. Boniface Carmelo Perri
Rev. Fernando Zamora Serrano
Very Rev. Romeo M. Tolentino Jr.
40th Anniversary
Rev. Dennis Hayes, CC
Rev. Ronald Beaton MacDonell, S.F.M.
Rev. David Reilander
Rev. Brian Shea
50th Anniversary
Rev. David E. Bollo
Rev. Msgr. Gregory Choi
Rev. Msgr. Alan McCormack, P.H.
60th Anniversary
Rev. George S. Galea
Rev. James Gauthier, S.F.M.
Rev. John F. Grainger
Rev. Patrick J. Kennedy
Rev. Wilfried Lenius
We give thanks for the years of service and witness of these priests and keep them in our prayers as they continue their ministry!
CONTINUING THE ST. AUGUSTINE’S TRADITION
Alumni Day is a cherished opportunity to return to the seminary, reconnect with fellow alumni, and give thanks for the formation and friendships that continue to shape the lives of its graduates.
As the 2026 gathering came to a close, alumni were reminded that the formation received at St. Augustine’s Seminary continues to bear fruit throughout their lives and ministry. Though their paths may take them to different communities, they remain united in their commitment to Christ and the mission of serving His Church.
St. Augustine’s Seminary extends its gratitude to all who attended and contributed to this year’s celebration. We look forward to welcoming our alumni back for next year’s Alumni Day!