Happy Thanksgiving!

Here, for most, it's just another day.  But there are many Americans here who go to the market and clear them of turkeys.  The NAC has quite a tradition for the day. The priests and seminarians invite their American friends and classmates for something close to a traditional American feast.  First, Mass celebrated usually by a former NAC'er who has by now become a bishop or even a cardinal.  (Cardinal Dolan is a frequent vistor.)  Then, all repair to the refectory to be divided into tables according to state.  The Australians get their own table in the back.  The 5th year priests, who are still here to finish up a license, have their turn serving everyone.  They also get to entertain.  One of them becomes the MC, and he introduces the rector for the blessing, and the American ambassador to the Holy See to read the annual declaration of Thanksgiving.  Then comes the first course:  pasta.  Then the second--turkey with all the fixings and green beans.  There's even cranberry sauce, for which a group of seminarians will have travelled to the Navy base in Naples to obtain.  At the end comes the famous pumpkin pies, which the seminarians and priests baked.  They come out to the singing of the pumpkin pie song, written and performed by this year's 5th-year priests, per the tradition here.  All enjoy that with perhaps some coffee, and whatever else the particular seminarians have prepared for their state's tables.  A good time is always had by all in fellowship, community.  We close with the singing of the Salve Regina before going our own separate ways.

Happy Thanksgiving!