About the Rector’s Dinner

Since 1991, the Rector’s Dinner has been held each year in Rome at the North American College’s Janiculum Hill campus to support our mission and further enhance the formational experience of our seminarians and priests. This festive event is attended by a diverse group of participants including alumni, esteemed guests from the United States, dignitaries from the Diplomatic Corps, the Vatican Curia, the Italian nobility, and prominent members of the American and European business worlds. Since the noble apostolate of priestly formation is a ministry that requires the support and encouragement of many, the Rector’s Dinner gives us the opportunity to gather as one community to celebrate this mission and promote its cause. The Rector’s Dinner was first proposed by the Honorable Thomas Melady, former United States Ambassador to the Holy See. It was formally initiated in 1991 by His Eminence, Edwin Cardinal O’Brien, former Rector of the College. Through the years, the Rector’s Dinner has continued to provide the opportunity to engage friends and benefactors from Rome, the United States and other parts of the world in the College’s vibrant life and its unique role in the Roman Catholic Church in North America. In addition, the presentation of the Rector’s Award enables us to recognize and thank those who have been influential in the life of the College and have done so much to advance its mission. Over the years, it has been our privilege to honor the many distinguished past recipients of the Rector’s Award. How fortunate we are to have friends in partnership with us as we strive to educate and form holy and learned priests for the Church in North America. We are indeed grateful for so much generous financial and prayerful support!