New Procurator in Rome
Congratulations to Fr. James Najmowski, MM on becoming the Society’s new Procurator General in Rome! While Fr. Jim has been in Rome since July, diligently preparing for his new role, his appointment officially began this month. He joins a long lineage of Maryknoll representatives to the Vatican that goes back to 1926. What better way to celebrate Fr. Jim than through our mutual appreciation of Maryknoll’s history?
Maryknoll’s current headquarters in Rome, Collegio Maryknoll, 1992.
The Pontifical Missionary Exposition of 1925
Maryknoll’s residence in Rome didn’t begin with renting rooms or purchasing a house like you might expect. It began with an invitation to an exhibition. In 1924, Pope Pius XI declared a Holy Year for 1925. The celebrations would include the Pontifical Missionary Exposition, a year-long exhibit featuring the Church’s missions from around the world. Catholic missionary societies were invited to build booths at the Exposition and showcase their work for the many pilgrimages and tourists expected to visit Rome.
Bp. James A. Walsh, co-founder and Superior General of Maryknoll, chose Fr. John J. Considine as the Society’s representative. Fr. Considine arrived in Rome on November 26, 1924, ready to supervise construction of the Society’s exhibit. He had less than a month to complete the work. The Exposition officially opened on December 21, 1924, following the Pope’s blessing and tour of the exhibit halls.
Deeply inspired by the Exposition and his fellow missionaries, Fr. Considine published a book about his experiences in September 1925. If you’re interested in learning more about the exhibition in Father’s own words, The Vatican Mission Exposition: A Window to the World is available digitally through the Internet Archive.
Searching for a Home in Rome
Fr. Considine remained in Rome for the duration of the Exposition. Throughout this time, he was constantly in contact with Bp. James A. Walsh. Their letters back and forth offer us a glimpse into Fr. Considine’s life as Maryknoll’s representative in Rome, and the responsibilities that involved. While Father was allowed some time to tour the city, he spent most of his time networking and advocating for the missions. When it was decided later in 1925 that Maryknoll would maintain a permanent presence in Rome, it became his responsibility to find Maryknoll’s newest home away from home.
When Fr. Considine first came to Rome, he rented a room from the Vincentian Missionaries at the Collegio Leoniano, Via Pompeo Magno 21, Rome, Italy. He lived with the Vincentians until August 1925, when he relocated to the Collegio S. Luigi, Via S. Luigi dei Francesi 5. He became housemates with Father Walter J. Coleman, who was working on his graduate degree in Canon Law at the Gregorian University in Rome.
During this time, Fr. Considine worked closely with Cardinal Marchetti-Salveggiani towards securing the right property for Maryknoll to purchase. The pressure to find a house increased as more Maryknoll Fathers followed Fr. Coleman to Rome pursuing degrees in higher education. Fr. Considine solved the immediate need for centralized housing by renting the Collegio della Misericordia, Via Po 11, property of the Fathers of Mercy, in November 1926. This is the first location Fr. Considine refers to as headquarters for Maryknoll in Rome. Maryknoll’s community of students, administrators, and visitors lived here until June 1928.
Collegio Maryknoll at 83 Via Sardegna, Rome, taken in 1930.
Fifteen Fathers pose for a photo at Collegio Maryknoll, Rome.
Finding a Permanent Home in Rome
It took several years of enduring patience and faith to find Maryknoll’s home in Rome. Fr. Considine toured numerous homes, searching for one that was large enough to meet Maryknoll’s growing needs without being prohibitively expensive. After many disappointments, the home at 83 Via Sardegna was brought to Father’s attention in 1927.
The property belonged to the titled Prince Respighi and his family, and he was willing to sell to the right buyer. With the support of Cardinal Marchetti-Salveggiani and Commendatore Gaggioli (owner of a large real-estate firm in Rome), Respighi sold 83 Via Sardegna to the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers, with Fr. Considine holding the deed on the Society’s behalf. After some minor renovations were completed, the Maryknoll community took permanent residence here on June 10, 1928. The home was renamed “Collegio Maryknoll”.
Procurator Generals
A home is more than a house; it’s the people who live there that make it special. Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers brought their unique charism and dedication to service wherever they went, and Rome was no exception. Below you can learn more about some of Maryknoll’s Procurators and their time serving in Rome.
Fr. John J. Considine
1926-1934
Maryknoll’s first Procurator to Rome, Fr. Considine holds a special place in Maryknoll history. While he was sent to Rome for the Pontifical Missionary Exposition is November 1924, he wasn’t officially assigned as Procurator until 1926. During his tenure, he worked closely with the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith. He also founded and directed the Fides News Service, which brought news to Europe and North America about Catholic missions. He was recalled to Maryknoll in 1934 to serve on the General Council.
Fr. John J. Considine
Bp. Edward McGurkin
1934-1937
Prior to becoming Procurator General, Bp. McGurkin was already missioned in Rome. He served for two years as English Editor of the Fides News Service under Fr. Considine, and as the personal secretary to Cardinal Fumasoni-Biondi, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of the Evangelization of Peoples. He continued the work of his predecessor until he was reassigned to mission in Manchuria.
Bp. Edward McGurkin
Fr. Frederick C. Dietz
1937-1946
After almost two decades missioned in China, Fr. Dietz was assigned as Maryknoll’s third Procurator. Father suffered and prayed alongside the people as World War II raged across Europe. He was present throughout the German occupation of Rome which began on September 8, 1943. In 1946, he was elected to the General Council and returned to Maryknoll.
Fr. Frederick C. Dietz
Fr. Dietz stands in front of Collegio Maryknoll, 1943.
Fr. G. Frederick Heinzmann
1946-1966
Fr. Heinzmann is notable for being Maryknoll’s longest serving Procurator in Rome. He witnessed important historic events, such as the election of Pope St. John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council. Continuing the foundations laid by Fr. Considine and Bp. McGurkin, he was named Editor-in-Chief of Agenzia Fides in 1960. Fr. Heinzmann was sadly forced into retirement by illness.
Fr. G. Frederick Heinzmann
Fr. Thomas S. Walsh
1966-1973
Fr. Walsh witnessed the political, theological, and social changes brought about by the Second Vatican Council from a unique vantage point. Following the Vatican’s example, he led Rome House in new directions. He took on increased responsibilities within the Union of Superiors General and the Service of Documentation and Studies on Global Mission (SEDOS).
Fr. Thomas S. Walsh
Fr. Delbert W. Robinson
1973-1974
Father served in the Diocese of Musoma, Tanzania for decades before being appointed Procurator General to Rome. While Fr. Robinson served the shortest tenure in Rome, it’s noted that he “served the Society with distinction” and “was a model example of the Procurator”.
Fr. Delbert W. Robinson
Fr. Joseph R. Lang
1974-1981
Fr. Lang served as Maryknoll’s Treasurer General prior to his appointment to Rome. Like his predecessor Fr. Thomas S. Walsh, he accepted additionally responsibilities outside his role as Procurator. In 1979, he was appointed Rome Director of the Pontifical Mission for Palestine. Father also served as Secretary to the forum of fifteen Missionary Societies of Apostolic Life for five years. In 1981, he became co-organizer of the SEDOS Research Seminary.
Fr. Joseph R. Lang
Fr. Joseph J. O’Neill
1981-1990
When Fr. O’Neill came to Rome, he took over Fr. Lang’s role as Procurator General and as the Rome Director of the Pontifical Mission for Palestine. He built upon the foundations laid by Fr. Lang and directly engaged in humanitarian and pastoral support to the peoples of Palestine. Father made several trips to the Middle East to study and improve the ways the Church provided relief and support to the regions’ people.
Fr. Joseph J. O’Neill
Fr. W. Robert Golish
1990-1994
Fr. Golish was already serving in Rome as Maryknoll’s Assistant Procurator General when he was appointed. His familiarity with the inner workings of Collegio Maryknoll, and his connections with other missionary societies and congregations, allowed for a smooth transition. Father returned to mission in South America following his time here.
Fr. W. Robert Golish
Fr. Robert Lefebvre
1994-1997
Prior to his appointment, Fr. Lefebvre worked in the Development Department serving as the Director of the Maryknoll Development House in New York City, as well as the Director of the Eastern Area. Father was known in Rome for his superb hospitality, hosting a vast array of visitors including religious leaders, diplomats, government officials, and friends of Maryknoll.
Fr. Robert R. Lefebrve
Fr. Edward A. Hayes
1997-2000
Like his predecessor Fr. Delbert Robinson, Father was missioned in Musoma Diocese, Tanzania for decades prior to his service in Rome. During his appointment, he experienced the Church’s Great Jubilee in 2000 firsthand. Fr. Hayes and Collegio Maryknoll would have hosted many visitors throughout the year long celebrations.
Fr. Edward A. Hayes
Interested in learning more about Maryknoll?
You can contact the Archives at:
Maryknoll Mission Archives
PO Box 305, Maryknoll, New York 10545
Phone: 914-941-7636
Office hours: 8:30 am-4:00 pm Monday-Friday
Email: archives@maryknoll.org
Website: www.maryknollmissionarchives.org
References:
Bishop Edward A. McGurkin, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2014, April 17). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/bishop-edward-a-mcgurkin-mm/
Bishop James A. Walsh. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2019, July 25). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/bishop-james-a-walsh/
Considine, J. J. (2020, February 12). The Vatican Mission Exposition : A window on the world. Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/vaticanmissionex0000cons/mode/2up
Father Delbert W. Robinson, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2014, April 23). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/father-delbert-w-robinson-mm/
Father Edward A. Hayes, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2021, February). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/father-edward-a-hayes-mm/
Father Frederick C. Dietz, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2014, April 17). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/father-frederick-c-dietz-mm/
Father G. Frederick Heinzmann, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2014, April 23). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/father-g-frederick-heinzmann-mm/
Father John J. Considine, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2014, April 17). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/father-john-j-considine-mm/
Father Joseph J. O’Neill, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2014, April 22). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/father-joseph-j-oneill-mm/
Father Joseph R. Lang, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2016, April 12). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/father-carmen-g-la-mazza-mm-2/
Father Robert R. Lefebvre, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2016, June 1). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/father-robert-r-lefebvre-mm/
Father Thomas F. Price. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2019, July 25). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/father-thomas-f-price/
Father Thomas S. Walsh, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2014, April 16). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/father-thomas-s-walsh-mm/
Father W. Robert Golish, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2014, June). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/father-w-robert-golish-mm/
Father Walter J. Coleman, MM. Maryknoll Mission Archives. (2014, April 23). https://maryknollmissionarchives.org/deceased-fathers-bro/father-walter-j-coleman-mm/
Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers. (n.d.). Mission diaries, 1912-1969. Maryknoll Mission Archives. https://maryknollmissionarchives.libraryhost.com/index.php?p=collections%2Fcontrolcard&id=1&q=diaries
Pontifical mission. CNEWA. (2024, February 15). https://cnewa.org/about-us/history/pontifical-mission/
Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith. (2024). About Us. News – Agenzia Fides. https://www.fides.org/en/apps/aboutus
Sedos – Service of documentation and study on Global Mission. SEDOS Service of documentation and study on Global Mission. (2020). https://sedosmission.org/
Who we are. USG – Unione Superiori Generali. (2024). https://www.usgroma.org/en/chi-sono/
Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, September 1). Francesco Marchetti Selvaggiani. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesco_Marchetti_Selvaggiani
Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, September 1). Pietro Fumasoni Biondi. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pietro_Fumasoni_Biondi
Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, September 21). Great jubilee. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Jubilee
Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, September 25). Pope pius XI. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Pius_XI
Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, September 30). Pope John XXIII. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_XXIII
Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, September 30). Second Vatican Council. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Vatican_Council
Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, October 1). German occupation of Rome. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_occupation_of_Rome#:~:text=The%20expression%20Failed%20defense%20of,and%20the%20immediate%20military%20reaction
(left to right) Fr. John J. Considine, Pope John XXIII, and Abp. Antonio Samorè stand in the Pope’s Study, 1961.
Propaganda Fide building in Rome, c. 1930s. Fr. Considine would have visited frequently during his time as Procurator General.
Chapel inside Collegio Maryknoll, 1945
Photo of Vatican City taken from the Tiber River, Rome.
