Hello again. My name is Joe Allaire and I recently arrived back stateside from a five-month semester abroad program in Regensburg, Germany. To find out more about my expectations and how the program was structured, you can read the article I wrote for the March eNewsletter as I was preparing to depart. Today, I would love to share a taste of how my five months in Europe influenced me and recount some of the adventures I had along the way.  

            My main goal of going to Germany in the first place was to study the German language and hopefully improve my level of fluency. Little did I know that through countless new friendships, my total exposure to the German language every day, and my intense courses at the Universität Regensburg, I would come out of the experience with the ability to say confidently, “I can speak German.”

During my time in Europe, I was able to visit France for two pilgrimages, do a week of hiking in Switzerland, make a weeklong Holy Week retreat in Austria, and complete countless excursions throughout Germany. I was even able to attend the Passion Play at Oberammergau. Although it was always wonderful to travel around the area and see Central Europe, I was happy to return to Regensburg, where I felt at home. 

            Part of that home feeling had to do with Regensburg being my ancestral homeland! During my time there, I was able to connect with my distant cousins in a small town outside of Regensburg which was just wonderful. We spent lots of time together and I was able to hear their side of the family history and see all the connections. I also helped orchestrate a family reunion for members of the other side of my family who live towards Frankfurt.

            Over the almost half-year I was in Germany, I learned quite a lot more than just speaking German. Two different scholas (choirs made up of men who sing Gregorian chant or plainsong) provided me with the chance to improve my voice through singing at liturgies in Regensburg. I now feel confident about how to travel by rail throughout Europe and utilize all forms of public transportation. I cooked quite a bit, learned how to open a bottle without an opener, and even drove a tractor for the first time! I could write much more about what I learned, the friendships I formed, and all my new experiences. I hope we run into each other so I can tell you all about them, but until then, Auf Wiedersehen! 

Please help us welcome the new Bruté seminarians 

 Blaise Kelly, Sam Doellman, Aidan Smith, Jacob Esker, Matthew Maple, 

and Cooper Thompson

Over the summer, Fr. Joe held an appreciation dinner for a group of people who prepare meals for the seminarians and give their time to support the seminary. We would like to give a special thank you to the two women who spent countless hours cleaning up the overgrown landscaping in the grotto this summer. Doesn't it look amazing? The support and dedication of all our volunteers is greatly appreciated.