Father Daniel Sessions, former parochial vicar at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in Huntsville, was recently assigned by Bishop Raica to further studies in Rome. Father Sessions is currently studying to complete his ecclesiastical licentiate in Canon Law at the Pontifical Gregorian University. 

While in Rome, diocesan priests from the United States, like Father Sessions, assigned by their bishop to further studies can reside at the Pontifical North American College’s Casa Santa Maria, which is a post-graduate residence for priests. 

For the fall semester, priests from 32 American dioceses are residing at Casa Santa Maria. According to the Pontifical North American College’s website, the Casa “occupies a 17th-century monastery granted by Pope Pius IX in 1859” and features “a cloister, two interior gardens, and a splendid baroque chapel.”

The diocesan connection to the Casa extends beyond Father Sessions, however. In addition to two stints in Rome for further studies, Bishop Raica served as the superior of Casa Santa Maria from 1999-2005.