Sulpician Father Dominic Ciriaco, the new rector of Theological College, the national seminary of The Catholic University of America, was installed by Cardinal-designate Wilton Gregory, archbishop of Washington, in a Mass on Oct. 29, 2020 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. 

Father Ciriaco said it was with a “grateful heart and a humble heart” that he accepted the responsibilities of the position. 

Originally from New Jersey and ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Newark, Father Ciriaco joined the Sulpicians in 2015, the same year he joined the Theological College faculty. He served as director of the college’s Basselin Scholars program and as associate director of intellectual formation from 2017 to 2019. He was appointed Vice-Rector in 2019. Prior to joining the Sulpician order, Father Ciriaco served in parishes throughout New Jersey for 14 years. 

“We celebrate an official moment of transition today as The Catholic University of America and I formally welcome Father Dominic Ciriaco, as the new rector for the Theological College community,” Cardinal-designate Gregory said in his homily at the installation Mass. “The academics and formational components of Theological College come together to rejoice at this new moment.”

Looking to the Blessed Mother under the title, “Seat of Wisdom,” Cardinal-designate Gregory spoke about how the virtue of wisdom comes with age and how a person grows in wisdom throughout life’s experiences.

“Wisdom enriches our lives,” he said. “Wisdom allows us gradually to come to understand issues that are long since passed and prepares us to be open to moments still to come. …Wisdom brings peace because the wise person is a resigned individual who has learned to trust not so much in his or her own gifts as in the fidelity of God.”

Cardinal-designate Gregory urged all in attendance both in-person at the Basilica National Shrine and viewing the installation Mass online via livestream to renew their devotion to the Blessed Mother through her title, Mother of Wisdom.  

“As members of the Theological College community, you are here this afternoon to honor the Mother of Wisdom, to formally welcome your new rector, and to commit yourselves once again to following Mary’s wise and generous example of service and dedication to the Church and the mission that her Son has left us as His legacy and promise,” the cardinal-designate said.