International Food Night Celebrated at Saint John's

On Tuesday, February 17, Saint John's Seminary hosted its annual International Food Night, a cherished tradition that brings the community together just before entering the penitential season of Lent. Seminarians, faculty, and staff gathered for an evening filled with food, fellowship, and joyful celebration—an opportunity to honor the many cultures represented within the Seminary walls.

The room quickly transformed into a vibrant tapestry of sights, aromas, and flavors. Seminarians prepared traditional dishes from their homelands, offering the community a taste of the foods that shaped their upbringing. From Portuguese sweet bread to Vietnamese specialties, each dish carried with it memories of home, faith, and family. Tables were decorated with flags, colors, and cultural symbols, creating a festive atmosphere that reflected the richness and diversity of the universal Church.

More than a culinary experience, International Food Night is a celebration of fraternity. Around each table, stories were shared—about childhood traditions, family gatherings, parish feasts, and the ways faith was lived and celebrated across continents. In this exchange of food and memory, the Seminary community experienced in a tangible way the beauty of the Church’s catholicity: many cultures, united in one faith.

The tradition is also deeply rooted in the rhythm of the Church’s liturgical life. Historically, the discipline of Lenten fasting encouraged the faithful to consume foods that would be set aside during the forty days of penance. This gave rise to customs such as “Collup Monday” in England and the more widely known “Fat Tuesday,” celebrated in many cultures as a final festive meal before the austerity of Lent. At Saint John’s, this pre-Lenten celebration has taken on a distinctly international character, reflecting the global nature of the priesthood and the diverse backgrounds of the men preparing to serve the Church.

In sharing food, stories, and laughter, the community of Saint John’s Seminary not only honored its traditions but also strengthened the fraternity that sustains its mission: preparing men from many nations and backgrounds to serve Christ and His Church with hearts united in faith.