When St. Charles Borromeo Seminary held its graduation ceremony online recently, two Diocese of Allentown seminarians received several awards in addition to their Bachelor of Arts degrees.
For Keaton Eidle and Aaron Scheidel, the graduation marks the half-way point in their eight-year seminary studies. Both will now move on to the Theology portion of their formation.
Eidle, who graduated cum laude (with praise), received the seminary’s prestigious fraternity and service awards, in addition to an award for excellence in history.
Scheidel, who graduated summa cum laude (with highest praise), was honored for his studies of philosophy, English literature and Latin.
“I’m extremely proud of these men, who have dedicated themselves in an exemplary way to their seminary studies, and to their preparation to serve the faithful in the Diocese of Allentown,” said Bishop Alfred Schlert.
“They are indicative of the caliber of young men studying for the Priesthood in the Diocese of Allentown,” Bishop Schlert said. “We are always praying for more like them.”
Eidle received the following awards:
- Monsignor Patrick J. Garvey Award for Excellence in the Study of History
- Saint John Neumann Award for the seminarian in Fourth College who has demonstrated the highest degree of commitment to the development of the spirit of fraternity among his brother seminarians during the course of his time in the College Seminary, given by the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Priest Alumni Association
- Brandon W. Bentz Award for Extraordinary Service to Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Scheidel received the following awards:
- Monsignor George E. O’Donnell Award for Excellence in the Study of English Literature
- Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Award for Excellence in the Study of Philosophy
- Reverend John Whalen Dougherty Award for Excellence in the Study of Latin.
Scheidel is a member of St. Benedict Parish, Mohnton, and Eidle is a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Sinking Spring.
Anyone who is interested in a vocation to the priestly or religious life is encouraged to contact Father Mark Searles, Director of the Office for Vocations Promotion, at msearles@allentowndiocese.org.