One day a year the seminarians of the North American College in Rome set aside theology books to wait on tables, serving high-ranking prelates from the United States and the Roman Curia, the glitterati of Roman society and just plain friends of the NAC, as the seminary is affectionately called in the Eternal City (it sounds like “the knack").

The occasion is the annual Rector's Dinner, an elegant affair considered one of the most important events on the Rome calendar, according to Msgr. Kevin McCoy, rector of the college. The black-tie event, held this year on May 8, originated in 1991 as a fund-raising event and is attended by upwards of 400 guests from the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, the Italian parliament and the American and European business world.

The dinner, notes the rector, “exhibits the vibrant life of the college and its unique role in the Catholic Church in North America, showcases the college and its special ties to Rome and her people, and is an opportunity for its patrons … to show and renew their support for the college and their love of the Church.”

The centerpiece of the evening is the Rector's Dinner Award, whose honorees are ongoing supporters of the college and high-ranking prelates who have made significant contributions to the Church in America. The recipients of the 2003 award were Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, and Linda and Greg Jewell, longtime NAC supporters.

Past recipients have included U.S. cardinals, cardinals of the Roman Curia and Archbishop Edwin O’Brien of the Archdiocese for the Military Services USA, a former NAC rector.

The seminary dining room is transformed for one magical evening into a splendid banquet hall where the guests, after enjoying cocktails and antipasto in the second-floor porticoes, are treated to course upon course of Italian culinary art. Generous Roman benefactors provide copious hors d’oeuvres, wine and the magnificent flowers that decorate the galleries and dining tables.

But what is truly remarkable about the evening is the central role played by the seminarians. Having been coached in the days preceding the Rector's Dinner in the fine art of being a host and in the etiquette of serving tables, these smiling young men from dioceses throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico welcome guests as they arrive, escort them through a maze of halls, show them their assigned tables and serve throughout the evening.

The best, however, is saved for last. A group of seminarians regales the guests with a 20-minute musical presentation, prepared and rehearsed for weeks in advance. In the past this has included an Evening with Elvis, numbers from Broadway musicals and a medley of show tunes. In 2001, the last year that now-Archbishop Tim Dolan of Milwaukee was rector of the North American College, there was a tribute to his seven years at the NAC in song and comedy.

This year the seminarians took a look at their own lives, from the day they arrived at the NAC to departure day. Half of the fun is watching the amused guests join in the evening's entertainment — rhythmic clapping, singing along or toe tapping.

The meal and entertainment are framed, of course, by serious moments, moments of prayer, of recognition and tribute to the honorees for their lives of service and dedication to the NAC and to the Catholic Church, of singing the national anthems of Italy and the United States and, as a fitting conclusion, praying the Regina Coeli together.

Cardinal Stafford was honored this year because “he exemplifies all the values our college holds dear: a strong sense of priestly identity, a willingness to follow the Lord wherever it may lead, a love of neighbor that transcends the boundaries of race and religion, and the courage to preach the Gospel, whether convenient or inconvenient.” Greg Jewell may have summed up everyone's feelings for the seminary when he spoke about his long association with the North American College. He said that the NAC, throughout its 144-year history, but especially at this delicate moment for the Church in America, has been, is and always will be “a city of hope.”

Joan Lewis works for the Vatican Information Service.