Date: February 20, 2024
There are moments in the academic year when you realize that Seminary is not just a graduate school. And today is one of those moments. Unlike regular graduate schools, we are taking a pause in the semester. We are at the start of Lent. And we are clearing the day of scheduled events so that students have the space for prayer, meditation, and connection with God. It is a “quiet day”.
The expectation is that after the initial reflection in the morning there will be silence until the Eucharist. Lunch should be taken in silence. Naturally, if there is a guest who needs directions, then one provides those directions. But we discourage strongly all casual or incidental conversation.
The temptation (and it is a temptation) is to use the time to catch up with school work, finish an assignment, and do some reading. But I hope everyone will resist that temptation and really use the time as it is intended. Take a long walk (by yourself) and pray. Allow the silence to inhabit you. Take the pause and discover what God wants to say to you. Blessings to you on this quiet day.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary