Concordia, A Xaverian Sponsored Publication, Vol. 2, No. 2

The Brother Randal Riede, C.F.X. Library

On Sunday, January 10, 1999 His Eminence, James Cardinal Hickey, dedicated the College Library of the Pontifical North American College in Rome to Brother Randal Riede, C.F.X. in commemoration of his twenty-six years of outstanding service to the entire college community, especially its students. This unique moment in the life of Brother Randal and the Xaverian Brother and in the history of the North American College took place during the one hundred and tenth reunion of the alumni of the college on the Janiculum in Rome.

After the concluding prayer of the Mass, the dedication ceremony begain with an introcution by Monsignor Timothy Dolan, Rector, and a dedicatory address by His Eminence James Cardinal Hickey, who had invited Brother Randal to become college librarian during his term as Rector. Brother Randal then responded, thanking the Pontifical North American College community for the great honor being bestowed on him while he is yet alive and challenging the Church's leaders to be vigilant, wise and hope-filled as they lead the Church into the next millennium. Thunderous applause broke out several times during this phase of the dedication ceremony.

After the final blessing, the congregation then processed to the library's central door over which this inscription is found: The Brother Randal Riede, C.F.X. Library. His Eminence led the prayer of blessing and then sprinkled the door and library vestibule with holy water. Once again, prolonged applause was heard.

Brother Randal considers his time spent at the library a continuation of his Xaverian ministry. Over the years he was intent on increasing the number of volyumes and the quality of the collection, but it is clear that his Xaverian presence touched the lives of many in the community for which they are eloquently grateful.