"Twenty-three presidents have come and gone. Eleven popes have been elected and died. Seven new dioceses have been erected in New England, and six archbishops have been installed at Holy Cross Cathedral since this endeavor first began. But through it all, Christ continues to form men after his own heart, in this holy house -- men like you," said Bishop Kennedy.

Sandy Barry, director of Annual Giving at the seminary, told The Pilot around 80 alumni priests attended the event, noting that the graduation years of the alumni ranged from 1949 to 2015.

Current seminarians were also present, although many had been assigned tasks for the evening, such as serving the food or helping with parking.

Other guests at the dinner included Raymond Flynn, former mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, and Daniel J. Kennedy Sr., father of the late Father Daniel J. Kennedy and author of "247 Days: Father Dan Kennedy, A Proud and Happy Priest," a new book commemorating his son's life.

Free copies of Kennedy's book were given to attendees. The book was released in February, almost exactly eight years after Father Kennedy's sudden and unexpected death.

Father Bill Lohan, pastor of St. Monica Parish in Methuen, spoke to attendees near the end of the dinner about his personal relationship with Father Kennedy, and noted his hopes that "247 Days" will inspire young men to join the priesthood.

"It's our prayer that as we talk about this book and disseminate it, (we) make sure that the boys and the young men are reading it, (so) that they too will be an instrument of God's call, and that many men will come to this seminary because they have read it," he said.

Speaking to The Pilot following the event, Father Gerald Souza, a member of the class of 2013, said he enjoyed hearing other priest's stories and greeting both familiar and unfamiliar faces.

"It's very good to be back to a place that was home for me," he said.