I remember my sister once giving me good advice. She said, “Happiness comes when we give ourselves completely to someone.” While a married man is called to lay down his life for his wife and family, a priest is called to lay down his life for Jesus for the sake of his church. I found myself saying “Why not give myself in this radical way to Jesus as his priest?”
In spite of the noise and bustle in the square — and in our world — their shining example, as men and women living in different times, places and circumstances, united in offering their lives to Christ, called out to us to do the same. I continued to ponder this as we walked back to the seminary, overwhelmed by the joy of being Catholic.
“The diaconate allows me to help people with spiritual issues,” said Deacon Scott Ross. “My medical profession helps me to help people with their physical needs and issues. I think here at the Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic, they’re really brought together in service.”
My family actually laughed when they heard that I, of all people, would have to be quiet for a whole week, but I soon discovered what a privilege it is to have an extended period of time alone with the Lord.
Growing up, my friends and I were admirers of Pope John Paul II, whose feast day is Oct. 22.
The world needs more priests. Surely, God is calling men in sufficient numbers.
As the sun rose over the field of the Theological College in Washington, competitors from four seminaries clashed for the ultimate prize — the Vianney Cup. This annual soccer tournament brings together seminarians from four nearby seminaries: the Theological College of The Catholic University of America; St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Md.; St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pa.; and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md.
Visceral anger. Sadness, frustration and disgust. Ashamed and sad. These are some of the words my brother Arlington seminarians used to describe their reaction to the recent slew of scandals in the church. As we returned to our seminaries for another year of formation and study, our righteous anger was heightened by many voices from the diocese that we carry back with us.
