MY
Recently, we had some visitors at the Pontifical College Josephinum. 17 young men from the dioceses of Columbus, Ogdensburg, and Steubenville came to stay with us for a couple days to participate in our schedule of daily life for a "live-in." They prayed and ate with us, sat in on some of our classes, and met with our spiritual directors and external formators. The whole school becomes so much more lively with that younger presence. I noticed it most during the singing and responding parts of the liturgies. I hope they noticed it as well, it's a reminder that they could fit in here, if it's where God calls them, and I pray that they continue the discernment that they've lived out here.
It was a real joy for me to help host these guys. I remember when I was in their shoes, when I was inspired by the witnesses of seminarians and priests to pursue Christ's call in discernment and prayer. My formators talk a lot about "ministry of presence." It's something every Christian, and particularly every seminarian, deacon, or priest knows well. Simply by being present and expressing the love, joy, and peace that come from a deep relationship with Christ, one is ministering to everyone around them. I remember a game of pool I had with a couple seminarians years ago. I remember witnessing their joy and their genuine Christian brotherhood. It dawned on me that I've come full-circle after I played a game of pool with a couple of our live-in guys. Sometimes, you don't see that you're growing until after you've grown. Now, I'm seminarian-brothers with the guys who inspired me and I've been given the opportunity to inspire in the way I was inspired. I'm also a marginally better pool player now than I was then...
1 Comment
Chug and Debbie
3/20/2022 07:34:51 am
We're confident you are a wonderful host!
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