MY
I didn't exactly have the easiest time in seminary when I first arrived. Like many guys, I was fresh out of high school. It was my first time living outside of the home. The rule of life is strict, the schedule is tight, and the days are long. I remember looking to the older, more experienced seminarians for good role-models, and being surprised and disturbed by how bitter some of them had become after years in seminary. COVID lockdowns were tough on them, so I can't really blame them, but they weren't the older brother figures I needed at the time. I had to wonder whether I was just fated to become that grizzled, sad, and joyless. I thank God for the good friendships I made that year. Turns out there were many guys who held on to their joy, I just had to look for them. Some of them have gone of to other seminaries, others have discerned out, and some of them have been ordained. Now I'm in their shoes. Now I'm the older, more experienced seminarian, and I wonder what freshman John Paul would think of me now, as I see the same needs and dreams in the eyes of this year's new seminarians. Many of these new seminarians are young. Some of them can come across immaturely to those of us who've been walking the walk and talking the talk for years. But I can't help but love them like an older brother when I see their joy, their sincerity, their awe for the parts of seminary life that I've started to take for granted, and the innocence with which they hear God's call. So that's me getting a little sentimental. Here's a slideshow of some of the adventures I had over the summer. I have more homework, more essays, and more responsibilities than ever, but I hope to jump back into my regular rhythm of writing and reflecting in posts every week.
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Catholic. Archives
July 2023
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