September, 2008
Autumn Greetings, vocation bloggers! I have returned to Providence, Rhode Island, for my fourth and final year at Our Lady of Providence Seminary. Before I tell you about this new school year so far, let me tell you a little bit about how my summer was.
I was very blessed this summer to have had the opportunity to work in a parish, where I did everything from painting to praying (not that painting and praying are in any way opposed). I learned very much about myself throughout the months, especially about how to serve in a parish. I feel that this summer was a great start to understanding the priestly life in a parish, and too that it was where I am supposed to be. I thank God daily for all the graces I received this summer, especially since I will begin theological studies in a year. Time has flown by!
I did a lot of adventuring this summer too. One of the seminarians from the archdiocese of Boston was studying at Catholic University for the summer, so I went down to Washington D.C. to visit. We also went kayaking together with some of my friends in the Chesapeake Bay; and though the current was strong, it was worth the exercise and the fun. I also visited some other seminarians in Baltimore, so I got to see many different parishes that I had never been to before. This summer, overall, was joyful and energizing. And even though now I return to the books, I will remember all the fun and blessings I had this summer.
What a great summer! Now, a month has past, and the school year has begun. Everyone is already busy with papers and exams. This year, there are twenty-two seminarians studying here—the largest group at Our Lady of Providence for many years. The numbers have been steadily increasing over the years, thanks to the prayers for vocations worldwide (thank you if you have been praying for us!) The men here are great. They are all prayerful, studious, friendly, and open to God’s call. It has been in the past, and I am sure it will be again, a blessing to be at Our Lady of Providence.
The first weekend before school started, all the Baltimore seminarians went down to Newport, Rhode Island, to see the famous mansions and the beautiful seacoast. It was a nice retreat for the day, and it was worthwhile to see the sights. I highly recommend going to Newport at least once, just get “the flavor” of that area and of America’s history there. I am mentioning Newport because I have found that these different “flavors,” so to speak, really have helped me better appreciate the world (outside of my “own Little world”—pun intended). When we do get to taste different ways of life, and see life from a different perspective, it helps us better understand our own life as a whole. I find that my clearest memories are those when I did get a taste of a different time or place. The more flavors I experience, the more easily will I be able to see Christ in the world and in others, and to bring Christ to those lives which have yet to know of Him.
My goal this year in my blog is to give you a taste of college seminary life, and the life of a young seminarian in the 21st Century. I hope that through my writing you will be able to better appreciate the Church and the way of life God has called us to here at Our Lady of Providence Seminary. You are in my prayers, and God bless until next time!
