1st year at Pope John XXIII
National Seminary in Weston, Mass.
Birthplace/date:
Boston, Mass., Oct. 18, 1940
Home parish: St. Patrick’s in Norcross, Ga.
Family: mother, 87; father, 96 (both in Boston); and six siblings, three boys and three girls
Favorite aspect of seminary: community life, the camaraderie
Most difficult aspect: keeping up with all the required reading
3 people you would like to meet: Blessed Padre Pio, Pope John Paul II, Blessed John XXIII
Who/what inspired your vocation: the former pastor from St. Patrick’s; he asked me to go into the diaconate; and after one semester, I knew I was in the wrong place.
Last book read: The Last Supper by Scott Hahn.
Reactions from others on entering the seminary: Mostly 100 percent behind it. Archbishop John Donoghue of Atlanta said something like, “It’s about time you made that decision.”
If you were stuck in a bell tower, what 3 items would you want: earmuffs for the noise, a bottle of wine and a good book
What was your occupation before entering the seminary: I was southeast regional sales manager for a company that sold food processing equipment. With work, I traveled to Brazil, South Africa, and Europe.
What time period would you have liked to live in: I’m a romantic, so the late Middle Ages. But I prefer living right now. It’s the most exciting time the world has seen, and it’s going to get even more exciting.
Do you feel the seminary will adequately prepare you for priesthood: yes, because of the four pillars: the spiritual, pastoral, personal and academic