The Serra Club is working with The Catholic Miscellany to provide a series of profiles on the Diocese of Charleston’s seminarians.
Washington, D.C.—Justin Damask is a fifth year seminarian pursuing a graduate degree in philosophy at Theological College at the National Seminary of the Catholic University of America. His anticipated ordination as a transitional deacon is in spring 2024 and as a priest in 2025.
Who is a person you admire and why?
I admire my godfather, Randy, as a model Catholic man because he is industrious, generous, committed to Mass, adoration, and daily prayer (especially the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the rosary), and an excellent fisherman.
How did you discern your vocation?
During high school, I thought I would get married and have a large family. As a freshman at USC, I was praying a rosary before the Blessed Sacrament at St. Thomas More, and I was specifically asking the Blessed Virgin Mary to reveal to me my vocation when I first began to seriously believe God might instead be calling me to the priesthood.
What is a typical day like for you?
At 7 a.m. I get out of bed. I go to Morning Prayer and Mass at 7:30 a.m. Immediately after Mass, I work out or play tennis with friends. I spend the rest of the morning reading and writing for classes. At noon I pray the Angelus and then go to lunch. After lunch, I spend the afternoon in classes. Then at 5:30 p.m., I go to Evening Prayer followed by supper. After supper, I pray my holy hour, do some school work, and then typically watch sports, play games, and hang out with friends. At 10 p.m., I pray Night Prayer, and then I read the Lives of the Saints or a novel until I fall asleep.
How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as a man whose ‘yes’ meant yes, whose words and actions clearly revealed in all life’s struggles the evil works of the devil, the good works of angels, and the constant and loving presence of God, especially in the Holy Eucharist, and who wholeheartedly served the Lord, his family, and his friends.
Name three words that describe you.
Inquisitive, reflective, adventurous.
What is your favorite pastime?
Playing games and sports with family and friends.
