Propaedeutic Year
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Ambler, PA
Biography
For most of my life, I've lived in Maine, growing up in Auburn,, studying at the University of Maine in Orono, and working professionally in Portland (later in Boston, Mass.) Although I had always been interested in philosophy, I was agnostic until after college. By God's grace, I began to see religion as the principal question in life, feeling a responsibility to seek out the truth while I still had the chance. Out of the many religions and spiritualities out there, I searched for real, tangible evidence and hit many dead ends; the problem was that for years I avoided anything Christian. Finally, I came to know with certainty that the answer is the Catholic faith. Miracles like those in Fatima and Lourdes seemed to exclusively point to Catholicism and first opened the door for me. Studying the Church Fathers and the history of Christianity then solidified it for me on a rational level.
Taking a leap of faith, I went to a Mass, and there I knew intuitively that this was a supernatural act that I was participating in. As a Catholic, I've witnessed the power of grace to transform peoples' lives firsthand, myself very much included. During the worst of the recent pandemic, the young adult community was instrumental in deepening my spiritual life.
Motivated by the opportunity to share and strengthen others in this truth that I had been missing for so long, I asked whether I had a call to the priesthood. Two close friends encouraged me to take practical steps in discernment, and soon I frequently altar served, led pilgrimages, and helped with faith formation programs. Teaching others was always fulfilling to me, and now I had a deep interest in theology and liturgy. Everything seemed to come together to lead me in taking this step.
Having years of prayer, discernment, and spiritual direction behind me, I am convinced that entering seminary for the Diocese of Portland is how I can best follow God's will. If it truly is His will, I hope to joyfully serve this diocese and provide for the needs that its people will have for life and what comes after it, relying on your prayers, the help of the saints, and God's grace.
Favorites
Hobbies
Snowboarding, biking, exploring nature and cities, music, cooking, soccer, and volleyball.
Foods
Barbecue, Indian, sushi, chili, and soup
Saints
Our Lady, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. John of the Cross, St. John Vianney, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Martha, St. Isaac Jogues, St. Monica, St. Francisco Marto, St. Maximilian Kolbe
Authors
Fr. Thomas Dubay, St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Augustine, Flannery O'Connor, G.K. Chesterton
Churches
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Portugal, Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain, The Basilica in Lewiston, The Portland's Cathedral's chapel, St. Peter's in Portland, the Shrine of the North American Martyrs in New York
