Matthew Valles

3rd Theology
St. John's Seminary, Brighton, MA

Biography:

My hometown is Barrington, RI, and I study theology now at St. John's Seminary in Brighton, MA.

The Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord is my home parish. Conversations with priests of the Diocese of Portland, frequent reception of reconciliation and Eucharist as well as my daily prayer life led me to apply for seminary.

With regards to priestly ministry, I look forward to bringing Jesus to others through the sacraments as well as talking with others about the deeper meaning behind Church teachings. To those who are discerning the priesthood, I say what Jesus tells us in the Scriptures in terms of his peace: 

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

Fun Facts:

Hobbies: Swimming, running, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing reading, singing, making rosaries

Favorite authors: J.R.R Tolkien, Thomas Merton, J.K. Rowling, Tan Twan Eng, Bill Bryson, Fr. Michael Gaitley

Favorite music, movies, sports teams:

Movies: Forrest Gump, Lord of the Rings

Music: Audrey Assad 

Sports teams: Boston-based teams

Favorite foods: Carrots, peanut butter, leftovers, cheese, apples, greens, lobster

Favorite Bible passages: Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-21), "...though he was in the form of God..." (Philippians 2:6-11), Prodigal son or running father parable (Luke 15:11-32),

Favorite churches: St. John of Bangor, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Holy Family of Old Town, ME, Our Lady of Wisdom of Orono, St. Ann of Bradley, St. Ann of Penobscot Nation, St. Alexander of Warren, Rhode Island, St. Luke of Barrington, Rhode Island

Favorite saints: Mary, the mother of Jesus, St. Matthew, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Teresa of Kolkata, St. Ann, St. Joseph, St. Dominic, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis, St. Gemma Galgani, St. Peter, St. Paul