Well, I suppose that I did things a little different (grammatical pun intended). When I was accepted to begin studies at the seminary for the second time – the first delayed by the applicant due to a theological condition known as “cold feet” – my proud pastor wanted to share the good news with the entire parish. I asked him to delay – for one week. Uh oh! Lingering “cold feet,” he probably thought. No, it wasn’t that. I was simply nervous. I didn’t want to be around for all the attention and whoop-de-doo. I mean, what would people think? I wasn’t any kind of saint…nice guy perhaps, but no Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes. I simply thought that, yes, God might be calling me to be a priest and it was a thought that would not go away. I had a lack of peace and serenity in my life. I wanted to know if this was really what the “Big Guy” wanted and I wanted to regain what I lacked. Why one week, my pastor wanted to know. The whole parish (that knew nothing of my vocational quest) will want to know and will be so happy for you. Just give me a week. Father agreed. The following weekend it was announced at church – but, I was nowhere to be found. I made plans to be away that weekend. Physically, I was miles away, but light-years mentally….and this in a world where cell phones were not yet a thing. I returned home to a telephone answering machine that was full, cards in the mailbox, and all kinds of notes stuffed in the front door of the house. My father told me that everyone was looking for me. Gosh, even my next door neighbor told me everyone was looking for me, then offered congratulations as a volley of questions were hurled my way. I was overwhelmed in the best possible sense by the response of the parish. My pastor beamed. They love you! They will pray for you and support you! Your journey is now their journey too – and this is just the beginning! Father was spot on. Wow! And what a wonderful journey it has been these last thirty-one years, twenty-five of which has been spent in Persona Christi. Dennis Morales and now, Ricky Gomes-Garcia have taken a different approach. They have been very open about their discernment, as many of you know. With both of them now having been officially accepted to Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary to begin studies for priesthood, a beaming pastor’s pride is the same as it was for me back in the day. Their journey is now yours as well. On this Corpus Christi weekend, we celebrate the ordained ministry in conjunction with the Feast Day of Saint Aloysius. From seminarians in formation, to diaconate, and priesthood – it is a celebration for all…Saint Al’s as well as Saint Gabe’s. Catholic communities that foster vocations are fruitful communities and parishes. Pray for vocations! Pray for those discerning God’s call! Pray for Fr. Wesly, Deacon George, and Deacon Ray! Pray for me, as well! Pray that we might be faithful and fruitful in our vocations! And pray for Dennis and Ricky as they begin a most wonderful journey – one that is now yours as well!
Peace!
Fr. Wilson