Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Romance Interrupted

“Have you ever thought of becoming a priest or a nun? Have you ever asked anybody that question?”

I so loved hearing Fr. John’s homily. It’s always a combination of authority, of compassion, of dedication and wit.

“A neighbor asked me that question before”, Fr. John continued.

They thought he can be a good priest since he had the leadership skills and he’s very friendly. They didn’t mention he’s religious though. Apparently, during those days he was not. He was even dating a girl.

After years of battling and looking for life’s deeper meanings- he decided to be a priest. He called his girlfriend about his thoughts.

“Oh, the last guy I dated went to the seminary”, she said.

He faced tremendous temptations on his first few years as a seminarian. Moving to Newport Beach doesn’t help at all.

“Why did you want to be a priest?” he asked his Spiritual Director.

“Well, for 2 reasons. First, no woman would want me. Second, I don’t want to work my butt off all my life”, he joked.

Somehow, Fr. John was ordained as a priest. In fact, he celebrated his girlfriend’s wedding.

“Ohhhhhhhh,” the community whispered in chorus.

I admit that put a smile on my face considering it has been 40 years down the road. I thought that was a tender, cute story that is worth sharing ^-^
Shawie

6 Grateful Heart's Words:

Debbie Petras said...

That was a cute story. He sounds like a cool priest. I also think a priest of a nun is called by God. To devote your life to this calling it has to be of God, I think.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Being a priest or a pastor is a grace from God. It is a calling that is heeded by those chosen by the Lord. Thanks for your post. God bless you always.

Duni said...

What a darling story! Thank you for sharing...
Personally, I've never considered becoming a nun, but I do have to have at least one solitary hour per day to keep my sanity!

Salute said...

What a sweet story.

Susan Cook said...

I knew someone in college who became a priest. That is real dedication to decide to do that. Nice story of your priest. Thanks for sharing. :)

Kirhat said...

A story that warms the heart in this uncertain times. I may have some different views with the Church's teachings, but it does not mean that I don't respect some of their priests on a personal level.

Cheers!

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