Living the mysteries of the Rosary
God has given me more than I could ever ask or imagine as a Franciscan Friar priest. Discerning religious life and the priesthood before entering the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word was a ten-year learning process filled with spiritual inspirations, difficult lessons, hardships, doubts, and fears. I did not think living chastity for the entirety of my life was possible. Having girlfriends and going on dates was fun, but I was never at peace.
God has given me more than I could ever ask or imagine as a Franciscan Friar priest. Discerning religious life and the priesthood before entering the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word was a ten-year learning process filled with spiritual inspirations, difficult lessons, hardships, doubts, and fears. I did not think living chastity for the entirety of my life was possible. Having girlfriends and going on dates was fun, but I was never at peace.
While praying and considering a vocation, I eventually realized, with the help of the Holy Spirit, that I was happiest when alone with God. Living chastity was not the problem; rather, it was a fear of being lonely. As a religious though, I’ve never been lonely. I am with the Lord always; I have my fellow Franciscan brethren and the people of God.
For 24 years, I’ve sought to live the Gospel of Jesus radically, as our holy father St. Francis teaches his friars. In his homily at my first profession of vows, Bishop David E. Foley said, “When making the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience you will live the mysteries of the Rosary.” He was right! Religious life is filled with many joys, illuminations, sorrows, and glories. However, God makes sorrows joyful and beautiful. The trials and troubles I experience are similar to what Jesus experienced. Knowing I am entering deeper into the life of Christ is a great gift and consolation.
With the Lord, there is always more of Him and His love. In taking up our cross, we experience the unconditional and sacrificial love of Jesus in ways we can never ask or imagine. I pray that one day I can authentically and truly say, as St. Francis and St. Paul said, “I desire to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and it is no longer I that live but Christ Who lives in me.”
