Who is your favorite saint & why? He is technically not a saint yet, but a Servant of God. It is Jan Tyranowski. He was a humble man who met the need of his time. Many thought him to be weird or a man of awkward stature, but during the Nazi occupation of Poland, he knew he had to do something. He gathered men together from his parish and invested in them. He formed small groups called the Living Rosary. Jan heavily prayed, fasted, and spiritually directed these men in his short life. He was an inspirer. Of the original 15 men and group leaders who committed to pray the rosary and share their faith, 11 became priests. One of those was Karol Wojtyla, later to become Pope Saint John Paul II. Jan is my favorite "saint" because he was a true friend and he brought out the best in others, which is genuine holiness. He is a "saint-raiser" and this is what I aspire to be as well.
What is your favorite quote? "Life's a garden. Dig it!"- Joe Dirt
If you could talk to anyone in the course of our history (dead or alive) who would it be and why? I'd likely say the director, Christopher Nolan. Christopher Nolan is an excellent, complex, and creative storyteller. He understands how thoughts and ideas have a "spirit" to them and can become experiential and transcendent. I think his craft of the visual arts is powerful, and I'd like to learn how this could be integrated into the New Evangelization.
Why do you want to become a priest? God desires your and my joy. Thru joy comes when you hear his voice and follow! So, on one hand, God has shared his desire for my life throughout the years, and on the other hand, my desires for what is best for souls coincides with Jesus' sacred heart. To step into the redemptive work of Christ is a complete joy. It does not mean it will be easy, but with God's grace anything is possible for lives to be wholeheartedly renewed and eternally won back to Christ and His Kingdom. That is what I would love to do every day of my life!
Favorite past time/interests: I am a jack of trades. I was a collegiate athlete, so I enjoy running, biking, and being active with all kinds of sports. I enjoy the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Reds. In general though, I enjoy playing sports more than watching them. I am a beekeeper and gardener. Another one of my interests is cooking and fine dining. I really enjoy listening to music and watching movies; however, not so much for entertainment. I really enjoy breaking things down and entering into intellectual conversations that plunge into the depths! So, I really appreciate introspection. Lastly, I am a big learner so if someone has a game, a skill, or hobby, I am usually all in!
What is your favorite Bible verse? John 15:1-17, but in particular, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be made complete. This my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:11-13)
Did anyone (priest, religious sister, friend, etc.) make an impact on your decision to enter seminary? Aside from Christ himself, I would say my spiritual director, Fr. Jim Dubert who passed away in February. He was very real, understanding, and walked with me like no one has before. It was providential that Fr. Duber was placed in my life.
What is your favorite form of prayer? (Liturgy of the Hours, Holy Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Eucharistic Adoration, etc.) My prayer preference has morphed over time, but at the moment, I have really enjoyed the Rosary because my focus was too much on the process rather than relationship. What better way to pray than to walk with into the life of your best friend and his mother!
What is your favorite title of the Blessed Mother and/or Jesus? I like to address Mary and Jesus with their simple titles of Mother Mary and Lord Jesus. I have a connection to Mary via Fatima, so Our Lady of the Rosary is another title I will give to Mary. The reason I chose these titles is how they have introduced themselves throughout my life. Mary as a true, wholesome mother and Lord Jesus who has all authority in heaven and earth.
Any advice for someone discerning the priesthood or religious life? In our day and age, it is quite popular to be a "forever discerner". Discernment is not a thinking exercise, but an intimate, ​reflective walk with Christ as Jesus said over a dozen times in Scripture, "Come, follow me." Consider the Road to Emmaus. We might find ourselves in life confused, doubting, or generally lost, but if you maintain an openness to lend your ear quietly to Christ, he will set your heart on fire. They ended up doing the unexpected after their encounter and walked back to a dangerous ​Jerusalem to share the good news. So, my advice, be not afraid! As Pope Saint John Paul II ​said, "Life with Christ ​is a wonderful adventure!"