The Eve of Candidacy...

I'm baaaaaaack!!

After a little over 10 months of non-blogging, I have decided to resurrect my blog!

For those who don't know---I will be moving to Rome, Italy three weeks from today. After a couple months of Italian language learning, and formation events at my new home (The Pontifical North American College), I will begin theology studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Tomorrow (June 24--Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist), my classmate Michael Zimmerman, and I will be admitted as Candidates for Holy Orders.


During the Evening Vespers service, before the Canticle of Mary, Cardinal Seán will deliver the homily proper to the Rite of Candidacy (or something similar). After this homily Michael and I will be asked to respond "I am" to two simple questions:

Cardinal Seán will say: In response to the Lord’s call are you resolved to com­plete your preparation so that in due time you will be ready to be ordained for the ministry of the Church?


To which Michael and I answer: I am.
Then Cardinal will ask the second question: Are you resolved to prepare yourselves in mind and spirit to give faithful service to Christ the Lord and his body, the Church?
And again we respond: I am.
After these two questions, Cardinal Seán will say: The Church receives your declaration with joy. May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.
As the departure date draws near (July 14), I will hopefully be posting of my thoughts as I prepare for the next chapter of my life.
Arriverderci!

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