A year in the life...
WOW! Today is my ONE YEAR anniversary as a Priest of Jesus Christ. That went by FAST! (It is also the great Solemnity of Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostle's and the birthday of the Church!)
Over the past year, I have had many, many, many blessings in my life as a priest, and if I had been blogging all along, you would have known about them. It suffices to say that the joy of being a priest is greater than anything I would have or could have imagined. It is, of course, not without its own struggles and challenges, but I trust that I have been called to this ministry by God, and that He is the One who will sustain me in being a faithful priest to Him, and for His people.
This post serves as a little update as to "what's next" in my life. As you know, in the fall of 2012 while in my second year of seminary for the Archdiocese of Boston, I was asked to complete the remaining four years of theology studies for the priesthood at the North American College in Rome. The transition was not an easy one, but I finally found a home in Rome and came to love being here.
Over the past year, I have had many, many, many blessings in my life as a priest, and if I had been blogging all along, you would have known about them. It suffices to say that the joy of being a priest is greater than anything I would have or could have imagined. It is, of course, not without its own struggles and challenges, but I trust that I have been called to this ministry by God, and that He is the One who will sustain me in being a faithful priest to Him, and for His people.
This post serves as a little update as to "what's next" in my life. As you know, in the fall of 2012 while in my second year of seminary for the Archdiocese of Boston, I was asked to complete the remaining four years of theology studies for the priesthood at the North American College in Rome. The transition was not an easy one, but I finally found a home in Rome and came to love being here.
After my priestly ordination last May 20, 2017 I was assigned to do a 5th year in Rome in order to complete a Licentiate Degree in Spiritual Theology. I have been very blessed with incredible experiences and opportunities as well as with a great fraternity of friends, some of whom are now my brother priests living and studying in Rome, the Heart of the Church over these past 5 years. Particularly this year as a priest, it has been amazing to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at various Basilicas throughout Rome, and Europe. As much as I have truly come to embrace Rome as a home to me these last years, there is still no place like Boston, and so it is time to come home!
Earlier this week I spoke with Cardinal Seán, and he gave me my first long-term priestly assignment! The assignment is being made public this weekend in the parishes, so here I go!
Effective July 16, 2018, Cardinal Seán has assigned me as parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody, MA. St. Thomas has a large Brazilian community, and I am PUMPED to start speaking Portuguese again, since I will their main priest. St. John's has an elementary/middle school (which I will regularly visit!) In addition, there is a Catholic high school (Bp. Fenwick) up the street from St. Thomas, where I also hope to become a regular face!
In speaking with my pastor, Fr. John, he said it is a “homecoming” in the true sense of the word, because St. John's is where I was introduced to the Triune God at my baptism in August 1985! I am SO excited, thankful, and blessed that Cardinal Seán has assigned me back home!
| St. John the Baptist |
| St. Thomas the Apostle |
As you can imagine, this is exciting on many levels, one of them being the many family members I have living in Peabody and the surrounding area. I cannot adequately express my joy in this blog, but I hope it’s written on my face when I arrive at the parishes in July!
Lastly, as excited as I am to be returning home to the US, home to Boston and home to Peabody---nevertheless my assignment in Rome doesn’t end until June 27th. There is much work to be done between now and then, and so I ask for your daily prayers that I persevere in finishing up my studies, particularly during my final exams June 4-22, and that I am given the grace to “leave well” the North American College, the place that has become my home these last 5 years.
Know of my love and prayers for you and I can’t wait to see you in July!!!
PRAISED BE JESUS CHRIST...NOW AND FOREVER!
Fr. Kevin
I have read with enthusiasm and inspiration everything I could about you, Fr. Kevin. I guarantee that when we meet, we will realize that we share some of the same friends.
ReplyDeleteMany prayers to you as you begin another exciting adventure! You are blessed to be under the guidance of Fr. John.������
Jane Ellis