Today, I am celebrating ten years as a Legionary. In March of 2001, two brothers from Cheshire came to pick me up from the airport for my visit: I had dyed-black hair, my Discman playing, and my “spreading lies and disinformation” campus radio T-shirt on. One brother pointed to me to indicate who they might be picking up. Br John Pietropaoli responded “No, there’s no way that guy is coming to visit a seminary.” Now there is a good chance Br John and I will be ordained together.
These ten years have been by far the most amazing ten years of my short life, and I want to take a minute now to thank everyone who helped make this possible – without each of them, I don’t think I would be the man I am today.
_I did not ask for the vocation – I enjoyed engineering – but I thank God for this gift beyond measure which has transformed my life. Thank you Lord for how you created me in love and gave me this gift which is full of more joy that can imagine and than anyone serves. I also want to thank you, Lord for your presence every day in the tabernacle, your assistance in prayer, your Mother Mary, and all the little gifts you give me.
After God, I think it only appropriate to thank my family. Thank you mom, you were always such a happy face with such a thoughtful attitude to help out. Dad, thanks, you have always been a rock and support. I also want to thank my sisters: Amanda with her compassion, Lee Ann with her spunkiness, and Jenny with her joy. Even though not directly related to my vocation, I should thank Nick and Jason for sharing my sister’s lives with them (there is peace knowing they are in such good hands). I want to thank the extended family, especially Grandpa Buckley who was such an example to live for me.
I want to thank all the priests I knew back in Calgary, all my friends, and all my teachers. A few stand out: Fr Liem Tran, OP – a model priest who suffered in a Communist Prison for going to the seminary – who really helped me as the U of C chaplain my two years before entering, Mr Buteau who despite our differences in opinion taught me the art of critical thinking and Mrs Cove who was my home room teacher for two years in high school.
I was in formation in the north-eastern US from 2001-2006; studying novitiate (the university where you study Christ), classical humanities and philosophy. From this period, I think the one who deserves by far the most thanks is Fr Julio Martí who was the novice instructor and really, the greatest person I have ever met outside of the Holy Trinity. Outside of God and my family, he is the one I have the most thank for.
From 2006-2010, I was on the road with three different priests doing travelling ministry in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and briefly in Pennsylvania. I learned a lot during this time and I want to thank all the Regnum Christi members who really taught me what it means to live our charism, I would like to name a few but every time I try to make a list, I want to add this one then that one and it just gets unmanageably long. OK, one special mention for Todd Brechbill who I still keep in touch with helping out with some Conquest projects. Of course I need to thank Fr Robert who survived two years with me, and is an example of hard work. My two superiors during this time, Fr Daren and Fr Gomez, were also a great help and I thank them.
I just got to Rome a year ago to study theology in my final preparation for the priesthood: unless something unexpected happens I should be ordained in late 2013. There are a few people to thank here too but if I mention someone and miss somebody else it might be a little awkward.
I think this list shows how even though the vocation is a mysterious call from God, he chooses to uses a myriad of human instruments to bring it to fulfilment. How much each of our good acts can help someone to grow into the person God has lovingly designed them to be.
Please pray for me, that God will continue to guide me in this most wonderful life and I can truly achieve the mission for which he has called me. I know with your prayers and help, the next ten years will be even better.
Also, please pray for all the new candidates to the Legion as candidacy will be starting this year on June 15th in Cheshire. They will be joining just like I did 10 years ago, but into a stronger and better Legion.
YKC!
Br. Matthew- I enjoyed reading this, and let me say that from my brief time of knowing you, I can hardly think of someone who is more zealous and enthusiastic about sharing the love of Christ with others.
I still remember being on a ConQuest campout where everyone was given a piece of twine and asked to make a cross. Unsatisfied with twigs, you began taking branches off two fallen logs, and cutting them to fit in the shape of a cross. Several Dads stood by in disbelief, until finally we had to help.
It took at least 8 adults and 4 boys to carry the largest cross ever assembled in 15 minutes. If you tackle the priesthood with the same zeal and perseverance, you will do great things for Christ.
Thank you for saying “yes” to God!
in Christ,
Carl Brown
Thanks Carl. I remember that cross. I think Fr Matthew still uses the upright beam for his football camps. I think the football players carry it around to build teamwork or use it as a group sit-up bar.
I pray that the movement keeps growing in Cincinnati.
Congratulations to Br. Matthew and 10 years as a Legionary. Ironically, although I’m not Legionary, it is just 10 years since I “retired” from the communications office of a major oil company and went to work for the Legion. Br. Matthew and I have been part of the organization during what has been a remarkable time in its history, albeit in very different roles. But it is because of great young men like Br. Matthew that I consider it an honor to serve the Legion and Regnum Christi. And it doesn’t upset me in the least that while he has been growing toward the priesthood I have been growing increasingly grayer hair.
Brother Matthew,
Thank you to you for listening to the call and having responded to it.,