“Of ourselves we are all so weak and frail that we fall at the slightest obstacle. But divine providence is at work within our soul, strengthening us and relieving us of all weakness. So be trustful, firmly believing that God always provides for souls who trust in him.” (St. Catherine of Sienna)
, 199o. After 5 years in the seminary, it was getting a little tough and God knew I needed a shot in the arm. My mom and dad visited me in Rome, and we were blessed to attend a Papal rosary in the Vatican library. After the rosary, as Blessed Pope John Paul II walked by, my mom asked, “Holy Father, could you please give us your blessing?” The Holy Father’s eyes lit up with a smile as he said, “Sure!” He first blessed my dad and then turned to me. Putting his hand on my forehead, he asked my mom, “Is your son a priest?” “Not yet, Holy Father” she answered. The Pope looked into my eyes for a good 3 or 4 seconds and said, “He will be a priest!” This was an incredible experience for me…a brief moment of heaven. Needless to say, I have never doubted my vocation after hearing those powerful words. I learned to trust in God!!
