Among the brothers in the seminary there is all types so I thought I would profile a few.
The Gentle Giant
During the Vatican’s course for new bishops, my assignment was preparing the fruit platters each day for the bishops. I was under the only brother here whom I have to tilt my head up to look in his face.
He’s an ex-pro basketball player in the Italian leagues but you wouldn’t guess it. (His knees are blown so he can’t play anymore.) His touch is pure gentleness, placing the fruit more gently than I did myself and using his arms to be able to grab fruit from all different locations while barely moving.
The fun part of working with him is that you can enjoy his favorite pastime, pulling your leg with little minor things. I was the sucker a few times.
He is the most simple and sincere brother, always present with the community.
In a year he will be a priest.
The Energizer Bunny
Ok, so here is a brother who I worked with for 3 years in the Midwest who has more energy that a cheetah after a Red Bull. He was great working with the boys as he could outrun all of them, all day in all sports.
He is definitely fun loving but his fun usually involves playing football or watching his favorite team play football.
Even he had to calm down sometimes, when we had to drive long distances he would sleep the half I drove.
He is still a few years away from ordination but be wary: he will be a ball of fire once he’s ordained.