Author Archives: Fr Matthew P. Schneider, LC

Religious life and priesthood is about giving up little things to have what is more important. When I entered, I gave up my membership in a Canadian political party, I gave up the beautiful city of Calgary and I gave … Continue reading →

 Back in March, CARA (the Center for Applied Research on the Apostolate) produced their annual report on the ordination class of 2011. Since they include all those studying in US-based seminaries, the two American seminaries in Europe and for a … Continue reading →

Each of us naturally fears death, but a priest can approach death with an unusual calm because he knows that is the fulfillment of God’s will. Fr Larry Richards says that his only desire for years was to celebrate one … Continue reading →

One unique thing about studying in the Legion in Rome is that we have brothers from all over the world. In my little team has brothers form Brazil, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Mexico, the USA, Argentina, Hungary, Italy and me from … Continue reading →

One of the biggest differences we have from studying in Europe is how they grade you. Unlike in the North American system where most of your college grade depends on one big 3-hour exam written after the course, here it … Continue reading →

In Rome we get to celebrate Corpus Christi twice. The Vatican celebrates it on Thursday but the bishop’s conference (CEI) celebrates it on Sunday. Some brothers go out to a few towns such as Orvieto on Sunday but this year … Continue reading →

A while back I was reading some vocation testimonies and one of the things that struck me was when one of the priests gave four marks for a vocation: “prayer, hard work, generosity and sacrifice.” I think he is right. … Continue reading →

“It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do so without the Holy Mass.” – Padre Pio of Pietrelcina One obvious aspect of formation in the seminary – almost too obvious – is that … Continue reading →

Have you ever heard of Alcide De Gasperi? You would probably answer the same way I did a month a go with a twisted brow. Over the past month I have begun to learn about his fascinating life from growing … Continue reading →

Before I joined the Legion, one of my favorite lunches was Pillsbury Pizza Pops. They were the best: two minutes in the microwave, two bites of Pizza goodness and a second or third one for good measure. Talking to some … Continue reading →