"It is refreshing to find a song that reminds me of who I have become – a John Paul that has become deeply reflective, accepting of what life brings and takes away, and joyful."
personal reflection
“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane
The meaning behind the struggle is found in the present, when we give ourselves a chance by allowing more memories in our lives to be created.
The Cup of Fear and the Cup of Courage
Our lives are cups offered to each one of us, to drink both the good and the bad alike.
Reflections on the Priesthood after Parish Internship
I’ll start this by giving you an inside scoop into what takes place in seminary formation. Every seminarian is assigned a Formation Advisor to go over their training, so to speak, to become priests. In a meeting I had with my Formation Advisor over a year ago, he asked me what I think is the … Continue reading Reflections on the Priesthood after Parish Internship
June 22, 2020 – Memorial of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More
2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18 Psalm 60 Matthew 7:1-5 True peace doesn’t begin with pointing out someone their faults and imperfections. We point one finger to someone when we call out their wrongdoings or what we think they need to fix. While we point out one finger to them, though, there are three fingers in … Continue reading June 22, 2020 – Memorial of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More
The Power of the Alternative
A coordinator for a food basket outreach program gets a call from someone requesting a delivery. The only thing is that she is from a different city, and the food basket program only helps out those in the city it is located in because of limited supplies. The coordinator has options. First option is to … Continue reading The Power of the Alternative
The Rectory Experience
I was invited to have dinner by one of the parishioners after the 7pm Mass last Sunday while I was staying at my home parish. There were 15 of us at the dinner, a pretty crowded dinner indeed. With such a big crowd, we decided to order a party selection, which included about five entrees. … Continue reading The Rectory Experience
A Seminarian’s reflection on Celibacy
Seminarians, like myself, don’t cease to be human beings once they enter the seminary. Before I started seriously discerning the priesthood, I wanted to get married. I wanted to know what it’s like to be with the most beautiful woman for the rest of my life. I wanted to give my wife stolen kisses, take … Continue reading A Seminarian’s reflection on Celibacy
What is Mercy?
©: thedivinemercy.orgThe Catholic Church celebrates, every 2nd Sunday of Easter, the Divine Mercy of our Lord. And it’s within a fitting season, as we still observe the redemption of our Lord for us through His Body and Blood. We keep in mind, in a special way, Sr. Faustina through whom the Lord spoke to us … Continue reading What is Mercy?
St. Paul: an Apostle in love
One of the classes I’m taking this semester, and compellingly my favorite class, is New Testament. The course is organized in a way such that we have focused more on St. Paul’s letters. After reading through his epistles, I find myself drawn to St. Paul and learning more about him. As a result, I decided … Continue reading St. Paul: an Apostle in love
Vessels of Meaning 