When one enters into a new phase of life, there is always a mixture of emotions. Some experience happiness, others experience nervousness, one might be anxious about what is to come.
Some people have a combination of many emotions – this was my case as I began my time at seminary. It was a mixture of happiness, excitement and nervousness. This was the first time in my life that I would be living somewhere other than with my parents. Coming from a household where I was an only child to a house where I gain 12 brothers is a big transition. It takes time to get settled and used to new people and new routines. Through patience and prayer, the first two weeks went very smoothly.
On Aug. 8 of last year, Bishop Dennis Sullivan celebrated a Welcome Mass for the new seminarians of the Diocese. This event marked the beginning of my seminary formation. After the Mass and luncheon, all the seminarians of the Diocese of Camden departed for a four-day retreat. This retreat offered me an opportunity to get to know even better the other seminarians of the Diocese. This retreat also provided an opportunity to spend time with Jesus each day. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours, attending Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and going to daily conferences were all excellent opportunities to spend time with our Lord and pray especially for a smooth transition into seminary.
Next came move-in day. There are many mixed emotions on that day, especially. There is sadness in leaving home, but excitement in beginning formation at the seminary. Having wanted to be a priest from the time I was young, it was a very thrilling transition.
Among the many things I needed to get used to, however, was the schedule. Coming from summer vacation where things were more relaxed to a very regimented schedule took some time. Time management was one lesson I quickly learned. Planning ahead for school work each day, I found, is critical. One of the worst things is to procrastinate because as the work piles up, so does the stress level. Finding that balance in school work, prayer and community is very important. Having a schedule planned every day helps me not to fall behind in my studies or prayer.
One of the many blessings of being in seminary is the ability to spend so much time in prayer. Morning, evening and night prayer, daily Mass, and Eucharistic Adoration are just some of the many opportunities we have to grow closer to Jesus. Whenever I have a long day or there is something on my mind, I look forward to bringing those problems to prayer and asking for the Lord’s help. However, I also find it very important to bring to prayer the many blessings God has bestowed on me that day and thank Him.
Looking ahead, I am very optimistic. There are already many wonderful blessings that have come from formation so far. I can only see many more graces in the future. Seminary is truly a beautiful time in which the Lord accompanies us in the good and bad times. He is there for our successes and failures. He is with us always.
Nicholas Esposito is first college, the College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Andrew’s Hall, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ
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