As a priest who was ordained just last year, Father Thomas Piro knows well what many young men envision when they think of the experience of seminarians.
“Most guys think seminarians are locked away in a monastery all day, and all they can do is pray and read,” said Father Piro, who serves as parochial vicar in Saint Bridget University Parish, Glassboro, and as a diocesan associate director of vocations. “That seems to be a common myth.”
That myth, as well as a deep interest in promoting vocations among young men in high school, inspired a recent trip that brought 15 high school students from Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill, Paul VI High School, Haddonfield, and some local public schools to visit Saint Andrew’s College Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange.
The young men were accompanied by alumni of the seminary there, including Father Piro, and spent the day meeting and hearing from current seminarians, asking questions and getting a first-hand glimpse at their life of prayer, study and community.
“Visiting a seminary helps demystify seminary life and debunk assumptions,” said Father Piro, adding that the high-schoolers were able to learn about the realities of seminary life. “They also see that seminarians are just normal guys like themselves, except they are wrestling with this desire in their hearts and trying to discern with the help of the Church. This is crucial because many men have this same desire in their hearts and try to figure it out themselves.”
Another alumnus of the seminary is Father Carlo Santa Teresa, director of Catholic Identity at Camden Catholic High School and parochial vicar at Christ the King Parish, Haddonfield.
“These opportunities are important because they get to know other men their age who are thinking about a potential priestly vocation,” said Father Santa Teresa. “They know that they are not alone and potential friendships are formed. It also helps them to realize what life could possibly be instead of walking into unchartered territory.”
He noted that everyone who was part of the trip benefited from the experience.
“For some of the men, I could tell it was an eye-opener to see the seminary as it is,” said Father Santa Teresa. “I think it helped to foster the thought for some of them and to appreciate seminary life as it is for everyone.”
The young men were also joined by Father Stephen Robbins, administrator of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden and an associate director of vocations, as well as Father Philip Ramos, AM, director of Catholic Identity at Paul VI High School.
“The priests and seminarians at Saint Andrews and at Seton Hall gave a very warm welcome for our group,” Father Ramos said. “They shared their vocation stories, and they gave us tour.”
Father Piro reflected also on the fraternity that developed between the young men who were part of the visit.
“Throughout the day, I noticed that they were getting more comfortable with each other, making jokes with each other, and openly talking about their own faith and how they live it out,” he said. “Their fraternity and joy mirrored the type of fraternity the seminary fosters.”
He believes in the importance of experiences like this, especially in today’s world.
“Religious life is foreign to many people, particularly the young. The Lord has never stopped calling young men to the priesthood, however,” said Father Piro. “The issue rests in the fact that many young people do not hear the Lord’s voice; they do not hear because they were never exposed to the priesthood as a possible vocation. Opportunities like this help young men to see that the Lord continues to call men to the priesthood, and perhaps He may be calling one of them.”
Father Ramos agreed, adding that when young men ask him if God may be calling them to become priests, he offers this advice: “Open your mind and heart to the voice of God and consider what the Lord is telling you to do.”
He continued, “the role of priests, parents and teachers is also to show support and to pray for those who are in the discernment process.”
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