Author Topic: Question for seminarians (Read 716 times)

Trinity · « **on:** June 21, 2007, 02:18:04 PM »

Perhaps I am sticking my nose where it ought not to be, but I am curious. I have noticed that a number of our members were once in the seminary. I'm glad that you were and especially that you give us the benefit of your learning and experience. But I can't help but wonder why you left the seminary. Please overlook this if it is too personal.

Matthew · « **Reply #1 on:** June 21, 2007, 02:32:30 PM »

I left after 3 1/3 years because I was told I didn't have a vocation.

It wasn't my choice, and I was crushed at the time. I had burnt all my bridges in "the world", so you could you imagine...

But I see that it was God's will, and I have been at peace about it for a few years now.

I'm very happy because the formation I received totally changed who I was -- and I much prefer "the new Me" to "the old Me". The old Me was much more worldly, foolish, and undisciplined.

In Christ,

Matthew

Trinity · « **Reply #2 on:** June 21, 2007, 04:00:07 PM »

I can't help but think you would be better for it. Was it a novus ordo seminary?

Matthew · « **Reply #3 on:** June 21, 2007, 04:01:23 PM »

No, it was the SSPX seminary in Winona. Most of the time I was there, the Rector was the man in my avatar (Bishop Williamson, for those who don't know).

Matthew

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #4 on:** June 21, 2007, 10:05:29 PM »

I, too, was told (and thought) I did not have a vocation to the priesthood.

FYI - I was in MHT Seminary for 2 and 1/3 years; Bishop Sanborn is/was the Rector.

Trinity · « **Reply #5 on:** June 21, 2007, 10:10:58 PM »

I'm flabbergasted! It seems....well, why????

Matthew · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2007, 10:29:56 PM »

Let's turn this question on its head --

Why is it that so many men with recent Seminary experience/training end up banned from Fisheaters?

An interesting tidbit my wife pointed out...

Matthew

Trinity · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2007, 10:39:56 PM »

The only thing I can think of is perhaps too simplistic---that those who live in darkness cannot tolerate the light. But I thought of that regarding the seminaries, too, so... I could see it if it were NO seminaries, because I read an article written by an ex seminarian who said that some places give preferential treatment to ɧoɱosɛҳųαƖs, and will (sometimes) discourage fervent men.

Matthew · « **Reply #8 on:** June 21, 2007, 10:45:57 PM »

Well, it also helps to keep in mind that God's ways are not our ways -- and that some apparently "good men" aren't called to the Priesthood, even if they have many or most of the qualifications.

We can't always understand Providence -- but we can humble ourselves before God; He alone is All-Wise.

That's what I do.

Matthew

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #9 on:** June 22, 2007, 09:20:18 AM »

"Not my will, but Thine be done, O my most loving Jesus."

I have a hard enough time trying to be a good layman (although my time in the seminary provided me with all the necessary tools to do so). God will provide holy priests in the number, and in the time, that He sees fit.