By Vincent Vanzuylen
Coming back home during the break is a great time for us seminarians. We enjoy the company of friends, the love of our family, the connection with our local pastor, as well as the rest from philosophy and theology studies of any kind! Thank you Lord! Furthermore, we use this time of break to continue our discernment by participating in parish and vocations events.
In seminary, we undergo a purgative transformation in many different components of our formation. It is structured with guidance and accountability for us to build good habits. And because we are undergoing the formation with our “nose to the grindstone,” it can be very hard for us to see what God is actually doing in our lives. Our community and family help us to notice the new growth we have gained.
During the breaks we are challenged to maintain our prayerful virtues on our own. As we leave the spiritual comfort and security of the seminary, we navigate a multitude of ordeals and temptations. The best bible passage for me to share this would be Proverbs 17:3 – “The crucible is for silver, the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tries hearts.”
Speaking of hearts, God has recently revealed a lot of mine within the break. While I attended the Archbishop’s Priesthood Discernment Retreat on December 19th-21st hosted by Archbishop Sample and Father Peter Julia at Our Lady of Peace Retreat Center, I did not expect that God was going to speak to me through the men and the talks. After all, I was there to help 23 other men discern if seminary was for them or not. But, the reflections were meaningful for me too as God revealed new layers of past wounds and fears. I was also inspired with new desires and hopes for the future to which He is leading me. Most importantly, God reminded me how important my prayer life is outside of the seminary, not only for my own spiritual benefit, but for those who ask me for prayers as well. Seriously! The more time I spend with Jesus, the closer I am to Him, the better I can hear and follow Him. A strong prayer life can help in so many different ways!
Overall, the school break, while it is a time of rest and relaxation from assignments, is also a time of testing and further discernment. Really, the Lord doesn’t take a break and neither can we. Please pray for all of us discerners, especially those who attended the retreat! Thank you all for your support! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!