I grew up in West Warwick, Rhode Island, within a tightly knit family of four. My mother, whose family had emigrated from Italy during her childhood, made sure that my brother and I remained connected to our roots. Among my earliest memories is sitting at my bedside with her as she taught me prayers in Italian before I fell asleep. Sunday Mass was always a non-negotiable in our house and took priority over all other commitments.
Through the eighth grade, I attended public school and began altar serving in second grade under my pastor, Father Richard Bucci. For more than two decades, until his recent passing, Father Bucci profoundly influenced me. He instilled in me a love for the liturgy, appreciation for the tradition of the Church, and the importance of always defending the Gospel, regardless of the consequences.
I attended Catholic high school and then relocated to Washington, DC, to pursue my degree in International Affairs and Russian. Studying at a secular university challenged me to assume greater responsibility for my faith. I tried to take advantage of all the internships the city had to offer a young and eager college student. I even accepted a summer position in Ukraine to improve my Russian proficiency. I then secured a government position, coordinating fiscal negotiations between the different branches of government. Initially, I really enjoyed the job, and all the ancillary perks that came with it. However, the burden of managing a full work schedule with a full-time college curriculum became exhausting. The work itself began to feel superficial and I began to question my career trajectory.
Through all these experiences, I found myself longing for something more. One night at work, a thought popped into my head, “You could be a priest.” I laughed it off. How could I throw away my seemingly promising career in politics? Over the next few weeks, I could not get the thought out of my head. I decided to seek counsel from a priest. I secretly hoped he would also deem it illogical so I could just move on. Much to my chagrin, he didn’t tell me I was crazy. He told me this was something I needed to pray about and seriously consider. While that wasn’t what I had wanted to hear, I decided to take his advice. After increasing my prayer life, the signs from my past coalesced, unmistakably directing me toward entering seminary.
After completing my degree, I left my job, returned to Rhode Island, and entered seminary for my home diocese. However, significant changes within the diocese prompted me to reassess my future there. Still hearing the call to the priesthood, I discovered the Archdiocese of Portland through a friend. After attending Archbishop Sample’s discernment retreat, I knew this was the place to which God was leading me. I am excited to follow God’s calling here in Western Oregon! Thank you for your prayers and support!
Prayer for Our Seminarians
Lord Jesus, as you once called the first disciples to make them fishers of men, let your sweet invitation continue to resound: Come Follow Me! We thank you for the gift of these seminarians called to serve in the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. Inspire them to imitate You, the Eternal High Priest, in sacrificial service to Your Church. Grant perseverance to our seminarians. Give them the graces they need to one day serve You faithfully as priests. May Your light shine through them to everyone they meet. Mary, Mother of the Church, the model of every vocation, help our seminarians to continue to say “yes” to the Lord who calls us to cooperate in the divine plan of salvation. Amen