Hometown: Naperville, IL
Year in Formation: Temporarily Professed – 1st Year in Vows
High School: Benet Academy (Lisle, IL), 2018
College: University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN), 2022
College Major: History with minors in Theology and Philosophy
Patron Saint: St. John Paul II. St. John Paul II led a life marked by fortitude and devout faith. He studied under Nazi rule in Poland. He helped destroy the evil empire of the Soviet Union, and along the way offered a message to “Be not afraid”. During his papacy, St. John Paul II instilled a newfound sense of hope in many Catholics across the world, particularly in Eastern Europe, and his profound messages inspire me to this day.
Favorite Movie: Django Unchained; Mad Max: Fury Road; The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Favorite Books: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Favorite Music: Mumford and Sons
Hobbies: Playing and watching sports, watching movies, hiking, roadtrips
Most Memorable Prayer/Liturgy you have Attended: Candlelit vigil prayer service at World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow
Place of Pilgrimage you Most Want to Visit and why: The Holy Land to experience in-person the area where Jesus carried about his earthly ministry
Favorite Way to Pray: Any form of prayer involving Scripture
Favorite Devotion: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
What drew you to Holy Cross: The initial combination of community life and ministry opportunities drew me to Holy Cross. Now, I feel an ever-deeper desire to accompany those who are carrying heavy burdens. I wish to emulate those in Holy Cross who have gone before me as a man with hope to bring.
Your Vocation Story: During high school, I began ti feel a call to discern religious life. Through prayer, attending the Summer Seminary Immersion Program (SSIP), and talking with my parents, I decided to enter the Old College Undergraduate Seminary program right after high school. Over the past five years, I have felt God continue to tug on my heart. I believe God is calling me to follow him as a religious brother through my profession of the evangelical counsels. It is by my vows that I join Simon Peter in saying to Jesus, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Ways that you resonate with the Holy Cross charism, “Educators in the Faith”: Many of the most influential people in my life have been teachers. Catholic schools have been a constant throughout my life, and the education I have received from these educators in the faith have shaped the person I am today. I hope to become an educator in the faith so that I can follow in the footsteps of those who have impacted my life and my faith.
One aspect of Holy Cross spirituality that speaks to you the most and why: The aspect of Holy Cross spirituality that speaks to me the most is “Trust in Divine Providence”. This tenet is critical to my vocation, as a complete trust in God’s divine plan allows me to navigate the ups and downs of both life in and outside of formation. Trusting in God’s providence not only has deepened my prayer life, but has opened my eyes to see more clearly God enacting his divine plan in my daily life.
Favorite Verse: “Simon Peter answered him, ‘Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.'” (John 6:68)
Favorite Quote: “Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” – Pope St. John Paul II
How can visitors to this page pray for you? For wisdom to understand the guidance of the Holy Spirit.