Kenneth Brabazon

Class: III Theology

Parish: Saint Barnabas, Philadelphia

What year did you enter the seminary?

2003

 

What did you do prior to seminary entrance?
I am, what we would call at the seminary, a “lifer”. I entered the seminary immediately after I graduated from St. John Neumann High School in 2003. Unlike many of my classmates who had spent time at other colleges or those who worked in various careers. I responded to the voice of Christ calling me to consider a priestly vocation very early in my life.

What influenced your decision to enter the seminary?

By far, the greatest influences on my own discernment were the vocations of the holy priests and religious sisters who devoted their lives to the people of my parish. I can remember, even in my youngest years, being fascinated by the way in which our parish priests and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary lived their lives. By following the call of Christ, they were doing something extreme, counter-cultural, and indeed, difficult. Throughout grade school and high school, I wanted nothing more than to be like them. I hoped to accept that challenging call of Christ in my own life.

 

Why do you want to be a priest?

Perhaps this question could be better phrased, “How have you come to discern that Christ wants you to be a priest?” Each and every person is called to a life of holiness. Likewise, everyone is called by God to a particular vocation through which God has planned that they should attain that holiness. Many are called to holiness through the vocations of religious life and priesthood. If we were to want for ourselves one vocation or another, without asking God what He wants for us, that would be incredibly foolish. We can only be truly happy when our will is conformed to the will of God. Through much prayer and experience, I am at a point in my personal discernment where I am now rather certain that Jesus wants me to be a priest. Indeed, I must always remember that I have not come to this point on my own, but only through the graces and blessings bestowed upon me by God.

 

What did your family and friends think about your decision to enter the seminary?

My family has always been very supportive on my discernment of a priestly vocation. I have to be honest though; I was a bit worried about what my friends might think of it. Having applied to the seminary during my senior year of high school, I didn’t exactly go about telling everyone the “good news”. In face, I waited as long as possible to tell my classmates, even my close friends. When the time came to tell them all, I was astonished to find that no one was really surprised by my decision. My closest friends later told me that they had had suspicions all along that I might be entering the seminary. I was further astounded to learn that one of my closest friends was also discerning a vocation to the priesthood, and has since entered the seminary as well.

What do you do for fun?
For fun, I usually just like to enjoy the company of my classmates, friends and family.

Who is your favorite Saint?

This is certainly a difficult question to answer, because, like most Catholics I am devoted to many of the saints. Certainly, first and foremost, I have a particularly strong devotion to the Blessed Mother. I am convinced that without her motherly intercession, I would never have gotten this far. Before I entered the seminary I dedicated my vocation, and indeed my life, to Mary—and have since been blessed in innumerable ways. As a Third Order Discalced Carmelite, I also have a great devotion to the Carmelite saints, most especially St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, our founders.

 

What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?
Come and see... I can do no better than to remind you of the command Jesus gave when he called the first disciples. If in your own discernment you have felt that gentle nudge pushing you towards the priesthood...come and see. If you have been told by others that you would be a good priest, recognize that God might be speaking through them...come and see. If you feel that something is missing and that you could be happier if only you would pursue it...come and see. If you are worried or fearful—“Be not afraid!”...come and see.