Flagler Beach, Florida
Meet our seminarians:
Richard Pagano
taken 7-18-07 |
Ave
Maria University
Naples, FL 34119
1. When was the first time you thought of priesthood?
The first time I thought of the priesthood was when Fr. Tetlow began
to show me the beauty of ministry when I first started attending Santa
Maria del Mar.
2. What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior
to the seminary?
Primarily Youth Ministry and Eucharist to the sick. I also attended
Masses held by Fr. Tetlow out at the Cenacolo Farms in St. Augustine. I
participated in events held by the Knights of Columbus and became a fourth
degree knight in 2005.
3. Who influenced/inspired you to pursue the priesthood? Did anyone
specifically invite you to consider priesthood?
Fr. Tetlow was really the first one to introduce me to the idea and
then the faithful of Santa Maria del Mar took the role on themselves to
continue to encourage me and with the grace of God I began to see the light
of a vocation.
4. What are some of the most important parts of discernment?
Openness to God and giving all of yourself to his will. Then consumed
by his love discernment becomes easy because the light of Christ illuminates
your path so that you can see whether or not he is calling you to the priesthood.
5. How did your family members and friends react when you told them
about going to the seminary?
At first they didn't believe it, but then after reviewing my involvement
with the Church and how it transformed my life they were on board with
whatever I wanted to do with my life, I still don't think they understand
the call that I have received but in all honesty I don't understand completely
this supernatural call to be a priest all I can do is respond to God's
call with love and openness.
6. What is your day like in the seminary?
A day would consist of classes in the morning and early afternoon.
Choir, breakfast and lunch included. Morning prayer and evening prayer
with the community and an opportunity to attend Mass at 7:50am, 12:10pm,
or 5:30pm. On Wednesdays we have conferences hosting Priests and Bishops
from around the country offering advice in discernment and teaching on
various issues a priest has to face and the formation necessary to meet
the needs of the faithful.
7. Is seminary formation what you thought it would be?
How is it similar or different from your expectations? It is all if
not more than what I expected, although I am learning not to expect to
much because God is trying to teach us at each moment of our life so I
my expectations are let down I become closed and unable to comprehend the
lesson that God has prepared for me at that instant.
8. How many classmates did you have this past academic year?
There are 367 in the University, 45 of those students were affiliated
with the Pre-Theologate program which is a program of discernment and preparation
for the Major Seminary.
9. What is the hardest thing so far in your journey toward the priesthood?
The studies are challenging at Ave Maria University. The hardest thing
I would say is keeping a balanced schedule with all of the functions available
at the school and still having time for physical fitness.
10. What is your favorite Scripture passage? Why?
It is hard to choose a favorite scripture passage because it is the
Bible that was the largest influence upon my conversion. But if I were
to choose one Scripture passage that is pertinent it would be Matthew 13:44
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man
found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has
and buys that field." Also "The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are
few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his
harvest. " (Mt 9:37)
11. What are some of your favorite and most important spiritual readings/
books/ passages?
The entire Bible, St.
Augustine’s Confessions, Lives
of the Saints, and the
writings of the Popes.
(Note by web minister: click on blue links to go to internet sites
of works mentioned).
12. What would people be surprised to know about you?
13. What are your hobbies? Basketball, most recently golf and chess.
14. What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation?
To pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers
into his harvest and to deny himself and follow Christ without reserve,
sharing his faith in Christ, his hope in Christ and performing acts of
Charity toward the poor in spirit and the poor financially.
15. What activities would you recommend in order to foster a culture
of vocations?
Get involved in all different types of ministry especially hospital
ministry. Also to serve the Mass and proclaim the readings from the Ambo.
16. What influence (if any) has Pope John Paul II, or another person
whom you met or did not meet, had on your vocation?
PJPII had a huge impact on my life and I feel that it was his prayers
and his example along with Fr. Tetlow that I realized the beauty of the
priesthood. It was in fact when PJPII was unconscious that I really reflected
upon his life and started to discuss with my ex-girlfriend that the beauty
of the priesthood is consuming me and PJPII's prayers are being heard for
solid vocations to enter the life of service to the Universal Church.
17. What message do you have for members of your home parish, Santa
Maria del Mar?
I can't thank the faithful of Santa Maria del Mar enough for all the
prayers and support that I have received over the past four to five years.
You all answered the command of Christ that was spoken of earlier in Mt
13:44, to pray to the Lord to send out laborers. Thanks for the words of
confirmation that you give me each time I enter the Church concerning my
vocation to the priesthood but most importantly the love that you share
with me when I am present on the altar with Fr. Tetlow or away when you
are offering your prayers for me. I am praying for you and I love you al
very dearly, I will never forget what this wonderful parish has done for
my life and I will continue to spread the message of love that we all take
part in at out wonderful church throughout the years of my life and bring
it to the next. God bless you all!
Rich+
July 14, 2007