Called To Serve, Called To World Youth Day

jimmy intro postPaulist seminarian (me) meets World Youth Day (HUGE, global, young adult Catholic gathering). What will happen? That’s anyone’s guess — even mine. I’ve been around the Church for a while, but I have to admit that I don’t know what to expect in a few weeks when I arrive in Rio to work with Mark Irons to bring Busted Halo® readers reports from World Youth Day.

I have never been to a World Youth Day. I haven’t even traveled outside of the United States that much. So for me, there is a lot of excitement and also a tiny bit of fear of all the unknowns that come with international travels.

I’m hoping this experience will strengthen my call to serve as an ordained priest in the Church. About a month after this trip, I will make my final profession, committing myself to life as a Paulist. In a way, I feel that World Youth Day will be preparation for my profession — giving me a final boost before making that commitment. I look forward to meeting other young Catholics who are excited about their faith and sharing our experiences of what it means to be Catholic in today’s world. And who knows — maybe I’ll get to meet the pope himself!