It's been awhile since I wrote anything for Patch; I stopped writing long before the new platform came around, back when these things called "columns" still existed. Wonderful to see where Patch is going.
For those unfamiliar with me or my situation, let me give you the Sparknotes version of the back story to this blog...
I have lived in Oswego for basically my entire life. I went through Oswego schools, am a parishioner at St. Anne's, love me some Dari Hut and Village Grind, and have fond memories of riding my bike all over town. It truly has been a wonderful place to grow up.
After graduating from OHS in 2010, I went to North Central College in Naperville studying English and Education, while serving as president of the Character Counts! Coalition and working at OHS as a part-time speech coach. During my time at NCC, I was brought back to a time in my life when the only thing on my heart was becoming a Catholic priest. "That's odd," I thought, "I'm doing my own thing and following my own plan, and I'm still not happy!" After prayer and discernment, I decided to enter seminary to study for the Diocese of Joliet in 2011, which led me to St. John Vianney College Seminary/University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. During this time, I was writing for Patch on my columns "A Matter of Character" and "Oswego and Beyond." This blog is a little bit of an attempt to resurrect (no pun intended) the latter article in light of my upcoming semester studying at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, known as The Angelicum (St. Thomas Aquinas is known as the "Angelic Doctor" because of his vast writings on the subject of angels) and the various European travels that accompany such a time abroad.
Via this new outreach platform, I look forward to sharing this journey of academics, spirituality, and travel with all of those who should stumble upon these pages.
My intention is not to alienate those who do not subscribe to my particular opinions and beliefs, but rather to present the reality of my own life and experiences brought about by the loving providence of Almighty God.
Currently, I am still in St. Paul taking care of some business at the seminary before finally leaving for Rome and the semester that awaits this Thursday, September 5. I'll post again later this week with more details on the travels but, for now, know that God loves you and so do I.
PAX,
RA
