"If you end up called to something else, discerning priesthood and religious life will only help you figure out where you are called as you grow deeper in prayer and love of God."
BR. MATTHEW PAUL GROTE , OP
TAKE A MOMENT TO
MEET BR. MATTHEW PAUL!
What's your favorite prayer?
The Eastern Catholic Church has a beautiful prayer to the Holy Spirit: "O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth! Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, O Good One!"
What's your favorite thing you've read during your studies?
Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange's, Predestination: The Meaning of Predestination in Scripture and the Church.
Has anyone ever thrown you a surprise party? (that was an actual surprise)
In college at Franciscan University of Steubenville! My friends in the Sacred Music department saw that I was feeling down and threw a party to show me how much they supported me. It is one of the greatest experiences of friendship in my memory.
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?
A brown American cotton-tail rabbit. I like to nibble on vegetables, to be outdoors in the grass without shoes, and I come from a very big family!
TIPS FROM BR. MATTHEW PAUL:
What's a tip you have for young men discerning priesthood/religious life?
Pray in silence, and learn how to discern what God wants from you by using more than your feelings or a sense of duty. God does not allow you to frustrate his will--whatever vocation you choose, if you choose it and give yourself to it out of love you are doing exactly what God wants.
Any words of encouragement?
By discerning priesthood and/or religious life, you can't lose. If you end up called to something else, discerning priesthood and religious life will only help you figure out where you are called as you grow deeper in prayer and love of God.