"Wherever you end up, however it happens, you will never
lose Him, whom You desire so strongly."
BR. ELIJAH
DANAHER, OP
TAKE A MOMENT TO
MEET BR. ELIJAH!
What's your favorite book of the Bible and why?
My favorite book of the bible is the Song of Songs. The personal, deep, and total love
that Jesus Christ has for me has been my greatest source of strength in the years since my
reversion to the faith. Meditating on His love through this book freed me from my sins
and gave me an inner stability I never thought possible. No one loves like He loves.
What's your favorite thing you've read during your studies?
A favorite thing I have read in my studies has been the Sister-Book of Engelthel by Sr.
Christina Ebner, which recounts the history of the Dominican Nun monastery of
Engelthel. I will never forget the story of Sister Hailrat. It was said that as she was
singing an antiphon for Lauds, it was so beautiful that all of the sisters “fell over as if
dead”, completely overwhelmed by the Spirit of God. It was further recounted that they
all remained on the floor for a long time. Eventually, the sisters rose and continued with
the rest of Lauds
If you could join any past or current music group, which would you pick?
If I could, I would join the music group JJ Grey and Mofro. No one knows who they are,
but they are a Blues/Soul band based out of the Florida Bayou. I know all their songs, and
it would be a joy to go back and jam with them. The songs they wrote have a great
appreciation for the beauty of all created things (check out Beautiful World) and the joys
of a slow pace of life.
TIPS FROM BR. ELIJAH:
What's a tip you have for young men discerning priesthood/religious life?
A tip for anyone discerning priesthood or religious life: you can start trying out regular
observance right now. It was the best thing I did when beginning to discern. I bought the
Liturgy of the Hours, and just started praying the Hours on my own. I also picked up
daily Rosary, Adoration, and Mass. Over time, I fell in love with the rhythm of these
prayers. I threw myself into my university studies, and also sought out summer
opportunities that provided community experiences (like Totus Tuus). I felt confirmed in
my vocation for religious life since each practice of regular observance I took on gave me
sustainable peace and joy
Any words of encouragement?
A word of encouragement. You already possess the One whom you wish to give your life
for, Jesus Christ. You have already “made it”. You are free to let yourself be taken on the
adventure that is discernment. Wherever you end up, however it happens, you will never
lose Him, whom You desire so strongly.