Some More News You Should Know

[PhuturePriest]

So, I've been accepted as a seminarian for my diocese. However, I was waiting with trepidation concerning the actual seminary, because the diocese wanted me to go to Holy Trinity Seminary, which is connected to the University of Dallas. The University of Dallas is a relatively prestigious school with a very rigorous academic program, and I was unsure if they would be pleased with my high school transcript and ACT score.

However, I bring the very good news that this morning I received my acceptance letter. With a short explanation as to why they accepted me, it had lots of information on the core program and what it entails, including one sophomore semester at Rome studying Roman art and architecture, ten days in Greece, and ten days to travel wherever I want in Europe.

I admittedly did not want to go to Holy Trinity when I first applied, as I knew the University of Dallas is a difficult school program. However, when the package explained all I would be learning, I couldn't help but feel very attracted to it. As I read it, I couldn't help but realize just how blessed and privileged I am. As if two years spent on a classical education and traveling the world isn't enough, all of my education will be completely free of charge for me. I know so many who will simply never have these types of opportunities, and I can't squander them because they will bring me out of my comfort zone and really challenge me. I hate to see the person who would walk away from such a ridiculously generous gift from our Lord, and I would hate even more to meet that person in a mirror.

This is going to be really hard for me. My visceral reaction to anything that really pushes and challenges me is to give up. But I've worked so hard to get to this point. I've had so much progress in overturning my flight reflex when it comes to challenges, but this is going to be the biggest challenge by far. Please pray that I don't lose sight of the end goal, that I apply myself as best I can in my studies, and of course, don't hesitate to remind me of what an overly privileged snot rag I am and how irrational and insane I am should I ever think of quitting simply because it's hard.

Why God would ever give an idiot like me a free ride to a prestigious Catholic university like this is beyond me. I feel as if I were John Vianney being sent to Oxford. But then again, I've questioned why God would call someone like me towards the priesthood in the first place. He doesn't make a whole lot of sense this side of eternity, but I've learned it's just best to do whatever he tells me to, no matter how absolutely ridiculous it is. God truly never is outdone in generosity.

Let me know if you're interested in the core program and what the books are. I'd be happy to share.

Edited April 24, 2016 by PhuturePriest

[Basilisa Marie]

YEAH BUDDY. 

[BarbTherese]

Congratulations PP!  What great news.

I seemed to have seen you change and really grow over what struck me as a short period - I am very confident you will meet the challenges of your formation, Grace is with you..........and for some Grace at work is quite obvious as it strikes me about you.......... somebody else has said it: I think you are going to make a really good priest........... and we sure need them.

God bless your journey richly and from what you have written it will unfold as a fascinating journey for you.

1 hour ago, PhuturePriest said:

Please pray that I don't lose sight of the end goal, that I apply myself as best I can in my studies, and of course, don't hesitate to remind me of what an overly privileged snot rag I am and how irrational and insane I am should I ever think of quitting simply because it's hard.

Prayers for you for sure, and keep us all in yours.  Your closing comments above gave me a giggle - thank you.

[DominicanHeart]

It's going to be amazing! Enjoy it!

[beatitude]

Good luck and enjoy.  

If you ever find yourself in the UK during your European wanderings, let me know, and providing I'm in it myself at the time, I will give you food and show you some nice pilgrimage places.

[Peace]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=So23SFwBVvI

[Archaeology cat]

Woohoo!

[HisChildForever]

Congratulations and God bless! I look forward to seeing all the pictures during your overseas study!

[PhuturePriest]

4 hours ago, beatitude said:

Good luck and enjoy.  

If you ever find yourself in the UK during your European wanderings, let me know, and providing I'm in it myself at the time, I will give you food and show you some nice pilgrimage places.

The UK is my favorite place on earth, so whether by flight or by paddling there, you can be assured I will be there one day.

[NadaTeTurbe]

And if you ever find yourself in France (Lourdes, Lisieux, Paris, Toulouse), let me know, and you'll have a personalized tour (I do summer job in tourism)

[PhuturePriest]

57 minutes ago, NadaTeTurbe said:

And if you ever find yourself in France (Lourdes, Lisieux, Paris, Toulouse), let me know, and you'll have a personalized tour (I do summer job in tourism)

France is actually one of the first places I thought of. I want to visit France and Germany for sure, and maybe Poland.

[Spem in alium]

This is fantastic! I'm so happy for you - that you have this opportunity, and that you can recognise areas of growth in your life. God bless you.

P.S. I would totally be interested in your core program and books.  

Edited April 24, 2016 by Spem in alium

[Makarioi]

Congratulations!  This is a period of personal learning and scholastic learning: and when the 2 meet----it will be GREAT!  So happy for you! 

[CatherineM]

I always found classes I liked to be easier. I hope the same happens for you. 

[Gabriela]

Time to turn on that humility spotlight and shine it all over UDallas, brother.

 

As for Europe: Depending on what you're interested in doing, I recommend Madrid (for the people), Berlin (for the history), and Norway (for the nature).