Ordained a priest June 7, 2025 Read his interview with the Arlington Catholic Herald Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary University of Mary Washington Saint John Bosco Parish What did you do prior to entering seminary?  I have been discerning monastic life and the diocesan priesthood for the past few years, seeking clarity from God about where He was calling me.  Prior to entering seminary in 2018, I worked for FOCUS and the Diocese of Richmond, among other places.  After finishing pre-theology studies, I decided to do an extended discernment retreat at a monastery, where God made clear that the passion I have for evangelization could best be realized as a diocesan priest. What influenced your decision to (RE)apply for seminary entrance?  I re-applied to the seminary after realizing that God wants all of me, not just the parts that I want to give Him, for my sake and for the sake of those (God willing) to whom I will minister in the future as priest. Why do you want to be a priest?  I desire to serve the Church as a minister of Christ's Mercy for his people through the offering of my life in prayer and humble service through the Liturgical and Sacramental life of the Church. I particularly want to bring people to Christ's mercy in the daily offering of the Holy Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. What are your favorite pastimes?  Hiking and camping. I enjoy jogging and outdoorsy stuff. I play guitar some. I enjoy listening to music and watching movies of all kinds. What is your favorite quote?  "There is need for a crusade of manliness and purity to counteract and undo the savage work of those who think that man is a beast. And that crusade is a matter for you.” St. Josemaría Escrivá Who is your favorite Saint and why? I have a fascination for Saint Michael the Archangel. I know he is an angel and not man, but I believe him to be humble. What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?  A Carthusian nun was known to have given the same answer every time she was asked a question about matters pertaining to her monastery and community; she would simply respond "Ask Jesus, he'll tell you what to do."  In order to know Christ though we must be close to Him through the means He gives us: Confession, the Eucharist, daily prayer and penance (something that we have all been lacking for sometime). Pray a daily rosary. Ask the Blessed Mother to show you how to know her son, tell her that you are unable to reach him without her help. Beg her, trust her, confide everything you are and do to her, even your sorrows and pain. Then, you will be on the right path.