Peter Darnell

College I/Propaedeutic stage
St. John Paul II Seminary
The Catholic University of America
Cathedral of Saint Thomas More Parish  

What did you do prior to entering seminary?

Before entering seminary I graduated from Bishop O'Connell High School. I played tennis for my high school team, and I worked as a tennis instructor during the summer.

What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?

For a while my plan was to do what I wanted to do before seriously discerning priesthood. I thought I should have a job, girlfriend, or college degree, and if that didn't work I could do what the Lord was calling me to. I realized that if the Lord was calling me to priesthood I shouldn't spend my time doing things contrary to His will. With this in mind, I began to pray for my vocation and in December of my senior year I applied to seminary. 

Why do you want to be a priest? 

Being surrounded by priests through altar serving gave me a new appreciation. Altar serving helped me take a priestly vocation seriously. I had a newfound attraction to the priesthood, as a vocation of heroism and adventure. At times, the call to priesthood feels deeply rooted in my identity. If priesthood is what I am made for, I trust it will fulfill me. 

What are your favorite pastimes?

I enjoy waterskiing, reading, and playing spikeball. Unfortunately most of my favorite activities are contingent on hot weather. If I had the choice I would want it to be 80° F all the time. 

What is your favorite quote?

“When I hesitate to act in some situations, I ask Love. It advises best.” - Saint Faustina Kowalska

Who is your favorite Saint and why?

My favorite Saint is St. Tarcisius. When I was a child my mother would read me stories about the lives of the Saints. When she read me the story of Tarcisius I was captivated by his heroism. Tarcisius was a 12-year-old acolyte during Roman persecution against Christians. Tarcisius heroically volunteered to secretly bring the Eucharist to prisoners. On his way to the prison with the Eucharist pressed against chest, a group of boys questioned what he was hiding. In fear that the boys would defile the Body of Christ, Tarcisius refused to show them. The boys formed a mob and beat him to death. Tarcisius would rather die than give up his Lord. 

What advice would you give to a young person thinking about their vocation?

Do not be afraid or indifferent to the possibility of priesthood or religious life. Trust that the Lord has a plan for you, and that His plan is good.