Hometown: Troy, NY
Year in Formation: Junior
College: University of Notre Dame
College Major: Philosophy
Previous Jobs: Delivery Driver for Defazio’s Pizzeria, Stadium Operations for Tri-City ValleyCats
Patron Saint: St. Alphonso’s Liguori, as well as St. Thomas Aquinas because of his inspiring example of what a philosopher, theologian, or any Christian ought to be: a man using his gifts for the glory of God, completely dedicated to Christ and His Church.
Favorite Movie: The Passion of the Christ, The Lighthouse, Joker
Favorite Books: The Power of Silence by Robert Cardinal Sarah, New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton
Favorite Music: Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Gregorian Chant
Hobbies: Reading, playing sports, listening to music, good conversations
Most Memorable Prayer/Liturgy you have Attended: Traditional Solemn Vespers of the Immaculate Conception in the Lady Chapel
Place of Pilgrimage you Most Want to Visit: Hagia Sophia Cathedral
Favorite Way to Pray: Reading and meditating on the Psalms
Favorite Devotion: The Rosary, the Jesus Prayer
What drew you to Holy Cross? The charism of education, whether in the classroom or in a different apostolate, resonated with me because there is a pressing need for Catholic education in the Church and the world. The humility of the men of Holy Cross I have met and the focus on community life were also big factors.
Your Vocation Story: Discovering the Catholic Church’s rich spiritual and liturgical patrimony was a major part of inspiring me to practice my faith with devotion and begin discerning religious life. I experienced awe and majesty in the sight of God through traditional liturgical practice. I ultimately realized that my way of life and practice of faith must not be on my terms but on those of God and his Church. I also thank the Holy Spirit for working through a local diocesan priest, whose inspiring example of patience and charity with me has made me desire to serve God as a priest.
Favorite Verse: “Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly to God.” – 1 Corinthians 3:18-19
Favorite Quote: “We speak about silence: the profound peace of the soul that knows it is loved beyond its wildest dreams, the unchangeable calm that dwells within it — is this not silence? A living, expressive, inhabited silence. Trembling expectation in the hope of the day of the great face-to-face encounter.” – Dom Dysmas de Lassus
How can visitors to this page pray for you? Please pray the Holy Spirit guides me in discerning God’s will and growing in friendship with his Son. Please also pray for my family.