My name is Deacon Michael Bruno, I am a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Brooklyn recently ordained on July 25th. I am also completing my fourth year of studies at the North American College in Rome. In these past few weeks since diaconal ordination, one line that has echoed quite frequently in my mind is the instruction during the passing on of the Book of the Gospels, “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you now are…” For me that is a humbling and challenging call, to be a herald of the Gospel in today’s world, in our neighborhoods, communities, on our streets, and in fact anywhere we find ourselves. Yet, this is an essential part of who we are called to be as men answering a call to the priesthood, heralds of the Good News.
The Holy Father challenged us to embrace this call at St. Joseph’s in Dunwoodie during his Apostolic Visit saying, “And who now will bear the Gospel on the streets of New York?” I find myself quite often praying for the grace to be an effective herald and a faithful servant. All the while I am humbled by the loving goodness of God at work in the world and in my own life. It has been a wonderful few weeks as a deacon, and I thank God for the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel with the great priests and deacons of our diocese and of the entire Church.
Brooklyn represented in Rome!
My name is Christian Rada. I’m studying for the Diocese of Brooklyn at Theolgical College in Washington, DC. I’m currently starting my senior year at Catholic University of America studying Philosophy. My home parish is Blessed Sacrament in Cypress Hills. I am excited that I have the opportunity to shared my seminary experience with you all.
My name is Matthew Zinser, and I’m studying to be a priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn. I’ve just started my third year of college at St. John’s University, while living at Cathedral Seminary-Residence in Douglaston. My home parish is St. Matthias in Ridgewood, NY. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences as a seminarian with you throughout this year.
My name is Alonzo Cox. I am entering my final year of formation here at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington. This has been a whirlwind of a week, with welcoming our new Rector, Msgr. Peter Vaccari who actually began his 22 year here on faculty and with the announcement of him being named a Chaplain to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI with the title of Monsignor. I look forward to sharing my expereince of the seminary this year, most especially as I approach Diaconate Ordination on December 8 and Priesthood Ordiantion on June 26
Welcome to my blog. I am a Brooklyn seminarian studying for the priesthood in Rome. I hope to keep you up to date with my goings here in Rome very regularly! Please keep me in your prayers as I continue my studies here at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
For the first time in our Diocese’s history, we have a BLOG. During the course of the year, five seminarians and one transitional deacon have agreed to share with us aspects of their life in real-time. It is our hope that you will be able to walk with them as they discern their call to the priesthood and follow them from their perspective seminaries (Rome, Washington, Douglaston, NY and Huntington, NY). And of course, there is always room for comments!
Let us get to know our Diocesan Bloggers…
I feel like this is an historic moment & that our “Seminarian Blog” will bring many Blessing and, God-willing, help many young men to “hear & answer” the Lord’s call to priesthood.
