Spotlight

Year at UST: Senior
Major: Catholic Studies and Philosophy
Minor: English
Hometown: South St. Paul, MN

Why did you decide to come to UST?
Three years ago I began to look at colleges to attend after high school. There were several qualifications I was looking at when deciding which college I should attend. I wanted a college that had a rigorous academic program, research opportunities outside the classroom, clubs and organizations to be involved in, and study-abroad opportunities.

What struck me about the University of St. Thomas, however, was not contained in any of these qualifications; rather, I was particularly impressed by the university’s Catholic identity. I knew that by coming to St. Thomas I would not only receive an impeccable education, but even more importantly, I would be surrounded by friends, faculty, and organizations in essence, a university that supported my Catholic identity. This support is manifested in many ways: my favorite literature classes have been co-sponsored by the Catholic Studies Department, Campus Ministry makes the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation readily available, Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has been in place for the last several years, and some of my closest friends and most exciting experiences have been with my brother seminarians at St. John Vianney Catholic College Seminary. Is the University of St. Thomas’ Catholic identity perfect? No. It is a university, however, that has allowed me explore and deepen my Catholic faith more than if I had attended another institution.

What does it mean to you to be selected as an Aquinas Fellow?
I am honored and humbled to have been selected as an Aquinas Fellow. To all who make the Aquinas Fellows possible: Thank You!

What has been your most valuable experience so far at St. Thomas?
By far the most valuable experience for me at St. Thomas has been my being a seminarian at St. John Vianney College Seminary. What I thought would be a simple program that would help me discern whether or not God was calling me to the priesthood has turned out to be an intense, life-changing formation program. The activities I participate in as a seminarian including daily prayer, a daily Holy Hour, daily Mass, frequent reception of Reconciliation, spiritual and formation direction meetings, volunteer opportunities, and communal dinners have had one goal, namely, to form me into a man on fire for Jesus Christ, dedicated to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and committed to the service of others. The seminary has shown me that in order to discern whether or not God is calling me to the priesthood I must first become a man who has surrendered everything to God.

Have the last two years been difficult at times? Yes, at times extremely difficult! Praise God, however, that my years at seminary have been some of the most rewarding, joyful years of my life as well! Whether or not I go on to become a priest, I know that I will leave the University of St. Thomas a better, holier man because of my time at St. John Vianney Seminary.

How will being an Aquinas Fellow help you discern and work towards your vocation?

My being an Aquinas Fellow has reminded me that my time at the University of St. Thomas should not simply be concerned with getting an A’ on an exam or with participating in as many activities as I can; rather, my time at St. Thomas should also include me looking at what vocation God is calling me to. Just as marriage is not a job’ something that one can change or get rid of so too is the priesthood (or even the life of a lay man) not a job.’ I must use the time I have at St. Thomas to prayerfully and patiently develop the gifts God has given me, discover what gives me joy, fall more in love with Jesus Christ, and then (and only then!) begin to ask God how He wants me to serve Him. I am excited to meet other students who are striving to serve God in their own, unique ways, students who have different desires, passions, and gifts than I do! Their witness will give me strength and encouragement to forge ahead in trying to discover my vocation in life.

What advice would you give a student about discerning their vocation?
My advice can be summed up in two words: Be patient! When I first entered the seminary, I thought I had my life figured out; I thought I knew for certain that God was calling me to be a priest. Now, with three years of seminary under my belt, I can say that this is not the case at all!

My time at seminary has shown me the level of holiness priests need to have, a level of holiness I did not (nor do I currently) possess. My attempts to attain this holiness through the purgation of my sins and the opening my heart to listen to God’s voice have ended again and again (though not always) in failure. I have asked God questions like, Why won’t you get rid of this sin in my life?! Then I’ll be able to give you everything I have!,’ or even, God, why won’t you tell me more clearly what vocation you’re calling me to?! After you do, I’ll fix all my energy on that call!’ These questions, however, miss the point, namely, that holiness and a relationship with God does not materialize overnight. Rather, it is a slow, oftentimes painful process that orients one to Christ. This process requires patience! Is patience a difficult virtue to exude while in the midst of trial, temptation, and frustration? Yes, it is! It is an essential virtue, however, as anyone begins to discern their vocation and live a holy life.

Aquinas Fellowship Recipients
VIEW OTHER SPOTLIGHTS	Samuel Patet Aquinas Fellow
	Year at UST: Senior Major: Catholic Studies and Philosophy Minor: English Hometown: South St. Paul, MN Why did you decide to come to UST? Three years ago I began to look at colleges to attend after high school. There were several qualifications I was looking at when deciding which college I should attend. I wanted a college that had a rigorous academic program, research opportunities outside the classroom, clubs and organizations to be involved in, and study-abroad opportunities. What struck me about the University of St. Thomas, however, was not contained in any of these qualifications; rather, I was particularly impressed by the university’s Catholic identity. I knew that by coming to St. Thomas I would not only receive an impeccable education, but even more importantly, I would be surrounded by friends, faculty, and organizations in essence, a university that supported my Catholic identity. This support is manifested in many ways: my favorite literature classes have been co-sponsored by the Catholic Studies Department, Campus Ministry makes the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation readily available, Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has been in place for the last several years, and some of my closest friends and most exciting experiences have been with my brother seminarians at St. John Vianney Catholic College Seminary. Is the University of St. Thomas’ Catholic identity perfect? No. It is a university, however, that has allowed me explore and deepen my Catholic faith more than if I had attended another institution. What does it mean to you to be selected as an Aquinas Fellow? I am honored and humbled to have been selected as an Aquinas Fellow. To all who make the Aquinas Fellows possible: Thank You! What has been your most valuable experience so far at St. Thomas? By far the most valuable experience for me at St. Thomas has been my being a seminarian at St. John Vianney College Seminary. What I thought would be a simple program that would help me discern whether or not God was calling me to the priesthood has turned out to be an intense, life-changing formation program. The activities I participate in as a seminarian including daily prayer, a daily Holy Hour, daily Mass, frequent reception of Reconciliation, spiritual and formation direction meetings, volunteer opportunities, and communal dinners have had one goal, namely, to form me into a man on fire for Jesus Christ, dedicated to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and committed to the service of others. The seminary has shown me that in order to discern whether or not God is calling me to the priesthood I must first become a man who has surrendered everything to God. Have the last two years been difficult at times? Yes, at times extremely difficult! Praise God, however, that my years at seminary have been some of the most rewarding, joyful years of my life as well! Whether or not I go on to become a priest, I know that I will leave the University of St. Thomas a better, holier man because of my time at St. John Vianney Seminary. How will being an Aquinas Fellow help you discern and work towards your vocation? My being an Aquinas Fellow has reminded me that my time at the University of St. Thomas should not simply be concerned with getting an A’ on an exam or with participating in as many activities as I can; rather, my time at St. Thomas should also include me looking at what vocation God is calling me to. Just as marriage is not a job’ something that one can change or get rid of so too is the priesthood (or even the life of a lay man) not a job.’ I must use the time I have at St. Thomas to prayerfully and patiently develop the gifts God has given me, discover what gives me joy, fall more in love with Jesus Christ, and then (and only then!) begin to ask God how He wants me to serve Him. I am excited to meet other students who are striving to serve God in their own, unique ways, students who have different desires, passions, and gifts than I do! Their witness will give me strength and encouragement to forge ahead in trying to discover my vocation in life. What advice would you give a student about discerning their vocation? My advice can be summed up in two words: Be patient! When I first entered the seminary, I thought I had my life figured out; I thought I knew for certain that God was calling me to be a priest. Now, with three years of seminary under my belt, I can say that this is not the case at all! My time at seminary has shown me the level of holiness priests need to have, a level of holiness I did not (nor do I currently) possess. My attempts to attain this holiness through the purgation of my sins and the opening my heart to listen to God’s voice have ended again and again (though not always) in failure. I have asked God questions like, Why won’t you get rid of this sin in my life?! Then I’ll be able to give you everything I have!,’ or even, God, why won’t you tell me more clearly what vocation you’re calling me to?! After you do, I’ll fix all my energy on that call!’ These questions, however, miss the point, namely, that holiness and a relationship with God does not materialize overnight. Rather, it is a slow, oftentimes painful process that orients one to Christ. This process requires patience! Is patience a difficult virtue to exude while in the midst of trial, temptation, and frustration? Yes, it is! It is an essential virtue, however, as anyone begins to discern their vocation and live a holy life.