Father Patrick Costello entered the U.S. Naval Academy preparing for military service. But through daily Mass, the Rosary, and the example of faithful priests, he began hearing another call: the priesthood.

That call became clearer after graduation when he was stationed in Japan. Father Costello frequently traveled to Nagasaki, where St. Paul Miki and his companions were martyred. Standing where Catholics had given their lives for Christ made a lasting impression.

“Something in me really stirred,” Father Costello told Mark on The Mark Swartzberg Show. “I really had a desire for giving my life to Christ in some way.”

Now a Navy chaplain serving at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Father Costello encourages Catholics to discover that same spirit of self-gift by contemplating Jesus on the Cross.

He suggested simply looking at a crucifix and recognizing Christ’s sacrifice as a personal act of love. The Mass offers an especially powerful opportunity to respond. As the priest elevates the Host, Father Costello recommends making an interior offering: “Lord, I give you my life. I lay my life down for you this day.”

Then, when receiving Holy Communion, we can remember that Christ gives Himself completely to us, and offer ourselves back to Him.

The Stations of the Cross, the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, and meditation on the Passion can also deepen this union with Christ Crucified.

Father Costello’s journey from Annapolis to Japan and eventually the priesthood shows what can happen when we make room for God each day. Prayer gradually teaches us not merely to admire Christ’s sacrifice, but to offer our own lives in return.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Father Patrick Costello entered the U.S. Naval Academy preparing for military service. But through daily Mass, the Rosary, and the example of faithful priests, he began hearing another call: the priesthood.
That call became clearer after graduation when he was stationed in Japan. Father Costello frequently traveled to Nagasaki, where St. Paul Miki and his companions were martyred. Standing where Catholics had given their lives for Christ made a lasting impression.
&ldquo;Something in me really stirred,&rdquo; Father Costello told Mark on The Mark Swartzberg Show. &ldquo;I really had a desire for giving my life to Christ in some way.&rdquo;
Now a Navy chaplain serving at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Father Costello encourages Catholics to discover that same spirit of self-gift by contemplating Jesus on the Cross.
He suggested simply looking at a crucifix and recognizing Christ&rsquo;s sacrifice as a personal act of love. The Mass offers an especially powerful opportunity to respond. As the priest elevates the Host, Father Costello recommends making an interior offering: &ldquo;Lord, I give you my life. I lay my life down for you this day.&rdquo;
Then, when receiving Holy Communion, we can remember that Christ gives Himself completely to us, and offer ourselves back to Him.
The Stations of the Cross, the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, and meditation on the Passion can also deepen this union with Christ Crucified.
Father Costello&rsquo;s journey from Annapolis to Japan and eventually the priesthood shows what can happen when we make room for God each day. Prayer gradually teaches us not merely to admire Christ&rsquo;s sacrifice, but to offer our own lives in return.
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The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

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Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.