📬 Keaton's Question: 

 

"Will the reality of a U.S. Pope, who’s served abroad but was shaped in America, help inspire young men to consider the priesthood?"

 

 

🎙️ Patrick's Response: "I really hope so and believe that could happen!" 🙏

 

 

👨‍👦 Family Ties to the Seminary

 

All four of Patrick's sons discerned the priesthood; they spent time in seminary before eventually choosing marriage.

 

So, Patrick understands the real-life discernment process: the pull between the altar and the altar rail.

 

 

📚 Academic + Formation Insider

 

Patrick went back to school later in life and studied at a major seminary, sitting alongside seminarians in class.

 

He’s also on the Board of Directors of a seminary, so he sees the vocation process from every angle... from books to brotherhood.

 

 

✝️ History Repeats: The JP2 Effect

 

He draws a beautiful parallel to Pope Saint John Paul II:

 

So many priests (and bishops!) today trace their vocation stories back to seeing JP2... maybe at World Youth Day.

 

They became priests because they saw a Pope who inspired them to think: “I want to be like him.”

 

Key idea: Vocation is contagious, especially when modeled in someone relatable and holy.

 

 

👀 Hope for the Leo XIV Generation?

 

Patrick says Pope Leo XIV seems:

 

-Young ✔️

 

-Vibrant but humble ✔️

 

-Not flashy, but authentic ✔️

 

That combination just might light the spark for a new generation of American men to say "yes" to Christ.

 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Pope Leo XIV becomes a catalyst,” Patrick says. “I hope he is.”

 

 

So… Will More American Guys Become Priests?

 

Maybe. Hopefully.


Patrick believes young men are watching. And when they see someone like them become Pope, Midwest roots and all, they might just imagine a bigger, braver life with Christ.

 

 

And hey, say a prayer today for your priest, and maybe for a guy you know who might just be called.

 

 

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.

📬 Keaton's Question:&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote data-start="479" data-end="633">
"Will the reality of a U.S. Pope, who&rsquo;s served abroad but was shaped in America, help inspire young men to consider the priesthood?"
&nbsp;
</blockquote>
<hr data-start="635" data-end="638">
&nbsp;
🎙️ Patrick's Response: "I really hope so and believe that could happen!" 🙏
&nbsp;
<hr>
&nbsp;
👨&zwj;👦&nbsp;Family Ties to the Seminary
&nbsp;
All four of Patrick's sons discerned the priesthood; they spent time in seminary before eventually choosing marriage.
&nbsp;
So, Patrick understands the real-life discernment process: the&nbsp;pull between the altar and the altar rail.
&nbsp;
<hr>
&nbsp;
📚 Academic + Formation Insider
&nbsp;
Patrick went back to school later in life and studied at a major seminary, sitting alongside seminarians in class.
&nbsp;
He&rsquo;s also on the Board of Directors of a seminary, so he sees the vocation process from every angle... from books to brotherhood.
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="1360" data-end="1363">
&nbsp;
✝️ History Repeats: The JP2 Effect
&nbsp;
He draws a beautiful parallel to Pope Saint John Paul II:
&nbsp;
So many priests (and bishops!) today trace their vocation stories back to seeing JP2... maybe at World Youth Day.
&nbsp;
They became priests because they saw a Pope who inspired them to think: &ldquo;I want to be like him.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Key idea: Vocation is contagious, especially when modeled in someone relatable and holy.
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="1812" data-end="1815">
&nbsp;
👀 Hope for the Leo XIV Generation?
&nbsp;
Patrick says Pope Leo XIV seems:
&nbsp;
-Young ✔️
&nbsp;
-Vibrant but humble ✔️
&nbsp;
-Not flashy, but authentic ✔️
&nbsp;
That combination just might light the spark for a new generation of American men to say "yes" to Christ.
&nbsp;
<blockquote data-start="2080" data-end="2173">
&ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t be surprised if Pope Leo XIV becomes a catalyst,&rdquo; Patrick says. &ldquo;I hope he is.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
</blockquote>
<hr data-start="2175" data-end="2178">
&nbsp;
So&hellip; Will More American Guys Become Priests?
&nbsp;
Maybe.&nbsp;Hopefully.
 Patrick believes young men are watching. And when they see someone like them become Pope, Midwest roots and all, they might just imagine a bigger, braver life with Christ.
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="2443" data-end="2446">
&nbsp;
<blockquote data-start="2535" data-end="2642" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">
And hey, say a prayer today for your priest, and maybe for a guy you know who&nbsp;might just be called.
</blockquote>
&nbsp;
<hr>
&nbsp;
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week 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 <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

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.

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.

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