John Cassani

When was the first time you thought of priesthood?

I began to think about it seriously in 2005, after the death of Pope John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict XVI. I could see the tide in the Church turning back toward tradition and orthodoxy.

What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to the Seminary?

Archdiocese of Boston vocation retreat in 2007

What was your involvement in parish life before entering the Seminary?

I had been an altar boy when I was young. For the past few years, I had helped in teaching in the adult confirmation program.

Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood? Please Explain.

The election of Pope Benedict was very inspiring. I had been a fan of Cardinal Ratzinger for several years, and I saw it as being providential in my life that he was elected.

What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation?

Pray the rosary daily and ask for the Blessed Mother's intercession. Go through the discernment and application process, and then be docile to God's will.

Please tell us, what are some of the most important parts of discernment?

Prayer; knowing where one is most at peace; recognizing certain events in one's life as being incidences of divine providence

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I worked at my grandfather's bowling alley for at least 10 years.

What activities would you recommend in order to foster a culture of vocations?

Parishes should be careful to distinguish the role of priests from that of lay people. The "manliness" of the vocation should be emphasized. Well celebrated, traditional liturgies using both the new and old missal should be more widely available.

What influence (if any) has either Pope John Paul II or Pope Benedict XVI had on your vocation?

Pope Benedict was my primary inspiration, but Pope John Paul II also had a profound effect. I had always been a great admirer of his steadfast defense of human life. His preaching and writing became so poignant in the las years of his life ended up being a living embodiment of his teaching. I hope that the world can take a cue from the way in which he faced his illness and death. I found it greatly inspiring.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ?

Growing up in a devout family was a great help. I have only truly begun to know Christ since I have developed my prayer life.

What were some of the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and His Church?

Attending the so-called Tridentine mass at Holy Trinity and now at Mary Immaculate in Newton has had a great effect on me. I was exposed to liturgy that is so centered upon God, and so aesthetically beautiful. It also helped me to realize that the Church of our time, is the same as the Church of all times.

What was your career or background before entering the seminary?

I worked for a bank as a financial analyst. I greatly enjoyed the work and the people I worked with. I believe that the skills I learned in my job will be useful to me in the future.

What signs led you to believe that God was calling you to be a priest?

I took the fact that I could not get it out of my mind as a real sign that I had a vocation.

Please describe the importance of prayer in your life?

Prayer is a great opportunity to listen to what God is saying to me, whether I am reading psalms from the Divine Office, or just sitting quietly in the chapel. It is truly essential.

What is your day like in the seminary?

It is a well structured day. There are more than 2 hours per day spent in prayer in the chapel. Class time is comparable to what one has in college. Time management is important, but there is generally enough time to pray and study well.

Through the Cardinal, God is calling you personally to help rebuild His Church. How must the Priest respond to this mandate today?

The priest needs to have the courage to live his vocation with true fidelity to the priestly office as it has been passed down from generation to generation.

How does the Priest best follow in the footsteps of the Apostles?

He does what he can to spread the faith, and he is faithful to the Church's teaching in his own life so as to set a good example to those who follow him.