Seminary :
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Redemptoris Mater House of Formation
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High School :
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San Leone Magno High School (Rome)
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Hobbies :
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Playing guitar, soccer, watching movies, reading comics
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When did you first start thinking about the priesthood?The first time that I thought of the priesthood was in 2004, when I was in Israel for the holidays. After scrutinizing the Word of God with a group of young men, I felt that the Lord was calling me for the priesthood.
What were some major Catholic activities you participated in prior to the seminary? (e.g. Any world youth Day's? Any Major parish events? Any seminary/ Vocation Retreats? Movements? Cursillo? Pilgrimages?)I was at the World Youth Days of Paris, Rome, Toronto and Cologne. I was also at the meeting with the Pope in Israel 2000.
How did you come to know Jesus Christ?Through the Neocatechumenal Way. Actually all of my friends are part of this Way and it was through my parents first, but also through my community, that I came to know Jesus Christ.
What is one of your favorite scripture passages? Why?Philippians 4:13 "There is nothing I cannot master with the help of the one who gives me strength." This is my favorite quote because it reminds me that with God I can do everything, but only with God, not by myself.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?That I speak a little bit of modern Hebrew and also ancient Hebrew.
Please describe the importance of prayer in your life.I didn't pray a lot in my life, but ever since I started praying, my life has changed. I felt a kind of peace I never felt before. I think that now prayer is very important in my life.
What are some of you your favorite books, spiritual readings, magazines?Certainly my favorite saint is Saint Francis of Assisi. Therefore, my favorite books are about him, such as, for example, "Le due vite."
Is seminary formation what you thought it would be? How has it been similar or different from your expectations?Our seminary formation is really good. It is very similar to my expectations.
What activities would you recommend in order to foster a culture of vocations?First of all we need to evangelize, and to announce Jesus Christ. After this, the vocations will be born by themselves.
Did anyone invite you to consider priesthood? Please explain.Nobody invited me to consider the priesthood. As I said above, I discovered the call when scrutinizing the Word of God during my holidays in Israel in 2004.
What were some of the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and His Church?Simply the liturgies of the Neocatechumenal Way, namely the Eucharist on Saturday nights and the Liturgy of the Word on Wednesdays. Also Morning Prayer on Sundays with my family were very important in my growth and formation.
What signs led you to believe that God was calling you to be a priest?The sign was very clear. Before I went to Israel my life was a mess. During the summer I was in Israel and step by step I started to feel better. I noticed that I felt better during the Eucharist and during the prayers. I understood that I needed to stay with God, the only one that really fulfilled me.
Please tell us, what are some of the most important parts of discernment?I think that to discern the vocation you have to read the facts in your life, and also the signs that God gives you.
Who influenced you/ inspired you to priesthood? Please explain.The rector of the house Domus Galilaeae, in Israel, Fr. Rino Rossi, helped me a lot to understand my crisis and my cross, and also to enlighten my path to the priesthood.
What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation?Not to be afraid. I was very afraid of the vocation, but it is something special, unique. I'd tell him also to pray everyday in front of the Blessed Sacrament and to find a spiritual director.
What is your day like in the seminary?We wake up at 6:30, at 7 we pray Morning Prayer, at 8 we have breakfast, and afterwards we go to school. At 12:30 we come back, we pray Midday Prayer and have lunch. After lunch we can rest a little, and from 2:30 to 7PM we have to study. Then we have Evening Prayer and the Eucharist followed by dinner. After dinner we can study a little, do Night Prayer at 10, and by 11 o'clock it's lights out.
Through the Cardinal, God is calling you personally to help rebuild His Church. How might the priest respond to this mandate today?First of all, I think through the evangelization and also looking for the lost sheep. I think one way a priest can respond to this mandate today is by opening in his parish the Neocatechumenal Way, that is, a place where the far away may come to know God and his mercy within the womb of the Church, our mother.
How does a priest best follow in the footsteps of the apostles?Through poverty, chastity and obedience. These things seem very obvious, but I think that if a priest follows them with all his being, he will follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
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