Alex Naglowsky

Seminary: Blessed John XXIII National Seminary, Weston
College: Providence College, Rhode Island
Hobbies: Hiking, Travel – Interest in Religious Sites

When was the first time you thought of priesthood?

I first thought of the priesthood in grade school at Saint Procop's in Cleveland, Ohio. Our pastor, Father Wenceslaus Uhlir, and associate priests were great examples of service to the Lord in the Catholic priesthood. In addition, the Franciscan Sisters from Joliet Illinois were very nurturing of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Back then, 1960 to 1967, there were devotions to The Infant of Prague, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and Eucharistic adoration in our parish. As an altar boy, I served at all these devotions. It was during the “Forty Hours Devotion” that I developed a love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. Every May we had a beautiful procession to honor Mary, the Mother of Our Lord and of the Church. After grade school, I had the opportunity of attending Divine Heart Seminary High School run by The Priests of the Sacred Heart in Indiana. It was there that my vocation, grew further by daily prayer, Mass, daily Benediction, yearly retreats, and spiritual direction.

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

After high school, I attended Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, for one year. It was there that I first encountered the Catholic Charismatic Renewal on campus. I was struck by the faith of the people in the prayer group--- many of who were our professors, Jesuit priests, and many men and women in various branches of religious life. Their love for Jesus was palpable, and they had a deep openness to the power of the Holy Spirit working within the Church and in the world. I attended one of the first national conferences of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at Notre Dame University. Since college campuses were in turmoil during the Vietnam War era, and the “hippie generation”, I decided to take some time away from further education. I ended up living in Rome Italy at the “Centro Carismatico” (the Charismatic Center) assisting two priests, who started prayer groups in English, Italian, French, and Spanish. The English-speaking prayer group was held at the Gregorian University, and I met seminarians, priests, and religious all over the world. I had the opportunity to take visitors from around the world on “spiritual tours” of the holy places in Rome--- the basilicas, the catacombs, and trips to Assisi. The highlight of my year in Rome was meeting, Pope Paul VI in January of 1974.

After returning to the USA, I eventually continued my studies at Providence College in Rhode Island. The Dominicans had a great influence on my intellectual formation in the Faith. After graduating, and spending some time with a religious order that did not work out, I thought that the Lord is leading me to the ministry of teaching religion as a layman in a Catholic high school. However, the thought of the priesthood, always seem to be on the “back burner”.

Eventually, I contacted the vocations office and went to monthly vocation awareness evenings. The best thing I did was to attend the February vocation retreat at St. John's Seminary. At the retreat, Archbishop Sean O'Malley’s first conference was on the Gospel passage about the “Return of the Prodigal Son”. In this conference he situated vocation to the priesthood as foremost a call to know that we are “loved sinners”. Like St. Peter, who would say, “leave me Lord, for I am a sinful man…” He invited all the retreatants to know how tremendous the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness is in our lives, and then to bring that message to the members of the Church. That was it for me! I realized that it is the Lord who makes one “worthy” for the grace of a vocation to the priesthood, and not the other way around. Again, like St. Peter, I had that feeling, “Lord, to whom shall we go, You have the words of eternal life.”

What is your favorite Scripture passage? Why?

(a.) Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me all you who labor and are overburdened and I will give you rest. Shoulder My yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, My yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Why? Because, Jesus invites us to know that He shoulders are sinful human nature in order that we may begin to shoulder His divinity. His “yoke” is His obedience to the Father’s Will. In his mercy--- the love of the Sacred Heart/Divine Mercy--- we will find our way home to God.

(b.) I Corinthians 1:26-31, “Consider, brothers, how you were called; that many of you were wise by human standards, not many influential, not many from noble family. No, God chose those who by human standards are fools to shame the wise; He chose those who by human standards are weak to shame the strong, those who by human standards are common and contemptible--- indeed, those who count for nothing--- to reduced to nothing, all those who do count for something, so that no human being might feel boastful before the God… if anyone wants to boast, let him post in the Lord.”

Why? Because, this is for me a wonderful reminder that the call to priesthood is the work of the Lord. It is the Lord who calls and strengthens me to answer this call. It took me many years to realize the significance of this passage for my vocation.

Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood? Please Explain.

Besides my parish priests and the religious sisters in grade school, I have known many other priests and religious men and women over the years that have inspired me to think about the priesthood. Lifelong friends have repeatedly encouraged me in my vocation. I was graced to live with the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Father Damian of Molakai’s group) for fourteen years before coming to the seminary.

Having a spiritual director, I believe, also helps one to discern their vocation. In preparation for making this decision, Father Oscar Pratt, the vocation director for the Archdiocese of Boston and my spiritual director at the Campion and Renewal Center were very helpful.

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

First of all, I would say this not just to a “young man”--- but two men across the age spectrum--- keep open to the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. Here at Blessed John XXIII National Seminary, I am blessed to meet men from all “walks of life” and backgrounds who come from all over the United States. Some have had careers in the military; others were doctors, businessmen, teachers, and even truck drivers. Many men have come to this vocation after their wives have gone home to the Lord. So, incredibly, many men here at my seminary have raised families, some have grandchildren. All want to serve the Lord, and His Church. I believe the Lord is calling men from many different places in life today who can relate to the people of our time. He once called fishermen and tax collectors, why would He not be doing the same today? Therefore, whether young or older, do not think that the Lord cannot use you because of the career you are in right now.

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

(a.) First, really to listen to your heart; many times the Lord speaks during the Liturgy of the Word--- a good homily, or during the reception of our Lord and holy Communion. Trust that “still small voice” to be the Holy Spirit, calling you to make a decision to follow the Lord in a new way.

(b.) Second, review the circumstances of your life. Sometimes, the “silver lining” in a relationship that does not move on to marriage, or even some of the turnarounds---even failures--- in life, may be ways that the Lord uses to help you discover what He really has in mind for your life.

(c.) Finally, be open to the possibility of a call to the priesthood through the members of the Body of Christ, the Church. They may see qualities in your life that you may not have realized before. Call to serve the People of God may come through, the People of God themselves. (As a teacher, many students or colleagues of mine over the years would often say to me, “Have you ever thought of being a priest, I think you'd make a good one.) The Lord speaks in many ways.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

(a.) First, that my father’s side of the family is Russian Orthodox. Therefore, I have a profound respect for and devotion to Eastern spirituality. I like to pray with icons, and appreciated finding out about the use of the “Jesus Prayer” as a way of staying rooted in Christ's continual presence.

(b.) Second, on a pilgrimage to the Holy Year of 1975, I made a side trip to Sotto Il Monte (“Under the Mountain”), the hometown of Blessed John XXIII, whose life has always fascinated me. There I met his brother, Zavario, and received his encouraging word, “Correggio” (Have Courage)! I believe that Blessed John XXIII as personally been watching out for my vocation.

Did anyone invite you to consider priesthood? Please explain.

So many people, I cannot list them all here. I am thankful to all those who “saw” in me the qualities they thought would make a good priest in the Church today. However, I owe a lot to Fr. Giles Dimock, O.P., my spiritual director at Providence College and priest friends Fr. Rick and Fr. Len.

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

I went to the Boston Common in the pouring rain, when our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, came to the United States for the first time. He was so energetic and hopeful. Later, I read is, “Crossing the Threshold of Hope”, which further inspired me to “Follow Christ” as he was so fond of saying. However, it is only in the seminary that I have become aware of the depth of his teaching for the Church. I was fortunate to be on retreat in Rome to receive his final blessing on Easter Sunday. I believe his legacy will affect the church for many, many years to come.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ?

In grade school. I had wonderful priests and religious sisters that helped me to come to know Jesus and His Church. I hope it does not surprise anyone, when I say that I have always felt the Church to be The Family of God. The presence of the Lord in Holy Communion has been a source of strength throughout my life. Prayer, retreats, spiritual direction, and my education, have constantly nourished my knowing and loving the Lord Jesus Christ. We are truly “love sinners”. My definition of a saint is, “a sinner, who knows enough to return to the One True Savior of their life, Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

What was your career or background before entering the seminary?

I taught Religion and a Catholic high school for 23 years. I also had to supplement my income at the second job, and therefore, worked as a police officer on weekends at a major hospital in Boston.

Please describe the importance of prayer in your life.

To use an analogy (though imperfectly), for me, prayer is like the need for food, water, and air, to stay alive. It is said, that one could live quite a while without food; for a few weeks without water; but only a few minutes without air to the heart into the brain. At various times in my life, prayer has been like that: always there (I know a day does not go by without reciting “formal prayers” I have said since childhood, and having some “conversation” with the Lord). However, there have been varying degrees of necessity at different times in my life, when it comes to “deeper” times of prayer. There are times when prayer is like the need for air, when I am constantly talking to God about someone who is in need of prayer, or for the next thing I am undertaking. Like any relationship, it takes time and commitment to focus on the one you care about. I am still learning. Quiet time before the Lord---especially in Eucharistic adoration--- here at the seminary is a real gift; one in which I know many people do not have the chance to participate.

What are some of your favorite and most imprtant spiritual readings/books/passages?

In general I like to read great biographies; especially, of the about the Popes, the lives of the Saints, and contemporary figures. I also like historical novels. Spiritual books: “Prayer Is a Hunger” by Father Edward Farrell, The Spiritual Biography Of Charles de Foucauld, “The Devout Life” by St. Francis to Sales, to name a few.