Mammas Habtegiorgis

Home Parish: Immaculate Conception Malden
Seminary: St. Charles Borromeo College Seminary, Philadelphia
High School: Nativity Catholic School in Addis Abeba

When was the first time you thought of priesthood?

When I was 14 years old. I used to serve Mass every Sunday and my pastor influenced me by his way of life. I wanted to be like him, a priest. He is a happy and Holy Priest.

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

I went to Rome for the 2000 World Youth Day. I participated at the vocation retreat in 2002.

What is your favorite Scripture passage? Why?

1 Corinthians 13. About Love. Because love is the source of everything.

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

Do not be afraid, give it a chance.

Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood? Please explain.

My parish priest (my pastor). He encouraged me to think about priesthood.

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

Willing to listen and do. To have the courage and will to listen to what God is saying and to do it without fear.

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

I remember in 2000 World Youth Day in Rome he said "Do not be afraid to say yes to Christ." These words that John Paul II said remain with me till now.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ?

Through my parents, who practiced and lived their Catholic Faith helped me and taught me about Catholic Faith and Jesus Christ.

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

A priest has to make time for his personal prayer life so that he will help our Carinal to rebuild the Church.

How does the priest best follow in the footsteps of the apostles?

By being another Christ for others! Willing to sacrifice himself for others.

Please describe the importance of prayer in your life.

To be a holy and faithful seminarian, God willing one day priest, you have to be a man of prayer. So prayer is very important in my life.