Reflections on the NBCC Vocation Symposium
By Fr. Claude Williams, O.Praem
Print | Discuss Online

I arrived on campus just after midnight on Monday, the first day of the symposium, and straightaway I noticed what is most notable about Notre Dame. Seeing the statue of our Lady high on the Dome of the Main Building was an instantly recognized sign to me that all of us who would be participating in the "Stir Into Flame" symposium were in very capable hands!

Spirituality Article Index

If It Be Your Will Midwest Capuchins Promote Black Catholic Vocations One Body, One Spirit Stirring Vocations Reflections on the NBCC Vocation Symposium Stirred Into A New Flame From a homily by Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop The Spirituality of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Spiritual Offering of Prayer The Evangelizing Power of the Rosary First Week of Advent When Sex is Consecrated to God My Journey Into Faith Eucharistic Miracle in Buenos Aries From "A Treatise On The Psalms" By Saint Hilary, Bishop The Celebration of The Eucharist Prayer by Thomas Merton A Vital Role in Every Parish New Life In Christ: A Reflection on the Easter Sacraments Easter 2009 From the Treatise on Spiritual Perfection Repentance: The Way Back Home NBCC Directives to Protect Unborn Children The Year of St. Paul Richness of African American faith heritage is poignantly expressed in song Finding A Closer Walk With Our Lord

Spirituality Article Index

"Stir into Flame" really turned out to be a tremendous blessing for me in many ways. In the first place, the symposium effectively made me consider again the importance of prayer in our lives as priests. We were reminded in the talks that the life of the priest is to be a holy and Christ-like life, lived with confidence and boldness as regards the supernatural power we have received with our ordination. We really have all of heaven backing us as we pray and labor. It was very edifying to hear this message of preistly sanctity repeated throughout the sermons, talks and panel discussions.

Another aspect that was invaluable given the aim of our meeting was the opportunity to hear from young Black men regarding their thoughts on the issue of priestly vocations in the Black Catholic community. Along with this was made the welcomed observation that whenever we recount the struggles, trials and pains which we as a people have experience in the Church, it is imperative that we communicate the truth that, through it all, Christ is with us and makes us "more than conquerors."

We believe in Privacy! We will never sell your email address. Period!

A third highlight of symposium was the opportunity to consider and cultivate together the same love of God and zeal for souls that inspired and urged on so many of the Black American priests who struggled against all sorts of hardship on their way to the altar. We do not have the exact same circumstance as the Healy brothers, Augustus Tolton, or Charles Uncles, but we do have the same Spirit, Who is God, that compelled so many men like them to labor for the sake of the Name.

Overall, I consider myself exceedingly blessed to have been a participant in "Stir Into Flame" and I am looking forward to our ongoing efforts to concretize the good ideas and plans of action that we developed together.

Father Claude Williams, O.Praem.
Assistant Dean of Students
St. Michael's Preparatory School
19292 El Toro Road
Silverado, California 92676
949.858.0222 ext. 298
DISPONIT OMNIA SUAVITER