During my time as a seminarian for the Diocese of Gaylord, I have been studying philosophy at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. This past spring, I graduated from college (for a second time, the first being from Michigan Tech) with a bachelor’s in philosophy.
My time at the Josephinum was filled with many blessings and graces from the friendships, the liturgical life and the rigors of class work. Now that I have completed the philosophical requirements for seminary, I will move on to study theology. I was just recently accepted into the Master’s of Divinity Program at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, where I will be for the next four years.
Additionally, I received candidacy this summer, along with several others from the diocese. This step marks a big transition point in the process of formation whereby the Church officially declares that we are suitable candidates for holy orders and marks the entrance into major seminary.
Another blessing happening in my life is that my only and younger sister, Mary, is intending to join religious life this coming fall, God willing. She is hoping to enter the Benedictines of Mary in Ava, Mo. There she will live in a community devoted to working and praying for Holy Mother Church, as well as the priests and bishops dedicated to the salvation of souls. It will be a great privilege and honor to have her constant intercession at the foot of the cross. In Corde Iesu et Mariae–In the Heart of Jesus and Mary!
—John Mawby
