Journey to the Priesthood

Nicholas Hickman, a seminarian from the Diocese of Knoxville, was selected by the graduating class to represent and speak on behalf of the graduates.

Thank you to the monks for being true witnesses of what it looks like to fall in love with God the Father and His Holy Church. The total surrender and the Benedictine vow of constant conversion is something that serves as an inspiration to all of us.

If we all become priests in our dioceses, there is no doubt that we will be challenged and stretched thin. The world we live in is in shambles and needs Christ maybe more than ever. The reminder to all of us to find a sanctuary that we can return to and to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct our lives will serve us well.

Your example of the importance of community and love for our brothers even through their faults­. To see the light of Christ in each other and to call on our brothers for support. To find solace in the scriptures, to hear God’s voice in every line, and to unite our joys and sorrows to the words of the Psalms as they pass by our lips.

— Nicholas Hickman, Diocese of Knoxville