Grateful for the affects the words of priests have had on my life

There are many priests that I admire and it would take more than an essay to mention all of them. However, there are three priests in particular that I would like to focus on: Father Rudy Vasquez, Father James Farfaglia and Bishop William Michael Mulvey. Each of them is a wonderful priest, and each has influenced me in a different way.

Father Rudy Vasquez is the pastor at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where my parents and I attend daily Mass. I look forward to listening to his homilies each morning. Father Rudy can take a complicated idea in one of the daily readings and make it very easy to understand. He often incorporates information about the Saint of the day in these homilies making them very educational.

Father Vasquez is so relaxed and comfortable at the podium each morning that I have learned something else as well. I was never eager to perform or speak in front of a large audience. Hearing Father Rudy do just that every day at daily Mass is very inspiring. Now, when I am in front of a group of people, I think of Father Rudy and this helps me to gather my courage and do my best.

Father James Farfaglia is currently the pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. He gives wonderful homilies, writes books and loves to be with the people of his parish. The one thing about Father James that has influenced me the most is the way he encouraged his parishioners to clean up after themselves in the Family Life Center while he was at St. Helena’s Parish. I have to admit, my bedroom was not in the neatest condition at the time. I thought maybe I could use that same advice for my own room. Now it is a lot easier to get around! That goes to show you that it is worthwhile to pay attention at Mass.

Last, but not least, is Corpus Christi’s own Bishop William Michael Mulvey. Early last fall, Bishop Mulvey gave a talk at the Celebration for Life Dinner. Bishop Mulvey said that abortion is wrong. He pointed out that we cannot let anyone pressure us into doing something that displeases God and hurts our souls. Everyone at the dinner was greatly encouraged by the words of our Pro-Life Bishop. I will remember his supportive words the next time I pray the rosary with my family for an end to abortion, participate in the 40 Days for Life or am standing as a Pro-Life witness outside an abortion facility.

I am grateful for the affects the words of these priests have had on my life and am looking forward to hearing them speak again. Hopefully I will always have amazing priests such as these to guide me throughout my whole life.