meet the seminarians

Albert P. Marcello, III

Posted

Home Parish: Holy Name of Jesus, Providence

Age: 24

Seminary: Pontifical North American College/Angelicum

High School: Bishop Hendricken High School, Warwick

College: Providence College

Parents: Al and Norma

Siblings: Mark, age 20

Hobbies: reading, music, history, science and technology

When did you start thinking about being a priest?

I have been thinking about the priesthood ever since I was very young – perhaps even before I knew fully what the priesthood was! I was perhaps 3 or 4 years old when I would be helping my mother to take care of some of our elderly relatives. We would watch the Mass on TV, and I recall praying by their bedsides when the priest would come to bring holy Communion.

What were some Church activities that you participated in prior to entering the seminary?

Before I was in the seminary, I used to serve Mass and lector.

What is your favorite scripture passage? Why?

My favorite Scripture passage is the prologue to St. John’s Gospel. This passage (some say it is a hymn!) is a beautiful meditation on both the divinity and humanity of Our Savior, and reminds us that the all-powerful God humbled himself to dwell among us, so that we may be elevated to share in his divine life.

Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood? Explain.

First and foremost, my parents provided me (and continue to provide me!) with a model of unselfish and loving service, which I hope that I can follow. Several other priests, such as the late Father Rene Gagne, helped my vocation to mature and develop as I grew toward entering the seminary. Father Gagne and others very much inspired me by their constant fidelity to the priestly life. Presently, my greatest inspiration for the priestly life is our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, who has shown great courage in his exercising the Petrine Ministry.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I like to ride roller coasters, watch anything funny on television and I speak Flemish!

How did you come to know Jesus Christ and his call in your life?

The presence of Christ has been constantly in my life – through prayer and through the examples of charity that I have witnessed from many different people. I also believe that my relationship with the Blessed Mother has brought me closer to her son. Praying the rosary is one very good way to develop this relationship!

What were the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and his Church?

First and foremost, I have found that my participation in holy Mass has led me to a deeper love of Christ and the Church. After all, to be present at the sacrifice of the Mass is to be present on Mount Calvary, and it is through this great sacrament that the Church comes into being. Getting to know Christ in the Gospels has also helped me to grow in being his disciple, and offering him praise and thanksgiving through the Divine Office is also an important part of my prayer. My spiritual reading has also influenced me quite a bit – particularly a small book called “My Way of Life” by the Fathers of the Precious Blood.

Were there any signs that led you to believe God was calling you to be a priest?

I think that my love for the holy Mass and desire to share the Catholic faith with others were a couple of signs of my vocation.

How did your family and friends react when you told them that you were entering the seminary?

My family and friends have always been very supportive of my desire to serve Christ and his Church as a priest. Granted, this may be because I have felt called to the priesthood from such a young age, but I have been very blessed to have such an abundance of prayerful support from many different people – even, as I have discovered, people whom I have never met!

Why is the priesthood so important today?

We live in a “dictatorship of relativism”, as Pope Benedict XVI has described our secular culture. Now more than ever, we need to have holy priests who are willing to preach the undiluted Gospel message, which Christ has entrusted to the Church.

What advice would you give to a man who is “on the fence” about entering the seminary?

Being a priest today takes courage, and I would advise any man who is considering entering the seminary to consult with a prudent confessor or spiritual director. He should also pray to the Holy Spirit for the virtue of fortitude. Priests are called to engage in a battle against our ancient enemy, the evil one, but we know that through the cross of Jesus Christ, the victory will be ours!