Andrew Messina
Home Parish: St. Peter’s,
Warwick
Age: 52
Seminary: Blessed John XXIII, Weston, MA
High School: Belleville HS, Belleville, NJ
College: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, B.S. Electrical Engineering and Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, M.S. Computer Science
Parents: Dominic (deceased) and Dorothy Messina
Siblings: Charles
Hobbies: Music
When did you start thinking about being a priest?
Shortly after attending a Mass in New York City, where I was working at the time. After the celebrant processed toward the altar and then turned and faced the crowd, I was completely taken about how wonderful it must be to be a priest.
That was the beginning of the discernment process.
What were some Church activities that you participated in prior to entering the seminary?
Lector, Eucharistic minister, choir and substitute organist.
What is your favorite scripture passage? Why?
Mark 12 – the two greatest commandments – love of God and love of neighbor. In a few words, Jesus defines how we should live.
Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood? Explain.
The celebrant at the Mass in New York City was the inspiration. Years later, it was after a long conversation with Father Roger Gagne that I felt convinced that I should at least submit an application to become a seminarian.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Before becoming a seminarian, I was an engineer working for CBS Television in New York City.
Did anybody invite you to consider the priesthood?
No.
How did you come to know Jesus Christ and his call in your life?
Attendance at daily Mass and private prayer, including the rosary.
What were the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and his Church?
The music ministry was and continues to be especially powerful, as well as being a lector and Eucharistic minister.
Were there any signs that led you to believe God was calling you to be a priest?
During the discernment period before application to the diocese, there were many occasions of feeling that God was calling me to the priesthood. It is something that cannot be described. It is simply a sense from within.
How did your family and friends react when you told them that you were entering the seminary?
The vast majority were surprised. For someone of my age to give up a career and begin study for the priesthood is unusual for most families to experience.
What was the transition like into seminary life? What did you imagine it to be, and in fact what was it like?
It was not difficult at all. The atmosphere at our seminary, Blessed John XXIII, is very warm and friendly. The faculty and staff are very kind and compassionate as is the community of men. Becoming acclimated to living in a fairly small room was not very challenging either. If one trusts in God in all matters, then a major change in life such as this is nothing more than letting him lead the way and doing our best to fulfill his will.
Why is the priesthood so important today?
The institution of the priesthood, founded by Jesus himself, must continue in a strong and vibrant way. Our society today faces many difficulties, which is all the more reason why we should make God first and foremost in our minds and hearts. The priest, as spiritual father, is the shepherd who tends his sheep to bring them closer to our Lord and to our Blessed Mother. Being with God – living in his love and abiding by his will - is true happiness. Nothing else matters.
What advice would you give to a man who is “on the fence” about entering the seminary?
First and foremost, the man should pray often to ask God what he wants him to do in life. Silent prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament is highly recommended as are discussions with one or more priests. One must be at peace with such major decisions. It should not be something that we force upon ourselves or let others talk us into. Let God lead you by the hand, and all will be well.
