JUNE 2017
VOL Welcomes Seminarian Damian Zablocki
D
amian Zablocki’s journey of faith is a
very interesting one. He grew up in Toledo, Ohio
with two brothers and two sisters. His family,
although Christian, did not practice any
particular faith. So how did he wind up in a
seminary in New Orleans? It seems our Blessed
Mother Mary helped plant a seed many years
ago.
When Damian was about 7 years old, he
found a small statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary
in a drawer at home. It had been a centerpiece for
a floral arrangement at his grandmother’s
funeral. He was immediately drawn to Mary.
Damian learned everything he could
about Mary. The more he read, the more
intrigued he became. When he got older, he
considered religious life. But nothing seemed to
stick.
Then in 2004, a friend asked him to go
with him to New Orleans. Damian did not want
to go, but was eventually persuaded. Damian was
fascinated with the people, the history, and the
culture of the city. His love for the city paved the
way for the next chapter of his life.
Damian moved to New Orleans in 2013 and
began working as a waiter at Irene’s Cuisine in the
French Quarter. He loved being able to meet so many
people from different backgrounds and learning about
other cultures.
One day Damian was visiting a St. Joseph
Altar and began praying to St. Joseph. Who should
appear at that very moment? The Archbishop, of
course! (They say to be careful what you wish for,
because you just may get it!) The wheels were set in
motion, and soon Damian was in seminary. He has
just completed his third year.
Damian feels called to help those who are
most forgotten, such as the elderly and homebound.
When asked what kind of priest he would like to be,
he said he wanted to serve others. “If [a priest] goes
home at the end of the day and [he’s] not tired, he
hasn’t done his job,” Damian explains.
In his spare time, Damian likes to listen to
Zydeco music and study Louisiana History. He also
paints religious icons, and is currently in the process
of restoring a religious statue for a church.
If you haven’t met Damian yet, look for him at
one of the daily or weekend masses, and introduce
yourself. He would love to meet you!
Damian will be staying at VOL through the
end of July.
Seminarian Damian
Zablocki will be staying at
VOL until the end of July
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