Recently I had the opportunity to attend another discernment retreat at Precious Blood Center in Liberty . During my visit I had the pleasure of walking the path to the recently constructed labyrinth . As I walking the winding path I could not stop thinking of Jesus ’ s journey to Jerusalem and my own journey in life . It ’ s been a long one , with many twists and turns , just like Jesus . I could not help thinking how beautiful and inviting the labyrinth appeared as it waited for me to walk its path . My thoughts and reflection began to drift to this amazing journey with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood .
My journey began with my amazing pastor and mentor Fr . Matt Link . He began the path by sprinkling seeds of the Precious Blood charism throughout the inquiry phase . Fr . Matt was gracious and patient with me , and sometimes that wasn ’ t easy with a lost sheep like me . He was excited to journey with me and gave me insight into community and parish life , devoting a lot of time and energy to my vocation during my discernment . In addition , my home parish , Most Holy Redeemer in San Francisco , has been very supportive and friends there have been kind and loving to me as I continue my journey in Chicago .
The day I left San Francisco it felt like I was eighteen and leaving for college for the first time . I arrived at Midway Airport in Chicago . Fr . Lac Pham welcomed me with a big hug . I will never forget the hospitality ; it meant so much to me . After arriving at the house , we grabbed a hot meal and had some good
Formation
Sprouting the Seeds of Community by Michael Kirkland , Candidate in Formation , Chicago , Illinois
Michael Kirkland ( third from the left ), with acolytes and Fr . Matthew Link at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in San Francisco .
conversation . I retired to my room and tears of joy began to flow down my face .
It has been a blessing to meet others and grow in our community these last few months . My formation directors and brothers have been so gracious . The light of our house is Fr . Dennis Chriszt . He is full of the Holy Spirit and has a laugh that is continuous . Sometimes I just go downstairs and sit with him to feel the spirit and have a good laugh . My little-big brother Matt Keller has been gracious and kind ; he is guiding me through school and helping me ease into formation . Matt uses his amazing gifts to care for our small garden and lawn . I ’ m his little helper . Our time together gardening gives strength to our brotherhood and friendship . My guiding brother Matt Perez and I reserve some extra time each week in our busy schedule to pray and explore our Precious Blood spiritualty together . Matt and I will always have a special bond because we entered initial formation together . My other little-big brother Greg Evers is always there to lend an ear when I just need a friend . Greg is a young man way ahead of his years . It was also exciting to hear we had a brother in the house . Brother Ton Sison has an amazing smile and a great sense of community . We instantly had a special bond . My stomach growls with excitement when he cooks his amazing Filipino dishes . He teaches at ctu and it ’ s comforting to know he is around campus . Brothers rock !
Just recently I got a full dose of the true meaning of “ the bond of charity .” About ten years ago I was hospitalized and I found myself alone and fearful about my future . The only person that visited me was the hospital chaplain . I was admitted to University of Chicago Hospital , and once again those fears of loneliness arose . This time my experience was much different . I was never alone through this event . My herd of brothers kept coming and my cell phone was blowing up . They told me that I was not on this journey alone . Some members came in collar , so the medical team was quite aware I was part of a religious community . My nurse kept calling me Father . I finally told her that I ’ m not a priest . I kindly informed her I was only a candidate in a religious community , and she replied “ Ok , Father .” There is never a dull moment in this amazing adventure , and even in time of darkness the light shines in . The loving support was extended from our Companions as well . Trudy continued on page 11
December 2016 • The New Wine Press • 5