Br. Joseph Mernagh, LC

The priesthood is the most awesome gift a person can receive. I was about five years old when I first felt the desire to be a priest. That was the year my older brother left home at the age of twelve to attend a high school seminary in New Hampshire. Even being so young, I was determined to attend the same school as soon as I was old enough to go… and so I did. I remember all the adventure-mixed-with-sadness of stepping into an airplane to travel 800 miles away. I would do it again.
 
I have so many fond memories of the five years I spent at that school, where I experienced Christ as a real person. Hikes in the scenic White Mountains. Skiing trips in winter. There were hardships, too, of course, especially when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. I got homesick. For whatever reason, I never seriously considered going home. I felt I was where I belonged: I felt at home in my “home-away-from-home.” After graduating, I moved to the seminary in Connecticut for four straight years of novitiate and humanities studies. Then off to Rome for three years in the Eternal City. One can hardly get used to being close to the Holy Father and to so many holy places! Currently I work at Canyon Heights Academy in San Jose, California as “formation instructor.” I look forward to heading back to Rome in another year-and-a-half for theology.
 
My greatest joy now is simply being an older brother for the kids and families I have the privilege to accompany. The role of a spiritual brother—like the spiritual fatherhood of priesthood—is irreplaceable. I am motivated and encouraged by the example of so many wonderful priests and brothers in my own life. I am also motivated by the example of my mom, who passed away in 2010 after a long battle with cancer. Perhaps better than anyone, Pope Benedict XVI summarized both the fears and joys of following Christ: “Are we not perhaps afraid to give up something significant, something unique, something that makes life so beautiful? […] If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great” ( Homily, 24 April 2005).
 
Please consider supporting me on my path!
https://www.gofundme.com/Masters-in-Humanities

or send a check to:
Br. Joseph Mernagh, LC
LC Pastoral Services
22825 San Juan Road
Cupertino, CA 95014