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September 25, 2025
April 2018
What have you enjoyed most about being a priest?
Very soon (in May), I will celebrate my 58th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. Every day of this time has been very blessed by the grace and goodness of our Loving God. I am convinced that God called me to be a priest and I am truly grateful for this vocation. During these many years, my overwhelming experience has been one of joy. I love being a priest because I love God and all his people. Priesthood has given me the opportunity to serve God and his people.
What have you learned about life and faith since you retired?
Life and Faith are blessings and mysteries. They are blessings because both are gifts from God that are neither earned nor deserved. They are free gifts from God because of his goodness and love. They are mysteries because we cannot fully fathom nor understand their profound meaning. However, we can – and we should – appreciate the fact that life and faith make it possible for us to recognize God’s presence and goodness. This is especially true for us who are retired from our previous myriad activities.
Speaking to young people, what are three lessons you think are most important for them to know as they age?
Age alone does not bring maturity nor fulfillment. These conditions are learned and earned. To come to know, love and serve God is the fundamental purpose of our lives. Flowing from this knowledge and belief is the realization that we, because of God’s goodness, are intrinsically good. This intrinsic value stems from our creation in the Image and Likeness of God. Thus, our ultimate purpose and goal in life is union with God.
What is your favorite prayer?
Without a doubt, the “Our Father” – The Lord’s Prayer.
Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
I have had so many great examples of goodness and love that it is impossible to identify one as the “biggest influence.” My parents, my brothers and sisters have all been inspirational and effective influences on me. So also have the various religious sisters who taught me for twelve years and other Church leaders locally and internationally.
What helped you most on your spiritual journey?
As a young person, I was most influenced by the good example of family and friends. These gave me the inspiration and impetus to seek and search for God. Later in life, it was the example and teaching of the Church leaders from Pope Pius XII to our present Holy Father, Pope Francis.
When was the first time you heard God’s call?
To me, the call of God was always present. From my earliest recollections to the present, I have always experienced a quiet but constant call to priesthood. I never really desired to be anything other than a priest of Jesus Christ.
As you grow wiser (older), do your conversations with God change?
Yes and no! On the one hand, there is no change because I always desire to do the Will of God. On the other hand, there is the realization that in the past, I did not always accomplish God’s Will. Therefore, my conversations with God, my prayers, do indeed change according to the circumstances I face each day. I hope my prayers are now more of praise and adoration of God instead of just petitioning.
What do you regret?
I love life and I love the God of life. Therefore, my only regret is the fact that I have sinned. But I don’t look back pessimistically at that, but rather with gratitude to God who is so good and merciful.
What do you wish you’d taken more time to do?
I really don’t like to look back and I never have. To me, life is the preset moment and the anticipation and preparation for the future. The past is over and done.
Are you afraid of death? Why not?
I am not afraid of death. Death is inevitable. Death is the transition from life on this earth to life everlasting. The very reason for our existence is clearly centered on God. We are enabled to receive the love of God and to love him in return. Only through death can we transition into eternal life. There we will enjoy and be fulfilled in the presence of God. Therefore, there is no reason to fear death but rather to see it as it is and to anticipate Heaven as the true goal of life.
What do you hope to “see” or experience in Heaven?
I have no preconceived ideas regarding what I shall see or experience in Heaven except to be in the presence of God and therefore totally happy and fulfilled. The beauty of seeing God “face to face” is beyond my comprehension.
How do you think it will be when you see the Face of God?
As mentioned above, it is beyond human comprehension to imagine what it must be like to see the “Face of God.” Now we can only live by faith but then our faith will be brought to completion.
Are you hopeful to see your parents or family or friends?
Yes, I do believe in the Communion of Saints and therefore I believe I shall see my parents, my family and my friends. I do believe that I will see the many, many good people who have helped me on my journey of life on this earth.
Do you believe angels visit us on earth? Especially as we face the end of our time here?
Yes, I certainly do believe in angels and am convinced that they visit us on earth. This is true not simply because we face the end of our time here but throughout our lifetime.
(Resurrection Angel Story)
What is your message for how we should treat one another?
The message that Jesus gave us: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Once you have passed into the next life, how do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered in prayer. I ask that my family, friends, associates and faithful people pray for the repose of my soul.
Blessed Stanley Rother asked his associate pastor and his parishioners to light candles and sing Easter songs if he passed. What do you want people to do to honor you?
Pray for me. Especially by offering Masses for the happy repose of my soul.
Photo Chris Porter/Sooner Catholic.