For young seminarian, a joy without restraint
BYLINE: BOB BRAUN, STAR-LEDGER STAFF
SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 1
DATELINE: NEW YORK
Steven Woltornist, just 18 but already wearing a Roman collar, said he came to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to see a man who derived joy from the priesthood.
The young seminarian found that joy first in the words, then in the eyes, of Pope Benedict XVI. Joy and much more.
“It’s so strange,” said the young man from Branchburg. “And hard to explain. But I felt overwhelmed – over-whelmed with excitement and, somehow, overwhelmed with courage.”
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Although he said he did “feel the call” in high school, he also loves science and is double majoring in chemistry and philosophy at Manhattan College. The decision to enter the priesthood – although he is six years away from his first vows – was not taken lightly.
“I thought about it a lot, and I am still thinking about it.”
He recalled the moment when, enrolling in the seminary, he was given a Roman collar to wear.
“I looked in the mirror and I felt really strange. I remember saying to myself, `You’ll be wearing that for a long time, you know.’”
Yesterday, after seeing the eyes of Benedict XVI and hearing his words, Steven Woltornist said, “I am comfortable in the collar.”
LOAD-DATE: April 20, 2008
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