I am from the east side of Cincinnati, a little town called Amelia. I grew up in a strong German-Italian, Catholic family and am one of seven kids: five girls and two boys – perilously outnumbered! I have a very tight-knit family. My grandparents live next door, as well as my two sets of aunts and uncles. We love big family get- togethers! My home parish is St. Bernadette in Amelia.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCERN YOUR VOCATION?

I first began thinking about becoming a priest during my high school years as I started taking my faith and life more seriously. I also wanted to be a paramedic, but upon seeing a video of a priest anointing a dying woman in a hospital, I knew God wanted me to dedicate my life to the salvation of souls. Also, as my devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament deepened, so did my calling to the priesthood. I decided to attend Franciscan University for college and entered the seminary after graduation in 2016.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING A PRIEST?

Celebrating Mass and anointing the sick.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DEVOTIONS OR PRAYERS?

I have a devotion to Our Lady and the Divine Mercy.

WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY?

I love hiking, cooking, ping-pong and board games!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE FAITHFUL OF OUR ARCHDIOCESE?

Thank you for all of your prayers and support. I am so blessed to serve our archdiocese!

On May 15, Seven Men Will be Ordained to the Priesthood and Begin Their Service in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati

This article appeared in the May 2021 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.