May 19

2024

Streator, IL

St John the Baptist Church, Rapids City, IL

Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (BA in Theology, minor in Philosophy and German)

MA in Systematic Theology; MD in medicine

Physician

English, German

Eastern Christianity (Catholicism and Orthodox ecumenism), Aikido, Aikijujitsu, DOGS

I love dogs! I once had my own canine league of nations, with a Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Newfoundland.

St. Luke, the physician evangelist; St Justin Martyr, St Justin deJacobis, St. Joseph

Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola

I was interested in the priesthood from a very young age, and first studied for the Peoria Diocese in 1988, as a seminarian at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD. I took a leave of absence during my diaconate year, and taught high school. With guidance from my brother, a cardiologist, I applied to, and was accepted into, medical school at the University of Illinois. I would practice medicine (Anesthesiology and Pain Management) for almost 25 years in the Rockford, IL area, until I would again feel the unmistakable draw to return and complete my seminary studies, this time, with a more refined internal compass and deeper sense of spiritual maturity. After almost 2 years of prayer and discernment, I applied to Peoria once again, which graciously accepted me.

Walking the ever-unpredictable journey with our Lord.

Over the years, I have learned to never turn down help, from any source. All prayers are greatly appreciated.