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Happy Birthday Fr. Sean O' Sullivan!

I found myself in the Parliament of Canada, captivated by the words of an elderly gentleman. His voice, laced with emotion, introduced me to Fr. Sean O'Sullivan, a figure I hadn't known before—a remarkable blend of politician and priest. He painted a picture of Sean as a charismatic force in Canadian politics, whose efforts notably contributed to the beaver's adoption as Canada's national symbol.

However, Sean's trajectory in the political realm was to take a profound turn. The elderly speaker recalled, with tears glistening in his eyes, his plea to Sean: "Stay just two more years, then you can retire in comfort and join the seminary." But Sean's resolve was unwavering. "No, I must do this now," he insisted with unflinching resolve. 

Upon entering the priesthood, Fr. Sean O'Sullivan became the Director of Vocations. In this role, he invigorated interest in religious vocations, particularly through an innovative billboard campaign in Toronto. He also became a founding member of Serra House, a place for students considering the priesthood, a publisher of The Catholic Register, and was awarded a honorary doctorate from Brock University.

However, after 12 years as a priest, Sean died after a battle with leukemia at the age of 37 on March 9, 1989. 

Today, had he lived, Fr. Sean would be celebrating his 72nd birthday, coinciding with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the traditional Feast of the Circumcision and Naming of Christ. This dual feast on January 1 mirrors the dual nature of his calling. First, he mirrored Mary's total acceptance of service and suffering, and later, he embraced his own path of sacrifice, akin to the early and first sufferings of Christ.

Fr. Sean O'Sullivan's life was a testament to finding sanctity in both secular and spiritual realms. From his days with the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada to his sacrifice and service as a priest, he inspires us to live our faith fully and presently. His legacy endures, a poignant reminder of the holiness present in every aspect of life, be it in the halls of Parliament or the aisles of a church.

He also wrote an autobiography: " Both My Houses: From Politics to Priesthood" published in 1986 if you would like to read more.

Fr. Sean O'Sullivan, pray for us.

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[sanctityinthesecular]

The Ending of Mass is the Beginning of Our Journey

Nestled in the heart of Kona, Hawaii, the historic Church of St. Michael the Archangel stands near the beating waves of the shore. As I stood beneath its archway exiting the Church ready to leave, my eyes were drawn upward to the final words of the Mass:

"Go in Peace, Glorifying the Lord with your life."

As a cradle Catholic, I've attended countless Masses, but it was in this moment, that these words truly resonated with me. They were more than a simple farewell; they were a vivid reminder, etched above the exit, that my duty was to take what I had been so graciously given in the Mass outside, into the world.

This phrase, which I had heard so often yet seldom pondered, sparked a realization within me. It wasn't merely the conclusion of a ritual; it was a commission, the begining of my journey to find sanitity in my encounter of the secular. Here I hope to share piece of this journey with you all. (Also, more about the Church. It is absolutley beautiful and filled with more unique symbols and history)