Reflections on the NBCC Vocation Symposium
By Fr. Claude Williams, O.Praem
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I arrived on campus just after midnight on Monday, the first day of the symposium, and straightaway I noticed what is most notable about Notre Dame. Seeing the statue of our Lady high on the Dome of the Main Building was an instantly recognized sign to me that all of us who would be participating in the "Stir Into Flame" symposium were in very capable hands!

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Mary visits Elizabeth Five Hard Truths That Will Set You Free Declaration on Masonic Associations (Quaesitum est) Interior Stillness/Silence Fasting and Doing Penance: Why and How "Are you open to invitation"? Prayer for Priests There Must Be a God Somewhere Spiritual Food for Thought "Life", by Mother Teresa Purgatory What is an annulment? In my Father's house there are many rooms...John 14:2 Forgiveness: A Gift for the Good of Mankind Christian, Remember Your Dignity Prayer Maturity How to Intensify Your Prayer Skills/Attitudes If It Be Your Will Midwest Capuchins Promote Black Catholic Vocations From a homily by Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop Stirred Into A New Flame Reflections on the NBCC Vocation Symposium Stirring Vocations One Body, One Spirit

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"Stir into Flame" really turned out to be a tremendous blessing for me in many ways. In the first place, the symposium effectively made me consider again the importance of prayer in our lives as priests. We were reminded in the talks that the life of the priest is to be a holy and Christ-like life, lived with confidence and boldness as regards the supernatural power we have received with our ordination. We really have all of heaven backing us as we pray and labor. It was very edifying to hear this message of preistly sanctity repeated throughout the sermons, talks and panel discussions.

Another aspect that was invaluable given the aim of our meeting was the opportunity to hear from young Black men regarding their thoughts on the issue of priestly vocations in the Black Catholic community. Along with this was made the welcomed observation that whenever we recount the struggles, trials and pains which we as a people have experience in the Church, it is imperative that we communicate the truth that, through it all, Christ is with us and makes us "more than conquerors."

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A third highlight of symposium was the opportunity to consider and cultivate together the same love of God and zeal for souls that inspired and urged on so many of the Black American priests who struggled against all sorts of hardship on their way to the altar. We do not have the exact same circumstance as the Healy brothers, Augustus Tolton, or Charles Uncles, but we do have the same Spirit, Who is God, that compelled so many men like them to labor for the sake of the Name.

Overall, I consider myself exceedingly blessed to have been a participant in "Stir Into Flame" and I am looking forward to our ongoing efforts to concretize the good ideas and plans of action that we developed together.

Father Claude Williams, O.Praem.
Assistant Dean of Students
St. Michael's Preparatory School
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Silverado, California 92676
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