Called by Name: My Journey at the Seminary Begins

Matthew with his parents and siblings and Archbishop Anthony Fisher at the opening of the Seminary Year at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Homebush

By Matthew French

In late January, I entered the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, as part of my discernment towards becoming a priest for the Diocese of Broken Bay. Upon starting, I hadn’t yet met any of my fellow first-year seminarians, and so I was eager to see what they’d be like; important given that many would be my companions for the best part of this decade. By God’s grace, seven seminarians started for 2021 – each coming with their own stories, charisms and eccentricities. I feel blessed to have landed myself amongst a good bunch of guys, and it’s been remarkable how quickly we’ve bonded as a group.

Someone asked me just the other day how I was settling into seminary life, and as I detailed the guys with whom I’m starting, I found myself smiling, as I could see the qualities they each possess; humility, kindness, intellect, prayerfulness; things I admire and can learn from during this seminary journey. Indeed, as I sit down to write this reflection, I’ve just come home from a day spent with my seminarian brothers, having hit the town for a celebratory dinner after our first silent retreat. We’re a tight group.

Matthew French

As for seminary life, having had my brother Sam go through just a few years prior, I knew somewhat what to expect, and so have found settling in quite easy. We begin as first years with a special focus on prayer and developing our relationship with Jesus Christ, whilst also learning the Catechism of the Catholic Church. For me, this is something of a trip down memory lane, as every Friday morning during my years at school, Mum would require that we learn and

recite at least two questions from the Catechism. Failure to do so meant forfeiture of our five dollars pocket money, and so naturally, learning these pieces became a priority. Combined with the example set by both Dad and Mum in prayer, virtue and discipline, little did I know what a head-start this would give me for my first year at the seminary. Thanks Mum and Dad.

If there was one thing about the seminary that did surprise me, it’s that things such as prayer, study and meals are quite structured and timetabled; a stark contrast to my previous life and work, where I could choose my own work hours, plan my own days, decide where I would go, what to eat, and for the most part, dictate my life as I deemed fit. While this aspect of seminary life is an initial challenge, complete surrender to Christ is something all seminarians are called to do (indeed, all Christians), and for me, part of this is to surrender to the program for my priestly formation. Conscious I have only been at the seminary for a short time, I have found the routine so far helpful for discipline in study and the use of my time, and of particular use in developing a stronger prayer life. My fellow seminarians have been exceptionally welcoming, the seminary chef cooks a mean meal (and even takes requests), and there is an abundance of priests, religious, formators and staff who dedicate themselves to our growth in virtue and holiness. What a blessing!

Today we returned back from silent retreat, and upon my return to the seminary, Fr Arthur (our seminarian formator) asked me how it was and what I thought. I responded with exactly how I felt. If there was one thing about the seminary that did surprise me, it’s that things such as prayer, study and meals are quite structured and timetabled; a stark contrast to my previous life and work, where I could choose my own work hours, plan my own days, decide where I would go, what to eat, and for the most part, dictate my life as I deemed fit.

lot out of the retreat, and spiritually I’m feeling refreshed.” And it’s true. Having spent three days in silence at the beautiful Mt Schoenstatt, we were given good opportunities to pray and reflect on how God had spoken to us throughout our life, and how He was speaking to us now. That God is present in the gentle breeze is a truth that I can now more deeply appreciate, and through reflection on the Scripture, I can pinpoint the exact moments God has been speaking to me in my life.

To detail all my prayers would be impossible in such a short reflection, but I share one thing. When I entered the seminary, I thought to myself that I wanted to be a priest to put into service the gifts and talents that God had given me. What a shock it was for me when He spoke to me and said, “Matthew, the gifts I’ve given are there to use, but what I truly desire is your heart.” Woah. The words struck me. Bewildered, I didn’t know what to say or what to feel.

It is here that the words of God to St Paul then resonated with me, “My grace is enough for you; for my power is strongest in human weakness.” These words once again left me questioning, and admittedly, I’m still yet to grasp their full meaning. But I know that God is good, and that He has some message to reveal this to me over the coming weeks, months or years. I’m excited for what more He has to say.

Until then, my brothers and sisters, I ask that you pray for me in my seminary journey, as I am certain I could never have made it this far without your support and prayers. I will continue to pray for you every day, and look forward to updating you each step of the way. God bless you.

Matthew French with Bishop Anthony Randazzo at his commissioning Mass