We drove to BWI Airport Thursday morning for our flight to Houston. I was excited for the trip for several reasons but most especially because I knew the "mids" and I would have a great time! It was beautiful down in Texas and, from the moment we touched down, I knew it was going to be a blessed weekend.
Our introductions consisted in telling the other 12 men discerning why we had come to the retreat. It was really encouraging to see some really good men in the military who were seeking to discover God's plan in their lives. Afterwards, we took some time to pray around the seminary before we retired for the night. I found my way to the roof of one of the seminary's buildings to pray under the stars.
For the next couple of days, we heard a lot about the chaplaincy and several people, including Archbishop Broglio of the Military Archdiocese, gave their testimonies on why they became priests. It was very interesting. I'd say the common theme that ran through all the talks was a call beyond their understanding which could only be satisfied in the priesthood. It reminded me of Pope John Paul II's book on his call to the priesthood, Gift and Mystery, where he says that, in the end, his deepest need was to administer the sacraments. To deny himself of this need would have been to deny his very self.
It was a very productive time of prayer for all of us and, if nothing else, the midshipmen sure enjoyed the tranquility of the seminary! Captain Thorpe, who now teaches at the Academy, once mentioned that the midshipmen need time to reflect on life more than anything else because they generally get pulled into a mindless succession of obligations throughout the week. The discernment retreat was that time they needed and they were expressly grateful for it.
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