Interview with Rev. John Thomas Braving a Sabbatical During a Pandemic I S M A E L R O D R Í G U E Z J R . ’ 2 2 , D I O C E S E O F DA L L A S Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
How has this experience shaped your priesthood and ministry back home?
I was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1993 for the Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky. After almost thirty years of ministry, which included a six-year assignment as a formation advisor at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, I am currently assigned as pastor of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Even though the whole program was modified, we still had the opportunity to pursue our continued theological formation. These sessions allowed me to return to the foundation of my priestly ministry. I also had greater time for prayer, which was enriching and strengthening. It helped me reflect on parish life and my experience and responsibilities as a pastor.
Why did you decide to take a sabbatical in Rome during a pandemic, given all the restrictions here in Italy? In my diocese, we are always encouraged to take a sabbatical. I had planned for two years to take one and was finally scheduled to partake in the Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE) program this past fall. However, with the rise of COVID-19 restrictions over the summer, I originally canceled it altogether. As the summer passed, and as we continued to gradually reopen, I had a shift of vision and was convicted that the sabbatical could in fact happen after all. I quickly rescheduled and never looked back. I kept moving forward and did not rest until I safely went through customs in Rome! Can you describe your experience? When I arrived, I was quarantined at the Casa O’Toole for two weeks with two other priests who had also
Members of the ICTE sabbatical program celebrate Mass together.
decided to brave a sabbatical during a pandemic. To my surprise, the quarantine period was a fruitful and graceful time. It allowed me to reflect and process my priestly ministry in a deeper way. When we finally had the opportunity to venture out, we sought to explore those areas of the city that were open. One of the highlights was the easy access to St. Peter’s Basilica. I often found myself praying, almost daily, at the tomb of St. John XXIII. At times I was the only visitor in the entire church! Another enriching experience was the opportunity to attend, as one out of one hundred privileged guests, Ash Wednesday, the Chrism Mass, and Easter Sunday Mass with Pope Francis. Finally, my time at the College with the rest of the seminary community was also a highlight. In the end, the sabbatical might not have been as planned, but it proved to be a positive and enriching experience.
What advice would you give to those priests who are considering doing a sabbatical here in Rome? When I think back at what motivated me to delay my sabbatical, two things come to mind. First, we pastors, after a while, mistakenly think that the parish always needs us. This unrealistic expectation feeds the idea that the parish cannot survive without us. But the truth is that we do not want to lose control. Of course, leaving for six months can be daunting, but perhaps letting the parish actually breathe a little bit better without us in the picture is not a bad thing after all. The sabbatical allows us priests to recharge and spend more time with the Lord and other priests. After all, the Church calls us for ongoing formation, and the ICTE program in Rome is certainly capable of offering that experience, even during a pandemic. n
ROMAN ECHOES 2021 • VOLUME 25: ISSUE 4
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