Msgr. Powers Interview

Interview with Incoming Rector Rev. Msgr. Thomas Powers

MATTHEW LUDWIG ‘24, ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

What inspired you to first consider the priesthood?

I was blessed with good examples of priesthood from the time I was a young boy all the way through college. Priests were regular visitors at our home. My mom's cousin was a priest and the priests I came to know well—at the parish, at my high school and at the University of Notre Dame—were happy, fulfilled and committed to serving others. Based on my own experience, I am convinced that a joyful, dedicated priest is the most effective way to encourage young men to answer the Lord's call to the priesthood.

Do you have any favorite hobbies?

I am a big reader, mostly non-fiction and spiritual reading. I do the Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle every day, sometimes successfully. Now that my football days are long over, my sport of choice is golf, which I enjoy very much. I would probably enjoy it even more if I were any good at it!

What stands out most about your time in the seminary?

To say I was humbled by the holiness, the talent, and the dedication of the other seminarians with whom I was formed at the College would be an understatement. Along with receiving an excellent theological education and sound pastoral formation, I was inspired to become a better man and Catholic by my classmates and friends,

Very Rev. Peter Harman '99 (Springfield in Illinois) stands with incoming Rector Rev. Msgr. Thomas Powers ‘97 (Bridgeport).

many with whom I have maintained spiritual friendships over the years. The seminarians at the College have always been its greatest asset and I look forward to being inspired anew by those who are there now.

What have you enjoyed most about ministry as a priest?

A religious sister once told me that every priest should be ordained with the title "Monsignor," and only later, when he has earned it, should he be given the title "Father." There is both humor and wisdom in her statement. If called to the priesthood and willing to respond generously to that call, I cannot imagine a more beautiful, heroic, and meaningful life for a man. Not every day as a priest has been easy, but no life is without sacrifice, and I would not want to live any other life than that of a priest. I have most enjoyed being a father to others, especially those who are weighed down by sin, who need healing and nourishment through the sacraments, who are trying to find direction in life, or who just need to be reminded that Christ loves us and remains with us in the Eucharist.

What is it like to be returning to the College?

This is the third time I will be living at the College, which I have called home for more than 13 years of my life. When I was there as a seminarian and later as an adjunct spiritual director, my responsibilities were limited to a rather small "vineyard." Now that "vineyard" will expand quite significantly, and so I have to trust that God will give me the grace to take on this new role with courage, prudence, and wisdom. I suppose the College's motto, Firmum Est Cor Meum, will take on a whole new meaning for me.

What are you most looking forward to as rector?

When telling me how excited they are about my new appointment, many parishioners and friends refer to the beauty of the city of Rome, being in proximity to the Holy Father, and even the great food that Italy offers. That those things are attractive cannot be denied. However, for me, they all pale when compared to that to which I am most looking forward: being a spiritual father to the seminarians at the College and a brother to the faculty with whom I will serve. There will be nothing more important for me. n