Departing Interview

Departing Interview with Very Rev. Peter Harman

MICHAEL NORIEGA ’24, DIOCESE OF AUSTIN

Fr. Harman welcomes the Class of 2025 into the Red Room faculty lounge during their orientation to the College.

What has it been like for you being a student, formator, and Rector of the College?

It has given me a wide perspective of all that goes on to make the College work, in all its facets that you only get to see a part of as a student or as a formator. Seeing all the different roles as Rector gives you a different perspective on all that is necessary to make the College work in forming men for the priesthood. It brings me gratitude and perspective.

What moments or events stand out to you the most during these past six years as Rector?

I’ll say that they are bookends. The most difficult was seeing the last group of men leave the College in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic, not knowing what the pandemic would bring. But then, welcoming the men back with a class of New Men in Fall 2020 and with all of the uncertainty surrounding COVID was a great joy. Diaconate ordination is always moving for me. When the prelate asks, “Do you know these men to be worthy?” it is moving to testify to the worthiness of these men, having come to know them over the years, and it really puts this moment into perspective. Seeing newly ordained priests when they come to visit is also quite special, as well as seeing young alumni at work in their dioceses.

How have you seen your own spiritual fatherhood grow during your time as Rector?

I think it certainly has made me a more patient man. We sometimes want to see results fast or see things turn out a certain way. But God asks us to be patient with what we have and who we are. I’ve become more patient in being able to see God’s hand at work. You have to be patient to be a father where the results aren’t instant, so this is an area where I’ve seen the most growth as a spiritual father. Being present to people comes natural to me: going to a Clericus Cup game, watching the bands play in the Student Lounge, for example. These things aren’t “work” for me, because as a spiritual father I desire to be with the community and witness the life of our College. This gives me life.

Is there one piece of advice or theme that you hope for us as your spiritual sons to take away from your time as Rector?

God is always at work if we’re willing to trust him and where he is taking us, knowing that all will work out for the good. It’s easy to get frustrated with things that are challenging to us. We may wish things were different in society, the Church, no more COVID, etc., but if we cooperate with his work, he will give us a great deal of satisfaction in working with him because he trusts us and is at work in us. When we’re in moments of self-doubt, that can easily be a moment to second-guess ourselves or think “Is this just a waste?” But nothing is a lost opportunity, for God is always at work, so we keep our peace and our joy. n