Communicate Joy | Reflections Post-Rome 2025

Looking back, Rome was filled with so many sights and experiences to take in, especially from the various tours we received, including the major basilicas, the catacombs, and ancient Rome.

But for this reflection, I want to talk less about any physical location. During our initial days in Rome, I was particularly struck by how real and important the witness of our lives is for those around us. For myself and several of my brothers here, this program was the first time wearing clerics in public beyond liturgical purposes. And, while I knew that this would indeed draw attention to ourselves and carry with it the responsibility of conducting ourselves with prudence and care, I did not anticipate it receiving the level of surprise, confusion, and wonder that it did. Perhaps it is because we are a large group and many, especially those who are also not from Rome, are not used to seeing clerics to this extent. Nonetheless, it felt like anywhere I went, whether by myself or with the group, the default reaction of those who saw us was sort of just to stare in puzzlement, or maybe even shoot photos head on as if we didn’t see them. Unsurprisingly, my initial reaction to this is not favorable. I don’t want to walk around with the constant feeling of being judged, whether harshly, nicely, or anywhere in between. I would prefer to be seen as just a normal person. In a sense, it would feel freer to walk around without clerics so as to not “worry” about the impression I make on others.

As we know, though, it’s not about ourselves and necessarily even our preferences, but what God has called us to in life. And, if the life of priesthood is indeed my vocation, then I had better get used to it. Fr. Eric made a good point during our silent retreat that rather than being discouraged from becoming a priest because the way people look at priests is unfavorable (e.g. because of current or recent scandals), a man should all the more say yes to such a calling because it will be difficult. A vocation is not easy or even possible on our own, but with God all things are possible. And so, while it may be uncomfortable and unpredictable at times, there is a profound opportunity we have as public representatives of Christ’s Church on earth to communicate, through the witness of our lives, the joy of knowing Jesus, and to love others as God has loved us.

Being with Monsignor Landry was also an inspiring reminder of the real difference that a bold witness can make. He encouraged us not to forget to smile to those who we pass by, remembering that the mission of the Church does not consist in minding our own business, but in tangibly spreading the Good News, firstly by a presence that communicates joy and love. He also informed us of the good work being done throughout the world in the Pontifical Mission Societies, showing that with true zeal and missionary spirit, the radical conversion and transformation of the world is not at all beyond reach. Jesus died for all eight billion of us, and we must fervently believe that and strive with great confidence to make him known to as many people as possible.

James Gilpatric
Archdiocese of Milwaukee