Rev. Matthew J. Hillyard, OSFS
First Profession:
August 14, 1982
Final Profession:
September 24, 1988
Ordination:
June 8, 1991
Ministries:
Faculty, De Sales University; School Minister, Paul VI High School; Chaplain; Bishop Ireton High School; Principal; Bishop Ireton High School; Rector, Immaculate Conception Cathedral; Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish.
Present Ministry:
Pastor – Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish – Diocese of Arlington
Pope Francis has called for a jubilee Year of Mercy. How do you experience the mercy of God in your life?
The humility and goodness of people while celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation. The foregiveness of friends and family.
With many experience of violence in the world and in our country, what is one way that you see Salesian gentleness as a healing agent?
The Oblate presence in the city of Camden.
What is the most recent book you read? Who was the author, and what did you think of it?
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough. He makes history come alive and is a great author (one of my favorites).
What is the most challenging dimension of Salesian Spirituality for you?
Controlling my temper to be a gentle man.
If you were pope, what would be one decision you would make to impact church in a life-giving way?
Try to imitate Francis’ simplicity, presence and goodness.
What gives you joy as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales?
My friends and my parish community.
If someone were to write a biography of your life, what title would you give it?
A Work in Progress.
Which person taught you a lesson that is especially valuable to you? What was the lesson?
I recently read the phrase: “There is no one too poor to give nor too rich to receive.”
