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Michael Castrilli
Novice
Age 31
Hometown Syracuse, New York
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Family
I have a great family. My mom and dad live in Syracuse, New York. My sister Joelle, and my brother-in-law Jeff and my nephew JJ, and nieces Allie and Carly, also live in Syracuse. My brother Tony and sister-in-law Tricia live in Alexandria, Virginia with my nephews Joey and Nicholas, and my niece Sophia. I come from a large Italian family, and have great aunts, uncles, and cousins!
Discuss how long have you considered a religious vocation? What is your vocation story?
I have thought about a vocation since I was a little boy. When I moved to D.C. in 1999, I worked in the government and then in business, and so it was hard for me to think that I could become a priest. I always knew that I wanted to become a priest, but I never could figure out how to go about actually doing it. When I met the Oblates I really felt at home, and when I thought about future ministry in education, parish work, or a wide variety of other ministries the Oblates are engaged in, I knew that I found a community of people I wanted to spend my life.
What led to your decision to enter the Oblates? How did you know that it was time to enter?
It is so interesting how the Lord works. I had never met an Oblate until I moved to Washington from upstate New York. I met Fr. Jim Greenfield OSFS, at St. Matthew’s Cathedral when I moved to Washington in 1999. Fr. Jim became my spiritual director and over time, I really enjoyed getting to know the Oblates, especially Fr. Kevin Nadolski, Fr. Jim Yeakel, and a bunch of other Oblates. I found myself wanting to spend more and more time with the Oblates because I enjoyed the community events, prayer, and the ministry they were engaged in. It seemed to be a great fit for my personality and my vocation. In terms of making the decision to enter, I really felt called, and I realized that I have to follow my heart, no matter what, and so it was in that spirit that I joined the Oblates. It was one of the best decisions I made.
What do you like most about the Church?
I love our Church. I love the community of believers all striving on the journey of faith, and walking the journey together. I love the sacraments and the ways the Church celebrates all aspects of faith and life.
What was your biggest surprise in entering the seminary?
My biggest surprise was that the seminary was better than I ever imagined. I knew that I liked the Oblates, but I never realized how great living in community, praying together, and enjoying each other as members of the same group of people. There is nothing better than having a community where you feel supported and have a common approach to life. I always tell people if they have ever thought about living in a seminary, they should try it, because it is a great place to live.
What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is “No Ordinary Time” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I love history and biography and this book combines biographical facts with real personality. It gives a lot of personality to Franklin Roosevelt and the various characters of that time period. Some other leading contenders are Birdsong, Introduction to the Devout Life, and Richard Reeves Bios of Kennedy, Nixon, and Reagan.
Favorite movie and why?
Please do not laugh, but my favorite movie of all time is Chattanooga Choo Choo. It’s an 80s movie with Joe Namath, and the characters are great, and I always thought it would be cool to take a train across the country.
What do you do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do during my free time is to enjoy a nice cup of coffee and read the papers at Starbucks. I love it. I like going to the gym, going to movies, eating out, and reading.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I like all sorts of music but I love Billy Joel, Elton John, 80s bands, and David Gray.
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