 |
Marc Gherardi
SECOND-YEAR THEOLOGIAN
Age 47
Hometown McLean, VA
Family My Mom recently died. My Dad still lives in nearby Northern Virginia. I have two sisters, two nieces, two nephews, two aunts, two uncles, and two dogs-a bit like Noah's Ark.
|
How long have you considered a religious vocation?
I have considered a religious vocation for much of my life. In eighth grade I wanted to minor seminary for high school, but it was not possible. I considered a vocation to the priesthood again in my college years, but was distracted from it by pursuing a career in law. When I was in my thirties I reconsidered the idea of a vocation to religious life and chose to pursue it.
What led to your decision to enter the Oblates? How did you know that it was time to enter?
My initial choice of the Oblates was very much based on the first Oblates I got to know. I wanted to get to know them better and took a part-time job cooking for them. They seemed an optimistic and happy group of men. Later, as I read more of the works of St. Francis de Sales it became apparent where their joyous spirituality came from.
What do you like most about the Church?
I suppose that it is the Church's catholicity. The Church makes room for all different sorts of people both in their backgrounds and in their temperaments. Yet, we are all working together, worshipping together and believing together in one faith.
What was you biggest surprise in entering the seminary?
The biggest surprise is how much fun it has been. I have gotten to do so many different things from teaching to working in a hospital. There have even been a few weeks of working on a ranch in Colorado.
What is your favorite book and why?
If I had to pick one it would be The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. This book has it all. It is insightful, but humorous. Lewis has the gift of all good authors in pointing out human foibles, but he also gives an easily understood lesson in Christianity at the same time.
Favorite movie and why?
The Thin Man starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. I really like old movies, and this is one of the best of them. It's a murder mystery with lots of twists and turns. Plus, it has witty dialogue that most new movies seem to lack.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time I like reading every magazine and newspaper I can get my hands on. I can read French and in particular enjoy getting French language papers. I also love to swim in the ocean. Sometimes on vacation I will spend all day on the beach reading and then riding waves when it gets too hot.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I enjoy most kinds of music except heavy metal and hip hop. I really like jazz and even an Indonesian kind of music called "gamelang" which is played with an orchestra of traditional
|
