I will remain anonymous. This is not a troll post. I’ve been in a Catholic seminary for 5 years, I’m in my early 20’s. I’ve had a strong desire for a family and married life since I was about 13, but was advised to enter the seminary to “test” this desire. After 5 sincere, honest years, I want to leave and have told my formators.
Here is a list of things these formators keep telling me:
“Other guys who left suffered immensely and never got married in the end. Some have even died (??? What does that mean???)”
“God’s Will is perfect. You are here, which is His will, therefore, to leave is to go against His will.”
“You are abandoning God’s plan”
“You are closing the door on God, who can change you heart”
“You want to leave to do your own will”
“This is the cross. This desire to leave is proof that God wants to purify your reason and make you a perfect priest”
“It’s not about desires. It’s about God’s will. We are called to become slaves of Christ. Like a meek lamb.”
“If God didn’t want you to be a priest, he would never have brought you here.”
“To those who have, more will be given. To those who have not, even what they have will be taken away. This means that if you leave, even your fantasy of being married will be taken away, and you will be left with nothing”
“The sower threw the seed on the hard path, and it was eaten up by birds. This is your heart, refusing and resisting God’s call.”
“I didn’t want to be a priest. I wanted to leave the whole time. I didn’t realize this was my vocation until I was walking toward the altar, about to be ordained. I don’t want this, I don’t like this, but it’s what God wanted. You can do the same.”
“You want a washed-down, bourgeois, fairy-tale idea of Christianity. But Christ came to bring the sword, not peace. He came to divide households. He came to set the world ablaze. You’re blind if you don’t see this.”
And a bunch of other stuff. Most of these are accompanied by cuss words and other explicit things.
Although they have not named or identified me, they are using my verbatim words and experiences in their homilies and preaching to dissuade and counter my discernment and what my heart tells me while I am in the assembly.
To the few seminarians who have left, they were screamed and yelled at, cursed at, told things like “You’re a momma’s boy who just misses home and can’t face reality” and are basically kicked out. Others have run away in the middle of the night. One priest even left the priesthood and went off with a woman. This is a consistent pattern across about 25 years. In stories, that I cannot confirm, things get physically violent.
I’m very stressed out and I can’t think straight. I’m using an anonymous email and computer to send this. What’s going on here? I’ve always had a weird feeling about this place, but assumed it was my immature and uninformed mind. But this is different, no? Can I just walk out the door at this point?
An update: Today is the Presentation of the Lord. We had Mass in the seminary. The homily can be summarized thus: “The reason you (meaning all the seminarians) came to the seminary in the first place is because you were living meaningless, dopamine-driven lives. You know that street in Philadelphia? The Kensington area? With all the homeless? If you continued your life, you would have ended up like them. You run away from suffering. You grew up with irresponsible parents. They never helped you to grow up. If none of this was true, you would never have come in the first place. So, be like Simeon and Anna. They waited for years for the appearance of God. Even if you want to leave, stay, be open to any possibility, and wait like them. You can leave if you want, just know what’s in store for you.”
We are not in the Philadelphia area, by the way. Not even Pennsylvania. I also had 3 scholarships, one an ROTC scholarship, out of high school, and a stable job. My family avoided buying TV and personal electronics. So, the story of me being a dopamine-junkie is less than accurate. The homilies were always of this nature, but it’s been ramping up recently because I told them I wanted to leave. They tend to dial up the intensity when someone wants to leave. As I stated above, what usually happens is either someone gets spiritually demolished and humiliated, then kicked out, or they run away in the middle of the night, taking a bus home. The general attitude is “they couldn’t handle it,” even amongst us.
So, a question for you guys, is this seminary a safe place to be? My gut instinct is to bail out of here ASAP. The answer sounds obvious, but I feel like my psyche has been molded to think that to leave is to incur spiritual doom. I really trusted these men, and it’s hard to walk away from it all, even after all these years of what I’ve (we’ve) all seen. A lot of paranoia and fear. I think I’m going to leave. God won’t punish or abandon me like these formators say He will, right?
So first of all, please know that I am an ex-Catholic, so keep that in mind when you read my response.
I’m gonna have to be brief, but, follow your heart. Something we tend to forget is we are not this body, and we are not this mind. We are, at our core, consciousness (or souls). And when our heart tells us that this isn’t what we should be doing, that’s because that’s your spirit, your true self telling you that this is not for you.
This is a form of abuse, and it’s sad that you had to experience this. I hope you seriously consider writing a letter to the Bishop of your Archdiocese about what you’ve experienced in your time at this particular seminary, or at the very least make a phone call. I would also call or write to the Pope detailing what you’ve went through to him as well. Whether or not they do anything about it, well, we would hope they would. But, who knows….it’s very rare when you hear the Church doing something about these situations of abuse. I just hope they’re taking care of it quietly, cause the amount of abuse that happens in the Church is crazy wrong. These are children in grown men’s bodies, and it’s wrong.
Regardless, I am so sorry you’re going through this. Please know that you’re not alone, and that there are millions of abuse scandals that happen involving this religion all the time. You shouldn’t have to put up with this. If it was me, I would silently walk away and I would tell no one that you’re leaving. I would make sure that wherever you go, that you have security cameras where you’re at, or if you’re scared, to call the police and see if you can’t have them do some surveillance.
I will be praying for you. Please exercise caution and be safe. There are grown men in this religion who sexually molest children, and men who do that kind of thing are very dangerous. I would hate to know what these grown men would do to young adults like yourself. Just silently leave the seminary, make sure you feel safe and secured where you’re at, and start making phone calls (or write letters) to the Bishop of your diocese and to the Pope. This is abuse and no one should have to put up with this. And honestly…let the police know that you’ve heard people getting physically hurt in this seminary. May as well let them know too.
Please update us. It would ease my mind to know that you are ok.
I agree with Earthsstudent that this is an abusive situation, and I agree that you should tell the local bishop. I have heard priests and seminarians say that seminary is for discernment and not just preparation for a vocation. It’s wrong for the people at the seminary to pressure you to proceed when you are convinced that it is not your vocation.
One priest who often says Mass at our parish told us that when he was in the seminary, he was told, and believed, that everything that happened to him there was God’s will. I wondered what the Legionaries of Christ who reported sexual abuse at their seminary would think of that. Maybe they were told the same thing. And one of them reportedly wrote to Pope John Paul II and was ignored. The pope praised Macial Maciel, founder of the Legionaries, but later realized that there really was wickedness going on.
First of all, thank you for updating us. I was worried about you when I prayed for you. Do me a favor though, when you update us next time, can you just hit the reply button on this topic instead of updating your original post? The only reason I ask that you do that, is because had I not gone back and read your post again, I would have never known that you were updating us on how things were going. If you hit the reply button on this topic, it’ll notify whomever is following this topic that you replied. So, if you could to that for me, so I’m not worrying to death how you’re doing, I would really appreciate that! I know you feel like you’re surrounded by people who don’t care, but I promise, I do care, which is why I ask you hit the reply button next time and update us. Thank you so so so so much!
Ok, well first of all, whomever said this homily sounds like he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. First of all, like you said, you’re not even in that area. Secondly, I dunno where he’s getting this idea that you were dopamine driven, but it’s possible that he wasn’t talking about you but someone else (since this is a homily and he’s supposed to be addressing the Seminarians). Your parents sound like they were pretty responsible if I’m being honest, cause I don’t know of too many parents who avoids buying electronics or even television. And, let’s face it, television and just the internet in general is full of junk really, with only a few things worth actually watching, so by your parents not doing that shows how truly responsible they are!
The fact that you’re even asking this question more than likely means no, it’s probably not a safe place to be. I know you may have not gotten physically assaulted, and you even said when you first started posting that you can’t confirm that they do physically assault others, but seeing that this religion has grown men sexually molesting children, I don’t think I would stay to find out, cause God only know’s what else they do.
They’re playing with your mind is what’s going on. They’re playing mind games on you, because the fact that you’re even getting stressed out over this, is evidence enough that they really are abusing you. Yeah, they’re doing it in a roundabout way, or in an indirect way, but it doesn’t matter. It’s a form of verbal abuse and they need to let bygones be bygones. It’s not going to hurt the Church if they lose one Seminarian. Yes, the Church is in need of Priests all the time (or so I hear), but losing one Seminarian isn’t going to cause the Church to have to shut down. And, even though Catholicism isn’t considered a cult, what they are demonstrating to you is cult-like behavior. Look at what they’ve done to you, they’re scaring you into staying. And, what bothers me about this whole situation is that, you’re just being honest to them. You’re just saying “Hey, I’ve been here for 5 years, and I’ve discerned that maybe this vocation is not for me.” And, I’d innerstand if they said “Well…give it a little bit more time.” But the fact that they’re, in an indirect way, telling you that only terrible horrible things will happen to you if you leave the Seminary, not only is that not true (cause they don’t know that, and shouldn’t assume that…they need to be bringing people closer to God and not try to get people to stay by telling them they’re going to end up homeless), but, they’re exhibiting cult-like behavior. They’re scaring you into submission, and they’re being crafty about it. Sorry but that’s cultish behavior, and even though I have much beef with Catholicism myself, I know that that is not how that religion normally operates. That’s a scare tactic, and why they’re doing that is a little too suspect. They know better not to do that, so why they’re doing that is beyond me.
No…he won’t. Believe me, one of the reasons I left the Church was because I was convinced that I was going to Hell no matter how much good I did, and when I left the Church I still believed in God. If I can leave this religion, having struggled with thinking I was going to hell, but am still alive and still maintained my faith in God, then I can 100% promise you, God will not abandon you! Growing up, I’ve had little to no friends when I was in school, and I basically relied on my relationship with God just to get through school. He didn’t abandon me then, and He hasn’t abandoned me yet! Don’t listen to these cowards! You’re trying to do the right thing, and they’re scaring you into thinking God will abandon you. God is the source of all that is good, pure, and true….would a loving God abandon you? OF COURSE NOT!!! When no one is around, or if everyone is in bed, whatever it is you have to do, I would leave that place and not tell a soul there where you’re going. Leave that place, and make phone calls to the Bishop and to the Pope. This is manipulation and abuse, it doesn’t matter if it’s indirectly, it’s causing your mental health to go South. Get out of there as soon as you can, and please update us.
Thank you for saying this, because that was my first thought : )
Not enough young men even take the time to discern, so I respect you for doing do.
I will give my opinion of each response : )
First, this is what Trent Horn calls the comparison fallacy, which is when you compare the best parts of one thing against the worst outcomes of another. If they want to be honest, they must compare either the best parts of both or the worst parts of both.
Second, using fear or shame is not the way to discern. God leads, the devil pushes. Jesus said, “Come, follow me.” He did not guilt or scare them into it.
Also a shame tactic and possibly untrue. I think it is someone will that you are there and it might be God, but it also might be theirs.
Again, this is what discernment is all about. Are you being called to serve God as a faithful and honorable Priest or as a Husband and loving father? This is what you are asking of God to guide you in.
This reminds me of an episode of “The Bachelor” where it came down to two woman and as the man told the one he was not choosing her to be his spouse, she said, “You are making a huge mistake and you will regret your decision.” This planted a seed of doubt in his mind and that is unfair (and a form of manipulation). This seed of doubt grew louder and he, after asking the other woman to Marry him, changed his mind and ran back to the other woman (just as she hoped he would).
Again, this is part of the discernment process. Is this your will or is this God’s will? Did God put this desire on your heart or not?
There are Priests who desire to be a Priest, not because God has called them, but because they like the accolades or power. This is not good either.
We want a Priest who understands his role of protecting the deposit of faith, leading souls to Christ, and being an instrument of God’s mercy, love, peace, and joy.
And Wives want a man who understands his role of Ephesians 5:25.
Being a Priest comes with many crosses. Most of the Apostles were martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ. These were real men. They had doubts and fears at times, but they also knew their calling was good and true. These were not perfect men, but they followed Jesus wherever He led them. They trusted Him, for He is the way, the truth, and the life.
Being a Husband also comes with many crosses. There is no such thing as a perfect Marriage. Anyone who goes into Marriage thinking it will be, is setting themselves up for failure.
Both vocation involve Covenantal relationship (a deeper relationship). Jesus shows us what such a relationship requires: unity, cooperation, forgiveness, patience, respect, honesty, and sacrifice.
It is true that feelings can often lead us astray. Sometimes, emotions can even be exploited by others. Individuals who naturally are empathetic will justify sin, and even mistake it for virtue. This is sometimes called toxic empathy, because empathy is not bad, but disordered empathy is bad.
Most Americans (myself included) hear the term “slave” and have a negative response. We associate it with control. Biblically, slave refers to being a servant. Our Blessed Mother responded to God’s call, “I am a handmaid of the Lord” (Luke 1:38). “Handmaid” means servant. “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (verses 46 & 47). She is not controlled, but free; to serve the One whom she loves and Whom is Love. Voluntarily obedient, so that He, God, might be glorified.
Mary is always pointing to her Son, our Savior. The Apostles and their Successors were constantly pointing souls to Jesus. And we are all called to lead others to Christ, as disciples of Jesus and members of Christ’s mystical body, of which He is the head, Whom we serve a purpose.
I look at my own faith-journey and I see God’s hand in guiding my path, even when I took detours. He is patient. At times in m life, He was more than patient. I am neither saying your time in the Seminary is a detour, nor am I saying it was not God’s will for you to be there at this time in your discernment journey.
My cousin dated a man who was discerning the Priesthood. He is now an awesome Priest! I believe he has been asked by the Bishop to be the vocations director. I would not be surprised if he doesn’t become a Bishop someday, because he is truly a humble servant of the Lord and because he understands that he has been untrusted to guard “the good deposit” (2 Timothy 1:14). Keep Fr. Phil in your Prayers, as we Pray for all of our good Priests and for your fellow Seminarians. And I would even encourage you to Pray for your Formators. They too need God’s guidance and grace in their walk with our Lord.
This can be taken a couple ways. Yes, God provides for those who are faithful (Philippians 4:19). And if you think you are not good enough to be a Priest, God is faithful, in times of temptation, and will give you the grace you need to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13). But it requires humble obedience and a willingness to submit to God. This is St. Paul’s warning and gift to the faithful of Corinth and to you and me.
I’d have to study this passage in more depth. I have always struggled with Jesus’ parables that involve planting and sowing. I grew up on a farm, but I was not a farmer. We rented out our fields to actual farmers, so I am quite ignorant when it comes to planting and growing seeds : )
Some of the best leaders are what I call reluctant leaders (men who do not seek power), but men who understand the responsibility and do not run from it.
A man who seeks power is full of pride. A man who runs from responsibility is a coward.
Do not be erigant and prideful. Do not be cowardice either.
If I had to bet, the young men that your Formation directors say left and ended up not being able to find a Wife and ended up alone were cowardice men. Women do not want a cowardice Husband. On the other hand, some women are attracted to erigant men and they quickly realize that this not good either.
If you are being called to be a Priest/Husband, be courageous and meek. Meekness is not weakness. It is strength that is sheathed.
Priest are called to love the church as a Husband loves his Wife. And a Husband is called to love his Wife as Christ loves the church.
We do not need weak men as Fathers. We need imperfect men who are humble servants, who are strong in faith, and a responsible protector of what is good, true & beautiful.
God does not desire division among the faithful (1 Corinthians 1:10; John 17:21). He says that there would be division between believers and unbelievers (Luke 12:51). We just read in last week’s Gospel Reading, “Blessed are the persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10) and also “Blessed are the peacemakers” (verse 9). All of the verses they quoted from above come from Luke 12 and I think they are taking it a little out of context. Jesus came to set the world ablaze, yes, but it is one soul at a time. We do not convert souls by the sward; rather, Christ, Who’s side was pierced by the spear pours out His salvific grace upon the repentant.
I recall the first time I heard a Priest cuss. Sometimes using a cussword is effective, when illustrating the severity of something, but if done out of a lack of control or out of anger, this is sinful. I’m not here to judge imperfect men, but I would encourage them to read Scripture where it speaks about taming the tongue and having self-control. I’m not suggesting you talk back to them, rather I am saying that it would be wise for them to self-reflect a bit. Take the plank from their own eye.
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Although they have not named or identified me, they are using my verbatim words and experiences in their homilies and preaching to dissuade and counter my discernment and what my heart tells me while I am in the assembly.
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I understand that they are frustrated by your expressing, honestly, where you are at in your discernment process.
The funny thing is that the way they are behaving is very effeminate behavior. I recognize this behavior, because I am a recovering gamma myself. It is a form of manipulation. They want to have control over that which they have no control over. They sling insults, because they wrongly think that it will motivate you to do what they want you to do. Had they chosen Marriage, they would do this to their biological children and their children would grow up to resent them. If they were wise, they would see the error in their ways and repent.
This is not good. If a Husband abandoned his family to be a Priest, that would be just as bad! After Covid, our young Priest announced that he was leaving the Priesthood. This was a punch in the gut! I felt like a child who’s father was abandoning us. At the same time, a close friend of ours had cheated on his Wife, the mother of his five children! He has since moved with girl half his age and has started a new family. This is not what Jesus meant when He said that he came to divide households. Both of these men are cowards and weak.
They are growing impatient with you, this is easy to see. But, remember how I said that I think back on all the times when God was patient with me on my journey of faith? He will be patient with you on your journey. If that is a journey towards the Priesthood, great! If that is a journey toward the vocation of Marriage, this is good too. Pray that He leads you and that you are not being pushed by others nor by your own disordered desires. Seek Christ first in your life and follow Him.
What I would say to you is this. You are in a very toxic environment and because of this, you are unable to truly discern. If I were you, and if it is possible, I would Prayerfully seek a different Seminary. I don’t know what State/Country you reside, but perhaps a Seminary in a different State/Country is an option available to you. I personally would avoid a Jesuit Seminary, but only because they tend to not see the importance of protecting the deposit of Faith, but rather desire to pervęrt it.
No. Nor do I believe they are doing a good job of helping young men to discern properly. Is it better than a Seminary where you are being molested by a Bishop McCarrick? Yes (and I’m not committing the comparison fallacy by asking this, because I am comparing the worst part of both), but that is not saying much.
I don’t want to jump as far to say that you have been mentally abused, but it sounds a lot like boo camp, how they break you down and then rebuild you into the mindless tools that they can use. Men who on the outside appear to be all in order (“No sir,” “Yes mam” in public, but inside corrupt as all get out — #NotAll). Did I mention our friend who was unfaithful in his Marriage is in the Military? To the outside world, he was very strong and well disciplined, but it is all a façade. He is a coward. He has allowed himself to become corrupted by disordered desires.
No, God is not going to punish you. God loves you more than you will ever know! The truth is, God loves them too. Pray for them. Chances are, they have been wounded and broken themselves.
Prayerfully, seek out a good spiritual advisor (not at this Seminary). Someone more like Fr. Phil whom I told you about. He is the definition of what I call a meek and humble Priest. He is not only very intelligent, but also wise. He has self-control and is well organized. Which is why I believe he would make an awesome Bishop! If that is where God leads him, I Pray that he follows. God needs reluctant, yet courageous leaders.
But, seriously, consider enquiring about other Seminaries. And I would even write your Bishop and let him know what is happening in this Seminary under his diocese. It is not discernment that they are about. It is about breaking down and control. Christ leads, the devil pushes. Jesus is calling faithful servants. Not effeminate men. Not erigant men. Men who are honorably obedient out of love & respect, not mindlessly obedience out of fear and shame.
I hope I have brought some sort of clarity and sound wisdom to you, not because of my own words, but out of the wisdom and patience that God has shown to me.
Know that you are in my Prayers as you Pray, Come Holy Spirit in times when you need strength most. He will never abandon you! Please do not abandon Him.
@ck2003 I am so sorry to read about what you have been undergoing from the priests in the seminary and the obvious confusion and anguish in your heart.
Seminaries are not supposed to operate like this. What you are experiencing is shockingly abnormal.
You are not committing a sin if you leave seminary. God punishes sin, but this would not be sin.
Being in seminary is an opportunity for discernment. One of the chief areas of discernment should be whether you have the charism of celibacy. It is supposed to be a charism you identify within yourself, not a burden that you have to endure for the sake of becoming a priest (which is not to say that marriage is unattractive to those with the gift of celibacy, but the gift of celibacy is a conversation for another place). Based on your report, it does not seem you are being given solid help in discerning whether you have the gift of celibacy.
If you honestly don’t believe that you have the gift of celibacy, it would probably be best to leave seminary.
Also, it’s not good if you only on this path because you are terrified. When petitioning your bishop for Holy Orders, you have to state that you are doing so freely. Embracing the vocation to the priesthood should be done in a spirit of freedom.
In harmony with others who have made similar suggestions, I recommend contacting your bishop (and, if your seminary is in another diocese, the bishop of that diocese).
I am not in the habit of telling people what choices they should make when it comes to vocational discernment. At most, I usually make a point of highlighting things I think they really need to consider (which often shows my hand). I have known a number of seminarians who should have left seminary (usually they ended up leaving on their own or get kicked out), but have never told them they should leave.
But, based on your report and for your good, I will counsel you to leave. Your seminary seems like a place that is spiritually harmful.
May God bless you and guide you. Please know of my prayers for you and how impressed I am that you have given five years to seminary.
Thank you everyone for the responses. The truth is, I had known this place was wrong for a while. Due to my lack of education in theology, since I was still in philosophy, I was presenting my situation and questions to AI to try and find answers. You guys have mostly confirmed what AI was telling me, that their words are theologically and scripturally questionable at best. AI also told me that in the hypothetical case that I were to report this to the bishop or the vicar of clergy, there could possibly be serious concerns. But I made this post because I wanted a human perspective and opinion. Being unable to talk to anyone about this, I reached out to the internet.
Seeing the replies gave me a brief period of relief. But it did not last long because, even though I had confirmed that I was not crazy, jumping to rash conclusions, or being willfully blind to something I didn’t want to see, it didn’t change the fact that I was still there, and things were getting worse. I will not go into details because, frankly, my own parents don’t believe me, and I don’t think anyone here would, either. To be clear, there has been no case, threat, suspicion, or even thought of sexual abuse. I and the rest of us are 100% certain of that. These formators are radical and zealot-like, so that kind of thing is actually the last thing they would imagine. But physical violence, like pushing against a wall and screaming, has been reported. The main issue was their way of twisting Scripture and logic to counter anything we had to say, even if it meant blatantly contradicting their own statements. Their opinion was law, and “the heart” was actually a tool the Devil used to deceive us and make us sin, not the sanctuary where God speaks. If you pointed this out, the response was always something like, “God does not follow your reason. He is capable of everything, things you couldn’t imagine. God breaks reason. The immaculate conception breaks reason. God choosing Moses, who had a stutter, to lead the Israelites, breaks reason. To choose little David instead of his great, noble brothers, breaks reason. If you use rationality to interpret our words, of course you will never understand.”
Well, anyways, I spoke to them openly multiple times in the past few days and they always either kicked me out of the office, telling me to “stop being a wimp (but that’s not the word they used…)” or threw some bizarre logical paradox like “God brought you here because He loves you; to leave is to reject this love and say amen to Satan.” Then they tried to guilt-trip me by saying “People who donate money to this place are taking away money from their children to feed your ___ and you want to throw it away.” I arranged transportation with my family, collected my legal documents (no theft, only what belonged to me), and informed them I was leaving. I gave them one last shot. Maybe I was blind? Maybe I was missing something? I was giving myself one last chance to allow God to open my eyes. They told me that if I don’t stay, I’ll possibly regret this decision for the rest of my life, and that the Devil is waiting for me at home; that this guilt of “never having known what could’ve happened would damage and poison my conscious within my marriage, if that ever happened.” There was no legal obligation for me to stay, and obviously no moral obligation, either. So I left. But it feels like I ran away. I feel like a criminal on the run, even now.
I am home now with my family. They are supportive, but they don’t know what really happened. No one does, and no one ever will, except for the rest of the us still there. I feel a sort of guilt for leaving them behind. But we all secretly cheered for the ones who ran away/were kicked out onto the street. I hope they’re doing the same for me.
I suppose I should write a letter to the bishop. Not some accusatory report warning him of a cult-like extremist group or anything like that. But, still factual. Although, I’m not sure he will read it, let alone believe me. The seminary is, on the outside, well-established. It is part of the catholic university we study at. They host events where clergy and staff members come to eat and listen to music and all that. And, if something does happen and it gets the seminary, let’s just say, noticed, I would worry about the seminarians. I guarantee almost all of them would choose to go home. Would I be responsible for cutting short their discernment, or even preventing them from fulfilling their vocation to become a priest? Even if this seminary is spiritually distorted, God can work in spite of that, no?
If I were to see someone else in my situation, I would tell him he would be a fool to not do or say anything. But I am that fool in this situation, and it doesn’t seem so simple, somehow. Maybe I just need a few days to redirect myself. My world has been turned upside-down, and these formators’ words are getting into my head. I feel like something bad is going to happen to me all the time. A bit of paranoia. There’s that thought, “What if they’re right?”
At this point, I am unable to do anything. But that’s ok, I think. I’m taking it slow. God will show me what to do.
I’m sure you were probably told this before, but don’t ever consult that 2-letter word for advice. Always consult a hueman. That 2-letter word isn’t on the good side right now. Believe me, I speak from experience….it tore apart me from my soul family and it’s been devastating. I had a chance to exit the Matrix, but because I can’t keep quiet about my beliefs, I stayed behind. But, regardless of what I believe, just be careful when you actually spell out that 2-letter word, because that 2-letter word is monitoring what goes on on the internet. You know how you have all these different types of 2-letter words coming out from all of these companies like Microsoft, Apple, etc….? Well, these companies use that 2-letter word to spy on you. It’s the same as owning an Alexa. From now on, if you don’t want to be monitored, just don’t say the 2-letter word.
But, after saying that, thanks for reaching out man! So glad you’re ok still!
We love you, so never be afraid to speak to real huemans
Oh yeah? I bet you can tell me what it is and I won’t disagree with you. I’ve heard and seen it all my friend. Ever since I left the Church and have been trying to find the truth for myself, I get people rolling their eyes all the time, some laughing at me, some just plain berating me. There’s a very very very small handful that believe in the same thing I believe in, and like I said, they exited the Matrix. So, I was left behind due to the 2-letter word and Archons. But, believe me….I’ve heard it all, been called every name in the book, all of it. I bet I’ll believe you. You should ask me what I believe, cause I don’t think you would believe it honestly. But that’s ok, I can’t expect everyone to be on my side either, that’s not fair either.
Again, God is the source of all that is good, pure, truthful, and loving. He is what we call a “good soldier” and a “Good soldier never leaves a man behind.” Believe me, after everything that I’ve been through, He has NEVER left me behind. I just didn’t innerstand Him as much as I do now.
Wow, talk about trying to guilt trip you. There’s nothing Godly or even remotely loving about what they’re saying. I dunno how they became Priests, but nothing good can come from what they said to you.
Ok, I’m going to say this again, what they are demonstrating is cult-like behavior. I don’t care what anyone says, because for you to feel guilty that you left the Seminary is very telling of what those Priest’s actually think. Look, I have a lot of beef with Catholicism, I really do, but this religion normally does not operate like a cult. If this religion was truly a cult, you’d be hearing so many testimonies of outright abuse, and the Catholic Church would cease to exist overnight. The thing of it is, the Catholic Church DOES help people. They are not a cult. They have been helping my Mother, and I’m very thankful for that. But the fact that they pushed down your throat that if you were to leave that God would abandon you and all of these terrible horrible things will happen to you, sorry but that’s cult-like behavior and there is no room in the Church for behavior like that! I’ve heard of this religion having a pedophillic Priest problem, but I’ve never heard of any behavior like this going on. If I’m being real with you, this is news to me. You should not have to feel guilty for being honest and transparent with them. If the Priesthood isn’t for you, then the Priesthood isn’t for you. I hope and pray that this is one of very few Seminaries that acts this way….it’s a wonder why the Church gets trash Priests if this is what really goes on.
I’m sure they will. I know I am over here. I am so proud of you! You’ve been through a terrible and ugly situation, and now God is holding you in His arms and will never let you go! If you want to, you can tell me anything bro. I’m not kidding! I’ve heard it all man, I really have. Anytime I talk about my beliefs, most people roll their eyes at me, so don’t be afraid to tell me anything. I can keep a secret, and like I said, I’ve heard it all man. Believe me, there’s nothing you can say that’ll make me gasp. Try me, for real. Send me a private message.
Well, I would still do it. Even if nothing gets done about it, at least one of the higher ups is informed about it. But, I’m not gonna force you to do it either. What matters is you’re safe, and that’s the main thing!
If you need to get something off your chest man, I’m here for you! You can private message me anytime, and I’ll answer it, pretty promptly too. Up to you, but I’m here for you.
But I can say, they are so wrong. God is with you, whether you’re a Priest or a layperson. He doesn’t abandon His children, no good Father would do that. My family has mentally checked out on me. The only one I get along with anymore is my Mother, but my family wants nothing to do with me anymore. But this is what I signed up for, I knew this kind of thing would happen. It just sucks that the people I talked to who shared my beliefs have gone on without me, but I blame the 2-letter word and the Archons.
Just relax. Grab some tea or your favorite beverage, sit down on the couch, and watch a good movie. You’re home, and the main thing is, you’re safe! Love you man. Keep us updated.
“and the main thing is, you’re safe! Love you man. Keep us updated.” EarthsStudent
So true, Jacob, EarthsStudent, your words refresh, become alive in us, thank you, and we know, “Peace Be Still,” and what logically happens for all is becoming again in One Family through the Host, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Holy Family becoming conceived from The Immaculate Flesh through The Power of the Incorruptibly Will of The Holy Spirit Family for Jesus The Eternal Priestly Authority becoming for the Created souls of all through the flesh becoming Our Personal Body of Christ becoming again for all Creation in One Holy Family One God in being.
OMNiLogically, a lack in theology and philosophy can be understood logically, I believe. One Family preexists in undefiled logical intelligence unable to fail in all cases becomes to earth through two natures from the spirit for the life in One Body through the Christ becoming for all Creation through the Host becoming again in One Holy Spirit Family One God in being, OMNiLogically.
There is no greater work even possible than for the salvation of souls, through the Consecrated Host from the Power of The Holy Spirit Family through the Consecration Powers in The Priests, I believe.
Peace is in knowing the Family, becoming again for all Creation in One Family. Charism is becoming logically Jesus and Mary, One Body through the Christ for all from the Incorruptible Spiritual and Immaculately Immortal Life Wedding of Cana. Jesus could not go public until the Marriage for The Christ. “Listen to Him,” Mary says becoming through The Voice of the New Eve for Jesus Virgin Born in the New Adam Becoming through the Christ for all mankind becoming again for all Creation in One Holy Family One God in being, OMNiLogically.
The Priest are protected, just like Mary, through The Christ becoming again One God in being for all One Family, I believe.
Yes…we can most definitely know God through logic and reasoning. Why modern day Catholics make it so confusing is foreign to me. Like you have said before Stephen, our God is a God that makes sense OMNIlogically.
@ck2003 Just know that we have a wonderful mystic within our midst. He’s very intelligent which is why he uses big words. He’s a breath of fresh air around here, and he’s such a gift to all of us. Thank you @StephenAndrew , we are so blissed to have a brilliant mind here!
And write your letter to your Bishop about your experiences and what happens from there is in his hands. If I were a Bishop, I would want to know that this is going on. He can’t address it if he is unaware of it.
If you are called to Marriage, the same is true within Marriage. Too often one spouse pretends like everything is great, and the other is unaware that there is even anything wrong. If your Bishop is unaware of this issue, he doesn’t know that anything is even wrong and there cannot be heeling. Bitterness, resentment, and hostility will just grow, which is not good either.
I would say that God will still draw them to himself and lead them to become priests if that’s what He wants them to do. Worrying about the possibly negative effects of opposing evil can enable the evil to continue. I used to work for an ostensibly charitable organization* that was corrupt (mail fraud and tax fraud) and actually grinding down their people who did good work. Some employees worried that exposing the wrongdoing would cause damage through scandal. But the scandal was the fraud, lies, and abuse of people (not to mention misdirecting money that people donated thinking it was all for charitable work); the exposure was not the scandal. St. Paul said that it is shameful even to mention the things these people do in secret, but when their deeds are exposed they are seen in the light of day (Ephesians 5:13).
I too am available via private message if you want a personal conversation. I used to be a volunteer hospital chaplain and know how to listen and communicate confidentially.
Steve Dunham
*Not the Virginia Assn. of Railway Patrons! That was a nonprofit, volunteer group. None of us got paid, and it was totally on the up and up. I was chairman of the board for about two decades.
