Our Seminarians

Michael Bruno

Home Parish: St. Rosalia-Regina Pacis, Bensonhurst
Pastoral Year Parish: Immaculate Conception Parish, Astoria
Seminary: Pontifical North American College, Rome

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, on his recent visit to New York, asked the question very directly, "And who now will bear the Gospel on the streets of New York?" That challenge is left to us, and it is

I seek to be a priest in the great Diocese of Brooklyn, first and foremost, because it is where I have felt the Lord calling me to serve. In diocesan priesthood, the priest is called to a particular part of the "vineyard" where the "Lord of the Harvest" asks him to labor, and for me that is the Diocese of Brooklyn. However, another reason is that the diocese remains for me my home; it is where I have lived and grown, and where I felt the Lord's call to the priesthood. Growing up in a solid home with great parents, being involved in an active parish, interacting with dedicated and holy priests, having great friendships, all of these things helped shape who I am and my openness to the Lord's working in my life. To be a priest is to lay down one's life for others, to serve day in and day out the people of God and to be for them another Christ. In my life, I can think of no more exciting place to undertake priestly ministry than in the Diocese of Brooklyn, which I am proud to call my home!

The Diocese of Brooklyn is one of the most dynamic and unique places in the world. The Catholic Church in Brooklyn and Queens is truly a mosaic of diverse and vibrant communities, each bringing a unique richness to the 198 parishes of this great diocese. The opportunity to bring the Gospel and minister to such great people in a city that is constantly active and vibrant is truly exciting. Also, characterizing the diocese is a strong priestly fraternity, where there is a genuine sense of care, friendship, and collaboration. Each of us in seminary know many great priests who have touched our. In many ways, we seek to stand on their shoulders, and try and build upon the great work they have done for the Catholic Church in Brooklyn and Queens.

My decision to enter seminary was truly influenced first at home, where my parents and family remained supportive of me and encouraged my growth in faith and prayer from an early age. I am an only child and an only grandson on both sides. I also believe my involvement in the life of my parish as an altar server, lector, sacristan, and in other groups and ministries in the parish truly played a great role. It is in my home parish that the religious sisters and priests asked and encouraged me to pursue a vocation, and where the wonderful people of the parish nurtured me through their prayers and friendship. I cannot; however, underscore the priestly examples I had growing up, men whose love for the Lord and His people was evident in their daily lives. Their dedication truly made a deep impression on me growing up, and in my own discernment their support and prayers has been indispensable.

I entered priestly formation after high school, so I was primarily a student before entering the seminary. I have been in Formation for the Priesthood since September of 2003. I went to Regina Pacis parochial school, attended high school at Xaverian, and I subsequently went to Stonehill College, an undergraduate college south of Boston. While at Stonehill I was in formation for the Congregation for Holy Cross, completing my pre-theology requirements and philosophy, during which time I earned a degree in history with a minor in Philosophy. I returned to the diocese upon graduating in May of 2006.

Life as a seminarian is one of joy and growth. My time as a seminarian has been one where I have developed great friendships, and come into contact with great teachers and mentors. It is also a spiritually rich time, where the celebration of the Eucharist, praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, personal prayer and reflection become the central pillars of your day. However, it is also a challenging time, as you are called to grow and mature in your priestly vocation, and this growth implies change, which can be difficult at times. Everything in seminary, however, has normally one motive, namely conforming ourselves to Christ the High Priest. While there are challenges at times, it is that goal which always moves you to engaging yourself each day in the situations you find yourself.

Prayer was critical to my discernment, especially during Eucharistic Adoration. I found spending time with the Scriptures helpful as well, especially reading the vocation narratives of the prophets and apostles. Also, I spoke with the priests in my parish about my discernment, and began meeting with a spiritual director, and got in contact with the vocation director of the diocese, who provided me with answers to a number of my questions. Discernment is not a solitary journey, but really is one meant to be done with others, who can often help you see things you would otherwise miss.
When discerning a vocation to the priesthood; first, keep your relationship with the Lord, open and active. Bring any thoughts, doubts, or fear to the Lord. Second, enter the sacramental life of the Church more deeply by going to Penance regularly and if possible going to Mass each day. The sacraments are central to the priest's life, and our discernment is truly nourished by the grace of the sacraments. Third, talk about your vocation with a priest, and don't be afraid to contact the vocation office. Talking about it with a priest from the parish or the vocation director does not mean that they are going to sign you up immediately, instead they can help you clarify your own thoughts and can answer any questions or difficulties you might have. Finally, if the Lord is truly calling you to the priesthood, answer the call wholeheartedly. Although we are sinners and are flawed, we trust in Him, who has called us and knows us better than we know ourselves. The same Lord who said to two fishermen in Galilee, "Follow Me," might be saying the same thing to you right now!

It is important to remember that the Lord calls us oftentimes in simple and subtle ways, and as a result the most important part of our discovering our vocation is oftentimes just to listen. Listen to what the Lord is telling you in your heart, even if others don't understand or dismiss you because of it. Stay connected to the Lord especially in this time of discerning your vocation. Receive the sacraments regularly, and find a priest who you feel comfortable with to talk about these feelings of a vocation. And throughout this time, remember the words of the Lord, "Be not afraid."